I just got back from a seven day video shoot in Rome, Italy. The Bible study curriculum we shot is focused on the life of the apostle Paul. Rome was amazing. I took my family. And I mean all ten of us. My parents, my brother, my sister, her kids, and my wife Jennifer and our kids as well. TEN in all!!! My days were filled with early to late filming, but I got in some really great family time as well.

I taught about the cost of discipleship at the Roman Colosseum, the supposed spot where the apostle Paul was beheaded. It was haunting to be in the very place where so many were martyred because of their conviction to follow Christ at any cost.

I preached the “Roman Road” on the actual Roman road...the Appian Way. The “Roman Road” is a nickname for five passages in the book of Romans that explain the plan of salvation. We shot the gospel presentation on a cold rainy morning on this ancient and very picturesque road.

I preached about grace at the Scala Santa. The Church of the Holy Steps is a basilica built around the 26 steps that legend tells of Jesus standing on when he was condemned to the cross. These were the very steps in front of Pontius Pilate’s house in Jerusalem. The steps were brought to Rome and a church was built around them.

I got to teach on mentorship at the Mamertine Prison. The location where we believe Paul wrote his urgent and passionate letter to Timothy. It was surreal to read 2 Timothy in the very place it was written. To think that Paul was giving us his last recorded words...

All that said, my favorite segment that we shot was at the Roman Forum. Walking among the ruins and deteriorated remains of what at one time was the “center of the world,” serves as a reminder that no nation, no matter how powerful, is indestructible. Ancient Rome can serve as a real warning for modern day America. Rome was the fashion, entertainment, military, social capital of the world at one point (much like the United States today.). Ultimately, the only thing that was able to conquer Rome and bring it to its knees was its own arrogance and depravity. It was very sobering.

The video series will be out in August. I’ll keep you posted...