Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 24, 2022: SOAP #4555: 1Kings 9; 2Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 5:20 The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

OBSERVATION: Sin did not wait for the law to appear before tempting Adam, and then destroying his relationship to his Creator.  The law was not needed for sin to be present.  But when the law was given, it clearly outlined parameters for the life God breathed into Adam.

As to driving my car in the USA:  the edge of the road has always been there, but I appreciate the white line that has been painted there for the last 30 years or so.  Especially in stormy weather, or when bright headlights are approaching, I often look at the white line to judge my place on the highway. It helps keep me in the safe driving lane.  The Word of God helps me keep in the safe living lane.

When sin becomes more prevalent, grace becomes even more prevalent. Remember, grace is always greater than sin!  Grace does not increase at the same rate as sin, but “all the more!”

APPLICATION: We all know the reality of death; we can all know the reality of the righteous life that grace brings to those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord.  It is an eternal life that death cannot stop.  Death becomes a door through which we pass into a greater awareness of the Presence of God!  What a day it was when I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord.  What a day that will be when I slip out of these physical garments and my spirit soars into His Presence! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you that reigning in life does not have to wait until I die; it starts here and now!  Your grace reigns now in my life.  And through my life it reaches to others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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