Harris Creek Baptist Church

Have you ever been in a situation where you managed information or your actions in order to get people to perceive you a certain way? Are there people in your life who’s opinions matter more to you than others? As we continue our series, Stories from Acts, JP teaches through Acts 5 the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and what we can learn from their sudden and seemingly extreme death.

1) Surrender marks a true believer
2) Imposters scheme in selfishness
3) Perception management is a serious sin

Culture pulls us toward compromise, but followers of Jesus are called to hold the line by standing on God’s Word, not personal preference. We protect the church, correct with care, and share Christ with those who need Him.

We don’t let corrupt counsel contaminate the Church
We correct out of care and concern
We share Christ with corrupted people 

Life Group Discussion:
What voices or sources most influence the way you think about God, truth, and morality?
Why is it often easier to stay silent than to lovingly confront something that is spiritually unhealthy?
How can we tell the difference between someone who needs correction and someone who simply needs to hear the gospel?

What does your life say about what you truly believe? In Titus 1, Paul shows us that godly leadership starts with leading well at home, living with character, and building your life on the truth of the Gospel.
Lead well at home
Lead with character
Lead from truth 

Life Group Discussion:
Who has had the greatest influence on your faith, and what did you see in their life that made you want to follow Jesus?
Which of the character qualities in Titus 1 (self-controlled, hospitable, upright, holy, disciplined, etc.) comes most naturally to you, and which is hardest for you?
Have you ever realized that something you believed wasn’t actually consistent with what the Bible teaches? How did that change the way you lived?

Following Jesus isn’t about starting strong or checking spiritual boxes, but about staying faithful and running through the finish line. We finish well by practicing our faith, intentionally pursuing intimacy with Jesus, and using our influence to help others follow Him.

To finish well, we practice our faith
To finish well, we pay attention to our intimacy with Jesus
To finish well, we persist in making disciples

Life Group Discussion:
What spiritual practices are you consistently doing right now, and which ones have you let slide? Why?
What helps you genuinely enjoy being with Jesus rather than simply checking a box?
Who are the people God has placed in your everyday sphere of influence right now?

Healthy relationships don’t happen by following our natural instincts, but by staying close to the Holy Spirit and letting Him lead us toward life and peace. Because we’ve been forgiven, we’re called to forgive others, and because we’ve been redeemed, we’re called to own our wrongs, seek forgiveness, and make things right.

Follow the Spirit for healed relationship 
Forgiven people forgive people
The Redeemed right their wrongs

Life Group Discussion:
What does stay “close enough to touch” the Holy Spirit look like in your daily life?
Is there someone you’re holding onto unforgiveness toward? What makes it difficult to release that debt to Jesus?
What makes admitting “I was wrong” and asking, “Will you please forgive me?” so difficult?