Frank's Bible Blog

Mark 16-- Believe It or Not

Ripley's Believe It or Not has become an industry to itself. The museums, TV shows and books feature unusual, even bazaar people and things that you have to see to believe. Hearing about them isn't enough. Well, it seems this was the same situation following the resurrection of Christ. Those who initially heard about it couldn't believe it--not until they saw it for themselves. Mark 16 records several of these occasions. It should not have been a surprise, however, because Jesus foretold His resurrection to His disciples(Mark 8:31;9:31;10:34). It was so unbelievable but yet it happened. How many times have we read God's promises in the Bible yet still don't really trust God? We accept God's word intellectually but it hasn't gripped our heart. Don't be someone who has to see it first to believe it. Take God at His word.
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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.

Mark 15-- The Medal for Courage

"The Medal of Honor is awarded for an act of such courage that no one could rightly be expected to undertake it." Those were the words of President George W. Bush as he posthumously awarded Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor the United States highest award for bravery. Instead of fleeing the area, Monsoor threw himself onto a grenade in Iraq and saved the lives of 11 people. Courage is something that should be celebrated! In Mark 15 we see several lessons in courage, some who had it and some who did not. Of course the ultimate example of courage is what Christ did by suffering and dying on the cross. In addition to Christ, we see three other lessons in this chapter. The first is a negative one--the Roman governor Pilate. He did not have the courage to stand up against the crowd for what he knew was right. He gave in and "washed his hands" of the situation. The next two were positive. At the moment of Christ's death, the Roman centurion standing by exclaimed "surely this man was the Son of God!" (verse 39). It took courage to stand out from the other soldiers like that and publicly confess Christ's deity before the crowd. Another example of courage was Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Jewish ruling council. Much of the council, of course, was opposed to Christ. Yet Joseph came "boldly" to Pilate to request possession of Christ's body to prepare it for burial (verse 43). Not only did he prepare the body, but he donated a tomb that he owned. Both the centurion and Joseph showed courage in standing out from their peers to acknowledge Christ. Great lessons in courage from Mark 15. How courageous are you when it comes to living out your faith? Are you more like Pilate--afraid of what the crowd will think--or are you like the centurion and Joseph?

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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.

Mark 14-- Surviving the Storm

It was 4 a.m. when the tornado siren went off near our north Texas home. I quickly woke the rest of the family and we made out way downstairs to the safest room in the house--a tiny half-bathroom. The four of us huddled in the confined space as we listened to the wind get louder. Within moments the electricity went out. We prayed and tried to mentally prepare for what might come. There was nothing more we could do but wait it out. Those moments of knowing what could happen were intense. Within 15 minutes, however, the siren stopped and the lights returned. The storm had passed north of us and everything was fine. We breathed a collective sigh of relief. I can only imagine what it was like for Christ as He faced an impending storm, one that He knew would lead to His agonizing death. Mark 14 describes the events leading to Christ's arrest and "trial" before the Jewish council. From the woman anointing Him with expensive oil, to the last supper, and finally the agonizing prayer session in Gethsemane's garden, Jesus knew vividly what was closing in on Him. Yet in the midst of these "sirens" He pressed forward, motivated by love and the intense desire to fulfill the Father's will. He knew that the ultimate benefits of what He was about to endure would far outweigh the temporary costs. When we are faced with crisis, it is important for us to try and see the big picture. To keep our eyes focused on Christ and to push forward with an intense desire to fulfill the Father's will, no matter what. If we will do that, we will be able to not only survive but thrive in life's storms.
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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.

Mark 13-- Watching the Fishing Line

Growing up, I loved to go fishing with my grandfather. We would sit for hours beside a lake waiting with  anticipation that any moment we would land "the big one." I usually fished with a "bobber," the bright-colored float that attaches to your line that goes under the water when a fish hits it. I would stare at that red and white bobber waiting for the second it went under the water. Jesus said that when it comes to life and to future events that we need to watching in keen anticipation. We need to watch what is happening around us and we need to be vigilant in our preparation to one day meet Christ face to face. In Mark 13 Jesus paints a broad general picture of future events, beginning with the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple (which occurred in 70 A.D.). While it is easy for us to get caught up in wanting to know the details of the future, there are three major things that we should keep before us. First, God's people will be brought before authorities where they will have to answer for their beliefs (v9). This is all part of God's plan to spread the gospel to all the nations and to those in power (vv10-11). Second, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us the words to say when we are before those in authority (v11). Finally, we do need to be vigilant as no one knows the exact hour that everything Christ outlined will come true (vv35-37). That means living a life that we can be proud of if we were to stand before the Lord even today. How are you doing at watching the "bobber" of your 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.

