Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 15, 2025: SOAP #5765: Ezekiel 38-39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

SCRIPTURE:  Ezekiel (NIV) 39:7 I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the LORD am the Holy One in Israel.

OBSERVATION:  In the book of Ezekiel, over 60 times one finds the phrase “they will know that I am the LORD.”  It is clear that God wants to be known for who He really is.    

APPLICATION:  If God wants to be known as LORD, then I should make it my priority to make Him known as LORD in my life.  Of course, that starts with me being convinced that He is LORD and then living my life like He is LORD.   If He is LORD, then what He wants is more important to me than what I want.  If He is LORD, then what He wants me to do is more important to me than what I want to do.  He can use my life to demonstrate that He is LORD to those around me. 

This past week a remarkable young man (31), Charles Kirk, was assassinated while holding an open discussion on a college campus.  He was clearly and boldly, fearlessly and passionately, yet politely and graciously presenting Biblical morality and new spiritual life in a relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.  Clearly his life is a demonstration of living under the Lordship of Jesus.  From the fire in his life many fires have been started in lives across the United States, and even in other nations.  His presence in this world has definitely made a difference.  May all our lives do the same. 

PRAYER:  LORD, I want you to truly be LORD in my life, and not just in words.  May those who hear me say that you are my LORD, have no doubt that you really are LORD in my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 14, 2025: SOAP #5764: Ezekiel 36-37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war….
14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

OBSERVATION:  This army is going into war.  This is not the army returning from war in a victorious parade.  Then we would expect the General to be out front leading the procession.  But what General leads his army into war.  The generals direct the war efforts from a position at the rear of the army.

BUT NOT KING JESUS!  He leads us into battle—from the front!

APPLICATION:  Of course, that means that I must always keep King Jesus between me and the enemy!  I must resist the temptation to run ahead and fight the battle on my terms.  I must follow HIM into the fray.   I never want to turn my back on the enemy to be able to see my Commander-in-chief!

In Sierra Leone, the SOAP ministry has become very fruitful for the Kingdom of God.  God has given Pastor Andrew a key for reaching the non-Christian communities.  It is to do nothing until he receives a request from community leaders for the SOAP ministry to come to their area.  Their call is proof that God is already working.  (like Acts 16:9-10)   The result is that thousands who have never heard a presentation of the gospel have now heard and have responded by committing their lives to Jesus!!!  

PRAYER:  Lord, teach me to trust you AND to wait on you.  I want to be one who follows you into every battle.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 13, 2025: SOAP #5763: Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 18:2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. 3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.” 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; 5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.

OBSERVATION:  God remembered the crimes of this city and He is preparing to send judgment.  But God also remembers His people.  He will spare them.  He calls them out.  He will save them from the coming judgment. As a holy God, He cannot ignore the sins, and as a loving God he cannot withhold mercy from those who are His people.

APPLICATION:  Since all have sinned and come short of the glory what makes His people different from all the others?  Why can they escape judgment?  It is because their sins have already been judged.  They were judged as deserving death and their sins are covered by the blood of Jesus death on the cross.  They had judged themselves guilty and confessed their sins.  They had received Jesus’ death as the payment for their sins; they have been forgiven!

Jesus death on the cross is still available to cover the sins of anyone who will receive Him as their Lord and Savior.  (Romans 6:24-26)  Pray with me now … 

PRAYER:  Lord, I confess that I have sinned and deserve judgment.  I believe that you lived a sinless life and your death can be accepted as the payment for my sins.  Please forgive my sins and take your rightful place in my life as LORD.  Come and live in my heart.  Make my life your home.  With a humble and grateful heart I receive you now as my Savior and Lord.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 12, 2025: SOAP #5762: Daniel 3-4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings— and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was introduced to the world by John the Baptist as the Lamb. The context of this verse shows a ten nation confederacy submitting their power to Satan’s kingdom to make war against the Lamb.  The outcome of this war is not in doubt. 

With the Lamb are those who have been called, then they have been chosen, and finally they have proven faithful.   

APPLICATION:  I cannot do the calling.  God calls me as the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin and draws me to His forgiveness. 

I cannot do the choosing.  God chooses to place His Spirit within me.  He chooses to make me His dwelling place, His home.  He chooses to have fellowship with me!  

But I can be faithful.  I can be faithful to listen and to obey.  I can be faithful to keep Him #1 in my life.   I can be faithful to the assignments He has given me. 

Just a note:  if you are a parent, God has given you the greatest assignment any person can have.  Remember, Mary’s assignment was to be a mother!  Be faithful to raise your children, and to pray for them daily. 

PRAYER:  Lord, you have loved me and proved again and again your love for me.  You have chosen me and given me some special assignments.  How can I not be faithful to you!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 11, 2025: SOAP #5761: Daniel 1-2; Revelation 16

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 16:7 And I heard the altar respond:  “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.” 

OBSERVATION:  In chapter 6 of this book we saw that the souls of the martyrs were allowed to be under the altar, the place from which this voice came.  They had a “ring-side” seat from which they could view the heavenly activities.  Seeing how God was dispensing judgment, they marveled at God’s fairness and justice. 

Was God angry?  Definitely, but as we read about God’s wrath, we see that His anger is under the control of His holiness.  He does not judge in spite, in revenge, or in hate, but with truth and justice. 

His judgment is always fair and appropriate! 

