Note for 20250722

Acts

Eight

Part 8 - Acts 8 - Take Care in Thinking

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The House of Bread · Note for 20250722 - Acts - Part 8 - Acts 8 - Take Care in Thinking

Acts 8:1-40 KJV

[1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. [3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. [4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. [5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. [6] And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. [7] For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. [8] And there was great joy in that city. [9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: [10] to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. [11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. [12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. [14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: [15] who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: [16] (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) [17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. [18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, [19] saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. [20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. [21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. [22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. [23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. [24] Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. [25] And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. [26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. [27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, [28] was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. [29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. [30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? [31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. [32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And like a lamb dumb before his shearer, So opened he not his mouth: [33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: And who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. [34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. [39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. [40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.8.1-40.KJV

Simon and the Ethiopian carries the central theme of today's reading, and more than likely, you have heard of both before. The sorcerer and the foreigner. Of course, I am always intrigued by how Philip is caught away by the Spirit, which breaks my mind to consider what we don't yet know. We cannot say, it's impossible, because here it is written, and it is not even the only account. Jesus showed this and so too was Peter moved from prison to his home.

We should also not neglect taking note of Saul (who became Paul, the Apostle of Christ to the Gentiles) and that the gentiles were accepted into the Grace of GOD in Christ, as evident by this Ethiopian too.

However, the verse that was shown to me this morning comes from the account dealing with Simon the sorcerer. It is spoken to Simon, but serves as a fair warning to us all:

Acts 8:22 KJV

[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.8.22.KJV

Let us look at this a bit more. I have quoted all this from the KJV, let's look at the CJB a bit and start with the thought itself. Simon offered money to receive the gift of laying hands on someone to receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts of Emissaries of Yeshua (Act) 8:20 CJB

[20] But Kefa said to him, “Your silver go to ruin — and you with it, for thinking the free gift of God can be bought!

https://bible.com/bible/1275/act.8.20.CJB

Free gift! This must bring us to pause in consideration of how we operate preaching Jesus to others. Not just of us, but also how others come unto us to preach. What is the thinking and what is the heart of it?

Acts of Emissaries of Yeshua (Act) 8:22-23 CJB

[22] So repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps you will yet be forgiven for holding such a thought in your heart. [23] For I see that you are extremely bitter and completely under the control of sin!”

https://bible.com/bible/1275/act.8.22-23.CJB

"...completely under the control of sin!"

You know, I wonder how many of us would make it past the "radar" (Spiritual discernment) of these early emissaries of Christ, today? But, that is not the focus of today, though it should be a consideration.

What do you think about it? What is in your heart, even that which is kept secret. Paul writes on the matter of thoughts to the Corinthians and frames it more extensively for us.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 KJV

[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; [6] and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.10.3-6.KJV

No wonder you have those that do not want to read Paul's writings, hey? This is profound. "...casting down strongholds?" There is much more in these verses, and of course it points straight to the Spiritual war we fight within. Read it again.

The matter to consider is one of "as you think, so you are." And Peter's words to Simon clearly indicate that there is repentance required for some of man's thoughts. It also happens to be the very thing most trust most in themselves, their own thoughts on matters.

Romans 8:7 KJV

[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.7.KJV

That which man trusts most of himself, is further defined here by Paul. (Saul in our reading today, before his own repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ)

The mind (thinking) and the heart (feeling) are part of the carnal setup of man. So, we might have to look a little closer at ourselves to enter the true battle. Then, this that follows, what Jesus said, starts making even more of an impact, doesn't it?

Matthew 7:3-5 KJV

[3] And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? [4] Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? [5] Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.7.3-5.KJV

Taking captive one's thoughts to try the spirits, if they be of GOD (1John 4:1) then also becomes an internal, almost a self regulating matter. Remember how we briefly spoke how we should rule and reign with Christ, within? This can also be defined as self-control, though, in the strength of Christ by the Holy Spirit of GOD, it becomes effective when we stand in agreement with God in these matters. But, when we have a contrary mind, against the Word of GOD, then we enter into a form of rebellion.

All of this... Happening within us, in secret, known only to God and us.

So in short form it would be apt to say, be careful what you think. And those that have battled the war within a while would know that the Soul and thinking or feeling does not always align, but is often found in contention.

The "strongholds" concept becomes even more of a matter, when we consider "paradigms" (a set way of thinking) that exist in us. You see, Simon was a sorcerer, a powerful man, and this would be the ultimate power, for a power hungry person. He wanted to purchase this free gift, and that is what Peter spoke out about against him, for his thoughts on the matter.

Now, how much do you think? Or shall I ask this, what is mental health? You see, I told you that GOD healed me for a mental illness. Truth is, the unbeliever suffers from something like a mental illness, for his mind stands in opposition with that which will save his soul. Staying with the concept of thoughts, then there is a lot that we have to "re-think," but in that thinking, we must do as Paul writes, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" understand?

Now, how do you do that if you do not know what Christ said and how to walk in obedience? Which brings me back to, "Read your Bible!" Bring the truth in. Have it with you. Walk with it. Qualify your thoughts by it. Live in the Word of GOD. You can't do it if you don't know it. But, that pertains to obedience, not salvation. And it is crucial that you understand the difference. And how important obedience is.

John 14:23 KJV

[23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.23.KJV

A free gift, yes, qualified by what? Now, you can answer that huge question yourself. See?

Friends, I have to end the writing here, because of time constraints at this moment, but we can go back to Romans 8 from here and look at what it is to walk after the Spirit and not the flesh.

So once more, I invite you to the Audio note, which will be on the YouTube channel @houseofLechem in a day's time, GOD willing, where I will discuss this matter further. If that is not possible for you, I would like to remind you, you do not need to hear me, but we all need to hear Christ.

Selah, Shalom.

www.thehouseofbread.co.za

Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

Ephesians 6:12 KJV

[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.6.12.KJV

Short Note (as per YouVersion Note):

Oh, wow! The verse of the day is the precise verse I wanted to quote in my note on Acts 8 today, and didn't get to it. And here it is... Verse of the day. Wow! We serve an amazing GOD. Hallelujah!

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