Radical Single-Eyed Mission

October 19

(Acts 20:22-23 NIV) "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. {23} I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. {24} However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

(1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV) "Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!"

(2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV) "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. {7} I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. {8} Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Paul had a double-barreled message and a double-barreled method, but he was single-minded in his mission. Compelled by the Spirit to preach the gospel, he was determined to finish the race and complete the task Christ had given him. He considered his life worth nothing, laying it on the line daily as he testified to the gospel of grace. He was consumed with completing his mission. He could not focus on anything else. Paul sacrificed his life for the sake of his calling. He was a radical for Jesus. Are you a radical? The word “radical” has taken on a negative connotation today, but most of the world’s great people were radical in their vision, their approach, and their sacrifice. Are you willing to consider your life worth nothing to yourself? Do you feel compelled, no matter what the cost, to testify to the gospel of grace? If so, then you could become a single-minded radical for Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Double Barreled Message

October 18

(Acts 20:21 NIV) "I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."

(Romans 3:21-24 NIV) "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. {22} This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, {23} for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, {24} and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

(2 Peter 3:9 NIV) "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Paul had a double-barreled method -- he shared Jesus in public places and in private homes. He had a double-barreled audience -- he shared the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. Paul also had a double-barreled message -- turn to God in repentance, and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is more than being sorry for our sins -- it is a willingness to turn away from sin, and turn toward Christ. Who we turn toward is as important as what we turn away from. The gospel is accessed through repentance, and is completed with faith in Jesus. If our faith is not in Christ, we do not have a Christian faith. Jesus loves us. Jesus died for us. Jesus rose for us. Jesus calls to us. Jesus saves us. Jesus walks with us. Is your faith in Him? This is the double- barreled message that Paul preached: earnestly repent of sin, and in faith, sincerely turn to Christ. Is this the gospel you have believed? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Double Barreled Witness

October 17

(Acts 20:20 NIV) "You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house."

(Acts 5:41-42 NIV) "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. {42} Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."

(Ephesians 4:15 NIV) "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

Paul was a double-barreled witness and preacher. He never hesitated to speak what he thought would be helpful to those listening. He preached the truth in love -- a double-barreled combination that’s hard to beat. Paul also had a double-barreled method of witnessing and preaching. He took the gospel into the public square, sharing Jesus with the crowds. But Paul also took the gospel from house to house. He spent time in homes, sharing the truth about Jesus. This is a great lesson for us. It’s good to invite people to church. Every Christian should be an inviter. We should be willing to witness in public -- on street corners, at Wal-Mart, at the lake, or at the ballgame. But it is also effective to invite people to your home, or to go to their homes, and share the truth of Jesus with them. It’s the double-barreled, public and private approach of Paul, and it is still effective today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Enduring Service

October 16

(Acts 20:19 NIV) "I served the Lord with great humility and with tears although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews."

(Acts 20:23 NIV) "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me."

(2 Corinthians 6:3-10 NIV) "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. {4} Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; {5} in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; {6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; {7} in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; {8} through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; {9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; {10} sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

Paul was “severely tested”, even to the point of tears. God told him that he would suffer, yet he forged ahead. He endured beatings, prison, hunger, pain, and other hardships, but his love for Jesus and his calling to preach the gospel just got stronger. When things got tough, Paul endured. Genuine disciples expect some pain and difficulty. They work through adversity, rather than being defeated by it. They expect the road to be rough, and yet they press on. This is our calling. Tune out those teachers who promise unending spiritual bliss if you buy their book and follow their advice. That is unbiblical teaching. Every true disciple will endure some hardship and pain. Stop whining and start working! Consider those who’ve gone ahead of you and who’ve suffered greatly for the cause of Christ. Draw strength from their example. Accept what comes, and give glory to God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day