Mark 12-- Hitting a Fastball

When a baseball batter faces a pitcher throwing a 96 miles per hour fast ball, he has to maintain extreme focus if he is going to have any chance at hitting the ball. He has to be able to react in seconds, based on what the ball is doing and not on what is being shouted in the stands behind him. Having this kind of focus is a good lesson for life, and it is something we see in the life of Christ. We learn from Christ the importance of cutting through the fog to see the main thing and focus on real issues. Mark 12 is a masterful example of this as Jesus responded to questions, posed questions of His own, and highlighted key actions of others both through story and real-life examples. Jesus used a parable about a vineyard owner who rents out the land only to have the renters kill his servants and eventually his son. Jesus used this to show that the real issue of the day then (and now) was the rejection of Christ. When asked about paying taxes, marriage after the resurrection or which is the greatest commandment, Jesus cut to the heart of the issues. He was able to see through those who posed the questions and focus on root causes. Then Jesus posed His own question regarding a quote from David which attests to Christ's deity. Finally, Jesus pointed out the poor widow's gift as an example of real sacrifice. Likewise, as we deal with people, problems or just daily living, it is important to look for foundational issues. Why is this person acting this way? What is the cause of the problem, not just its symptoms? What are the two or three fundamental things I must keep before me as I live my life? By focusing our life in this way, we are able to better utilize our energies to walk in wisdom rather than chasing after things that really don't matter.
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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.

Mark 11-- Out of Sight

One of the most sickening feelings parents get is when they lose sight of their young child in a crowded place like a department store. You do everything you can to keep them near you because you know how quickly they can dart away. If you are not holding their hand, then you try to have them right  where you can see them. When it comes to Christian living, there are some things with which we must never lose sight. The first is Jesus. We see in Mark 11 Jesus making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Later, Jesus withers a fig tree, and when His disciples asked about it, used the occasion to teach them about faith. Then we see His confrontation with the religious rulers over the issue of His authority. We should never lose site of Christ as someone who should be exalted in our lives every day. We should never lose site of His authority as it is able to move mountains, answer prayer and forgive sins.  We also see in the chapter the importance of keeping forgiveness in sight. We must never forget what God has done for us, and in turn, we should extend forgiveness to others. Finally, we see Jesus expelling from the temple those who had turned it into nothing more than a giant bazaar. We are reminded to not lose site that there are some things that should be kept holy and not compromised. Today, our bodies are the temple of God, and as such, we should seek to keep it holy and drive out those things that would cheapen or compromise our lives. These are important things for us to keep in view--the person and power of Christ, our need to forgive, and the necessity for holy living.
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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.

Mark 10-- The Game Plan

Every good coach has a plan before the game starts. This game plan is based on the strengths and weaknesses of the coach's team and how they match up to the opposing team. The coach details that plan with the team so they can properly execute it. Well, God is the ultimate coach and He definitely has a plan. He has a perfect plan for marriage, for salvation, for believers and for individuals. We see these four plans laid out in Mark 10.

God's perfect plan for marriage is one man for one woman for life (vv1-12). For salvation, God makes it clear there is only one way. We must come to God with a child-like faith (vv13-16) that is willing to place our faith in Christ's sacrifice for our sin (vv32-34)and nothing else (vv17-27). It is so simple yet seems so impossible to many (vv26-27), including a rich young man whom Jesus met (vv17-22). For those who make that commitment and follow Christ, He promises blessings both now and for eternity (vv29-31). As His followers, God's plan is for us to serve one another (vv35-45). Finally, God has an unique plan for us as individuals. He cares about us personally, as we see demonstrated by Jesus' healing of a blind man named Bartimaeus (vv46-52). Yes, there were the crowds around Jesus, but there was also the individual who needed a touch, who needed a new start in life, and that is what he got through Christ. God has a general plan that He wants everyone to follow when it comes to marriage, salvation and service. He also sees us as individuals that He uniquely created, gifted, and called to make a difference in this world. As such, He has a unique plan for each one of us. My experience has been that it is a lot easier to understand that specific will for our lives when we are already following His general plan for everyone. So, now that you know the plan, it's time to get into the game.
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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.

