Frank's Bible Blog

Psalm 62—Avoiding Syncretism

Although I’ve seen it often as I visited different cultures, it never really dawned on me that true Christians can be guilty of it as well. That was until I read Psalm 62.

What I am referring to is syncretism—the blending together of different religions. In particular, I’m talking about to the adding of Christianity to other religions. In Haiti there are those who try to combine voodoo with Christianity. In Africa and elsewhere Christianity is tacked onto ancestral worship.

In missions, we are always quick to point out that anything added to Christianity isn’t true Christianity. Jesus said He was THE way, THE truth and THE life and that no one could come to the Father apart from Him. It is Jesus and Jesus alone—not Jesus plus animism or anything else.

Now before you “amen” that last statement too loudly, consider this: Do you always trust the Lord and the Lord alone to see you through difficulties? Or do you blend a trust of the Lord with a trust in yourself or in something else?

Throughout this Psalm David repeats some form of the phrase “God alone.” God alone was David’s rock, salvation and fortress (vv 2, 6). It was in God alone that his soul found rest and hope (vv1, 5). We are instructed to trust God alone and not in our pride, trickery, or our increased wealth (v10).

How is it that we can trust God and God alone when faced with trials, opposition or other challenges?

There are three things that we have to be absolutely confident about: God is all-powerful (v11), God is loving (v12) and God will reward everyone according to their deeds (v12). God is bigger than the biggest giant you might ever face in your life. God loves you more than you could possibly understand. And God is faithful to reward those who are faithful to Him. If we firmly hold to these three truths then we can truly trust in God alone. But if we falter on any one of these three then we will be tempted to add other things to our trust. We risk being guilty of syncretism—at least when it comes to our daily walk.

Instead, let us heed the words of David (emphasis mine): “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (v8).
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Frank Banfill is an international speaker and leadership developer who seeks to help individuals and ministries realize their full potential in Christ. Please forward this to your family & friends. To get Frank’s devotionals delivered free to your inbox, or to request reprint rights, visit www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Psalm 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

If you are a parent it probably has happened to you. You tell your child to do something and he or she ignores you. You say it louder and are still met with silence and inaction. Finally, you scream to them before storming into their room.

Once there, you are met with an "I didn't hear you."

Now sometimes that "I didn't hear you" is because the TV was too loud or the iPod was cranked up in their ears. Sometimes it is "selective" hearing--they hear what they want to hear, and it usually isn't you!

There are many people like that when it comes to God. They either are so self-absorbed that they don't notice God, they are so distracted that they can't hear or see Him working around them, or they have selective hearing and choose to ignore Him.

They also often live and operate in fear when there is no cause for fear (v5). This is most evident with those who do what we may consider irrational superstitions.

Some cultures, for example, believe that you have to "swing" away your sin. Each Spring the adults go to a playground-like setting. They stand on a swing, making it go back and forth, in fear that if they don't they will face God's wrath. They will put on their best clothes--guys in suits, women in nice dresses--and swing away!

In Psalm 53 David paints a picture of these outsiders. He uses words similar to those in Psalm 14 to reiterate the sinful and fallen nature of man. "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God'"(v1).

Some scholars say that Hebrew words for "there is no God" is not a denial of the existence of God, but rather a denial of the providence of the Deity. In other words, whether God really exists or not doesn't matter because the person denies God's right to control, direct or intervene in his or her life. They live for themselves with no thought of God. "There is none who does good, not even one" (v3). They are going their own way and without God's grace will continue to drift through life and eternity separated from the Almighty.

While it is easy for believers to sit back and say "I'm glad I'm not like them," God would have us respond differently. He longs to have a personal relationship with everyone.

How do you break through and reach a person like that? Romans 10:13-15 says "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" It goes on to say, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

It is up to us to lovingly enter into the "noise" of their "room" and share God's word. Not screaming like the frustrated parent, but as a loving friend who, like them, was once lost in life but now desires to show them the way forward.

Will you be that friend and help the world with its selective hearing problem?

_________________________

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 50-- Your Day in Court?

"All rise," the bailiff commands, "the honorable Judge Smith is now presiding."

A familiar scene played out in courtrooms all the time. The parties are assembled, the jury is in place, the judge makes his or her entry and takes control of the proceedings.

