DECEMBER 9, Acts 8:9-24

Philip went to Samaria and witnessed to the people there. He also did many miracles to prove that he was sent by God. There was great joy in the people who had accepted Jesus as their Savior. When a person becomes a Christian, he becomes a joyful person. Are you a joyful Christian?

Among those who became a Christian was a sorcerer named Simon. His craft enchanted the people of Samaria and he was highly regarded by them, who thought he had the ‘great power of God’. Did Simon have the power of God? We will find out...

Simon was baptised and followed Philip wherever he went. When the church in Jerusalem heard that many Samaritans were saved, they sent forth Peter and John to Samaria. The apostles laid hands on the Samaritans to fill them with the Holy Spirit. Simon was awed by the power of the apostles and wanted this power for himself. He offered the apostles money to buy the power from them. So was Simon’s power of sorcery from God? Can God’s power be bought by money? The answer is obviously “No!”

The important question to ask is ‘Was Simon a Christian?’ Obviously not. Simon was not a Christian. He did not show that he had a new life. This new life comes from the new self God produces in our lives. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that a Christian is a new creature with a new life because the old life has passed away. Simon did not turn away from his old life; he wanted to use the power of the apostles to do more and greater magic to make more money.

A transformed life proves that a person is truly saved. The person’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, will be shown in the fruit of good works. A person truly saved will forsake his old wicked ways and desire to live a holy life pleasing before the Lord.

Thought: Are you a true Christian?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that going to church or “doing good things” does not save me. A true Christian must be different in his thinking and behaviour. I pray I would be sure You have saved me, and have given me a new life. Help me to turn away from my old ways by reading Your Word and praying to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.