Guided By Scripture

July 23

(Acts 15:13-18 NIV) ““When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. {14} Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. {15} The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: {16} "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, {17} that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' {18} that have been known for ages.””

(Romans 10:11-17 NIV) ““As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." {12} For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, {13} for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." {14} How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? {15} And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" {16} But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" {17} Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.””

(2 Timothy 3:16 NIV) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”

At the Jerusalem Council, the early church established that Scripture, not tradition, should guide the church when they speak and act. After many had spoken, James stood and quoted the prophet Amos. It was clear to him that Scripture called for the Gentiles to be included in the church. The gospel was for them too. God had spoken! It was up to the church to find a way to obey the Lord. When Scripture guides our decisions and actions, we can walk that narrow road described by Jesus. When something else guides us, we will soon find ourselves in the ditch. When a church abandons the authority of Scripture, they soon devolve into just another social group or service club. Do not go there! The church must be anchored in, gathered around, and guided by the word of God, or it becomes like any other human organization. Jesus expects more of His Bride. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Star-Studded Cast

July 22

(Acts 15:7,12-13 NIV) “After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them… {12} The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. {13} When they finished, James spoke up:”

(Matthew 11:7-11 NIV) ““As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? {8} If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. {9} Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. {10} This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' {11} I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.””

When that first great council meeting took place in Jerusalem, all the big names were there: Peter, Paul, Barnabas, James. They didn’t likely know it, but they would become the heroes and superstars of the early church. Later generations would look up to them and imitate their faith and zeal. Children would be named after them. Yet these big names were just everyday ordinary people like us until they met an extraordinary Lord and Savior named Jesus. If you are a believer today, you have met the same Jesus that they met, and your life can become as extraordinary as theirs. The least in the kingdom of Heaven can become great. We will have to lay down our lives like they did. We will need to care about Jesus and His gospel more than we care about ourselves. But if we do, we can become part of a star-studded cast that changes the world. Who will be named after you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A God of Order

July 21

(Acts 15:6-7, 12-13 NIV) “The apostles and elders met to consider this question. {7} After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them… {12} The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. {13} When they finished, James spoke up…”

(1 Corinthians 14:29-33 NIV)  "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. {30} And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. {31} For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. {32} The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. {33} For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints,"

Our God is a God of order. When the apostles and elders met in Jerusalem, it was an orderly meeting. When Paul rose to speak, everyone became silent. Many opinions were shared, with mutual respect and order. Each spoke in turn, the others listened, and they reasoned together. This discipline has been lost in our culture today. Orderly debate is a rare commodity. Listen to any news show or talk show where more than one person is involved and you will find that they operate by the rule of who can talk the loudest without taking a breath. Interruption and talking over others are standard fare. Chaos and disorder seem to rule the day. This is the way of the world, not God. Not everyone needs to hear your opinion whenever you feel like speaking. Tone it down. Wait your turn. Be polite. Listen more. Talk less. If we do this, the world will be a better place, and so will the church. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

A Blessing to the Church

July 20

(Acts 15:3-4 NIV) “The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. {4} When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.”

(Genesis 12:1-3 NIV) ““The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. {2} "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. {3} I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.””

(Psalms 89:15-17 NIV) “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. {16} They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. {17} For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.”

When Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem, they were sent as representatives of the church. They sought the council of others and went in the name of others. They did not act as lone wolves, but as shepherds of a flock. They preached their way to Jerusalem, stopping several times to tell the story of Gentile conversions. They had been blessed by the church, and they became a blessing to the church. Are you a blessing to your church? If you told the story of what God has done through you in the last year, would it make people glad? Would the church rejoice if you shared about who had come to the Lord this year through your ministry? All of us are either a blessing to the church or a drain on the church. We all start out needing something, but the goal is that we grow to the point of contributing something. Be a blessing today! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day