Frank's Bible Blog

1 Corinthians 16-- Strategic Planning

What makes a great leader great? I'm sure if you asked 10 people you would get a variety of answers. There are many things that go into great leadership but one of the foremost is planning. Great leaders have a clear vision and a plan for where they want to lead their people. They also do a great job at communicating that plan to their team. Strategic planning is simply having a vision for where you want to go and then establishing the priorities and steps necessary to get there. In 1 Corinthians 16 we get some insight into strategic planning from one of the early church's greatest leaders--the Apostle Paul. Notice six principles that went into his strategic plan. First, there was proper preparation (vv1-4). Paul discusses a collection the Corinthians were taking for needy believers in Jerusalem and exhorts them to have everything done and in place before he arrives. This would allow him and the church to maximize their time together. Second, remain flexible in your planning (vv5-7). If they are not careful, leaders can become slaves to their plans. Plans are a means to an end, not the end in themselves. Paul stayed flexible when it came to the amount of time he would spend in Corinth.  Third, capitalize on your opportunities (vv8-9). Paul saw enormous opportunities where he was at in Ephesus and wanted to do all he could to capture them. Fourth, be realistic (v9). Yes there were enormous opportunities but Paul also realized their was much opposition. He didn't sugar-coat the reality of the difficulties he would have to go through to accomplish his plans. Fifth, fully utilize your team (vv10-20). In these few verses we see how Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Aquilla, and Priscilla all had roles to play in this plan. Finally, maintain the proper attitude. (vv13-14). This means having courage, faith, determination, attentiveness, and most of all, love. If you want to be a great leader, then learn from one of the best and apply Paul's six principles to your strategic planning.

_________________________
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 15-- Meaningful Life Work

We were standing in line waiting to order lunch at an amusement park cafe. There was a woman in front of us trying to juggle two small children and wondering aloud what had happened to her husband and third child. I'm sure she was also wondering how she was going to hang on to the two very active children and manage to get everyone's tray of food. Finally, she spotted her husband outside the cafe. "Will you save my spot in line," she pleaded. "Sure," I replied. A few moments later she returned, this time without the kids (she had turned them over to the dad) and visibly less frazzled. There was an older couple in front of her that also saw the whole thing and comment that they had once been in her shoes. "It is all worth it," the elderly man said, "they grow up so quick, but it is all worth it."

Sometimes when we are juggling life, trying to serve God, and just hoping to make it through the day, we wonder if it all is worth it. Like the elderly man's encouragement to that young mom, the Apostle Paul encourages each of us in 1 Corinthians 15. He says "Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (v58). How can you and I have the assurance that it is all worth it? We know our labor is not in vain when it is centered on the gospel, which Paul defines as the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (vv3-4).We know that our labor is not in vain when we have the hope of the resurrection (vv12-49). We know our labor will be worth it when we one day see Christ reigning over all things (vv20-28). It will all be worth it when death is defeated once and for all (vv50-57) and we receive new glorified bodies (vv39-45). But don't get side tracked--the wrong kind of associates can derail you from a life of purpose (vv33-34). So, no matter how discouraged you may be today, remember, "it's all worth it" when your life is centered on Christ.

_________________________
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 14-- Driving in a Fog

Have you ever driven in a real thick fog? No fun is it? It is stressful because you have to pay such close attention to what is right in front of you. It is especially difficult if you are on the freeway. You focus intently on the tail lights of the car in front of you, trying to stay close enough to see them yet far enough back that you can stop if that car suddenly hits its brakes. In a fog, you lose sight of the big picture. It doesn't matter how beautiful the scenery around you might be, you can't see it. Some people approach church, Christian service, and spiritual gifts like they are in a fog. They lose sight of the big picture and focus only on certain gifts or abilities. 1 Corinthians 14 is a reminder that we need to stay out of a spiritual fog and keep things in perspective. The most important thing that we can do is proclaim God's word (vv1,3,5,31,39) but we must do it in an orderly way (vv33,40). Our focus should not be on the minutia of particular gifts but rather on people hearing from God and growing in Him.  Keep that purpose in view and you will keep yourself out of a paralyzing spiritual fog.

_________________________
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 13-- The World's Most Misunderstood Word

It is the subject of fairy tales and fast-moving music videos. Scores of books have been written about it and it is the basis for many Hollywood productions. People laugh about it, cry about it, and even get angry over it. It unites as well as divides. It is amazing how something can be the focus of so much attention yet have so little known about what it really is. It is love. The Bible has much to say about love because it is fundamental to life. It is the fundamental reason Jesus died. It should be the fundamental reason why we live. It should permeate our attitude, actions and approach to all that we undertake. I Corinthians 13 has probably the clearest explanation of what true love--God's love (agape)--is all about. While the chapter lists several attributes of genuine love, you can sum it all up into two things. Love focuses on other people (vv4-5) and love embraces the positive (vv6-7). In addition to defining love, this chapter is a eye-opener to the stunning reality that we can do many good things in the name of Christ but not do it with love (vv1-3). No matter what it is, if we do it without love, it has no lasting benefit to us. Genuine love must be the driving force behind everything that we do and think.

