Frank's Bible Blog

Psalm 8--Reality Check

The cameras were rolling and the crowds were cheering when in walked the three stars of a popular TV variety show. My daughter and I were in the audience as each "star" made their way, one at a time, from the back of the theater to the front. As each made their way, the crowd chanted their name. One entered giving high fives to those seated on the end of each row. This was the second such show they had filmed that day, with four more to go while they were in town. I've never personally met any of these three stars, so I don't really know what kind of people they are, but I can imagine that hearing crowds chant your name all the time could affect your ego. It's not, however, just the famous who have to watch their ego. I think all of us at times can get caught up with ourselves, especially if there are people around us cheering our efforts. Psalm 8, however, is a great reality check as it contrasts man to the vast glory and creative abilities of God. "When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingertips," David wrote, "what is man that You are mindful of him?" What is man compared to the incredible glory of Almighty God? Have you ever considered the vastness of the universe? To man, it goes on without end. Yes, God has reached out to us and given us dominion over this world (v6) but we must never lose our perspective of who we are in relation to God. As great as you might become in the eyes of some, the world does not and will not revolve around you! Once we have this reality check, then we can say "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!" (v9).
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 7-- Falsely Accused

She was accused of the unthinkable--killing her own 6-year-old daughter. In one of the most media-covered murder cases of all time, JonBenet Ramsey was reported missing then later found dead in her Boulder, CO home. Almost immediately, her mother Patsy came under suspicion, with accusations coming from local police, news media, and even the state's governor. Patsy, however, maintained her innocence until the day of her death by cancer 10 years later. Two years after her death, Patsy was officially cleared in JonBenet's death by the District Attorney, although no suspect had been identified at that time. DNA evidence determined that no family member was responsible. Imagine what that would have been like to be so falsely accused for so many years. In Psalm 7 we see David being falsely accused, probably of treason before King Saul. David declares his innocence to the Lord, even going so far as to say if he had done anything wrong God should "Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me; yes, let him trample my life to the earth and lay my honor in the dust" (v5). How could David say such a thing? It is because he had a clear conscience. A clear conscience gives confidence. Notice, though, that David turned to God when he was falsely accused. He didn't try to get vengeance on his own. Instead, her turned the situation over to the Lord and asked for his defense and justice (vv10-11). There are two important principles that we need to grasp from this passage--the importance of living with a clear conscience, and the necessity of letting God deal with those who might slander us. Are you living righteously before others? Do you seek God's guidance and intervention when people say unkind things about you?

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 6-- When You Can't Stop the Tears

Have you ever had a time in your life when it seemed that you could not stop crying? Something happened or you were faced with the reality of something so overwhelming that the tears just poured out no matter how hard you tried to stop them? Sometimes we all just need a good cry! David was in that situation in Psalm 6. "All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. My eyes wastes away because of grief," (vv6-7) is how David worded it. What can we do when we find ourselves in those kinds of situations? First, grieve. That's right, grieve! Grieving is normal, natural and needed. We need to grieve the loss. In the beatitudes, Jesus said "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." If we want comfort, we have to first mourn. Second, acknowledge your weakness (v2). It's okay to admit that you don't have all the answers, you can't fix all the problems, or you don't have the power to change things. Third, turn the situation over to the Lord (vv2,4). Fourth, surround yourself with the right kind of people (v8). Finally, praise the Lord for His intervention in your life (v9). We all face grief at some point in our lives, but by following David's example we can overcome it in the Lord and be stronger as a result.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 5-- Two Kinds of Fish, Two Kinds of People

As the sun was rising on the lake near our home, we were already out on a friend's boat pulling in fish. As soon as the hook hit the water, we had a bite. We found the perfect spot, had the right bait, and saw lots of hungry fish. Now there really was only two kinds of fish there--keepers and non-keepers. What breed they were wasn't as important as whether or not they were big enough to keep. Were they usable or not? I'm a sport fisherman, but the guy whose boat I was on likes to eat them and also gives them away to others for food. So whether or not they were keepers was an important question. In this world there really are only two kinds of people. Those who live for the Lord and those who live for themselves. Those who are wicked and live for themselves, God takes no pleasure in them (v4). He has no use for them (vv5-6). For those, however, who live for Him, they are "keepers" who enjoy God's presence and favor (v12). They are usable to the Lord. The keepers have something to rejoice in because they have put their trust in God (v11). God fills them with His joy and defends them. Let's be a keeper for God!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 4-- Standing Out from the Crowd

Have you ever sat in a mall and people watched? Dozens of people walk by and you don't notice anything particular about them, they just blend in with the crowd. Then along comes someone who's appearance sets them apart from everyone else. Maybe they have brilliantly bright neon green colored hair or they are wearing clothes with colors that clash so bad you spot them a block away. Whatever the reason, they just stand out. Well, as believers we should stand out from the crowds around us--not because we dyed our hair or dress like it was 50 years ago--but because we pursue godliness. Psalm 4 discusses what it means to stand out from the crowds (vv1-2) as we seek to be more like God. The godly are special to the Lord--He sets them apart for divine service (v3). The godly know that God hears their prayers (v3). Godly men and women are careful to avoid sin and regularly evaluate their lives (v4). Godly people actively serve the Lord and have an unwavering trust in Him (v5). Godly people enjoy a unique joy and peace that is not dependent upon their circumstances (vv7-8). All of these things make the godly stand out in a world that pursues sin and self interests. What about you? Do you stand out from the crowd because of your godliness? Or does your life look like the unbelievers around you?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 3--The Ultimate Sleep Aid

Apparently a lot of people are having trouble sleeping. At least, that is the impression I get from all of the ads I hear about sleep pills. Often there are medical reasons why people can't get to sleep, but many times people can't sleep because they are worrying. They are distressed and lie awake at night thinking about how bad things are going. David in Psalm 3 could relate. Life was pretty stressful at the time he wrote this psalm. You see, his own son had kicked him off the throne of Israel, and David was literally fleeing for his life. "Lord, how they have increased who trouble me," David exclaimed in verse 1 as more and more people turned against him. Israel's once beloved son had been rejected by none other than his own flesh and blood. What would happen to him? What would happen to the rest of his family--his other children? Would they be put to death by their brother? Would David ever regain control? How would he survive? What about all the people who worked for him--who would sustain them? There was a lot that weighed heavily on David as he went to sleep those nights, but notice what happened. "I lay down and slept; I awoke for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people..." (vv5-6). What was David's sleep aid? It was turning over his situation to the Lord and trusting in Him fully. That worked well for David--I bet it will do the same for us!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 2--The Thousand Room Home and Sun Facing Statue

The Palace of Parliament, or the People's Palace as it was once known, is a massive building in the heart of Romania's capital city of Bucharest. I've been to this building several times, and each trip I renew my amazement. Not so much that it is the second largest building in the world, but I am amazed each time I hear its history. The communist dictator Ceausescu was building the structure at the time of his death in 1989 (actually, his execution by a mob). He had 20,000 people working 24 hour shifts to construct the more than 1,000 room edifice (some of those rooms are massive). This would be Ceausescu's crowning glory, a testimony to the world of his greatness. Of course he never lived to see it completed, and he demolished 30,000 homes and two dozen churches and synagogues in the construction process. Nearly a decade after Ceausescu's death, another man in another country, Turkmenistan, was also building an edifice to himself. Saparmurat Niyazov, or "Turkmenbashi" (father of all Turkmen) as he liked to call himself, built a 246 foot tall tower with a 40 foot tall gold statue of himself on top. The statue rotates with the sun. The list goes on and on of world leaders, past and present, who saw themselves as someone great. What does God think of all this? In Psalm 2 we are told "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh" (v4). Man can lift himself up and proclaim himself great but no one and nothing compares to the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, who will be given "The nations for (His) inheritance, and the ends of the earth for (His) possession" (v8). While you and I may not be building 1,000 room homes or 40 foot statues of ourselves, Psalm 2 is a reminder that we all need to keep our pride in check.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Psalm 1--Who are You Listening To?

