107 Coldren Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904, United States
Upcoming Sermons & Devotional Message
June Sermons 2026
6-7- Soup for the Soul
Genesis 25:29-34 Mark 8:34-38
6-14- Words on a Tombstone
Nehemiah 6:1-3 Philippians 1:6
6-21- Father’s Day Sunday
“The Bond”
2 Samuel 18:1-5 Luke 15:11-24
6-28- Youth Sunday
Devotional Message : These will change 1-2 times a week. Stop by often to read the new message.
Some Thoughts about Hypocrisy
One of the more damning indictments against a person professing faith in Jesus is the accusation of hypocrisy. The word “hypocrisy” comes from the ancient Greek word “hypokrisis”—which literally translates to “acting on a stage” or “playing a part.” The original word was ascribed to stage actors who put on a costume and played their role—often with such conviction that they helped the audience emotionally engage with the unfolding play. However, once the curtain falls, the actor is the same person they were before they donned the costume.
When people profess Christ, but simply “play the role, it can have a devastating effect. In the fifth chapter of Acts, we read the story of Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife who tried to play the part of being generous in their faith but were actually “playing the part” when they lied about something they did in Jesus’ name. Peter called out their duplicity and told them they lied to the Holy Spirit:
“When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.” (Acts 5:5-6)
This was the first church funeral and, to be honest, it was a bit spare. There was no liturgy, flowers, music, eulogy, or even a sermon—just a quick burial. Ananias died for the sin of hypocrisy. Three hours later, his wife died for the same thing.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a cautionary tale. Their hypocrisy ended up being deadly to their soul and body. It was also an important moment in the formation of the early church. The call to follow Jesus is not a costume we put on to play a part when the lights are on—it’s a reorientation of our life, being following Jesus as Savior and obeying Jesus as Lord.
Hypocrisy can not only have an eternal impact on our lives, it can also hurt others. The world is watching the way we live, and our unchecked hypocrisy can make it difficult for a person who lives far away from God to be open to crossing the line of faith.
Don’t just play the part, my friends. Live the life! People are watching!