Frank's Bible Blog

Acts 21-- Listening to Godly Advice

One of the ways that God speaks to us is through other believers.  And when He does this, He often does it with several people saying the same thing so that we can't miss it.  Of course, He never leads anyone to give advice that is contrary to His word.  Assuming that the advice we are getting is consistent with God's word, and we know the people giving us the advice to be godly people, then we would do well to heed what they say.  That is the situation in Acts 21 with the Apostle Paul.  Several godly disciples told him not to go to Jerusalem.  "You will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles," they exclaimed.  Paul would not listen to them and instead replied "I am ready to not only be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."  We certainly admire Paul's courage and tenacity, but this may be one case where his zeal got the best of him.  Paul did go on to Jerusalem, and even though he was careful in his dealings there, there was an uproar and he was arrested.  In typical Paul fashion, however, he used even this occasion to share Christ.  The bottom line is this: when we hear multiple godly people tell us the same thing, we need to pause, listen to them, and then earnestly seek God for confirmation.

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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 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 12-- Surprise, Surprise!

Be honest. Have you ever prayed for something but in your heart really didn't believe that God would or could answer that prayer? Yet sometimes, despite our lack of faith God, still answers and it surprises everyone. Acts 12 records a story like this, a group of people praying yet uncertain that God will answer. There was, however, an exception and that was a young lady named Rhoda. Rhoda got it.  She was part of a prayer vigil that was taking place on Peter's behalf while he was imprisoned.  James, one of the apostles, had already been killed.  Now it looked like Peter would be next.  So a group gathered to pray for a miracle but they didn't believe it when God actually answered their prayers.  That is, except for Rhoda.  She was the one who went to the house's gate where Peter was knocking following his miraculous release from prison (so miraculous that at first even he thought it was a dream).  When Rhoda heard Peter's voice this girl knew that God had intervened.  In fact, she was so excited that she forgot to open the gate and let Peter in!  She ran back in to tell the others.  The rest of the crowd didn't believe it when she said Peter was at the gate, even though this is what they had been praying for--apparently for many hours!  God not only released Peter, but He caused Peter's persecutor, Herod, to die when Herod sought worship for himself. 

When we pray, are we like the crowd gathered for Peter, praying but not really believing that God will answer?  Or are we like Rhoda: praying, expecting, and embracing God's response?

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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 9-- Best Supporting Characters

The Academy Awards has two categories called "Best Supporting Actor" and "Best Supporting Actress."  These are film actors who help make movies successful--although they aren't the main stars.  The movie doesn't revolve around them, but it probably would be lost without them.  Similarly, Acts 9 describes four such characters.  People who are not the focus of Scripture but who had a major impact on those around them.  In the case of two of them, they launched the ministry of biblical "superstar" Paul.  Ananias and Barnabas both stood up for Paul (Saul) before others in the church.  His reputation as a Christian persecutor caused the believers in Damascus and Jerusalem to not trust his claims of conversion.  Ananias in Damascus and Barnabas in Jerusalem put their reputations on the line to be obedient to God and help Paul get started. 

Two others also make the "Best Supporting Character" list.  They are Aeneas and Tabitha.  Aeneas was a paralyzed, bedridden man who was healed.  His healing and subsequent witness resulted in many people in his community turning to Christ.  Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, touched the lives of everyone around her by her generosity and care.  Her impact was so great that when she died, God used Peter to actually bring her back to life.  She continued her ministry and God was glorified through this amazing act.  Four people we hear little about in Scripture but who made a big impact on those around them.  God may not place you in the "lead actor" role with the spotlight and all the attention, but you certainly can have a role equally as important.  History may not write about you, but it may write about those whom you impact.

