Pastor John Wright

In a recent issue of "Grow: A Journal for the development of missional leaders and missional churches," an editorial exhorts pastors to develop worship 'venues'. A new type of church is emerging: 'affinity church', "organized to reach niche groups of unchurched peole who are most comfortable in their own particular lifestyles. There are affinity churches for golfers who want to worship together before heading out to the course. Close to where I live, a church advertises a worship service for bluegrass enthusiasts. Several hundred bikers attend a Saturday evening service at the Grove City Church of the Nazarene" ("The Front Line", Summer 2005).

This provides an interesting entry into the text for tonight. Following the persecution of the church in Jerusalem, the gospel of Jesus Christ moves out beyond the Jews to enfold the Samaritans into God's kingdom, the renewed Israel, in Acts 8:9-25.

Vv. 9-13 The account of Simon the Magician. Simon becomes the pivotal figure throughout this passage, a background from which the Samaritans receive the Spirit. In vv. 9-13, analyze the authority in Simon, why he was so influential. Discuss how Simon sets the categories by which Philip is perceived. What was the content of Philip's preaching? What would conversion mean in this setting? Why would baptism be required?

Vv. 14-17: Why would the apostles from Jerusalem travel to Samaria? What is the result of their trip? What is the importance of the Spirit? How does this relate to Acts 2 and Pentecost?

Vv. 18-24: Why does Simon want the Holy Spirit? Why would he offer money to them for the Spirit? Why does Peter correct him so strongly? Why does Peter see it as a matter of Simon's heart? What is repentance in this context, a repentance of one who already has believed and been baptized? What is the "gall of bitterness and chains of wickedness" that Peter perceives Simon under? Finally, note the ambiguity of Simon's response. Does he really get it? What is he afraid of?

V. 25: What would it be for Peter and John to speak "the word of the Lord"? Why would this still be necessary after the baptisms and the reception of the Spirit? As they return to Jerusalem, what do they also do? What might be the difference in their messages, between speaking the "word of the Lord" to the believers and "proclaiming the good news" to many villages? How does the above story in chapter 8 so far call for the necessity of both?

This might be an interesting point to talk about. How is Simon similarly to an "affinity congregation"? What do such gatherings desire out of the gospel and the Spirit's presence? Why is it necessary to both "proclaim the gospel" and "speak the word of the Lord"? Why is it necessary to call both unbelievers and believers to repentance? If not, what will happen to the life of the church as it reaches out to unbelievers in its witness in the world.

Have a wonderful evening!!