Let me challenge you today to take the 1 Cor. 13 love test. Ask the question "why" for everything thing that do you over the next week. Why are you teaching that Sunday School class? Why do you tithe? Why do you work? Why do you make the family's meals? Why do you take the kids to soccer practice? Why do you attend church? If you cannot honestly answer that you are doing it out of love then it is time to refocus your life. Focus on the positive things in life and in others. Focus on the specialness of the people you are serving. Focus on the person and nature of God and on how much He has already done for you. Then, what used to be "tasks" that interrupted your day are transformed into expressions of love that bring fullness and meaning to your day. If we will embrace this concept, it will absolutely revolutionize our lives and the lives of those we touch.

_________________________
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 12-- Snowflakes and Churches

We used to live a few miles from Lake Erie in Ohio. Every winter we would see snow--lots of it! After a while, the snow started to pile up and you just wanted to say "enough already!" But if you paused and looked closely at the snow--especially the flakes as they fell--you saw something beautiful. You saw their incredible diversity. So many flakes yet each one different. If God can make snow flakes so unique, think about how much more special He as made each of us! 1 Corinthians 12 both celebrates the unique gifts that we have from God as believers and challenges us to use them properly. When it comes to our gifts, abilities, uniqueness, etc. we basically have two choices: focus on these things in a divisive way (I'm better than you, or I want what you have) or use them to unite and improve the Body of Christ. God obviously emphasizes team work and the use of our gifts to unite. This is one of the major passages of Scripture dealing with spiritual gifts, and God makes it clear that every believer has at least one (you got it at the point of salvation). How you grow, develop and utilize that gift(s) is up to you.  Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?  If so, are you using them to build up the church?  Or are you squandering something wonderful with which God has entrusted you? If you don't know how God has gifted you, the best way to find out is to get involved in different types of Christian service and see what comes "natural" to you. God has created you unique. He has beautifully gifted you. He has empowered you to make a difference in this life. Join the team, work together with other believers, and impact eternity.

______________

Note: There are many different spiritual gifts surveys or inventories that you can take which can help guide you toward discovering your gifts.  One place you may want to look at is www.churchgrowth.org. Ultimately, however, the only way to really know is to ask the Lord to show you as you engage in ministry.

_________________________
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.

_________________________
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.

I Corinthians 10-- Avoiding the News

I was stunned. I couldn't believe my eyes as I read the news feed. A minister I knew had been arrested for a terrible crime. "How could he do such a thing?" was the question those of us who knew him asked. There was, however, a bigger question that needed answered. "What could we do to make sure we don't ever end up in a situation like that," was the real question. There are four principles in 1 Corinthians 10 that we all should follow to keep from bringing dishonor to the Lord Jesus Christ. First, learn from the mistakes of others (vv1-11). Paul uses the Jews' ancestors under Moses as examples. Second, realize that no one is invincible--a believer is capable of anything (v12-13) and must escape temptations that arise. Third, we must avoid compromising situations and situations that give the appearance of sin (vv14-22). Finally, we must ask the right questions when faced with morally difficult issues. There are three of them. One, "Is this beneficial to me in the long-run"(v23)?  Two, "Will this build up or tear down others" (v24)? Third, "Will this bring honor and glory to God" (v31)?  If we follow these principles, we can make sure that we don't become the next news headline.

_________________________
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?

_________________________
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 8-- Ice Sculpting

Each year in Fairbanks, Alaska there is an ice sculpting festival. Massive chunks of ice are cut out of the area's frozen ponds and fork-lifted to the carving area where teams of sculptors from around the world assemble. Using chain saws, chisels, and even hair dryers, the artists transform the frozen water into life-sized works of art while an audience looks on. The assembled group watches the sculptors' every move, anticipating the outcome.

While you may never find yourself carving ice in front of an audience

, it is important to note that people are watching how you sculpt your life. They notice where you go and what you do. I Corinthians 8 is a reminder to all of us that we need to be other-focused. Paul tells us of the importance of not doing things that other believers consider wrong, even though there is nothing wrong in and of itself. Our focus should be on the growth and development of other believers, especially those who are young in the faith (v9). Sometimes that means we sacrifice some of our own freedoms so that we do not become a stumbling block to those who may be weak in the faith (v13). These brothers and sisters in Christ are watching you--they are looking up to you--and if you do things considered wrong, then it can really rock their faith, cause them to violate their own conscience, and even slip into a sinful lifestyle (v11). So let's always be aware of other believers. Let's help them as they sculpt their lives into something beautiful by watching how we sculpt our own lives.

