Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 08, 2022: SOAP #4450:  Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 15:14 Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 16 “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’ 18 that have been known for ages.
Acts (MSSG) 15:17 So outsiders who seek will find, so they’ll have a place to come to, All the pagan peoples included in what I’m doing. “God said it and now he’s doing it. 18 It’s no afterthought; he’s always known he would do this.
Acts (NKJV) 15:18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.
Acts (KJV) 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

OBSERVATION:  It was always God’s intention to include Gentiles (non-Jews) in His overall plan.  With sin affecting all of mankind, a perfect sacrifice would be required sufficient to cover the sins of every person in every race.  One perfect sacrifice would be needed.  The Father sent His One Son to make that one sacrifice. 

Jesus was sent for the world, but He was sent to Israel.  The work of God in the Old Testament was to insure everyone could easily identify that Jesus was the one sent from the Father to be that sacrifice.  Once that sacrifice was completed, the Holy Spirit began drawing in the Gentiles.  This was not an afterthought!!!  Including Gentiles was a part of God’s original plan!   

APPLICATION:  God’s work among mankind has progressed as planned.  From God visiting us to God dwelling in us!   From the nation of Jews to the world-wide church.  From a temple of stone to a living temple of flesh!   It is still progressing according to God’s plan.   From anticipating and dwelling in the Promised Land to anticipating heaven and eternity in God’s Presence! 

God’s plan is progressing in each of us.  He is changing us from what we were to what He wants us to be.  As I surrender my heart and will to my loving Heavenly Father, He works for my good and His glory. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is special to know that my life is not an afterthought.  What a privilege is mine to have you living and working in my life.  The highest purpose for me is to bring you glory.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon