Frank's Bible Blog

Revelation 22- The Ultimate Snorkeling Experience

There is a bay on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii with crystal-clear waters, which makes it a favorite snorkeling destination. The bay is full of beautiful tropical fish which are easy to spot through the pristine water. This bay and its beauty is very captivating, making it one of the area's top tourist destinations. I think of that spot when I try to imagine the river that is described in Revelation 22. But I know that as great as that Hawaiian hot spot is, it will pale in comparison to the "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb" (v1). The chapter goes on to give more details about the Holy City introduced in chapter 21. Then three times in the chapter Christ says "Behold, I am coming quickly" (vv7, 12, 20). We are also told that His "reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work" (v12). Christ has an incredible place prepared for those who follow Him! Christ also has eternal rewards to bestow on those who faithfully served Him in this life. As we come to the close of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and the final words of the New Testament, there are two glaring questions that each of us must answer. First, "will I get to experience for all eternity this incredible place that Christ is now preparing?" The answer to that question depends on what you do with Christ in this life--whether or not you turn from your sin and commit your life to Him, accepting His substitutionary death and resurrection as full payment for your sin. The second question is for those who have made that decision. "What rewards will Christ have waiting for me?" The answer to that question is determined by how you live after coming to Christ as Savior. Listen my friend, life is short but eternity is forever. Don't short-change your future for momentary pleasures or selfish fulfillment. Believe that Christ is coming quickly and live your life for eternity.

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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 21-- Indescribable Beauty

Have you ever tried to describe something you saw that was so amazing, so incredible, so beautiful that words alone were insufficient? You try your best to paint a verbal picture but you know that your description falls far short. I imagine that was John's predicament in Revelation 21 as he describes the new heaven and new earth, and particularly the "new Jerusalem." This glorious city, which is described as coming down from heaven to earth, is nearly 1500 miles squared. The gates, foundations, streets, etc. are adorned with the most beautiful and precious jewels. Even greater than its beauty are its benefits to those who get to enjoy it. God Himself dwelling in their midst (v3) so that there is no need for a temple or church in which to worship God (v22). The pain of this life with its accompanying tears, sorrow, death, etc. is gone (v4). No need for sunblock in this city as God Himself provides all the light (v23)! No night (v25). No crimes, or lying, or anything else that is unholy (v27). And who is it that gets to enjoy all of this? "Only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (v27). That's right--all of us who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior! So if there has been a time and point in your life where you turned away from your sin and acknowledged that Christ's death, burial and resurrection was sufficient payment for your sin, then you too will one day get to enjoy this glorious new city. Until then, take heart and be encouraged. God is preparing something amazing, beautiful, and indescribable for 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 www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Revelation 20-- Fact not Fiction

It reads like a fascinating adventure novel, but it isn't fiction. Revelation 20 lays out some dramatic events, the focus of which is a 1,000 year reign of Christ on the earth. We are told that Satan is bound for 1,000 years so that he can no longer "deceive the nations" (v3). During that time the saints of God, especially those who suffered greatly and were martyred during the tribulation, will reign with Christ (v4). The chapter also details a final rebellion by the devil and then the "great white throne" judgment where those who have died without Christ are sentenced to eternal damnation (vv11-15). There are a lot of differences of opinion among scholars about this millennium period (which actually is the focus of a lot of Old Testament prophecy). Whatever your view of the millennium, one principle rings true to us today: current sacrifices are definitely rewarded one day. Faith looks forward in anticipation to God fulfilling His word and plan. Hebrews 11 tells us of Old Testament saints who did not get their reward in this life, but they pressed on anyway because they were looking for a city not made with hands--they were anticipating Heaven and their rewards to come. The flip side of this truth is the fact that current sin will be punished. One day everyone who rejected Christ as savior, no matter how powerful they were or how insignificant (v12), will stand in judgment. God will show them definitively from their lives that they are deserving of eternal punishment and separation from God. Then they will be shown that they never received Christ's remedy for sin. Let this chapter be a reminder that the decisions we make now do matter. They matter for eternity.