Have you ever sat down at a long, crowded dinner table where everyone was talking to each other? It is a bit overwhelming at first. There are so many different conversations taking place it is hard to know where to focus and pay attention. In life, there is a lot of noise around us vying for our attention. There are hundreds of cable TV channels and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter--not to mention the explosion of blogs--where everyone has something to say to you. To whom will you listen? In Psalm 1, the Psalmist eloquently reminds us that for us to be truly blessed and prosperous in life, we need to listen to and spend our time with the right kind of people (v1). We also need to filter out all that noise with the truth of God's word (v2). Who are you listening to today? Who or what do you allow to speak into your life? Is it the ungodly who are "like the chaff which the wind drives away" (v4)? Or are you surrounding yourself with godly counsel and encouragement? I have never forgotten what I heard a camp speaker say when I was a teenager: "You will be as godly as your friends; you will be as righteous as those you hang around." Those are good words to remember and live by.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 16-- Beyond Networking

At first, it sound like the "I want to thank..." that you hear at all of those awards shows. But Paul's list of greetings in Romans 16 is much deeper. It shows the depth of relationships and teams that he had built. It is amazing that Paul knew so many people and so much about so many people in a place where he had never been. Paul wasn't just a great networker; no, he was a great relationship builder. He impacted people's lives, mobilized them into ministry, and served with them to bring glory to God. He also warns his "team" to be careful of those who would seek to divide and hinder them (vv 17-19). Likewise, we must be vigilant about being deceived by those who may be very eloquent but are not teaching truth. Finally, Paul brings this chapter and book to a close by telling his team they are assured of victory because, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (v20). Let's be vigilant, grow in our relationships with other believers, and look forward to that day when our adversary is crushed once and for all.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 15-- Living the Geyser Life

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One of my favorite places to visit is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The animal life is amazing,  but what is most captivating is the geysers.  Many people are familiar with the "Old Faithful" geyser, but there are hundreds of others throughout the park. As water beneath the surface is super-heated, it begins to boil and starts looking for a way to escape to the surface--any crack or hole. Once it finds its path of least resistance, it explodes with amazing force, showering the area around it. This is a great picture, I believe, of what God can do in our lives.  As we trust in the God of hope, He begins to fill us with joy and peace deep within us. That filling is so great that it has to make its way to the surface where it overflows with hope and spreads to others (v 13). As we live in the power of God, we cannot contain it--it shoots out of our life and positively impacts those around us. This is the secret to living a high-impact life. When we allow God's peace and joy to fill us, then it is easy to do the things that Paul talks about here in chapter 15. Things like pleasing others before yourself (vv1-2). Consistently building up others rather than tearing them down (vv 2-4). Striving for unity with other believers as you accept them for who they are in Christ (vv 5-12). Then, you can have a personal ministry that glories in Christ (v 17), accomplishes your passion (v 20), and connects with others (vv 23-33). It all starts by letting God move deep within you as you aggressively trust in Him.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 14-- It's a Gray World

The "thou shalt not" phrases in Scripture are clear.  But what about the myriad of other issues that we face each day where the Bible does not give a clear directive?  What are we to do?  One of the signs of a mature or maturing Christian is his or her ability to search the Scriptures and discover principles to guide himself or herself in the gray areas.  He or she is able to establish a value system on matters that are not clear cut.  Another sign of maturity, possibly an even greater sign, is the person's ability to readily accept and allow other believers to have differences of opinion on these gray areas.  He or she is driven more by a love and concern for others then by trying to be "right" all the time.  The mature believer looks out for others first.  As someone once said, "It is never right to do wrong to do right."  In other words, you may be right but if you go about being right in the wrong way, then you ultimately are wrong.  You are hurting rather than helping the cause of Christ.  So here's the bottom line: do wrestle with these issues and determine where you stand, but don't judge those who differ from you.  Do be consistent in how you live but don't cause those with differing values to violate their conscience.  Above all, "Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another" (v19).
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 13--Walking, Not Just Talking

