Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 01, 2024: SOAP #5355: Isaiah 65-66; Psalm 62; John 3

SCRIPTURE:  John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”    

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish government.  He compared the new life of “everyone born of the Spirit” to the wind.  People may not know where the wind starts, or where it ends, but no one denies its existence.  Proof of its existence can be seen all around us—in the sound of it moving around the side of our house, to the moving of the leaves in the trees.  One does not need to see the wind to be convinced of its presence and power. 

APPLICATION:  A doctor may not be able to isolate for recognition the life of Jesus living within me, but evidence of His life should be so clear that no one can doubt its existence.  First of all, I experience the difference His presence makes in me—the peace and joy He brings.  And second, others around me cannot help but notice that there is something different about me. 

Evidence should be seen in the way I talk, the way I act, the way I treat others, the way I deal with success, the way I deal with disappointments and difficulties, the way I respond to blessings and mistreatment, and on, and on. People may not know why, but they can easily see that I am different!  It is my privilege and joy to tell them why.  

“…born of the Spirit…”  It is like being born again as a new person.  Still me, but a different me.  It happens as I confess that I have sinned.  And on the basis of His death on the cross as the acceptable payment for sin, I ask Him to forgive my sins.  I set Him as Lord of my life.  And with a grateful heart, I thank him!  Then I learn to live with Him as my Lord!   What a privilege to serve Him—my Creator who died and rose for me! 

PRAYER: Lord, it is so logical to serve you, and you have made it so easy to do!  May I be easily identified as someone in whom your Spirit dwells. Amen 

Pastor Leon
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