Rome’s Evangelistic Center

Friday 6-10-2016  (Mar del Plata, Argentina) 

Scripture Reading:  Song 1 - 3    Eph 6

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

S.  Eph 6:14-20  Stand strong, with a tight belt of truth, cover your heart with holiness, have your running shoes on ready to go to share the gospel of peace.  And hang onto that shield of faith.  Satan’s bullets cannot penetrate it.  The helmet of salvation is required at all times and the sharp sword of God’s Word must be ready for action.  All this must be bathed in prayer in the Spirit... for all your brothers and sisters, and while you are at it... pray for me, too, that I might speak boldly as Christ’s ambassador in chains.  NUHV**

O. The Apostle Paul knew a lot about soldiers. He was kept prisoner with at least one soldier by his side for years. Now it is finally the changing of the guard.  “Hi, my name is Paul.  And yours?  Victor!  Not bad!  Have a seat. Get comfortable. I’ve got to tell you the great things God is doing in this place!”  These soldiers were probably into wine and women, but for the next four hours they are chained to a happy preachin’ prisoner.  They probably either got saved or begged never to be assigned to guard Paul again.

Our brother Paul lived out there on the cutting edge.  When you are on the cutting edge you can get hurt.

A. “Tychicus, carry this letter to Ephesus and tell them how it’s going here in Rome’s Evangelistic Center. Tonight Victor finally surrendered to the Lord. It’s great to have a captive audience. Neil is going to kneel soon. These guys wear heavy armor and a sword, but they are helpless prey to the Gospel message. What a privilege to be Christ’s official ambassador to the Roman Army. Already some of the top brass are saved... and some in Ceasar’s palace, too. Let’s hear a victory shout for Jesus!” 

I was never thrown into prison for preaching the Gospel. Although a few times we were shut down by police and ordered to the police station.  But it paid high dividends to be a fanatic.  Some of the pastors of the largest mega churches in Argentina were saved as teenagers in some of those very meetings where a truck full of soldiers with guns sticking out in all directions pulled up to close us down. 

P.  God, it’s so much fun to be on Your official staff, doing Your business as ambassador... representing You! Thank you, Lord, You did not send me as a spy. Spies have to lie all the time and then lie to cover their lies. You gave me the belt of Truth with a capital T. You equipped me with everything I need. Help me to be Your faithful ambassador until You call me home. Amen.

Ralph

**NUHV New Unauthorized Hiatt Version