S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 11, 2021 Day #11 "Proclaiming Jesus to the Jew First"

S. Acts 18:6-8 (NIV)

6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

O. Paul wanted so much for his people, the Jewish people, to receive Jesus as their Messiah (Rom. 10:1-4). He knew that the gospel was the power of God for salvation, to the Jew first and also to the gentile (Rom. 1:16-17). Even though, throughout the book of Acts, he would repeatedly say to the Jews who would not believe, “I now turn to the gentiles,” he would continue to reach out them. Because of this, God blessed and extended his stay in Corinth, as many Jews and gentiles were being saved.”

A. I do believe in the importance of taking the gospel to the Jews that they might receive Christ Jesus as their Savior. I have committed the 10% of my tithe to be given first to Jewish evangelism. I will continue to support the Gateway Center for Jewish Evangelism financially and in daily prayer. I pray that God’s people Israel will yet receive Jesus as their Messiah. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name.

Here’s a link for any that might be interested in praying and financially supporting Jewish evangelism.

https://centerforisrael.com/

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 10, 2021 Day #10 "Effective Preaching 2.- Connecting"

S. Acts 17:22-23

22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

O. Paul looked for ways to connect people who did not have a previous knowledge of God, Jesus, or the Law of Moses. Paul used that which they were familiar with and connected them to the message he would proclaim. He also quoted one of their own poets to help drive home his message (v.28)

A. As a preacher and teacher of God’s word, I will continue to find creative ways to connect my listeners to my message so that the message of God grace and salvation in Jesus might be more clear. I also pray that such connections will help pave the way of the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts and minds of people (This in connection with SOAP # 02-07-21).

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for Paul’s example in connecting his audience to his message. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to further growth as a communicator of the Gospel of Christ so that such connections will be made when I teach and preach. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 9, 2021 Day #9 "Waiting For God To Open The Door"

S. Acts 16:7-10

7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

O. Paul had in mind places where he wanted to go and minister for Christ. However, twice the Holy Spirit kept him from going where he desired to serve only to later call Paul to go to Macedonia for the work there.

Despite two “closed doors” of service, Paul continued to travel, seeking where the Lord might use him. (v.8) There is no recorded account of Paul simply giving up; or complaining about God’s timing. Luke simply writes that upon a closed door, Paul is continuing to travel. He then has a dream of a man from Macedonia asking for help. Paul takes this as an open door of service. Paul travels to Macedonia and experiences a very fruitful ministry there.

A. I have also experienced times of God “closing “ doors and “opening” doors. My experience is that God’s timing is always spot on! Imagine that. While we wait for God to open a door or create a ministry pathway, we should continue to serve Him with our gifts wherever and whenever we can.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. I know your timing and calling is always right on. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to continued serving where I am while I wait for that door to effective ministry to open. In Jesus’ name!