Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 8: Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.
8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.
9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

Observation: The early church was going through a tough transition. Gentiles were being saved and becoming a part of the church. They were wrestling with the question as to whether or not the Gentiles would need to become Jewish believers and keep the Law of Moses. Here Peter reminded that that God had already decided the issue. God had given them the Gentile believers the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-48) just as he had given to the Jewish believers earlier on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). God had not required them to become Jewish.

Application: There have been times when I struggled with what was acceptable or unacceptable. In searching the scriptures and prayer, I have usually discovered that God had already decided the issue. I have found that the more I get to know Him, the better I am able to discern what is acceptable and what is unacceptable.

Prayer: Lord, I want to become so close to you, so familiar with your character, and so in touch with your Spirit that I will easily understand what is acceptable and unacceptable to you. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!