Guest Message by Rev. John Cuthbert, England.

John Cuthbert holds credentials with the Elim Pentecostal Church, UK. John’s preaching and teaching have taken him to many parts of the world, including Brazil, Africa, USA, and Europe. His specialised subject is “Apologetics - defence of the Faith”. This includes equipping Christians with knowledge and understanding of the major cults, so that they can effectively witness to those held captive by false religion. He has studied Mormonism in Salt Lake City, and regularly witnesses to cult members representing the major cults. In recent years, John has been very concerned with what he calls “back door deception” influencing Pentecostal and charismatic churches.

Read Acts 8.

Jerusalem was hit by a wave of persecution against the followers of Christ. Thousands left the city. But it did not herald a period of fear and inactivity. Wherever they went they shared the Gospel with new neighbours and contacts. When one of the catering managers involved with the Jerusalem “Feed the Widows” programme arrived in Samaria, he was both uninvited and unexpected by the people. But Philip was there by divine appointment. A man “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”. (Acts 6:3-5).

The locals already believed in supernatural and unseen spiritual powers. Their community was a stronghold of the demonic. The promoter of occult activity and manifestations was a man named Simon, a sorcerer. He was established in that community as an amazing exponent of the supernatural. The people were so impressed, they called Simon “The Great Power” – the divine presence among them. Demonic control and possession were widespread. Philip preached the Gospel and confronted the resident powers of evil.

Miraculous signs confirmed that this stranger from Jerusalem represented a spiritual force that was irresistible. Simon was powerful and amazing, but THIS was something else! Many were saved, healed and delivered. Celebration and joy were everywhere as the Holy Spirit moved in people’s lives and circumstances. We can be sure that Simon knew what was going on, but, initially, he stayed out of the way.

Perhaps it was finally a case of, “If you can’t beat them, join them;” he professed to be a believer and was baptised. But this was careful planning. It seems that Philip and the new fellowship of believers had no doubts about this notable convert.

What now? All we are told is, “He followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw” (v. 13).

News about the mighty move of the Holy Spirit reached the church in Jerusalem. The apostles decided to send Peter and John to encourage and assist Philip and pray for the same Pentecostal power that had rocked Jerusalem to be poured out on the new converts. It was the Holy Spirit Who brought Philip to that demonised territory. Now two others, Peter and John, were there by divine appointment.

People that had been touched and possessed by demons in the past were now moved upon by the Holy Spirit as Peter and John laid hands upon them. Simon looked on in amazement. He heard and saw awesome supernatural signs as all the people around him were filled with the power of God. Nothing like this had been in his repertoire.

Simon did not ask Peter and John to lay hands on him, but he saw the potential impact of copying their ministry. If he could do what they were doing, it would make him very influential among the new believers. The only way he could see this happening was for him to buy the ability from the apostles. Cash was offered.

Peter did not gently correct the mistake of a new convert. He was stern in his rebuke. Philip and the Samaritan believers must have been very shocked by the apostolic denunciation. Until then, Simon’s true spiritual state was not known. “You have no part or share in this ministry” (v. 21) But every true child of God has a part and share in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This is, in the words of Jesus, “the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). On the very day the Holy Spirit was poured out in Jerusalem, it was proclaimed to a listening crowd, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38,39).

Evidently, Simon was excluded. Peter continued to expose Simon’s condition. “… your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” (vs. 21-23).

Inspired discernment exposed Simon and his urgent need to repent. His heart was not right with God, he was full of bitterness and a prisoner of sin. That is not a description of a true believer! Simon was urged to repent and pray. He refused to do either. “You pray on my behalf” was his response. But his request was prompted by fear of judgment, not genuine spiritual concern.

This confrontation with Simon was imperative. If it had not taken place, the consequences would be alarming. Soon, Peter and John would be returning to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had other plans for Philip that will take him away from this revival scene. So who will be the most influential member of the new church? Yes, Simon the Sorcerer. He has influence, reputation, communication skills and money. That can be a powerful combination in any church!

Discernment, inspired by the Holy Spirit, exposed what was really going on in Samaria.

The manifestation of this gift is urgently needed today. Left to our own natural abilities, we are no match for Satan and his demons. We can be fooled and duped; these enemies of ours are experienced experts in the whole area of deception. Satan’s schemes involving the Christian Church must be discovered and defeated. His plans are ultimately paralysing and destructive. “… in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:11). “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve”. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

The “angel of light” and “servants of righteousness” can call upon every demonic ally to deceive the people of God. Without the Holy Spirit, His gifts and anointing, the local church is defenceless and will even welcome what really they should resist. Reports are circulating of charismatic churches claiming to be in contact with dead Pentecostal leaders such as Aimee Semple McPherson. The Bible forbids such activity that invites the participation of demons. Reflecting on the deception and lack of discernment of recent years, one writer has shared his concern that when the Antichrist appears with his counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, many charismatic and Pentecostal churches will acclaim him: (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

Let us call on the Lord to equip us to do battle in His Name. But first we need to discern Satan’s schemes and strategies. No demon can hide from the Holy Spirit.

John Cuthbert holds credentials with the Elim Pentecostal Church, UK. John’s preaching and teaching have taken him to many parts of the world, including Brazil, Africa, USA, and Europe. His specialised subject is “Apologetics - defence of the Faith”. This includes equipping Christians with knowledge and understanding of the major cults, so that they can effectively witness to those held captive by false religion. He has studied Mormonism in Salt Lake City, and regularly witnesses to cult members representing the major cults. In recent years, John has been very concerned with what he calls “back door deception” influencing Pentecostal and Charismatic churches.