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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 19-- The Big Day

Do you remember those times as a child when you eagerly waited for that special day to come? Maybe that day was Christmas or your birthday. Maybe it was a trip to an amusement park or a family vacation. Do you remember the anticipation that you had as all you could think about was the coming big day? Revelation 19 describes such a day--except it is a day anticipated by millions throughout the centuries. It is the day when Jesus Christ returns to the earth as "King of kings and Lord of Lords" (v16). It is the day when Christ splits open the clouds as He comes riding a white horse to defeat the armies and rulers of this world once and for all (v15). The day is preceded by a massive worship service in Heaven as God's children celebrate the person and power of God and then enjoy the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (vv1-9). What a day that will be! My friend, take hope today. Renew your courage. Strengthen your confidence in Christ. The big day is coming! In the meantime, know that the same Conquering King who one day will destroy everything evil in this world is the same King who lives in us who have received Him as our savior. Whatever you are facing today, it is not too big for the Lord of lords! Whatever adversity is in your life right now, know that the King of kings is there with you to carry you through and enable you to be more than a conqueror. This realization makes every day a Big 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.

Revelation 18- The Ultimate Stock Market Crash

We have seen over the years, and especially recently, the world's various stock markets drop dramatically. In a matter of a few hours, huge fortunes are wiped out--at least on paper. Eventually, however, things settle down and stocks rise once again. Revelation 18 describes a coming time when the world's economic system will crash--for good--shortly before Christ's second coming. The chapter vividly describes the fall of the world's economic and political system, referred to as "Babylon" and it is apparently different from the "Babylon" of chapter 17 which refers to the false religious system. Exactly what is meant by "Babylon" in 18, as a literal city or system, etc. is open to interpretation. There is, however, a clear picture given of how the world will be given to greed and completely immersed in materialism. Those who become believers during the Tribulation are told to "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins and lest you receive her plagues" (v4). This is a great word that we can apply to our lives today. We cannot live for money, luxury, and self-gratification. These are shallow and eventually will fail. Yet it is very easy in a society that so emphasizes money to get caught up in the hysteria. We must never let wealth become an end in itself. I've seen people of all economic situations--poor to rich--get lost in a wealth obsession. I've also seen people in all economic situations keep there focus on Christ and not material things. What about you? Have you gotten caught up in the wealth obsession, or do you keep things in perspective?

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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 17-- Global Deception

It is one of the most difficult passages to interpret in the entire Bible. There are, however, some things in Revelation 17 that are clear. The chapter describes a global system of false religion and a political system opposed to God. For a period of time, these two systems run parallel as the false religion heavily influences the political leadership. Many scholars view the religious system here as the climax of all false religion, going back to the time of the Tower of Babel. Whatever it is, it is clear that it impacts people all around the world and is behind the death of many, many "saints." In the midst of the rather scary descriptions of these two systems is a wonderful reminder of Christ's ultimate victory. We are told that "the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful" (v14). What can we take away from this passage as we seek to glorify Christ today with our lives? First, we must be ever vigilant about false doctrine creeping into our belief system. Second, we must never place our faith, hope or trust in a political system, as all systems will eventually fail; rather, we must keep our trust firmly in the Lord. Finally, we should act like who we really are--Christ's called, chosen, and faithful. No matter how difficult things might get, as God's chosen ones, we ultimately will be victorious.
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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 16-- Why Do They Get Away with That?

---Please see the special note below today's posting---

You just have to cringe at some of the sacrilegious and even blasphemous things we see and hear around us. Everything from bumper stickers to Hollywood movies that blatantly mock Christ and defiantly oppose God and anything righteous. "Why does God let them get away with that," I often ask myself. The "why" has to do with God's nature and not their acts. It is a reminder to us of the incredible graciousness of God and His long suffering toward humanity. Don't be fooled, however. There is a limit to how long God will wait on man before His holiness demands judgment on the world. Revelation 16 records the "bowl" or "vial" judgments, which are the final judgments of God initially launched by the opening of the first seal in heaven. The previous judgments, as bad as they were, pale in comparison to these that are unleashed at the end of the Tribulation. Mankind is afflicted with incredible sores. Water in the oceans, rivers and springs turns to blood. The sun intensifies causing massive burning of people. Darkness accompanied by incredible pain paralyzes many. Preparations are made for a massive, truly global war whose focal point will be a valley in Israel 14 miles wide by 20 miles long. Finally, the earth's greatest earthquake occurs which literally changes the world's topography. In the midst of all this, mankind will continue to blaspheme God (vv 9,11,21). This should all be a reminder to us of the warning in Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." There is a price to pay for sin--both now and in the world to come. Let us never forget that although God is exceedingly gracious, He is also holy.
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Special Note: In the next week we will be sending out family prayer cards to those on our snail mail newsletter list. This is the first updated card that we have done in several years. If you don't currently get our hard copy newsletters, and would like to get the card and upcoming newsletters, sign up at www.maxpoint.org/newsletters. Also, our periodical email newsletter will also be coming out this week featuring innovative ways to use this blog. Frank's Bible Blog has a number of features that you may not be aware of that can help pastors, small group leaders, teachers and individuals. You can also sign up for the email newsletter at www.maxpoint.org/newsletters.

