"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

Hurricane Laura: Finding Good in the Bad

By Shane Kastler

Living in Lake Charles, Louisiana as I do; I have gotten to see first hand what its like to live through a major catastrophe. Like most people, I saw the forecast projecting a potential Category 5 hurricane, with Lake Charles as the bullseye; so I boarded up the windows on my house, tied everything I could down, and took the family inland before the storm hit. It was quite surreal to watch the Weather Channel broadcasting live just blocks from my house. And to see them zoom in on the radar as I watched the eye wall pass right over my neighborhood.

The devastation is mammoth. Making landfall as a Category 4, with sustained winds of 150 MPH, Laura was the strongest hurricane to hit Louisiana since 1856. When I went back to my house a few days later, the neighborhood was unrecognizable. With large oak and pine trees down everywhere; and so many houses either destroyed completely or roofs missing. Then there is the power line situation. The Lake Charles area lost 6600 utility poles and 338 miles of power line, and every substation that supplies electricity to the city was either destroyed or damaged to the point of being inoperable.

The local National Weather Service office and the local news station both evacuated moments before the storm hit. I've never seen that happen before, but it's good they did. Both buildings were destroyed. But in the midst of all the carnage, lots of good things have happened.

Just moments after the storm passed, I began getting contacted by churches, individuals, and businesses from all over the country asking how they could help. Including the First Christian Church in Pleasanton, KS where I pastored several years ago. There's too many gracious churches to mention; but when this is all over I plan to mention them all.  We are grateful.  The outpouring of love from God's people has been truly humbling and greatly appreciated. I've been able to deliver generators and window air conditioners for lots of stranded people; and spent the week delivering them to their homes. The recipients are eternally grateful as they thank me for providing for them. But I tell them, this gift is not from me, it's from God and His people.

The examples of kindness are endless; as I drive around the city and see neighbors helping neighbors; and numerous charities setting up their mobile units to provide food, water, and supplies. I'll admit my heart was touched when I saw a convoy of Kroger trucks bringing food in from Texas. One of the trucks had a sign on it that read: “Dear Lake Charles. Texas Loves You.” All I can say to that is, “God Bless Texas.”

We've got a long road ahead of us in terms of rebuilding; but as people inevitably ask the question of “Why would God allow this?” I have the opportunity to tell them of a “city not built with human hands, eternal in the Heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1) Hurricanes remind us that we live in a fallen world; but for the Christian; this world is not our home. We look to Christ to provide the strength for today; and an eternal home tomorrow. A home that no hurricane can touch.

Shining Your Light in the Plague

By Shane Kastler

In the 3^rd century A.D., a plague rocked the Roman empire. What came to be called “the Plague of Cyprian” claimed as many as 5,000 lives per day at it's height. The plague claimed the lives of two emperors, proving that mass sickness is no respecter of persons. Both old and young die. Rich and poor. The powerful and the peasants.

Many people were merely left to die during the Cyprian Plague. But one group of people stood out amidst the carnage. One group of people cared for the sick and buried the dead, while everyone else ran for their lives. One group of people risked their own necks for the sake of others; and many of these care givers died themselves in the process. That group of people were an odd and hated minority known as the Christians. Historian John Horgan, in his 2016 article, notes: “Christians played an active role in caring for the ill as well as actively providing care in the burial of the dead. Those Christians who themselves perished from the illness were considered martyrs while offering non-believers who would convert the possibility of rewards in the Christian afterlife. Ultimately this episode not only strengthened but helped to spread Christianity throughout the furthest reaches of the empire and Mediterranean world.” (The Ancient History Encyclopedia, The Plague of Cyprian.)

We live in strange times today; but in many ways we must remember that, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) The church has always led the way in times of crisis, showing people that they can have life beyond this temporal world, and that the church is willing to be there for them when no one else will. Never before, in recent history, have Christians needed to stand forth more than now, and be a witness. The words of Christ ring eerily true today, and should be deeply pondered and prayed over. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Opinions vary greatly as to how businesses, nations, individuals, and churches handle the COVID-19/ Coronavirus pandemic. As a pastor, I know firsthand both the accolades and vitriol one might receive for making tough decisions; when it seems it is impossible to win and any option you choose will be controversial. But one thing we should all agree on. People in America are scared right now. Believers need to be encouraged, and unbelievers need to hear about the hope that is found in Christ. The government, the CDC, and the World Health Organization will not be doing this. It's not their job. It's the church's job.

