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

Guilt By Association

August 21

(Acts 17:6-9 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, {7} and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." {8} When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. {9} Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.””

(Luke 21:12-19 NIV) “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. {13} This will result in your being witnesses to them. {14} But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. {15} For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. {16} You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. {17} All men will hate you because of me. {18} But not a hair of your head will perish. {19} By standing firm you will gain life.”

After Jason invited Paul and Silas to come to his house, he discovered that just being around committed Christians can cost you. A hostile mob invaded his home and when they didn’t find Paul or Silas, they dragged Jason and some “other brothers” to the authorities. Jason got in trouble for just hanging around with committed Christians. Today, some people will wrinkle up their noses when they find out that you go to church. You don’t even have to talk about Jesus, all you have to do is associate with people of faith, and you become a target for ridicule. Why is that? It’s because Satan knows that he cannot allow even one ray of light to invade his darkness. He fears the name of Jesus, and does not want people to even get near it. So he tries to keep people away from committed Christians. Our goal is to be committed enough that the devil must try to keep people away from us! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

 

Win Some Lose Some

August 20

(Acts 17:4-5 NIV) “Some 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. {5} But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.”

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

(Luke 4:42-44 NIV) “At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. {43} But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” {44} And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.”

After being beaten and jailed in Philippi, Paul and Silas moved down the road to Thessalonica. They weren’t looking for a friendlier place, or a better deal -- they were looking for more people who needed the Lord. When they preached in Thessalonica, some received the truth and joined with them. Others chose to oppose the message of God and stirred up trouble. It has always been that way, and it will always be that way. We win some, and lose some. Some will respond to the gospel -- others will reject it. We don’t get to choose who does which. God’s Spirit opens the ears and eyes of some, but others will go to their graves deaf and blind to the grace of God. Nothing you or anyone else can say will soften their hard hearts. But still, we keep saying it. We cast out God’s seed and where it falls and sprouts is God’s business. We aren’t called to be successful -- we are called to be faithful. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Reason and Faith

August 19

(Acts 17:1-3 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.”

(Matthew 16:13-18 NIV) “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” {14} They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” {15} “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” {16} Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” {17} Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. {18} And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

(Acts 10:39-43 NIV) “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, {40} but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. {41} He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. {42} He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. {43} All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Even though Paul was sent to evangelize the Gentiles, he never gave up on his fellow Jews, and often went to the synagogues to preach. At Thessalonica he taught three weeks in a row, reasoning with them “from the Scriptures”, or what we call the Old Testament. Using the Old Testament, Paul proved and explained that Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. Paul echoed Peter, who taught that all the prophets testified about Jesus and that through His name, all who believe in Him will receive forgiveness of sins. Some say reason and faith do not mix, but Paul would disagree. He often reasoned from the Scriptures to bring people to faith. He wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is the Christ, for through faith comes forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. That was true in Paul’s day, and it is still true today. Put your faith in Jesus Christ. It’s the reasonable thing to do. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Blessing of Persecution

August 18

(Acts 16:40 NIV) “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.”

(Matthew 5:10-12 NIV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. {12} Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

(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."

When Paul and Silas got out of prison, they went back to Lydia’s house for some renewal and rest. They met with the new believers there, and then headed out again to share the gospel in another place. Paul and Silas traveled a road that few are willing to travel. Instead of being thwarted by persecution, they were motivated. Persecution does a strange thing to a committed believer. Instead of silencing us, it often ends up strengthening us. If we are active enough to receive persecution, and we endure it with grace, it often gives us a greater platform from which to share the gospel. If you are undergoing persecution in some form, remember this story. Endure it with grace. Live with hope in your heart. Stand strong and humbly praise God. If you do that, your Jesus star will rise and be seen by more people than ever, and God’s kingdom will grow because of your faithfulness. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

So That Some Might Be Saved

August 17

(Acts 16:14 NIV) “One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.”

(Acts 16:16-18 NIV) ““Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. {17} This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." {18} She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.””

(Acts 16:29-33 NIV) ““The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. {30} He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" {31} They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." {32} Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. {33} At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.””

