Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 29, 2024: SOAP #5261: 2Samuel 4,5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 16:13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION: Jesus could have told his disciples a parable and given them a lesson on where he came from…on who sent Him.  But He didn’t.  He asked them a question.  What they thought was important to Jesus. 

Peter’s confession was proof to Jesus that the Holy Spirit was ministering with Him and that the Father was also active in what Jesus was doing.  Through the many miracles and the teaching of Jesus, Simon could have said, “Jesus you have been sent from God.”  But with a strong conviction in his heart he clearly stated, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God!” 

APPLICATION:  Following Jesus is more than a mental acknowledgement that He is someone to follow.  We need the conviction in our heart and mind that Jesus is God, The Son!  He is the Messiah promised to take away the sins of the earth.  It takes more than a mental agreement from reading or hearing; it takes the stirring of the Holy Spirit in our lives till we become convinced of the truth that Jesus died for our sins; he was buried and rose to life on the third day; and He is coming back to earth!    It is the conviction of truth in our heart that we accept by faith.  The first proof of our faith is our confession which seals our new birth!  

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the promised Messiah.  I believe that you died to provide a proper payment for my sins.  I confess my sins and seek your forgiveness.  From the promises in the Bible, I know I have your forgiveness.  I confess you as my Lord and Savior as in Your Name I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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