Mark 9-- "Help My Unbelief"

It was a simple yet profound exclamation. "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" This is what a father of a demon possessed and severely troubled child expressed to Jesus in Mark 9 when Christ told him "If you believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (v23). This father revealed a great truth, and one that if we would grasp we would see "all things as possible." There is a difference between positional faith and abundance of faith. Positional faith is something you either have or you don't. Those without it will spend an eternity in hell (vv43-48) and Christ admonishes to not let anything keep you from having it. We position our faith in Christ and Him alone for salvation, believing He can do what He says He will do. Yet faith is also something we grow in after we have that placement in Christ. Throughout the events of this chapter, we see some things that can help "our unbelief." Prayer and fasting are primary (vv18, 28-29). Another critical help is by understanding God's Word (vv30-32). If you read something you don't understand, ask God for guidance and pursue the answer. Also, when we become servants to others this increases our faith because it takes the focus off from ourselves and onto the Ultimate One whom we serve (vv33-37). Finally, by cooperating with other believers (vv38-41) for the advancement of God's kingdom, living in peace with each other (v50), and staying spiritually "sharp" and useful to the Lord (v50) we will see a further blossoming of our faith. Do you have positional faith? If so, is your faith growing each day? Start by asking God to help your unbelief.
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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.

Mark 8-- Sometimes You Just Don't Get It

Have you ever been in a group of people when someone told a joke and everyone but you immediately started laughing? When they all got the joke but you didn't? Then you either thought about it more or someone explained it to you and at that point you could appreciate it. I think that is the way we are with Christ, only not about jokes but about life. The disciples were the same way. In Mark 8 we have a situation similar to when Jesus fed the 5,000. Except this time there are fewer people and more resources (more bread and fish). You would think that when the issue was raised of the people needing to eat the disciples would have said "Lord, can you do the thing that you do with multiplying the bread." But they didn't. Then a short time later, we find just the disciples together with one loaf between them and they are concerned about having enough food. Jesus uses bread to illustrate the deceitfulness of the Pharisees but the disciples miss the point, because they are focused on their food shortage. Jesus takes them to task and asks "How is it you do not understand?" (v21). Later, Peter chastises Christ about His plans to die, to which Christ replied "Get behind me, Satan!" (v33). Now before we are too hard on the disciples for not getting it, how many times have we seen God move in our lives and still not get it? How many times have we see God answer prayer and then when we are faced with a new challenge all we do is worry? How often could Jesus say to us, "How is it you do not understand?"
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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.

Mark 7-- Spotting Counterfeits

The cashier was handed a crisp, new $100 bill. She took out a special pen and marked across the front of it. The pen's special ink revealed whether or not the bill was counterfeit. Even though it looked real, the cashier  couldn't be for sure until the bill underwent further scrutiny. The same thing should be true when it comes to the doctrines that we are taught--we should put them to further scrutiny. The bulk of Mark 7 deals with Jesus' altercation with the Pharisees over defilement. The Pharisees had strict rules about how to wash your hands and prepare the utensils before eating. Failure to follow their procedures, they argued, would defile a person. Jesus said that was ridiculous and that defilement comes from within--from the heart. He quotes for them a passage from Isaiah, the last line being "teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (v7). The Pharisees had elevated traditions and teachings of man to the same level of authority as God's Word. Jesus said this was wrong. Later in the chapter, Jesus heals the daughter of a Greek woman after she begs Jesus to bring healing to non-Jews as well. The chapter closes with Christ healing a deaf man to the astonishment of a large crowd. The people said of Christ "He has done all things well" (v37). Truly Christ has done all things well, and that includes His revelation to us found in Scripture. We don't need to add to it. We certainly shouldn't be guilty of placing traditions on the same level as Scripture. Unfortunately, there are many "churches" today that do this. I would encourage you to know the Bible, study it for yourself, and make sure that what is being presented to you as doctrine can actually be supported with Scripture.
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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.