Do what you believe is best in terms of personal safety during this time. Follow God's Word and your conscience and see where it leads you, but please don't “hide your light under a bushel.” Christian, the world needs to hear the truth and they will only hear it.....from you. They need to see and hear a brazen and faithful witness that perseveres through the darkest of times. And they need to see it.....from you. You may die for your public witness for Christ. But some things are indeed, worth dying for. Namely, the cause of Christ. Give it some thought.

Another Year Closer

By Shane Kastler

What is your New Year's resolution this year? Have you made any? Do you plan to? They usually center around matters of personal improvement, like losing weight or exercising more. Some will make commitments to spend a little less time at work and a little more time with the family. All of these may very well be worthy causes. But in all your focus on temporal matters, do not neglect spiritual ones. How is your walk with the Lord? How was it last year, and how might it be better this year?

Maybe this year you can commit to waking up 10 minutes earlier so you can spend that time in God's Word. Or maybe you can take a few minutes to write down your prayer needs so to better govern your prayer time. Maybe you can make a daily commitment to be on the lookout for someone to help or to share Christ with. God provides a lot of opportunities for his people to be a witness, the question is: Are we paying attention?

I've never been a big fan of resolutions in particular. To my way of of thinking, if you should be doing it today, then why wait unto January 1 to start? But others find the New Year as motivation to make changes in their life. Stick with whatever works for you and plan 2020 accordingly.

One thing is for certain for all of us: the clock is ticking and our time on earth is one year less than it was 365 days ago. What will you do with the time you have left? I'll leave you with this pertinent admonition for the coming year, from the book of Proverbs: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart , and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) So look to the Lord and trust in Him today, tomorrow, this upcoming year, and for the rest of your time on earth. Love God now, and spend eternity with Him in the future. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all who faithfully read this column. Thanks for giving me another year! God bless you all.

Casting Nets and Changing Course

By Shane Kastler

Today may be a normal day for you. Perhaps you'll go to work or school, just like you do most days. Maybe you'll work around the house, or go shopping, or have lunch with some friends. You may not be planning or expecting any major life changes for the day. But sometimes change happens, whether you plan it or not.

Simon and Andrew were fishermen, who had become acquainted with a man named Jesus. John the Baptist had declared Jesus to be, “The Lamb of God” and Andrew had heeded John's message and become a follower of Jesus. He then went and told his brother Simon about Jesus, and the two of them were introduced as well. They believed Jesus to be the promised Messiah, but they had no idea what that might mean for them personally. Until the day Jesus showed up at their workplace and changed their life forever.

The Bible records, “As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” (Mark 1:16-18) Casting nets was a major part of Simon and Andrew's life. As professional fishermen, this was something they did everyday. Day after day. Year after year. They probably weren't expecting Jesus to show up that day, and they probably didn't think he would call them to full time service as one of his twelve disciples. But that is exactly what the Lord did. He has a way of showing up when you least expect him to. And sometimes calling you to a life you had not planned.

Simon and Andrew were obedient, and their lives would never be the same again. The next three years would involve them being immersed in the earthly ministry of Christ. They not only followed him in a spiritual way, but they literally walked with him as well. They watched him go the cross and die, and they saw him after he was resurrected. Then after he ascended back to Heaven, they were pillars in the early church. According to historians, both would go on to suffer death by crucifixion as well. Then they entered the Lord's presence for eternity.

Simon and Andrew were fishermen, who stayed busy casting their nets. Then Jesus made them “fishers of men.” As you go about your business today, take note that nothing noteworthy may happen. It may just be a normal day of “casting nets” for you. But then again, Jesus may show up and call you to change course. Always be aware, that as a Christian, your life belongs to him and he can do with it as he pleases. Be prepared to leave everything and follow him. Simon and Andrew did. And today, they have no regrets.

