Colton and Kari

 Acts 8:2-25

         A prideful man is capable of leading an entire division into hell. He has nuclear capabilities.

God uses humble, honest men to lead others to heaven. They do not need to keep score; God will account.

The truth of this passage rings out in our modern culture. It is challenging for a celebrity to be an effective witness to God’s way. They are not productive men for God if they hold tight to their pride. It’s easier to thread an anchor through an eye socket than to harvest men with a celebrity pastor. (ok, Jesus’s camel and needle metaphor is much better!)

So it was with Simon the Sorcerer. He was a big deal in Samaria. A celebrity, the GOAT. Like Gretzky, Tiger, Brady, or Kanye. He tasted fame and acclaim, that sweet treat that turns so bitter, time after time. Sadly, the modern Church is a champion of this nonsense. We relish our big names. Our inclination is to give the celebrity convert to Christ the microphone. They are new believers. They are confident. They are influencers. So we logically conclude to use the platform that God presumably has provided. Just like Simon the Sorcerer. The trouble is that they have much more destructive power than productive power. Their pride, bitterness, and jealousy make it hard for them to get right with God. Of course, it is possible with God. Anything is. But take note. Anytime you see a celebrity pastor. The GOAT. Be alert to DEFCON five destructive power. Let us continuously remind ourselves that there is only one Great One - his name is Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the one who gives the power of the Holy Spirit, and He does so through his humble saints. He provides the ability to heal and every other power capable of building us up, providing for us, and preparing us for eternity. Lord Jesus, forgive us for our sins and our stubborn foolishness. Guide us with good sense and wisdom.

The power of the LORD is greater than any power of the world. No matter what evil deed or scheme the wicked men bring, we see God’s purpose of spreading the Good News and increasing the saints always prevails.

         In this Acts 8 initial scattering via persecution, we are reminded that we are to preach the Good News about Jesus in good times and bad times. Rain or shine. Yes, that means today.

         Philip went to the city of Samaria and preached about Jesus the Messiah.

         Jesus loves all people and all nationalities. Even Canadians, nay, even the French! He did many signs and wonders in Samaria (remember the woman at the well and her village). That’s a good reminder for us. God is there; He’s gone ahead of us every time. Whether we find ourselves in a hotel lobby in Dubai or a hockey dressing room in Saskatchewan, he’s gone before us. And He is with us. He’s planted the seeds and grown the crops; it’s now harvest time, just as it was for Philip in the city of Samaria.

         Unlike the members of the Synagogue of the Freed Slaves and Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, the people of the Samaritan villages and cities were eager to hear the message of the Messiah, the message of repenting of your sin and turning to God for forgiveness and new life. And they were open to wonders. Today many people are close-minded. Their eyes and ears are closed. Not willing to hear new things or see the wonders of what God is doing.

         Be wary of anyone who thinks the Gospel is weak; it is not. Be wary of those who believe the Holy Spirit is weak; He is not. Jesus said his followers would do many miraculous signs. And we will; we must. As mentors, expect those you train to do things far beyond your capabilities. Jesus said we would do wonders and miracles. We’ll believe all sorts of things people say: why won’t we believe what Jesus said?

         Oh, Holy Spirit, please lead the men and women of the Church today. Please give us your words and your healing power. Please help us and use us as your servants today to change lives. No unclean spirit is too strong for you to remove, and no life too lost to wickedness to be transformed into a saint’s new, clean, righteous life.

         May the name of Jesus Christ be the name that changes lives today!

         Notice that Peter and John went to Samaria to help Philip and the new believers. It’s the same teamwork and leadership-sharing theme we saw earlier in this Chapter. There is also no desperate one-upmanship. Philip, Peter, and John - all were doing what Jesus asked - not one of them looking for the glory. That must be our approach.

         It will give the Deans of the baptist seminaries fits, but notice the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit. Lord God, may no believer in you miss receiving the Holy Spirit (v. 16-17). May we all be baptized in the Lord Jesus Christ’s name and the Holy Spirit. Oh, Church, don’t miss out on the power of Christ, God’s creative ability to bring many people to Him.  Expect the unexpected. God’s way is exciting. His gifts, wonders, and miracles come as a shocker, a thriller, and the best news possible. Expect it.

         And Lord Jesus, may we be as honest as Simon in confession and as direct as Peter in our need to repent of our wickedness and to ask the Lord to forgive us.

         May we not be full of bitter jealousy and held captive by sin. Lord God, I need your forgiveness today. Please help me to let go of any bitterness, jealousy, and evil: this day and every day.

         May many be eager to hear the Good News today. Amen.