How to Use the S.O.A.P Method of Bible Reading

S.O.A.P. stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. It’s a great way to delve more deeply into your Bible reading, and record your thoughts, emotions and connections when studying scripture. S.O.A.P. is meant to be a journal you create with your regular Bible reading, using the process as you read each day, but it can also be an effective tool to help you connect with particular passages. You can use it with any Bible reading plan, whether you’re reading straight through from Genesis to Revelation, or following a reading plan from your church, study Bible or the internet.

Go Make a Difference

2Ki 5:1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.
2Ki 5:2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman's wife.

2Ki 5:3 Then she said to her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy."
2Ki 5:4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, "Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel."

A Small Act Can Make A Big Difference

We Are called to make a difference, When non-Christians encounter us, what impressions do they walk away with? Do they simply see another "religion," or do they encounter a Christianity that is relevant outside the church and makes good rational sense in every area of human life?

As Christ took on the context of human flesh, so we must enter into the context of today's world. The basis for our ministry, therefore, is not only found in sharing the truths of the Christian faith, but also in utilizing our own humanity as an actual channel for relating these truths
to make a big diference in the world.

We move from Naaman for a time to a little Hebrew maid who was a servant in his household. This Israelitish girl was probably a teenager of older years and she would have worked under the direction of Naaman's wife.

2Ki 5:3 Then she said to her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy."

1. She Acted Even though She Was Small
In many casess we discount what we can do because we think we are too small or powerless to make a difference.
Considered the Hebrew maid's situation:
She was a slave,
She was an outsider
She was young
She was a female

However Naamans' servant wasn't silent,it teaching us our silence is not a matter of neutrality. We need to tell ourselves that, our silence is a matter of guilt and sin. Obedience is definitely a biblical reason to evangelize.

Silence on our part is a sin. When we do not tell others about salvation, we are denying Jesus just as surely as Peter did.

James 4:17 says very clearly: "Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin." Remember, we may be this person's last opportunity to hear the gospel before they step out into eternity. That should gives us a sense of urgency about sharing Jesus with lost persons.

Sharing Jesus Without Fear-"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:7) Fear is not from our heavenly Father, people! Fear is from our enemy, the devil.

Q&A – Ask Your Question
Christians are often accused of "judging" whenever they speak out against a sinful activity. However, that is not the meaning of the Scripture verses that state, "Do not judge." There is a righteous kind of judgment we are supposed to exercise—with careful discernment (John 7:24). When Jesus told us not to judge (Matthew 7:1), He was telling us not to judge hypocritically.

Matthew 7:2-5, “…you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’ …You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.“ What Jesus was condemning here was hypocritical, self-righteous judgments of others.

2Ki 5:3 Then she said to her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy."

All she could do was make a suggestion to her mistress yet didn’t let the seeming insignificance of that act stop her!

She Acted Even Though What She Could Do Was Small

2Ki 5:13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?"

ACTION PLAN
If you want to make a big difference, be confident in God
If you want to make a big difference, be credible through your service.
If you want to make a big difference, speak to people’s needs.
If you want to make a difference, don’t be afraid to something even if it seems small. -John Maxwell-

Livin' with Jesus

SOMEBODY IS LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER!

Rom 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
Rom 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Rom 6:7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

Rom 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

How Do You Live This Life?

1. IDENTIFY YOUR LIFE WITH CHRIST

WE ARE IDENTIFIED WITH CHRIST
Because I am IN CHRIST I have been identified with Him in His death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-4) and thus baptism is to picture the fact that I died with Him and that I arose with Him (Gal. 2:20)!

Because I am IN CHRIST I have been identified with him as a New creature 2 Cor. 5:14-17), and thus water baptism is a picture of the fact that I have a new life and a new walk (Eph. 2:10 and Rom. 6:4)

Q&A – Ask Your Question
1. Concerning suicide is that the one sin you can't be forgiven for like we've all heard; and what if before the person take his or her last breath and ask God to forgive them would they be…?

1 John 3:9 says that "no one who is born of God practices sin." And finally, suicide is often a heart that rejects the lordship of Jesus Christ, because it is an act where the sinner is taking his life into his own hands…


Rom 6:5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.
Rom 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.Suicide is still a serious sin against God.

