Living Examples - Philip - Belief is Different than Being Amazed

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.
. . . But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.”
(Acts 18:9-13)
      Passage: John 2:13-25

        Magic is not real. Miracles are. Those who call themselves magicians are just illusionists. They perform acts with sleight of hand or with optical illusions. They are fun to watch as entertainment, but they do not have any other-worldly power. Simon was an illusionist. His tricks amazed the people in Samaria and he convinced many that he had supernatural power. However, he knew that was not true and when he saw the miracles of healing of paralytics and delivery from demonic possession, he knew those were not illusions. They were real. He was amazed.
      Simon then believed in Jesus, but He mainly believed because he had been amazed and wanted to have the power to perform true miracles, not just fake illusions. Simon Peter, who came to Samaria, called him out on that. (read Acts 8:18-24) Belief in Jesus is different than being amazed. It is placing faith in the work Jesus did for you and learning to trust God whether you see a miracle or not. It starts with saying yes to Jesus and continues growing to maturity. Believe and say yes to Him!  

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)