When Church is a Health Hazard

A generous, loving church can still face danger from hypocrisy. Ananias and Sapphira seek Barnabas’s reputation for generosity, but deliberately lie about their property money and die under God’s judgement. Their fate shows that self-centred sin offends God, and hypocrisy can keep others from coming to Jesus. God values a pure church, not merely a large one. Through Jesus’ death, God gives grace to repentant sinners who trust Him, and His Spirit equips them to reject deception and live with integrity. Bible Reference: Acts 4:32–5:11 Preacher: John Westendorp