Scripture: Acts 8: 9-13, 18

⁹ A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. ¹⁰ Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” ¹¹ They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic. ¹² But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. ¹³ Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. ¹⁸ When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.

Scripture Commentary: Money can’t buy your place in heaven.

Do you know of anyone who believes money can buy anything? Money, position, power here on earth is meaningless. We have today, just as the people had over 2000 years ago, sorcerers and magicians influencing society. These people practice astrology. Their wonders are simply magic tricks, or their power may derive from Satan.

Don’t be misled. Know your Bible.

Read Matthew 24:24 and 2 Thessalonians 2:9. Simon had some people believing he was the Messiah. Do not be misled. It’s important to know your Bible. Jesus encountered and drove out many demons during his earthly ministry. Some scholars believe these demons are fallen angels who joined Satan to wage war here on earth against God’s followers. Their job is to tempt us to sin. They are real, active and powerful and they focus on the lost, weak, and those who have not accepted Christ as the Messiah.

Although powerful, they cannot mislead God’s people. Jesus has authority over them. He protects and guides his believers.

Satan and his followers are bound for the lake of fire for eternity. Are your toes in the heavenly kingdom of God or are they on fire?

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

Acts 8

Matthew 24

2 Thessalonians 2

Read Other Commentary From the Book of Acts:

Saul, why do you persecute me?

Call On the Name of the Lord to Be Saved

Scripture: John 5: 19 – 20

¹⁹ So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. 

Scripture Commentary:

I think back on my youth and my memories of my father and grandfather. I realize that they showed and taught me alot. Just by watching them do something, I learned how to do it. I did what my father did.

God shows us that the way to Him is through Jesus.

Jesus tells us that he is who he is because his father loved him enough to show him the way to go and how to get there. We are not God but we are His children and He shows and tells us how to get to Him. In turn, we are to tell, teach and show our children how to follow Christ by living as Christ-like as possible. Our children learn by what they see and hear.

Know God’s ways.

God gives us the choice to be good or evil. There is no middle ground. We aren’t perfect but we know right from wrong. Raise your children to know God’s ways. Don’t be like the Pharisees and reject Jesus, God’s Only Begotten Son.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

John 5

Read Other Commentary From the Book of John:

Jesus, the Light of the World

Learn the Truth of Jesus

Scripture: Luke 12: 16-19

¹⁶ Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. ¹⁷ He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ ¹⁸ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. ¹⁹ And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

Scripture Commentary:

Take it easy! Eat, drink and be merry! Because here today, gone tomorrow. We’ve all heard this saying but do we understand its meaning?

Did you hear that Jim or Betty died last night or that John was hit by a car today? These are some of the things that happen in everyday life. We have no control.

In Luke 12, Jesus spoke a parable about a rich man. He could easily have been a poor man, or a young man or old man. The point is that we are in God’s hands and on God’s time.

What’s important is what we are doing with the time God has given us.

Our earthly goods will stay here after we are gone. We can’t take things with us where we are going. Jesus challenges us to think beyond earthbound goals and use what we have been given for the Kingdom of God.

Have faith in Christ and follow Him. That is the only reward to seek. Do the work of Jesus Christ and the fruit of your labor is what will be stored up in heaven. Faith, service and obedience to God, the Father, is how we become rich in God’s eyes.

What will your harvest be: God’s or self? It’s your choice.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Luke 12

Read Other Commentary From the Book of Luke:

When He Saw Their Faith, He Answered Their Prayer

Jesus Is More Than Enough