“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: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.” Acts 8:9-10.

“All that glitters is not gold” is an aphorism stating that not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so. -wikipedia.org. As the inaugural Church was sent out to spread the gospel, the practice of magic, or sorcery, was common at that time, and in all the ancient nations. There were many as it is today, who proclaimed to have great power and sent from God for selfish gain of power, prestige, and wealth.

Satan is the father of all lies and utilizes his demonic forces to undermine and destroy the Church. Matthew 7:15 state “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” The account found in Acts chapter eight of a certain man named Simon is a prime example of those who seek to deceive and claim to be sent from God. “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: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.” Acts 8:9-10. The people succumbed to the lie, believing him to be a man of great power and sent from God.

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32. The truth will always come out, especially to God’s beloved children. This deceiver, Simon even believed some of the doctrine preached by Philip…but note belief does not constitute salvation. James 2:19 reminds us “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Selfish pride, and personal glory was insight…he desired to lay hands on others and give them the Holy Ghost!

Sounds familiar? There are so many false prophets laying hands on our dear brother and sisters proclaiming to give them the power of the Holy Ghost, special healing, and wealth. We can only receive the power of the Holy Ghost and divine blessings from God. “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:” John 3:16.

Every born-again believer is indwelt with the Holy Spirit; He gives us discernment to see those things which are not concurrent with the will of God and His precious Word. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1. It behooves us to remember that all that glitters is not gold… watch out for everything that sounds right, looks good and may make perfectly good sense…Satan knows exactly what we like!

The bible gives us the answer to staying in step with our Lord and guarding against the deception we encounter in this world; 1 Timothy Chapter 6:3-5 outlines a clear picture for us  “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

My friends, let us stay in the Word, watch as well as pray for God’s discernment to show us the true nature of others who seek to influence our thoughts, actions, and beliefs; and as Timothy wrote… when we find that something or someone does not align with the truth “from such withdraw thyself.” Looks can be deceiving, but we have this assurance, Romans 8:26 state “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” God has all of His children safe in His protective care and will guide us in the paths of righteousness.

God Blessings of peace and let us praise Him that we are kept safe and secure until the day of redemption!