Post by abundanceofpraise on Sept 18, 2007 2:04:54 GMT -5
In the Eighth Chapter in the Book of Acts,
the scarce resource was the people of Samaria.
Simon the Sorcerer had controlled the minds and hearts
of the people before Philip the evangelist' arrival.
Simon's Bewitching power gave Him influence over all
classes of people, and both he and the city dwellers
had eventually begun to believe that he was''the great power of God"(Acts 8:10)
The words and deeds of the deacon-turned-
evangelist had a startling impact on the city.
Although Simon had claimed to be the representation
of God's power, many demon possessed people
broken by physical illness remained in the religion.
Philip had arrived preaching Christ rather than his own power
or authority , and his preaching and prayer resulted in miracles
that caused people to believe and to be baptized.
Simon's initial response was to join this new spiritual
force at work in the city.
Miracles however, did not fully represent the spiritual conflict. When the apostles came from Jerusalem to lay hands on the people , they received the Holy Ghost. Not only did the sick expereince healings, but also every believer had the oppertunity for a transformed life. Subsequently, Simon sought to get in on the action by offering Peter money, and Peter told him that he would perish with his money(Acts 8:20) Simon's Heart was not right in the sight of God....
Just wanted to share I think this story is very very interesting!!!!
the scarce resource was the people of Samaria.
Simon the Sorcerer had controlled the minds and hearts
of the people before Philip the evangelist' arrival.
Simon's Bewitching power gave Him influence over all
classes of people, and both he and the city dwellers
had eventually begun to believe that he was''the great power of God"(Acts 8:10)
The words and deeds of the deacon-turned-
evangelist had a startling impact on the city.
Although Simon had claimed to be the representation
of God's power, many demon possessed people
broken by physical illness remained in the religion.
Philip had arrived preaching Christ rather than his own power
or authority , and his preaching and prayer resulted in miracles
that caused people to believe and to be baptized.
Simon's initial response was to join this new spiritual
force at work in the city.
Miracles however, did not fully represent the spiritual conflict. When the apostles came from Jerusalem to lay hands on the people , they received the Holy Ghost. Not only did the sick expereince healings, but also every believer had the oppertunity for a transformed life. Subsequently, Simon sought to get in on the action by offering Peter money, and Peter told him that he would perish with his money(Acts 8:20) Simon's Heart was not right in the sight of God....
Just wanted to share I think this story is very very interesting!!!!