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 

Sharp Dispute

July 19

(Acts 15:1-2 NIV)  "Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." {2} This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”

(Acts 15:5 NIV) “Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."

Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel to the Gentiles, and many were saved. But then some Pharisees came from Jerusalem and told the new converts, “You must do more. If you want to really get right with God, you must obey all the Laws of Moses and be circumcised.” Paul and Barnabas disputed this claim, and a heated argument ensued. The debate was so significant that a council meeting with the apostles and elders of the Church was organized in Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas did not just go off and start a new group of their own. They knew that the Church belonged to Christ, not them. They preached accountability, and practiced accountability. Some of the greatest doctrines of the Church have evolved from great disputes. Disagreement is not a bad thing when it seeks truth, and leads to prayer and godly dialogue. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day