December 17, 2017: SOAP #2936:  2Peter 1-3; John 1

Scripture:  John (NIV) 1:6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

Observation:  John ignores all the interesting facts about the birth of Jesus which can be read in Matthew and Luke.  He goes to the heart of the matter.  Here is the true meaning of our Christmas celebrations.  Yes, He was born in a manger.  Yes, the angels announced His birth to shepherds.  Yes, He was born in Bethlehem.  Yes, He was born of a virgin.  All important facts concerning His birth.  But the most important fact…the identity of this baby in the manger!

He is “the true light that gives light to every man!”  His “life is the light of men.”  He is the way, the truth, and the life!  The Creator of all was entering the stream of human life as a baby!

Application:  What a great reason I have to celebrate Christmas.  I must not let other things outshine the true reason.  I must remember it is CHRISTmas.  It is all about Him!

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, Your coming to earth is definitely something to celebrate.  Holy Spirit, help me to keep the main thing, the main thing this CHRISTmas season. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 16, 2017: SOAP #2935:  1Peter 1-5

Scripture:  1Peter (NIV) 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade— kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Observation:  In being “born again” we have been given an inheritance.  Unlike earthly inheritances, this one can never perish, spoil or fade.  A crashing stock market cannot steal the value of our inheritance.  Foolish management by some fund supervisor will never wipe out the value in this inheritance.  It is ours now.  But it is being kept in heaven for us.  It is there for our benefit.

Application:  This changes my perspective on dying.  Going through death’s door, I will enter into the fullness of the inheritance “kept in heaven” for me as God’s son.  Investments sent ahead will be enjoyed based on heaven’s value.  What a day that will be!  O death, where is your sting?

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, the inheritance you have planned for your sons and daughters is beyond our comprehension. Your plan is amazing! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!