Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 18, 2022: SOAP #4702: Job 3-4; Acts 8-9

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 8:5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.
Acts (NIV) 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
Acts (NIV) 9:21 All those who heard him (Saul) were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who caused havoc in Jerusalem among those who prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts (NIV) 9: 32 As Peter travelled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda.

OBSERVATION:  Acts chapters 8 and 9 are mainly taken up with the ministries of three men, Philip, Saul, and Peter.  Only Peter was one of the twelve Jesus chose and appointed as apostles. 

Not too much is known about Philip. In chapter 8 he did some work as an evangelist and served as a deacon; he was a family man.  God uniquely led him to Samaria and then to a person traveling alone. 

Of course, we all know about Saul—the Apostle Paul.  But his public status was much different at the time of chapter 9.  To use a modern-day term, he terrorized the church—that is until God captivated him. 

APPLICATION: The Holy Spirit does not always use the persons we would expect. He did not just use the apostles! All SOAP readers, and this SOAP writer, should make ourselves available for the Lord to use us.  We do not need a title or position.  Whether He directs us to a crowd, or to an individual, our joy will be in that we obeyed! 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, I want to be available for you to use me as you know best.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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