Doug’s Coffee Break

In this episode, we explore the story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 and his misguided attempt to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s stern rebuke highlighted Simon’s failure to grasp God’s grace. We’ll also discuss how this account showcases Christianity’s triumph over occult practices and the lasting impact of Simon’s actions, which gave rise to the term simony. Tune in as we unpack the spiritual lessons from this powerful encounter!

Why did the Holy Spirit delay in coming to the Samaritan believers? In Acts 8:14–17, the arrival of Peter and John bridges the gap between old divisions and new unity. Their presence confirms Philip’s ministry and ensures the Samaritan church is fully welcomed into the body of Christ—one Spirit, one faith, one family.

Simon the sorcerer once held sway in Samaria with his dazzling displays of power—until Philip arrived with the gospel of Jesus Christ. As miracles confirmed Philip’s message, even Simon believed and was baptized. But was his faith genuine, or was he still chasing power? This episode explores a dramatic spiritual showdown and the deeper questions it raises.

As persecution scatters the early believers, Philip brings the gospel to Samaria—an unexpected move with powerful results. Backed by miraculous signs, his message breaks through cultural barriers and brings great joy to a people once avoided by Jews. In this episode, we see how God’s plan advances, even through suffering.

Stephen’s death in Acts 7 sparks a wave of persecution that scatters the early church—except for the apostles who stay in Jerusalem. In Acts 8:1b–3, we see God using this crisis to spread the gospel, even as Saul begins violently attacking believers. This episode unpacks how the church’s suffering marked both a tragic rejection and a divine redirection.

Stephen’s bold defense before the Sanhedrin was more than a history lesson—it was a confrontation of Israel’s resistance to God’s plan. His execution, eerily similar to Jesus’, marked a shift in the early church, sparking both intense persecution and rapid expansion. Join us as we explore the significance of Stephen’s martyrdom, the role of Saul in this pivotal moment, and how this event shaped the future of Christianity.

In this episode, we explore the powerful climax of Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin. He boldly declares that God is not confined to temples and confronts Israel’s history of rejecting His messengers. Calling out their resistance to the Holy Spirit, Stephen exposes their betrayal of Jesus, the Righteous One. Join us as we break down this fiery confrontation and its significance in the early church.

In this episode, we examine Israel’s struggle between worshiping God and falling into idolatry. Despite having the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling among them, the people turned to false gods, leading to exile. Yet, through Joshua and later David, God’s presence remained central to Israel’s journey. Join us as we explore this tension between faithfulness and rebellion and what it teaches us today.

In this episode, we explore Moses' role as Israel’s leader and the people's repeated resistance to God's plan. Though chosen as ruler and redeemer, Moses faced rejection, even as he performed miracles and received God’s law. Instead of trusting him, the Israelites turned to idolatry, making the golden calf. Join us as we unpack this powerful moment and its deeper implications for faith and leadership.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful moment when Moses encounters God in the burning bush. After 40 years in the wilderness, Moses is called to lead Israel out of Egypt. God reveals His presence, declares the ground holy, and commissions Moses for the rescue mission. Join us as we explore the significance of this divine encounter and its impact on Israel’s history.