Frank's Bible Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about that for a moment.

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

They watched while others made history.

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

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

The choice is ours!

_________________________

Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Exodus 1--When Two Worlds Collide

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why did these two worlds collide? Three reasons.

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________

Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about that for a moment.

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

They watched while others made history.

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

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

The choice is ours!

_________________________

Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Psalm 22--Turning Thanksgiving into Thanksliving

Each year here in the U.S. we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a time for families to gather, for enormous quantities of food to be consumed, and in recent years, time to watch football. I would hope that most families also use the time to pause to reflect on and share about the things for which they are thankful. Personally, I love Thanksgiving. But the real issue isn't how we celebrate one day but how we live the 364 other days. Do we turn thanks-giving into thanks-living? Psalm 22 is a good primer on how to do just that. The first 18 verses prophetically describe the Messiah and His suffering on the cross. Thanksliving begins when you grasp the incredible sacrifice that Christ made for you. It continues when you speak openly of what Jesus has done for you (vv22-24) and you declare His work to the next generation (vv30-31). Thanksliving is exemplified when you follow-through on your commitments to God (v25) and live out before others what you say you believe. Thanksliving always keeps an eye to the future, knowing that these momentary toils will one day give way to "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship" before Him (v27). One day we will be able to say "Thank you" face to face with our Lord. Until that day, let's live a thankful life and make every day thanksgiving.
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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.

Zechariah 14--The End of the United Nations

Each September the world's leaders gather at the United Nations in New York as the UN begins its general session. You never know exactly what to expect when some of these people arrive--like the leader who wanted to set up an elaborate tent for his stay. Usually you can count on a lot of rhetoric--some comical, some critical, and some that is actually scary--as each of these leaders vie for attention on the world stage. Although no one knows the future for the UN as an organization, Zechariah 14 does describe a time when nations will unite for the purpose of attacking Israel. We are told that the Lord will intervene strike those fighting Jerusalem in such a way that "Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet. Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets" (v12). Some see this as the effects of a nuclear war. Regardless of how it happens, the Lord will conquer and "Everyone who is left of all the nations...shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts" (v16). Today's leaders may view themselves as great and mighty. They may gather to exalt themselves and praise their allies. They may increase in wealth and power. They may think they are invincible, but the day is coming when the King of kings and Lord of lords will take His rightful place and every knee will bow and proclaim Him Lord. In that day righteousness and justice will reign. In that day "Holiness to the Lord shall be engraved on the bells of the horses...Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holiness to the Lord of hosts"(v21). What a day that will be!
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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 share this blog with your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Zechariah 13--How Clear are You?

We began our tour of the Israeli "diamond factory"--a place where raw diamonds are cleaned, cut and mounted for sale there and all over the world. It didn't take long for us to learn that clarity is one of the primary factors that determine diamond value. When you look at a diamond through a jeweler's magnifying glass, how many dark specks do you see? The fewer the specks, the clearer the diamond is and the more it is worth. The less impurities the gem has, the higher its value. Impurities, whether in gold, silver, diamonds, or even people's lives, cheapen the "value" of the item or life. Zechariah 13 describes a time when God will remove the deception of false prophets and prophecies from the land (vv. 2-6). It describes a time when "a fountain will be opened...for sin and for uncleanness" (v1). It also describes a time when God's "sheep" will be brought through the fire to be refined, tested, and ultimately call on God (vv7-9). While scholars may have different opinions on exactly what this chapter is describing, one thing is clear--we do not have to wait to the future to be cleansed and made pure. Through what Christ did on the cross we have access to the "fountain" that cleanses us from all sin. The question for us, once we have experienced that cleansing, is "Are we staying in the fountain?"Or are we allowing impurities into our lives that degrade our value to the Kingdom? God often allows us to go through refining processes now so that those impurities can be stripped away and we can become a brighter reflection of God's glory in this world. God wants to bring out His best in us. Let's cooperate with Him as He seeks to refine us, and let's remain "in the fountain" so that the impurities of this life will not be found in us. Let's improve our clarity.
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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 share this blog with your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Zechariah 12--Time Travel

Have you ever wished that you could time travel into the future? There have been many movies, TV shows, books, etc. with this as their theme, and many people have fascinated about it. If you could discover the future, would it have an effect on how you actually live today? I suspect that it would. I suspect that we would see things that would cause us to want to live differently so as to change the outcome. In Zechariah 12, God gives us a glimpse into the future. He shows us a time when the nations will gather against Israel (vv 2-3) but they will be destroyed (vv4-9). He also describes a time when "The inhabitants of Jerusalem...will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son..." (v10). There is great mourning when these who have been filled with the "Spirit of grace" (v10) see the Lord Jesus Christ and realize that they were responsible for Him being pierced. They were responsible for His death. Who are the "they?" Certainly those alive with Christ who shouted "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" But in reality, it is all of us because it was your sin and my sin as well as the shouting crowd's sin that pierced Christ. When one day we see Christ's hands, feet, and side and we realize how much He really did suffer for us, we too will grieve over our sin. But now that we have time traveled and gotten a glimpse into the future, thanks to this chapter, should this change how we live now? Should we be more aware of our sin and how it hurts Christ? Should we grieve and mourn over our sin now? If we did, would it then cause us to live more holy, more pleasing lives now that would bring greater honor to the One who was pierced for us?
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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 share this blog with your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Zechariah 5-- The Elephant in the Room

You have probably heard or used the term "the elephant in the room." It refers to the one big thing on everyone's mind in a particular group that no one is brave enough to bring up and discuss. This often happens in meetings where everyone knows there is a problem--usually caused by a particular person who happens to be sitting in the group. They talk about everything else but the "elephant." They deal with all the small issues but are afraid to tackle to big one, the one that ultimately is causing the other issues. This also happens with marriages that are having difficulties. Couples tend to focus on all the small issues rather than dealing with the big things or real root problems. In Zechariah 5 we are reminded that the real elephant in many of our rooms is sin. We dress it up and call it by different names, but it is still sin, and it is something that should not be ignored. In this chapter Zechariah tells of two visions that he had. The first was of a scroll that when unrolled measured 30 feet by 15 feet. "This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth" (v3) because sin was found throughout the earth. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God," we are told in the New Testament. Man is without excuse, and if he remains in that sinful state, he will experience God's judgment (v4). The second vision is of a woman representing wickedness who is stuffed into a basket which then has a heavy lid placed on it. The basket is transported to Babylon where it awaits a house to be built for its placement. Scholars offer various opinions on what this vision represents, but one thing is clear. God deals with wickedness. This brings us back to the elephant in the room. We can either ignore the elephant and wait for God to bring judgment, or we can deal with it and move on with a life that pursues the holiness of God. The choice is up to each of us.

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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.

Zechariah 2-- Running on Empty

Have you ever been driving in an unfamiliar area when you suddenly realized your car was getting dangerously low on gas? You hope that around the next bend or over the next hill there will be a gas station. Your thoughts are no longer about what you are going to do when you get to your destination. You are now consumed with trying to find gas before you get stranded on the side of the road. Should you get off at this freeway exit in hopes there will be a station? Or do you keep going? Sometimes in life the urgency of the moment causes us to forget about the future and we begin to panic because we can't see around the bend to know what is up ahead. The Jews who had returned to Israel from captivity found themselves in this situation. The urgency of the moment was rebuilding the temple. They could not see beyond that. Nor could they see their full potential. In Zechariah 2, however, God gives a panoramic glimpse into His long-term plans for them and their offspring. He tells them to have hope because what they are doing is not in vain. When they look to the future they can "sing and rejoice." (v10). The day is coming when God will be "aroused from His holy habitation" (v12) and deal directly with those who had opposed them. There is even a promise in here for those of us who are not Jews. He says, "Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people" (v11). God has something great in store for us one day! Don't lose hope, and don't get so consumed with "finding the next gas station" that you forget about your final destination.

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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.

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.

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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 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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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.

Jude-- It's Not Halloween, It's Reality

Each October here in the U.S. children dress up for Halloween. They put on costumes of superheroes, famous people, and others then go door to door asking for candy. It's always interesting trying to figure out who is really behind the mask. Unfortunately, "Halloween" takes place every week in some churches. There are people who come appearing to be one thing when they actually are not. Jude had much to say about them in his short epistle. These are people who have turned "the grace of God into lewdness" (v4) and actually deny the person and work of Christ. They influence others to sin and depart from sound doctrine and holy living as they "defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries" (v8). The focus of these and those whom they influence is on greed, personal profit, and self gratification (v11). They are "grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and...flattering people to gain advantage" V16). Don't be fooled--this is a real problem in our churches today but it is one that God will not stand for (vv5-7). God will judge those involved in such activity. So, how should you and I respond to all of this? Jude tells us to do five things: build, pray, keep, look, and act (vv20-22). We build ourselves up in the faith. We earnestly pray. We keep ourselves walking in God's love. We look towards Christ as we prioritize eternal things. Finally, we act by getting involved in the lives of those we see getting sucked into this false philosophy and ungodly lifestyle. Halloween may be something fun for children once a year, but don't you get caught up in the weekly deception of those who only wear the mask of true Christianity.
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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.