Mark 6-- Missing Miracles

It was called the Miracle on Ice. The 1980 U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team beat the seemingly unbeatable Soviet Union team. It was one of the greatest moments in sports history, which Disney later turned into a movie appropriately titled Miracle. The world, including myself, watched the American team do what seemed impossible. In Mark 6, we find many people witnessing what truly was impossible. Jesus heals the multitude, empowers His twelve for dynamic ministry, then feeds 5,000 men plus women and children with just five loaves of bread and two small fish. Oh, and if that weren't enough, Jesus walked on water. What I find fascinating in this chapter is how different people responded to Christ's miracles. In His home town, the people were absolutely amazed by Jesus' teachings and His miracles--but they dismissed Him. "He's nothing but a carpenter" was their reply (v3). King Herod was another one amazed at Jesus' miracles. They scared him but didn't change him. He thought John the Baptist (who he had earlier beheaded) had come back to life.

Jesus' disciples were apart of all of this, and even saw the power of Christ working through them. They were there when Jesus turned very little--a few loaves and some fish--into a feast for thousands. Yet they didn't really get it, at least not until they saw Jesus walking on the water (v51). We are told that they "had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened" (v52). They missed the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000--and it happened right in front of them! I guess they were mad because the had to deal with all those people when they were originally headed for some rest and relaxation (vv30-32). Christ was at work and they missed it. Herod missed it. Jesus' hometown missed it. As Henry Blackaby says in Experiencing God, God is always at work around us, we just don't realize it most of the time--we miss it. Maybe it is because we are too focused on other things to notice. Let's start looking for God to be at work around us. God doesn't always do the miraculous (after all, that is why they are called miracles, right?) but He is always at work. Let's watch to see what God might be doing in our lives and in those with whom we come in contact. Along the way, we just might see some miracles!
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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.

Mark 5-- The Incredible Hulk Meets Night of the Living Dead

It looked like a scene out of a horror movie. The town's people all scared of the crazy man who lives in the cemetery at the edge of town. They hear him screaming and moaning at night. They've watched him take rocks and cut himself with the edges. Numerous times they sent teams in to try and capture him, but just the time they would get him bound he would break through the chains in a violent rage. It looked like the Incredible Hulk meets Night of the Living Dead. But this is no movie. It is a scene out of the life of Christ found in Mark 5.

When Jesus met this man, however, He did what no one else could do--He set the man free from his oppression. Jesus set him free to live a normal, productive life once again.  As Jesus moves from that scene, we find a crowd once again flocking around Him. In the midst is a woman with a severe health issue, an issue that no doctor can heal and one that has taken all of her money to try and cure. She touches Jesus and receives what no one else could give--healing. Then Jesus heads to a house where a 12 year old girl lay on her death bed. The concerned parents are desperate--so they have found Jesus. But before they could reach the home, she dies. Friends rush to give the parents the bad news. "Don't bother Jesus anymore," they said, "it is too late." To this Jesus replied "Do not be afraid; only believe." He then proceeded to do what no one else could do--bring the little girl back to life. Today, my friend, you may find yourself at wits end. The pressures of life being so strong that you can't think straight. Or maybe you are facing a health crisis where doctors don't know what to do. Or maybe you are up against a situation that is so hopeless you don't even pray about it anymore--after all, why bother Jesus with the impossible? To you, I say remember Jesus' words: "Do not be afraid; only believe." Jesus can do what no one else can.
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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.

Mark 4-- Out of Control

The scene on the TV news was horrific. An 18-wheeler truck speeding the wrong way on a freeway before it crashes into the guardrail and bursts into flames. The driver apparently suffered a diabetes induced seizure that caused him to lose control. There wasn't anything that anyone could do to stop the truck before tragedy stuck. Somethings in life, like this truck, are out of our control. While there are other things that we can control--as least parts of them. Dirt, light, trees and storms--not exactly out of control trucks but illustrations we find in Mark 4 about things that we can and cannot control. Jesus first uses the parable of the sower sowing seed that falls on different types of soil. The sower has no control over how the soil receives the seed, but he does have control over whether or not he actually sows, and how much. We can't control the impact of light, but we can control whether or not we shine it. We can't control how much a tree grows, but we can control planting the seed. We can't control the storms that arise in our lives but we can decide whether or not we will give Christ control of the situation. There are many things out of our control, and honestly, many things that God wants us to leave to His control. But there are other things for which God expects us to take responsibility. Don't try to take upon yourself what should be left to the Lord, but don't shrug off those things that God expects you to do either.
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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.

Mark 3-- "I'll Take Door Number 3!"

