SOAP 02/10/2012; Acts 17:30-31

Today's reading: Leviticus 13,14; Acts 17

S)"³⁰ Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, ³¹ because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead."

Acts 17:30-31 (NASB)

O) God is no longer overlooking ignorance... however difficult that was to hear 2000 years ago, it's even more difficult now. Why is God no longer overlooking ignorance? Because the Son was crucified and resurrected, paying the price for sins not His own. The price is paid, so no there is no excuse for staying away from our Creator. Not even ignorance will get us out of this one. The evangelical work of the church is nearing its end, when all of mankind will truly have heard of Jesus and what He did. Maybe it has reached its end; certainly in all but the remotest parts of the world. To continue on, as if there is some uncertainty found in the validity of Christ's diety and redemption, is ignorance in the most literal sense. It's ignoring the plain truth.

A) I'm afraid that in today's world, even today's "Christian" world, we don't want to hear about a God who will judge us. People have always wanted to serve God on their own terms, but that's just not going to work in the end. When I read in the above verse, He will judge me in righteousness through Jesus, that gets my attention. There is no higher standard than Jesus. I fail miserably, in my own efforts. When He comes to judge, I need to be found in Christ. Outside of Him, I will be found guilty.

P) Father, let me be found in Christ! Holy Spirit, strengthen me to preserve the righteousness that is given to me. I know that in my flesh I am a guilty failure, but in repentance, obedience, and faith, I am called holy because You are holy. Let me walk in righteous fear of You, LORD. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.