Every sport has those outspoken athletes who like to talk up the match to come, predicting their win and the annihilation of their opponent. While their talk may be entertaining, it is what they do in the ring or on the field of play that matters.  The same is true for living the Christian life.  It is easy to talk about it, but it is another thing to give the focus, attention, and time to really do it right.  Romans 13 gives three simple tests to see if you are really walking the walk and not just talking.  First, do you submit to authority (vv 1-7)?  Whether it is paying your taxes, following the laws, or honoring your boss (even if you can't stand him and you know you could do a better job!).  Second, how well do you get along with others (vv 8-10)?  Do you demonstrate love in all that you do?  Finally, how vigilant are you against sin and temptation (vv 11-14)?  Do you regularly place yourself in tempting situations?  Or do you do everything in your power to keep yourself out of those situations?  Three simple questions that could have a profound impact on us living Christ honoring lives.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 12-- Get Into the Game!

It was a stunning upset.  The fifth seeded New York Giants, with less than a minute left in the game, came from behind to beat the previously undefeated New England Patriots to win the 2008 NFL Superbowl.  In an interview after the game, one of the Giants defensive players said "we are just a collection of misfits, and I'm the chief misfit.  But these misfits really came together, now look what we have done."  The misfits came together, learned to work together, and accomplished what few thought was possible.  Friend, the same is true with us.  Honestly, we are misfits but God says we can become an incredible team for His glory--but we have got to get into the game.  Here's the game plan right out of God's playbook in Romans 12.  First, you have to show up to play ("present your bodies" v1).  Second, you have got to get your mind in the game ("renewing your mind" v2).  Next, you have to determine to work as a team--no lone stars on this team (vv 3-5).  Forth, you have to find your position--the one you have been gifted to play (vv 6-8). Fifth, you have to have the right attitude towards your coach and your teammates (vv9-13).  Finally, you must treat the opposing team with respect, even if they are out to hurt you (vv 14-21).  It is one thing to watch a great game from the sidelines or in your living room.  It is quite another thing to be in the middle of the game, lending your talents to make a difference.  Let me encourage you today to make a difference.  Get into the game!

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 11-- There is Still Hope

Paul brings to a conclusion this section of Romans, which deals with Israel.  He reminds his readers that although most of Israel had rejected God's plan of salvation, there is still hope for those remaining.  Yes, Israel's rejection opened the doors for the Gentiles, but Jews can still respond and experience the fullness of God.  Many have and many will.  The bottom line is that God extends His mercy to everyone.  His ways are right, whether we understand them or not.  We all have a choice.  We can glorify God and receive His righteousness by placing our faith in His Son, or we can reject God's plan, pursue our own course, and come up empty in the end.  Which path have you chosen?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 10-- Pluralism Has Limits

We live in an age of globalization. Rapid travel, instant communications, and massive immigration has shrunk the world and removed much of the geographical and cultural barriers that once separated people groups.  We are in a society that encourages diversity, champions tolerance and celebrates pluralism. That is fine, until that mentality clouds our understanding of salvation.  Growing is the  number of people who hold that it doesn't matter what you believe about God, just as long as you are  sincere in it.  I've met Christians who say "Yes, I've placed my trust in Christ, but surely God will understand if you get to Him another way."  Sincerity isn't enough.  Paul writes in this chapter that there are many who "have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (v3).  Not only that, but their zeal, as sincere as it might be, misses the mark of what God expects.  In fact, it puts them in enmity with God. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God," is how Paul puts it in verse three.  We should reach out to others with differing beliefs, but we must never compromise the truth of salvation.  Rather, we must gently share that truth. There is still only one way to God, only one way to have our sin forgiven, only one way to experience His righteousness.  That may seem narrow minded but it is God's way, and it is a point He makes explicit in Romans 10.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 9-- Faith Not Family

