Persecution, Samaria, and Magic

This sermon explores Acts 8:1-25, covering the persecution that scattered early Christians from Jerusalem and how Philip brought the gospel to Samaria. The message examines how persecution actually spread Christianity, Philip's ministry including miracles and healings, the story of Simon the sorcerer who tried to buy spiritual power, and the arrival of Peter and John to pray for the Samaritan believers to receive the Holy Spirit. Key themes include the difference between genuine faith and going through religious motions, warnings against occult practices and witchcraft, the importance of church unity across cultural divides, and how God used ordinary believers like Philip to transform entire communities. The sermon emphasizes that real spiritual power comes from loving Jesus, not from positions or abilities that can be bought or sold.