Philip: the Antidote for Saul

April 2

(Acts 8:5-7 NIV) “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. {6} When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. {7} With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.”

(Romans 12:21 NIV) “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

For every Saul, there is a Philip. Saul was into destruction -- Philip was into deliverance. Saul was into mayhem -- Philip was into miracles. Saul was into hurting people -- Philip was into healing people. Saul was into persecuting Christians -- Philip was into preaching Christ. For every tyrant like Saul, there is a saint like Philip. For every Christian intimidated into silence, there are others who will speak up for Jesus. They will confront evil, heal the sick, and take the gospel to the “Samaritans” of this world. You can kill these “Philips”, but more will rise up to take their place. The Jesus “genie” is out of the bottle, and the “Sauls” of this world cannot put Him back in. The only question left is, “Will you be a Philip?” Will you take God’s power with you, wherever the trials of life send you, and help people receive healing and freedom? For every Saul there is a Philip. Will you be a Philip? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Amplifying the Gospel

April 1

(Acts 8:4-5 NIV) “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. {5} Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.”

(Joshua 1:9 NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When the church was scattered under the persecution of Saul, it was as if the volume knob of the gospel had been turned all the way up. Many who could never hear before, could now listen to the greatest story ever told. The scattered believers became a “road show” for Jesus. Wherever they went, the call to be His witnesses remained strong. Their salvation became more important than their survival. Their calling became more important than their comfort. Their Lord became more important than their lives. We should be challenged by their courage and stamina. As the circumstances of life scatter us, let us be among those enduring disciples who share our faith with vigor. As we step out of our church doors each week, may the volume of the gospel increase. And when we stand before God, may it be said of us, “They preached the word wherever they went!” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Scattered For His Glory

March 31

(Acts 8:1-4 NIV) “And Saul was there, giving approval to (Stephen’s) his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. {2} Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. {3} But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. {4} Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”  

(Acts 1:8 NIV) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus told His disciples that they would be His witnesses to the ends of the Earth. Little did they know that it would be a violent persecution that scattered them like seed in the wind. The infant church had no grand world missions program. It started as simply a matter of survival. As Saul and his cohorts began to intimidate and destroy those of the faith, many were forced to flee for their lives. But Saul’s strategy failed. In fact, it actually served to multiply and amplify the message. No one can silence Christianity. One cannot put a bridle and bit on the power of God. Everywhere the new disciples went they shared the gospel and the story of the resurrection. The gospel spread throughout the region because of those scattered disciples. Think about this the next time you end up in a place where you don’t want to be, under less than favorable conditions. Perhaps God has you there for a reason. – Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

You Never Know Who’s Watching

March 30

(Acts 7:57-8:1 NIV) ““At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, {58} dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. {59} While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." {60} Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. {8:1a} And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.””

(Luke 23:33-34 NIV) ““When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. {34} Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.””

(Luke 23:46 NIV) ““Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.””

Stephen looked into the eyes of the most powerful religious leaders in Israel and spoke the truth of God. It wasn’t just a slap upside the head -- it was blunt force trauma. He had to have known what would happen. Stiff necked people, with hardened hearts, who resist the Holy Spirit, will kill you. But speaking the truth in love is one of the ways we let our lights shine. You never know who is watching and listening. On this day it was Saul. He saw the angelic face, and heard the voice of forgiveness and mercy. A seed of glory was planted in this future apostle of grace, and he could not uproot it. Stephen let his light shine and Saul couldn’t get the light to turn off. Later on that narrow road to Damascus, Saul met the genuine Light of the world. Then he understood Stephen’s light. Speak the truth in love. Let your light shine. You never know who’s listening and watching. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day