INTRODUCTION - CARNALITY IN MAN HAS ALWAYS LED HIM TO SEEK A CHEAP SUBSTUTUTE SHORTCUT TO SUCCESS!

• Philip may have been taken in by Simon, but Peter spotted him quickly, & dealt sternly
• The Word here- "Sorcery" (Gr Magenon) -magic, magi- Astrology; other-Pharmacy-Drugs-another
• We are living in the greatest revival of Astrology since the Babylonian & Chaldean- and it is a deadly danger to those who stumble into its mysteries- There is a difference between Astronomy & Astrology!

I. THE BIBLE FATE OF A SORCERER -Acts 8:-

Many may advertise their hidden arts & books- the Bible is open for all to read- try it!

A.  PHILIP DURING THE TIME OF REVIVAL RECIEVED A DOUBTFUL CONVERT - SIMON MAGUS - SORCERER BY TRADE

1. Previous history- the profession of being a sorcerer is mentioned by Josephus- 9,10,11
2. The circumstances- during the preaching of Philip many conversions, great joy-12, revival
3. Evidence of conversion- Confession, Baptism, adherence to Philip, admir of Miracles- v.13

B.  BUT THE REVIVAL CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF THE APOSTLES, AND BROUGHT IN ANOTHER SIMON PETER 14-

1. When the Apostles heard of the Deacon holding revival- they came down to see God work-
2. The people had not received the Holy Ghost-(make no great doctrine here) but People were saved
3. So the Apostles laid hands on them- and they were empowered -display of transition in Acts

C.  THE STRANGE EMPOWERING WAS MERCHANDISE TO THE MAGICIAN, AND HE WANTED THIS POWER OVER PEOPLE

1. Simon's proposal- 18,19- the purchase of religious office or power by money- "Simony" -
2. Peter rebuked-v.20- "thy money perish with thee"- v.21-Diagnosis-no part-for heart not right!
3. Solution-v.22 repent, pray forgiveness of thoughts- v.23- bitterness- iniquity -Repent not

Simon Magnus was alarmed- v.24-wanted free from penalty of sin- but something lacking here

II.  WHAT IS SORCERY THAT CURSED SIMON?

Much of the occult, magic, astrology, quotes the Bible, but is it Christian? Biblical? NO

A.   THERE IS AN ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE OCCULT, ASTROLOGY, AND ITS FRUIT IS DEADLY - search the Bible

1. Gen 11:4-The Tower of Babel-top to be astrologers center- ZODIAC -story of Creation-redemption but corrupted mythology
2. Deut 18:9-14 Israel was commanded not to follow the strange arts- witch hunt- Exo.22:18
3. Isa 47:13-15 & 9 -God judged Babylon for her astrology- & asked if astrologers could save her
4. Jer 10:2,3 following the signs of the heavens are as idolatry- wicked- sinful
5. Matt 24:24- Jesus warned about false Christs with signs and wonders- deceiving even elect-?
6. Acts 19:18-20 -the early Christians burned their books on black arts-astrology -We need to!
7. Daniel 2:27-8 it is God that reveals secrets- & for man to play God is always disastrous!

B.  WHY DO MEN WANT TO PLAY GOD, AND SEEK MYSTERIES THROUGH ASTROLOGY, WITCHCRAFT, & THE OCCULT?

1. Man's anxiety about tomorrow- curious to know--but Faith in God needs no crutch-excitement
2. Following Science-makes man a machine- so they look for purpose--but real life is in Jesus
3. If "our destiny is in Stars" then we have fatalism-not responsible-- oh Yeah?

Revivals of Astrology have cycles- 17th Century after plagues, after Rome's fall- See Pike-

III.  IS THERE ANY DANGER TODAY??

There has become a regular explosion in this area- Drugs, Cults, ESP, Spiritism, Black Magic

A.  ASTROLOGY IS THE RELIGION OF THE "AGE OF AQUARIUS", AND THE "NEW VIBRATIONS" ARE LATEST FAD

1. Biggest revival of Astrology since Babylon- 10 mil adherents- 40 mil dabbling-in US, 1,200 papers
2. Multi Mil $ industry- syndicated news columns, charts, magazines, slot machines- computers -wow
3. Banks, retail stores using symbols, plays - "Hair", Music, even Horoscopes for dogs- bow

B.  MOST ASTROLOGERS QUOTE SCRIPTURE, TRY TO LET ON LIKE THEY ARE CHRISTIANS PLUS NEW WISDOM - BEWARE!

1. Carroll Righter states- with 1904 the Age of Aquarius is age of Joy- new life in Christ!
2. Llewellyn George- states that the Vibrations of Planets are the messengers of God- fooled?
3. Ps 19:1 - heavens do declare glory of God- but beware the occult- zodiac, strange Science?-

C.   THIS CAN BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE REALITY THAT IS FOUND IN CHRIST, AND THE RESULTS IS POISON!

1. In "Martin Luther" "Take away amulets, beads, rosary & crucifix-what in their place?"-Christ!
2. Our God is a Jealous God- OT; We are to be in love with Jesus- no room to share with occult.
3. The proof of the pie is in the eating- Acts 8:21b- heart not right; Try Rom 12:1,2 instead.

There is no secret shortcut to Christian Victory- growth in grace, & knowledge of Jesus

CONCLUSION - THE MAGICIANS, SORCERERS OF TODAY WILL DECEIVE YOU UNLESS YOU BELONG TO JESUS CHRIST

1. Wherever these evil ones touch- the result is death- but Wherever Christ touches- life
2. Since He is the Mystery of God revealed- come and take him as savior- tonight-
3. If you are a Christian- do not allow curiosity to draw you into the occult-

Pledge your entire love to Jesus- & these things will have no attraction for you!

_{SWC SE462-71}