Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 06, 2023: SOAP #4933: Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45: Ephesians 2

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

OBSERVATION:  When God is in the picture, things change!   We were all by nature children of wrath!  BUT GOD changed us and made us sit together with the Holy Son of God in heavenly places!!! 

God is RICH in mercy and has GREAT love!   He is not running short of mercy!  There is enough mercy for all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  He has great love!  His love causes Him to be merciful.  His mercy provides the avenue through which His love can reach people. 

APPLICATION:  Sin separates me from God.  If there was no mercy, I would still be accountable for my sins and separated from God.  I would have no access to the grace and love that God has for me.  His mercy did not change the nature of sin, nor the result of sin.  God is just.  The results of sin has always been and will always be death.  God’s mercy lifted sin’s penalty from me and placed it on Jesus.  I did not get what I deserved!   He is not about to run out of mercy. He is not hesitant to give me more mercy in fear that there might not be enough for others!

PRAYER:   Holy God, you are just and loving.  In your wisdom you found a way to reach me in love without your holiness being marred by my sin.  On the cross, at great cost to yourself and to your Son, Jesus, your mercy removed what I deserved.  Your grace continues to give me what I do not deserve!  No wonder I love you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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