Time Heals

August 3

(Acts 15:37-39a NIV) “Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, {38} but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. {39} They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.”

(Philemon 1:23-24 NIV) "Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. {24} And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers."

(2 Timothy 4:11 NIV) "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry."

The passage of time can soften anger and heal wounds. Things that once seemed so important can seem trivial years later. This happened with Mark and Paul. Mark, who had caused a split between Paul and Barnabas, became someone Paul wanted by his side -- a trusted ally in the work of the gospel. In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Mark is listed as one of Paul’s “fellow workers”. And later, when Paul wrote to his young disciple Timothy, he mentioned Mark as being “helpful” to his ministry. We don’t know what happened, but somehow Paul and Mark had reconciled. Perhaps Paul realized that the grace he preached so vehemently needed to be applied to Mark. Maybe Mark matured, grew stronger, and proved himself to be reliable. The bottom line is that people can change. We can change. Things do not stay the same forever here on Earth. Thank God for that! Time heals. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Double Edged Ministry

August 2

(Acts 15:39b-41 NIV) “Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, {40} but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. {41} He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

(Isaiah 61:7 NIV) "Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs."

(Hebrews 4:12 NIV) "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

God can redeem anything for His glory -- even sharp disagreements that would appear to weaken the church. When Barnabas and Paul went their separate ways, Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus where the work of the Lord expanded, and Paul picked up a young disciple named Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the church and winning many to Jesus. What looked like a victory for Satan instead became double trouble. One team had become two teams. Gospel proclamation had doubled overnight. Paul and Barnabas had become a two-edged sword. The gospel was now on the offensive on two fronts. It may not have been in God’s original plan for Paul and Barnabas to split up, but God used it to His advantage. God knows how to win with any set of circumstances. God can redeem anything for His glory, even our human failings. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Book of Truth

August 1

(Acts 15:37-40 NIV) "Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, {38} but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. {39} They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, {40} but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord."

(Colossians 4:10 NIV) "My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)"

The argument between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark was so serious that they parted company. How did two godly apostles reach this point? We find a clue in Paul’s letter to the Colossians -- John Mark was a cousin to Barnabas. Mark and Barnabas were family, and we all know the old adage about blood being thicker than water. Paul may have been stubborn, but Barnabas was working with a strong bias, and because of that they ended up at a fork in the road. This dynamic duo had what we call today an internal dispute, and it split the team apart. This was certainly not one of the church’s finest moments, but it is a good reason to trust the Bible. Scripture shows God’s people for who they are, warts and all. It doesn’t try to do a PR job for the church. God just lays it out there -- the good, the bad, and the ugly. We can trust the word of God to tell us the truth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The First Church Split

July 31

(Acts 15:37-41 NIV) “Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, {38} but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. {39} They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, {40} but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. {41} He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”

(Genesis 13:5-12 NIV) "Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. {6} But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. {7} And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. {8} So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. {9} Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left." {10} Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) {11} So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: {12} Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom."

When two people “part company” it is not always pretty. It can be even uglier when it happens in the church. But it happens, and it happens to the best… even Paul and Barnabas. They had what Luke describes as a “sharp disagreement”. It wasn’t about a deep theological issue -- it was a personnel issue. Barnabas, the church board chair, wanted Mark on the staff, and Paul, the preacher, didn’t. It was a typical power struggle. Harsh words were spoken, they parted ways, and we witness the first church split recorded in Scripture. Even though this was not likely God’s plan, the Spirit of God went with both of them, and the evangelism/discipleship capability of the church was effectively doubled as they opened two separate mission fields. We don’t have to be perfect for God to use us. We should strive to be as good as we can be, but God will be glorified in spite of our personal successes and failures. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

More Than Evangelists

July 30

(Acts 15:36 NIV) “Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”

(Matthew 28:18-20 NIV) ““Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. {19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

(Luke 14:33 NIV) “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”

Paul and Barnabas were heroes in the church. They had evangelized many people, and started churches all around the Mediterranean. But God called them to be more than evangelists. The Lord had called them to make disciples and grow churches. They could have stayed in Antioch, kicked back, and written “how-to” books, but instead, they went back out to check on the churches they had planted and disciple them. They took Christ’s admonition to “make disciples” seriously. They saw these new believers as more than just a notch in their belts. They gave up everything to go back and disciple those they had led to the Lord. We must never stop evangelizing, but we must also make disciples. Saving souls and teaching believers to obey the Lord are like two sides of the same coin. We won’t get our “money’s worth” out of Christianity unless we see that both get done. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Center of Glorious Conflict

July 29

(Acts 15:30-35 NIV) “The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. {31} The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. {32} Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. {33} After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. {35} But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.”