_________________________
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 7-- Distractions

Sometimes something good can become too good, and actually become harmful. My wife and I started a business with a very small investment and a lot of prayer. Very quickly that business took off--sales were doubling or even tripling every year. My wife ran the day-to-day operations as her full-time job. I helped out with various aspects of the business in addition to my full-time ministry position. We hired more staff, relocated to our own building, added computers, and so on. The business kept growing, but it also started consuming more of our time and focus. We found ourselves living for the business rather than having the business to help us live. We knew if that continued it would put a greater strain on our family and put a drag on our ability to do ministry. So, we sought the Lord's direction and eventually sold the company. We did it because we felt we needed to protect our relationships with each other and with God.

In one of the most in-depth chapters on relationships in the whole Bible, 1 Corinthians 7 deals with such subjects as physical intimacy in marriage (vv2-5), what to do if your spouse is not a believer (vv12-16), the gift of being single (v6), allowing your daughter to marry (vv37-38), and even whether or not you should keep your current profession when you get saved (vv17-24). There is, however, a bottom line principle found in this chapter that should govern our lives and relationships. It is this--keep distractions to a minimum (vv29-32, 35). Yes, there are certain things that come with life and family that must be cared for, but we must be careful not to get so wrapped up in those things that we short-change God. Our focus should be on pleasing God first and the other things will fall into place. For those who are married, maintaining a healthy marriage is critical so that you don't get distracted by temptations (v5). For those who are single, protecting your love relationship with Christ is paramount so that you can continue to be effective for the Lord (vv34-35). We have to be careful that we don't fill our lives with so much "stuff" that we don't have time for what is most important.

__________________________

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 6-- Living at the Top of the Hill

We drove as far up the Romanian hillside as our mini-van could safely take us. Although the calendar said it was spring, the ground was still covered with snow. We got out of the van and walked the rest of the way up the hill to a small house overlooking a beautiful valley. The house was significant for two reasons. First, it was at the highest elevation of the area. With no other houses around it, the homes in the valley all looked up to it. Second, it was home to the only Christian family in the area. So the family there was watched by their neighbors--both because of their location and because of their commitment to Christ. While you and I may not find ourselves living on top of a hill or the only Christians living in our particular region, it is important to remember that, like this Romanian family, people are watching us. 1 Corinthians 6 points out two major areas of our lives that greatly impact our testimony. First is how we deal with other believers when it comes to legal matters (vv1-11). When we air-out our disagreements with each other before ungodly judges it not only subjects us to a possibly ungodly decision, but it tarnishes the testimony of Christ before non-believers (v6). Second is what we subject our bodies to, especially if it leads to an addiction (v12). There are many things that in and of themselves are amoral--like food. But if we come under its power and live for it, then it is wrong and destroys our testimony. There are other things that clearly are wrong in and of themselves, such as sexual immorality (vv13-18). When we do these things, we make Christ a part of the act because we are His temple (v19). We ruin our testimony and we embarrass Christ. Whether you realize it our not, you are living at the top of the hill and where all can see. Let's make sure that what others see brings glory to God (v20).

__________________________

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 5-- Pet Sin

Amanda Ruth Black's husband was devastated when he came home one evening to find his wife dead on the floor of their Virginia Beach, VA home. Amanda had been killed by the couple's pet snake, a 13-foot python. According to news reports, she apparently was trying to give it medicine when it turned on her. This terrible tragedy that cost a young woman her life is a reminder that even though they may be a pet, deadly animals can still turn deadly. It also illustrates a spiritual point that is made in 1 Corinthians 5. Too often we take a lackadaisical approach to sin, almost making it like a pet or at least tolerating it "in the house." In this chapter, Paul deals with sin "in the house"--sin among believers (vv1-5). Paul strongly reprimands the Corinthians about their flippant attitude toward sin. "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump," Paul asked (v6). He went on to say that they needed to "purge out the old leaven that you may be a new lump." You see, there is great danger when we associate with believers who are in a lifestyle of sin. It is easy for us to think "well, they are a Christian and do that, maybe it isn't so bad if I try it." This is especially true of immorality, which prompted Paul to say that we should not even eat a meal with a believer who is sinning like this (v11). Those outside of Christ are expected to act like that--and we know that. We are not told to remove ourselves from them, because to do so would mean we couldn't go anywhere in this world (v10). Sinners act like sinners, and that is no surprise. But when those who claim to be believers act like that, then it is another story and should not be taken lightly. Sin should always repulse us, but especially when it is among Christians. Be careful with whom you associate because before you know it, the pet sin in the room may be strangling you.