(Matthew 7:13-14 NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. {14} But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

(1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV) “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. {20} To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. {21} To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. {22} To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. {23} I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

When Paul and Silas went down to the river and met Lydia, she responded to the gospel. Others were there and heard, but we have no record that anyone else was saved. When Paul and Silas delivered the slave girl from demonic spirits, there were many witnesses. But not everyone who saw the miracle was converted. When Paul and Silas led the Roman jailer to Christ, there were others who heard the truth. But not everyone at the jail became a believer. Even though God so loves the world and Jesus died for the sins of the world, not everyone in the world will be saved. Jesus said the road is narrow and only a few will find it. Paul recognized that even with the best of preaching, “by all possible means”, only “some” would be saved. Be faithful in sharing the gospel, but do not be discouraged when only a few respond. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

ACTS: Admit, Commit, Transmit, Submit

August 16

(Acts 16:25 NIV) “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

(Acts 16:29-34 NIV) ““The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. {30} He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" {31} They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." {32} Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. {33} At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. {34} The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.””

(Matthew 7:20-21 NIV) ““Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. {21} "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.””

The conversion of the Roman jailer provides a template for evangelism. First we must ADMIT. The jailer admitted his need for a Savior. The second step is to COMMIT. The jailer was called to “believe in the Lord Jesus.” This was a commitment to follow Christ as Lord -- to be His disciple. The third step is to SUBMIT. The jailer was baptized in obedience to Christ and began to minister to Paul and Silas. Conversion brings life change as we submit to Christ’s call to serve. “By their fruit you will know them.” The fourth component in evangelism is to TRANSMIT. Paul and Silas “spoke the word of the Lord to him.” They had first transmitted the gospel with the fruit of joy displayed in jail, then later, with words of truth. They reflected the Way and the Truth well, and thus were believed when they spoke the truth about the way. Admit, Commit, Submit, Transmit -- one template for evangelism. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Praise Quotient

August 15

(Acts 16:25 NIV) "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."

(Hebrews 13:15 NIV) "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name."

(Psalms 34:1-4 NIV) "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. {2} My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. {3} Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. {4} I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Acts 16:25 is an astounding verse. After Paul and Silas were beaten and confined to a jail cell, they had a worship service. There was no bitter complaining about the injustice -- just praise to God in such a public way that others around them could hear it. They responded to a life that is unfair, by giving glory to God. They didn’t question God’s goodness -- they praised God’s greatness. They thanked God for a demon cast out, for souls saved, and for a new church plant. They had surrendered their lives to the glory of God. How are you doing at this? What was your praise quotient last week? Our praise quotient is the number of times we praise God, divided by the number of times we complain about God -- the bigger the number the better. Raise your quotient. Praise more and complain less. You’ll be noticed by those around you, and some will be drawn to the One you praise. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

An Earthly Reward for Faithfulness

August 14

(Acts 16:19-24 NIV)  "When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. {20} They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar {21} by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice." {22} The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. {23} After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. {24} Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks."

(Acts 7:54-60 NIV) "When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. {55} But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. {56} "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." {57} At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, {58} dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. {59} While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." {60} Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep."

This may come as a surprise, but the earthly reward for faithfulness may be hate and persecution. Sharing Christ may get you a kick in the stomach, rather than a pat on the back. Paul and Silas saw a woman who needed to be set free from a dark spirit, and for their act of mercy, they were beaten and arrested. This still happens in many parts of the world today where Christians refuse to compromise their faith and witness. Not everyone will be happy that Jesus set you free -- it threatens the spirit of darkness in their lives. People you partied with will often view your conversion with disdain, rather than as a touching story of a soul set free. Tell your story anyway. Sing God’s praises even in the dark places of life. Love people. Tell them why you’ve changed when they notice you are different. Don’t let the hate discourage or silence you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Great Melting Pot

August 13

(Acts 16:14 NIV) “One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.”

(Acts 16:16 NIV) “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.”

(Acts 16:29-34 NIV) ““The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. {30} He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" {31} They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." {32} Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. {33} At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. {34} The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.””

