September 15, 2021: SOAP #4304:  Ezekiel 38-39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

 (a prayerful rework of SOAP #2478)

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 
14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.  15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Observation:    In “the books,” my deeds may take up one line, or a whole page.  My deeds may be entered on 100 pages.  It makes no difference how many entries there are under my name in “the books.”  The important thing:  is my name written the “THE BOOK OF LIFE.” 

Application:   My SOAP friends, our names are written in THAT BOOK when we are born again.  It is when I open my mouth and confess that I have sinned.  It is when by faith I receive His forgiveness purchased by the death of Jesus on the cross.  It is when I thank him for saving me from the results of my sins.  It is when I confess Him as my Lord.  It is then His Spirit comes to live in my life, and I surrender everything to Him.  With new life in me the purpose of my life changes from pleasing me to pleasing Him.   

Have you been born again?  Is your name written in THE BOOK OF LIFE?  I invite you to pray with me…

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I need a life changing event.  I confess my sins and ask your forgiveness because Jesus, your Son died as payment for my sins.  Holy Spirit, come and live your life in me.  Help me make Jesus my Lord, owner, boss.  May I find true joy in serving you.  And may you find joy in having me as your child.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!