Please open your Bibles with me as I read this morning's text found in the book of

Acts chapter 8 verses 9 through 24 the book of acts chapter 8 versus 9 through 24. But there was a man named

Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed

the nation of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.

They all gave heed to him from the least to the greatest saying,

This man is that power of God which is called great.

And they gave heed to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

But when they believed Philip, as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God

and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip, and seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God. They sent to them, Peter and John, who came

down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For it had not yet fallen

on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

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 that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.

But Peter said to him,

Your silver perish with you because you thought that you could obtain the gift of God with money.

You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you

for I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity and

Simon answered, Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.

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