December 04, 2017: SOAP #2923: Ephesians 1-4
Scripture: Ephesians (NIV) 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Observation: Again we see God working with us according to His pleasure. (Note vs. 5) It brings Him joy to bring us into His Kingdom, and it brings Him pleasure to share His knowledge with us! He does not enjoy keeping us in the dark.
God is not hiding it from us, but revealing this mystery. It is the mystery of His will, or in accordance with His own choosing. It was a mystery because the time for the revelation was not yet, but now it is no longer a mystery because He has made it known. It was a mystery because it concerned reconciling something that, in man’s mind, could not be reconciled. And even after we understand what the mystery is, it remains a mystery for we cannot fully understand all the aspects of bringing it about. We did not have to twist His arm, forcing Him to explain it to us. He did that within His own good pleasure. It made Him happy to have people who would appreciate knowing what He has planned and done! This mystery was planned in Christ, revealed in Christ, and accomplished in Christ!
Application: I can now call God “my Father!” He calls me “His son!” And it brings HIM pleasure!!!
Prayer: My Father, I am pleased beyond words to be your son! Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 
As someone newly baptised on 3/12/17 I am wondering how to easily have an understanding of the bible, and if/how can I put together an easily understandably SOAP that would support others that were also baptised on the day.
Sorry for such a long delay in responding. I am not very tech. efficient. I only know enough to post the blog, but am just learning about comments and how to respond. Most of my Internet time is on Facebook. “Daily Soaps by Pastor Leon” should you care to look. I think the best way to gain understanding about the Bible is to read it every day. Before reading, ask the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to what best applies to your life for the day ahead. For those who know very little about the Bible, I encourage them to start with the book named “Mark.” Jesus is the central character and the better you get to know Jesus, the better you will understand the Bible and life in general. 🙂