It Is Now

Read Romans 12 thru 16
 
Romans 13:10-11 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. 11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
 
ONE family in the church we attended several years ago came to live in the area for only two years. Because they were eager to use their gifts for the church, their short stay and their willingness to serve created the perfect picture of Paul teaching. They understood that God had awakened them to the gospel. Their time was brief to impact the community for Christ. There wasn’t time to wonder, “What is God’s will?” Time was short to weigh the pros and cons of choosing and committing to a church.
   This is kingdom living for us all. Our lives are short. There is no time to wait and see in the Kingdom of God. There is only time to say, “Here I am, LORD.” with a faithful heart toward God’s love for the world.
   What would you do if you only had two more years to live? Or two more months? Or two more days? Would you sit and wait for the end? Or would you get up and do something? If you pray, read the Bible and have a church home, God is talking to you in some way. Maybe he spoke through last Sunday’s sermon. Or you might have stopped on a verse you read today. Perhaps you had a thought while you prayed. A Christian friend or series of friends may be encouraging you to a particular task.
   So then: Are you urgent about God’s communications to you? Do not wait until it is convenient for you to respond. The time is now. It may not happen again. You don’t want to miss the joy of working with God.  
 
Celebrate the Helpers
 
Romans 16:3-4 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches.
 
PRISCILLLA and Aquila are faith heroes. Paul called them, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. This faithful apostle who had labored, debated and suffered for his gospel preaching called them “co-workers”. They were his equals in ministry as they labored alongside Paul.
   No, we don’t have any of Priscilla’s and Aquila’s teachings, but we do know they mentored many leaders. They were truly living sacrifices for the Kingdom of God, helping Paul’s ministry build Jesus’ church. “They once risked their lives for me.” is a remarkable statement. To risk their lives, this wife-husband team, might have stood by Paul when the mobs tried to stone him or accuse him with other violence.
   Priscilla and Aquila left a wonderful legacy of faith and service didn’t they?