Guest Message by Rev. John Cuthbert, England.
John Cuthbert holds credentials with the
Elim Pentecostal Church, UK. John’s
preaching and teaching have taken him to
many parts of the world, including Brazil,
Africa, USA, and Europe. His specialised
subject is “Apologetics - defence of the
Faith”. This includes equipping Christians
with knowledge and understanding of the
major cults, so that they can effectively
witness to those held captive by false religion.
He has studied Mormonism in Salt
Lake City, and regularly witnesses to cult
members representing the major cults. In
recent years, John has been very concerned
with what he calls “back door deception”
influencing Pentecostal and charismatic churches.
Read Acts 8.
Jerusalem was hit by a wave of persecution
against the followers of Christ.
Thousands left the city. But it did not
herald a period of fear and inactivity.
Wherever they went they shared the
Gospel with new neighbours and contacts.
When one of the catering managers
involved with the Jerusalem “Feed the
Widows” programme arrived in
Samaria, he was both uninvited and
unexpected by the people. But Philip
was there by divine appointment. A
man “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”.
(Acts 6:3-5).
The locals already believed in supernatural
and unseen spiritual powers. Their
community was a stronghold of the
demonic. The promoter of occult activity
and manifestations was a man
named Simon, a sorcerer. He was established
in that community as an amazing
exponent of the supernatural. The people
were so impressed, they called
Simon “The Great Power” – the divine
presence among them. Demonic control
and possession were widespread.
Philip preached the Gospel and confronted
the resident powers of evil.
Miraculous signs confirmed that this
stranger from Jerusalem represented a
spiritual force that was irresistible.
Simon was powerful and amazing, but
THIS was something else! Many were
saved, healed and delivered. Celebration
and joy were everywhere as the Holy
Spirit moved in people’s lives and circumstances.
We can be sure that Simon knew what
was going on, but, initially, he stayed
out of the way.
Perhaps it was finally a case of, “If you
can’t beat them, join them;” he professed
to be a believer and was baptised.
But this was careful planning. It seems
that Philip and the new fellowship of
believers had no doubts about this
notable convert.
What now? All we are told is, “He followed
Philip everywhere, astonished by
the great signs and miracles he saw”
(v. 13).
News about the mighty move of the
Holy Spirit reached the church in
Jerusalem. The apostles decided to send
Peter and John to encourage and assist
Philip and pray for the same Pentecostal
power that had rocked Jerusalem to be
poured out on the new converts. It was
the Holy Spirit Who brought Philip to
that demonised territory. Now two others,
Peter and John, were there by divine
appointment.
People that had been touched and possessed
by demons in the past were now
moved upon by the Holy Spirit as Peter
and John laid hands upon them. Simon
looked on in amazement. He heard and
saw awesome supernatural signs as all
the people around him were filled with
the power of God. Nothing like this had
been in his repertoire.
Simon did not ask Peter and John to lay
hands on him, but he saw the potential
impact of copying their ministry. If he
could do what they were doing, it would
make him very influential among the
new believers. The only way he could see
this happening was for him to buy the
ability from the apostles. Cash was
offered.
Peter did not gently correct the mistake
of a new convert. He was stern in his
rebuke. Philip and the Samaritan believers
must have been very shocked by the
apostolic denunciation. Until then,
Simon’s true spiritual state was not
known. “You have no part or share in this ministry”
(v. 21) But every true child of
God has a part and share in the ministry
of the Holy Spirit. This is, in the words of Jesus, “the
promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4).
On the very day the Holy Spirit was
poured out in Jerusalem, it was proclaimed
to a listening crowd, “Repent
and be baptised, every one of you, in the
name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness
of your sins. And you will receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for
you and your children and for all who
are far off — for all whom the Lord our
God will call.” (Acts 2:38,39).
Evidently, Simon was excluded. Peter
continued to expose Simon’s condition.
“… your heart is not right before God.
Repent of this wickedness and pray to
the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for
having such a thought in your heart.
For I see that you are full of bitterness
and captive to sin.” (vs. 21-23).
Inspired discernment exposed Simon
and his urgent need to repent. His heart
was not right with God, he was full of
bitterness and a prisoner of sin. That is
not a description of a true believer!
Simon was urged to repent and pray. He
refused to do either. “You pray on my
behalf” was his response. But his
request was prompted by fear of judgment,
not genuine spiritual concern.
This confrontation with Simon was
imperative. If it had not taken place, the
consequences would be alarming.
Soon, Peter and John would be returning
to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had
other plans for Philip that will take him
away from this revival scene. So who
will be the most influential member of
the new church? Yes, Simon the
Sorcerer. He has influence, reputation,
communication skills and money. That
can be a powerful combination in any
church!
Discernment, inspired by the Holy
Spirit, exposed what was really going on
in Samaria.
The manifestation of this gift is urgently
needed today. Left to our own natural
abilities, we are no match for Satan and
his demons. We can be fooled and
duped; these enemies of ours are experienced
experts in the whole area of
deception. Satan’s schemes involving
the Christian Church must be discovered
and defeated. His plans are ultimately paralysing and destructive.
“… in order that Satan might not outwit
us. For we are not unaware of his
schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:11).
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful
workmen, masquerading as apostles
of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan
himself masquerades as an angel of
light. It is not surprising, then, if his
servants masquerade as servants of
righteousness. Their end will be what
their actions deserve”.
(2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
The “angel of light” and “servants of
righteousness” can call upon every
demonic ally to deceive the people of
God. Without the Holy Spirit, His gifts
and anointing, the local church is
defenceless and will even welcome what
really they should resist. Reports are circulating
of charismatic churches claiming
to be in contact with dead
Pentecostal leaders such as Aimee
Semple McPherson. The Bible forbids
such activity that invites the participation
of demons. Reflecting on the
deception and lack of discernment of
recent years, one writer has shared his
concern that when the Antichrist
appears with his counterfeit miracles,
signs and wonders, many charismatic
and Pentecostal churches will acclaim
him: (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Let us call on the Lord to equip us to do
battle in His Name. But first we need to
discern Satan’s schemes and strategies.
No demon can hide from the Holy
Spirit.
John Cuthbert holds credentials with the
Elim Pentecostal Church, UK. John’s
preaching and teaching have taken him to
many parts of the world, including Brazil,
Africa, USA, and Europe. His specialised
subject is “Apologetics - defence of the
Faith”. This includes equipping Christians
with knowledge and understanding of the
major cults, so that they can effectively
witness to those held captive by false religion.
He has studied Mormonism in Salt
Lake City, and regularly witnesses to cult
members representing the major cults. In
recent years, John has been very concerned
with what he calls “back door deception”
influencing Pentecostal and Charismatic
churches.