NOTE:  Today Sharon and I left Ohio, my friend Harry (who is now 70) and his wife Dawn, their children, (their 16 grandchildren) and their church family!  It was our privilege to stay in the Patterson home (Ray and Dara with their 4 children, Judah, Joshua, Tirzah, and Jamin.)  We are now in Pennsylvania where we will be visiting some family and friends of Duane Wenrick, my friend from Viet Nam days.  Sharon and I were privileged to spend a month with Duane before he left for heaven.  During that time, we became good friends with the fellowship ministry that was very dear to Duane and has become the same to us.  We look forward to our fellowship in this area the next few days.

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 13, 2022: SOAP #4605: Isaiah 15-18; Hebrews 10

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews (NIV) 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

OBSERVATION:  I am to come into the presence of GOD with confidence, not sneaking into His presence wondering if I belong there.  I am so clean that I do not even have a guilty conscience!   (For those who understand this saying, we are “squeaky clean!”  When I rub my hand across something that has just been washed, it squeaks; we say it is squeaky clean.}

APPLICATION: Here are four reasons why I can enter the presence of God boldly: 
First: The sacrifice made for me was sufficient to meet ALL the requirements of The Holy God! 
Second: The sacrifice for me was made by the only One who had no sins of his own for which to pay.  In love, He agreed to pay for mine. 
Third: It was a sacrifice that ended in a resurrection!  Death was temporary for Jesus!!! (…and will be for me too!) Jesus is there to greet me! 
Fourth: The One who died for me, now lives FOR me, and lives IN me‼ 

That is why I can draw near to God with joy and not fear!

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, Oh, how You’ve cleansed me from sin.  Oh, how You’ve cleansed me from sin.  You gave your life, your pure spotless life.  Oh, how you love me; Oh, how you freed me; Oh, how you cleansed me from sin. Amen

Pastor Leon
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