This week we continued our discussion about Simon the magician and his desire to purchase the ability to bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit (which cannot be purchased). We were reminded that Jesus’ parable of the sower provides a way to understand the difference between an authentic conversion experience and one that has no roots, no growth, and no fruit. The text contains six signals that Simon’s salvation experience was anything but authentic. It is, of course, our hope that in his repentance, he was able to begin a fruitful relationship with the Lord.
Authentic faith results in a change of heart. No change? No salvation.
We also discussed the significance of Peter and John’s visit to Samaria and their “laying on of hands” which brought the gift of the Spirit. This is the only record of such an event in the Bible, and therefore, we understand that there was something bigger going on here: the evidence is noted in their evangelism of many towns in Samaria on the way back to Jerusalem.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 8:14-25 <<
Acts 8:14-25 ~ No Change of Heart = No Salvation
Gift of Holy Spirit via laying on of hands; Not for sale! Samaritan evangelism
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
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