"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me."
Today's lesson relates that there are those, like Simon, who will make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ simply for the benefits they might obtain
from wearing the Christian label.
Today, there are countless numbers of so called Christians who use that label purely for their own selfish gain. In many instances they use their "Christian" status to actually work directly against the will of God.
A perfect example of this has been exposed in recent years as priests and bishops of the Roman Catholic "Church" et al, have been found to have used their offices as a cover to molest the innocents within their congregations.
This practice is not limited to Catholics, there have been many so called deacons, elders, priests, bishops, evangelists, and preachers of many different religious sects who have been exposed as being guilty of all manner of lewd behavior with members of their flocks as well as using God's word to amass huge profits for themselves.
It is up to true everyday, practicing Christians, to first live their own lives within the boundaries set out by the gospel and to identify, and expose, those who would abuse their offices by engaging in such deceptive and abhorrent practices.
As is related in today's lesson, after Simon offered Peter money for the ability to use the power of the Holy Ghost, Peter warned him of the wrath of God that would come upon him, and told him to repent his evil thoughts. Simon then asked Peter to pray for him.~
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