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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 6-- Teamwork

Growing up in Southern California, I remember following University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) basketball as a child. When I started paying attention to the Bruins shortly after Coach John Wooden retired in 1975, Wooden was already considered a legend. He is one of the most successful coaches of all time, and led the UCLA Men's Basketball team to an incredible 10 NCAA National Championships, including seven championships in seven straight years. Wooden knew what it took to win. He is quoted as saying "Individuals win trophies but teams win championships." The same is true when it comes to God's work. Notice what it says in Acts 6:7, "Then the word of God spread and the number of disciples multiplied greatly." What caused this breakthrough in the early church that led to increased growth?  It was teamwork.  The first recorded conflict--some of the widows' needs being neglected--could have been a major internal distraction to the young church and its leaders.  The needs were real and needed to be met, yet there were other higher-level needs that also were pressing.  The answer to this predicament was to expand the team by adding what some consider to be the first deacons.  These skillful and godly servants organized to help others and the result was a breakthrough, not just in the church but in the community.  We can experience breakthrough today as each of us finds a place of service in our local churches.  Have you found your place on the team?  If you are a leader, how much effort are you giving to finding, developing and empowering teams?  Maybe the breakthrough you have been praying for is sitting right in front of you. Maybe its time to stop trying to win trophies and start trying to win championships.

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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 5-- Glad to be Beaten?

There isn't anyone that I hold in higher esteem then those who have suffered physical persecution--torture--for their stance for Christ. I have met a few of these dear saints who lived under oppressive communist regimes. The stories they tell are horrific. Could you imagine if this happened to you, and you were actually glad about it? I mean, who gets glad about being physically beaten?  Well, Peter and the apostles did in Acts 5--because it meant they were "worthy to suffer shame for His name" (v41).  They were glad because they were worthy--worthy to be counted with Christ.  We see in this chapter the seriousness of the apostles and early Christians.  They weren't playing church.  No games here.  They were committed to live for Christ and proclaim His message.  We see their commitment to purity when they held Ananias and Sapphira accountable for their lying and selfish motives (vv1-11).  We see their commitment to persevere in their message even when faced with impending persecution (vv17-32).  We see their commitment to identify with Christ by viewing a negative situation--being beaten--as a positive one.  Do we do what is right only when it is easy?  Or are we committed to live for Christ no matter what?

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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 4-- Can't Shut Up

I chuckled as I read the T-shirt a young child was wearing. "Help! I've started talking and I can't shut up!" We probably have all experienced those times, either with our own children or with others, when they start talking about something and won't stop. Whatever is on their brain at the time comes out their mouths...and keeps on coming! In Acts 4 we see a grown-up version of this. But instead of talking nonstop about something of little importance, we find the Apostles boldly talking about Christ. "We can't stop speaking of the things that we have seen and heard," said Peter and John (v20).  In the face of persecution for sharing their faith, Peter and John refused to be silent.  They couldn't be silent.  They had experienced so much with Christ, and His resurrection had radically changed their lives that they could not help but tell others.  God was alive and real and working in their lives.  They naturally had to talk about what was so important to them.  When was the last time we experienced God's working in such a way that we couldn't help but talk about Him?  Shouldn't every day be like that?  Shouldn't who we are as believers just naturally come out in our daily conversations? Maybe we need to pray the prayer of the early church, "Lord...grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word" (v29).

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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 3-- Beyond Expectations

Don't you love it when you get more than you expected? You know--you order that single scoop ice cream cone and they make the one scoop the size of three! Or you take that gift card to your favorite store, thinking you have $10 when its really $25. Ice cream cones and gift cards are nice, but when God is involved He far exceeds even our wildest imaginations. In Acts 3, when Peter and John stopped to look at a beggar man who was lame from birth, the man must have thought he had hit the jackpot.  He thought he was going to get a nice monetary gift from the two. Instead, he got something that money couldn't buy--the gift of healing.  God did something special that day, far beyond what the beggar could have imagined.  God not only healed him, but used his situation to attract the attention of many people so that they could hear the gospel.  That is just how God works--going beyond what we expect and doing more than we thought possible.

