Claims vs truth

• Acts 8:6-13 – Simon was practicing magic and claiming to be someone great.
• Simon immediately saw there was a difference between what he was doing and what Philip was doing. It was real power and was not done to promote Philip himself.
• It’s easy to claim anything, but people need truth.

It’s hard to kick old habits

• Acts 8:14-24
• Mark 16:16
• Simon was saved through baptism, then sinned and needed to repent. This disproves the “once saved, always saved” doctrine. See Galatians 5:4; James 5:19-20.
• Simon had built a reputation as a magician and was likely used to the attention.
• Acts 8:21 – Simon’s problem was his heart.
• I John 2:16

The gospel is for all

• Acts 8:5, 12-13, 22 – Philip went to teach the Samaritans, a group hated by the Jews.
• Galatians 3:28
• You can find hope in the gospel.
• Anyone can find hope in the gospel.
  • Everybody has a soul!