Frank's Bible Blog

Psalm 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

If you are a parent it probably has happened to you. You tell your child to do something and he or she ignores you. You say it louder and are still met with silence and inaction. Finally, you scream to them before storming into their room.

Once there, you are met with an "I didn't hear you."

Now sometimes that "I didn't hear you" is because the TV was too loud or the iPod was cranked up in their ears. Sometimes it is "selective" hearing--they hear what they want to hear, and it usually isn't you!

There are many people like that when it comes to God. They either are so self-absorbed that they don't notice God, they are so distracted that they can't hear or see Him working around them, or they have selective hearing and choose to ignore Him.

They also often live and operate in fear when there is no cause for fear (v5). This is most evident with those who do what we may consider irrational superstitions.

Some cultures, for example, believe that you have to "swing" away your sin. Each Spring the adults go to a playground-like setting. They stand on a swing, making it go back and forth, in fear that if they don't they will face God's wrath. They will put on their best clothes--guys in suits, women in nice dresses--and swing away!

In Psalm 53 David paints a picture of these outsiders. He uses words similar to those in Psalm 14 to reiterate the sinful and fallen nature of man. "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God'"(v1).

Some scholars say that Hebrew words for "there is no God" is not a denial of the existence of God, but rather a denial of the providence of the Deity. In other words, whether God really exists or not doesn't matter because the person denies God's right to control, direct or intervene in his or her life. They live for themselves with no thought of God. "There is none who does good, not even one" (v3). They are going their own way and without God's grace will continue to drift through life and eternity separated from the Almighty.

While it is easy for believers to sit back and say "I'm glad I'm not like them," God would have us respond differently. He longs to have a personal relationship with everyone.

How do you break through and reach a person like that? Romans 10:13-15 says "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" It goes on to say, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

It is up to us to lovingly enter into the "noise" of their "room" and share God's word. Not screaming like the frustrated parent, but as a loving friend who, like them, was once lost in life but now desires to show them the way forward.

Will you be that friend and help the world with its selective hearing problem?

_________________________

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.

Psalm 45-- Carry It or Watch Others Carry It: The Choice is Yours

It has marked the beginning of every Olympic Games since 1928.

The Olympic Torch lights a large cauldron during the opening ceremonies and the cauldron stays lit until the end of the games. Since 1936, the flame that ignites the cauldron originates in Greece and then is carried by relay to the Olympic stadium. Typically hundreds, even thousands, of people participate in the carrying and passing of the torch as it makes it way around the world before finally lighting the cauldron.

There are those individuals who get to be part of history--the passing of the flame to the next runner--and then there are the rest of us who just watch.

When I think of the Olympic Torch relay, I can't help but think of the Torch relay all of us are to take part in as followers of Christ.

In Psalm 45 we are prophetically introduced to Christ. We are told about His majesty, righteousness and might. We are given a sneak peak into His everlasting kingdom. Then the chapter concludes by saying "I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever."

Just like the flame of the Olympic Torch is passed from one runner to the next, the Name of Jesus will be praised, exalted, and passed on from one generation to the next. But unlike the Olympic torch, which eventually is extinguished, the Name of Jesus will be remembered for eternity.

Think about that for a moment.

Since the resurrection of Christ different people have joined the relay to pass along Christ to the next generation. They have been part of an unbroken chain prophesied here in Psalms 45. Now, there were those in every generation who embraced Christ, but who failed to pass Him along to the next generation. They watched as others did, but they did not have that legacy for themselves.

They watched while others made history.

The question comes to us today: Will we watch or will we make history? Will we sit on the sofa while others in our generation proclaim the life-changing message of Jesus? Will we rest on the bench while our peers pass the torch to another generation? Or will we rise to the occasion and take our place in history by handing the Flame to those who will carry it the next leg?

Will we go into eternity knowing that we helped carry the Name, or will we go into eternity knowing we missed the opportunity to make a difference in our generation?

The choice is ours!

_________________________

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.

Exodus 3--Life Interuption

It wasn't the life he had dreamed about.

Whatever goals he had established for himself, it's pretty safe to say he hadn't realize them. Although he had really grown up in two worlds, like having dual citizenship, he now found himself separated from both those worlds. He didn't have a glamorous job, but I imagine he had reached a certain level of contentment with it and with his family. Life was simple, but that wasn't so bad.

One day on the job, however, everything changed. He reached a cross-road in his life that would forever alter it--and history. He had to make a major decision. He had to choose between the simple life that had become normative for him and being thrust into a major leadership role that would consume most of his time for the rest of his life. He had to choose between being responsible for just his own family and being responsible for thousands of families.

Most of all, he had to choose between obedience to God and a life of self-focus that never would reach its full potential.

In Exodus 3 we see that it was Moses who had come to this cross-road of life, to what Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God called a crisis of belief. Moses was in the desert taking care of sheep when he sees the burning bush, hears God's voice, and has to make a decision that would change everything for him.

His life was about to be interrupted.

Has your life ever been interrupted by God? Have you ever been going through life, doing your thing, when God placed before you a major opportunity? An opportunity that would require you to leave the comfort of the known to take a faith venture into the unknown?

How did you respond? Did you play it safe, sticking to the simple, afraid to wade out into the deep waters of faith? Or did you jump in-- nervous, maybe; scared, probably--but in you went? Did you allow God to interrupt your life in order to take it to another level, even though that meant a sacrifice on your part?

Maybe you have never had the chance for your life to be interrupted. Maybe that interruption is coming. What will you do then? Or maybe there is so much noise and spiritual distraction in your life that even if God showed up in a burning bush you wouldn't even notice it.

My experience has been that at some point in every believer's's life, God asks for an interruption. Sometimes it's a temporary interruption; sometimes it's a life-long one. Either way, it is still an interruption.

Are you willing for God to interrupt your life today?

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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.

Exodus 1--When Two Worlds Collide

Often when movie studios come out with sequels they aren't as good as the original. They lose some of that "magic" and excitement. And the more sequels, the worse they seem to get. Not so, however, with the Rocky series of movies which actually got better as they went (well, at least until no. 4).

My favorite Rocky movie, and the biggest money-maker, was the fourth where boxer Rocky Balboa faces off in Russia against a massive Soviet Union fighter. The Cold War was still going on when the movie came out, so the epic clash of "two worlds" in the boxing ring was symbolic of a larger struggle.

Rocky had moved to Russia to train for the fight, living in a cabin in the midst of ankle deep snow. My favorite scene is the training montage. Rocky is sawing lumber, pulling load-filled sleds, and running outside in frigid conditions. During his preparation, the movie flashes to the Soviet boxer and his preparation in a state-of-the-art indoor training complex.

Two very different boxers. Two very different preparation approaches. Two very different worlds bracing for a collision.

In Exodus 1, we see the collision of two worlds. One world was comprised of the descendants of Abraham living in Egypt. These were people who feared and worshiped the one true God. The God who had chosen them as their own. They were God's people, the God of Joseph who had brought them there hundreds of years prior.

The other world was made up of the Egyptians and their rulers. These were people who worshiped many gods and who had forgotten how Joseph, a Jew, had saved them from a devastating famine.

Why did these two worlds collide? Three reasons.

First, the "land was filled" with God's people (v7). If they had been just a scattered few, no one would have noticed. But whenever God's people start to multiply those who deny God get nervous.

Second, "A new king who did not know about Joseph came into power" (v8). This was someone who did not know his history and who was blinded to the fact that if it wasn't for a man of God none of them would even be alive.

Third, the Egyptians saw God's people as potentially opposing them and everything they stood for (vv9-10). They couldn't take a chance that they might lose the lifestyle they had come to enjoy. These concerns grew into hatred for God's people, severe oppression of God's people, and even an attempt to kill off the next generation of God's people (v16).

Today, we are seeing a collision of two worlds. One is comprised of God's people. The other is comprised of those who want to live in opposition to the Lord. The same three reasons for the collision in Exodus 1 are the very same reasons our worlds collide today.

The question for God's people is this: will we succumb to the world's culture and surrender, or will we remain faithful, multiply and spread God's word?

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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.

Psalm 67-- Why Do You Want God's Blessings?

"God bless me today."

"God bless my family."

"God bless my church."

"God bless America."

Why do you want God to bless you, your family, your church or your nation? That may seem like a silly question at first glance. "Who wouldn't want God's blessings?" you ask.

But think again.

Do you want God's blessings so that you can have a better life? Do you want God's blessings so that you can accumulate more things? Do you want God's blessings so that you can boast of more people attending your church, ministry or programs? Do you want God's blessings so that you can experience prosperity in your nation?

Or do you want God's blessings so that you can be a blessing? Do you want God's blessing so that you have a message to take to those who don't know Him? Do you want God's blessings so that you can reflect God's glory into a world that desperately needs Him? Do you want God's blessings so that you can better accomplish His agenda?

Why do you want God's blessings?

The psalmist makes it clear in Psalm 67 that he wanted God's blessings so that God's "ways may be known on earth, your salvation among the nations" (v2). The psalmist craved God shining His face upon him so that all the peoples of the world would praise the Lord (v3). The psalmist desired God's favor so that those gripped in sin's prison would be set free and have a new song to sing (v4). The psalmist prayed for blessings so that "all the ends of the earth will fear Him" (v7).

Why do you want God's blessings?

_________________________

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.

Psalm 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

If you are a parent it probably has happened to you. You tell your child to do something and he or she ignores you. You say it louder and are still met with silence and inaction. Finally, you scream to them before storming into their room.

Once there, you are met with an "I didn't hear you."

Now sometimes that "I didn't hear you" is because the TV was too loud or the iPod was cranked up in their ears. Sometimes it is "selective" hearing--they hear what they want to hear, and it usually isn't you!

There are many people like that when it comes to God. They either are so self-absorbed that they don't notice God, they are so distracted that they can't hear or see Him working around them, or they have selective hearing and choose to ignore Him.

They also often live and operate in fear when there is no cause for fear (v5). This is most evident with those who do what we may consider irrational superstitions.

Some cultures, for example, believe that you have to "swing" away your sin. Each Spring the adults go to a playground-like setting. They stand on a swing, making it go back and forth, in fear that if they don't they will face God's wrath. They will put on their best clothes--guys in suits, women in nice dresses--and swing away!

In Psalm 53 David paints a picture of these outsiders. He uses words similar to those in Psalm 14 to reiterate the sinful and fallen nature of man. "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God'"(v1).

Some scholars say that Hebrew words for "there is no God" is not a denial of the existence of God, but rather a denial of the providence of the Deity. In other words, whether God really exists or not doesn't matter because the person denies God's right to control, direct or intervene in his or her life. They live for themselves with no thought of God. "There is none who does good, not even one" (v3). They are going their own way and without God's grace will continue to drift through life and eternity separated from the Almighty.

While it is easy for believers to sit back and say "I'm glad I'm not like them," God would have us respond differently. He longs to have a personal relationship with everyone.

How do you break through and reach a person like that? Romans 10:13-15 says "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" It goes on to say, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

It is up to us to lovingly enter into the "noise" of their "room" and share God's word. Not screaming like the frustrated parent, but as a loving friend who, like them, was once lost in life but now desires to show them the way forward.

Will you be that friend and help the world with its selective hearing problem?

_________________________

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.

Psalm 45-- Carry It or Watch Others Carry It: The Choice is Yours

It has marked the beginning of every Olympic Games since 1928.

The Olympic Torch lights a large cauldron during the opening ceremonies and the cauldron stays lit until the end of the games.  Since 1936, the flame that ignites the cauldron originates in Greece and then is carried by relay to the Olympic stadium. Typically hundreds, even thousands, of people participate in the carrying and passing of the torch as it makes it way around the world before finally lighting the cauldron.

There are those individuals who get to be part of history--the passing of the flame to the next runner--and then there are the rest of us who just watch.

When I think of the Olympic Torch relay, I can't help but think of the Torch relay all of us are to take part in as followers of Christ.

In Psalm 45 we are prophetically introduced to Christ. We are told about His majesty, righteousness and might. We are given a sneak peak into His everlasting kingdom. Then the chapter concludes by saying "I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever."

Just like the flame of the Olympic Torch is passed from one runner to the next, the Name of Jesus will be praised, exalted, and passed on from one generation to the next. But unlike the Olympic torch, which eventually is extinguished, the Name of Jesus will be remembered for eternity.

Think about that for a moment.

Since the resurrection of Christ different people have joined the relay to pass along Christ to the next generation. They have been part of an unbroken chain prophesied here in Psalms 45. Now, there were those in every generation who embraced Christ, but who failed to pass Him along to the next generation. They watched as others did, but they did not have that legacy for themselves.

They watched while others made history.

The question comes to us today: Will we watch or will we make history? Will we sit on the sofa while others in our generation proclaim the life-changing message of Jesus? Will we rest on the bench while our peers pass the torch to another generation? Or will we rise to the occasion and take our place in history by handing the Flame to those who will carry it the next leg?

Will we go into eternity knowing that we helped carry the Name, or will we go into eternity knowing we missed the opportunity to make a difference in our generation?

The choice is ours!

_________________________

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.

Ezra 6-- How to Get God to "Show Up"

I've had the wonderful privilege of taking people on numerous missions trips around the world. It is always exciting to watch what God does in people's lives as a result of their stepping out of their comfort zone and into the Great Commission. I especially love watching the "first timers." Inevitably they come back with similar stories--"I didn't think God could really use me, but I went and saw God do amazing things." Before they could see the work of God they had to first respond to the word of God. When they stepped out in obedience to God's word, then they saw God's might. The Jews who returned from exile to Israel experienced this process first hand in Ezra 6. After their work to rebuild the temple had been stopped by their opponents and the construction site laid dormant for years, they listened to God's word. They started working again as they sought official permission from the Persian King Darius. Not only did Darius allow them to continue, but he offered to pay the costs from his treasury (v8). He went even beyond that and said that if anyone tried to change his decree allowing the rebuilding, "Let a timber be pulled from his house and erected, and let him be hanged on it, and let his house be made a refuse heap," (v11). Wow! No one wanted to block the reconstruction efforts after that! God showed up in a powerful way, moving the hearts of the powerful and empowering the hearts of His people. The Jews finished the temple, dedicated it, and re-instituted the sacrificial system (vv19-22). They heard God's word. They stepped out of their comfort zone, overcame opposition, and acted on God's word. Then they saw God "show up" and provide everything they needed. The problem with many of us, however, is that we want God to show His might first before we respond to His word. It doesn't work that way! Respond to His word, then you will see His work.
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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.

Ezra 2-- You're Never Too Old

Hap is a friend of mine and an incredible example that you are never too old to tackle new projects for the Lord. Hap had a colorful life and career. He was a highly decorated military veteran wounded three times in action who worked his way up the ranks to Lt. Colonel. He also worked with some high profile people like J.C. Penney (yes, the man who started the department stores) and others. But his life didn't really start until he was in his 60s--you see, that is when he trusted Christ as his savior. He and his dear wife began taking trips and witnessing behind the "iron curtain" when Eastern Europe was locked in communism and Christian witnessing was outlawed. After the curtain fell, they continued their trips, now as recruiters helping ordinary people go on short-term missions trips. Well into his 80s, Hap was going strong traveling to several countries each year, meeting new people, and impacting everyone he came in contact with. Now 90, Hap continues to display a "can do" attitude even though his body is slowing down. In Ezra 2 we meet a group of people who also had a "can do" attitude, many of whom were 70+ years of age. Numbering nearly 50,000 people, these were the Jews who left the comforts of what had been Babylon to start a new life in Judah where they would rebuild cities and the temple. These were risk takers not satisfied with the status quo. God had moved their hearts to service (chapter 1 verse 5) and now they were putting it all on the line to follow Him and accomplish His purpose. Not only that, but once they got to the land they "offered freely for the house of God...according to their ability" (vv68-69). They sacrificially gave so that the temple could be rebuilt. Hap and these 50,000 Jews are reminders to us that you are never too old to start something new, take risks, or impact others for the Lord.
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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 14-- The Atheist Next Door

As the technician finished repairing our computer network, I started talking to him about spiritual matters. I was surprised when he told me he was an atheist. I live in the United States where the vast majority of the population believes in God. When this man said he was an atheist, I could not help but think of Psalm 14:1 "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'." But while it may be a bit unusual to declare yourself an atheist, the reality is that most people live as if there is no God, whether they call themselves atheists or not. "The Lord looks down from heaven...to see if there are any who understand, who seek God," David tells us in verse two. What does God see? "They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one" (v3). While 80% of Americans call themselves Christians (as opposed to being Muslim or Jewish), only 16% are truly "qualified to be known as followers of Christ" (George Barna, The Seven Faith Tribes, pg 42). This means we are surrounded by a lot of practical atheists, many of which have found their way into our churches. They need to join the "generation of the righteous" (v5) by placing their trust in Jesus Christ to forgive them of their sin. This is a reminder to those of us who are true followers of Christ that we should not look at a person's self-described label but rather get to the heart of the issue--what have they done with Jesus Christ. Someone may call himself or herself a Christian but be as far from God as one who considers himself an atheist. We need to share the gospel with everyone and not make assumptions because they go to church or use Christian terminology.
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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.

Genesis 14-- Decisive Action Needed

It was called the "Miracle on the Hudson" when US Airways flight 1549 heading from New York to Charlotte made an emergency landing on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. Hailed as a hero, Pilot Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger took decisive action and saved the 155 passengers and crew, and countless more lives, by keeping the plane from crashing into the densely populated city. His quick-thinking and clear-headed action averted a catastrophe. This reminds me of someone in Scripture known for his decisiveness, and that was Abraham. The more you read of Abraham's life, the more you realize that he was a man of action. When God said go, he went. When something was wrong, he took action to fix it. When he saw what he felt was right, he did it. In Genesis 14 the area where Abraham's nephew, Lot, resided was attacked by invading armies. Lot and all of his possessions were taken captive. When word reached Abraham about Lot, Abraham immediately moved to do something about it. He put together his own mini-army and successfully attacked Lot's captors. Afterward, Abraham meets someone called Melchizedek who is identified as "the priest of God Most High." While scholars differ on exactly who this was (some say it was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) it was clear how Abraham responded to him--he gave Melchizedek a tithe of all he had. Again, Abraham took action even though it cost him greatly (this was long before the tithe was given as a command through Moses). When God says "go," do you? When the Holy Spirit prods you to do something, do you take action? There are some things that are so clear we don't need to pray about doing them--we just need to take action and do it. How many opportunities do we miss because we fail to act? How much do we short-change ourselves because of our indecision? Let's learn to listen closely to God and then be quick to respond to what He says.
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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.

 

Acts 16-- West Nile Virus and Your Future

Every summer here in Texas and other western states, we are alerted to the dangers of West Nile Virus, a mosquito-carried disease that in rare cases can be deadly. We are told by health officials to not have any standing or stagnate water on our property as this can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In our spiritual life, stagnation is also dangerous. It keeps us from becoming all that God would have us to become and it often makes us more susceptible to temptations. The Apostle Paul was never stagnant.  He kept growing, kept moving, and kept doing his part to expand God's kingdom.  In Acts 16 we see Paul and his team on the move once again for God, making their way through various cities and regions.  Notice several things that Paul did as he moved for God. 1) He expanded his team.  Paul kept his eyes out for people whom he could mentor (vv. 1-4).  2) He was Holy Spirit led.  He went when and where God wanted him to go (vv. 6-10).  3) He engaged people, sharing Christ with a group of women (vv. 13-15).  4) He worshiped God even in difficult times and in difficult places (v. 25).  5) He was fearless in his mission (vv. 35-40).  These are good steps for us to follow as we stay on the move for God and avoid stagnation.

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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Acts 11- Christianity in Action

There is a popular song that says "love isn't love until you give it away." The point is that love isn't merely an emotion or concept, it is an action. Similarly with Christianity. If we have received Christ as our Savior, we should be moved to action. Notice four examples of Christianity in action found in Acts 11.  1) Christians rejoice when groups of people receive "repentance to life" (v.18).  We long to see people from every tribe, tongue and nation experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. 2) Christians engage the culture around them. Verse 20 talks about witnessing to Hellenists. These were people of Jewish descent but who were totally identified with the secular culture.  They were Jewish by race but not by religion or practice--what we would call today "secular Jews."  Certain Christian men engaged these people and proclaimed Christ to them.  3) Christians are concerned about spiritual growth, not just conversion (v.23).  Barnabas at first, and then Paul helping him, discipled the believers in Antioch, which led to even more people turning to Christ. 4) Christians pro-actively care for those in need.  The believers in Antioch, hearing of an impending famine, gave of their resources to help those in Judea who would be in need.  If you are a Christian, how are you putting you faith into action?

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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Acts 10- Get Out of Your Box

Two men from different races, different cultures, different positions in life drawn together by the Spirit of God because of a willingness to move out of their "boxes."  That is the remarkable story of Acts 10 as Peter, a Jew, Christian church leader, and former fisherman meets Cornelius, a Gentile with power and prestige within the Roman army.  Cornelius sought after God, but was not aware of Christ.  He moved outside of his box to solicit instruction from someone whom society would have consider his lesser.  Peter radically moved outside of his comfort zone to go to Cornelius and spend an extended time with him, his family and friends in order to explain salvation through Christ.  Peter had seen God work with the Samaritans--but they were "half breeds" with somewhat of a Jewish heritage.  Cornelius, however, was completely different.  No Jewish background at all.  But they both had in common a desire to follow God.  Cornelius's story is lived out today all around the world as God sends His messengers to those who seek Him.  Peter's story is exemplified each time someone moves outside of their culture, their way of doing things, their comfortable box, to engage others with the gospel. When was the last time you moved out of your box?

