Sunday, September 11, 2022
“Authentic Faith”
Acts 8:9-25

Memory Verse: “You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.” (Acts 8:21)

Problem 1 – Holy Spirit not given at Baptism

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17)

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

Problem 2 – Unregenerate Simon

“You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” (Acts 8:21-23)

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16a)

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

 Authentic Faith means…

  • Denying yourself
  • Taking up your cross
  • Following Jesus
  • Daily

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. (Luke 9:23-24)

 

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Table Discussion

Directions: Take a few minutes in silence to reflect on the message and think through the reflection questions below. When instructed, take turns sharing your responses with others at your table.

  1. What in this message brought you comfort?
  2. What in this message was a challenge for you?
  3. What other questions do you have?

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