October 6, 2024 Recap

Happy Monday! The LORD is so good to us and He has faithfully spoken through His Word and answered so many of our prayers!  We are blessed!

Yesterday was a great day and it's always good to look back and remember what the LORD did.  In Acts 8:5-40, we read the account of Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen to minister to the Jewish converts.  The Bible says that these deacons were full of the Spirit and wisdom.  And, after the stoning of Stephen, they were dispersed throughout the region thus fulfilling Jesus' words in Act 1:8 that they would be His witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.  What the enemy meant for evil in the stoning of Stephen, God used for good. (Gen 50:20)  We can be comforted in the fact that God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28)  After the death of Stephen, the Gospel will now be shared outside of Jerusalem. 

Philip goes to Samaria proclaiming Christ and performing signs of healing and deliverance.  Many there believed and were baptized, including Simon the Sorcerer.  Simon practiced magic and amazed many in the city.  Clearly, his power was not from the Holy Spirit.  The Bible teaches that there will be false prophets that will arise and wil show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. (Matt 24:24)  Ladies, we must test the spirits and discern the spirits.  Spending time in the Word, meeting with other believers, and keeping our eyes on Jesus will protect us from false teachers and prophets.  That's why it is so important to not forsake the meeting together and to encourage each other, all the more as you see the day approaching. (Heb 10:25)

Peter and John then traveled to Samaria to lay hands on those who had believed and been baptized, they then received the Holy Spirit.  Simon, not fully comprehending the Holy Spirit, offered money to Peter and John in exchange for the authority to lay hands on others to receive the Spirit.  Peter, in his kindest, gentlest voice (insert sarcasm) rebuked Simon and told him to repent because Peter saw in him the gall of bitterness and bondage of iniquity.  Simon's sin was thinking that the power of God is for sale.  He was accustomed to his magic for entertainment purposes and for his own praise.  He assumed the signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit for that same purpose.  Maybe Peter's sharp rebuke is what made him ask for prayer.  Although he believed Jesus and was baptized he did not understand His power.

Philip then travels to Gaza and encounters an Ethiopian who also did not understand what he read.  He had a desire to know the Scripture; but, he needed a teacher to explain what he was reading.  Isaiah 53 is an OT passage that prophecies of Jesus being the sheep led to slaughter and the lamb before the shearer.  The Ethiopian invited Philip to come and sit with him.  Philip points the man to Jesus and explains how Jesus fulfilled Passover.  Once the man heard the truth, he believed and was baptized.   

Both Simon and the Ethiopian needed a teacher.  Someone who could explain the scriptures, both Old and New.  Philip was obedient and moved out of his comfort zone and presented the Gospel message.  Maybe God is calling you to help someone to understand more of Jesus.  Or maybe you would like to know Jesus more.  The answer is in teaching of the WORD.

Have a great week! Sonya