December 13, 2019: SOAP #3662:  Hebrews 9-11

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 9:27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Observation:  Obviously what we often consider the end, is not the end.  Death is not the end.  What comes next?  Judgment.   Just as death was not the end for Jesus, death is not the end for us.

The Father so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son… (John 3:16)   Jesus was sent to earth to die for the sins of God’s creation.  His death was not the end of His existence.  Death is not the end of our existence, just a doorway through which we pass into life eternal.

Application:   Since we are destined to “die once” we can be assured that the life after death will never end.  Death will have no power over those who have died.  For those who have accepted the death of Jesus as the payment for their sins, they will enter the never-ending joys of heaven.  For those who have refused to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they will enter the never-ending judgment in hell.

Prayer:  Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice in payment for my sins.  I want my life to count for you. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 12, 2019: SOAP #3661:  Hebrews 5-8

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 8:5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 6 But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

Observation:  After the Israelite’s were delivered from their bondage in Egypt, God led them to Mt. Sinai where Moses was shown the pattern and led them in building the tabernacle.  They worshiped God in a tent of animal skins with furniture made of the wood growing in the wilderness.  For sacrifices, they used animals from their flocks.

The single sacrifice of Jesus put an end to all animal sacrifices and brought us into a new covenant relationship with God.

Application:   The Jewish religion was brought by Moses from time on the Mount Sinai.  It was brought from heaven to earth where people could relate to God.  Through Jesus, we are lifted back to worship in the heavenlies.  The Jewish religion was brought as a pattern from heaven to man.  In entering the human race as a Jew through a virgin birth, in living a perfect life without sin, and in providing the perfect sacrifice, Jesus made the way to bring man into the original heavenly tabernacle.

The Jewish religion came from heaven.  Jesus brought Christianity out of the Jewish religion to worship at the true tabernacle in heaven.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you chose the people of Israel to be the doorway through which Jesus, the Messiah, would enter the stream of humanity.  With thanksgiving for the Jews, I pray for your protection to be theirs as individuals and as a nation.  I am also thankful that President Donald Trump has honored Israel by moving the US Embassy to the city of Jerusalem.  Bless him as you have promised.  In the mighty Name of Jesus I pray, Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 11, 2019: SOAP #3660:  Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Observation:  Jesus came and lived perfectly without sinning.  He did what no man had ever done.  Does he arrogantly look down on men who did not live up to God’s law? The one who conquered every temptation does not condemn those who have fallen to every temptation.  He uses His victory to lift the fallen!

At His throne we find mercy in dealing with our past sins, AND grace to help us in our present struggles.  Mercy AND Grace:  A Powerful Combination!

Application:   The enemy would like to deceive me into thinking that I have no place before God’s throne.  I have sinned and am not worthy to present myself there.  But the true Word of God encourages me to approach with confidence and assures me that I will find mercy to cover my past and grace to help me with my present!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I stand before your throne, desperately in need of both mercy and grace.  Your word assures me that here in your presence I will find both.  By faith, I claim both your mercy and grace.  With my sins forgiven I consider your presence to guide and instruct me.  I continue on into my day rejoicing in what your great love has provided for me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 10, 2019: SOAP #3659:  2Timothy 1-4

Scripture:  2Timothy (NIV) 4:1 [The Apostle Paul to Timothy]  In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Observation:  One might have a question as to how is it possible to be prepared for both “in season and out of season” ministry?  “In season” is understandable because ministry opportunity is happening as expected.  Often the “in season” ministry has a season for preparation set prior to the ministry.

Preparation for “out of season” ministry is another story.  How can one prepare for what they do not know is coming?

Application:   The only way I know how to be always prepared: allow the Holy Spirit to make the preparations in me.  For me that means I must be faithful in God’s Word every day.  As I am reading and meditating on God’s word, the Holy Spirit, who knows the future, opens my heart and mind to verses and thoughts that prepare me for what I am about to encounter.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, I depend on you to keep me prepared and I know you depend on me to keep reading the Bible and listening for you to speak to me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 09, 2019: SOAP #3658:  1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Observation:  Four commands for people with wealth:  First, be humble.  Second, keep God as the source of hope.  Third, do good, often and in every way you can.  Fourth, use your wealth to bless others.

Will doing this buy their way into heaven?  NO!  But doing this will insure they have treasures awaiting their arrival in heaven.  NOTE:  If I want my money to become a treasure in heaven, I must give it away or use it for the benefit of others.

The true life from God is a life of giving.  God is such a giver, no wonder those in whom He dwells find themselves inclined to give.

