(Nuggets from Acts 8:22)
A sorcerer in the land of Samaria by name Simon, had bewitched the Samaritans through his practice of magic and he duped many of them because they attributed his magic and stunts to being done by the Power of God, when in reality, it was of satan.
Philip had visited Samaria and as he preached the gospel, the Samaritans believed, repented, got saved and were subsequently baptized. Surprisingly, Simon the Sorcerer was also convicted, as he also repented, got saved and was also baptized.
When Philip had done his part, he invited Peter and John who came over to minister the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans. Simon (the sorcerer turned convert) marveled as he saw Peter and John ministering by the power of the Holy Spirit, not the TRICKERY he had engaged in all the while.
In his innocence as a new convert, he thought he could buy the gift of the Holy Spirit with money and proposed to offer money to them so that they would give him the power to dispense the Holy Spirit, so that he could lay hands on people too and work wonders.
This is where the word 'SIMONY' was coined: A deliberate attempt to buy the Gift and Power of the Holy Spirit with money.
Unfortunately, modern day Christianity has commercialized the gifts they purportedly received from God. Many local church assemblies charge for deliverance, healing, prayers for the fruit of the womb, financial breakthrough, etc.
JESUS NEVER ENGAGED IN SUCH!
Freely you have received, Freely give.
Simon still had elements of his old life and thought that as a new convert, he could continue from where he stopped. This happened because he was not sanctified and still an inexperienced Christian who was yet to be mentored or guided.
If God had endowed you with any gift - Healing, Deliverance, Word of Knowledge, Diverse Miracles, do not use it for commercial purposes, but to the GLORY OF GOD.
Peter scolded Simon and told him to repent and he would be forgiven by God. This shows that no matter whatever sin you may have engaged in, the moment you confess and repent sincerely, God will surely forgive you.
This is HOLINESS CHALLENGE
DAY 317 OF 365 🔥
📹 SIMONY: COMMERCIALIZING SPIRITUAL GIFTS, A TERRIBLE SIN
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