Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 16, 2025: SOAP #5796: Malachi 3-4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

OBSERVATION:  The early church in Jerusalem found themselves full of love for God and for each other.  Meeting once a week was not sufficient; it seems they met every day.  They gathered in the courtyard of the temple and also in their homes, moving from house to house.  They did not have personal copies of the Bible to read, but they had people who had spent time with Jesus and had heard Him teach.  They could pass along what they remembered of His teachings. 

APPLICATION:  In West Africa where God has used the SOAP ministry to reach many people, the leaders have encouraged the new believers to be a part of a church.  When there are no churches, pastors are being sent to plant a new church.  But in all those areas, “Home Fellowship Bible Studies” (or whatever they call them) are started which meet at least twice each week.  Our hearts rejoice when we hear reports of these groups growing as new people continue to commit their lives to Jesus! 

Being a believer with the life of Jesus living inside is so much more than a weekly gathering of like-minded people.  It is a daily life that Jesus is living in us!  HIS LIFE finds expression through us every day! 

PRAYER:  Lord, may You find it easy to express yourself through me.  And may those living around me find it easy to recognize You living in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 15, 2025: SOAP #5795: Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1-2; Acts 4

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 4:7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

OBSERVATION:  The day before, Peter and John had ministered healing to a cripple who sat at the temple gate (Acts 3:2-11).  Such a crowd was gathered that the Jewish leaders put Peter and John in jail.  Now they were questioning how they could do this. 

The same Holy Spirit that brought the cripple to their attention, the same Holy Spirit who ministered the healing through them, was now speaking through them in their defense!   Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Peter spoke truth about Jesus Christ!  

APPLICATION:  They spoke truth, explaining what had just happened to the crippled man, AND they spoke eternal truth: “Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved!” 

Many of us SOAP readers have known this truth for many years, and there are many SOAP readers who have just discovered the great salvation Jesus has made available for us!  We welcome you to the family of God!!! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, fill us and use us to bring glory to Jesus.  May Jesus be glorified through our words and actions today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 14, 2025: SOAP #5794: Nehemiah 11-12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 3:7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him….
16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

OBSERVATION:  God makes changes in people’s lives that are seeable.  When the Spirit of God interacts with human flesh and blood, some things are going to change—and the change will be easily seen.

APPLICATION:  Some changes will be temporary and seen in my reaction to what God is doing.  It may be a shout, or a burst of joy.  It may be weeping.  Other changes will be lifelong.  Changes in how I see things.  Changes in my attitude.  Changes in how I talk.  Changes in habits.  Changes in health.  Changes in finances…

In the past few months, five or six African communities have had thousands of people commit their lives to Jesus, making Him the Lord of their lives.  As the Presence of Jesus makes changes in their individual lives, for certain He will bring changes to the communities.  There will be “seeable” differences in individual lives and in the community as a whole. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, for a God who never changes, you sure bring a lot of change to my life, and I am so glad you do!  Every change you make in me is for my good, and for the good of the community in which I live.  Keep changing me to be like Jesus. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  soapsbyleon.wordpress.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 13, 2025: SOAP #5793: Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

OBSERVATION:  The disciples had just received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.  A large crowd gathered outside, and Peter preached to them explaining what they were witnessing.  God had sent His Holy Spirit as He had promised. 

Peter goes on to say that everyone present could receive the same gift!  They should repent of their sins and receive forgiveness.  They should be baptized.  (This identified them with Jesus who was baptized.  And it identified them with His death, burial, and resurrection.  Being baptized under the water was identifying with His death; coming up out of the water was identifying with His resurrection.)  

APPLICATION:  The promise is to all “who are far off!”  That could be “far off” in distance, as on another continent, OR “far off” as far in another generation, or century, or millennium!  The promise is to Europe, Asia, Africa, America, Australia, Antarctica, and all places in between.  The promise is all the way to year 2025!   The promise is MINE!   

PRAYER:  Lord, when you forgave me and made your home in me, you brought your resurrected life into me!   This life you now live in me is your life that has already defeated sin and death.  What a great privilege is mine!  I want to live my life in the best way to honor you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  soapsbyleon.wordpress.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 09, 2025: SOAP #5789: Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 22:24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

OBSERVATION:  On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus was with His disciples.  The issue arose as to who would be the greatest in the kingdom.  Jesus had the perfect squelch!  There was no question, HE was the greatest!!!  But being the greatest, He moved among them as a servant!  

He washed their feet!  He directed the Passover meal!  And He was preparing to do the greatest act of service ever done for man: He would give His sinless blood as payment for the sins of man!   HE was the greatest there, and HE was among them as one who serves!  

APPLICATION:  No one is more worthy to be served than Jesus!  I am called to be His servant.  I serve Him out of love and respect.  BUT I am not even worthy to be His servant until I have let HIM serve me!  He is the greatest servant! 

I receive Him as my Savior and He washes away my sin under the blood H shed on the cross!  I receive Him as my Lord and He serves me by directing my life in ways that honor Him and bring great joy to my heart!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I confess my sins, I am sorry for my sins; I receive your forgiveness.  Take the place as Lord of my life.  Use me to serve others and glorify you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  soapsbyleon.wordpress.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 07, 2025: SOAP #5787: Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 21:1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.  3 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.  4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” 

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was watching people as they gave their offerings at the temple.  He saw the large gifts; He also saw the smallest gift.  What impressed him was not the amount of their gift, but the amount remaining after their giving.  It was not the size of the giving, but the size of the “remaining.” 

Only Jesus can truly measure the sacrifice.  This poor widow’s impressive sacrifice was measured not by the amount given, but by the amount remaining after the giving. 

APPLICATION:  Jesus watches my giving too.  Although I am able to give more than in earlier years, I also know that I have more left over after my giving.  Knowing that I am a steward and that it all belongs to God, I know that he is just as interested in what remains with me as in what is given away.     

PRAYER:  Lord, may you be pleased with the offerings I give, both with what I give, and with what remains.  But Lord, when it comes to my heart, it is ALL yours. The money in my possession is ALL yours also.  So, the real issue in giving is what do you want me to do with your money?  I love and trust you, so I will obey you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  soapsbyleon.wordpress.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 07, 2025: SOAP #5787: Ezra 7-8; Luke 20

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 20:20 Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.
21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?” 25 “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

OBSERVATION:  Did they hear what they were saying???  “You speak what is right!  You do not teach to please some and condemn the others.  You do not show partiality!  You teach God’s ways truthfully!”  They were the spies sent to trap Him in His words!  But what great words of commendation they were speaking. 

With their mouth they commended Him, but with their hearts they were seeking to discredit Him. 

APPLICATION:  Before condemning them, I need to check myself.  Do I call Him Lord in my prayer, but then live like I am Lord?  Do I sing beautiful songs of surrender and worship when I am with other believers, but then live like the world is more appealing to me when I am out on my own? 

The Lord wants me to take His words seriously.  But I must remember: He takes my words seriously.   He wants me to listen to Him.  But I must remember He listens to me. 

PRAYER:  Let the words of my heart and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  soapsbyleon.wordpress.com