2 Timothy 3-- Beware of Rip Tides

If you have spent much time swimming or surfing in the ocean, then you probably know about rip tides or rip currents. These are strong flows of surface water that return seaward from near the shore. They can carry away even the best of swimmers and cause about 100 deaths in the United States each year. Swimmers often make the mistake of trying to swim against the current towards shore, leaving the swimmer even more exhausted and susceptible to drowning. The best way out is to swim parallel to shore, as rip tides typically are not very wide. We live in a time when the world around us is pulling us away from truth and righteousness, as described in 2 Timothy 3. It is easy to get caught up in this rip tide, which is characterized by people who are "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power" (vv3-5). The last phrase is particularly telling--this rip tide often has the form or appearance of godliness, but actually denies God. It is easy to get caught up with people or movements like this, especially if they "talk" like a Christian or use spiritual lingo. How do we swim away from this rip tide? We must "continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of knowing from whom you have learned them" (v14). Most of all, we must test everything by Scripture which "is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..." (V16). Then we will be able to navigate the dangerous waters of this 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.

2 Thessalonians 2-- Did We Miss Jesus' Second Coming?

One day, I received this booklet in the mail that said Christ was coming back to the earth on a specific day about six months in the future. The booklet went on to "prove" why that date was accurate and what readers needed to do about it. Well,  it has now been more than 15 years since that date and obviously Christ hadn't come back yet. This underscored for me the fact that no one but God knows exactly when this event will take place. Some people live in fear of the future. But God tells us that believers do not need to fear. In chapter 2, Paul deals with the Thessalonians fear that somehow they missed Christ (v2). Paul goes on to describe some future events--how the "man of sin" (v3) will burst onto the world scene and exalt himself above God (v4). This "lawless one" or as some call him "The Anti-Christ" will attract many followers (v11) and have great power (v9). But in the end, he will be defeated when the "Lord will consume (him) with the breath of His mouth" (v8). Again, we can know some about the future, but don't have to be afraid of it because "our God and Father, who has loved us and (has) given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace" (v16) will comfort our hearts. Let's be faithful to serve the Lord and ask Him to establish us "in every good word and work" (v17).
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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 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.

Luke 21-- Looks Can Be Deceiving

On a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, our family visited a gold mine and learned how the area used to be mined. We were also shown how to pan for gold and even given a bag of dirt to try for ourselves. When I first poured the dirt into the pan, all I saw was dirt and rocks--nothing resembling gold. At first glance, it looked worthless. But as I separated out the rocks and then panned out the dirt, I was pleasantly surprised by what was left. Sure enough, there was gold in that dirt (o.k.--some gold flakes worth about $4!). But the point is that I had to sift through the visible to get to the important things. This is what Jesus taught in Luke 21 where He commented on a widow woman's offering then gave a discourse on end-time events. In both cases, He said that we need to look beyond the obvious to read what is really happening. The widow woman's measly offering of pennies was of more value than the huge sums given by the wealthy because it was given sacrificially. There was more happening than met the eye. The same is true with global events. We should learn to not always pass judgment by what we first see in others or in what is happening around us, but rather try to discern if there is something deeper. As we do, we may just find a gold nugget!
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Luke 19-- The Executive Summary

An executive summary takes the main thoughts of a long document and summarizes them into a couple paragraphs. It allows you to get a quick overview of the document before digging into the details. In many ways, Luke 19 is like an executive summary on the life of Christ. In it we get a great synopsis of Jesus' life, purpose, plan and character. We see Jesus interacting with a tax collector named Zachaeus and discover that Christ's purpose for coming was to "seek and save what was lost" (v10). When the people thought the coming of God's kingdom was going to be both immediate and political, Jesus put God's plan into perspective. He told a story about a noble man going away to a far country to be crowned king before returning to his land. The Father's plan was for Christ to go away for a time but to one day return as King of kings and Lord of lords to judge the earth (vv11-21). Christ then made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The shouts of hosanna remind us that Christ is worthy of praise (vv28-40). We then see His compassion as He weeps over Jerusalem (vv41-44) before demonstrating His holiness by chasing the crooked vendors from the temple (vv45-48). To recap our executive summary on Christ, we see that His purpose is to seek and save people. His plan is to establish an eternal kingdom. His nature is one of compassion and holiness, and He is worthy of our worship. Now that we have this synopsis of Christ, we must ask ourselves "how should I respond to this? Is there something in His purpose, plan or nature that should impact my life? Am I giving Him the worship He deserves?"
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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.