Monthly Archives: March 2025

All One in Christ Jesus

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 12, 2025: SOAP #5578:  Deuteronomy 19-21; Galatians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 3:24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

OBSERVATION:   The Law was given through Moses.  It was an acceptable way of relating to God.  The big problem was that everyone on earth had already broken it.  No one born on earth could fully keep the Law—that is until the virgin born Jesus arrived.  He was born without sin, lived without sin, and died without sin.  He rose from the dead on the third day!  So, when we accept Him as our Lord, He saves us from the penalty of sin.  His death is accepted as the payment for our sins!!!  We receive His forgiveness and cleansing by faith.  We believe that He keeps His promise and we thank Him for doing so!!!  

Receiving His death as the payment for our sins comes with receiving His life within us.  And all who have the life of Jesus within are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus!   “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus!” (Galatians 3:28)   There is neither African, Asian, or American.  There is neither English SOAP readers nor French nor Bangla nor Hindi nor Urdu speaking SOAP readers etc.; we are ALL one in Christ Jesus! 

APPLICATION:   The law told us to love one another as we loved ourselves (Leviticus 19:18); but Jesus went further, He told us to love one another as HE loved us!  (John 13:34)

We need the Holy Spirit to help us love like Jesus loved.  God loved the world that He sent Jesus. (John 3:16)  We can all SEE God’s love, may the world see our love. 

Those of us who have made Jesus the Lord of our lives should not use these scriptures to motivate people to give to us.  We take our needs to the Lord and He motivates people to give.  We let the Holy Spirit use these scriptures to motivate us to give to others.  

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, help me love like Jesus.  Use me to display your love.  Keep reminding me that we are truly one in Christ Jesus.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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My Victory is in Jesus!

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8Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 11, 2025: SOAP #5577:  Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

OBSERVATION:   This verse stirs two very strong thoughts, the weakness of the law and the power of the cross.  It also leads me to consider how important my righteousness is to God. It is so important that He sent His Son to die!  Amazing!

The battle was won on the cross!  It was there that the price was paid.  It was there that Jesus won over the temptation of trying an easier way.  It was there that the power of Satan’s temptation to move outside the will of the Father was defeated!  Jesus would not give in to the devil’s temptation to move other than in His Father’s will!

Jesus entered death as The Triumphant One.  He remained true to His Father’s will even unto death!   He did not surrender Himself to the devil’s temptations.  He entered the grave as The Victorious One!   He came out as More than a Conqueror!   The three days in the grave was the victory lap taken after the race had been won!

APPLICATION:   When Jesus entered my life as Lord, it is like He takes a victory lap in me.  He breaks the power of sin in me.  He lives His life in me!  Once I was in bondage to sin, now I have the power to resist temptation.  I can confess the weakness of my flesh and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit!   I can claim the Name of Jesus!  I can speak out what God has done for me!   (Revelation 12:11)

PRAYER:  Lord, by your Holy Spirit, you lead me and empower me to live a life that honors you.  Teach me your way, O Lord, I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon


Please pray for the SOAP Conference team that is now in Burkina Faso.  Pray for God to do miracles like in the book of Acts.  May many people be drawn to the Lord!  

What A Change!

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8Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 10, 2025: SOAP #5576:  Deuteronomy 13-15; Galatians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 1:22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”

OBSERVATION:   Paul was writing to the church in Galatia and giving some of his own testimony.  What a change Jesus had brought in Paul’s life!  It was a dramatic change, one that could be easily seen by people around him.  Once they feared Paul as he set about persecuting the church; now they praised God because of him.

From an avid supporter and defender of the Jewish law, one whose life was dedicated to keeping the Law pure, Saul/Paul was changed into one able to present the truth of Jesus from the Old Testament scriptures; into one who could not be stopped by beatings and whippings; into one willing to be in prison to defend Jesus; to one willing to give his own life because of what He believed to be truth!!!   What a change! 

Down through the ages, the change in Saul’s/Paul’s life been a key in bringing people to Jesus.  Like those in Galatia who had only heard about the change, since then people have only read about the change.  Paul’s testimony has been powerfully used by the Holy Spirit to bring change to others. 

APPLICATION:   May people today see the difference in our lives from what we used to be and the difference from those who have not yet had the great blessing of making Jesus the Lord of their lives.  What a change He has made in our lives.  It is a change that cannot be hidden. 

PRAYER:   Lord, you made a great change in Paul’s life (who was later known as the Apostle Paul.)  Now that you are living in me, I know you are still making changes in my life.  Use the changes to demonstrate the great benefit that comes with your Presence in a life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

My Limited Expectations!

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8Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 09, 2025: SOAP #5575:  Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 16

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus body…5  As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man… 
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said.  “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He has risen!  He is not here.  See the place where they laid him.”  