The Socratic Method vs. The Sadducees on the Resurrection

By Shane Kastler

The "Socratic Method" (attributed to Socrates) involves learning, teaching, and arguing by asking questions. This is one effective way of helping people think through issues and recognize flaws in their logic and belief system. Listed below are 30 questions used to challenge a hypothetical Jewish Sadducee on how he could accept the Torah and yet reject the idea of the resurrection. Beginning with the Apostle Paul's question before Herod Agrippa in Acts 26:8, thirty additional questions are presented to the Sadducee to reconsider his position. This merely provides one example of how asking simple questions can lead to accurate answers. (Note: To hear an audio message on this topic, click here).

The initial question, asked by the Apostle Paul: “Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead? Acts 26:8

30 Questions for a Sadducee, Based on Paul's Question:

Logical Questions about the Resurrection:

1. Would a naturalist believe in the resurrection? No.

2. Why not? Resurrections are “supernatural.”

3. Would a Jew believe in the resurrection? Pharisees, yes. Sadducees, no.

4. Are Sadducees naturalists? Not entirely. They accept the Torah.

5. Why do Sadducees not believe the resurrection? It's not in the Torah.

6. What is resurrection? Bringing back to life, one who was dead.

7. Can MAN do this? (No)

8. Can GOD do this? (Yes)

9. Then, why would that be amazing? (Rhetorical question to provoke thought).

10. Who was the first man? Adam.

11. Who created Adam? God.

12. How was he created? Dust of the earth.

13. Where did the dust come from? Ex Nihlio (out of nothing)

14. Does dirt possess living, breathing, human properties? No.

15. How did DIRT....form into man..... and become alive? (God breathed into him the breath of life)

16. Then isn't it true that the first man was FORMED out of Non-Living substance, and BROUGHT to LIFE? (Yes)

17. If God could CREATE life ex nihlio, then why could He not RE-CREATE life after it was lost?

Torah Argument for God's Ability to Resurrect:

18. Do you believe the Torah to be Divine and true? (Yes)

19. Does the Torah contain the creation account? (Yes)

20. Then.... do you believe the creation account to be true? (Yes)

21. If God CREATED life in the beginning, couldn't he Re-Create it after death?In Theory:Yes. Theologically: No.

22. Why not? Because no example is given in Torah. (Argument from silence)

23. Could things be true in life that the Bible doesn't address specifically? Yes.

24. What is the most important building on earth (to a 1^st cent. Jew)? The Temple.

25. Does the Torah give instructions for the building of the Temple? No.

26. Where are the instructions for the Temple found? 1 Kings 7.

27. Is 1 Kings 7 a part of the Torah? No.

28. Earlier you stated that you couldn't accept the resurrection because it was not in the Torah, How then can you accept the Temple as being legitimately sanctioned by God when it is not in the Torah either?

29. NOW, would you say there are “Divine things” mentioned outside the Torah?

30. Then couldn't the resurrection be one of those things?

If the answer is YES. THEN, you also admit the possibility of the resurrection.

If the answer is NO. THEN, you must relinquish your adoration for the Temple as being sanctioned by God.

Missions: To Go or Go Home?

By Shane Kastler

Jesus told his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) And by way of application, all Christians are called to “make disciples” in one way or another. But this does not mean all Christians are called to “go” in the sense of going to a foreign land. Some are called to “cross-cultural” missions, while others are called to stay home and be witnesses in their community.

The church at Antioch was made up of lots of people, yet the Holy Spirit only set apart Paul and Barnabas for a special missionary journey. (Acts 13) Likewise, the Lord told Paul he would send him “far away to the Gentiles.” (Acts 22:21) Paul was called to leave home. But the Gerasene Demoniac was called to GO HOME.

The gospel of Mark records that Jesus cast a “legion” of demons out of a man, who then wanted to follow Jesus. While he became a spiritual “follower” of Christ, he was not allowed to go with Jesus. Rather, Jesus told him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19) While the new disciple might have been initially disappointed that he couldn't accompany Jesus, he was obedient and became a faithful witness in his home region of Decapolis. The text continues, “And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.” (Mark 5:20) So Paul was called to leave home; and the Gerasene Demoniac was called to go home. What are you called to do?

While all Christians are called to make disciples, this can mean very different things based on the individual. You might be called to go or you might be called to go home. Those who are called to “go home” should be supportive of those who are called to go, and vice versa. God assigns tasks within the church according to His good pleasure, not our personal whims. Sometimes well meaning missionaries try to guilt Christians into doing something God never called them to do, but this practice should be avoided. God, not guilt, should guide our steps. Are you called to go? Then go! Are you called to go home? Then go home! But wherever you go, make it your goal to glorify God by being a disciple and by making disciples. Seek the Lord with a discerning heart and He will tell you where you should go and what you should do. To go or go home? Only God can answer that.

Gimmicks & the Gospel

By Shane Kastler

Churches sometimes “shoot themselves in the foot” when they try to get too clever.  Many churches today assume that gimmicks, games, and endless programs will win people to the Lord.  While God can certainly use whatever He wishes; He is not dependent on the clever schemes of man.  In truth, God has chosen to save sinners by the truthful preaching of the word of God.  The Apostle Paul said it best, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.” (1 Corinthians 1:17)

Notice carefully what Paul said.  He COULD have gotten clever in his presentation.  He COULD have used gimmicks to draw a crowd.  But he PURPOSELY CHOSE to rely upon the gospel, and nothing else, to save sinners.  Even going so far as to say that a preacher’s “cleverness” might make the cross “void.”  In other words, some preachers try so hard to impress the crowds that they actually distract from the gospel message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  Some of them are no-doubt well intentioned.  They genuinely want to see people saved, but ironically; the one thing that saves them is also the one thing their ministry downplays, which is the gospel.

If the gospel is not enough to grow a church, then be content to attend a smaller one.  Lots of tricks might be used to draw a crowd.  But if the gospel is not preached, with clarity and power, the crowds will not be saved anyway.  They don’t need gamesmanship, they need Jesus.

It is only through shunning sin in repentance and embracing Christ by faith that one can be saved.  This is not a message that the church should shy away from. But rather it is a message the church should thunder from the hill tops! Jesus saves, and no other! Let this be the battle cry of every faithful Christian church.

Leave the gimmicks at the circus, and avoid playing games when people’s eternal souls are at stake.  Give them Jesus; and if that doesn’t satisfy the spiritually searching sinner, then tell them you have nothing else to offer them.  Some churches make you feel good for a while.  Some keep you entertained on a regular basis.  And some tell you how to have a relationship with the very God of the universe.  Choose door number 3 and seek the Lord while He may be found.  Gimmicks might draw a crowd, but only God can truly build a church.

My Twitter Debate With an Atheist Over The Existence of Evil

By Shane Kastler

 

I recently had a Twitter debate with an atheist over the issue of "evil." My premise was that atheism cannot explain an evil act like the Las Vegas shooting; since atheism has no moral foundation with which to call anything "good" or "evil."  The atheist, "Daniel" disagreed.  We had a short, but productive dialog.  The contents are below.   To read my original article click here.  To see it on Twitter, click here

 

One final note. Winning intellectual arguments is not the same thing as winning a soul to Christ.  God uses reasoning faculties to change hearts.  But only God can truly change hearts. Therefore, pray for Daniel. Whoever he is, and wherever he is.

 

Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler

 

#LasVegasShooting shouldn't make u question God. Instead question #Atheism & #Evolution which cannot define evil.  http://shanekastler.typepad.com/pastor_shanes_blog/2017/10/atheism-evolution-cannot-explain-evil-like-the-las-vegas-massacre.html

  

 

 Daniel

What? Of course we can explain it (though not calling it by the religious term "evil"). Mental illness makes stuff like that happen.

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

 

So there is no "evil"....only "illness"? Who gets to decide what is classified as "illness"?

 

 

 

 

Daniel Oct 13

 You are misquoting me. I did not say "illness" was the only cause of bad acts. I was talking about *that* one. (Las Vegas.) Nice try, though

 

 

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

Sorry. Wasn't trying to misquote. Just clarifying. Would you still call his acts "evil"; even if he is mentally ill?

  

 

  Daniel

No. I don't use the word "evil.". People do bad acts for many reasons: coercion, desperation, confusion, ignorance, illness, and more.

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

I notice you did use the word "bad" - Are you using it the same way I use "evil"? Do you believe "bad" exists then?

 

 

 Daniel

 I see them with different connotations. To me, "bad" means "contrary to behavior standards set by society." "Evil" means "contrary to God."

