AfterThoughts: April 7, 2024

March 31, 2024

Acts: Simon The Magician

Acts 8:9–25

This week, Pastor David continued the series from Acts with a look at true belief. He reminded us that there is a possibility in our own spiritual journey that we can go through the motions of belief but not truly believe.

GOING DEEPER:

• God made it clear for the sake of the Samaritans, the apostles, and Philip that what was happening in Samaria was the real and genuine work of God. As the Gospel spread out from Jerusalem, the Samaritans experienced something very similar to Acts 2. Why is it important to see that God made sure there were no “second class citizens” in the kingdom of God?

• In this passage, we meet Simon the magician, and in verse 13 we read that he believed. What happened in verse 18 to make us question the authenticity of his belief?

• The reality of Simon's shallow faith is that he refused to repent. What warning can we take from his lack of repentance? Explain.

• Pastor David shared that we can have a “bandwagon faith” that doesn’t have real and deep spiritual roots. Think about your personal faith journey. What is your only hope in life and death?

 

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

 

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