______________________________

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 4-- Celebrating Too Early

It was one of those unusual moments in NFL football. Rookie Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson caught the ball with nothing but air between him and the end zone. As he began to approach the goal line for the first time in his professional career, he started to celebrate what he thought was a touch down. He flicked the ball backwards and began to dance. The problem was, he hadn't actually crossed goal line. The ball was down at the one yard line and Jackson had no score--just a very embarrassing moment. Often in life we get to thinking we are something more than what we are. We look at our supposed accomplishments, we look forward to nothing but air between us and the end zone, and we get puffed-up with pride. 1 Corinthians 4 is a good reality check for all of our egos. We should let our praise come from God (v5) not ourselves. He will bring to light what is really in our lives--both good and bad. We must remember that whatever abilities, resources, or accomplishments we have are all gifts from God (v7). We cannot look at others who are in difficult circumstances and think that we are better than them. It could be that those who we think less of are actually being used of God in greater ways than we could possibly ever know (vv8-13). No, it is not about talk or about celebrating who we are, "for the kingdom of God is not in word but in power" (v20). Let's keep our eye on the goal, our head in reality, and remember for Whom we are really "playing." If we do that, we won't ever be guilty of celebrating something we haven't actually accomplished.

________________________________

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 3-- Proper Foundation

It was exciting to each day drive past the lot where we were having our new house built. We lived just a couple miles away, so it made it easy for us to watch the progress. First thing, of course, was the construction of the foundation. If this wasn't done properly, then the rest of the structure would be unstable. It didn't matter how nice the materials were that went into the house, if the foundation was faulty then everything else would have been in jeopardy. We've been in that house several years now and haven't had any problems--so they must have laid a good foundation! 1 Corinthians 3 discusses laying the proper spiritual foundations in our lives as well as us laying foundations in the lives of others. To do this right, we must be walking in a proper relationship with God. We must understand that our life is the temple of God and we must keep it holy (vv16-17).  We must be growing. We cannot remain as babies or be "carnal" in our thinking by being divisive and causing strife with other believers (vv1-4). One of the secrets to becoming a good spiritual foundation layer is to focus our glory on God and not on the achievements of men (vv5-8). Then we must be sure that the foundation is solidly Christ (v11). It is not traditions, or personal opinions, or anything else. If you want a solid foundation in your life, and you want to help lay solid foundations in other lives, then get to know Christ. Study carefully the gospels. Pay particular attention to the commands He gave. In the Great Commission, Jesus said that part of how we make disciples is by teaching them to obey whatever He commanded. Jesus' commands fall into nine categories (for more details, see my book Maxpoint, which has a chapter on this). By keeping our focus on Christ, we will be able to build beautiful lives that add great value to God's kingdom and reach their full potential.

________________________________

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 2-- Words, Just Words

Words are powerful. Words can move people to action. Words can manipulate. Words, if used in the right way, can even cover up a person's past actions.  We see this throughout history, and we see this every presidential election cycle. One U.S. presidential candidate, when asked if he really would delivery on all the promises he had made or if he really meant everything he said, replied that "well, a lot of that was, you know, campaign rhetoric." Sometimes people will say anything if they think it will bring them the results they want. As believers, however, we should take a different approach to how we use our words. In 1 Corinthians 2, the Apostle Paul said that "my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (v4). Words are important and it is important as believers that we use them properly. Do we desire to persuade others to accept the truth of Christ? Absolutely. But will we try to accomplish that with mere rhetoric or will we rely on God's power? Will we exclaim man's wisdom and logic or will we proclaim God's (v13)? As we seek wisdom for our own lives, will we seek the wisdom of man and be persuaded by pleasant sounding words? Or will we take on the "mind of Christ" and appropriately judge all things (v15)? Words are more than just words. They impact and influence lives. Use them wisely, and listen to them with wisdom.

________________________________

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 1-- Choose Your Own Adventure

When I was a child, there was a series of books I liked to read called Choose Your Own Adventure. Each book had different endings, depending on the choices the reader made. So you read through to a certain point in the book where you were then given a series of choices. Each choice had a corresponding page number where the story would resume. Imagine if we could do that with your life? Imagine if there was a way to do that with the decisions that you have made in your life. Imagine if you could read about what would have happened if you had made a different choice. What if you hadn't made the decision to commit your life to Christ (assuming you have)? Where would you be today without Christ? As 1 Corinthians 1 points out, we have been given the grace of God (v4) and are enriched by Him because we have responded to what many consider the foolishness of the Gospel (v18). We came to a juncture in life where we had to make a decision. The prevailing "wisdom" said to ignore the claims of Christ and live life for yourself (vv19-21) but because "the foolishness of God is wiser than men" (v25) you made the right decision and your life has been forever enriched. Now that you have made that decision, you still must choose your own adventure. You must choose to walk in God's wisdom (v30) or choose to become self focused and even divisive with your life (vv10-17, 31). The decisions that you make even now will write the future chapters of your life. Choose wisely!

________________________________

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.