December 3, 2015:  SOAP #2191:  

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 15:28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.  29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

Observation:   Paul was headed to Jerusalem to deliver a benevolence offering.  Then he would visit the church in Rome, stopping on his way to Spain.   He would come in the “full measure of the blessing of Christ.”    It is interesting to note that the “full measure of the blessing of Christ” included an all-expense paid trip to Rome provided by the Roman government.  Paul made the trip as a prisoner of Rome.

Application:  As I hear people proclaim revival for the USA, my heart does not know what to do—rejoice or tremble.  The proclamations might lead one to believe that it will a glorious time of great blessing for the church.  My heart believes it will be a time like Paul’s journey to Rome, encountering great storms and of shipwreck.  For Paul it was the loss of a boat on the Mediterranean Sea.  For us, I fear it will be the loss of our nation on the sea of end-time troubles.  For Paul, the ship was lost, but every life was spared. (Acts 27:44)   I pray that the church today will have the same testimony!

Prayer:   Lord, I pray for my family.  May all be saved.  May the storms drive us to You, the only safe buoy in the sea of life.  Lord, the full blessing is our eternal salvation! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!