The early church was a melting pot. In Philippi, God put an upper class wealthy female business executive together with a formerly demon- possessed slave girl and a sturdy middle class Roman jailer. People who would never have associated before Jesus came together around the cross of Christ. Lives that had nothing in common except salvation had their hearts melted together by the fire of the Holy Spirit. What a grand idea! Christ still wants His church to be a melting pot. But today, instead of asking God, “Where could I be used the most for the glory of your Kingdom?” we go church shopping for the group that is most like us. We look for a church that will serve our needs, rather than a church where we can serve the needs of others. We end up in churches with a common income level, a common skin color, and a common family status. And we’re all poorer for it. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

The Greatest Question

August 12

(Acts 16:23-34 NIV) “After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. {24} Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. {25} About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. {26} Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. {27} The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. {28} But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" {29} The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. {30} He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" {31} They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." {32} Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. {33} At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. {34} The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) “Be joyful always; {17} pray continually; {18} give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

After Paul and Silas freed the slave girl from an evil spirit, they were arrested, beaten, and thrown into jail. Later, they were heard singing praises to God. Light can shine, even from dark prison cells. One of those listening was the Roman jailer. Rome had strict rules for jailers. If anyone escaped during your watch, you were executed. So when an earthquake came, and the cell doors sprang open, the jailer assumed everyone had escaped. He was about to kill himself when Paul assured him that no one was missing. Realizing it was a miracle, the jailer fell on his knees and asked the greatest question one can ever ask: “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas shared the gospel with him, and he and his household became believers. We can learn from this. When we praise God in difficult times, He can make great things happen. And if you haven’t asked the greatest question… ask it! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Gospel for Those in Bondage

August 11

(Acts 16:16-18 NIV) “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. {17} This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." {18} She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.””

(Luke 4:31-37 NIV) ““Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. {32} They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. {33} 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.””

Jesus came to set the captives free. He died for the poor as well as for the wealthy. He saves the weak and the powerful. Paul’s first convert in Philippi was a wealthy businesswoman… his second was a spirit-possessed slave girl. That’s diversity! The slave girl would have been the polar opposite of Lydia. She was part of a lower class of people who were seen as human chattel by those who owned them. To her owners, she was a possession, not a person -- but Paul saw a woman possessed by more than just men. She had an evil spirit that told fortunes, and her owners used her to make money. She was a spiritual prostitute. But then she heard the name of Jesus as Paul spoke freedom into her life, silencing the voices of darkness that came from her mouth. The Most High God set her free. Christ wants to do that for you. Are you free? In the name of Jesus, be free! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Gospel for the Wealthy

August 10

(Acts 16:11-15 NIV) ““From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. {12} From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. {13} On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. {14} One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. {15} When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.””

(Luke 19:1-10 NIV) ““Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. {2} A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. {3} He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. {4} So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. {5} When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." {6} So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. {7} All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'" {8} But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." {9} Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. {10} For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.””

(James 2:19 NIV) “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

Paul’s mission team traveled to Philippi in Macedonia, where they met a woman named Lydia who was a “dealer in purple cloth”. Purple cloth was worn by royalty, high government officials, and the very wealthy. Lydia didn’t just run a small retail store, she was a wholesaler. This means that a wealthy business woman was Paul’s first convert in Macedonia. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just for the poor. Jesus also died for those who are rich. Lydia believed in God, but was not a Christian. She was “a worshipper of God”, but still needed to hear the gospel, believe, and be born again. Many people today say they believe in God, and think that this makes them a “Christian”. But believing in God, even being a worshipper of God, is not enough. We must be saved by grace, through faith, and surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. Rich or poor alike must come to know and follow the Son. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God Knows Where

August 9

(Acts 16:6-9 NIV) “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. {7} When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. {8} So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. {9} During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

(Jonah 3:1-5 NIV) ““Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: {2} "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." {3} Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city--a visit required three days. {4} On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." {5} The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.””

Scripture often tells of God calling someone to go somewhere to do a task for Him. Then that person either goes or refuses to go. But today, Paul is ready, willing, and able to go, and God stops him from going. The Holy Spirit kept Paul from preaching in the province of Asia, and then the Spirit of Jesus stopped Him from entering Bithynia. God prevented Paul from going places where there were certainly lost people. God made one place a priority over others. Why? This may come as a surprise to some, but God knows more than we do. He knows where hearts are open to truth. He knows where He wants us to be and who is open to the gospel. God knew Macedonia was fertile soil, just like God knew the Ninevites were ready to repent in Jonah’s day. All God needed was obedient preachers. God knows a place and a people where your witness is needed. Listen for Him and go there. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Stop and Go God

August 8

(Acts 16:6-12 NIV) “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. {7} When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. {8} So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. {9} During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." {10} After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. {11} From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. {12} From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days."

