Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 19, 2022: SOAP #4764: John 5-6

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 5:39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

OBSERVATION:  In preparation for the Living Word coming to live on earth, God provided the written Word.  The Holy Spirit inspired Old Testament men of God to write historical and prophetic scriptures pointing the reader to Jesus, the promised Messiah. 

In the first chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus is introduced as the Word of God who became flesh and lived among us.  In the verse above, we see the Living Word carefully explaining this relationship to the religious leaders of Israel—to people who prided themselves on knowing the Old Testament scriptures.  They knew the written word, but they missed Jesus, the Living Word.  

One of the purposes of the Holy Spirit being sent after Jesus ascended back to heaven is to help believers make the connection between the written and the Living word.  (John 16:13)

APPLICATION: I need the Holy Spirit to ensure that I make the connection between the written and Living word.  (Romans 8:16)

Knowing the Bible will help me to know Jesus but knowing the scriptures alone will not get me into heaven.  For that, I must personally know Jesus.  (John 17:3) 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I am a sinner and am unable to pay for my sins.  I believe that Jesus died on the cross in payment for my sin and rose to life again.  Forgive me and come live in my life as my Lord and Savior. May my life I bring joy to you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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