Application:   Planning and making commitments help me be faithful in giving.  I also enjoy having resources available to respond to unexpected opportunities to give.  It is good to have some extra food in the cupboard or cash in the pocket just for the purpose of giving.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you are a giver and you are working that grace in me.  May I be a joyful giver. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 08, 2019: SOAP #3657:  1Timothy 1-4

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 1:12 I [the Apostle Paul] thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

Observation:  God did not choose to use Paul because He considered Paul to be strong enough to endure all the hardships that would come his way.  God chose Paul because He considered Paul faithful!

God does not call the strong and make them faithful; He calls the faithful and gives them His strength!

Application:   God does not need me to be strong; He needs me to be faithful!  He can provide all the strength I will ever need.   He does not need me to be talented, He does not need me to have great knowledge, He does not need me to have a great personality.  He can use all that I am, and all that I have, but if I am faithful, I can count on Him to provide what I am lacking!

The important question: does God consider me faithful?

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, in doing what the Father has assigned me, I am depending on you to be with me and work through me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 07, 2019: SOAP #3656:  Colossians 1-4

Scripture:  Colossians (NIV) 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Observation:  The above verses are from Paul’s prayer for the people at Colosse, and for all who would read his letter, including me.  Every phrase in these three verses could be the start of a great sermon.  However, my attention was drawn to two words that I overlooked in a previous SOAP.  “…he loves.”

In all the great truths concerning salvation and what God has done for us, we should not forget the great love between God the Father and God the Son!

The pain of my salvation was not only born by Jesus; perhaps even greater is the pain of the Father as His “only begotten,” beloved, Son, with Whom He shared passion, willingly accepted the form and limitations of created man to become the perfectly humiliated sacrifice for sin!  Surely the Father’s heart was broken as the “Son he loves” died for man’s sins.

Application:  The Father loves His Son!  I honor the Father when I join Him in loving Jesus!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you have rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of the Son we both love. What a special Son you have!  What a special LORD is mine!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 06, 2019: SOAP #3655:  Philippians 1-4

Scripture:  Philippines (NIV) 1:23 …I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Observation:   Knowing for certain that it was better for their sake to remain, Paul knew that he would remain.   He would continue working with them for their progress and joy in the faith.   I like the way Paul speaks of the joy of faith.  It seems that too many Christians have forgotten that faith is a joyful thing!

True faith is a joyful thing.  How could it be otherwise?  Confident that God is with me; confident that He is for me; confident that He is able to overcome every obstacle I face—surely that is a joyful faith!

Application:  Some Christians are always thinking about how hard it is to live for Jesus.  They talk like the devil is always troubling them and they are wondering what he might do next.  That does not leave a very desirable witness for the world.  But when the “joy in the faith” shines out of a believer’s life, it makes their faith desirable.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, when I get in a tough spot, remind me that I have a joyful faith.  Help me to shine forth a joyful faith to those around me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 05, 2019: SOAP #3654:  Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

Scripture:  Ephesians (NIV) 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Observation:  When parents are great and family life at home is sweet, it is not uncommon for children to want to be like their parents.  We have a perfect Heavenly Father.  He dearly loves us and expresses that love in many ways. It is natural that we would want to be like our Heavenly Father.

The challenge is:  how can I imitate God while living here in this life?  I can think of many reasons why that is impossible.  The only one who has ever imitated God is Jesus.  There is only one way for me to move ahead in such a challenge.  I must have Jesus living His life within me!

Application:   My goal is to get to know Jesus better, to become better acquainted with his life here on earth, to see things as He sees them, to understand what is happening around me as He understands them.

Prayer:   My prayer is a song: “Jesus, be Jesus in me.  No longer me, but thee.  Resurrection power, fill me this hour; Jesus, be Jesus in me.”  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 04, 2019: SOAP #3653:  Ephesians 1-4

Scripture:  Ephesians (NIV) 1:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation:   In Paul’s opening greeting he encourages the saints in Ephesus to enjoy the loving favor extended by our Heavenly Father, and the peace that naturally flows from that grace.  Men look for peace and strive for peace but without grace it cannot be found.  Even among men, often someone in grace must be willing to forgive before peace can be obtained.

Paul states that the grace and peace come from both God the Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ. The writer sees both on the same level or rank. They both are giving the same gift. Like my family giving a gift and the card denotes only “The Hiebert Family” — the receiver must look at all the members equally and thank us all. If we stated how much each gave, then the receiver would give more thanks and honor to one than another.  Grace and peace come from both God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a distinction here noted, however. Not of the gift given, nor of the rank, nor of the nature of the Giver, but of relationship of the giver to the receiver. One relates to the believer as Father, the other as Lord.

Application:  With Jesus as my Lord (Owner, Boss, Commanding Officer), I need to follow His example in how to relate to our Heavenly Father.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, how blessed I am to be in your family!  Lord Jesus, how blessed I am to have you as my Lord and to do as you direct.  You always lead me to what is good for me and what blesses the Father.  You are amazing!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!