APPLICATION:  It was amazing grace that motivated God to pour out the judgment I deserved on Jesus who died in my place.  Jesus received the full penalty that was appropriate for my sin, and for the sins of the whole earth. 

Having accepted Jesus as my Lord (boss/owner) and Savior (the One Who paid the price for my sins) I walk in joyful confidence that God’s justice has been satisfied.  The amazing God has an amazing plan to demonstrate both His holiness and love. 

His holiness was clearly demonstrated in that He demanded the full penalty for sin from Jesus who had never sinned but was paying for my sin!!!  God’s holiness demanded that the full penalty be paid. 

His love was clearly demonstrated in that the sacrifice was motivated purely by love for undeserving, unworthy me. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, your judgments are always appropriate.  And in Jesus, they are heavily flavored with your grace and mercy.     Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 10, 2025: SOAP #5760: Lamentations 3-5; Revelation 15

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 15:2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God  3 and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. 4 Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

OBSERVATION:  In verse 3 we see that the Old Testament and the New Testament are really only one book.  It is just one story.  Through Moses and the tabernacle with its ceremonial rituals we were taught to recognize Jesus, the Lamb of God who fulfilled the law and became the perfect sacrifice to take away the sins of the world!   What Moses began, Christ finished!   It is all one story!  …and it is not finished, there is still more!      

Old Testament and New Testament saints will join in worshipping the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world!  

APPLICATION:  I need to worship the Lord from both the Old Testament and New Testament perspectives.  Seeing the character of God expressed in the Old Testament scriptures gives a rich source of teaching and worship.  Seeing the character of God expressed in Jesus and the teaching of the New Testament add so much to the beauty of what I see of our Amazing God.  Through Jesus, I not only get to know more about God, but I get to KNOW God! 

He is clearly worthy of all worship and praise!   He is worthy of all Old Testament and New Testament worship songs.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for not slighting your holiness to show us your love!  You are amazing!  You are worthy of my devotion.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 07, 2025: SOAP #5757: 2Kings 25; 2Chron 36; Jer 40-41; Rev 12

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

OBSERVATION:  Who you are fighting determines the weapons to be used.  When fighting the “accuser,” having one attitude and using two weapons will win every time.  The attitude is to not love our lives so much that we are afraid to die.  We must be courageous.  Again and again in the scriptures we are told to be courageous.

Along with courage, we need the blood of the Lamb.  It is the blood that removes even the hint of guilt.  The blood is not proof that we have not sinned.  No, The blood is the proof that a sacrifice has been made that covers our sins.  The accusations have no basis when we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus!  We are forgiven and cleansed from “all unrighteousness!” (1John 1:9)  We are justified!  We are pure.  We are as pure as if we had never sinned!  Thank God for the blood.  It is definitely something to celebrate!

And there is another weapon.  It is the “word of our testimony.” The “word” is Jesus and He must be the focus of our testimony if we are to be effective against the devil.  It is our/my testimony.  It is personal.  This is what Jesus has done for me. 

APPLICATION:  God has created me to be an overcomer.  He has given me many promises in the scriptures.  His presence is always with me. I must remember that the life that Jesus now lives in me by His Holy Spirit is post-resurrection life.  He has already defeated the devil and death!  He has already faced every trial and temptation I will ever face!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I step out of the way, Live your life in me.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 06, 2025: SOAP #5756: Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 11:13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon. 15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”  16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshipped God,

OBSERVATION:  It is good to note the difference between what happens on earth and what happens in heaven.  The inhabitants of earth are reaping the rewards of evil.  Those on earth, who give glory to God, do so motivated by terror. (verse 13)  The inhabitants of heaven are enjoying the Presence of Almighty God.  Those in heaven, who give glory to God, do so motivated by honor and appreciation for this Perfectly Holy Being who is all powerful and in control.  (verse 16)

APPLICATION:  It is good to consider the differences between the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdoms of this earth.  There are so many!  Those of us who have received forgiveness and in whom Christ dwells, even now, are blest to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven!  The blessings we enjoy now are nothing compared to the blessings we will enjoy in heaven!!    

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for living in me and making me a part of your kingdom.  May it be obvious to others that I consider myself greatly blest to be a part of your kingdom.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 05, 2025: SOAP #5755: Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 10:11 And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”
Revelation (NIV) 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;

OBSERVATION:  The plan of God was to provide a sinless sacrifice that could be acceptable as payment for the sins of all who believe.  It must be a sacrifice that met all the moral qualifications and fulfilled all the prophetic scriptures. 

Only One sacrifice met all the requirements:  Jesus. 

There was/is no other sacrifices for other nations.  Jesus was the one sacrifice for the world; for all who would believe.  But being ONE, he came through ONE nation so much of the scriptures targets Israel. 

Throughout the Old Testament we find God reaching out to other nations, but when Jesus had completed the sacrifice and had risen from the dead, we see a fresh emphasis of the gospel to all the world!  Here in the last book of the Bible, we see God’s purposes and plans include “every nation and tribe and tongue and people.”    

APPLICATION:  This includes me, my family members, my neighbors, my fellow workers, everyone I meet every day, AND everyone who reads this SOAP.    

We receive the benefit of His sacrifice by faith.  We acknowledge that we have sinned and ask His sacrifice be accepted as payment for our sin.  We invite Jesus to live in us as our Lord.  Oh what a change that makes in our lives! 

PRAYER:  Lord, with a grateful heart I receive your forgiveness and dedicate my life to live each day for you.  Use me today for Your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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