OBSERVATION:   The ladies entered “death’s door” into the tomb.  They expected to find a dead body; instead, they heard the voice of an angel saying, “He’s alive!”  Expecting death, they found life!      

APPLICATION:   When it comes to Jesus, I often find myself under-expecting.  He far surpasses my expectations!   I remember when I wondered if there would ever be 5,000 readers of my SOAP page on Facebook.  I knew that God had assigned me to write SOAPs, and I was amazed that I had 4,000 friends on Facebook.  I was greatly under-expecting what God would do through this simple ministry. 

And I am thinking that when I enter death’s door into heaven, I will be entering the most alive place I have ever experienced.   I believe it will far surpass my expectations!!! 

PRAYER:   Lord, I am learning to expect the unexpected from you.  You commonly surpass my expectations.  You often work outside of my possibilities. You are amazing!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Making God Smile!

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8Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 08, 2025: SOAP #5574:  Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 15:15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.

OBSERVATION:   From the various scriptures within the context of the above verse, it is easy to understand that Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and clearly not deserving of death.  But Pilate had a problem.  He was more concerned about pleasing people than about pleasing justice.       

APPLICATION:   The desire to please others can cause me to do or not do many things.  I need to carefully consider who I am pleasing.  The thought process of both big and small decisions should include the question, “Who am I pleasing,” and “Who will be displeased?” 

People will tell me that I should make my own decisions and not care about what others think, but to ignore what God thinks is to miss the greatest source of wisdom available to me.  I must remember that I was created to love God and to honor him with my choices. 

Knowing that God is omniscient, all-knowing, the wisest thing I can do is to listen to Him and do as He directs.  My wisdom in no way matches His wisdom!   The wisdom of the wisest man on earth does not match His wisdom! 

In looking back on my 77 years, I can see wisdom in the steps I have taken in preparation for writing SOAPs.  But I must be quick to say that they were not the steps I would have taken, but they were the steps God planned for me.  In His wisdom, He was preparing me to write SOAPs. 

“Make God Smile!”  The earlier in life you make that the goal of your life, the more you will be smiling when you reach 77! 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, “Who am I pleasing?” bring this question to my mind many times throughout today.     Amen

Pastor Leon
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On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

“brought out TO BE brought in”

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 07, 2025: SOAP #5573:  Deuteronomy 5-6; Psalm 43; Mark 14

SCRIPTURE:  Deuteronomy (NIV) 6:20 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders— great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us OUT from there to bring us IN and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers.

OBSERVATION:   The Israelites were to pass on to their children their history.  Living in slavery was not pleasant.  God did great miracles (the ten plagues) to deliver them from Egypt.  But God was not only interested in getting the Israelites OUT of Egypt, He wanted to get them IN the promised land. 

APPLICATION:   So many times, we want God to deliver us from some troubling situation.  We pray for God to help us get free.  But once free, we do not think about why God set us free.  He got us OUT of the troubles so that we can be IN a time of praise and thanksgiving.  We come IN to opportunities to tell others what God has done for us.  Our testimony gives God glory!  

He delivers me from debt so that I can tithe and have money to give to others.  He brings me out of a time of sickness so that I can be in a time using my strength to serve Him and others.  Etc.   

PRAYER:   Lord you are so faithful to lift me out of my despair and troubles.  You bring me to a time of rejoicing in Your presence, a time of thanksgiving for how you have helped me.  May I be faithful to enter a season of thanksgiving and praise for what you have done.  You gave me relief; I give you praise!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Here is an update from Pastor Andrew and Bishop Emmanuel: 
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Here in Niger the conference was very great I will bless the Lord for the people the two days conference the total people that are attended is the first day we have 7,500 people on the second day we have 9,000 people and today we know that the number is going to increase.

In the two days conference we have 1,800 people who give them life to Jesus and as today is the last day we are expecting more people to come and also to be safe we will be organizing a discipleship class tomorrow for the new convert who give the life to Jesus.

We have already organized as SOAP MINISTRY team here in Niger also we have teach them how to print the SOAPs too the computers and printer and also how to distribute the SOAPs to the people in the country everyday they have already started receiving their own SOAPs yesterday.

Tomorrow the discipleship class is going to start for all those who give their life to Jesus during the conference for 2 days class for all those who gave their life to Jesus  in the conference and we will send them to a different churches.

We will be leaving here on Saturday morning to Burkina Faso Burkina Faso is a very strong Muslim country but a few Christians but I believe this is a time or Revival in that country please help us in prayer as we go on Saturday but me Bishop Emmanuel and Pastor John we are fully ready with God’s favor and anointing to go into the country with the true gospel.
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Also, an update for those who have been praying for Samuel, Pastor Andrew’s son:  He had broken bones in his right foot.  The injury to his left leg were some wounds, but x-rays showed no broken bones.  He is now at home!   We can pray for God to provide some pain medication and to replace the refrigerator, TV, etc. sold for hospital payment. 

