While yard sailing today I met a woman who shared Jesus openly with me. She talked about how Jesus brings hope to everyone. If only we could use our time to witness and share as simply as I saw in action today. I was humbled when she talked about going to the prisons and helping in the outreaches at her church. God ended my day with this portion of scripture. I hope it speaks to you as it did me.
Acts 8
Stephen had just been stoned to death, chapter 7. I think that alone would stop our advance.
V1 And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
V3 Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house; dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.
V4 Therefore those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
V5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.
V6 And the multitudes with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.
V7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
V8 and there was much rejoicing in that city.
V9 Now there was a certain man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city, and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great;
V10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, "This man is what is called the great Power of god."
V11 And they giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts.
V12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.
V13 And even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip; and he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.
V14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John,
V15 who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
V16 For he had not yet fallen upon any of them, they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus .
V17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.
V18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,
V19 saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
V20 Peter said, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
V21 "You have no part or portion on this matter (ministry), for your heart is not right before God.
V22 "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.
V23 "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity."
V24 But Simon answered and said "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you said may come upon me."
I didn't want to focus on the obvious personality flaw of this Simon the sorcerer, yet, in this day we face many such performers. I do, however, think we should always assess ourselves when being trusted with Gods anointing and authority.
Who are we following? Do they really manifest God's Glory? Do they testify and proclaim the word of God, or the newest, revealed knowledge? Dear God, bring us back to a respect and awe for your Glory and those who carry it. Let us so shine with your presence that we are deemed worthy to be followed. Could we bring rejoicing to our cities.........
Never give up, Never give in!
No comments:
Post a Comment