No. 364 - Cleansing the Heart of Sorcery and False Beliefs

The Call to Spiritual Holiness

Cleansing the Heart of Sorcery and False Beliefs

Acts 19:19-20

"Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed." 

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to identify and reject any sorcery or false beliefs in my life. Cleanse my heart and mind to follow Your truth and live in accordance with Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

In Acts 19, the Apostle Paul was in Ephesus, a city known for its practice of magic and idolatry. Many new believers were formerly involved in these practices. Upon their conversion, they took drastic steps to rid themselves of their old ways. They gathered their magic books and burned them publicly, demonstrating their rejection of sorcery and false beliefs. This act of cleansing not only showed their commitment to Christ but also contributed to the growth of the early church.

Be Encouraged 

Just as the believers in Ephesus took decisive action to remove their old, harmful practices, we too can take steps to cleanse our hearts from anything that hinders our relationship with God. For instance, if someone is struggling with unhealthy habits or false beliefs, making a conscious effort to replace these with God’s truth can lead to spiritual growth and a stronger relationship with Him. Your commitment to following Christ can inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives.

Application 

In 1 John 5:21, we read, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” This verse reminds us to avoid anything that takes the place of God in our lives. Imagine a person who has realised that their love for material possessions has become an idol, taking more importance than their relationship with God. By refocusing their priorities and seeking God's guidance, they can overcome this distraction and grow closer to Him.

Another relevant verse is 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’” This teaches us to separate ourselves from anything unholy. If you find yourself influenced by false teachings or practices, it is crucial to distance yourself from them and seek to live a life aligned with God’s standards.

Invitation 

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, I urge you to visit a nearby church of Christ. There, you will receive guidance on how to obey the gospel of Christ through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of your sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). By doing so, you will be added to His church, where you will continue to learn more about God and practice Christ’s commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Embrace the call to spiritual holiness, and let today’s message inspire you to cleanse your life of anything that hinders your faith. Share this message with others, and encourage them to follow Christ as well.

Concluding Prayer 

Thank You, Lord, for showing me the importance of cleansing my heart from sorcery and false beliefs. Help me to be committed to Your truth and to live a life that honours You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana

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