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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 2-- The Comeback Kid

Politics, sports, entertainment, business--they all have their stories of people who were considered washed up who later came back to accomplish great things. Peter was the New Testament's original comeback kid. What an amazing sight it must have been on that Pentecost day when Peter, who a short time before had vehemently denied knowing Christ, proclaimed the risen Lord with power and passion. Along with the other apostles, Peter preached his heart out (vv11-39) and a multitude responded with praise to the Lord. Peter had changed and so did this crowd. Notice the genuineness of those who embraced the message (vv41-47). They demonstrated their faith and repentance by being baptized (v41), caring for the needs of others (vv44-45), meeting together to learn, sharing meals, and living with a simple and pure purpose (v46)—to bring praise to the resurrected Lord. It was clear to everyone around that they were followers of Christ. They clearly showed that by how they lived, how they treated other believers, and by the transformation that took place in their lives. What about us today? Is it clear to those around us that we are Christ followers? Maybe like Peter you have made some mistakes and done some things that have not honored Christ. The good news is that with the power of the Holy Spirit you too can come back. Seek God's forgiveness and allow Him to restore you to a life of fruitfulness for His glory. Who knows--maybe God will use you to win multitudes for Christ just like He used Peter.

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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.

Acts 28-- Consistency is the Key to Success

What makes great athletes great is their ability to consistently do what they do well.  It is the baseball player who consistently hits .300.  It is the basketball player who always makes the free throw when the game is on the line.  It is the kicker who always nails the field goal--even with four seconds on the clock to win the football game.  This is what they do, and they do it the same week in and week out, whether the game comes down to them or not.  This is what we see with Paul, and it really stands out in Acts 28.  He's shipwrecked on the Island of Malta and uses his three months there to witness and minister.  He makes various stops along the way to Rome, each time sharing Christ and encouraging leaders.  He finally gets to Rome and spends two years basically in house confinement.  Even then, he does the same thing.  Paul finds ways to share Christ, strengthen believers and train leaders.  Paul never compartmentalized his life.  His faith permeated every thing that he did 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Acts 27-- The Perfect Storm

From the King Agrippa courtroom drama of Acts 26 to sailing the perfect storm of Acts 27, life was anything but boring for the Apostle Paul!  What is remarkable in this chapter is how Paul went from being a common prisoner, who everyone ignored, to the leader that everyone followed.  As they sailed, the 276 people on board this ship faced what probably was their life's greatest crisis.  Minutes turned to hours and hours turned to days as hope for survival quickly diminished.  That is when Paul's leadership star shone brightest.  People today, just like then, are looking for solid leaders, especially during times of crisis.  Like the people on that ship, they are fearful, confused, frustrated, faint-hearted, desperate and ready to give up.  They need a leader like Paul--someone in the same boat with them but who responds to crisis completely different.  Someone who seeks a word from the Lord.  Someone who can see the big picture and look beyond the current crisis.  Someone who can formulate and execute a plan.  Someone who can bring hope and encouragement.  Someone who can safely lead them to land.  Are you that kind of someone?

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 25-- Shifting from the Masses to the Elites

A wise man once told me "Frank, there are people making decisions today that will affect you five years from now."  How true that is.  God is at work around us, both for today and preparing for tomorrow.  Decisions are being made by people we may not even know now that is setting the stage for our future.  That is much of what is going on in Acts 25 as we look behind the scenes as Paul awaits trial.  But something else is happening--and it is big.  Paul is undergoing a major shift in his ministry.  It is moving from the masses--and what he can do directly--to the elite and powerful, and what he can do through others.  His confinement actually helped him better multiply himself as he focused on writing and working through his team.  His team began to shine and take on more responsibilities.  His direct ministry moved to another level as God began using him to impact the political elites of his day.  These "up and outers" needed the gospel just as much as the "down and outers" found in the general population.  Remember, God is always at work around you.  Sometimes it is for today, and sometimes it is to prepare things for your tomorrow.

Acts 24-- A Contrast in Convictions

Fairly regularly, the news reports a story of a person wrongly convicted of a crime who only years later is exonerated based on new evidence.  Imagine sitting in prison for years for something you know you didn't do.  Paul probably felt like that as he waited for more than two years just to go to trial.  Acts 24 reveals Paul's testimony before the Roman governor Felix and a lesson in contrasts.  Paul was confident in what he believed, he stood up for himself, and he demonstrated that he had not done anything illegal.  This whole thing was over opposition to Christianity.  Felix, on the other hand, is typical of many who are outside of Christ.  He is curious but won't commit.  He's concerned with convenience rather than clarifying the truth.  Finally, he is looking for temporal gain rather than eternal purpose (vv25-27).

