Diana Kriesel
Monday, 2/1/10 – Exodus 30-32; Acts 8 – “WILL THE REAL MIRACLE WORKER PLEASE STAND UP?”
S— Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. [NKJV]
O— Simon the sorcerer had been wowing the people with his demonic powers of magic. But when Philip came to Samaria, he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. This means that he was preaching the message that believers would inherit the kingdom by faith in Jesus, the Messiah. Let’s look at the contrasts and comparisons between Simon and Philip. Both performed miracles, Simon by demonic power and Philip by divine power. Simon boasted of himself, Philip proclaimed Christ. People were amazed by Simon’s magic, but people were converted to Christ through Philip’s preaching. Philip’s words came with greater power than that of Simon; and his miracles stood the test in ways the works of Simon could not.
A—The enemy will always try to give a counterfeit to the works of God, and with the natural eye, we can be deceived. But the works and miracles and truth of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom are without dispute, and always draw people to God. Even though people had been amazed by the magic of Simon, when they heard and believed Philip as he preached the things of the Kingdom and the name of Jesus, they were saved and baptized! The power of Christ is authentic and carries transforming life.
P—Lord, show Your glory! Show Your miracle-working power in our midst that many may believe, be saved and baptized as we preach the things of the kingdom in Your Name!
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