Frank's Bible Blog

1 Thessalonians 5-- Why Ask for Directions?

I don't know which I hate worse--getting lost or having to stop and ask for directions. Now, I don't mind asking for directions if I know I am really lost with no hope of figuring out how to get to my destination. But if there is a slight chance that I can get there on my own, then I go for it. (Don't know if this is a pride problem, a male problem, or both!) When it comes to life and our future, however, we don't have to wander around. As believers, we have a road map! This was Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians in chapter 5. Whether it is death, future global events, or unexpected circumstances, we can take courage for we "are all sons of light and sons of the day" (v5). We have instructions and a hope, but we must be vigilant in using these (vv6-8). Paul goes on to give some turn-by-turn instructions on living so that we end up where God wants us. These include honoring those in spiritual authority (v12-13), living at peace with other believers (v13), warning those who need it (v14), comforting the fainthearted (v14), and exercising patience (vv14-15). In addition, our lives should be marked by joy, prayer, discernment, and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's leading (vv16-22). If we follow these instructions we won't have to worry about getting lost in 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.

1 Thessalonians 4-- Beyond Bumper Stickers

A few years ago there was a popular bumper sticker that said "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." That certainly is true! But it doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive to be more like Christ, who is perfect. More than ever, Christians are under a microscope today with those around watching to see if there is anything different about us. Unfortunately, many believers have gotten caught-up with the distractions and temptations of this life and have brought dishonor to Christ. Paul challenges the Thessalonians in chapter four to act and think differently then those who are without Christ. First, he addresses the issue of sexual immorality, saying that we need to control our bodies rather than surrendering to passion and lusts (vv3-5). Today with the media and Internet, there are more temptations than ever, and this is a growing problem among believers. Second, Paul says to walk "properly toward those who are outside." We do this by having a good work ethic and properly taking care of our business and personal affairs. Finally, he encouraged the Thessalonians to have hope, even in the time of death, for believers shall "always be with the Lord" (v17). We don't say "good bye" to a Christian but rather "see you later." Death is not the end. Let's learn from Paul's message here and be disciplined in our thoughts, labor, and passions.
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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 Thessalonians 3-- Making a Difference in a Life

"Dad, you're the best!" That's the phrase I love to hear my son say the most. From my daughter it's "You rock!" When you hear words like these it means you are doing something right. We know that we have an impact on our children, but what about other people? Have you stopped to think about the impact that you can have on others, even if you are separated by a great distance? Notice in 1 Thessalonians 3 how the Apostle Paul impacted the Thessalonians. First, he kept in touch with them (vv1-6). Long before email, faxes and even telephones, Paul found a way to continue his relationship with these dear brothers and sisters--he sent an emissary to them and he wrote them. Second, he showed concern for them and the difficult situation they were in because of their faith (v5). Finally, and most importantly, he prayed for them. Paul's prayer is a good one for us to use as we pray to make a difference in another life. He prayed that God would direct their relationship (v11), that God would increase their capacity to love (v12), and that their hearts would be established blameless and holy (v13). Whose life are you trying to make a difference in 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. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

1 Thessalonians 2-- Leadership Lessons

Leadership is, and has been, a hot topic for several years now. It seems that the number of leadership books on store shelves increases daily. And for good reason--leadership is important. No, leadership is critical. It has been said that "everything rises and falls with leadership." This is true in business, church, organizations, and even the home. 1 Thessalonians 2 gives us some great insights into leadership as Paul recounts how he and his team worked with the Thessalonians. Although he was only with them a very short time, Paul had a profound impact on the Thessalonians. Notice what he did. First, he spoke the truth with clarity and boldness, and without any pretentiousness (vv2-5). He then sat aside any rights or demands that he could have made as an apostle (v6) and instead approached them with humility and care (v7). He selflessly poured himself out in love (v8). Paul had a strong work ethic and did not ask anyone to do anything that he was not willing to do himself. Rather, he rolled up his sleeves and worked tirelessly (vv9-10). He exhorted the Thessalonians to realize their full potential in Christ (vv11-12). He prayed for them and thanked God for them (vv13-16). Finally, he did his best to keep in touch and continue to mentor them (vv17-20). The way Paul led with truth, humility, love, commitment, encouragement, prayer, and communication is a great example for all of us, whether we lead a large multinational corporation, local church, youth sports team, or just our own family.
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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 Thessalonians 1-- Missed the Evening News

The daily news is filled with stories of people who are bad examples to others. Those who have failed in politics, business, entertainment, and even church. You don't see very many good examples--role models that other people can emulate. Well, they probably would not have made the news in their day, but the believers in Thessalonica were great examples of Christ throughout their region. In Thessalonians 1, Paul praises these believers. What made them such a great example? There were four things. First, they followed a great example--Paul and his team (vv2-5). One of the secrets of becoming the best you can is to follow after others who exemplify what it means to be the best. The same is true with our spiritual lives. It is important to watch and learn from those with a mature and vibrant Christian walk. Second, the Thessalonians demonstrated joy in the midst of suffering (v6). They didn't whine about their hardships; instead, they found joy in the midst of them. Third, they proclaimed God's word everywhere they could (v8). Finally, they demonstrated genuine faith--the kind of faith that caused others to take notice (VV9-10). We can be great Christian examples as well if we learn from the Thessalonians.
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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.