September 6, 2026. What happens when we want God’s power, influence, or recognition more than we want God Himself? Acts 8 introduces us to Simon, a man fascinated by the work of the Holy Spirit but still trying to approach spiritual power through his old way of thinking.

Joe Lewis walks through Peter and John’s encounter with Simon and reminds us that God’s gifts are received by grace, not purchased, controlled, or used for personal gain. The gospel crosses the ancient divide between Jews and Samaritans, creating one people with one Savior, one gospel, one Spirit, and one church.

You’ll be encouraged to consider whether you want God to use you so He will be glorified, or simply so you can feel important. You’ll also see how grace changed John’s heart toward the Samaritans, how spiritual activity can never replace genuine surrender, and why church attendance, baptism, Bible knowledge, and ministry service aren’t substitutes for a heart made right before God.

• Am I asking God to be glorified, or am I looking for recognition?
• Is there an area of my life where I’m resisting the Holy Spirit’s rule?

Visit the Annistown Road Church website to learn more, or join us in person next Sunday.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts 8:14-25

Tap here for sermon notes

Follow along with sermon notes and more on the Church Center app! Download now to get started.

If you have any questions about anything you heard on this episode, or if you want to start a relationship with Jesus, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Get in touch at annistown.com/contact

Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla