“Give me this power
also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:19 NKJV
The great persecution that arose Jerusalem, as narrated in the books of
Acts led to Phillip going to a Samaritan city. One would have expected him to
lay low but not the evangelist, he preached Christ to them and they believed.
In this city was a man who practiced sorcery. He was a man of influence, having
astonished the people of the city with his sorceries for a long time. The bible
recorded that when the men and women of the city believed Philip as he preached
the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, Simon
himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and
was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done (Acts 8:12-13 NKJV).
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| By Martin Lacroix |
I recently completed a study and blog on the heart as the determinant of
our entrance to eternity even as a born again Christian. Confessing Jesus as
Lord and Saviour is not enough when the content of your heart remains evil.
The story of Simon really brings that to the fore. His conversion would
have been a great testimony and source of celebration in the church. Wow... the
sorcerer gave his life to Christ, he was baptised, hallelujah! Simon became a
diligent and faithful disciple. He followed Phillip avidly, learning with wide
eyes. It would not be surprising to learn that when Peter and John arrived, he
was the lead protocol. What a brother! Full of good works. However, his heart...was
something else when Elohim revealed its content.
Simon saw all the miracles, signs and
wonders performed by the Apostles and he could not keep the content of his
heart a secret any longer. “Give me the
power to also perform this miracles...I am willing to pay whatever amount you
want”, he asked. Ha...ha born again brother! Thy heart is still full of
iniquity.
However, Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you
thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither
part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of
God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the
thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by
bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Acts 8:20-23 NKJV
How is the state of your heart brother? How is the state of your heart
sister? Are you in this Christian journey to satisfy your belly or to make it
to eternity?
#prayerfortheweek
Almighty
Father, thank You for the gift of my life and the grace of salvation. Search
me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my anxieties. And see if there
is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. In the name of
Yeshua Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.
I
pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus
Christ). Spend this week to meditate on the passage and take relevant step to
live out your faith.
#AdeolaAkintoye
©
#ajourneytospiritualmaturity
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