Sunday, October 11, 2026
The message
Playing Church? The Story of Ananias & Sapphira
Why did Ananias and Sapphira die, and what does their story have to do with us?
Continuing our series in the Book of Acts, Ryan looks at two stories side by side. The early church was generous, united and honest about its needs. Ananias and Sapphira only wanted to look generous. Their story reveals the danger of spiritual image management: appearing more prayerful, mature or surrendered than we really are. It also shows a holy God shaping a community where truth can be told, weakness can be admitted, and confession is safer than pretending.
What kind of church do we want Westwood to be? And what is one step you can take this week to help build it?
Continuing our series in the Book of Acts, Ryan looks at two stories side by side. The early church was generous, united and honest about its needs. Ananias and Sapphira only wanted to look generous. Their story reveals the danger of spiritual image management: appearing more prayerful, mature or surrendered than we really are. It also shows a holy God shaping a community where truth can be told, weakness can be admitted, and confession is safer than pretending.
What kind of church do we want Westwood to be? And what is one step you can take this week to help build it?
Ryan Beer
What we sang
I Thank GodMaverick City Music & UPPERROOMListen to I Thank God on Apple MusicFind I Thank God on Spotify
Great ThingsPhil WickhamListen to Great Things on Apple MusicFind Great Things on Spotify
Lead Me To The CrossHillsong UNITED & Brooke LigertwoodListen to Lead Me To The Cross on Apple MusicFind Lead Me To The Cross on Spotify- Behold HimPaul BalocheListen to Behold Him on Apple MusicFind Behold Him on Spotify
- Holy ForeverChris TomlinListen to Holy Forever on Apple MusicFind Holy Forever on Spotify