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

August 23: Jeremiah 31-32; 1John 4

Scripture: 1John (NIV) 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1John (NIV) 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Observation: John gives a warning that was necessary for his day, and even more necessary for today. Believing that Jesus is God who came to this world in the flesh to die for our sins is key as to faith. Living a life of love is key as to actions.

In considering what is happening in the world today (August 2014), we can see that religions that kill in the name of God clearly are not of God. But neither are people whose speech causes others to riot, even if they are called “Reverend” and speak from a church pulpit. How does that represent Jesus??? Those like Jesus in Ferguson, Missouri are those who set themselves in a place of potential danger and walk with the marchers in the streets to help calm high emotion. They stand between the police and potential rioters. They stand in front of the shops to protect them from looters. It is easy to see Jesus in them.

Application: Manufacturing companies want to have a trademark that is easily recognizable by the public. They want people to recognize their product. God’s trademark for His people is love. He wants people to recognize his ownership of me by the love that can be seen in my life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless the Christians in Ferguson. May their love be easily seen. May their presence in the place of danger be the open door for the Holy Spirit to bring your peace. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!