January 7, 2018: SOAP #2957:  Genesis 18-19; Psalm 3; Luke 7

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 7:12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14   Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

Observation:   As at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:43), this young man was not so dead that he could not hear the voice of Jesus.  His body was dead and prepared for burial.  But his soul and spirit heard the voice of Jesus. recognized its authority, and obeyed!  He sat up and began to talk.  The Bible does not say that they began to ask him questions, just that he began to talk!  What a story he must have had!

The scriptures open several other windows in which we find specific individuals who had died, yet alive:  Saul talking to Samuel, Moses and Elijah with Jesus, the rich man and Lazarus, etc.

As birth is a one-way entrance into personhood, so death is a one-way entrance into eternity.  These passages bring change, but not a cessation of life.  A few individuals have returned through death’s door, but only to pass through again later.  Only One returned to never die!   Jesus our Lord!

Application:  Although death does not end our existence, it does end many things.  It ends any opportunity to accept Jesus as Lord.  It ends any opportunity to do good for which we can be rewarded.  It ends any opportunity to speak to others—to apologize, to make things right, to tell them about Jesus, to pray with them.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, while I am here on this earth, help me make each day count for the Kingdom of Heaven.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

January 6, 2018: SOAP #2956:  Genesis 15-17; Luke 6

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

Observation:    If ever there was someone who did not need to pray, it was Jesus. If ever there was someone who knew the value of prayer, it was Jesus!  Although Jesus did not stop being God, He laid aside His Godness to live in human form.  He relied on His communication with the Father.  It was the Father’s will He was doing.  It was the Father Who had sent Jesus on this important mission.

Four reasons Jesus, the Son of God, had to live on earth as the Son of Man:  First:  He proved that it was possible to live a holy life and overcome the temptations to sin.  Second:  He had to have lived a holy life as a man, so His death could pay for the sins of men and not His own.  Third:  As a man, His life is the perfect example for mankind.  Fourth:  As a man, anointed by the Holy Spirit, He emphasizes the importance of living life in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Application:   Jesus’ death made it possible for me to follow Jesus example.  The presence of the Holy Spirit in my life keeps me walking in His footsteps and enables me to do His works.

Prayer:    Jesus, what a great sacrifice you made for me!  You laid aside your deity to live as the Son of Man.  You lived your life on earth as an example for me.  Truly you deserve all my praise and worship!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!