Like Magic

How?


When we see magicians perform, we wonder how they do what they do. There is a trick to it, but we wonder where actual magical power will show up. Like the movie “The Prestige” says, “You want to be fooled.” We want to see supernatural power, as a reason to believe.


Samaria

   Acts 8:4-13


Philip shows up and things are good. He is one of the seven chosen in Acts 6, and he is one of the few who does miracles. They amaze the people of Samaria, who receive the gospel, believe and are baptized. The city becomes filled with joy.  It is good.


Simon is someone who had been seen as spiritually powerful and respected. Even he was amazed by Philip, believed and was baptized. If the others were saved in that way, he probably was too. His belief would have encouraged others.



Spirit
   Acts 8:14-24


The apostles heard that Samaritans were hearing the gospel and being saved. Had to check that out. It is the first time that people not completely Jewish were included. Peter and John found their faith to be real, but something was missing – the Holy Spirit. Really? How could that be? Is there a “second blessing” in which the Spirit is imparted after salvation. Not in Acts 10. The Lord can do it differently here if He chooses. Why might He? For the benefit of the apostles seeing it, participating in it, spreading the gospel to other regions, like Jesus said they would.


Simon tried to buy in on the franchise. No good. Peter said he would have no part in that, and saw bitterness in him. So was he really saved? I think so. Have you ever seen a Christian who did not live like one? (ever been that person?) Simon slid. Peter told him that could be reversed.



Solitary
   Acts 8:25-40


In the middle of a great move of God, Philip is told to leave all the action and go stand by a road in the desert. He would probably not be excited by that direction but he went. There was one man he was sent to: an Ethiopian who worshiped God as a Jewish proselyte. God had things set up perfectly, and Philip filled in the blanks. The man was saved, and baptized. Then (poof) Philip disappeared, and re-appeared about 30 miles away. Apparently, this guy did well in his faith, leading a community of Ethiopians to belief.


   Sudden or slow?


Contrast the experiences of Simon and the Ethiopian. Simon came to faith, surrounded by other believers and miraculous events. But he slid. The Ethiopian had no other believer around him, but left a legacy of believers. Why? He read the scriptures. That is about all we know about him, but it is huge. In my own experience, deciding to do that for myself became an unexpected life changing event. It made my faith my own, and no longer just part of what my family did.


It is not about how spectacularly you become a believer. It is more important what you do with it after that, yourself. It is not automatic or guaranteed that you will become a Christian whose life matters. Maintain a good, strong connection with your Father, and make a difference.