A gentle Quaker heard a noise in his house at night. He got up, found a thief, grabbed his gun, and said calmly: "Friend, I would do thee no harm for the world — but thou standest where I'm about to shoot." That's a believer who knows where he stands. His feet are planted. He is not moving.

In this message from our series "Armed and Dangerous," Pastor Ron opens Ephesians 6:15 and unpacks the third piece of the believer's armor: the shoes of the gospel of peace.

The Picture — Roman Soldiers and Ancient Cleats: Most ancient warfare was hand-to-hand combat. A soldier who lost his footing in battle could be killed. Roman soldiers wore thick, multi-layered sandals strapped tightly to the foot — some studded with nails called hobknobs, essentially ancient cleats. Sure footing was the difference between life and death.

The Preparation — Two Meanings: The Greek word hetomassia means both a firm foundation and readiness. As believers, our foundation is the rock of Jesus Christ. And we are to be battle-ready at all times — not just in the big crises, but every day, on the ordinary roads. The enemy attacks most when we feel secure.

The Peace — The Gospel of Peace: There are three dimensions of peace this piece of armor provides. Peace with God — the war between us and God ended at the cross; we are reconciled. The peace of God — that supernatural calm that passes understanding, which guards our hearts when the enemy brings anxiety. And peace as mission — the gospel is good news of peace, and we carry it wherever we go. We are sent. We are shod with readiness to share it.