Simon before & after

Acts 8:9–13 (NKJV): 9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Simon, once into satanic sorcery. Who would ever give him a shot at righteous living? Truth is, none can say they started out right. Many assume those like Simon, led by satan, would never change. Our assumptions are wrong. Simon was lost, miserable, empty, and depressed without Jesus! We all are! The people were deceived by him saying he had worked by the great power of God. Not true at all. His eyes were opened to this lie. He came to believe in Jesus as his Lord and got baptized, identifying with Jesus! This is another perfect example of what the power of the gospel does in man.