December 17, 2018: SOAP #3301:  2Peter 1-3; John 1

Scripture:  John (NIV) 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Observation:  Matthew introduces Jesus to the world through a genealogy and the visit of an angel to Joseph explaining the pregnancy of the lady promised to be his wife.  Matthew gives the visit of the Magi.  Mark skips over His birth and introduces Jesus at His baptism by John the Baptist.  Luke records the birth of John the Baptist leading into the birth of Jesus.  Luke gives the visit of the shepherds.

John introduces Jesus from before His birth—even before the conception—even before creation!   He is the Word of God that was with God and was God.  He is the creator of all things.

Application:  The birth of Jesus was a miraculous event that should be celebrated.  But how would I feel if every year my parents and friends only brought out my baby pictures to celebrate my birthday?  It would not take too many years before I would start complaining.  Being born was just the start of my life.  There is a lot more to my life than my birth.  And there is a lot more to Jesus’ life than just His birth.  As we celebrate His birth, let’s introduce Jesus as the Creator and the living Word whose life was the Light of men!   Let’s introduce Him as the Only One worthy of our total devotion!   Let’s celebrate His love for us!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, during this Christmas season, help me to properly introduce Jesus to those around me —the resurrected Victor over death, the King of kings and Lord of lords! —the One who loved us enough to die for us —the One who is willing and able to save us from hell.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 16, 2018: SOAP #3300:  1Peter 1-5

Scripture:  1Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow-elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Observation:  Peter, a recognized church leader is writing to other leaders.  He tells them not to serve because it is a requirement, but willingly because they want to do so.  They should not be a leader because of the money they can get, but because they are looking for an opportunity serve.   They are not cowboys on horseback with prods driving a herd of cattle, but shepherds with a shepherd’s staff leading a flock of sheep.  The sheep follow their shepherd.

Application: It is not how much money I can make, it is how much opportunity I will have to serve.  It is not how many people will support me but how many people can I support as they grow in Jesus.   It is not title or position.  This is for everyone who has a place of influence in another life. Yes, it is directed toward those involved in church leadership, but it also would include parents and older family members, school teachers, coaches, neighbors, anyone who has been a Christian for a month helping someone who is just starting, etc.

The reward does not come from the sheep, but from the ‘Chief Shepherd!’  And His reward is worth more than money.  A million years into eternity and it will still shine just as bright!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me be a profitable servant.  Keep my motives pure.  Use me for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!