Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 03, 2023: SOAP #4810: Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

OBSERVATION:  Very clearly, God had sent Peter to Cornelius house.  The Gentile family was all gathered to hear what Peter would say.  But it does not say that God had given Peter a specific message for this momentous occasion.  So, Peter starts out talking about Jesus!   Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit, performed miracles, was crucified, rose again on the third day, gave commandment for preaching and testifying…AND without any more to do…the Holy Spirit fell on these Gentiles in the same manner as He fell on the Jews on the day of Pentecost!!!  These Gentiles were verbally praising God in unknown languages the same as the Jews on the day of Pentecost!!! 

APPLICATION: Was this meeting planned?  Definitely, “yes!”  But not by Peter.  This was God’s divine plan to clearly show that His presence and giftings are not limited to one group of people. 

God is moving by His Spirit today…even this very moment.  God’s presence and giftings are not limited to one historical moment.  The Eternal Now is at work today as He was in Acts. 

Let us be careful to go where He shows us, speak when given opportunity, and let God do what only God can do!   Let us take the attitude that God IS NOT going with us, but we are going WITH HIM!  Today we are following HIS agenda. 

PRAYER:   Lord, your Holy Spirit is working in me now.  It is not my words that need to come through this SOAP, but your Words!  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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