The arresting policeman becomes an AG pastor

Thursday   10-08-15  Casares, Malaga, Spain

Scripture reading:    Ezra 9-10    Ps 131    Luke 21

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Luke 21:16-19  Even those closest to you — your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends — will betray you. And some of you will be killed.   And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me.   But not a hair of your head will perish!   By standing firm, you will win your souls.  NLT

O.  Jesus promises serious persecution to His followers.  He assures them of betrayal and death... yet not a hair of their head will perish.  Their eternal souls will be secure. 

A.  I have never suffered life threatening persecution that I know of.  There have been mocking  insults, stones thrown on the metal roof, one attempt at a bomb that refused to explode, attempts to shut us down, police intervention and a few trips to the police station, but it has proved the best advertisement we could have contracted. 

Dora, an ex-Roman Catholic Nunn, was imprisoned in San Juan for preaching on the streets with her little team.  They were held 10 days during which she and her team preached the gospel to the police chief and other prisoners and I have preached several times in the Assemblies of God church that is now pastored by the very policeman that was so set on arresting her.  To God be the glory!

P.  Lord, You do not promise us a bed of roses in our walk with You, but You do promise to go with us... and we know that finally... We win!  Thanks for that blessed assurance.  Amen.

Ralph