But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Seems to me to be a contest between entertainment and the presentation of a good news that was real and brought the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Kingdom of God into their lives.
Aren't our 'seeker sensitive' churches and those catering to Sunday Morning Only churches both using an entertainment approach? Where is the Good News that draws the lost, the least and the lonely in? Where is the Gospel that preaches that all our righteousness is as filthy rags? Where is the evidence of lives lived in faith/belief/trust/commitment/obedience?
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 108
Mid-day: 119:65-72
Evening: Psalm 34
Please address comments to voices@ailbe.org
"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore. A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/7251-2016-voices-together-weekly-format. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.