Universally and throughout time, there has always been only one way to come to God, and that is through faith.  In Old Testament time, people exercised their faith by looking forward to God's ultimate, perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ.  They made sacrifices to demonstrate that faith.  Even then, however, it wasn't the act of the sacrifice but rather the heart of faith that made them right before God.  Today, we look back on Christ's sacrifice and through faith appropriate it for our lives.  As Paul launches into this section of Romans, which includes chapters 9-11, he states that he would do anything to see his countrymen, Israel, saved.  He desperately wants them to understand that faith in Christ is required of all people, even God's chosen people.  It may not seem fair that God would allow those who aren't his people (Gentiles) the same privileges of those who are called by His name, but that is God's choice.  He is God and His decisions are right even if we don't understand them all.  The bottom line, says Paul, is that it is your faith, not your family of origin, that determines your relationship with God.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 8-- Christianity in a Nutshell

If all we knew about the Christian life was what is in Romans 8, we would have plenty to ponder!  This chapter probably gives the greatest overview of the Christian life of any single chapter in the Bible.  It contains one of the most quoted verses of the New Testament (v.28) and my personal life verses (35-39).  Notice what happens when we put our faith in Jesus Christ.   We go from death to life (vv1-11), from slaves to sons (and daughters!) with a loving Heavenly Father (vv12-17).  We get hope that lasts a lifetime (vv18-25) and immediate access through prayer to the creator of all things (vv26-27).  God gives our life purpose, direction and an ultimate plan (vv28-30).  Most of all, we get God on our side with a commitment that no matter where we go or what we face in this life, He will be right there with us guiding us through even the darkest days (vv31-39).  If you have committed your life to Christ, will you pause right now and thank God for your salvation and all that comes with it?  If you haven't made that commitment, there is no better time then right now to begin experiencing all that God has available to you as His child.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 7-- The Enemy Within

Cartoonist Walt Kelly said it best with his famous quote "We have seen the enemy and they are us."  That certainly is true when it comes to living a righteous life before God.  We are our own worst enemy.  We can say that "the Devil made me do it," but the reality, as Paul points out in Romans 7, is that sin comes from within.  The law, or commands of God, are there to help us define sin and see it for what it is--a violation of God's character and requirements.  That enemy within, sin, keeps people captive.  We can desire to do better.  We can know intellectually that what we are doing is wrong and even devastating to our lives and others, yet we keep on doing it.  Why?  Because we cannot defeat sin with will-power alone.  As verse 25 says, however, there is hope.  Victory comes when we access the One and only One who can defeat sin, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 6-- Alcatraz or Freedom?

It was a cold and rainy day as my wife and I made our way by ferry boat from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island.  The winds were blowing and the sea was rough as we docked to tour the infamous island--the place where for years America's worst criminals were kept.  We made our way up the steep hill from the dock and eventually found ourselves in the prison block.  We could easily imagine what it was like for a new prisoner to make that walk, move through processing where he is stripped of anything he has left, and then be placed alone in a small room before the bar door slammed shut.  For many, this is where they would spend the rest of their lives--locked away and missing the joys, excitement and experiences that a free life offers.  But imagine if a day came when the prison guard threw open the door and announced that you had been set free.  You can take the next boat off the island and never have to come back.  You are now free for a life of meaning and purpose.  You are free to experience all that life can provide.  But what if you turned down freedom's offer?  What if you slammed the bars shut on yourself?  What if you threw away your ticket out and forsook real living?  In Romans 6, this is exactly the scene that Paul describes.  We are set free from the bondage--the prison cell--of sin.  Free to experience a new life and all that God can offer.  We are alive again!  But unfortunately, some choose to remain "on the rock."  Even though Christ has set them free, they choose to remain slave to sin.  Don't let sin rob you of a life of true joy.  Don't let it steal away your ability to reach significance and have an impact.  The prison door has been opened through Christ.  It is time to step out and never look back.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 5-- The Grace Factor

