October 23, 2020: SOAP #3977:  Job 13-14; Acts 17-18

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 18:4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. …
11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Observation:  In chapters 17 and 18 we do not read of healings and miracles.  The emphasis is on teaching and reasoning from the scriptures.  Paul’s emphasis for this journey was on “strengthening the churches.” (Acts 15:36 & 41) He did it primarily through teaching. 

The Word, in Paul’s day, was not available in the many forms we have it today (books, CDs, tapes, records, phone aps, computer programs, etc.).  It was written in scrolls mostly kept in the temple and synagogues.  People did not have a copy of the Bible (Old Testament) in their private homes.  They needed someone with knowledge of the scriptures to teach them.  Through the Word presented by anointed teaching, and through the presence of the Holy Spirit, people learned to live like Jesus, the Living Word. 

Application:  Last week, my wife, Sharon, had a stroke that greatly affected her left arm and hand.  She could not hold a pen in her left hand (she is left-handed), nor make it move to write.  But she has been writing SOAP devotions for 10 years.  The scriptures have become a part of her everyday life.  Today, 7 days after the stroke, she wrote out a complete SOAP devotion!  It is very legible, and her unique writing style can be seen, but there is still room for improvement.  The Word flows through her mind, her heart, her spirit, and her hand!   Praise the Lord!!!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, your eternal and complete wisdom can be seen in your Word.  Not only in the pages of your Word, but also in how your Word was preserved for us today. Thank you! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!