According to the Bible, suicide is murder; it is always wrong. Serious doubts should be raised about the genuineness of faith of anyone who claimed to be a Christian yet committed suicide. There is no circumstance that can justify someone, especially a Christian, taking his/her own life. Christians are called to live their lives for God, and the decision on when to die is God’s and God’s alone. Although it is not describing suicide, 1 Corinthians 3:15 is probably a good description of what happens to a Christian who commits suicide: “He himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.”



2. UNITED WITH CHRIST

WE ARE UNITED WITH CHRIST IN Christ’s RESURRECTION
RAISED into Christ’s RESURRECTION
PLACED with Christ’s RESURRECTION
PARTKER of Christ’s RESURRECTION
UNION with Christ’s RESURRECTION
BOUND in Christ’s in RESURRECTION

The Importance of This Union
But notice the importance of this union with Christ!

John Piper writes, "If you are in Christ, by God's doing, Christ becomes for you "wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption." All that Christ is for you, he is for you because you are "in him." Because you are united to him. Because you have the union with him that Paul is talking about in Romans 6:5.

In this union Christ becomes wisdom for you and this overcomes your blinding, deadening ignorance.

In this union Christ becomes righteousness for you and this overcomes your guilt and condemnation.

In this union Christ becomes sanctification for you and this overcomes your corruption and pollution.

In this union Christ becomes redemption for you and this overcomes in the end all the miseries and pain and futility that come from sin and guilt – like sickness and death (compare "redemption" in Romans 8:23).3

Do you want to be free from the blinding effects of spiritual ignorance? Do you want to have the righteousness of Christ credited to your account and be accepted and acquitted and justified by God? Do you want to have the sanctifying power of Christ in your life helping you overcome canceled sin? Do you want to be delivered in the end from misery and death? If so – and I pray that you do – then cherish your union with Christ. Love being united to him. Grow in your grasp of these things. Live in them. Savor them. Carry them with you through the day. Make them your meditation day and night. Think often on what it means to be united to Christ. What it means that "by God's doing you are in Christ Jesus." -John Piper

The Importance of This Union
But notice the importance of this union with Christ!

If you are in Christ, by God's doing, Christ becomes for you "wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption." All that Christ is for you, he is for you because you are "in him." Because you are united to him. Because you have the union with him that Paul is talking about in Romans 6:5.


In this union Christ becomes wisdom for you and this overcomes your blinding, deadening ignorance.

In this union Christ becomes righteousness for you and this overcomes your guilt and condemnation.

In this union Christ becomes sanctification for you and this overcomes your corruption and pollution.

In this union Christ becomes redemption for you and this overcomes in the end all the miseries and pain and futility that come from sin and guilt – like sickness and death (compare "redemption" in Romans 8:23).

Do you want to be free from the blinding effects of spiritual ignorance? Do you want to have the righteousness of Christ credited to your account and be accepted and acquitted and justified by God? Do you want to have the sanctifying power of Christ in your life helping you overcome canceled sin? Do you want to be delivered in the end from misery and death? If so – and I pray that you do – then cherish your union with Christ. Love being united to him. Grow in your grasp of these things. Live in them. Savor them. Carry them with you through the day. Make them your meditation day and night. Think often on what it means to be united to Christ. What it means that "by God's doing you are in Christ Jesus."

1Cr 6:14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

God has saved me from the PENALTY of sin--this is JUSTIFICATION
(Romans 1-5).
God is saving me from the POWER of sin--this is SANCTIFICATION (Romans 6-8).
God will save me from the PRESENCE of sin when my salvation is completed--this is GLORIFICATION (Romans 8).

Rom 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

3. NO LONGER SLAVES TO SIN

WHY WOULD NO LONGER SLAVES TO SIN IS A WONDERFUL STATEMENT?

The statement “no longer" in Romans 6:6 means “not from now on." Consider the following wonderful "NO LONGER" passages

Romans 6:6--no longer a continual slave of sin.
Gal. 2:20--no longer I (it is no longer the SELF-LIFE but it is the CHRIST-LIFE--His life in me).
2 Cor. 5:15--no longer live unto myself.
Eph. 4:17--no longer walk as the unsaved (Gentiles) walk.
Eph. 4:28--no longer practice the deeds of the old man.
1 Peter 4:2--no longer live to the lusts of men.
Eph. 4:14--no longer be children (believers need to grow up, go on to maturity, grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ every day, etc.)

