Crossroads Church

SOAP = Scripture Observation Application Prayer

Marcy Baumann

S: Acts 17:23 [You have one alter that reads]: “To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples…

O: Paul was talking to a Greek audience, one that didn’t have a knowledge of scripture. The Greeks, much like American society today, believed that a singular belief in God was for the weak and was something you encountered in church buildings or temples. Keep reading this chapter, it’s powerful – a great outline for evangelism!!

A: I was moved as I read this scripture today. I have people that I love, that my heart aches for, that don’t believe in Jesus Christ. I hear them struggling to fill the Christ-sized-hole in their hearts, I recognize their unrest and dissatisfaction with life.

Yet these are the same friends that exclaim awe when they encounter beauty in creation, they use their gifts to create works of art, they feel deep hurt for those that are hurting, they are moved by kindness. I want to join Paul in screaming; THIS GOD, WHOM YOU WORSHIP WITHOUT KNOWING, IS THE ONE I’M TELLING YOU ABOUT!!!!

Later in this chapter 17, it goes on to say the words that hurt: “…now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice…”

If one of my searching friends were to read this SOAP today, and I pray that they are, I would tell them this; Our lifetime is a road, filled with options and opportunities. The road breaks off and leads to two destinations…life and death. You are such an amazing example of God’s beautiful creation; I can’t imagine eternity without you.

P: Jesus, you are creator…your artwork is beautiful and it is impossible to ignore your existence in the complexities of this life. I want you, my maker, to show me the plan you had for my life when you first formed me. I want to live with you as my guide. I believe in you and your son Jesus’ sacrifice. Accept me into your family. Amen.

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