Acts 24 — my S.O.A.P.

Scripture:  Acts 24:27

After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.

Observation:

Paul is being held for trial before the Roman Governor Felix, without any formal charges or proof of wrongdoing.  For two years, day after day, he appears before Felix and shares the gospel.  It seems that Felix believed in Paul’s innocence, but in fear of the Jewish leaders he decided not to let Paul go.  It must have been extremely frustrating for Paul to have to sit there and wait.

Application:

I can’t imagine how Paul felt as he sat in jail, innocent, for over two years. I don’t like to wait, especially for long periods of time.  However, God always has a plan when things aren’t going my way. In this case, Paul had time to share the gospel with Felix and his wife. Later, from a prison in Rome, Paul would write many of his letters that became part of the New Testament.  When waiting, I can get bitter or better; I choose better today.  I will bloom wherever I’m planted and make the most of every situation.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to see the bigger picture, that wherever you have me is where you want me to be.  Help me to make the most of every opportunity by serving others and sharing the good news.

my S.O.A.P. — Acts 21

Scripture: Acts 21:13

But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

Observation:

Paul was being warned that if he went to Jerusalem, he would be jailed and beaten, possibly killed.  Paul is a man of such great faith that the news doesn’t phase him.  He states that he’s ready to die for Jesus.  It’s a common theme in the early church that they considered it a privilege to suffer for the name of Christ.  In Philippians 1, Paul writes “for me, to live is Christ, but to die is gain”.  When believers have their eyes fixed on Jesus and their minds on the promise of eternal life, the stuff of this world soon fades away, and becomes “but as rubbish”.

Application:

I’m far too interested in and attached to the stuff of this world, even comfort.  I want to day to fix my eyes on Christ and let the things of this world fade away. I’ve never truly suffered for the sake of my Lord, I wonder how I would respond. I’m thankful the the example Paul set, and I want to follow it.  I will never let fear keep me from what God has called me to, for He is more than able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that I can dream or ask!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for all that I have, but help me not to love it.  I want to be a good steward of all, prepared to give it all.  Give me courage and strength today, please!

Acts 20 — my S.O.A.P.

Scripture:  Acts 20:24

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Observation:

Paul is saying good-bye to the leaders of the church at Ephesus.  These are people he has brought to Christ, discipled and ministered with for years.  I imagine it was a bittersweet moment for Paul.  In many modern teachings, Christians are taught following Jesus will bring health, wealth and prosperity.  Paul didn’t get the memo.  He has already suffered greatly for the gospel, but he assures them that the suffering and pain will increase. I love his focus and passion for Jesus as Paul declares that his life isn’t worth anything if he doesn’t fulfill his ministry.  That’s a great life purpose statement for every Christian.

Application:

I love Jesus, but am I willing to suffer for the sake of Him?  I’d like to say yes, I know that’s the right answer, but really?  I sometimes think suffering is being criticized or rejected, it’s not.  It’s just part of the weight of leadership.  I want to be so in love with and passionate about Jesus that nothing else matters but to die to self and be alive for Christ.

Prayer:

Lord, I love you.  I want to follow you with everything I’ve got.  Give me strength and courage to fulfill the ministry you’ve assigned to me, no matter what the cost.

Acts 19 — my S.O.A.P.

Scripture: Acts 19:27
Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”

Observation:

Demetrius, a silversmith, is angry that he is losing business because people are following Paul’s teachings, and no longer buying the idols he makes to worship Artemis.  As he makes his argument, he doesn’t want it to seem selfish, so he says that his concern is not for himself, but for their great god, Artemis.  He’s worried that her temple will suffer.  In reality, he only cared about his income, but he masked it in a cloak or religion.  As I say “people get funny when you talk about their money”.  Selfish people always try to mask their selfishness behind rational-lies, usually with religious overtones.  In the end, they’re just selfish.

Application:

I never want to become religious in my worship of God, but to continue to worship in Spirit and truth.  My relationship with Christ compels me to want more of Him, and to give Him more of myself, regardless of the cost.  In my ministry, i can’t listen to the voice of selfish, greedy people, they will kill the work of God in my life and drag me backwards into religion. Stay focused on Christ!

Prayer:

God, thank you for your passion for me, that you redeemed me from sin and rescued me from religion.  Help me to live with passion for you today, and not to become “religious”. I want to know you better and love you more today.  All that I have is yours, please use my time, talents and treasures to show people Jesus’ love!

A message for PVC…

Acts 18 — my S.O.A.P.

