STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE

CHURCH,

1577 (118x) ekklesia, ek-klay-see'ah; from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concr.) a popular meeting place, espec. a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): -assembly (3x), church {115x}.

1. The word stresses a group of people called out for a special purpose.

(1a) It designated the new society of which Jesus was the founder, being as it was a society knit together by the closest spiritual bonds and altogether independent of space.

(1b) Ekklesia, from ek, "out of," and klesis, "a calling (kaleo, "to call"), was used among the Greeks of a body of citizens "gathered" to discuss the affairs of state, Acts 19:39.
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NLT Study Bible

I propose to all a description of 2 different "Simon's" in the book of Acts, representing 2 different churches! The first one called:

"Simon the Sorcerer"

Acts 8:9....A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. 10. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as "The Great One-The Power of God." 11. They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.
12. But now the people believed Philip's message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. 13. Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.
14. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there. 15. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19. "Let me have this power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!"
20. But Peter replied, "May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! 21. You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23. for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and held captive by sin."
24. "Pray to the Lord for me, "Simon exclaimed, "that these terrible things you've said won't happen to me!"
25. After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.


The second one called:

Simon Peter


Acts 8:14.......When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there.

This man "Peter" is called Simon Peter also in Acts 10:5. This is the Peter that is the Rock that Jesus said he would build his church on!


As you can see, these are TWO DIFFERENT Simons! Simon Peter was the Rock that Jesus said he would build his church on.

Simon the sorcerer believed and was baptized, but did NOT receive the Holy Spirit! In fact, Simon Peter told him in verse 20.....

Acts 8:20.......But Peter replied, "May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! 21. You can have NO part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23. for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.


Who is the most EVIL RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION on the face of the planet earth that is headed by someone that is rich and performs sorcery? Do you think God ever forgave this man (Simon the sorcerer) that is probably one and the same that started this evil religious organization? It should be obvious that the twisting of the word of God is this organizations mode of operation and has the same spirit of anti-Christ that Simon the sorcerer displayed!
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Church, a group of people called out for a special purpose!

THIS is the true CHURCH OF GOD!


ybic
Michael