Q&A – Ask Your Question
1. What if, I want think about receiving Christ in my life…?
According to this passage, when you die, where are you going…
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Q&A – Ask Your Question
1. What are the steps in knowing Jesus Christ…? Admit to God you are a sinner
Want forgiveness for your sin Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and rose again. Be willing to surrender your life to Jesus Christ.
Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and your Savior. Romans 3:10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one ...."

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God ...."

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Salvation cannot be earned. Everyone is a sinner and deserves death, but God gives eternal life. So how can we receive God's gift of eternal life?

Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth ...."

To be saved, we must believe the gospel. The word "gospel" means "good news". But before we can believe the good news, we have to know what it is.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel ... that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures ...."

This is the gospel which we must believe in order to be saved. Now, how does believing this gospel save us?

Romans 5:8-9 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

Romans 3:22-26 "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (appeasing sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

We can be saved from the wrath of God, because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins and rose from the dead. He paid the price for us, and we are justified in God's eyes through our faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast."

There will be no boasting in heaven. We cannot be saved by our own righteousness, but only by God's grace, through faith.

Ephesians 1:13-14 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."

Once we believe the gospel, we are sealed with God's Holy Spirit. This is God's deposit, that guarantees he will redeem us, whom our Lord Jesus Christ "purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

I’VE MET HIM

Jhn 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Jhn 1:30 "This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.'
Jhn 1:31 "I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water."
Jhn 1:31 "I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water."
Jhn 1:32 And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained
Jhn 1:33 "I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
Jhn 1:34 "And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."
Jhn 1:35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.
Jhn 1:36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

Why Did John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God?

1. UNIQUE

How was Jesus so Unique?

Jhn 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Jhn 1:30 "This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.'

He was unique because...
He is called the Lamb of God…
He is the Sin-Bearer…
He fulfilled the Passover Lamb…
He was unstained by sin…
He was the Savior that God sent into the world to bear for us the punishment for our sin…

Q&A – Ask Your Question
1. Are there any sins that you can't be forgiven for…?
Jhn 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Jhn 1:31 "I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water."
Jhn 1:32 And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained

2. WITNESS

Divine Witness
Jhn 1:33 "I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
Jn. 1:43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me."

Personal and Biblical Witness

Jhn 1:34 "And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."
Jhn 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Moses in the Law Witness
Deu 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

The Book of Prophets Witness
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

How did John knew that Jesus is the Lamb of God?

Jhn 1:33 "I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
Jhn 1:34 "And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."

2. CONFESS
BAPTISM IS A PUBLIC CONFESSION OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH IN CHRIST

Throughout the New Testament those who repented and believed made a public confession of this fact by submitting to baptism. Sinners would publicly show their repentance and faith by submission to baptism.

Those who repented and believed the message of John, Christ, the disciples, etc. demonstrated this by baptism.

We have already established that only those who had repented and believed were baptized. Baptism was a public confession of this fact.

The New Testament preachers called sinners to repentance and faith and sinners answered this call by submitting to baptism. This was the way they publicly identified themselves with the redeemed.

BAPTISM IS A PICTURE OF THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

By baptism the sinner publicly confesses his faith in the gospel story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and exhibits the sinner's faith in that Christ as Saviour.

Q&A – Ask Your Question
1. Where can you find in the bible baptism water is considered the grave? Baptism symbolized a grave burial. We were therefore buried with him through baptism. (Rom. 6:4)
Having been buried with him in baptism. (Col. 2:12)

Q&A – Ask Your Question

All of us have unanswered questions about life, the gospel and the Church Vision—things we really want to know. Sometimes it‘s difficult to find the solutions. That‘s why we‘re taking time this March to respond to actual questions, submitted by you, with real answers from God‘s Word.

Please submit your name and question to info@churchatthepark.tv or
the comment box below.