Years ago there was a popular game show that let contestants choose to have prizes that were behind doors marked one, two and three. One of the doors would have something very nice. One not as nice, and the third was something ridiculous--like a donkey. The contestants did not know what was behind the doors when they made their choices. Well, when it comes to Christ, you could say there are three "doors" that people choose from. Except today we know what is behind each of those doors. In Mark 3 we see three types of people who illustrate the approach that many take to Christ. First, there were the Pharisees and scribes who were antagonistic towards Christ. They didn't like the fact that Jesus didn't follow their "program" (vv1-7) or that he was gaining in popularity and drawing a larger following than them (vv20-30). This group felt threatened by Christ. The second group is the curious multitude of people who followed Christ to get something from Him. They flocked from everywhere and mobbed Him wherever He went. He couldn't even eat a meal because so many people were pushing up against Him (v20). In fact, the mob got so large and enthusiastic that they became a threat to Christ's safety. He asked to have a small boat ready to escape to if needed (9). These folks all wanted something from Jesus.  In His love and grace, Jesus obliged and met their needs. Then there was a third, smaller group. These were the ones who followed Christ because they desired to serve Him and do what is right (vv13-19). Jesus said in verse 35 "Whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother." Jesus said that those who seek and do God's will have a real relationship with Christ. These three groups continue to this day. The group antagonistic to Christ. The group that only seeks Him when they need something. The group who desires to serve Him and do His will. Which group are you in?
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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.

Mark 2-- A Tornado Hits Town

Our family visited down town Atlanta, GA just two days after a tornado had hit it. When we first arrived, we were not aware that a tornado had been there.  But as we made our way toward the Centennial Olympic Park, which is surrounded by high-rise buildings, we noticed that things were definitely out of place. Some of the very tall (several stories high) columns shaped like Olympic torches had fallen to the ground. Tree branches were scattered all around, and glass blown out from nearby building windows was everywhere. The tornado had changed the landscape. Well, when the Pharisees met Jesus they must have thought they had encountered a tornado! Mark 2 records four stories in the life of Christ. One thing that was consistent in each story was the presence of Pharisees--the religious "elite" of the day. In each of these four encounters, there were lessons that these Pharisees needed to learn. Lessons that hit like a tornado to shatter their little world. With a paralyzed man, Jesus taught them that He has the power to forgive sin (vv1-12). At a dinner party with "sinners" Jesus demonstrated the focus of His ministry--those who were spiritually sick (vv13-17). When questioned about fasting, and His disciples lack of it, Jesus explained that new times require new methods. You don't continue to do something just because you have always done it that way (vv18-22). Finally, when questioned about plucking and eating grain on the Sabbath, Jesus put this law into perspective. It was there to benefit people not for people to be a slave to it (vv23-28). Forgiveness through Christ, focus in ministry, embracing new methodology and keeping things in perspective--good lessons for all of us to learn.
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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.

Mark 1-- Get Ready for Lift Off!

I love watching images of rockets and space shuttles as they lift off launch pads and blast into orbit. They seem to start so slow, but next thing you know they are out of sight. In many ways, a rocket launch is like a launch into ministry. There is a time of preparation, a time to gather the crew, there is the countdown, and finally the launch where the shuttle or rocket begins to accelerate as it lifts into orbit. We see this ministry launch take place in Mark 1 as Jesus begins His earthly ministry. Watch the development process of Jesus' ministry and you may see parallels to your own ministry. Elsewhere in Scripture, we are told that Jesus came "in the fullness of time." At just the right moment in history, Christ emerged on the scene. There was a season of preparation (John the Baptizer, vv 1-10) where God the Father expressed His pleasure in what was happening (v11). That preparation included a time of stretching as Jesus spent an extended time in the dessert and was tempted by the Devil (vv12-13). Next, the ministry is launched as Jesus begins preaching and gathering His team (vv 14-21). It didn't take long for people to realize that there was something different about this man, this ministry (v22). Word quickly spread and the crowds began to gather as Jesus touched and impacted people's lives (vv23-37). In the midst of this "success" however, Jesus pulls back to re-charge spiritually (v35) and reevaluate the strategy (v38). Even though things were going well where they were, that strategy was to preach in many towns, not just one. So they left good ministry  in order to pursue even greater ministry opportunities (v39). Whether "ministry" is something you do vocationally or as an every-day extension of who you are as a Christian, you can learn from Jesus' ministry launch.
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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.