People of the Word
First Christian Church—May 18, 2025
Chuck Foreman, Teaching/Missions Pastor

The Gospel always encounters opposition and always reveals the underlying reason for resistance to God.  

We see this in Jesus’ approach to a rich man, Mark 10:17-22.   

• Hebrews 4:12-13  The Word of God always reveals what’s really going on…  
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• GOD’s Story— Challenges in Samaria,  Acts 8:9-25 
• 1. Wrong focus of Samaritan worship was exposed by the Good News (9-13) 
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• 2. The Samaritan believers needed the Holy Spirit (14-17) 
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• · What the Apostles knew we also know, Romans 8:9, 14, 16   
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• · We know what Peter also knew, Acts 2:38  
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• 3. Simon the Sorcerer’s motive is revealed (18-24) 
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• · Simon was about the miracle show, the spotlight, the attention. HE WANTED PEOPLE TO WORSHIP HIM RATHER THAN GOD!  
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• · Beware and tremble! Isaiah 66:2  
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• · Peter’s insight: Acts 8:23   
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• · Bitterness? Yes. Deuteronomy 29:16-18  
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• 4. Peter & John were not derailed from their mission by the challenges in Samaria (25)  
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What did you discover in this story? _______________________________________

BIG Idea:       The Good News of Jesus will expose and overcome opposition.  

Right On!                                                               Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-11