Ac 5:1-12 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. 12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
It's unfortunate that this couple was more concerned about impressing man rather than God. This is and has always been a problem in the world and the church. When God sent Samuel to Jesse's House to anoint the next king of Israel He said in 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. We should be more concerned about pleasing God rather than man. We should have a personal relationship with God and not just a religious experience. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God dwelling within us. It is God Himself because you cannot separate Him from His Spirit. If you have His Spirit you have Him. Jesus told his disciples in John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) You see, as long as Jesus was with them in the flesh, they had no need for the Spirit of God because they had Emanuel, which means God with us. They had God incarnate which is God wrapped up in the flesh. But once Jesus went back to his throne in glory he sent the Holy Ghost or the Spirit of God. John 14:25-26 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost , whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Of course Acts 2:1-4 records that great out pouring of the Holy Spirit. There is no need to pretend, because you can have that same experience. Let's stop pretending and have that Holy Ghost infilling experience and keep the fire burning.