(Acts 11:19-30 NIV) "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. {20} Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. {21} The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. {22} News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. {23} When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. {24} He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. {25} Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, {26} and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. {27} During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. {28} One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) {29} The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. {30} This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul."

(Galatians 2:11-16 NIV)  "When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. {12} Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. {13} The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. {14} When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? {15} "We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' {16} know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified."

Antioch was both a command center and an oasis for Paul and Barnabas. The church there was a hybrid, made up of both Jews and Gentiles. This was a great strength, but also led to Antioch being at the center of some glorious conflict in church history. They were a generous church, sending monetary aid to Judea in time of great need, and financing Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys. Antioch was central in the dispute that led to the Council of Jerusalem, where the church established the gospel’s freedom from Jewish law. Antioch was also the site of a great showdown between Peter and Paul over justification through faith alone, rather than by observing the law. Antioch, where believers were first called Christians, was on the cutting edge of church growth. This one local church changed the course of history. Will history say that about your church? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day     

Grace and Faith

July 28

(Acts 15:9,11 NIV) “He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith… {11} We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

(Ephesians 2:4-9 NIV) "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. {6} And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, {7} in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. {8} For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast."

The early church made a strategic decision at the Council of Jerusalem. They came to a fork in the road and they took the Jesus way. No longer would they teach that salvation comes through obedience to the Law of Moses. Many were still Jewish by birth, but they had become something else -- they had become disciples of Jesus, the incarnation of God who came to die for the sins of the world. The church declared that salvation comes by grace through faith to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. God had purified the hearts of both Jews and Gentiles because of His grace and their faith. This is still the good news. This is what makes the church distinctly Christian. This is what makes it possible for all to be saved. It is by God’s grace, but it takes a decision of faith. Have you made that decision? Will you put your faith in Christ? From now until the day you die, you will not get a better offer. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Boundaries Not Barriers

July 27         

(Acts 15:19 NIV) “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” 

(Acts 15:28-29 NIV) “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: {29} You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.”

(Ephesians 2:11-22 NIV) “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)-- {12} remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. {13} But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. {14} For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, {15} by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, {16} and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. {17} He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. {18} For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. {19} Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, {20} built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. {21} In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. {22} And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

James made a grace-filled statement at the end of the Council of Jerusalem. Basically he said, “Let’s keep it simple, and not make it difficult for people to turn to Christ. It shouldn’t be hard to get into the church. Let’s do away with the legalistic burdens. The church should be about inviting people in, not about keeping people out. The church will have some boundaries, but it shouldn’t be about building barriers.” James called for a few basic requirements regarding food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality, but other than that, the church was open to all sinners saved by God’s amazing grace. Christ’s church should be accessible to all those seeking and celebrating salvation. Some basic boundaries are necessary, but the church should not be in the business of creating barriers. We are called to labor at bringing them in… not work to keep them out. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Equal Opportunity Savior

July 26

(Acts 15:7 NIV) “Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. {8} God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. {9} He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.”

(Romans 10:1-13 NIV) ““Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. {2} For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. {3} Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. {4} Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. {5} Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them." {6} But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' " (that is, to bring Christ down) {7} "or 'Who will descend into the deep?' " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). {8} But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: {9} That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. {11} 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.””

Jesus is an equal opportunity Savior. Peter learned this when he preached to the Gentiles and they received the Holy Spirit -- the same Holy Spirit that the Jewish disciples had received. Peter concluded that God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile when it comes to salvation. Paul the apostle came to this same conclusion. He advocated for Gentiles to be included as full members of the Church, without requiring circumcision. Salvation comes by grace through faith to all who believe. Jesus came to save every lost person. He died for the sins of the whole world. Peter said that God “made no distinction”. Paul said “there is no difference”. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord can be saved. Anyone whose heart had been purified by faith was welcome in the body of Christ. This was the “big tent” policy of the early church. Is this your church’s policy? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Leadership Decision

July 25

(Acts 15:13, 19 NIV) “When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me… {19} "It is my judgment, therefore…”

(Hebrews 13:7, 17 NIV)  "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. {17} Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

(1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)  "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

The Council of Jerusalem ended with a leadership decision. James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, spoke up and said, “I’ve heard all the arguments. We’ve prayed and listened to God for a time. And now, here’s my decision. This is the direction we are going to go.” As far as we know, there was no vote taken that day. They took time to build consensus, but there is no record of any official vote. The church, contrary to what many believe, has never been a democracy. James had been called to lead, and he acted like a leader. He had been entrusted by God to lead the church in Jerusalem, and on this day he spoke with the authority that God had bestowed upon him. This decision by James set a precedent for the early church -- one that has not changed. Salvation comes by grace through faith, not through obedience to the Law. It was a good decision! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Agreeing With God

July 24

(Acts 15:28 NIV)  “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us...”

(John 14:16-17, 26 NIV) “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you… {26} But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

(2 Peter 1:19-21 NIV) “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. {20} Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. {21} For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus told His disciples that He would not leave them alone. He would send them a Counselor -- the Holy Spirit, who would guide them and empower them. Jesus kept His promise. Today, we who believe have this same Holy Spirit to direct us. He helps us interpret and understand Scripture. He lights our path as we traverse the narrow way. Christ calls us to live out His teaching and walk in harmony with the Holy Spirit. When we live our lives in cooperation with the Counselor, we cease making decisions all on our own and solely for our personal benefit. This was the strength of the early church. In so many different areas of life, they could say with integrity, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” When we can also say with integrity that we are in agreement with the Holy Spirit, we will make godly decisions that glorify the Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

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 

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    

Come Apart and Rest

July 18

(Acts 14:28 NIV) “And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.”

(Mark 6:31 NIV) ““Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.””

After Paul and Barnabas reported on the churches they had planted, Scripture says they stayed in Antioch a long time. After an extended time in dangerous and high-pressure situations, they needed to rest and recharge, and that’s what they did. They would go out again, for that was their calling -- but for a time they had no qualms about taking it easy in order to regain their strength. Even apostles need rest. Jesus taught this concept to his disciples and we would do well to follow suit. In Mark 6:31, Jesus led His disciples to a quiet place where they could get some rest. Some older translations have Jesus saying, “Come apart with me for a while.” There is a Sabbath principle at work here, for even today, if we do not “come apart” for rest, we will eventually come apart. Constant work and stress with no relief, leads to breakdowns. Work hard for Jesus, but also take time to rest. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Maintaining Accountability

July 17

(Acts 14:24-27 NIV)  "After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, {25} and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. {26} From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. {27} On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”

(Luke 10:16-17 NIV) ““He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” {17} The seventy–two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.””

(Mark 6:30-31 NIV) “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. {31} Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

When Paul and Barnabas had finished their first missionary/church planting journey they returned to their home base in Antioch, and reported on what was accomplished. That’s accountability. They gave glory to God for what He had done, and it wasn’t for the purpose of raising funds. They were simply reporting -- being accountable to the brothers and sisters who had sent them out. Accountability is in short supply today. Be it individual Christians or large church bodies, we all covet “independence”. One of the first questions asked by many church-shoppers is, “Are you part of a denomination?” Being “independent” is now seen as a great spiritual virtue. But this is not what we see in the New Testament church. Accountability was highly valued… by Jesus, and by Paul the apostle. In light of the biblical record, perhaps we need to rethink our penchant for valuing “independence”. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Appointing Leaders

July 16

(Acts 14:23 NIV)  "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”

(Mark 3:13-15 NIV) “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. {14} He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach {15} and to have authority to drive out demons.

(Hebrews 5:1-4 NIV) “Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. {2} He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. {3} This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. {4} And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.”

Paul and Barnabas knew that the churches they planted would need godly leaders. So they fasted and prayed for wisdom, asking God to show them who He wanted to lead His churches. When they discerned those leaders, they appointed them to be elders. Notice that this wasn’t an election. It was an appointment to godly leadership by godly leaders. In doing this, Paul and Barnabas followed the ways of Jesus, who had also prayed and appointed disciples based on gifting and calling, rather than on popularity or education level. Too many times today, church leaders are chosen because of status, degrees, popularity, or how many books they have written. Paul and Barnabas looked more at whether or not a leader was gifted by God to teach the word, and whether or not that leader had a call to ministry. Churches would do well to follow that pattern today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Gospel of Hardship

July 15

(Acts 14:22b NIV) "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."

(John 15:20 NIV)  "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."

(John 16:33 NIV) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

(1 Peter 4:12 NIV) "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."

Paul and Barnabas experienced hardship as they preached the gospel. Their gospel was different from the one we often hear today -- it was a gospel of hardship. This gospel may not match up with our theology of prosperity and blessing, but it is documented in the pages of Scripture, and has been written in the blood of believers who have lived before us. This may sound like heresy in these days when the church is married to comfort and ease, but it would appear that hardship is sometimes God’s will for His people. Jesus promised us that in this world we would have trouble: the apostle Peter said not to be surprised by painful trials we suffer, and Paul preaches that we must go through “many hardships to enter the kingdom of God”. How many voices will it take before we get the message? We will need an enduring faith because the gospel is a gospel of hardship. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Stronger Disciples

July 14

(Acts 14:21-22a NIV) “Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, {22} strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” 

(Matthew 28:18-20 NIV) ““Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. {19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

(Revelation 3:1-3 NIV) “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. {2} Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. {3} Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”

Paul and Barnabas knew it was important to disciple those that they had evangelized. They went back to the cities where they had preached the gospel, and taught them Christian basics. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and make disciples.”, and so Paul and Barnabas discipled. Being a Christian is about more than just being saved -- it’s about becoming more like Jesus every day, and growing progressively stronger in the faith. Any Christian who is not growing and strengthening their spiritual “legs” on a continual basis is not following the biblical pattern. Too many believers today think they have arrived. They think they’ve learned everything they need to know, but no one can ever reach that state on this side of heaven. Get back to learning in some way. Take a class. Read a book. Watch a good video series. Stretch, grow, and be strengthened. Become a genuine disciple. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Continue to Evangelize

July 13

(Acts 14:21 NIV) "They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples.”

(Acts 6:7 NIV) "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

(Acts 9:42 NIV) "This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord."

Wherever Paul and Barnabas went, they preached the Good News. They never stopped sharing the gospel. They never stopped witnessing and evangelizing. Many Christians today assume that most of those living and working around them have heard the gospel. That assumption is wrong. Reliable sources estimate that the un-churched population in the USA is near 150 million. The percentage of adults who do not regularly attend church continues to rise yearly. Statistics are even worse in many other nations around the globe. Believers, we have work to do. We must follow Jesus in a way that attracts people. Our witness must be consistent. We must find ways to lovingly share the gospel. Evangelism is more than an altar call. It is a life lived for Christ that shines like a light in the darkness. It is a loving and caring community. Never stop evangelizing. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

He Got Up and Went Back

July 12

(Acts 14:19-20 NIV) "Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. {20} But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe."

(2 Corinthians 1:8-11 NIV) "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. {9} Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. {10} He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, {11} as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."

As Paul preached in Lystra, religionists from Antioch and Iconium came and spoke against him. Convinced that Paul was a threat to their way of life, the crowd decided to stone Paul. When they finished, they dragged him out of the city and left him for dead. Being a disciple is not all fun and games. But the faithful gathered around him, and it would be foolish to think they weren’t praying. Miraculously, Paul got up, and walked right back into the city where he had been attacked. He seemed to have no fear. Don’t miss the importance of the community of faith praying here. We can do things we couldn’t ordinarily do when we have the support and prayers of a community. That’s why “lone ranger” Christianity is such a bad idea. But also don’t miss the power of a life fully surrendered to God’s sovereign will. Paul got up and went right back. That’s courage! That’s faith! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Glory Thieves

July 11

(Acts 14:11-18 NIV) ““When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" {12} Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. {13} The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. {14} But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: {15} "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. {16} In the past, he let all nations go their own way. {17} Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." {18} Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.””

(Acts 12:21-23 NIV) ““On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. {22} They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." {23} Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.””

At Lystra, Paul and Barnabas spoke God’s healing over a man who had never walked, and the man jumped up and began walking. The crowd went wild and began to declare that “the gods” had come down to Earth. The glory that belongs to God alone was coming to Paul and Barnabas, but they would have none of it. We should be so wise. When your ministry becomes effective some may begin to praise you. Some may even begin to idolize you. It feels good to be treated like a rock star, but don’t go there -- not even in your head. One of the worst things that can happen to Christians is for us to begin to feel like we deserve the accolades and the credit that come our way for being good people. We can begin to soak up the praise, but if we don’t pass it on to the Lord, we become glory thieves, stealing what really belongs to God. Resist the temptation to become little gods. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Discerning Faith

July 10

(Acts 14:8-10 NIV)  “In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. {9} He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed {10} and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.”

(Acts 3:1-7 NIV) ““One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. {2} Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. {3} When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. {4} Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" {5} So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. {6} Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." {7} Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.””

(Matthew 13:58 NIV) “And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”

(Luke 13:34 NIV) “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”

Because their time and resources were limited, Paul and Barnabas looked for those who had faith to believe. Two indicators of faith were a listening ear and good eye contact. When Paul looked into the eyes of the attentive crippled man, he saw faith. He saw willingness in the man’s eyes. We cannot knock the doors down in people’s lives -- faith must open the door from the inside before the Lord will enter. Jesus dealt with this early in His ministry, leaving Nazareth because of their lack of faith -- and near the end of His ministry, when He lamented Jerusalem’s unwillingness to believe. Perhaps that is why He spent the majority of His time ministering in other places. Spend time with those who know they have a need -- those who want change in their life. It is difficult to bring healing to the faithless who think they are just fine. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Living to Preach Another Day

July 9

(Acts 14:6-7 NIV) “But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, {7} where they continued to preach the good news.”

(Matthew 9:36-38 NIV) ““When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. {37} Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. {38} Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.””

(Galatians 6:9 NIV) “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Paul and Barnabas became aware of a plot to kill them, and they fled. They did this more than once in their ministry, but they were never silenced by fear -- they just took the gospel message somewhere else. When we meet resistance, it is not wrong to move on, but it is wrong to stop sharing the truth. Many Christians have been intimidated into becoming a “silent witness”, which usually translates into “no witness at all”. We go to church on Sunday, we go home, we go to work, and when we die people read our obituary and say, “Wow, I didn’t know he was a Christian.” There is nothing wrong with being prudent, but it is wrong to quit. Paul and Barnabas moved on, but they moved on for the purpose of living to preach another day. Do not become weary in doing what is right. The fields are ripe for the harvest. The work can be dangerous, but it is our calling. Don’t quit! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The High Cost of Ministry

July 8

(Acts 14:5 NIV) “There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them.”

(Mark 11:18 NIV) “The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.”

(John 5:18 NIV) “For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”

(Luke 10:1-3 NIV) ““After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. {2} He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. {3} Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.””

Paul and Barnabas didn’t just start arguments. They caused plots to be hatched -- plots to do them harm and kill them. Sometimes ministry comes at a very high cost. Jesus said it would be that way. He told the disciples that He was sending them out like lambs among wolves. This may come as a shock, but the Lord’s greatest concern is not our personal safety. Instead, His chief concern is saving souls from hell. Jesus gave up His life to help accomplish that mission. What are you willing to give? When we do ministry, we may get roughed up. Sometimes the price may be even higher. But if we spend our lives avoiding danger, we will never excel at being a disciple. Paul’s ministry came at a high cost, and so will yours. Will you pay the price? Millions of other disciples down through history have given their all. How much will you give? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Truth Divides

July 7

(Acts 14:2-4 NIV) “But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. {3} So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. {4} The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles.”

(John 7:40-43 NIV) ““On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely this man is the Prophet." {41} Others said, "He is the Christ." Still others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? {42} Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" {43} Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.””

(Luke 12:49-53 NIV) “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! {50} But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! {51} Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. {52} From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. {53} They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

(1 Thessalonians 2:2 NIV) “We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.”

Preaching and witnessing about Jesus causes division. The Name that brings peace also disturbs the peace. Jesus caused division. Truth always causes division. The church must never value holding the crowd, more than preaching the truth. We must not shade the truth, or compromise the gospel, in a quest to never be offensive. When the church values “unity” more than truth, and bodies more than souls, the gospel suffers. When we make “being together” more important than being saved, souls are at risk. The gospel brings salvation, but it also brings division. As witnesses for Jesus, we are not called to strive for unity, but to speak the truth in love. Some will believe and praise God -- others will mock the name of Jesus and curse us. Continue to speak the truth in love, and learn to live with the opposition and division it brings. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Speaking Effectively For Jesus

July 6

(Acts 14:1 NIV) "At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.”

(1 Corinthians 16:8-9 NIV) "But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, {9} because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me."

(Colossians 4:3-6 NIV) "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. {4} Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. {5} Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. {6} Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Paul and Barnabas spoke so effectively in Iconium that great numbers of people believed. We are called to do the same. Speak effectively for the Lord. Never pass up the opportunity to witness about what Jesus has done in your life. You may face opposition from family, neighbors, our government, and perhaps even from religious people, but never assume this means your witness is ineffective. With words of grace and a life salted by Christ, press on and speak the truth in love. Become adept at sprinkling Jesus throughout your conversations. You don’t have to be a preacher to do this. We should be seasoned with the love of Christ to the point that our everyday lives invite questions, and then we should be ready with an answer for people who ask why we are different. Make the most of every opportunity to share your story of God’s mercy and love, and doors will open. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Filled With Joy

July 5

(Acts 13:52 NIV) “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

(Psalms 126:3-6 NIV) "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. {4} Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. {5} Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. {6} He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."

Paul and Barnabas and the disciples had plenty to complain about. Not everyone liked them. They had many enemies because of the gospel. They were run out of so many towns that they had automatic dust removers for their feet. They were disrespected, ejected, protested, arrested, and rejected. But they were filled with joy, because salvation and the Holy Spirit and joy go together. When people are being saved, it’s hard to feel sorry for yourself. When God is moving and working through you it is difficult to be a whiner. Paul and the others genuinely believed that their life here on earth was about glorifying God, not about finding happiness. If and when we come to that same realization, we too can be filled with joy, and produce fruit for God’s Kingdom in times of trials and testing. Difficult days will not defeat us when we see them as opportunities to glorify Christ. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Shake The Dust Off Your Feet

July 4

(Acts 13:50-51 NIV) “But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. {51} So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.”

(Luke 9:1-6 NIV) ““When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, {2} and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. {3} He told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. {4} Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. {5} If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." {6} So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.””

Paul and Barnabas met with a high level of resistance in Pisidian Antioch, and decided to move on, taking the gospel down the road to Iconium. Before they left, they shook the dust off their feet -- a Middle Eastern sign of contempt. Jesus had instructed His disciples to do this if their message was rejected by a city or a group of people. It was a way of saying, “You had your chance to hear the truth, but you refused to listen. The consequences of your stubbornness are on your head, not ours.” It is often difficult to decide whether to tough it out or move on, but this episode demonstrates that when it comes to sharing the gospel, there may indeed be a time to move on to greener pastures. Once someone has heard the gospel, whether or not they accept the truth, they have been evangelized. We are not responsible for the gospel’s success. We are only responsible to share it with love. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Appointed for Eternal Life

July 3

(Acts 13:48-49 NIV) “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. {49} The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”

(1 Thessalonians 1:2-6 NIV) "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. {3} We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. {4} For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, {5} because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. {6} You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."

(1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV) "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, {2} who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance."

When Paul and Barnabas took the gospel to the Gentiles, the results were immediate. The Gentiles responded enthusiastically, and those appointed for eternal life were saved. People who had never known God began to honor the word of the Lord, and the good news of Jesus began to spread throughout the region. Paul and Barnabas discovered that the gospel seemed to spread quickly among the Gentiles. Perhaps that is because religious people tend to think they need nothing, while those who are lost in the dark will always move toward a light when they see it. People who are hungry will eat food that others refuse. The gospel will catch fire among those who are dry and weary. The word of the Lord will spread when we share the gospel with those whose hearts have been prepared by God to receive it. This is what it means to be appointed for eternal life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

A Change of Direction

July 2

(Acts 13:46-47 NIV) “Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. {47} For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

(Isaiah 49:5-7 NIV) ““And now the Lord says-- he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength-- {6} he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." {7} This is what the Lord says-- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel-- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.””

After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in the synagogue, they were verbally abused by the Jewish leaders. Being confident of their calling, they boldly answered those critics by quoting from the prophet Isaiah. If the Jews were going to turn a deaf ear toward Jesus, Paul and Barnabas would do something new -- they would take the salvation message directly to the Gentiles. Instead of changing the message, they changed directions. In marketing terms, they didn’t change the product, they changed their marketing strategy. They would now preach Jesus to a completely different demographic. Great criticism can often be the stimulus for great change. Positive results can come out of negative feedback. Perhaps the constant criticism you have been receiving is God’s way of prompting you to change direction and take the gospel somewhere new. Be open to change. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Rising Stars Draw Fire

July 1

(Acts 13:45 NIV) “When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.”

(Acts 4:1-4 NIV) "The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. {2} They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. {3} They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. {4} But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand."

(John 15:18-21 NIV) ""If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. {19} If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. {20} Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. {21} They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.""

As Paul’s star rose, his visibility drew negative attention. Rising up can bring glory to God, but it also makes one an excellent target. Satan cares little when you are ineffective in sharing Jesus, but if you start to draw a crowd, watch out. Paul’s opposition arose from within the religious community. Religion is often possessive and jealous. It does not take kindly to competition or correction. Many a godly prophet preached their last sermon in front of a religious crowd, their reward for challenging the status quo coming in the form of physical or verbal stoning. Many churches today suffer from this mentality, as they claim exclusive rights to the truth. They compete more than they cooperate. Instead of praising God when someone gets saved, they curse men because they got saved somewhere else. Paul and Barnabas reaped the fruit of that spirit. Don’t be a part of it today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Initial Success

June 30

(Acts 13:42-44 NIV) “As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. {43} When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. {44} On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.”

(Matthew 4:23-25 NIV) “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. {24} News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. {25} Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.”

As Paul preached the good news of Jesus, there were those who wanted to hear more on the subject. Not everyone was hostile to the gospel, and so Paul and Barnabas were invited back to speak on the next Sabbath. When they returned the next week, the place was packed out. Just about everyone in the city was in attendance. The same kind of large crowds were attracted to Jesus early in His ministry. There are always some who are open to new things. There are always some who are seeking life in every city. Likewise, there will always be people who do not want to hear, and if we focus on these negative frowners and gripers we will only get frustrated. The gospel of God’s grace is a grand truth that has the power to positively change lives. There will always be some who recognize that, and some who don’t. Time is short. Preach to the living and to those seeking life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Warning Against Unbelief

June 29

(Acts 13:40-41 NIV) ““Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: {41} "Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.””

(Malachi 4:1-6 NIV) ““Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the Lord Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. {2} But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. {3} Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things," says the Lord Almighty. {4} "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. {5} "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. {6} He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.””

Paul shares one more piece of the Gospel. It often gets left out today because it makes people uncomfortable, but without it the Gospel is incomplete. Believing the good news of Jesus is optional, but the consequences for unbelief are not. Paul quotes the prophet Habakkuk, who told God’s people that a judgment was coming… because of their unfaithfulness they would be conquered by the Babylonians. Paul is saying, “Remember Babylon and choose wisely, for choices have consequences.” There are two eternal destinations for all mankind -- one for those who put their faith in Christ, and another for those who do not. Every person reading this page will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell based upon their choice to accept Christ and His sacrifice for sin, or to refuse God’s grace and go their own way. Our faith makes a difference. The Gospel has not changed. Have you believed it? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Grace Comes Through Faith

June 28

(Acts 13:39 NIV) "Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses."

(Ephesians 2:4-9 NIV) "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. {6} And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, {7} in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. {8} For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast."

“Through Him everyone who believes is justified.” What a great truth of Scripture! What a great gift from God! Paul would later write in Ephesians, “It is by grace you have been saved, through your faith in Christ.” No matter how hard they tried, God’s people could not obtain righteousness or earn salvation by obeying God’s Law. They could not be good enough or religious enough… neither can we! Instead, they had to decide whether or not to believe God and accept the gospel of truth… so will we. Salvation comes through Christ -- that’s God’s grace part. But we obtain it by believing God -- that’s our faith part. We either choose to believe God and follow Jesus, or we choose to ignore the Gospel and continue going our own way. This is the proverbial fork in the road to our eternal destiny. What will it be for you -- faith or works? Grace or law? Saved or lost? The choice is yours. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Good News: Forgiveness of Sin

June 27

(Acts 13:32-38 NIV) ““We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers {33} he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: "'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' {34} The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: "'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' {35} So it is stated elsewhere: "'You will not let your Holy One see decay.' {36} "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. {37} But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. {38} "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.””

(Matthew 26:27-28 NIV) ““Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. {28} This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.””

(Luke 24:46-47 NIV) ““He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, {47} and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.””

Paul preached the good news -- the gospel of salvation. He was not confused or conflicted about the purpose of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. God fulfilled His promise when Jesus died on a cross and was raised to life. The death and resurrection of Jesus are directly tied to the forgiveness of sin -- sin which stands in the way of our relationship with the Creator both now and for eternity. His shed blood makes it possible for us to become a true child of God and receive God’s blessing. We can be forgiven of our sins and reunited with our Father. Some today would de-emphasize Christ’s shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sin. They say that a God of love would never plan for something as cruel as the cross. But God’s love is precisely why Christ had to shed His blood -- it was poured out in love for the forgiveness of sins. Believe the good news. Accept His forgiveness. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A God Willed Resurrection

June 26

(Acts 13:30-31 NIV) "But God raised him from the dead, {31} and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people."

(1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NIV) "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, {4} that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, {5} and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. {6} After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. {7} Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, {8} and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born."

God raised Jesus from the dead. This was the heart of Paul’s sermon because it is the heart of the Gospel. It is the beating heart of Christianity, and should be the main message of the church today. Jesus, who died on a cross for our sin, walked out of His tomb, and walked again with His people. Those who witnessed this told the story to anyone who would listen. They were so profoundly changed by the resurrection that they could not be silenced. This was the power that drove the early church. God had willed that a Savior be born and sacrificed for our sin. God willed a resurrection that changed everything. The church today can feed, heal, worship, pray, and fellowship, but without the resurrection we have no real message… no really good news… no hope for eternity. God willed the resurrection, and now His will is that we share the story. It’s the least we can do. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Blinded Eyes

June 25

(Acts 13:27-29 NIV) "The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. {28} Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. {29} When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb."

(2 Corinthians 4:3-6 NIV) "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. {4} The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. {5} For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. {6} For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

(John 1:10-13 NIV) "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. {11} He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. {12} Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- {13} children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God."

Many people give the best years of their lives to an organization, receiving little or no recognition. Jesus understands. God came to Earth and walked among us, but we did not recognize Him. Instead of lifting Him up in worship, we lifted Him up on a cross. In our blindness, we condemned the Lord of Creation. Paul preaches that this was, and still is, an act of the will. People who are spiritually blind are blind by choice. They don’t want to recognize Jesus as Lord. They don’t want to change the way they live. They represent all of us, who at one time or another, have decided to go about our life without Jesus, without grace, and without salvation. In doing so, we join those in Jerusalem who condemned Jesus. By proxy, we nailed Christ to the cross in hopes that He would stop meddling in our lives. But He came back and is healing the spiritually blind on a daily basis. Choose to be healed. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Savior Jesus

June 24

(Acts 13:23-26 NIV) ““From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. {24} Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. {25} As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.' {26} "Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.””

(Luke 2:11 NIV) “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

(Matthew 4:17 NIV) ““From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.””

(Acts 2:38 NIV) ““Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.””

God has sent us a Savior -- the Savior Jesus. God’s grace-filled salvation message came to Earth in person as angels declared, “Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you.” John preached that Christ was coming and that people should repent and be baptized. When Jesus came, He too called people to repentance. And after Christ’s resurrection, Peter preached repentance unto salvation, calling people to turn to God and be baptized. The gospel message is consistent. God sent us a Savior. We are not worthy to untie the sandals of this Savior, yet He declared with His life that we are worth being saved. The gift of salvation has been sent to the children of Abraham and all God-fearing Gentiles. How can we not accept such a spectacular gift of love from our Creator? Believe, repent, and receive the Savior Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Guide and Provider

June 23

(Acts 13:16-22 NIV) ““Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! {17} The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, {18} he endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert, {19} he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance. {20} All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. {21} Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. {22} After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: “I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.””

(Nehemiah 9:19-21 NIV) “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. {20} You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. {21} For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.”

If we listen to God, He will guide us and provide for us, even in the deserts of life. God is real and wants a relationship with us. In the past He freed His people from bondage in Egypt, and led them through the desert to the Promised Land. He provided food and water for them every day. He provided light to guide them at night. In these last days, God has sent His Son as a light, and He calls people to follow Him. Those who have listened and believed have become His church. Christ not only sees them as followers, He calls them His Bride. If you are reading these words today as a believer, you are the Bride of Christ. He wants to be your guide and provider. Are you following Him? Are you faithful to him? If you are not a follower of Jesus, He is calling you. God is real and wants to have a relationship with you. Jesus will guide you and provide for you. He will light up your darkness. Answer His call. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day