Priscilla's Page

What can Christian women do to turn the tides of truancy?  If the work Christ asked us to do is to be accomplished, there is no time for idleness!  Jesus would be swinging the whip made of cords and upsetting a few tables if he were seen to enter the church today.  We are to be about our Father’s business!

The church of the 1950’s knew the Bible and taught what they knew!  What keeps us from doing the same today?  Have wolves entered in sheep’s clothing to teach false doctrine, and once inside received a nod of consent?  “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16).

Some say, “Sincerity is what really counts, religion is only a matter of emotions and opinions.”  The use of instrumental music will only deny Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16.  Music of the heart comes from the heart by way of the human voice!  Can the next sly change be that of our women preaching and  becoming deacons and elders as in many denominations? Women of the church must be ready to admonish, reprove and exhort at all times.  The helpmate of the man (woman) should be teaching quietly as Lois and Eunice taught.  Young Timothy learned early the value of their knowledge.  We must give the correct and proper answers in truth and love!

Remember how Aquilla and Priscilla took Apollos aside and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26)?  “But I suffer not a woman to teach, or usurp authority over man” (1 Timothy 2:12).  Priscilla, the helpmate taught at the side of her husband!  Women do not replace the authoritative positions of men.  There may be many tables to overturn!  Every man and woman must serve according to his own measure of faith.  We are members of one body, but we do not have the same offices or abilities.  Read Romans 12:1-12 to see how busy we can be, men or women, in the body of Christ.

The church of today can grow as in the past by following after Jesus and working his perfect pattern of salvation.  “Walk in the light, as he is in the light” (1 John 1:7).  What do we fear except to fail to continue in that pathway of light?  We are Christians, just as those in the early churches.  We are Christians because we have obeyed the doctrine of Christ (Acts 11:26).  We seek the same salvation through the same acts of faith.  Jesus still calls, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).  We all have gifts differing according to the grace that is given unto us.  May God help us if we do not use those gifts!

Do we still study to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15)?  It is an absolute essential to daily study God’s Word.  Priority time with the family is needed; sincere study is required, not just thought about!  We must as women obey the commandments and teach others the same.  If care is given as to the source of knowledge, no shoddy merchandise will appear at the temple gate!

There is no need to rework the perfect plan of God.  We just need to know it well!  “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make ye free” (John 8:31-32).  Women, God wants all people to come to his throne to live in his presence, not just to be judged.  Teach those around you.

A challenge can be heard around the brotherhood today as our preachers travel over the road of lectureships and Gospel meetings.  “Preach the word, reprove, rebuke, exhort with longsuffering and doctrine.”  Take up that challenge and do the work close at home.

Read Romans 12 in its entirety.  Paul beseeches us, by the mercies of God, to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God for a reasonable service (no distinction as to male or female).  We are to renew our mind so we can do the will of God.  We are to work in brotherly love, kind and affectionate towards all.  We are to both rejoice and weep with others.  We are to provide all things honest and to live peaceably with all men.  “Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Can you see how our service can keep the church pure?  If we have no imperfect merchandise to offer, no evil way to travel, then our task ahead is to lead the minds of all people to the truth.  If facts are planted in the hearts so the truth is rightly divided by everyone, surprisingly enough all who come to that truth will gladly fill the Father’s house!