177. A Good Bad Example

“In my morning journaling time,” Stan began, I am making my way through the Books of Acts again.”

“Lots of good stuff about the early church,” I responded.

“Yes,” Stan said, “a lot of lessons for today as well.”

“Anything particular in mind?” I asked.

“You familiar with the term ‘Simony’”? Stan asked.

“Not sure.  What does it mean?”

“As far as I know the term is not in the Bible, but it has been used to describe a character named Simon who was a really good bad example.”

“What did he do that was so bad?” I asked.

“Tried to buy from the apostles the ability to impart the Holy Spirit.”

Continuing, Stan said, “The ability to impart the Holy Spirit could not be bought by him or by anyone any more than I could buy my way into heaven by good works or anything else.”

“The gift of salvation is just that.  A gift.  It has to be accepted on its terms.”

“Can’t buy it and can’t earn it,” Stan said.

“So,” I said, “this Simon guy tried to do something that a lot of people think they can do today.”

“You are right, my friend,” Stan replied, “there are too many people who follow Simon’s bad example by thinking they can buy or work their way to life eternally with God when their time here is done.”

“Sadly, they won’t make it on the right train.”

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But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!”  Acts of the Apostles 8:20.

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for the free gift of salvation.  Thank you for those who presented to me the truth of your free gift and helped me in acknowledging and accepting that gift.  Please help me in helping others to know that they cannot earn or work their way into your eternal presence.  Use me for your purposes.  Lead and help me to follow.  Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus.  Amen.