Of the seven deacons, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom who were appointed "over this business", two - Stephen and Philip - were not contented with this appointment, but ventured further into Holy Spirit filled ministry.
Both Stephen and Philip had ministries with the evidence of signs and wonders. Stephen seemed to have had a special unction to minister to established groups and people, whilst Philip's was to the common people.
Simon saw things so astonishing when Peter and John laid hands on the Samaritan believers to receive the Holy Spirit, that he wanted that too.
Peter's response is instructive; the Holy Spirit is "the gift of God", and cannot be purchased.
The awesome thing about the early believers was that the Holy Spirit spoken so clearly to them. They were so focused on the Lord and the Kingdom, that they were able to hear the voice of the Spirit, and the Holy Spirit was able to direct them very specifically.
Present day Chrisitianity wants the power without the person of the Holy Spirit. We want the outcome without putting in the price to pay. How far we have fallen! We are not willing to pay the price for the precious pearl given to us by the Father through the mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we wonder at where the fire and power went!
How did we believers come to the conclusion that our lives may be devoid of testing and trials, humiliation and persecution, just like how our Savior and Lord endured? Shouldn't the disciples expect to experience what the Master did?
The good news we proclaim is Jesus, God's solution for sin, and the answer to all mankind's problems.
Submitting to God is helped when our appettites are also submitted to God through fasting and prayer. The key to overcome our personal bad habits is by submitting to God, with fasting and prayer in attendant.
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