  

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

I see. Thanks for clarifying. How does society determine these standards of good and bad? Or would u not use the word "good"?

 

 

  Daniel

 

 I hate the 140-character limit.

  

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

Ditto on the 140.

Your racism example is a good one.  You would say that such racist talk was considered "good" in the 1850s, but "bad" today, based on societal norms.  I would argue that it was "bad" even in 1850.  If society determines what is "good" and "bad" then aren't we always subject to the prevailing notions of the day? Theoretically, if a society determined rape to be "good" then no one could argue with the notion.  After all, society has spoken. Isn't this a problem for you?

 

  Daniel

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

 

Enjoyed chatting with you...

Actually, I just posted an article on my Twitter feed.  You responded, and I'm glad you did.  You find your explanation acceptable to you.  That is fine.  But it doesn't necessarily make your explanation correct, or rational.  The argument for morality based on societal norms doesn't work, and I think you and I both know that.  Your racism example proves my point.  How can something be good in 1850 and bad today?  Either, society was WRONG THEN (in which case your whole argument on morality based on societal norms falls apart); or there must be a moral standard apart from the consensus of selfish creatures.....It was nice visiting with you. Have a good weekend.

Atheism & Evolution Cannot Explain Evil Like The Las Vegas Massacre

By Shane Kastler

After tragedies such as the Las Vegas shooting occur, people often question God. Sincere debates arise in people's minds as to how this unspeakable horror could occur. Is there a God? If so, is he powerful enough to prevent such tragedies? And if so, then why doesn't he? But before any of these questions can be addressed, we should consider the question as to what is “good” and “evil.” And how can these categories exist, if there isn't a God who establishes a righteous standard? Las Vegas shouldn't make us question God. It should make us question atheism.

Since the shooting, I've heard two different atheists make very interesting statements. One of them claimed that he could not believe in God, since such evil exists in the world. The other one explained the shooting by making the statement, “This is the result of living in a fallen world.” I would like to consider both of these statements, and point out how they expose the atheist worldview as a worldview that cannot adequately explain reality. In short, atheism is illogical and these two statements prove it to be so.

First of all, let's examine the idea that God cannot exist if such evil is present in the world. Before we can debate the issue of God's sovereignty versus man's responsibility; or God's power over evil; we have to establish how there can be categories such as “good” and “evil” in the first place. Atheism attempts to provide a moral standard for the world by presenting an irrational worldview that cannot adequately define or explain the evil around us. Sometimes, atheists will say that “good” is defined as whatever brings the most amount of happiness to the greatest number of people. But such “majority rules” types of standards hold no water. What if the “majority” of people decide that rape makes them happy? Does this make rape righteous? Of course not. And while some may claim I'm using an absurd example to make a point, my point remains nonetheless. There was a time when the “majority” of Americans believed slavery was acceptable. Did this make it so? The atheist cannot consistently argue against this, especially if they believe in evolution; as most atheists do.

If atheism is true, then the Las Vegas shooter's actions could not be called evil. How can categories of “good” and “evil” exist in a world with no God to establish a righteous standard? Categories of “good” and “evil” make no rational sense in world devoid of God. In all honesty, the very fact that our sense of justice wells up within us in the wake of tragedies like the Vegas shooting is proof that God is there. And that he has given us, in some measure, a sense of right and wrong; flawed though it may be.

Likewise, evolution cannot adequately explain the heinous actions of the Las Vegas shooter. At least not from a moral perspective. After all, if evolution is true, then the Las Vegas shooter could not be held accountable for his actions, as it would simply be an example of “survival of the fittest.” He's nothing more than an evolved monkey who learned to shoot. Evolution itself is based on a chemical chaos that cannot be explained by the world around us. If molecules randomly appeared, exploded, and evolved into self-aware creatures capable of rationalizing what is “good” and “evil”; then how can we blame a human who is as “off-kilter” to the point of mass murder? At best he would be a warped mutation. At worst, he is merely an example of what all “evolved creatures” are capable of. This thought is both scary and irrational.