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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Acts 8-- You've Got to Move It Move It

My kids got this toy from McDonalds that is a plastic animal character from an animated movie. Every time you move, bump, shake or otherwise disturb the little plastic creature it breaks into a song..."You've got to move it move it. You've got to move it move it." Lately, my wife has been carrying it around in her purse. She and the children think its funny, but personally, I think its annoying! There is, however, a lesson that can be learned from this little guy--there are times in our life when we need to move it move it! When we do move it move it--out of our comfort zones--we often see God do great things, as we see in Acts 8. This chapter marks a major transition in the life of the church and in Christianity itself.  It is the wide-scale movement of the gospel message to those outside of Jerusalem, and eventually to non-Jews. 

It is interesting that one of the key characters in history used by God to move the gospel around the world was used here, and he didn't even realize it.  Saul (who later became the Apostle Paul) consented with the stoning of Stephen and then goes on a rampage to persecute and imprison every follower of Christ that he could find.  The result of this persecution was the fleeing of the believers to regions beyond Jerusalem.  As they settled into new locations, they shared their faith, which resulted in multitudes coming to the Savior.  What Saul meant for evil, God used for good.  Saul, of course, would later be converted and would take that passion to knowingly reach the lost.  These unnamed believers moved because of persecution.  Others moved intentionally in order to share Christ. The chapter focuses primarily upon the ministry of Philip and the masses coming to Christ in Samaria.  Philip was obedient to God and moved out of his comfort zone to minister cross-culturally (the Samaritans and then later the Ethiopian).  When God's people move out in obedience then movements happen.  We see the same thing happening all around the world today as large numbers of people are responding to the gospel brought by those who moved out of their places of comfort. Is it time for you to move it move it out of your comfort zone so that others can come to 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Acts 7-- What's Your Picture of Boldness?

When you read the word "bold" what picture comes to your mind? Would it be that sports fanatic who paints his body, puts on a wig, and boldly declares is admiration for his favorite team? Would it be the employer who boldly asks the boss for a raise? Would it be the teenager who resists peer pressure to do the right things? Some boldness we laugh at (the sports fan) while others we admire (the teenager). I marvel at the boldness of Stephen, who became the church's first martyr.  With boldness he ministered and with boldness he applied God's word to those around him--even though it wasn't popular or accepted.  Most of Acts 7 is Stephen recounting the history of Israel, something his hearers would have known quite well.  I'm sure everyone listening was thinking "yeah, I know all this, so what?"  That was until Stephen made the application that just as their forefathers had rejected God so had they rejected God by rejecting Christ.  Stephen said what needed to be said, even though it would cost him his life.  His sacrifice, however, would have a great impact for the cause of Christ.  I'm sure it made a lasting impression on Saul (who later became the Apostle Paul).  Stephen was filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit.  It is a lot easier to be bold when you are allowing the Holy Spirit to completely control your life.  How bold are we today?  Or maybe the better question is "are we living a Spirit-filled 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Acts 1-- Minutes Before Kick-Off

It's just minutes before the big game. The team gathers around the coach in eager anticipation of what he will say to fire-up the players and motivate them to victory. It  will be the last moment he speaks to them as a group before they take to the field and assume their individual positions. Will he review strategy? Will he cast vision for victory? Will he give some game-changing insight? Will he reach into his players' hearts and give them new motivation? As exciting as these moments may be for sports teams, they pale in comparison to the moment described in Acts 1 when Jesus assembled His team of followers. Jesus gave his final charge to his disciples prior to his ascension back to heaven. It was a visionary charge, nothing less than impacting the whole world with His message. As soon as Christ was gone, the eleven apostles gathered with the other disciples. The first order of business was to find a replacement for the betraying and now deceased Judas. Why? To fulfill Scripture and to prepare to carry out Christ’s final charge. They had to organize before they could effectively evangelize. They also needed to wait for the Holy Spirit—the One we would empower them for such a daunting task. They then went on to turn the world upside down with their teaching, an amazing accomplishment given the lack of technology, air travel, and other advances that we enjoy today. For the mission to continue, we must heed Christ’s words, get organized, seek God’s power and then launch out to reach this world with the gospel. Read Acts 1 and let Christ's final words to His team challenge you to be victorious for His kingdom.

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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 Corinthians 11-- Navigating Different Cultures

It is always interesting going to a country I have never visited before. Every country has its own culture, traditions, and way of doing things. This is also true in the churches. In Nigeria, for example, women typically wear brightly colored dresses and large hats or full head coverings to church (also brightly colored). They expect women, all women, to do this. In Romania, the dress typically is very simple and only married women cover the heads. The style of worship also varies greatly from culture to culture. One culture may emphasize quiet meditation and prayerfulness in their services, while another may have dancing to loud drums.  Even here in the United States we have very different cultural styles when it comes to how we do church. In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul reminds us that regardless of our traditions and cultural preferences, we need to be other-focused (vv1-16). There are, however, some areas that are not open to traditional interpretation. One of those is the church's presentation of the Lord's Supper (vv17-34). While there certainly is freedom to when it is conducted and the exact manner it is done, God makes it clear that everyone should approach this ordinance with the utmost sincerity. This remembrance of Christ should be sacred. So, in areas where God is silent or gives us freedom, let's celebrate cultural diversity and respect the traditions of others. But where God is clear, let us be clear and keep sacred what He considers holy.

