February 11, 2019: SOAP #3357:  Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 18:9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no-one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Observation:  When Paul arrived in Corinth, he met, stayed, and worked with two tent makers.  On the Sabbath day he would go to the synagogue to witness about Jesus.  Although he was well received by some, others became abusive in their resistance to Paul’s message.  So, he moved from teaching in the synagogue to a private home.

Then the Lord gave him the specific instructions in the verses above.  Paul was not to let opposition hinder him from continuing his ministry in Corinth.  Paul was to rely on God’s greatest promise, the promise of His Presence!  A secondary promise was of the presence of God’s people.

Application:  There is great peace in knowing I am where God wants me to be and doing what God wants me to do.  There is nothing more assuring than knowing that God is with me.  I can rely on His Presence.  It is also encouraging to know that other believers are nearby and available to pray for me and help as needed.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of your Presence!  Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross to make this promise a reality.  Holy Spirit help me to stop taking this great promise for granted.  Help me to talk and act like I am aware of your Presence.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!