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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 15-- Breaking into a Song

I'll admit it--I can't sing. Well, I can sing, just not in a way that anyone else would want to hear! Don't get me wrong, I like to sing. I'm just not very good at it. Whether you have the kind of voice that people would pay money to hear, or you have the kind that would cause others to cringe, we all can have a song in our heart because of what Christ has done for us. In Revelation 15 we see those saved during the Tribulation break into a song just as God is ready to pour out His final judgment on the earth. They sang an "old song" identified as the "song of Moses" (v3), a reference to Moses' song in either Exodus 15 or Deuteronomy 32, and a "new song", the "song of the Lamb." Part of their song looked back on how God had preserved Israel, and the other part looked ahead to Christ's ultimate glorification among the nations. This is the kind of song that should fill our hearts today. We look back in thanksgiving and praise for all God has done in our lives, and we look forward with adoration for all that God is going to accomplish both in our lives and in the world. In both instances, we remember that God is, above everything else, holy (v4). So, regardless of how well you can sing, you can have a song in your heart today as you meditate on the Lord God Almighty.
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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 14-- Guaranteed Victory

Imagine if you knew before the game that your favorite sports team was going to win--guaranteed. Imagine if the players themselves knew it. As long as they fought hard and didn't give up, they would win. Obviously some people would try to benefit financially from this knowledge, but for those playing out the game it would give them confidence and encouragement even if things got difficult. Well, we obviously don't know in advance the outcome of sports events (believe me, even when my teams are heavily favored they somehow find ways to lose!). We do, however, know the outcome of earth's final conflicts. Revelation 14 shows how God's 144,000 Tribulation witnesses are preserved through the entire ordeal (chapters 12-14, by the way, are not in chronological order with the rest of the book). God gives them a "new song" (v3) that they are able to sing in the presence of Christ as they celebrate their faithfulness and God's protection (vv12-13). These witnesses now "may rest from their labors, and their works follow them" (v13). We also see in this chapter God's sweeping judgment continue on mankind.

Although we are not directly included in this chapter, there are some principles that should encourage every believer alive today. First, God will judge the wickedness of this world. It often seems today that evil goes unpunished and righteousness is persecuted. Well, that will end. Second, God preserves His chosen ones through even the greatest difficulties. No matter what you are going through today, if you know Christ as your Savior, God will preserve you to Himself. Third, an eternal time of rest is coming when all of life's difficulties will be just distant memories. Finally, what we do in life now does make a difference as our works do follow us into eternity. We are rewarded for what we do here on this earth. Ultimately, Christ will defeat sin, Satan and global wickedness. That's a guaranteed victory!
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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 13-- Deception

Going all the way back to the Garden of Eden, we see how Satan specializes in deception. Perpetrating lies in order to advance his destructive agenda is foundational to his strategy. It is no surprise then when we come to Revelation 13 and see this deception on a global scale. In addition to Satan, two other characters are introduced to the world. One is a political leader who garners a global following (vv1-3). Often referred to as the Anti-Christ, this person is assisted by another character who is a false prophet. This individual will cause the world to worship the Anti-Christ. He will "perform great signs...and he deceives those who dwell on the earth" (vv13-14). Both of these characters will do the seemingly miraculous in order to gain a massive following. While one day these two, assisted by the Devil, will take a global stage to deceive "every tribe, tongue and nation," we must be on our guard today against deception. Satan is now and always has been in the deception business. Yes, as the world as we know it today nears its end, Satan's deception will be magnified. But never forget that this deception is at work around us right now. The only sure-fire way to keep from getting deceived is to know and operate in the truth. Jesus said "I am...the truth." We don't have to become experts in all the various deceptions of Satan. We just need to become experts in the truth, which is found in Christ and His word. As we daily spend time in God's word, ask God to firmly plant truth in our lives, and rely on His power, we will not get pulled into the deception of Satan.
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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 12-- The Keys to Victory