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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 Corinthians 9-- Lessons from Nordstrom

When it comes to business transactions, we live in a culture that expects great customer service. Companies that excel today do so through exemplary customer service. Some businesses, like the upscale department store Nordstrom, have become almost legendary in their pursuit of customer care. These companies have a "whatever it takes" attitude towards business. How much more should we as believers have this attitude towards reaching people for Christ? We need a "whatever it takes" commitment. I Corinthians 9 tells us that it is an honor and privilege to preach the gospel (vv16-17). Those who benefit from its preaching should support financially those who are preaching (VV1-12), but our motivation to share Christ should never be financial (V15). We must be willing to do it for nothing. We also must be willing to adapt our culture and move from our comfort zone in order that we can win people to Jesus (VV19-23). We become as much like them as possible. In other words, we have a "whatever it takes" approach. But that approach is not only an attitude but also a strategy. There should be a method or a plan to our work to reach people for Christ (V24). If corporations can spend countless hours and resources planning new ways to reach more customers, should we not spend some time considering the best ways to connect people to the gospel? Great companies do not deliver great customer care by accident. Instead, they take a disciplined approach that involves training, rewarding, and focusing their employees. The same is true when it comes to the gospel. We must be disciplined if we want to be successful (V27). Whatever it takes--is that your approach towards reaching your world for 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Revelation 11-- Shining a Light in a Very Dark World

It reads like the script of a Hollywood horror or sci-fi movie. Two people come to global prominence as they speak out against the evils of the world. For three and a half years anyone who opposed these two and sought to kill them were themselves killed--consumed by fire from their mouths. The two turn water to blood and fill the earth with plagues. The world and its leaders are outraged with these two, but are unable to do anything about them. Then suddenly, without warning, the two are killed. For three and a half days their bodies are laid out in the streets of Jerusalem for all the world to see via television. In a global celebration greater than Christmas, people everywhere rejoice in their death. But then the unimaginable happens--the two come back to life and then ascend into the heavens as a massive earthquake rocks the surrounding city killing 7,000 people and destroying ten percent of the buildings.

No, this isn't a Hollywood script. It is the future scene painted for us in Revelation 11. There are two principles in this that I would like for you to notice. First, even in the midst of the Tribulation where God is pouring out His wrath on humanity, He gives mankind opportunity to turn to Him. God truly loves every person and longs for them to have a relationship with Him. God does everything possible to give them every opportunity possible to turn to Him. Second, these two witnesses carried forth God's light into a very hostile world. Imagine being the two most hated people in the whole world just because you proclaim God's message. Even though it often isn't popular, God wants His message made known to everyone. You and I are the carriers of that message. Sometimes that message is embraced; other times it is vehemently rejected. Regardless, like these two witnesses, we are called to proclaim truth and leave the results up to God. We are called to shine a light in a very dark world. How is your light today? Is it shining brightly or is it hidden in fear?
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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Revelation 8-- Impending Global Disasters

Ravaging wild fires that consume million dollar homes. Massive hurricanes that level entire cities. Killer earthquakes that topple buildings. Just about every year, somewhere in the world, we see natural disasters like these take place. But imagine if disasters like these were taking place simultaneously all over the world! These are just a taste of what is to come as we see God's judgment intensify in Revelation 8. The seventh seal is opened which unleashes the second wave of earth's punishment known as the trumpet judgments. The first trumpet destroys one-third of earth's vegetation. The second devastates the seas, including fish and ships. Next, a third of earth's fresh water sources are attacked. The fourth trumpet, which is the last recorded in this chapter, alters the sun and moon so that night is extended. These impending global disasters should challenge all of us to seriously consider what we are doing to reach this world for Christ. We don't know the year and day when God's judgments will begin and those outside of Christ will endure such great punishment, but we do know that every day multitudes without Christ slip into eternity. What will you do today to touch someone's life in such a way that it changes them forever?
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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Revelation 5-- The Biggest Concert in the Universe

What is the largest crowd of people you have ever seen? Maybe it was at a sporting event or a concert. Everywhere you looked you saw people--a massive sea of humanity. Now imagine that scene multiplied out thousands of times over. That will be the scene for the universe's biggest concert--as described in Revelation 5. But this concert is different. The "star" isn't the one doing the singing, rather, He is the one being sung to. Here we see people, angels, and creatures "the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" (v11) gathered around the Lord Jesus Christ, depicted as the lamb slain for our sin (v6). He redeems people from "every tribe and tongue and people and nation." Every people group that ever existed is represented in Heaven. The massive gathering sings and proclaims that Christ is worthy to "receive power and riches and wisdom." He also is the only one worthy to open a heavenly scroll sealed with seven seals, which contain the judgment of God on the world. What an incredible scene that will be! Did you know, however, that you and I don't have to wait until that day to worship Christ? Nor do you have to wait until Sunday's "worship service." We should honor, exalt, extol, and worship the Lamb slain for our sin every day!
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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

John 15-- Grapes and Birds

Growing up, my grandparents grew grapes in their backyard. They had a tall white grape arbor that the grape vines would wrap around. There was nothing like the taste of fresh grapes pulled off the vine just as they ripened. But there was a problem--birds. The birds would come just before the grapes got ripe and carry them away. My grandfather put up netting, scare crows, and anything else he could think of, but some how those birds still found a way to get some of the grapes. They pulled the grapes off the vines before they were edible. In John 15 Jesus uses the analogy of grapes and their vines to show how we need to stay connected to Christ, who is the vine (v5). Staying connected or "abiding" as Jesus put it (v4) is critical if we want...