Acts 23-- Handling Personal Crisis

Many people throw up their hands and have a "poor me" party when things don't go well for them.  They take a fatalistic approach that says there isn't anything that can be done about the situation.  They turn their focus inward, blame others, and retreat into a "dark hole" hoping things will get better.  They don't ask God for wisdom or take steps to improve the situation.  This is not the approach that Paul took in Acts 23 following his arrest and appearance before the Jewish and Roman leaders in Jerusalem.  Notice what Paul did and notice what God said.  First, Paul used his wit and wisdom to divide the council in order to move the focus off from himself (v6).  By trying to make his situation about belief in resurrection (which for Paul it was--the resurrection of Christ), Paul effectively divided the council between those who believed in a resurrection and those who didn't.  Later, when Paul heard of the plot to kill him, he did something about it.  In the midst of a personal crisis, Paul kept his head and did what he could to improve things.  Notice also the Lord's reaction to this.  "Be of good cheer, Paul, for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome" (v11).  God was using this current "crisis" as a stepping stone to greater ministry, one that would allow Paul to influence some of the most powerful people in the world.  Follow Paul's example the next time you find yourself in a crisis.  Seek the Lord, maintain a strong testimony, take what steps you can, and trust God to bring something good out of it.

Acts 22-- Sharing Your Testimony

Do you know how to succinctly share your testimony of conversion to Christ?  Have you ever shared it?  Acts 22 is a great example of how to do so as Paul shares his story with the Jerusalem mob.  Notice that there were three parts to his story, and these make a great outline for sharing our stories today.  First, he shared what his life was like before he came to Christ.  He was very religious, well educated, and zealous in what he believed--but he was wrong.  Second, Paul shared how he came to Christ and what caused his radical life change.  Finally, he shared what his life has been like since his conversion--sharing the gospel with Jews and Gentiles alike.  Let me encourage you to write out your testimony in one page.  What was your life like before you responded to the gospel (don't spend a lot of time on this).  Then share how you came to Christ.  Make sure you include the gospel--which is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  Finally, tell how your life is different now that you have been walking with the Lord.  Maybe in the process of doing this you will discover that you don't have a salvation story.  Well, today you can have one when you, like Paul, turn away from your sin and acknowledge that what Jesus did for you is the only way of forgiveness and salvation.  Invite Him to be your Savior today.

Acts 20-- Leadership Means Teamwork

What really impresses me about the Apostle Paul--and what so many people fail to see--is that he did all of his ministry as a team.  He was not a Lone Ranger or Rambo trying to go it alone.  He constantly built teams and effectively led them.  This is one of the best chapters that illustrates this truth.  Look at how he interacts with his various teams at different places.  Notice his zeal, commitment and passion to build teams and develop leaders.  The secret to doing this is found in verse 28 as Paul gives his final instructions to the leaders from Ephesus.  He tells them basically two things: look after yourselves, and be a good shepherd of others.  Leadership and teamwork starts from within.  You have to be disciplined, growing, and focused yourself before you can effectively lead others.  Then, you approach others as a shepherd, gently but decisively walking with them in the direction they should go.

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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 18-- Married Couples Ministering Together

It is exciting to see couples serving Christ together. Few things grow, strengthen and extend the impact of a marriage as a husband and wife working for the Lord.  In Acts 18 we are introduced to a wonderful couple who exemplified joint ministry deployment.  Aquila and Priscilla apparently were already believers when they left their home in Italy to settle in Corinth.  They were Christians, but they were not engaged in ministry.  That all changed when they met Paul and gave him a place to stay for the year and a half he was in Corinth.  Aquila and Priscilla moved from the sidelines of watching others serve to the front line--and made a profound difference with their lives and marriage.  They mentored a dynamic young evangelist named Apollos, after having moved with Paul to Ephesus where they started a church in their home (1 Corinthians 16:9).  Later, we find them in Rome.  Again, they are hosting a house church (Romans 16:3-5).  Eventually, they return to Ephesus and continue their ministry there (2 Timothy 4:19).  If you are married, how are you deployed into ministry as a couple? Leave a legacy to your marriage and serve the Lord.

