Tag: Philip

Living in the Image of God

Receiving God Guidance and Directive

Living in the Image of God M05S05

The bible provides understanding that God can communicate with an individual using several methods and chooses the method that is effective for a person and circumstance. In one example, he sent an angel to Philip to deliver a directive regarding interaction with an Ethiopian and, later, provided a second instruction directly to Philip through the Holy Spirit. In a second example regarding the Peter-Cornelius meeting; God sent an angel to Cornelius in a vision to deliver a directive that he should invite Peter to his home; interacted with Peter in a vision to convey a message that Gentiles are entitled to receive the Gospel; and later informed Peter through the Holy Spirit to accept an invitation from three men that had arrived to see him. In the interactions, God used two different methods to communicate two messages of different complexity to the same person. The study includes Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: that every person can receive the Holy Spirit; who connects directly to the Spirit of God, receives instructions from God, and interprets the instructions to provide God guidance and directives.

Receiving God Guidance and Directive 27:01

In this bible study, we discuss several examples to understand that God communicates with individuals using several methods. He chooses the method of communication that is effective for a person and circumstance.

We discuss an example regarding interactions between the apostle Philip and the Ethiopian Minister of the Treasury, when Philip received God guidance and directive to meet and interact with the minister, for the purpose of delivering the Gospel to him. God provided the instructions to Philip using two methods of communication, for the same person in different circumstances. First, he sent an angel to Philip to deliver the initial directive. Second, he delivered an instruction to Philip directly through the Holy Spirit.

In a second example, we discuss interactions regarding a meeting between Peter and Cornelius, when God sent Peter to deliver the Gospel to Cornelius. To prepare Cornelius for the meeting, God sent an angel to him in a vision to deliver a directive that he should invite Peter to his home. Thereafter, God used two encounters to prepare Peter. First, he interacted with Peter in a vision to convey a philosophical message that Gentiles (i.e., non-Jews) are entitled to receive the Gospel. Second, he informed Peter through the Holy Spirit that three men had arrived to deliver an invitation to him, the invitation was of God, and he should accept. In the interactions with Peter, God used two different methods to communicate two messages of different complexity to the same person.

The study concludes with information from Paul’s letter to Corinthians, regarding communication with God through the Holy Spirit. He informed the Corinthians, and us today, that every person can receive the Holy Spirit. Further, the Holy Spirit connects directly to the Spirit of God, receives instructions from God, and interprets the instructions to provide God guidance and directives to the person. Thus, every person can receive and follow God guidance and directives. Please watch the video discussion for more information regarding communicating with God through the Holy Spirit.

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Living in the Image of God

Recognizing Wolves Among the Sheep

Living in the Image of God M05S04

The account of Simon the Sorcerer illustrates Christ teaching that there could be wolves among the sheep: people that embed themselves among followers of Christ but are motivated by a selfish and dangerous purpose. Given time and opportunity, they will show themselves through interactions with others. Simon the Sorcerer was hungry for personal power and embedded himself among members of the early church in Samaria, pretending to be one of them. He was, however, motivated by envy for the power he saw in the apostles and desired to acquire similar power for personal greatness. His intention was not recognized initially but revealed itself when he offered money to buy the power of God he saw in the apostles. Peter rebuked him and advised him to repent and pray for forgiveness.

Recognizing Wolves Among the Sheep 21:21

We discuss the account of Simon the Sorcerer to advance understanding of Christ teaching regarding wolves in sheep’s clothing: people that embed themselves among followers of Christ but are motivated by a selfish and dangerous purpose. The teaching provides a two-part message. First, he warns that there could be wolves among the sheep. Second, he calls for patience regarding the wolves, because they will show themselves through interactions with others, given time and opportunity. The message calls for cautious vigilance regarding motivations among the Christian family: those living to follow Jesus and love people and others seeking camouflage for a selfish and nefarious motivation.

The account of Simon the Sorcerer provides an excellent illustration of wolves in sheep’s clothing. He was a widely admired magician in Samaria that embedded himself among Christian followers of the apostle Philip, during the early history of the church there. Several members of the early church in Jerusalem left after the death of Stephen. One of them, Philip, arrived in Samaria and began to grow the church there. Simon the Sorcerer embedded himself among followers of Philip and pretended to be one of them. However, his motivation was that he admired the power he saw in Philip and sought to gain similar power for personal greatness. The Christians did not recognize his intentions initially.

Later, Peter and John arrived in Samaria to assist with growing the church there. They led people to receive the Holy Spirit by laying hands on them. Simon the Sorcerer offered money to Peter and John to purchase the power to give the Holy Spirit. Through this action, he revealed his real motivation for following along with the Christians: he was seeking personal greatness that he hoped to achieve by acquiring the power he saw in the Apostles. Peter rebuked him and advised him to pray for forgiveness, for seeking to buy the power of God with money.

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