Scripture: Acts 18:6

But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”

Observation:

Paul was moving from place to place, preaching the gospel. As was custom, he would begin by preaching to the Jews. They knew the law and prophecies, and should have more readily received the gospel.  However, the Jews in Antioch were hard-hearted towards Jesus and refused to listen to Paul’s message.  Paul realized that they are rejecting Jesus, not him, so he reminds them of this fact and moves on.  Paul wasn’t going to waste time on soil that wasn’t ready for the seed of the gospel, he was looking for more receptive soil.

Application:

So often I take people’s criticism or rejection personally. I need to remember that if I’m truly living for and preaching Christ, crucified and risen, that the results are completely His. I can’t take credit when lives are changed, nor should I take blame when people reject Jesus.  This passage is also a great reminder to not linger where there’s hard-heartedness, but to move on to people who are ready for the gospel and allow the Lord to do His work in the lives of those who aren’t ready.  My calling in life is to simply preach the gospel to everyone I can.

Prayer:

Lord, thanks for the reminder today that everything is from you, and everything is for you.  Help me today to die a little more to self, and to become more like Jesus. Along the way, please give me opportunities to display your love to people and share the gospel. The results, and the glory, are yours. Thanks for letting me be a part of the process!

Acts 17 — Guest S.O.A.P. — Sean Smith

Scripture Acts 17:16-17
16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

Observation
In Athens Paul was confronted by the overtness of the idol worship there. He was troubled by the idols everywhere in the culture and society. So much so that he was moved to go to the synagogue and the public square to teach. He spoke to anyone he could find and communicated the Gospel to them in terms they could relate to and understand.

Application
It doesn’t take long in our world to see that we have many idols everywhere. Just like Paul, with a little observation it is terribly obvious that our world is filled with idolatry. Like Paul we should be deeply troubled by the idols we see everywhere. This should move us to passionate teaching and clear Gospel presentations to those caught up in idolatry. Paul’s teaching was met by some who were receptive and some who outright rejected his teaching… the same will happen with our reaching out to others, we should not be discouraged, instead we should continue to be diligent in our reaching out with the great message of Christ.

Prayer
God help me to be passionately moved by the “lostness” of the world around me. Open my eyes to the idolatry that is so prevalent around me and allow it to give me boldness to share the great Story you have given us.

Acts 14 – my S.O.A.P.

Scripture: Acts 14:22

“where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Observation:

Paul and Barnabas were preaching the gospel and encouraging the believers, despite heavy opposition. They didn’t shrink back because of criticism, they simply focused on doing what God had called them to do. They even encouraged the believers that enduring hardship is a part of following Christ.

Application:

It is tempting to stop and argue with the critics, or allow them to get under my skin. However, it’s simply a part of following Jesus, and it’s his offense, not mine.  No matter what I face, I need to focus on preaching the gospel and encouraging the believers to live out the Scriptures!

Prayer:

Lord, help me to run the race with endurance, with blinders on. Help me to focus on that which you’ve called me to, and those whom you’ve called me to. Help me be “dead to self, and alive to Christ”. I want to honor you with everything I do, and maximize my life for building your kingdom!

Acts 13 — my S.O.A.P.

Scripture: Acts 13:2-3

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Observation:

As they were praying and worshiping, the Holy Spirit instructs the disciples to dedicate Barnabas and Saul for ministry.  The apostles prayer and fast, I believe to make sure they’re hearing from and in agreeance with the Spirit.  After confirmation, they lay hands on them and send them out.

Application:

As I look for people to “dedicate”, i.e. place in leadership around me, it’s essential that I first hear from the Lord. Then it’s important to have others i respect go to prayer with me and ensure we’re in full agreeance.  The mantle of leadership in the Church should never be given lightly, or too soon. I’ve made this mistake in the past by hiring guys who had experience, talent, or passion, but weren’t the right fit. I’m thankful for the “dedicated” staff God has surrounded me with!

Prayer:

Lord, help me to develop the next generation of leaders, who have heart and passion, who will be ready to lead the church forward!  Help me to recognize those you’ve commissioned and encourage their growth.

Acts Day 12 — My S.O.A.P.

Scripture: Acts 12:23

Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.

Observation:

Herod played to the applause of the crowd and rejoiced when they said he spoke like a God.  God will NEVER share His glory with man, and He proves it by causing Herod to die.  As if to make a statement, God takes this extremely proud man and causes him to be consumed with worms.

Application:

It can be easy to enjoy the applause and celebration of people, but if it’s ever given, it’s completely misdirected. I must always remember to point at Jesus and give Him all the glory and honor alone.  I’m imagining the crowd didn’t stay and celebrate Herod after he was consumed with worms.  Neither will the crowds applaud when I point fully at Christ.  Remember that it’s not the applause of the crowd I play for, but the approval of one, the One, Jesus. Don’t take the honor that is only due to Him!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for saving me and calling me to represent you. I give you all the glory and honor, I want none. I celebrate you and recognize all I am and have is from and for you.