June 08, 2026 | The Movement - A Study in Acts by Byron McWilliams
Day 1: The Danger of Counterfeit Christianity
Reading: Acts 8:9-13; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Devotional: Simon the sorcerer looked like a believer. He said the right words, got baptized, and joined the church. Yet his heart remained unchanged. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and his servants often appear as servants of righteousness. True Christianity is not about outward performance but inward transformation. The question we must honestly ask ourselves is not "Do I look like a Christian?" but "Has Jesus truly changed my heart?" Dead flies spoil the perfumer's ointment—a little spiritual decay can corrupt what appears beautiful. Today, examine your heart. Is your faith authentic, or are you simply going through the motions? God sees beyond our religious activities to the condition of our souls.
Day 2: Salvation Cannot Be Earned or Purchased
Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 8:18-20
Devotional: Peter's rebuke to Simon was sharp: "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money." Salvation is a gift, not a transaction. We cannot work for it, buy it, or earn it through religious performance. This truth levels the playing field—the wealthiest billionaire and the poorest pauper must come to the same cross on equal footing. Many still try to purchase God's favor through good deeds, church attendance, or generous giving. But grace means unmerited favor. You bring nothing to the table except your sin and need. Christ brings everything—forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. Stop trying to earn what Jesus freely offers. Simply receive.
Day 3: The Evidence of Genuine Faith
Reading: Matthew 7:15-23; James 2:14-26
Devotional: Jesus warned that many would say "Lord, Lord" but never enter heaven. The issue is not what we say or even what religious activities we perform, but whether we bear fruit consistent with repentance over time. Genuine salvation produces the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Simon believed intellectually and participated outwardly, but his heart never changed. He still craved power and recognition. True faith transforms us from the inside out. A changed heart produces a changed life. Ask yourself: Is there evidence of spiritual fruit in my life? Am I becoming more like Jesus, or am I simply maintaining a religious facade? Authentic faith always bears fruit.
Day 4: The Call to Genuine Repentance
Reading: Acts 8:21-23; 2 Corinthians 7:10
Devotional: Peter's diagnosis of Simon was devastating: "Your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray." Simon was captured in "the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." Yet when confronted, Simon refused to pray himself, dismissively telling Peter to pray for him instead. True repentance means turning from sin and turning to God in humility and brokenness. It requires acknowledging our spiritual bankruptcy and crying out for mercy. Many, like Simon, want the benefits of Christianity without surrendering their hearts. They want fire insurance from hell but refuse to bow the knee to Jesus as Lord. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry; it is a complete change of direction. Will you humble yourself today and genuinely repent?
Day 5: Assurance of Salvation
Reading: 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 8:15-16
Devotional: God does not want you living in doubt about your salvation. The Apostle John wrote his letter "so that you may know that you have eternal life." The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. If you have genuinely repented of sin and trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, you can have absolute assurance. This assurance does not come from a past religious experience, baptism, or church membership—it comes from the ongoing work of the Spirit producing fruit in your life and giving you confidence that you belong to God. If you lack this assurance, today can be your day of salvation. Confess Jesus as Lord, believe God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved. Don't leave this earth uncertain about eternity.