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.   

Acts 14 -- Highs and Lows

Talk about a mountain top to valley experience.  One day, the whole city of Lystra gathers together to worship Paul and Barnabas.  They give the duo names of Greek gods and prepare to make sacrifices to them.  Everyone is singing their praises.  Next thing you know, there is Paul lying in the street given up for dead following a mob stoning.  Life is like that.  We have seasons where we are on top of the mountain--exciting things are happening in our lives and everyone wants to be our friend.  Then there are those low times when it seems like the bottom has fallen out when even our dog doesn't want anything to do with us!  It is important to stay consistent for Christ in good times and in bad.  Notice three things that Paul and Barnabas did in this chapter. 1) They kept the focus on God (vv14-17).  When the crowd rushed to worship them, they quickly tried to move the focus off from themselves and onto God.  2) They didn't waiver from their mission.  After the stoning, they got up and kept doing what God had called them to do (vv21-25).  3)They remained willing vessels, allowing God to use them (v27).  In good times and in bad, we need to keep our eyes on the Lord, continue to fulfill our life's calling, and remain as available instruments for God's glory.

Acts 13-- Some Get It, Some Don't

I've always struggled seeing the picture in the "magic pictures"--pictures that seem to be nothing more than a series of lines or patterns, but if you stare at it long enough a picture appears as you move it away from your face.  Some people can look at those and immediately get it.  Others, like me, look at the same image and still don't get the picture.  Well, that is the scene in Acts 13 and really the scene that is being played out around the world today.  Paul and Barnabas, on their first missionary journey, laid out the picture of salvation through Christ.  Many saw it and responded positively.  Others saw the same thing but viewed it as a threat to their way of doing things. 

It is interesting that in his sermon at Antioch in Pisidia, Paul referenced how the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem did not know Christ or listen to the voice of the prophets "which are read every Sabbath."  Week after week after week these people heard and studied the message that God gave through the Old Testament  yet they missed the picture.  Today, our churches are filled with people who week after week hear the message yet miss the picture.  They are so self-absorbed that they fail to allow God's Word to permeate and change their lives.  They don't get it, and they miss out on a life of impact for God's glory.  David, on the other hand, is an example of someone who got it.  In Paul's sermon, he said that when "David had served God's purposes in his own generation, he fell asleep" (a euphemism for died). David saw the picture.  He allowed God and His word to change his life, and by doing so, impacted his generation.  Let's make a difference in our generation by being doers of the word and not hearers only.

Acts 15-- Conflict Can Be Good

Very few people enjoy conflict.  In fact, most people avoid conflict and confrontations at any cost.  Often the avoidance of confrontations and the suppression of conflict end up causing more problems in the long run.  Acts 15 records two major conflicts dealt with by early Christian leaders.  The first was whether or not Gentiles (non-Jews) had to undergo the Jewish ritual of circumcision to be saved.  There were strong opinions and arguments given for both sides of the issue.  The second conflict was an interpersonal one between Paul and Barnabas concerning John Mark, someone who had traveled with them for part of their first missionary journey but quit on them.  Barnabas, the constant encourager and one who saw the best in others, wanted to take John Mark with them on their next trip.  Paul, who focused on John Mark's past, did not want to be let down by him again and refused to take him with them.  Although both of these conflicts resulted in very sharp disagreements among godly people, there were very positive outcomes.  In the first conflict concerning Gentiles, the leadership was able to resolve once and for all the "official" position on the matter--no, Gentiles do not have to perform Jewish rituals to be saved.  By dealing with the issue, it forced them to take a closer look at Scripture (vv.15-17) and keep the "main thing the main thing" (v11).  In the second conflict, Paul and Barnabas ended up parting ways with each leading his own missions team.  Their conflict actually resulted in the multiplication of ministry.  Instead of having two strong, mature leaders working side by side, now you had two teams with a mature leader mentoring an upcoming leader, working in twice as many places.  Conflict, if handled properly, can result in positive outcomes.
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Note: Reggie McNeal in A Work of Heart has a section dealing with how conflict shapes spiritual leaders.  He shows how conflict can be very positive in making us better leaders.  I highly recommend his book.

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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.