February 21, 2019: SOAP #3367:  Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

Scripture:  Numbers (NIV) 9:14 “‘An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover must do so in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native-born.’”

Observation:  One did not need to be an Israelite in order to celebrate Passover.  Everyone was welcome.  However, they were not welcome to celebrate the Passover just any way.  They were required to follow the same rules as the Israelites.

The Passover was a celebration of the Israelites freedom from bondage in Egypt.  It recalled the night the death angel visited Egypt bringing death to the first-born in every family.  However, it passed over every house that had the blood of a sacrificed lamb on the door posts.  It looked forward to the day when Jesus would be the sacrificed Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world.

Application:  And so, everyone is welcome in the church; the only requirement is to be born again.  Without personally receiving by faith the forgiveness for sins—that forgiveness provided by Jesus death on the cross; without acknowledging Jesus as Lord there is no way to be a part of His church.  When I am forgiven and Jesus is my Lord, His Holy Spirit enters my life and gives me the assurance that I am in relationship with God!   What joy!  What peace!  What amazing grace that personally links me with the Creator God of the universe!

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for my sins.  Thank you for forgiving me when I asked.  Thank you for coming into my life when I opened my heart and invited you to enter as my Lord!  It is my desire to demonstrate my love and appreciation today and every day.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!