Magic or Power?

Acts 8: 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptised.

Magic has always held a fascination for human beings throughout our history.  We love the idea that there are possibilities beyond what we can see, feel or even understand.  We have a hard-wired need to know that our lives are not limited to the tangible things we interact with every day.

In chapter 8 of Acts we are told of a man, Simon who seemed to be fluent in the supernatural.  Yet when he encounters the power of the Holy Spirit he has a life-changing experience that supersedes anything he had experienced before.  As his life got plugged into God, he realises the futility of the magic he knew.  He now has a desire to become a conduit for this power, even if his motive is condemned by Phillip.

We are not told what became of Simon after his rebuke.  But I’m sure he was never the same again.  If you haven’t experienced the difference between magic and power, plug your life into God today by accepting the FREE gift of salvation and be filled with the Holy Spirit – God wants to use you as conduit of his power too.  Finally demonstrate this commitment by being baptised in water as an outward declaration of your decision.

Spiritual Living is POWER, not magic...

If you are a believer, plug in again by turning your back on the things you have opened yourself to and ask God to forgive you as Plillip commanded Simon.  Receive the promise as a free gift, by faith.

Romans 15:13 The Message: Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!