Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 30, 2023: SOAP #4865: Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1Corinthians 15

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 15:3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

OBSERVATION:  Here Paul is giving priority information.  This is of utmost importance.  If this is not right, then nothing else matters. 
Here is the foundation of truth:  Jesus, the Christ, bled and died on the cross, not in payment for His sins, but in payment for our sins.  He was buried and on the third day He returned to life!   This was all done as prophesized in the scriptures.  There were many reliable witnesses of the risen Christ, most of whom were alive at the time of Paul’s letter to those in Corinth. 

APPLICATION: That is the foundation of my salvation.  I am not saved by works, but only by the work of Jesus!   Satan cannot take anything away from Jesus’ work on the cross; I cannot add anything to it!  
It is my faith in His work that activates my salvation.  When I believe that He died for MY sin and ask His forgiveness…He forgives me, cleanses me from sin, and makes my life His home!   (1John 1:9; Revelation 3:20)
I move from knowing about Him to Knowing Him!   What a difference!   And what a difference He makes in my life! 

PRAYER:   Yes, Lord.  I believe you died and rose again.  You died as the payment for my sin, and you have forgiven me.  You now live within me.  Every day I live in honor and appreciation of your great sacrifice.  Amen.

NOTE:  if you are not sure about your relationship with Jesus.  You can talk to him.  Talk to Him like He is right there with you, sitting across the table or desk.  Tell Him you believe what Leon wrote and you are asking His forgiveness and inviting Him to enter your life as Lord.  You will be blest!  

Pastor Leon
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