Before just about every televised sports event the commentators come on camera and discuss the "keys to the game" or the "keys to victory," which are what each team needs to do in order to win. We've seen those games where even the biggest underdog prevails in the game because they followed the keys to victory. Well, we have some keys to victory in this life. We have some keys that will enable us to overcome the evil one--Satan--who is the accuser of the brethren and the one who tries to paralyze us with guilt and fear. In Revelation 12 we see the Devil (referred to as the "great dragon" in verse 9) being once and for all kicked out of heaven. We see as he turns his wrath towards Israel, which is referred to here as "the woman" who gave birth to a "child" which is Christ (v5). We also see how God's children gained victory over him in verse 11. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." In that verse are the three keys to victorious living. First is the sacrificial atonement of Christ. This is relying on Christ's power and His salvation. The second key was their testimony--how Christ had saved them and forgave them. Romans tells us that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. Satan wants us to live in guilt and focus on past mistakes, but we overcome his attacks by reminding him of our testimony. We remind him that we no longer live under condemnation because of our salvation in Christ. We no longer are guilty because we have been covered by the blood of Christ's sacrifice and have received His forgiveness. The third key is loving God more than our own lives. When Satan attacks, he attacks what is closest to us--our lives and the things in it that are most important to us. But if we consider ourselves dead already to Christ, as the Apostle Paul did, then it doesn't matter what the devil throws at us. We don't love who we are or what we have more than we love God and His purposes for us. Therefore, a loss of possessions or even our health does not impede us from victory. This last key may be the hardest for us to grasp and fully implement, but if we do, then the results will be absolutely amazing. Christ's sacrifice, our testimony, and properly-placed love are the keys to victory.
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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 10-- Revelation's Revealer

When I was in college, I wrote sports articles for the campus newspaper. My job was to watch a game then reveal what I saw to our readers, most of whom hadn't seen that particular match. Through writing I did my best to make the readers feel like they had actually experienced the game for themselves. In a sense, that is what the Apostle John did in the Book of Revelation. God chose him and gave him a very important assignment. The result of his faithfulness to record what God showed him as the future has impacted countless lives down through the ages. In chapter 10 John continues his play-by-play of future events as he describes a might angel coming down from heaven who places "his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land" (v2) then "seven thunders uttered their voices." But this time, John becomes part of the story. When he started to write what the seven thunders said, he was told not to. Then he was told to take and eat a little book that was in the hand of this mighty angel (v8), which he did. Finally, John is instructed to once again pick up his pen and prophesy about "many peoples, nations, tongues and kings" (v11). The point is that John faithfully carried out his unique assignment from God. That assignment didn't always make sense at the moment, but John trusted the Lord and carefully did what he was told. Friend, like John, you have an assignment from God. I would encourage you to discover what it is and then faithfully complete it. Fulfill God's purpose for your life and ask Him to use you to impact countless lives for His glory.
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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 9-- Heart-Wrenching Agony

There is nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing a person in physical agony. I vividly remember the suffering that one man went through in the church a pastored. He had so many things wrong with him physically that there was little doctors could do to alleviate his suffering. I remember visiting him in the hospital one day and watching him thrash around his bed, begging me to give him something to help. Of course there was nothing physically I could do but try to be there with him. That scene comes to my mind as I read through Revelation 9 and the sounding of the fifth and sixth judgment trumpets. In the fifth trumpet, mankind is tormented for five months (v4) to the point that they will "seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them" (v6). Imagine that kind of agony--the kind of agony that nothing can help. Then the sixth trumpet is sounded which results in the death of one third of humanity (v18). The amazing thing in all of this is that those who are left will not repent of their sin (v20). Even though they see this incredible punishment being unleashed, they are so hardened that they will not turn to God and repent of their "murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts" (v21). It is so sad when someone gets to this state--the state of total resistance to God. Unfortunately, we see this today. This is why God's word challenges us all to not harden our hearts but to draw near to God while we can. I don't know what your relationship with God is like today, but I hope that you have not hardened your heart to Him. I hope that you will respond to His love with a heart that is open and pliable in His hands.

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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.

Revalation 7-- Safe at Last

It is fairly typical to see television stations showing police car chases down freeways. I was surprised, however, one day when the station cut to a freeway chase--one that involved a dog and not a criminal! There in the middle of a busy Los Angeles, California freeway was someone's pet Fido meandering in the fast lane. Cars began to stop and drivers got out to try and capture the dog as helicopter cameras caught the whole scene of film. The dog obviously was scared and would not trust the motorists trying to help, which included a woman who tried to coach the pooch into her mini-van. A motorcyclist stopped and eventually the dog was corralled. He was snatched to safety from a very tenuous situation. In Revelation 7 we see two groups of people. One group is a 144,000 Jews which are "sealed" (v4) and sent into the fast lane of a Tribulation world. The second group, a massive multitude representing every people and language group, is pictured coming out of the Tribulation having endured incredible hardships. These people are safe at last before God's throne where they "shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore...and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes" (vv16-17). What a beautiful picture of Heaven! All the hardships, difficulties, cares, and heartaches of this world are gone once and forever. This is an encouragement to all of us who know Christ as our Savior. Although we may now feel like that dog in the middle of life's freeway, the day is coming when we will be safe at last. Until then, let's glorify God even in the midst of what sometimes can be a chaotic 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.

