Something Greater

Acts 8: Christian or Churchian? Acts 8:18-19 What has gone before... Simon believed, and was baptized, and must have been among the crowd that received the Holy Spirit. He understood that Peter and John had a special relationship with God that gave them the authority, or the power, to confer the Holy Spirit upon others. Simon wanted the same authority, the same power, as Peter and John. Moving on... Acts 8:18-19 (ESV) "Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, - Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." POWER: exousia (privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, master, superhuman, potentate, token of control or influence); from exesti (it is right, as if being out in public); from ek (origin) and eimi (I exist) This is the same word used to describe the authority and power of Christ (Matthew 7:29; 9:6). This is the powe...

Religious Rites and Happy Habits I was asked a couple of simple questions , for which I have no firm answer yet: What is God saying to you about your heart right now? What adjustments do you need to make to be more real with God and others about your faith? Here's my response: There are a few simple habits which I treasure, toward which I look forward, and for which I plan and allot time: Daily, I clean my body and arrange my hair and dress to be comfortable and acceptable to others. Daily, I grind flavored coffee beans and press them through hot water to make a beverage that refreshes me and pleases my senses. Daily, I listen to a wide variety of music, played on a pocket-sized electronic device. The music relaxes, enlivens, encourages and intrigues my mind. Daily, I read and reply to messages and news from friends, my community and my circle of interests and passions. I do these things daily, without fail, without complaint, and with great enjoyment. I treas...