Daily Bible Study

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Day 12 Acts 8:5 Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Have you ever tried to be something you’re not so you would fit in? People want to be seen with the right people and receive accolades for their accomplishments. Yet, it’s all a façade for who they really are. Philip went to Samaria to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ where Simon lived and bewitched the people with sorceries so he was much thought of by the people. Yet the people regarded Philip and believed what he told them about Jesus, and Simon also believed and was baptized. When Peter and John arrived in Samaria, having heard the report about salvation to the Samaritans, they met Simon, and saw through his demeanor to the man he truly was, and told him to repent of the sin of deception. When Simon realized he was found out, he asked Peter and John to pray for him that nothing they told him would happen to him. Many people, who call themselves Christians, are Christians in name only, not in fact. The US is considered a Christian society with its many churches. People wear crosses around their necks and in their ears, yet never set foot inside a church. They might possess a Bible, but they never opened it. Yet, they consider themselves a Christian. A Christian is one who accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord and lives to do His will. A Christian wants to be in church, wants to do God’s will, wants to know God’s purpose for his life. A Christian doesn’t go through the motions, but lives his or her life in full obedience to God’s Word. A Christian knows he or she is not perfect and is subject to temptation. But a Christian also knows God is ready to forgive when he or she repents and seeks to do God’s will. Are you a Christian, or are you going through the motions? Let’s pray: Father, I don’t want to go through the motions. Instill in me a love so deep, I want to seek You first in everything I do and know Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 23 January 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay