A Different Kind of Buyer

October 2

(Acts 19:24-26 NIV) “A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. {25} He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. {26} And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all.”

(Matthew 6:19-24 NIV) ““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. {22} "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. {23} But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! {24} "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.””

As more and more people in Ephesus were saved, a recession hit the idol making business. Paul taught that the silver idols of Artemis had no divine power, and people stopped spending money on them. Demetrius called the union bosses together and launched a public relations campaign against the Church. These new believers, led by Paul, were cutting into the idol- maker’s profits. They were taking their faith too seriously, and it was harming the local economy. These new people of the Way had changed their spending habits and had become a different kind of buyer. Every Christian should be a different kind of buyer. Money that was once spent foolishly will now be offered to Jesus, or wisely saved for future needs. If your God has not affected the way you spend money, your God is not the God of Scripture. Becoming a disciple of Jesus will make you a different kind of buyer. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Disturbing People of the Way

October 1

(Acts 19:23 NIV) “About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.”

(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.”

(Matthew 2:1-3 NIV) ““After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem {2} and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." {3} When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.””

The early church had been derisively called “Christians” at Antioch. In Ephesus someone decided to label them as “The Way”. Both labels were meant to be derogatory. Wherever those early disciples lived, they caused a disturbance as they lived out their faith. As others became believers, their lifestyle and spending habits changed. They were rocking the boat, messing with the system, stirring the pot, and this caused friction. They didn’t fit the mold, and what they had seemed to be contagious. They disturbed the status quo. Contrast that with many church people today, whose main goal seems to be blending in. We wouldn’t want anyone to think we are weird, and so we become adept at flying under the radar. Something has been lost in the translation. We were saved to shine! Live out your faith, and pray that you can become part of the disturbance in a way that honors the Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Call to Go

September 30

(Acts 19:21-22 NIV) ““After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit Rome also." {22} He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.””

(John 20:19-22 NIV) ““On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" {20} After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. {21} Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." {22} And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.””

(Matthew 10:16-20 NIV) “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. {17} Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. {18} On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. {19} But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, {20} for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Paul was a missionary apostle -- he never stopped thinking about where he should go next to share the gospel and strengthen the church. He wanted to preach in Rome, but first he would return to Jerusalem by way of Macedonia and Achaia. He sent Erastus and Timothy as an advance team to Macedonia, while he stayed in Ephesus a little longer. He had been discipling these two young men, and now he sent them out on the road. When we follow Jesus, he may send us on the road too. He may not send us across the ocean -- our call may be just across the street, or a few miles down the road. But as followers of Jesus, we have all been called to go somewhere, and if we never go anywhere with the gospel, perhaps it is not Jesus we are following. Christ’s call is to go into all the world and make disciples. Near or far, let Jesus direct your steps as you obey His call. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Costly Repentance

September 29

(Acts 19:19-20 NIV) “A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. {20} In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”

(2 Corinthians 9:13 NIV) “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ…”

(Matthew 3:8 NIV) “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

(Jonah 2:8 NIV) “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”

When the Ephesians saw the power of God, they responded with a costly repentance. They publicly burned all their expensive sorcery books. Their lives and their values had changed. When was the last time that your relationship with Jesus cost you anything? What have you sacrificed as a result of repentance? Churches today have become adept at touting what they offer to those who attend. Seldom is anyone asked what they have to offer to the church, or told what they must surrender in order to come. We try to make Christianity as easy and as cheap as possible. Costly repentance does not sell very well in a consumer-oriented culture. Advertising benefits will always draw a bigger crowd than calling for sacrifice. But here is the truth: God’s grace is offered freely, but following Jesus will always cost you something. Any gospel that tells you otherwise is a false gospel. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Fear of the Lord

September 28

(Acts 19:17-18 NIV) “When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. {18} Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.”

(2 Corinthians 5:11 NIV) “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.”

(1 Peter 2:17 NIV) “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

(Revelation 14:6-7 NIV) ““Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people. {7} He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.””

Those living in Ephesus were struck by the power of God. They were in awe of the healing and deliverance Paul did in the name of Jesus. Convicted of their sins, they began to call upon the name of the Lord, proving their repentance by their deeds. Fearing God is not a bad thing. It may have been overdone in days gone by, but many today have gone to the other extreme, reducing God to a harmless do-gooder who loves everything about us. They have made God into a doting grandparent. This is not the God of Scripture. The God of Scripture died on a cross for our sins, but this same God also drowned the Egyptian army in the Red Sea, and consumed the false prophets of Baal with fire from heaven. God is holy and sovereign. He holds the power of life and death, and the keys to heaven and hell. A healthy fear of God is not a bad thing. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Original Terrorists

September 27

(Acts 19:16 NIV) “Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”

(John 10:10 NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

(1 Peter 5:8 NIV) “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

We have an enemy. He goes by many names: Satan, Lucifer, the devil, the evil one. He and his minions are the original terrorists, and they will never change. Their goal is that we have no place where we feel safe and secure from their attacks. Satan and his demons hate us, and just as the seven sons of Sceva discovered, they can overpower us, beat us down, strip us of dignity, and send us running. The devil may tempt us with good things that we crave and covet, but his end goal is not our happiness, or our contentment. His goal is to isolate us, decimate our faith in God, and devour us. He is a liar and a thief, and his intent is to destroy, steal, and kill. Hate, chaos, and carnage are his ultimate delights. Our only hope against his onslaught is to put on the full armor of God and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Only the name of Jesus can defeat these terrorists. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Risky Business

September 26

(Acts 19:13-16 NIV) “Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." {14} Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. {15} One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" {16} Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”

(Jude 1:8-9 NIV) ““In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings. {9} But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!””

Mouthing off to demonic spirits is risky business, as the seven sons of Sceva discovered in dramatic fashion. These “wannabe” miracle workers hadn’t been called by God -- they had called themselves. They presumed upon the power of God. They threw the name of Jesus around like a cheap trinket to impress people, but they did not have God’s blessing, nor were they filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The spirits do not fear boastful people who loudly claim authority over them. They do not fear those who know about Jesus and who spout his name like it was some kind of magical incantation. Never underestimate the power of our enemy. Even the angels know better than to go around mouthing off to demonic spirits. Who the demons really fear is the humble servant of Jesus Christ -- the disciple who is full of God’s Spirit, not full of themselves. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Holy Spirit Authority

September 25

(Acts 19:12 NIV) “… even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.”

(Luke 4:33-37 NIV) ““In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, {34} "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" {35} "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. {36} All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!" {37} And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.””

Power and authority go together. The name of Jesus has power when spoken with authority by Spirit-filled believers. When Christians allow the Spirit to light up and eliminate the evil in their lives, they can then walk and speak with authority to the evil in this world. The Lord’s desire is Spirit-filled believers who are not just flashy and loud, but who pack a punch when dealing with the demonic forces here on Earth. We are called to grow to the point that the Holy Spirit’s presence in us touches others with God’s healing and delivering power -- sometimes just by our mere presence. Desire the gifts of the Spirit, but desire the greater gifts that build up the church and display God’s grace and power to this world. Pray for the authority to confront the darkness. Pray for God’s love to grow in your heart -- love that serves, and that changes the lives of those you touch. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Power to Restore

September 24

(Acts 19:11-12 NIV) “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, {12} so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured…” 

(1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NIV) “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, {5} so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.”

(1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV) “Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”

When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, we gain access to the power of God. This power is not just for showing off, but for ministering to others and bringing glory to God. Spiritual gifts are not given so that we can display them like the feathers of a prideful peacock -- they are given so we can display the love of Christ. They are not given for self-promotion, but for ministry to others. They are given so that we can serve. When spiritual gifts are used correctly, healing comes to others -- physical healing, emotional healing, and spiritual healing. The gifts of the Spirit promote wellness in the church. They help build people up, and put people together. When you pray for the gifts of the Spirit, you are praying for the power of God -- power for change, power for witness, power to heal, power to restore, power to make a real difference in this world. Pray for this kind of Holy Spirit power. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Courage, Discernment, and Stamina

September 23

(Acts 19:8-10 NIV) "Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. {9} But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. {10} This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord."

(Ephesians 5:15-18 NIV) "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, {16} making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. {17} Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. {18} Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

(Hebrews 12:1-4 NIV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. {2} Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. {3} Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. {4} In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."

Paul possessed three traits that are sorely needed in contemporary Christianity: courage, discernment, and stamina. He displayed courage by arguing for Christ under hostile conditions for extended periods of time. He spoke boldly and persuasively for months to obstinate critics who refused to believe, and who maligned Christ. When he discerned that the soil in the synagogue was too rocky, he moved to a local lecture hall and continued daily discussions about the Lord Jesus. We must know when to move on to more fertile soil. Paul preached there for two years -- that’s stamina. Many believers today lack persistence. Making disciples takes time. The result of Paul’s courage, discernment, and stamina was that “all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” Regardless of what “province” we live in today, that remains a worthy goal. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Different Gifts

September 22

(Acts 19:6 NIV) “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV) "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. {5} There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. {6} There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. {7} Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. {8} To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, {9} to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, {10} to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. {11} All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."

(1 Corinthians 12:28-31 NIV) "And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. {29} Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? {30} Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? {31} But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way."

(1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV) "Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church."

God not only saves us, He also gifts us for ministry. These gifts of the Spirit are not a perk -- they are equipment. As the church grew in number, there must have been some confusion about spiritual gifts, for Paul addressed the topic in some of the letters he wrote to churches. Some of the early believers began to focus on certain gifts, making them the litmus test for faith. Paul set them straight. He taught that the gifts of the Spirit are varied, and that God determines which gift(s) each Christian receives. These gifts are given for the common good of the church, not for individual glory. No one receives all the gifts, and there is no one gift that every Christian must receive to substantiate their faith. It is not wrong to desire the “greater” gifts, but we should seek those gifts that benefit the Bride of Christ. The gifts of the Spirit are not for showing off, but for building up the church. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

More Than Repentance

September 21

(Acts 19:3-6 NIV) “So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. {4} Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." {5} On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. {6} When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”

(Romans 8:5 NIV) "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

(Galatians 5:16-17 NIV) "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. {17} For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want."

The disciples in Ephesus had repented of their sin and been baptized. They were following God to the best of their knowledge. But Paul taught that there is more to being a Christian than just repentance. Christianity is about a new life and a new Spirit. It’s about receiving the gift of grace and forgiveness, but also about coming under the Lordship of the Gift Giver. It’s about the living Christ moving into our lives and making changes -- changes that we could never make on our own. It’s about receiving power for ministry through the Holy Spirit of God, and living by the Spirit rather than by our old nature. It’s about receiving spiritual gifts that equip us for ministry. Two spiritual gifts are mentioned in today’s verses, but there are many others. Each one is given so that we can serve as a part of Christ’s body here on Earth. Discover your gifts and use them to glorify the Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Incomplete Disciples

September 20

(Acts 19:1-2 NIV) "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples {2} and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

(2 Peter 1:3-8 NIV) "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. {4} Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. {5} For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. {8} For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

When Paul arrived at Ephesus, he found some disciples. Someone had taken the good news of Jesus there, and a few had put their faith in the Lord. They had accepted God’s grace and had become followers of Christ, but there was something missing. Paul asked if they had received the Holy Spirit. They replied that they had never even heard of the Holy Spirit. They had been convicted of their sin and turned to God for forgiveness through Christ, but no one had taught them about God’s Holy Spirit. Their faith was not yet complete. There was a page missing from their book. We can be disciples of Jesus and yet be incomplete. Peter encourages us in Chapter One of his second letter to “make every effort” to add to our faith some qualities that come with the Holy Spirit. Look at his list. Ask the Lord to help you complete your faith and to become more like Jesus every day. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Letter of Recommendation

September 19

(Acts 18:27-28 NIV) “When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. {28} For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”

(Romans 16:1-2 NIV) "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. {2} I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me."

(1 Corinthians 4:17 NIV) "For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church."

(2 Corinthians 8:16-18 NIV) "I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. {17} For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. {18} And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel."

Apollos grew in strength and wisdom, becoming a great apologist for Jesus. God eventually called him to go somewhere else. He had come to Corinth as a “walk on”. He left Corinth as an official member of the team, with letters of recommendation from the church. Apollos now had references. This is an important step in becoming a Bible teacher. Seek the blessing of the elders of the church. Don’t take off on your own and become a Lone Ranger for the gospel. Anybody with a computer and a blog can claim to be a “Bible teacher” these days. But Apollos submitted himself to the wisdom of the church. He sought their counsel, their blessing, and their endorsement. They responded by writing him reference letters to take with him. If the church watched your walk over a period of time, would they write you a letter of recommendation? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Continuing Education

September 18

(Acts 18:25-26 NIV) "He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. {26} He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately."

(Colossians 3:16 NIV) "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

(Proverbs 18:15 NIV) "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out."

Even though Apollos was a great preacher and apologist, he was missing one important aspect of the gospel -- he needed some instruction about baptism. Aquila and Priscilla invited Apollos to their home for a meal and some continuing education. This means that this great couple, who had supported Paul, were schooled themselves. They too had a thorough knowledge of Scripture and had spent some quality time with the apostle Paul in advanced learning. It also means that Apollos had one of the assets necessary to be a great Bible teacher -- he was teachable himself. He didn’t think he knew it all. With his level of popularity, it would have been easy for him to ignore Priscilla and Aquila. He was drawing big crowds in the synagogue. But he listened to them and learned from them. This is a trait we all need in our walk with Jesus. Christians, we must never stop learning! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

The Fear Factor

September 17

(Acts 18:26 NIV) “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.”

(Matthew 10:22-39 NIV) ““All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. {23} When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. {24} "A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. {25} It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! {26} "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. {27} What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. {28} Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. {29} Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. {30} And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. {31} So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. {32} "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. {33} But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. {34} "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. {35} For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- {36} a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' {37} "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; {38} and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. {39} Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.””

We must be people of courage! Jesus spoke of this with His disciples more than once. “Do not be afraid…” is a common phrase in Scripture. Apollos had a “thorough knowledge of the Scriptures”, he had the training, and he had a story of faith. But he also had great courage. He had overcome the “fear factor” in ministry. This made him eligible to fill Paul’s shoes. He loved God more than anything, even more than life, and so he spoke boldly. He went into the lion’s den of the synagogue, and fearlessly proclaimed the truth. He “vigorously refuted” all arguments against Christ. As we’ve said before in this walk through the book of Acts, this is the missing piece of the puzzle for many Christians today. Too many believers live in fear, not so much for their lives, but for their status among peers. We fear what people will think if we speak of Jesus. Do not be afraid. Trust in God. Speak boldly! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

 

Great Fervor

September 16

(Acts 18:25 NIV) "He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John."

(Ephesians 3:10 NIV) "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,"

(1 Peter 1:12 NIV) "It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things."

Not only did Apollos have a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, he also taught accurately about the Lord Jesus. Many preachers are steeped in the Scriptures, but their teaching strays from the truth as personal bias creeps in. Not Apollos -- he was a straight arrow. Apollos had another quality that set him apart: he spoke with great fervor. He had more than just “head knowledge”. Jesus had moved into his heart and he burned with passion for the gospel. Apollos knew the answer to the greatest question of mankind. He knew the Lord personally and that caused him to enthusiastically proclaim that Jesus is the Answer. He wanted to make the wisdom of God known to everyone. Christians, we have all the tools that Apollos had. We have unlimited access to the Scriptures and to great Bible teachers. If we will supply the great fervor, we too can contribute to changing the world. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day       

Study the Scriptures

September 15

(Acts 18:24-25, 28 NIV) “Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. {25} He had been instructed in the way of the Lord… {28} For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”

(2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV) “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. {8} For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Most of us who call ourselves disciples would like to be counted among the faithful who stand up for Jesus. We can learn from a man named Apollos. The Bible says that Apollos was “a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures”. He had received instruction in the way of the Lord and became a force in the ongoing debate in Ephesus regarding Jesus being the Christ. What this tells us is that before we become teachers, we must become students. To become a good teacher, we must first be good learners. God’s people in the church have an obligation to know the word of God. We are commanded to add knowledge to our faith. We have been left here on Earth to be change agents for Jesus, and to be effective at this we will have to know more than “Jesus loves me this I know”. That’s a great truth, but we will need to go deeper than that if we want to be effective and productive in our knowledge of Christ. Study the Scriptures! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Strengthening Ministry

September 14

(Acts 18:18-23 NIV)  "Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. {19} They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. {20} When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. {21} But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus. {22} When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. {23} After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.”

(Acts 14:21-22 NIV) ““They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, {22} strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.””

(John 8:31-32 NIV) ““To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. {32} Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””

Paul was an evangelist at heart, but knew the importance of strengthening disciples. He gave much of his time to this task. When Paul left Ephesus, he went back to strengthen and disciple believers in those places where he had started churches. Christ’s Great Commission calls for the church to teach obedience along with preaching salvation. We must produce followers as well as converts. Teaching people to obey is as important as baptizing them. Discipleship and evangelism are two sides of the same coin. Jesus taught that we can’t really be set free by His truth unless we are His disciples. Many today will walk to the front of a church to be saved, but never walk into a classroom of the church to be discipled. The result is biblically illiterate believers with half-baked theology. If you have time for hobbies or recreational activities, you have time for discipleship. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Religious Thuggery

September 13

Acts 18:17 NIV) “Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever.”

(Acts 23:6-10 NIV) ““Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." {7} When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. {8} (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.) {9} There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" {10} The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.””

Religion often turns violent when it is frustrated. Just ask Sosthenes! He had become the new synagogue ruler in Corinth, replacing Crispus, who became a Christian. Sosthenes eventually led an attack on Paul and took him to court, but after the proconsul Gallio dismissed all the charges, the crowd turned on Sosthenes and beat him. Religion often turns on its own when it doesn’t get its way. There are no spats as nasty as religious spats. Religious thuggery is never pretty. It destroys the church’s moral authority. This is why it’s important to move away from “religion” and toward a relationship with Christ. And notice here that Gallio did nothing to intervene. The state does not care if religious people tear each other apart. As the church grows weaker, the state grows stronger. Don’t go the way of the Corinthian synagogue. Christ will not bless thuggery in the church. – Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God Keeps His Promise

September 12

(Acts 18:12-16 NIV) “While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court. {13} "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law." {14} Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. {15} But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law--settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things." {16} So he had them ejected from the court.”

(Psalms 140:1-5 NIV) “Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, {2} who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. {3} They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips. {4} Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. {5} Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.”

(Psalms 46:10-11 NIV) ““Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." {11} The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.””

God promised to take care of Paul, and almost immediately Paul was detained and dragged into court by those hostile to the gospel. Paul may have been thinking, “I thought you said you’d take care of me, but here I am in danger again.” But before Paul could even open his mouth, the proconsul Gallio dismissed the charges. He told Paul’s accusers that he had no time to argue over “questions about words and names”, and ejected them from his courtroom. Of course, we know that those “questions about words and names” are life changing and have eternal significance, but on this day God told Paul, “Stand back and watch me move.” Paul didn’t even have to speak. It would not be his smooth speech that delivered him, but God’s Spirit moving on the heart of Gallio. It probably works that way far more often than we know, as God whispers, “Be still and know that I am God.” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Conquering the Spirit of Fear

September 11

(Acts 18:9-11 NIV) “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. {10} For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." {11} So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.”

(Luke 12:4-5 NIV) “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. {5} But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

(1 Peter 3:13-15 NIV) ““Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? {14} But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." {15} But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,””

Even apostles need reassurance now and then. How many times must one be beaten up and run out of town before they consider changing their tune? Paul must have been dealing with some fear, because the Lord came to him in a vision, telling him not to be afraid, and to keep on speaking the truth. Paul believed God and obeyed the Lord. He never stopped sharing the gospel, even though he continued to suffer persecution for his faith. He shared Christ boldly wherever he went, at great risk to his personal well being. If we are going to be faithful disciples of Jesus and obey our calling, we too will need to conquer our fears. We must not allow fear to silence us. We must rise above our earthly anxieties. Conquer the spirit of fear that haunts you! Stop running from it. Turn and face it in the name of Jesus. Stare it down with the help of the Holy Spirit. Trust God and walk by faith. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Finding Our Niche

September 10

(Acts 18:6-8 NIV) “From now on I will go to the Gentiles. {7} Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. {8} Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized."

(Isaiah 42:6-7 NIV) “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, {7} to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

(Galatians 3:8-9 NIV) ““The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." {9} So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.””

Paul came to a fork in the road, and decided to target a different audience in Corinth. He would take the gospel predominantly to the Gentiles. He had found his niche. He didn’t leave town or head for a foreign land -- he went next door. God calls a few to take the gospel across the sea, but all of us are called to take it across the street. Most will never take the gospel overseas, but we can take it to our next door neighbor. We won’t be able to look God in the eye and say, “I never had a chance to take the gospel next door.” We can never say, “I was too poor to take the gospel across the street.” You don’t have to be a genius to find your niche. There’s a good chance that your “niche” is your neighborhood. Jesus says to all of us, “Take the gospel over there”, and our “over there” is very likely next door or across the street. Find your niche. You shouldn’t have to look too far. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

When Enough is Enough

September 9

(Acts 18:6 NIV) “But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility.”

(Matthew 10:12-15 NIV) “As you enter the home, give it your greeting. {13} If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. {14} If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. {15} I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

(Luke 9:5-6 NIV) “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.”

Sometimes in ministry, we must say, “Enough is enough.” Paul shared the gospel with the Jews in Corinth. He argued God’s case well, but still they opposed him and would not believe. Finally, Paul threw up his hands and said, “That’s enough. I have fulfilled my responsibility to you. I have shared the Good News and you have rejected the truth. I am not responsible for the judgment that awaits you.” Some may recoil at the thought of writing anyone off, and certainly we are called to have patience, love, and faith as we pray for and witness to unsaved family, friends, and neighbors. But there comes a time when we must decide how to best spend the limited amount of time and energy, we have as a disciple of Jesus. At some point, the Holy Spirit may prompt us to move from the rocky soil to a more fertile soil. Even Jesus instructed His disciples about this. Pray, and listen for the Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Preaching Exclusively

September 8

(Acts 18:4-5 NIV) “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. {5} When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.”

(2 Timothy 4:1-5 NIV) “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: {2} Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. {3} For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. {4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. {5} But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

When Paul arrived in Corinth, he worked all week making tents and preached every Sabbath. When Silas and Timothy arrived, he was able to return to preaching the word every day. We don’t know if they both got jobs to support Paul’s ministry, or if they brought an offering along with them from Macedonia. What we do know is that they made it possible for Paul to devote himself full time to preaching and testifying about Christ. This was Paul’s passion. Knock him down -- he gets back up. Run him out of one town -- he moves on to the next one. Take away his funding -- he gets a job and preaches whenever he can. There was no stopping this guy! Paul lived to preach that Jesus is Lord. He was also very good at it -- the record speaks for itself. What are you good at? What are you passionate about? Use it to advance the gospel in some way. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Tent Makers for Jesus

September 7

(Acts 18:1-3 NIV) "After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. {2} There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, {3} and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”

(1 Corinthians 1:2-6 NIV) "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours: {3} Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {4} I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. {5} For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge-- {6} because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you."

Paul moved down the road again, ending up in a city called Corinth. We know that he succeeded in planting a church there because we have two letters written to that church in the Bible. While Paul was in Corinth, he met Aquila and Priscilla. They had recently moved from Rome to Corinth, after being expelled by the Emperor Claudius for being Jewish. They could identify with Paul as they shared the common experience of being persecuted and run out of town for your faith. They also connected in that Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers by trade, as was Paul. This led them to team up in the trade in order to put food on the table while Paul preached the gospel in Corinth. Thus we get the term, “tent making ministry”, describing those who work in the marketplace to fund their work in the church. Where there is a will, there is always a way. Use all your gifts to do the work of the Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Sneering Crowds

September 6

(Acts 17:32-34 NIV) “When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject." {33} At that, Paul left the Council. {34} A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others."

(Luke 16:13-15 NIV) “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." {14} The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. {15} He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.”

(Luke 23:33-35 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." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. {35} The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.””

The Athenians had been accommodating many gods -- Paul called them to worship only one. Even today, many live with altars to unknown gods in their hearts. Jesus calls us to replace those gods with his Name -- the Name above all names. Christ wants us to know Him personally. Ask the Light of the world to illumine all of the shadowy idols that hinder your relationship with Him. Ask Him to reveal the Unknown God to you. Then, through your life and speech, share Jesus with your family, friends, and neighbors. Just remember… whenever and wherever the truth of Jesus is shared, some will believe, and some will sneer. Some will want to hear more, and some will try to shut you up. We are not called to win the world -- we are to witness to the world. Be faithful, patient, and persistent. Ignore the sneering crowds and look for those that God has called to new life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Ignorance Is No Excuse

September 5

(Acts 17:30-31 NIV) “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. {31} For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."

(Matthew 25:31-34, 41 NIV) ““When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. {32} All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. {33} He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. {34} "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world…. {41} Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.””

(Psalms 98:1-9 NIV) “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. {2} The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. {3} He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. {4} Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; {5} make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, {6} with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn-- shout for joy before the Lord, the King. {7} Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. {8} Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; {9} let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.”

As Paul wrapped up his message to the Athenians, he played his ace. The attributes that separate the Unknown God from the false gods are the incarnation and the resurrection. Unlike the many gods of Athens who had never lived in the first place, the Unknown God came to earth as a living, breathing man. He was crucified for our sins and died, but He rose from the dead and will come again to judge all people. The Unknown God is Jesus Christ the Lord. In His grace, God has overlooked much of our ignorance and rebellion. But today God commands all who hear these words to repent. Christ is coming to judge all people. He will separate the sheep from the goats. There will be no middle ground. There will only be the lost and the found, the forgiven and the unforgiven, the saved and the unsaved. Which group will you be in? There is still time to believe. Trust in Jesus! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Homemade Idolatry

September 4

(Acts 17:29 NIV) "Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone--an image made by man's design and skill.”

(Isaiah 2:7-9 NIV) "Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures. Their land is full of horses; there is no end to their chariots. {8} Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made. {9} So man will be brought low and mankind humbled -- do not forgive them."

(Jeremiah 10:3-6 NIV) "For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. {4} They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. {5} Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good." {6} No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power."

(Jonah 2:8-9 NIV) ""Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. {9} But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.""

Idolatry is nothing new. Mankind has been drawn toward idols since Adam and Eve first sinned in the Garden. Whenever we place anything ahead of the interests of God, we have drifted into idolatry. Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many other prophets confronted it in their day, and when Paul got to Athens, he dealt with it there. Believers must continue to confront the idolatry in our world with God’s truth, and the place we should start is in our own lives. What are the idols that demand your time, attention, and money? What steals your affection and allegiance? What is it that holds you back from serving Jesus fully? Idols don’t have to be made of wood, stone, or gold -- they can be thoughts or activities that distance us from Jesus. Destroy them! Abandon them! Remove them from your homes and your lives. Worship the Living God! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Perhaps

September 3

(Acts 17:27-28 NIV) “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. {28} 'For in him we live and move and have our being. 'As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'”

(Matthew 19:11 NIV) "Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given."

(Luke 13:23-24 NIV) "Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, {24} "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."

(Romans 11:13-14 NIV) "I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry {14} in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them."

 When we speak of Jesus in the way Paul did, God uses our words to win some. When we speak the truth in love, the Unknown God can become the known God. Some will realize that we “live and move and have our being” in Christ. Some will seek the Lord, and “perhaps reach out and find Him”. He is near… but don’t miss the word “perhaps”. Not all will accept God’s offer of grace. Even Jesus did not win everyone when He was here. He was the perfect Son of God, and yet many did not believe. All humanity has a free will. Every individual can choose to accept or reject Christ, and there will always be those who will refuse to believe. But we must not focus on the refusals. We must continue to be faithful in praying for the lost, reasoning with them, and lifting up our risen Lord Jesus. Our hope is that “perhaps” some will be saved. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Knowing the Unknown God

September 2

(Acts 17:23b-26 NIV) “Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. {24} "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. {25} And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. {26} From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.”

(Philippians 3:10-11 NIV) “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

At the beginning of his presentation to the Areopagus, Paul told the highly educated Greek philosophers, “I know something you don’t know. I know who the Unknown God is. In fact, I know the Unknown God personally. I have met the Unknown God.” Paul then began to make known to them this Unknown God. He started with the truth of Genesis, telling them of the Creator God who gives life and breath to all things. This God is Spirit and does not live in manmade temples, nor does He live in idols made by human hands. From one man, this God made all nations. This God determines the length of our lives and where we live out those lives. This God is the sovereign Lord of all things. Paul went on later to proclaim that this God is the risen Christ. This is our calling, Christians. Our God, who is unknown to many, wants to be known, and we are called to make Him known. Share the truth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Covering Our Bases

September 1

(Acts 17:22-23 NIV)  “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. {23} For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.”

(John 14:6 NIV) ““Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.””

(Deuteronomy 4:23-24 NIV) “Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. {24} For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”

In the minds of the highly educated philosophers of Athens, it was wise to embrace every idea and every god. They celebrated the diversity of their culture and built altars to all the gods. Everybody’s god was seen as equally valuable. The Athenians were so concerned about being inclusive that they even had an altar to the “UKNOWN GOD”. They didn’t want to risk leaving anyone out. This is called pluralism and it is still popular among the sophisticated and enlightened of our day. The inclusiveness of the Athenians would have been lauded by our contemporary culture. But Paul knew it was wrong. His Judaism told him that there was but one God, and his newfound faith in Christ had convinced him that there is but one Messiah and one way to salvation. His wisdom holds true today. There is but one covering for all of the bases. His name is Jesus. Let Him cover you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Best Idea

August 31

(Acts 17:19-21 NIV) “Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? {20} You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean." {21} (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)”

(1 Timothy 6:20 NIV) “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, {21} which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.”

(Mark 12:28-30 NIV) ““One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” {29} “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. {30} Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

(Romans 10:8-10 NIV) ““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.”

Paul was brought before the Areopagus, a group who spent all their time listening to and talking about the latest ideas. They thought Paul’s ideas were strange and wanted to hear more. They were trying to intellectualize the faith. Many today try to do the same thing. As long as Jesus remains just in the mind, and never moves into the heart and soul, we can keep Him at a safe distance. As long as Jesus is just a good idea, He does not threaten our lifestyle and we don’t have to change. Other ideas and philosophies are just as valid for managing our lives. Thus we hear people say, “Jesus is fine if He works for you -- just don’t push your religion on me. I have my own ideas about God -- my own personal religion. Believe whatever you want.” But Jesus didn’t come to be just a good idea. Jesus came as God’s best idea! Believe in your heart. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Babble On Believers

August 30

(Acts 17:18 NIV) ““A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods. They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.””

(1 Corinthians 1:20-25 NIV) “Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? {21} For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. {22} Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, {23} but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, {24} but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. {25} For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”

(Colossians 2:8 NIV) “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

Paul proved that reasoning can work in evangelism, but no method is fool proof where man has both free will and pride. Some believed -- others debated Paul. When we share Jesus and His resurrection, we can expect opposition. In Athens, it was philosophers. Genuine and wannabe philosophers of today will usually attack us in one of two ways. First, there is the “put down”. They called Paul a “babbler”. Today it may be “bible thumper”, “narrow minded”, “holy roller”, or a dozen other slanderous titles designed to make you feel stupid, out of touch, or ashamed. Second, the supposed philosopher will try to convince you that you are advocating foreign gods. They’ll say stuff like, “I believe in God, but you’ve gone too far with this Jesus in your heart stuff. Don’t get carried away with that wacko foreign thinking.” Christian, do not listen to the philosophers of this age. Babble on! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Reasonably Opposing Idolatry

August 29

(Acts 17:17 NIV) “So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.”

(Acts 17:1-4 NIV) ““When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. {2} As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, {3} explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said. 4Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God–fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.””

(Isaiah 1:18-21 NIV) ““Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. {19} If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; {20} but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. {21} See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her -- but now murderers!””

When Paul saw the rampant idolatry in Athens, he didn’t just wring his hands, or complain to his Bible study group about how the world was going to hell in a hand basket. Armed with truth, he initiated a battle with them on two fronts. He reasoned with them in the synagogue (for us, that is the church), and he reasoned with them in the marketplace (for us, that is where we work and shop). He didn’t rant, rave, and shout about people burning in hell. He wasn’t hostile or condemning. Scripture says he reasoned with them. He told them of a God who could be known… a God who created all things… a God who could not be captured in an idol made of gold, stone, or wood. He spoke about judgment, repentance, and a man who rose from the dead. He had their attention. Paul shows us that we can reasonably oppose idolatry and that when we do, the hearts of some will be changed. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Idolatry Run Amok

August 28

(Acts 17:16 NIV) “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.”

(1 John 5:21 NIV) “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”

(Exodus 20:2-5 NIV) “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. {3} You shall have no other gods before me. {4} You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. {5} You shall not bow down to them or worship them…”

Paul went to Athens, a very cosmopolitan and sophisticated city, full of highly educated and intelligent people. But Paul saw something that disturbed his spirit. This modern metropolis was filled with idols. The many shrines and altars there betrayed a polytheistic culture. These people were very religious. They had a shrine for every god except the true God. Paul was highly educated and certainly knew of Athens before he was saved. But now he came with new eyes… eyes opened by the Holy Spirit, and what he saw was idolatry run amok. And if our eyes are open, we can see the same thing today. We live in a polytheistic culture where individual choice reigns supreme. Our idols may not look the same as those in Athens, but they are numerous and powerful, and we bow down to them and worship them in various ways. Ask God to give you eyes to see the idols in your life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

History Repeats Itself

August 27

(Acts 17:12 NIV) “Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. {13} When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. {14} The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. {15} The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.”

(Acts 13:49-50 NIV) “The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. {50} 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.”

(Acts 14:1-2 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. {2} But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.” 

(1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 NIV) “You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. {2} 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. {3} For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. {4} On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.”

Wherever Paul preached, some believed and gave their lives to Christ. But there were always those who criticized and threatened. Paul faced opposition in every town, in every conceivable form – and often it became physical. You could always count on pushback. It was inevitable, as history repeated itself over and over again. But Paul would not quit. He was like a pit bull for the gospel. He would not let go. He would not stop talking about Jesus. He would not quit, because he had been called and because everywhere he went, someone got saved. That made it worth the risk and the pain. Is that your philosophy of ministry as a Christian? Will you push through the pushback for the sake of a soul saved? Like Paul, this is our calling. Accept the inevitable opposition and keep speaking the truth in love. Souls are at stake. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Daily Bible Study

August 26

(Acts 17:11 NIV) “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

(1 Cor. 2:12, 14 NIV) "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. {14} The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."

(James 1:22 NIV) "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

Daily Bible study is a vital tool for the disciple of Jesus. Here are some hints on how to become more like the Bereans. First, find a translation you understand. There are many, and most of them are good. Second, find a reading plan and stick to it. God is a God of order. It makes sense to use an orderly plan for reading the Bible. Third, ask the Holy Spirit to speak through the Scriptures. We need God’s help to understand. Ask God to open your ears and your heart so you can hear what He is saying. Fourth, as you read, ask two questions: what does it say, and what does it say to me? In other words, what did it mean then, and what does it mean to me today? Fifth, be faithful in personal application and obedience. Once we know what God is saying to us, we need to do what the Lord says. Without this last step, the Bible is just words on paper. God wrote it to be far more than that. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Daily Examination

August 25

(Acts 17:11 NIV) “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

(Luke 11:3 NIV) “Give us each day our daily bread.”

(1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV) “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.”

The Bereans didn’t read Scripture because they thought it would impress God, or make them look more holy. They examined the Scriptures daily to hear from God. They read seeking truth. They read God’s word every day to verify that what Paul preached was the truth. They spent considerable time diligently studying the word of God. They are a model for us. Many Christians today are long on feelings, but short on knowledge of Scripture. The majority have never read the Bible through. Examining the Scriptures daily is a foreign concept. They may attend church regularly, but seldom open their Bibles outside the church building. In so doing, they miss out on God’s daily bread, and on one of the Lord’s greatest tools for producing noble character. Don’t join them in their negligence. Be different! Get into the word. Be among those who examine the Scriptures on a daily basis. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Eager Beaver Bereans

August 24

(Acts 17:11 NIV) “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness…”

(Matthew 13:23 NIV) “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

(Romans 15:4 NIV) “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Luke describes the Bereans as being of “noble character”. What does that look like? Scripture says the Bereans “received the message with great eagerness.” They eagerly received the gospel that Jesus died for their sin and rose again. They also likely shared that message with enthusiasm. They became gossips for the gospel. Can you imagine a church where all of the gossip pertained to the good news of Jesus, rather than the perceived failings of others? The church’s reputation could change almost overnight. We could become like the Bereans and be thought of as “noble in character”. But it all starts with us receiving the message with eagerness. Believe the good news. Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If you’re tired of the character you’ve become, and would like to become a person of noble character, this is where you start. It’s where the Bereans started. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Like A Broken Record

August 23

(Acts 17:10 NIV) “As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.”

(2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NIV) “Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. {24} Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. {25} Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, {26} I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. {27} I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. {28} Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

Paul’s life played out like a broken record. For those too young to remember, when an old phonograph record got a deep scratch or a crack in it, it would often skip, playing the same phrase over and over again. Today’s verses repeat the now familiar story of Paul being run out of town. Over and over again, this was his earthly reward for preaching the truth. The true gospel is offensive. It changes people, and many don’t want to see that happen. More than once, Paul got beaten up and close to killed. Again and again, he had to flee for his life. This is because Paul was a persistent prophet. The first thing Paul and Silas did when they reached Berea was to go to the synagogue. They didn’t go there for a handout -- they went there to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Thank God for persistent prophets whose lives play out like broken records. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Blessed Are The Troublemakers

August 22

(Acts 17:6 NIV) “But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here…”

(Acts 24:5-6 NIV) "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect {6} and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him."

(Hebrews 10:32-35 NIV) "Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. {33} Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. {34} You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. {35} So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."

The mob that rioted in Thessalonica resembled the mobs of today, blaming someone else for their bad behavior. They pointed to Paul and Silas, and accused them of making trouble all over the world. That’s quite a claim! Would anyone say that about you? Is your faith so active and far-reaching that you would be accused of making trouble all over the world? Would it surprise you to know that God will bless the right kind of troublemaker? Paul and Silas did nothing wrong. They simply preached the truth and challenged the status quo religion. They shared the love of God, delivered people from demons, and spoke of Christ’s death and resurrection wherever they went. Because of this, they were accused of causing trouble all over the world. If that’s the kind of trouble you cause in this world, Jesus would likely say, “Blessed are the troublemakers.” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day