• our prayers answered (v7)
• a fruitful life as His disciples (v8)
• lasting joy (v11)
• strength in the midst of persecution and rejection (vv18-25)

But how do we stay connected? "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love," Jesus said in verse 10. In my book Maxpoint: Your Journey to Maximum Significance I detail how Christ's commands deal with nine areas: salvation, evangelism, missions, relationships, heart issues, daily living, spiritual victory, vigilance, and persecution. If we can obey Christ in these areas, then we will enjoy an abiding walk with Christ and all the benefits that come with it. Let's stop the birds of this life from pulling us away from the Vine! Let's learn to walk in obedience.
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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Luke 15-- Can't Find the Car Keys

Have you ever lost something, like your car key, then had to spend considerable time looking for it? We all have. Sometimes we lose things of minimal value--maybe we drop a penny on the ground--and spend minimal time looking for it. But if you drop something of great value, say your wedding ring, then you keep looking until you find it. You will expend whatever effort is necessary until it is located. Luke 15 is a chapter about things of value that were lost. Here, Jesus tells three parables. The first about a shepherd who lost one of his sheep. The second about a woman who lost a silver coin in her house, and the third about a father who lost his son to rebelliousness and riotous living. All of the the lost "things" were very important and dear to the ones who lost them. In the case of the shepherd and the woman, they launched into a vigorous search until the missing items were found. In the case of the father, searching wasn't an option. He had to wait and watch for his son to come around. The three stories, of course, illustrate lost people (those who have not received God's love and forgiveness) coming to God and the rejoicing that takes place in heaven when they do (vv7,10). It reminds us that Christ came to seek and save the lost, but it also encourages us to be concerned about the lost. Like the shepherd, there are times that we need to go out looking for the lost--maybe even to another country or culture. Like the woman, there are times when the lost are nearby--maybe even in our house. In other situations, like the father, all we can do is watch and pray. The lost person has heard the gospel, knows what he or she needs to do, and prayerfully in time will do it. Let's be concerned about finding those who are lost.

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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Luke 5-- Staffing for the Future

If you have ever been involved in the process of hiring someone for a position, then you know what a challenging task this is. Even though you carefully review the candidate's resume, diligently check references, and conduct an extensive interview, you can never know for sure how that person is going to work out until they start doing the job. But what if you weren't just trying to find a good worker for a company but rather you were trying to find people to help launch a movement--a religious movement--what would you look for? You would probably look for those with great knowledge and impeccable religious credentials. But that is not what Jesus did as we see in Luke 5. Here Jesus "hires" four men to His team. Simon Peter and the brothers James and John are professional fishermen--solid "working class" men but hardly religious leaders. Then he takes on Matthew, someone known for dishonesty and selfishness in his career as a tax collector. Not exactly the men I would have hired if I were in Jesus' position! Why these men and not those with religious leadership experience? We get some insight from the stories of this chapter. When Jesus heals the man whose friends lowered him down to Jesus from the roof, we see the religious leaders reacting with disgust and a lack of faith. Commitment to, and faith in Christ is the most important thing, regardless of what credentials you might have. Later, we see these religious leaders questioning Jesus about his followers lack of fasting. To this Jesus replied with a parable about putting new wine in old wineskins. These religious leaders were stuck in traditions and could not think outside the box. What Jesus was offering was radically different. So, he bypassed the credentialed for those who "forsook all and followed Him" (vv11,28). Do you have what it takes to be a key participant in Christ's global movement? It takes an unquenchable faith, a willingness to look outside your box, and a total surrender to Christ. You may not have the "credentials" to make a global impact but with those three things God can use you beyond your greatest imagination.

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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Colossians 4-- Touching All the Bases

It was one of those rare heart-warming stories that made the evening news. During a collegiate softball playoff game, a Western Oregon University player hit a three-run home run then blew out her knee running to first base. Since the rules state that the player must touch all the bases, without assistance from her teammates, the umpires were about the revoke the home run. That's when two players from the opposing team, Central Washington University, stepped up and carried the injured player making sure she touched each base. Nothing against the rules for getting assistance from the opposite team. It cost Central Washington the game and any championship hopes, but in helping their opponent touch all the bases these players touched the hearts of multitudes. In Colossians 4, Paul brings the book to a close by encouraging us to touch all the bases as we seek to live for Christ. At first base we have prayer(vv2-4). It should be something we are "devoted" to, not only praying for ourselves but for others, especially those proclaiming the gospel. Second base is our walk with outsiders--those who haven't come to faith in Christ (vv5-6). We should act with wisdom and love towards these as we seek to demonstrate Christ. Paul reminds us that how we say it is just as important as what we say. Many outsiders have been turned off to Christ by the way in which well-meaning Christians tried to share the gospel. Third base is about caring for those within the family of faith (vv7-18). We see this in how Paul and his team cared for the Colossian people, with one teammember, Epaphras, especially "wrestling in prayer" for them. Prayer, walk, care--touch these bases and your ready to head to home plate!