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter

Stop Gossip in the Church

Bryant Evans writes, Do church members gossip? Do they gossip about each other? I think we know the answer. And I think we know that all of us have been guilty of gossip at some time. But we also know that gossip is a horrendous habit that can assault, crush and destroy even the strongest believer.

Gossip is particularly damaging in the local church because people are often more open with fellow Christians about their weaknesses and needs. And because those weaknesses are out in the open it may be that gossip is more common in the church than anywhere else. A frightening thought wouldn’t you say?

Just think for a moment. How many people have been the target of gossip from within the church? How many have been hurt, even mortally wounded by the careless comments of another? Too many I am sure.

Gossip Is A Real Problem
Regardless of why, loose talk hurts. Victims of the gossipers tongue first of all feel embarrassment that their problems are now public. No one wants their dirty laundry tossed about before others.

After the shame the victim feels betrayed or let down by the person in whom they confided. We imagine how Jesus felt when betrayed and denied by Judas and then Peter. We also remember our own pain when someone betrays us. It hurts – badly.

Gossip destroys influence. Even strong, mature Christians deal with serious shortcomings daily (Romans 3:23). Revealing private details of their struggles can harm others looking to them for strength.

But most of all, gossip is a problem because it is a sin. It violates the Gold Rule of Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. It violates our Lord’s command to love one another…” (John 13:34; Romans 12:10; 1 John 3:11). Often the gossip is untrue which adds to its sinfulness. Gossip is simply wrong (1 Timothy 5:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:11 .


Gossip In the Church
Well, we expect gossip at the office. We expect it at the ballpark. We even expect it at a PTA meeting or during a telephone call with a friend. But we do not expect it at church.

Gossip seems to occur in the church for several reasons and not all of them are bad. In fact the motive may be noble but the outcome is still sinful.

Stop Gossip Intended to Help
Sometimes, people think they are helping by telling another about someone’s problem.

“I was sure glad to see Sandra at worship this morning.”

“Me too. I know she’s been struggling recently,” came the reply, which unfortunately did not end there. “Sandra and Bill have been fighting a lot. I heard he was a bit too friendly with a girl at work. Of course Sandra has been busy with her new job. I guess she just needs to spend more time with him.”

Now probably, our speaker really thinks she is helping by “briefing” another Christian on how to help Sandra. After all, the church is a family and we all work together to encourage and exhort one another. But there was very little help here. Even assuming that what the speaker said was true, this did nothing to encourage or assist Sandra. Instead, both she and Bill are objects of curiosity and, in the case of Bill, scorn.

Stop Gossip Intended to Apply the Lesson
Every preacher has experienced it. It usually occurs at the door of the church where people are speaking to the preacher as they leave the assembly.

Do you need to discipline yourself?

Ray Comfort from The Way Of The Master TV show says, "No read, no feed"
If reading your Bible is something that you don't crave, then you need to set the course for intervention now to force yourself to read it. (2Peter 2:2) Ray will not eat until he has read his Bible. Maybe you should try that too. Discipline yourself to read the word if you don't have a craving. Before you know it, you will be starving for it! The Bible says, Fatih comes by hearing and hearing the word of Christ (Rom 10:17), so in order to increase your faith, which comes from the Holy Spirit, we must read His word. To read more of Ray Comfort's perspective on reading the Bible, be sure to read that section under the 'Save Yourself Some Pain' tab of our site.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT!
If you are going to be ‘Top Gun’ soldier for Christ, then you must adhere to these basics:
1. You must plan on reading the Bible daily.
2. Expect to understand it and take the time to do so.
3. You must agree that it is the infallible word of God.


"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
Actually, according to the English Standard Version or "ESV", scripture is God breathed. Understand, the Bible was penned by man but they were all under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Hence, the Holy Spirit is indeed the author of scripture. You must agree to this truth or none of the Bible will make sense to you because you will only listen to your own logic rather than the logic of God. There are 66 books that make up the Bible or as we like to call them 'love letters'. God has given us divine direction through the Holy Spirit and those men who penned each letter, which enables us to overcome any obstacle by applying the Bible to our lives daily, as if it were the owner's manual to our life. It's even been said that B-I-B-L-E stands for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”. If you look at it that way, you better get a good understanding of it and do it right away