(Jonah 1:1-3 NIV) ““The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: {2} "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." {3} But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.””

God kept Paul from going to Asia and Bithynia, but called him to Macedonia.  We don’t know how God communicated the message in each case, but one thing is clear: Paul heard God because he was listening. Three times God spoke to Paul -- three times Paul heard and obeyed. Christians, we must learn to hear God. We cannot live with godly wisdom until we learn to hear the Lord. This is not natural for us. It is a discipline. We must practice at it. Sometimes God stops us from going where we think we ought to go. When this happens, we must stay put and wait for direction. Sometimes the Lord sends us to where we never thought we would go. When that happens, we must go. If we fail to listen and obey on either side of this equation, like Jonah, we are doomed to end up on roads we were never supposed to take, and in places we were never intended to be. Listen and obey. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Growing Churches

August 7

(Acts 16:5 NIV) “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”

(Acts 2:46-47 NIV) “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

(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.”

Sometimes ministries get out of focus and become more about numbers than about people. But the opposite is also true. There are far too many churches today that are apathetic about numbers. God wants us to grow. It’s the natural result of prayer, proclamation, and discipleship. It’s a part of organic Christianity. Scattered throughout the book of Acts are verses about continual growth in number. God wants His kingdom to grow, and when His kingdom grows, His church grows. There are some mechanics involved in this, but if every Christian in your city was praying, witnessing, loving, evangelizing, and discipling, churches in your city would be growing. Very few believers set these kinds of spiritual goals for themselves. Other things dominate our thinking and consume our time. Grow the kingdom. It’s one of the signs of life. Things must grow, or they die. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Teacher and Leader

August 6

(Acts 16:4 NIV) “As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.”

(Hebrews 5:11-6:3 NIV) “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. {12} In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! {13} Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. {14} But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Paul was both a teacher and a leader. He was willing to get out in front and say, “Here’s the way we should go.” He went from town to town delivering decisions, and declaring, “Thus saith the Lord.” That can be uncomfortable at times, and it can make you a target, but it was his calling. We are all called to teach and lead someone in some way. Christians are called to do more than just accumulate knowledge and faith -- God calls us to pass it on. We should all be teaching someone. We may never lead big groups or preach to large crowds, but we can all lead someone. Look for opportunities to teach and lead. God has enough reluctant believers who want to just kick back and enjoy the ride. What the Lord needs are Christians who will do more than follow and learn. Jesus needs disciples who will lead and teach. He needs disciples who will disciple. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Disciple Maker

August 5

(Acts 16:1-3 NIV) "He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. {2} The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. {3} Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.”

(Matthew 28:19-20 NIV) "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."

Paul didn’t just take his salvation and run. He didn’t just “pray the prayer” and continue living like he did before. His salvation was more than just fire insurance. Paul became a disciple, and then became a disciple-maker. He became a follower, and then produced more followers. He obeyed the Great Commission, which is a command of Christ. Paul was a leader, and he produced leaders. Silas and Timothy learned to follow Jesus by following Paul. He did not invite Silas and Timothy to become students -- he called them to become disciples. The two are not necessarily the same thing. A disciple is more than just a learner -- he is a follower, an adherent, and an imitator. The goal of a disciple is not just to know what the teacher knows, but to live like the teacher lives. We should be good disciples, but in time, we should become disciple- makers. Are you a disciple-maker? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Failure is Never Final

August 4

(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."

(1 Peter 5:12-13 NIV) “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. {13} She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.”

There is no doubt that Mark failed in his younger days. The biblical record is clear. But he wasn’t content to be known as a failure. Mark kept working at the faith. Over time he became a “go- to guy” in the church, and ended up writing one of the four gospels that we read today. This young man who bailed out early in his spiritual walk, ended up on the “A-List” of major apostles. Mark not only ended up on Paul’s list of friends, he became like a son to Peter. Perhaps Peter identified with Mark, as he also had a notorious failure in his past. If anyone understood overcoming failure, it would have been Peter. Failure is never final! It wasn’t for Peter. It wasn’t for Mark. And it need not be for you. The only way that failure is ever final is if you quit. Don’t do that! Don’t miss what God has for you down the road. If you have stumbled, get back up. Run again. Finish the race. Don’t give up! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

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