Did you use “S.O.A.P.” this morning?

Did you use “S.O.A.P.” this morning? Your response is probably a resounding “Yes!” And you are probably a little offended that anyone would even ask that question.

But, from a Christian perspective, everyone starts out needing to use “S.O.A.P.” The prophet Isaiah said in the Bible: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." But later Jesus told his followers: “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” God’s Word has a cleansing property for all of us.

A big part of being a Christian is becoming familiar with the Bible, God’s Word, and then taking action based on what you learn. At Cypress Church we suggest the “S.O.A.P.” method of studying Scripture. “S.O.A.P” is an acronym for Scripture, Observation, Action and Prayer. This concept for Bible study was pioneered by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu Hawaii. Here is how you can use the "S.O.A.P" method as you read and study your Bible:

First: Find a quiet time and space to study God's Word, preferably at the same time each day. Many people find that reading scripture in the morning helps get their day off to a great start with a proper focus. Before you open "The Book," pray that God will speak to you and help you understand what you are reading.

Next, read the scripture passage (the "S" step). Don’t just skim through it, but really think about what it means. Imagine what the people involved were experiencing. Write down a verse or two that really stood out to you in your journal.

The next step is to complete the “O” by writing down observations about the scripture you just read. What is happening in the passage? What verse or concept sucks with you? How do the verses you are studying fit in with the context of the rest of the Bible? You may want to write your own summary of the passage, but more importantly, think about what God has to say to you through this part of His Word.

Now it is time to complete the “A” by writing down how this Bible passage applies to you right now, in your daily life. Just reading the Bible and believing it is true will not change your life unless you take God's Word and make a specific application to you, right now, today. Maybe God has challenged you about a specific attitude or action. Decide what you will do to follow through with what you have learned.

Finally, complete the “P” through prayer. Talk to God about what He has just led you to discover. If you are unsure, ask Him to give you insight. It may help to write out your prayer. This is a personal message from you to God, so don’t worry about getting the perfect words down. Just make it honest and heartfelt. Remember that God always listens, and already knows your needs. He just wants to hear from you.

As you use the "S.O.A.P." method, you are inviting God's Holy Spirit to interact with you and empower you to move forward in a direction that is pleasing to God. “S.O.A.P.” is a vital element in living the Christian life and the objective is for God’s Word to move us into action. From January 13 through February 23, 2013 Cypress Church is focusing on spiritual growth through service during their “Love Like Jesus” campaign.

The "Love Like Jesus" campaign at Cypress Church is all about service. In the words of Pastor Mike McKay: “It's great to preach about it, pray about it, read about it, but there is something missing in all this - actually doing it!”

Everyone is welcome at Cypress Church for Sunday worship and Bible study at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The main campus is located at 6143 Ball Road in Cypress, CA just east of Valley View. For information on how you can participate in "Love Like Jesus" with the rest of the Cypress Church family you may contact our staff at (714) 952-3001.

Photo Caption: Pastor Mike McKay of Cypress Church says the “Love Like Jesus” campaign will: “…be a wonderful time of encouragement, challenge, learning, and practicing loving like Jesus.”

To download the "Love Like Jesus" Devotional Guide please click HERE

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Cypress Church Resolves to “Love Like Jesus”

It’s that time again! What time is that? Well, each year in January it is traditional to make a New Year’s Resolution. This year Cypress Church has resolved to “Love Like Jesus."

Exactly what does it mean to “Love Like Jesus?” In His own words, Jesus said that He… “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." His love expressed itself in service.

“Love Like Jesus” at Cypress Church is a six week focus on spiritual growth through service. The congregation will focus on being people of loving action. People who serve their families, church, community and also the world.

The campaign begins on Sunday, January 13th. Each week on Sunday there will be a special Bible based message on the topic of Jesus and how to love as he did. These five messages are titled: Loved by Jesus, Love Your Family, Love Your Church, Love Your Community, and Love Your World.

The sixth and final Sunday of the campaign, February 17th, the church will have a brief gathering in the morning and then the congregation will go out and serve in the community during the afternoon. (Editor note: Regular worship services on Sunday, February 17, 2013 - Community Service Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24, 2013).

Everyone in the cities of Cypress, Buena Park and the surrounding area is invited to participate in this time of learning, growth and service. In addition to the Sunday Bible study messages there will be opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors in Community Life Groups that meet in homes in local neighborhoods. The church has also created a special devotional guide to help each individual discover more every day about service during the months of January and February. The devotional guide is drawn primarily from the Bible Book of Mark.

The goal of this special six week focus period is to encourage a life style change where individuals actively seek opportunities to serve others around them. This could happen in homes, families, schools, community groups, the workplace or just about anywhere people find themselves.

Cypress Church Senior Pastor Mike McKay hopes that everyone who participates in the campaign will truly experience the love that Jesus has for them, join with others in the Cypress Church family, and then “…let that love flow out to others as we serve them.”

More information about Cypress Church and the “Love Like Jesus” spiritual growth campaign is available by calling the church office at (714) 952-3001. Sunday services are held at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the main campus located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View in Cypress. The church website may be found at www.cypresschurch.net.

Photo Caption #1 (top): Pastor Mike McKay invites community residents to join the “Love Like Jesus” spiritual growth campaign starting in January at Cypress Church.

Photo Caption #2: Community relations coordinators George and Lynn Pardon are looking for volunteers to join them in serving local cities during the “Love Like Jesus” campaign at Cypress Church.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net