Also pray for some additional computers and printers.  They have installed all they have and have three West African countries plus some in East Africa. 

Leon  😊

Living Ready!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 06, 2025: SOAP #5572:  Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalm 36; Mark 13

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 13:28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

OBSERVATION:   Having been born the year Israel became a nation and believing that the fig-tree in verse 28 could be a reference to Israel, I consider myself a part of “this generation.”   I believe the things mentioned in the previous verses will happen in my lifetime.  

The theme of the next 5 verses is “be on guard,” “be alert,” “don’t be sleeping,”  “watch!”  This is not a day to be a sleepy Christian. 

APPLICATION:   In verse 37 Jesus says, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”  I must take that personally.  I must not let myself be influenced by the world into thinking that everything will continue as it has.  I must keep my ears open to what the Holy Spirit is saying.  I must keep “on guard” and “alert!” 

I need to get my news from the Bible even more than from newspapers, magazines, radio or television.  The Holy Spirit is the author of the scriptures and He is able to give us understanding of how they apply to today. 

Reality may be that I have less time than my generation.  An accident, or some sickness may usher me into the presence of God before the call for “this generation.”  I have no promise of tomorrow.  (Proverbs 27:1)  I must be ready today!  I must live ready! 

PRAYER:   Lord, You have a plan and you have a time frame into which that plan must be finished.  As we quickly approach the completion of your plan, keep me sharp in hearing your voice.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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What A Teacher!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 05, 2025: SOAP #5571:  Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 12

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 12:1 He [Jesus] then began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey…

OBSERVATION:   When Jesus taught heavenly principles, He always used earthy illustrations that would be easy for people to understand.  He used illustrations from their everyday life, things with which they were already familiar.  When Jesus returned to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to continue this ministry of revealing truth.  (John 16:3)

APPLICATION:   When the Holy Spirit shows me something new, I often come away thinking, that is so simple.  The most profound truths are put in the simplest of terms so that even I can understand them!  

The Holy Spirit is a good teacher because 1) He perfectly understands the truth, 2) He perfectly understands each of us, and 3) He communicates with each person individually. 

He is with me when I read the scriptures.  He is with me when I hear a preacher or teacher or a word of prophecy.  He rode the school bus with me and made me aware of things that demonstrated spiritual truth.  The Holy Spirit sparks my heart to receive truth and then apply it.  The Holy Spirit is my personal tutor.  I could not ask for a better teacher.  (And the same is true for each believer!)

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, thank you for being my teacher.  As I write these SOAPs give me clarity of thought.  Help me understand what you are saying and help me communicate the truth in ways that are easy for readers to understand, and easy to translate.  Thank you for being with each SOAP reader and showing them what is important for them to hear and apply.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Until Then…

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 04, 2025: SOAP #5570:  Numbers 34-36; Mark 11

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 11:7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!” 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple.

OBSERVATION:   The road was covered with coats and branches.  It was a great celebration!     Jesus was entering Jerusalem, riding on a colt.  The people who were at the head of the parade shouted, “Hosanna!”  Those who brought up the end shouted, “Hosanna!”   Their focus was Jesus!  

APPLICATION:   The parade that entered Jerusalem that day is still going.  It has stretched through the years to where I am today.  The parade route has changed.  It is not going through the gates of the city of Jerusalem in Israel; it is going through the “death gate” and entering the New Jerusalem in heaven!   Those who preceded us in death have already entered the gates of heaven and are now enjoying the presence of God from heaven’s point of view.  Last night I was privileged to join 20-25 others still in this life.  We joined in the presence of God as we worshipped the same God from our limited earthly point of view.

We are near the end of the parade.  we join with those who have gone ahead in shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”  Jesus is the center of our world too!

PRAYER:   Jesus, all of earth and heaven is centered on you!  May those who are standing along my part of the parade route see you exalted and be welcomed to join the celebration!  What a day that will be when we are all together in the courts of heaven!  But until then we will continue singing your praise worshipping you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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A Servant

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Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 03, 2025: SOAP #5569:  Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 10:42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

OBSERVATION:   The world had gotten things upside down.  Jesus put them right side up.  In man’s eyes, rulers are the greatest.  In God’s eyes, servants are the greatest. 

Jesus had come to serve the will of the Father, and to serve man by making the payment for sin.  And in being the servant/slave of all, He clearly was the greatest of all! 

People who have been given authority should use it as a tool to increase their service to others.  Their decisions and their actions should be for the benefit others.       

APPLICATION:   I am a servant of the Most High God.   It is all about Him!  I must remember how Jesus answered the question about which was the greatest commandment: 

Mark (NIV) 12:29  “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

PRAYER:   Lord, what an example you set!  I am amazed at the great extent You went to serve me.  May my life be used to serve your purposes.   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon