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The Cornerstone
This is the Stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the Chief Conerstone." Acts 4:11
Pulbished to Support the Work of the West End Church of Christ, Richmond, Virginia
Volume 9 * Number 9* March 4, 2007
Dedication
I grew up just a few miles from the small town of French Lick, IN where Larry Bird grew up. My father had him as a student in his 8th grade shop class. He was a great player of the game of basketball. One year he led the NBA league in three-point shooting with 82 baskets. Apparently he sometimes practiced them with his eyes closed. In one game he scored a club record of 60 points. He was an incredible free-throw shooter and lead the NBA league in free-throws four times with near 90% accuracy. I remember him saying one time, "I eat sleep, and drink basketball 24 hours a day". He was an outstanding player because of his talent, knowledge of and dedication to the game of basketball.
We admire athletes who work train and work hard to play at the top of their game, but when it comes to serving God we expect so little of ourselves. What can be said about your life as a Christian? Are you dedicated to serving the Lord. Do you use your talents to serve Him? Do you fervently strive to have a knowledge of God’s word so you can implement it into your life? Is your dedication to service in the Kingdom of God with zeal and without waver? We must all strive to enter into the strait gate which leads to eternal life. (Luke 13:24)
Paul said "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:10) Paul was putting to death the sin within his life and was dedicating his life to Christ. He labored hard as we read of his journeys to convert the lost, establish congregations and ground them in the truth. Often with great difficulty and persecution.
In Philippians 3:8, Paul wrote "Yea doubtless I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win, Christ." There was nothing Paul was unwilling to give up to reach his goal of heaven. He was dedicated to Christ.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." (I Corinthians 9:24) I don’t know why some believe that they will receive a crown of life having little or no knowledge of the word of God and no dedication or sacrifice to win the race. Their talents are buried, and they are perfectly content to do little or nothing at all.
Jesus said, "cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25:30) How dedicated are you?
Stacy Crim
Simon The Sorcerer
David Padfield
Every generation has had to contend with flimflam men and con artists. A century ago they came in the guise of rain makers and snake oil salesmen. Today, this genre has found a home in charismatic churches.
One of the greatest stories of conversion in the book of Acts involved a shyster called Simon the sorcerer. Luke records his conversion in Acts 8:9-13.
Prior to his conversion, Simon would have made a good Pentecostal preacher. He would have looked at home on a stage with Jimmy Swaggart, Oral Roberts or Benny Hinn. Simon the sorcerer had everything going for him. His credentials as a "faith healer" would have been impressive. Let's notice a few things about his life.
Great Claims
Acts 8:9 tells us Simon claimed that "he was someone great." Every Pentecostal preacher I have ever met claimed some miraculous power. I've heard of folks in padded cells claiming to be Napoleon or Adolf Hitler. But these charismatic preachers claim to have a hot-line to the Almighty! Great claims mean absolutely nothing. Simon the sorcerer made great claims, but he was a fraud.
Large Numbers
The residents of Samaria "all gave heed" to Simon (Acts 8:10). Preachers who command a large audience really impress some folks. No doubt, they would have loved the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:19, 20). Just because a preacher has a large following it does not mean he is pleasing to God. Simon the sorcerer had a large following, but he was a world-class con artist!
Influential Followers
Simon's followers came from all classes, from "the least to the greatest" (Acts 8:10). Some people get real excited when a famous politician or Hollywood star is a member of their church. While God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), some so-called Christians are. Simon had "great" people follow him, but he was a charlatan!
Moving Testimonials
If you dared to question the claims of Simon, he would have provided you with a list of folks willing to give personal testimony about his ability. The people of Samaria said, "This man is the great power of God" (Acts 8:10). Every Pentecostal church has folks ready to give moving personal testimony about some alleged miracle. Simon the sorcerer had many testimonials, but he was a flimflam man!
Astonishing Feats
Simon was able to "astonish them with his sorceries" (Acts 8:11). Simon's sleight of hand and Houdini-like powers amazed many individuals. Like modern charismatic preachers, Simon could probably cure everything from headaches to vertigo. Of course, Simon could not make the lame to walk or raise the dead like the apostles (Acts 3:6; 9:40), but neither can any man today. The whole time Simon was astonishing the people he was nothing but a fraud!
Long Time Resident
Simon was not a new-comer to Samaria. He had been able to dupe the people "for a long time" (Acts 8:11). Some think longevity in a town is proof that God is with you. Simon was a long time resident of Samaria, but he was an impostor!
His Conversion
We are grateful that when the people of Samaria "believed Philip as he preached the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ... Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done" (Acts 8:12, 13). When Simon saw the genuine power of God, he, along with many others, gave up his religious scam. I pray to God that people of our day will soon give up on "healing ministries" and put their faith and trust in God.
What About You?
I am tired of seeing "faith healers" take advantage of good people. I know they claim the power is not in them, but in God. However, I deny that God uses these men to carry out His will today. The age of spiritual gifts passed with the completion of the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). God will allow people to "believe a lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thes. 2:11, 12).
(Modified at end without debate proposition sdc)
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