Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 04, 2023: SOAP #5023: Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 9:18 A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their (horses) mouths……
[Perhaps John was describing what he saw with the limited understanding of his day.  Could these be flame throwers mounted on motorcycles?]
20 The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshipping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

OBSERVATION:  From Genesis 1 to Revelation 9 man has been so bound by sin that when a third of man has been killed, he still does not repent!  He continues to worship demons and idols which cannot see, hear, or walk!   Yet there is a God who can do all three—and more!  

Idols are inanimate objects that have no mind to think or feel.  They cannot lift a burden or give wise counsel.  They cannot defend themselves.  They cannot do anything I would want my god to do! 

APPLICATION:  Sin has an attractive power.  It can be like a magnet.  Once it has me in its area of influence, it refuses to let go easily. 

It takes the blood of Jesus to break sin’s legal ties.  It takes dying to myself and giving way for the Lordship of Jesus to live in victory.  It takes the indwelling Spirit of Jesus to give me power to resists sin’s continuing temptation. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you have made FULL PROVISION for me.  Your Son, Jesus, provided the blood sacrifice that covers my sin.  He is now living His life in me.  You sent the Holy Spirit to empower me to resist temptation and to work for you.  It is for me to walk in faith and obey.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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