The gospel advances to all the 'wrong' places. Here we see the hated neighbours - the Samaritans - believing the message about Jesus in their hundreds.

Curiously, the Holy Spirit appears to be withheld from these new believers until the Apostles from Jerusalem arrive.

If this were not strange enough, interlaced with this account of the conversion of the Samaritans is the magician called Simon. He thinks the power of the Holy Spirit can be bought with money.

In this sermon we see that the community on mission is:

• Radically inclusive

Through his Word, God grows our vision for bringing the gospel to the 'despised Samaritans' of our own city of Belfast and beyond.

Acts 8:4-25

David Varney, Pastor Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.