Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 29, 2023: SOAP #4805: Exodus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

(reworked from 2021)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NVI) 5:41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

OBSERVATION:  It was not until 1440 that Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press.  So, the church in the book of Acts had no Bibles in their homes.  They could not have a daily Bible reading plan.  Yet the early church did not have a lack of spirituality due to a lack of Bibles.  They met daily.  The Holy Spirit was present in their gatherings.  They read the scriptures  publicly.  Anointed teachers taught them spiritual truth.

APPLICATION: There are places in the world today where no Bible is available in their language, or affordable in the marketplace.  Yet they too need daily spiritual input.  In such places, as in the book of Acts, daily church gatherings would be a priority for teaching, fellowship, worship, and prayer.  As in the book of Acts, church buildings are not necessary.  Such meetings can be in public places and from house to house.

If I am serious about my physical life (about which I have been reminded this week, is continuing to age), then I am serious about food.  I do not consider it an inconvenience to pause during the day just to eat.   So, if I am serious about my spiritual life (which will never die) I must be serious about spiritual food.  I need it daily!

PRAYER:   Lord, it is not my Sunday life, but my daily life that shows how much I love you.  May my daily life show how important you are to me. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Special NOTE:  I rejoice with the brothers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ghana who were able to raise USD17,500 to purchase 50 computers and printers!  Only (10% came from USA!)   Their sacrificial giving shows that they value the SOAP and are willing to made sacrifices to provide it for others.  God has promised His blessings to those who sow into His kingdom.  So. I expect to hear of future financial blessings in these countries.