Grace is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as "a favor rendered by one who need not do so."  Additional definitions given are "divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.  The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God. An excellence or power granted by God."  Romans 5 introduces us to the concept of grace--God's favor rendered to people like you and me who don't deserve it, but are able to access it by faith through Christ's atonement for our sins.  Notice what grace does for us.  It gives us something to stand on and hope in (v2).  It reconciles us to God (v11).  It justifies us before God (v16).  It gives us eternal life (v20).  God gives us an abundance of grace--not just a minuscule amount.  Even in the most depraved situations, grace can abound.  If you have received and live in God's grace, how are you demonstrating grace to those around you?  What favors are you doing for others just because you can, not because you have to or because the person deserves it?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 4-- The Tale of Two Abrahams

Abraham Lincoln is legendary in American history.  Supposedly, more has been written about him than any other person in all history--except for Christ.  Politicians and preachers alike reference him, and his Illinois museum draws thousands of annual visitors--even though he has been dead for a long time.  Even more revered in Jewish life is Abraham (the original one!).  As father to the Jewish nation, he has longed been looked up to--and rightly so.  Paul captures that admiration in Romans 4 to illustrate his teaching of Romans 3--that no one is made righteous before God except by faith, not even Father Abraham.  His faith came before his works--which for the Jews meant circumcision.  Does God want good works from us today?  Absolutely.  But good works are only truly good after we have exercised faith in Jesus Christ.  They become an expression of love and obedience to God, not items to earn God's favor and forgiveness.  Are you trusting in what you have done for salvation or are you trusting only in what Christ has done?  One will leave you empty and outside of God's forgiveness.  The other brings joy and the assurance of eternal life.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 3-- God is Not an American

Several years ago, I was in a little town in the Australian Outback sharing Christ with people I met on the street.  I told an Aboriginal man that God loves him.  "God doesn't love me.  Your God is an American god," he replied.  "No," I responded gently, "God is not an American god.  He is not an Australian god.  He is GOD.  He is above all nationalities, and He does love you."  Many people wrongly assume that because of their nationality, heritage or traditions they are righteous before God.  Romans 3 makes it clear that is not true.  Being an American doesn't make you a Christian.  Neither does being born into a Jewish family, or any other family for that matter, make you right before God.  Righteousness comes by placing our faith and trust in Christ who died, was buried and rose from the dead to pay for our sin.  Our families and traditions can point us toward God, but it is our personal decision to accept Christ as the only means of salvation that makes us right in God's eyes.  Have you made that decision for yourself?
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Romans 2-- You Can Talk It but...

There is a TV show that has ordinary "Joes" who think they are great athletes face off against professional (although usually retired) athletes.  It's funny to see the "Joes" talking about themselves prior to the start--how great they are, and how they are going to take it to the pros.  As you can imagine, the "Joes" don't fare very well.  They could talk a good game, but when faced with reality, they can't deliver.  That is what Paul lays out for us in Romans 2.  There are people who talk about how good they are, clinging to their heritage or showing themselves better than those around them.  But when compared to the ultimate "pro"--the righteous creator of the universe--there is no comparison.  God doesn't show partiality.  He knows and will judge even our greatest secrets.  He won't compare you to your co-worker or examine the strengths of your philosophical system.  He will look at one thing--have your appropriate His righteousness found only through His Son Jesus Christ.  Yes, we can talk a good game but talking won't get us to Heaven.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.