December 17, 2016: SOAP #2571:  2Peter 1-3; John 1

Scripture:  2Peter (NIV) 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

Observation:  Christmas is not only an expression of God’s love in sending His Son Jesus to die for our sins, it is an expression of God’s holiness.  The sacrifice for sin had to be prepared in a way that would stand the scrutiny of the highest court in the universe.  Only a sinless sacrifice could pay for the sins of others.  The sacrifice had to be proven sinless not because it had no opportunity to sin, but because it had every opportunity to sin, yet resisted and remained pure!   Oh, what a Savior!!!  He met the righteous demands of the One and Only Perfectly Holy God!

Application:  In love, God forgives me and pays for my sins by the death of Jesus.  In holiness, He sent the same Holy Spirit that came upon Jesus—that same Holy Spirit to live within me and help me overcome temptation.   Oh, what a God!!!

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, you are amazing!  You know me perfectly.  You have perfectly supplied for my needs!  I am blest to be yours! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!