Excerpt:
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, ‘This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.’ They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- Acts 8:9-12 (NIV).
Children are generally proud of all their achievements, and often want to share them with anyone who will listen.
But while their triumphs are celebrated, children are also taught not to be boastful, something which Simon the Sorcerer’s parents apparently neglected to do.
Philip’s message was entirely different. Rather than pointing to himself, he pointed only to Jesus.
The good news was not about Philip’s own ministry, although it was accompanied by wonderful works; rather, Philip’s preaching drew people to the kingdom of God.
[More...]
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, ‘This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.’ They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- Acts 8:9-12 (NIV).
Children are generally proud of all their achievements, and often want to share them with anyone who will listen.
But while their triumphs are celebrated, children are also taught not to be boastful, something which Simon the Sorcerer’s parents apparently neglected to do.
Philip’s message was entirely different. Rather than pointing to himself, he pointed only to Jesus.
The good news was not about Philip’s own ministry, although it was accompanied by wonderful works; rather, Philip’s preaching drew people to the kingdom of God.
[More...]
