
But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the Good News about the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ, they were Baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed. After being Baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place. Acts 8:12-13
Simon the magician had been amazing townsfolk then he is saved by Christ and he realizes that Philip is Christ’s real deal. Where Simon had been fooling the people with his performances of magic, Philip is being used by Christ to do Christ’s preaching and healing work. Then by his one action he is defiled. Simon tries to buy his way into being an apostle; Simon is professing false witness.
Jesus shows us what this defilement is: ‘Then Jesus called the crowd to Him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to Him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then He said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”‘ Matthew 15:10-20
Christ cleanses defilement when we repent from our sin. Jesus is with God at the beginning of Creation; for 3 years He speaks only what the Heavenly Father tells Him to speak; Jesus and the Heavenly Father are One. What Jesus Christ began in the hearts of believers when He was alive on earth He continues, and magnifies, in the hearts of believers by the Power of the Holy Spirit. My friend, may your intentions be rooted in Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord.
Reverend Walker’s words reveal to my flaws that tomorrow will always shine a brighter beam of Love, Joy, Peace, and Kindness on all of us that nurture a Spirit filled heart.