January 3, 2016:  SOAP #2222:  

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 3:18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them. 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

Observation:   Jesus spoke very highly of John: “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11)  John’s message was a combination of “good news” AND “rebuke.”  If the church wants a commendation like John received from Jesus, it must be faithful to preach both the “good news” and the “rebuke.”

Application:   When someone grabs and saves me from falling on the ground, I appreciate their concern and help.  When someone risks their life to push me out of the way of a speeding car about to hit me, I GREATLY appreciate their concern and help!   The level of perceived danger affects the level of my appreciation!  If the truth about the terribleness of sin and its results is not known, then grace appears to be of little value and not greatly needed!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me faithfully present truth.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!