Atheism cannot adequately define or explain evil. Nor can evolution. But atheistic evolutionists know full well that evil exists. Being created in the “image of God” they have enough of the stamp of the divine on their soul that they can express shock and profound sadness when they experience evil, which explains the second statement I heard an atheist utter: “This is the result of living in a fallen world.” My answer to this atheist, is that he is EXACTLY right! And in making this statement, he is exposing the fact that deep down, even he knows his worldview is hopelessly flawed. Deep down he knows that God is there. That good exists. And that evil is truly evil. By nature, man knows God is there; but because of sin he “suppresses” this truth in unrighteousness. (Romans 1:18) When an atheist speaks of a “fallen” world; what “fall” is he referring to? Regardless of whether or not he would admit it, he is referencing the “fall of man” that occurred in the Garden of Eden, when our first parents disobeyed God and brought a sin curse upon us all. This curse is exemplified daily in countless ways. What happened in Las Vegas is one graphic example and deep down, even the atheist knows this to be true. Indeed sinful man has “fallen” and we all feel the daily effects of this spiritual plunge.

Even the atheist can see the evil around them, just as they can recognize acts of kindness. But they cannot explain either. Random evolutionary “chance” produces neither good nor evil. Neither kindness nor cruelty. It simply produces chaos that cannot be described in moral terms. To be sure, there is indeed chaos around us. But the chaos is produced by created beings who rebel against their Creator and harm their fellow creatures......sometimes fatally. This moral chaos is Biblically defined as sin; that unrighteous act that is described as “unrighteous” because there is a God who has determined it to be so.

After a tragedy like the one that occurred in Las Vegas, emotions are raw, sorrow is deep, and the questions are many. And in the light of such depravity it is normal to seek explanations for the evil that exists all around us. But atheism cannot explain it. In fact, atheism cannot even define evil as evil. But “theism” - or more specifically, Christian “theism” can. Christianity alone can give you the moral categories to understand the world in which you live. Christianity defines sin, explains evil, and presents a remedy for it in the gospel of Jesus Christ; who came to earth and lived and died so that sinners such as us might be forgiven and know God in a profoundly saving way. Atheism will do nothing but fill your mind with unanswerable questions. Christianity will answer the unanswerable, give life true meaning, and plant deep within you an eternal hope that no bullet can take away.

Priscilla & Aquila: Behind the Scenes Servants of Christ

By Shane Kastler

You might assume that the primary people God uses are those in public ministry, but that is not the case. It is not primarily pastors, evangelists, missionaries, or denominational leaders that God uses. It is primarily those who do not serve in vocational ministry at all. One such example from Scripture is the married couple, Priscilla and Aquila.

The Bible tells us that this couple had to flee their home in Rome due to the persecution that broke out under Claudius Caesar (Acts 18:1-3). All Jews and Christians were expelled from the city, and Priscilla and Aquila made their way to Corinth. While there, they met and teamed up with the Apostle Paul. At first Paul worked with them, because they were all “tent makers” a common trade in the first century. Eventually, Paul began devoting himself completely to ministry, while Priscilla and Aquila continued to work their trade while also supporting and serving the church.

The three of them eventually moved on to Ephesus, where Priscilla and Aquila continued their quiet, yet effective ministry. On one occasion, a very eloquent preacher named Apollos came on the scene. Priscilla and Aquila heard him preach accurately, but incompletely. He was only aware of Christian teaching, up to the baptism of John. In other words he knew nothing of the earthly life of Jesus, his miracles, the cross, the resurrection, or the ascension. The Bible says, “they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately.” (Acts 18:26) Apollos gladly received the correction and continued to serve the church in a public role. Priscilla and Aquila remained behind the scenes, but their influence was widely felt as they helped disciple a man who would go on to be greatly used of God in preaching and defending the faith.

Christianity is all about knowing Christ. And once you know Christ in a saving way, then you should devote your life to serving him. This doesn't mean you must be a vocational minister. But it does mean that you belong to the Lord and you seek His glory, no matter what line of work you are in. Priscilla and Aquila give us a stellar example of quiet, steady faithfulness in the face of persecution. We too should long to serve the Lord and care nothing for self-glory. May God be glorified in our lives, as we are increasingly forgotten. Let Christ shine forth, and others see Him rather than us.

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Note: To hear an audio sermon on Priscilla and Aquila, CLICK HERE.