In contrast to Simon the magician who wanted to pay for the Spirit, many Samaritans in Acts 8 chose to freely receive him. Yet the peculiar nature of the Spirit's arrival among the Samaritans prompts a deeper discussion into how we should understand the Holy Spirit and his interaction with believers today.

Simon the magician "believed and was baptized" yet he stands as a warning when our belief and focus is on signs, and not in the One to whom the signs point.

In whatever way persecution comes upon the church, we find God using it in various ways to stir up His people and spread His Good News.

The longest speech in the book of Acts is not by Paul or any other apostle. Rather, filled with wisdom and power through the Spirit, God used Stephen, a deacon selected to run a food distribution program in the early church, to deliver the gospel in the most trying circumstances. 

Roy Mitton, co-founder of Your Thriving Family, shares the progress made in ten years of ministry and the important elements necessary to make marriages thrive. Visit www.yourthrivingfamily.ca for more info.

Local farmers turned missionaries to South Sudan, Russell and Anita Wolf share with us how God is using their team in the world's newest country and how He can and does use anyone to fulfill His great commission. Find out more about Serving in Mission at sim.ca

While there is a lot of good things one can do, the church functions best when everyone does the good that God has gifted him or her to do.

Despite the best efforts of the Sanhedrin to stop Peter and John from preaching the good news about Jesus Christ, God's intention prevailed and continue to do so.

The early church was "united in heart and mind" and their care for each other was seen through the example of Barnabas, the son of encouragement. In contrast, the example of Ananias and Saphira continues to produce fearful reverence and obedience among all who follow God.

Brought before the powerful Sanhedrin, the once cowardly Peter along with John again demonstrate the confidence found in Spirit-filled witnesses to Jesus Christ.