THURSDAY November 19, 2020

Fellow Workers in Christ

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Romans 16:3-5

The first two women mentioned in Romans 16 were Phoebe and Priscilla. Phoebe was a name that reflected where she lived in Corinth. In this culture, her name was that of a goddess. The Gospel took her from a place of prominence, to humility in serving the Lord and serving Paul. I have no doubt she supported him financially. She helped Paul to get the Gospel out. Paul’s commendation of her in Romans 16:1-2, was as if to say to the believers in Rome, “Listen to her and do not ignore her.”

It is interesting that Paul named Priscilla before her husband. It means Priscilla was used in a greater way than her husband Aquila. This couple became great friends of Paul, as they were also tentmakers. A church began in their home––a Bible study. They risked their necks for Paul’s sake. They were willing to die for the purposes of God. Those who risk their lives in ministry do not abandon ship. God uses them tremendously.

We are living in the last days; Christians are beginning to experience limitations placed on them by the government in what they say and do. Pastors who teach line upon line through the entire Bible cover issues such as lesbianism, homosexuality and other sins. We love people and share the Gospel of truth with them, but we hate their sin. Yet there could come a day when government will make a rule that pastors can no longer teach on sin––this is where we are heading!

It could be that pastors will go to prison. Officials could come on a Sunday morning and arrest a pastor! I believe some pastors will be intimidated to stop preaching against sin. They will be forced to keep their mouths shut, or they will never preach again! Seriously, when there is no more security, we shall find out who are the real ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in very critical days, but we continue to preach the Gospel.

Crushing the church is like smashing the atom: divine energy of high quality is released in enormous quantity and with miraculous effects.
~Benjamin E. Fernando~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!