March 10, 2020: SOAP #3750:  Deuteronomy 13-15; Galatians 1

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 1:22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”  24 And they praised God because of me.

Observation:  Paul was giving his testimony of how God had saved him and called him to preach the good news of Jesus.  Paul (Saul) had been sent out from Jerusalem to arrest believers in Antioch but the Lord had arrested him.  Since that time, Paul had mostly stayed away from Judea.  Saul was known in Judea and although he was not present in Judea, the believers had heard reports about Saul.  Travelers from the area around Antioch brought them reports of how God had changed Saul. When people heard the reports, they knew that only God could bring about such a change!  Their response was to praise God!

Application:   May the things I say and do bring the same response from others.  May others see evidence of God’s presence in me.  May my love for Jesus be easily seen.

Prayer:   Lord, two goals I have in serving you:  First, may you receive praise from my heart and mouth.  Second, may you receive praise from others because of me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!