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Beginning with Stephen's deathStephen's death, the Jews in Jerusalem began to relentlessly persecuterelentlessly persecute the

Christians in Jerusalem.

Thousands became refugeesrefugees, fleeing to

other countries.

October 26, 2011 www.rossvillechurch.com

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What the devil diddevil did to destroy the church, God usedGod used to not only preserve the churchpreserve the church, but make it growgrow.

Unbelieving Jews not only rejectedrejected and killedkilled their Messiah, Jesus ChristJesus Christ, the Son of God, but tried to stamp outstamp out the churchchurch, His body,

with more violence.

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5 Then PhilipPhilip (deacon) went down (elevation) to the (a) city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave gave heedheed (apply one's self) unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miraclesmiracles which he did.

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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 joygreat joy in that city.

When people take heedtake heed to the Truth of God,

They get happyhappy!

These folks gladlygladly received the Gospel of Jesus.

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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 onehimself 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 bewitchedbewitched them with sorceries.

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Simon proclaimed himselfhimself to be some great one.

Philip proclaimed Jesus ChristJesus Christ.

A difference to watch for. Promoting selfself is not of God.

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.

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They heardheard the Gospel, and believedbelieved.

They were bornborn of the Spirit of God.

ThenThen they were baptized.

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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.

He believedbelieved that Philip had great power.

He didn't believe in Jesus ChristJesus Christ with saving faithsaving faith.

We will see that he bore no fruitbore no fruit of salvation.

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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 themprayed 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.

This is a time of transitiontransition in the church.

The Holy Ghost did not yetnot yet come into every believer in the moment of salvationmoment of salvation.

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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.

Simon saw this as an opportunityopportunity to make himself look powerful again.

He didn't like the role of followerfollower; he wanted to leadlead.

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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 thy heart is not right in the sight of Godin 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 bitternessgall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquitybond of iniquity.

Simon believed in his headhead, but his heartheart was notnot right with God.

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24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray yePray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

We eacheach must repent for our ownown sins.

The preacher, or deacon, or your mama can't repent for youcan't repent for you.

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781 Salem Road, Rossville, GA 3074113

October 30 is Fifth Sunday

Baptizing in Morning Worship

Concert Concert December 4December 4

11:00 AM

Four by GraceFour by Grace

Dinner and Fellowship after church in Fort O