Revelation 6-- Crowded in the Cave

Revelation 6 reveals an amazing sight--leaders of nations, military generals, business moguls and common people all huddled in caves. Why? They are trying to flee from God's wrath and judgment (vv15-17). This chapters outlines the six seals or judgments of God that are to come. These include what is often referred to as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, who bring judgments of war, death, runaway inflation, increase in murders, and more (vv1-8). We also see here the cries of the martyrs longing for God to avenge their death (v10). Finally, we see earthquakes and cosmic disturbances unlike anything that has ever been seen in human history (vv12-14). This chapter should be a stark reminder to us that although God is love, He is also holy and will one day dramatically judge mankind for its runaway sin and lawlessness. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry God. I'm afraid that many people have focused solely on God's compassion and feel they can live anyway they want without repercussions. But as great preachers of the past have said, there is "payday someday." Yes, one day God will dramatically judge the whole world, but He also punishes sin now in individuals. Payday is coming. Let's not be flippant about sin.
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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.

Revelation 4-- Behind the Scenes

I've had the opportunity to go "behind the scenes" and watch several television shows get filmed. It gives you an entirely different perspective seeing a show this way as opposed to just watching it on the TV set. There is so much more that you see and understand--far more than is ever possible even on the biggest of big screen TVs. That is kind of like what happens in Revelation 4, and really throughout the entire book of Revelation. We get to go behind the scenes--we get a glimpse into Heaven. And boy what a sight it is! In this chapter we see God being worshiped by incredible creatures and the 24 elders. God is described as appearing like a jasper and sardius stone surrounded by an emerald-looking rainbow. Lightnings, thunder and voices all proceeded from God's throne (v5). Those gathered around did not rest in the proclamation of God's holiness (v8). Why was God being worshiped? Why was He worthy to receive glory and honor? Because He created all things and by His will all things exist and were created (v11). That is a pretty good reason, isn't it? Our very existence, and the very existence of everything that we know in the universe is present now because of Him. Take a moment now and worship Him. Picture yourself there gathered around God's throne and give praise to the Creator and Sustainer. Proclaim His holiness! Sing of His greatness!
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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 3-- Seeing the Obvious, continued

Yesterday we saw how easy it is to get accustomed to something and not even notice it. We saw how you can drive past the same building for years and not realize it is there. Revelation 3 continues this theme as it records Christ's words to three more actual churches. The church at Sardis was close to death and didn't realize it. It was still going through the motions of being a church, but what life it had was quickly dissipating. The church at Philadelphia (no--it wasn't in Pennsylvania!) had a great ministry opportunity before it--but it was missing the obvious because it was too focused on its weaknesses. The final church, Laodicea, was no longer usable to the Lord--it was like lukewarm water that wasn't good for anything. It got this way through arrogance and self-sufficiency rather than God-dependency. Does your life reflect one of these situations that should be obvious to you but isn't? If you paused and took an honest look at your life, would it seem that your spiritual zeal is dying? You don't read the Bible like you used to. You hardly pray any more. Maybe your church attendance has become inconsistent. Or maybe you are like that church at Philadelphia. God is giving you opportunity to serve Him but you keep making excuses about your weaknesses. Or maybe you look like that church that no longer is usable to God. You are so self-focused and try to be so self-sufficient that you no longer humbly seek God's direction, power, and provision. Let's don't be guilty of missing the obvious. Let's ask God, and others if needed, to show us what we might be missing so that we can have dynamic Christian lives that glorify God and impact the world.
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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 1-- Truly Majestic

Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on earth. As you drive past glaciers and around majestic mountains, you think it can't get any prettier than what you just saw--that is until you come around the next curve in the road and witness the next amazing sight. Everywhere you look is like a post card. In a sense, that is the way Jesus Christ is. The more we get to know Him, the more amazed we are. In Revelation 1 we are given a majestic picture of Christ. He is eternal (v4). He is victorious over death (v5). He is the coming conquering king (v7). He is the first and the last (vv8,11). He is the sustainer of the church (vv12-20). He is glorious (vv14-16-17). But even greater than that for us, He is personal. He loves us (v5). He enables us to be "kings and priests" (v6). He is majestic but He is also approachable and caring. Pause for a moment now and take in Christ's beauty and majesty. Thank Him for loving you enough to die for you (v5). Worship Him right now!
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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.