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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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Mark 13-- Watching the Fishing Line

Growing up, I loved to go fishing with my grandfather. We would sit for hours beside a lake waiting with  anticipation that any moment we would land "the big one." I usually fished with a "bobber," the bright-colored float that attaches to your line that goes under the water when a fish hits it. I would stare at that red and white bobber waiting for the second it went under the water. Jesus said that when it comes to life and to future events that we need to watching in keen anticipation. We need to watch what is happening around us and we need to be vigilant in our preparation to one day meet Christ face to face. In Mark 13 Jesus paints a broad general picture of future events, beginning with the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple (which occurred in 70 A.D.). While it is easy for us to get caught up in wanting to know the details of the future, there are three major things that we should keep before us. First, God's people will be brought before authorities where they will have to answer for their beliefs (v9). This is all part of God's plan to spread the gospel to all the nations and to those in power (vv10-11). Second, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us the words to say when we are before those in authority (v11). Finally, we do need to be vigilant as no one knows the exact hour that everything Christ outlined will come true (vv35-37). That means living a life that we can be proud of if we were to stand before the Lord even today. How are you doing at watching the "bobber" of your 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Matthew 28-- Darkest before the Dawn

The saying goes that it is darkest just before the dawn. That certainly was the case in the hours preceding that first Easter Sunday morning. It seemed that all hope had been lost when Christ died on the Cross, but now something truly wonderful had happened. Christ was alive! Imagine what this meant to Christ's disciples at the time. What looked like a devastating defeat had turned into a glorious victory. Death and sin had been conquered. Imagine what it would have been like as the 11 remaining disciples (Judas had committed suicide) gathered to see their resurrected Lord. They had seen Jesus do some amazing things while He walked with them, but nothing as incredible as this. As they gathered together, Jesus gave them their marching orders--to make disciples of all the nations. Then He left them with a promise "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (v20). As followers of Christ, we experience the victory of Easter every day as we walk with the Lord. There is always hope because their was an Easter! As we journey through this life, we must remember two things--the same things Jesus told His disciples gathered on a Galilean mountain. We must remember our mission is to make disciples and we must remember that Christ is always with us, no matter what we are facing. If you are facing a dark time in your life today, remember Easter.  Return to your mission, and rely on Christ's power and presence in your 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.

Acts 26-- Law and Order Can't Compete with Paul and Agrippa

Perry Mason.  Matlock.  The Practice.  Law and Order.  No TV courtroom drama could ever match the drama and passion of Paul stating his case before the Roman ruler Agrippa.  His argument was so powerful that it not only put himself in a good light, but nearly led to Agrippa's conversion.  We can learn several things from Paul's incredibly persuasive speech. 

First, he was well prepared.  Although not spelled out in the text, Paul obviously had plenty of time to think and prepare for this meeting.  He surely spent significant time praying and contemplating his presentation.  Second, he immediately went positive with his message.  He said how happy he was to be able to share with Agrippa.  He talked about hope, even stating that it was because of his hope that he had been arrested.  He didn't come out of his corner swinging punches, complaining about his situation, or singing the blues.  He framed the argument as one between those who have hope and those who reject it.  Third, he spoke about what he knew intimately, his own testimony.  No one can argue with your testimony.  They may not agree with its outcome or the basis for your decisions, but they can't say that what happened to you didn't really happen.  Your testimony is one of the most powerful witnessing tools that you have.  Fourth, Paul spoke with conviction--so much so that Festus accused him of being mad.  Paul knew what he believed and stated it with passion.  Finally, he made his message personal.  Look at how many times he uses Agrippa's name or refers to him as king.  Paul knew his audience--he knew that Agrippa was well schooled in Jewish history and thought--and he appealed to that.  He masterfully shifted the focus off from his accusers to Agrippa himself with an incredible question and statement, "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I know that you do believe." 

Wow! Paul moved from a courtroom defense to a powerful sermon to an altar call within minutes.  Whether we are sharing our faith, exhorting others or defending truth, we can learn much from Paul's courtroom drama.

Acts 19-- Redemption, Revival and Riots

The couple of years that Paul spent at Ephesus is a great story line for a movie! Filled with drama, you see the light of the gospel battling the darkness of Satan and false religions.  There are those who repented of their sin and demonstrated it publicly by burning their occultic books.  There were those who stood in awe of the power of God, as demonstrated through the life of Paul, who also gave their lives to Christ.  But Jesus himself said that the gospel is divisive.  We certainly see that in Ephesus.  We have the charlatan itinerant exorcists acting like they have God's power but really didn't (v.15).  We have those who hardened their hearts and tried to do everything they could to dissuade others away from Christ (v9).  There are the culturally sensitive who felt that embracing Christ and abandoning the worship of goddess Diana was an attack on who they were as Ephesians (v27).  Then there are the business men who saw Christianity as a threat to their livelihood (vv.24-26).  The bottom line is this: the gospel cuts different ways with some embracing it and some resisting it.  While it may not always be popular, our job is to live out our lives for Christ, share the gospel with others, and leave the outcome to God.

Acts 17-- Lessons in Witnessing

I had a professor and mentor who always said that the key to witnessing was to "look for the ones that God has ready to be saved."  That certainly is what Paul and his team exemplified as they moved from Thessalonica to Berea to Athens. In each city, Paul found ways to share Christ with the people.  In Thessalonica and Berea, he began (as was his custom) in the synagogues preaching to Jews and religious Gentiles.  In Athens, a polytheistic society, he went to the philosophers.  In each place, there were those who were receptive and those who were not (and those who weren't were adamant to the point of violence). Paul didn't let those who rejected Christ bother him or keep him from sharing the good news.  He kept sharing and worked to disciple those who responded favorably.