August 30, 2026. Who is your Samaria? The person, group, or neighbor you’ve quietly decided probably wouldn’t listen to the gospel? And what has your attention: Jesus, or success, politics, popularity, and the things that keep pulling the spotlight toward you?

Preaching from Acts 8:5-13, Joe Lewis follows Philip into Samaria, a place marked by deep hostility and division. Philip doesn’t bring his opinions, politics, or personal reputation. He proclaims Jesus Christ. As the gospel is heard, captives are freed, lives change, and an entire city finds joy.

The story also introduces Simon, a man who had amazed Samaria with his magic and built his identity around being seen as great. But when Philip arrives, the attention shifts. Simon can astonish people, but only Jesus can save. True gospel ministry doesn’t make the messenger bigger; it makes Jesus clearer.

This message calls us to recognize counterfeit spiritual power by knowing what is real through God’s Word, to cross the boundaries we’ve placed between ourselves and others, and to make sure our lives point people away from us and toward Christ.

• Who is your Samaria, and what boundary is keeping you from sharing the good news?
• What has your attention, and does your life make Jesus clearer to the people around you?

Visit the church website to learn more, or join us in person next Sunday.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts 8:5-13

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Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla