The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1909-02-03

hood. Acts 4 :32 to SILL.
The lesson of this date continues as
to the history of the early Christian
church. Peter and his followers
were given further proofs of the d.
rect presence of God with them, in
that the place where they we're gath
cred for consultation and praise was
shaken and they had a distinct new
baptism of the Holy Ghost.
This was before the very fierce
prosecution of the Christians had be-
gun. and there was great enthusiasm
among the new believers. MANY
thought that before long Jesus would
come again. They showed the true
spirit of helpfulness to one another,
and saw that none were in want.
Some sold their possessions and put
the money in the hands of the apostles
to be used for the common good.
Before taking up the main incident of
the lesson, the falsehood of Ananias
and his wife. Sapphira, we would
consider the true evidences of Chris
tianity as shown in giving. 1t will
be remembered that Jesus was very
emphatic in His denunciation of those
who trusted in riches to again favor
with God. In Matt. l9:29. He says
that those who have given up
houses, relatives or lands for His
names sake shall receive hundred
fold and shall inherit everlasting life.
In Luke 1888 Jesus urges all to
lay up treasures in heaven where no
thief appruacheth and moths do
not corrupt. He said "what shall it
profit man if he gain the whole
world and lose his own soul9" James
3:l7 says that pure religion is Wis
iting the fatherless and widows and
John 3:17 most powerfully sets
forth his opinion as to the duty of
helping others with money and world
ly goods. He said. ''Whoso hath
this world's goods and seeth his broth
er have need and shutteth up his bow
els of compassion from him, how
dwelleth the love of God in Him.
In the days of the Jews under tn re
laws of Moses, provision was made
that none should come to poverty.
Thus it is plain that the true chris
tian must be open hearted. with his
money to the poor, and particularly to
those who are fellow believers in
Christ.
The details of the fearful punish
ment Of Ananias and Sapphire for ly-
ing to Peter rs the amount of money
which they received for their proper
ty, and which amount they brought
as gift to the common treasury, are
quite we'll known. 1t would appear
that one Joseph and also called Barna-
bas sold his land and brought the
entire sum to the apostles, and that
Ananias was pretending to do the
same. He wanted the credit before
men. of great liberality and self
sacrifice. If he had brought part,
and said SO. there would have been
no fault to be found. He looked on
the affair as simply one of deceiving
Peter and the other believers. but
his conduct was in fact lie to God
and thus he was given quick and
summary punishment as warning to
the early christians. and to US.
We cannot fool God. The declara-
tion of the bible, ''Thou God seeth
me' should be impressed on all
hearts. All the way through the
bible it is shown how covetousness,
love of money and goods have made
trouble to individuals and nations.
The lesson is not alone to impress the
wrong of lying. but to show that
Gods eye is upon US. He knows our
inmost motives; we cannot ever de-
ceive Him. and the only true course
IS to be honest and upright in His
sight.