Now with that scene firmly in your mind's view, consider another courtroom as described in Psalm 50.

This courtroom is much greater than that which typically holds 2-3 dozen people. In this courtroom the whole world is assembled. Then the Judge makes His grand entry. Before the bailiff can give his command a hush fills the assembly as those gathered look on with awe at the presence of the Judge--no ordinary judge, but God Himself.

There is no jury.

There is no prosecutor.

They are not needed for the righteous, perfect Judge will handle this Himself.

There are two defendants on trial. The first is a believer who has all the outward formalism of worship but lacks it inside. He looks spiritual but is missing any real spiritual vitality. He does all the "church" things but his devotional life is nearly non-existent. He lives a self-focused life rather than a life of thanksgiving to God. When difficulties arise he turns to himself, others, or to worry in an effort to solve his problems.

The second defendant is not a believer but sure can talk like one. He knows the lingo, knows many of God's instructions, and often tells these to others. But he lives just the opposite. He lives a life that is wicked and opposed to God.

The Judge turns and addresses the first defendant.

"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me" (vv14-15).

It is a stunning reminder of how this defendant used to live and a dramatic call to once again place the Lord first in his life.

The judge then speaks to the second defendant.

"These things you have done and I kept silent...But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face. Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue" (vv21-22).

A chill goes through everyone who heard these words. "He's giving him another chance," the crowd whispers to each other, "what will he do with it? Will he turn away from his sin and embrace God? Or will he one day have to face God's wrath?

If this scene were played out today, would you be one of the defendants?
_________________________

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 36-- Space Aliens Over God?

It was hard for me to sit there and listen. Even though I was watching the TV screen in my own house, I cringed as I listened to atheist "scientists" bash the concept of God. I was watching the documentary by Ben Stein Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. The movie shows how academia and the scientific community have systematically expelled any concept of intelligent design in considering the origins of life. As the movie progressed, Stein showed how the world view of these "elites" actually forbade them from even considering any theory contrary to Darwinism. We all thought scientists were open minded individuals willing to pursue truth no matter what. What we discovered from their own lips was that they were willing to pursue potential truth as long as it fit within their pre-conceived ideas. These supposedly brilliant scholars said they could accept space aliens before they could accept the concept that God exists and had anything to do with the origin of life. Evolution must be believed because if you don't, then it opens the door for the possibility of God who might want to have a say in how we live our lives. Psalm 36 tells us that when there is no fear of God then all sorts of evil is possible (v1), even genocide. When there is no fear of God man turns to flattering himself (v2) and can no longer distinguish good or act with wisdom (v3). Evolution is important to these people because it allows them to hide behind an unproven theory to justify their self-worship. On the video, these "scientists" actually say it is there goal to eradicate religion from the world. Psalm 36 contrasts these people with the one true God who is righteous like the mighty mountains (v6) and stands ready to offer His priceless love (v7) to those who believe (v10). Don't fall into the evolution trap just because that is all you hear. Challenge the so-called science. Ask tough questions that move beyond the presumptions of those with an anti-god world view. Most of all, fear God. Feast on His abundance (v8) and you will see the fountain of life (v9).

_________________________

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 7--Beware of Counterfeits

The U.S. Treasury recently announced it was releasing a new $100 bill with several new anti-counterfeit features. As counterfeiterers get more and more sophisticated, the government has to regularly modify its currency in order to protect it. Some counterfeit bills are so close to the real thing that they fool many people. They are worthless, but because they look like the real thing people fall for them.

In Exodus 7 we see a couple encounters with counterfeiters. Not the ones making the money but ones trying to copy God's work. In the chapter, Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh to request the Israelites' release. They performed two miracles to get Pharaoh's attention--turning Aaron's staff into a snake and turning water into blood. What is interesting is that Pharaoh's sorcerers and magicians were able to do the same thing (vv11,12,22).

Satan has always had his way of trying to counterfeit the works of God. He is a great deceiver and will do anything to keep people locked in darkness. The challenge for us today--even for Christians--is to be able to distinguish the counterfeit from the real thing. There are many things done "in the name of religion" and even in the name of Christianity that are nothing more than thin imitations of what God does and wants us to do.

Just because something looks extraordinary doesn't mean God is behind it. We need to test the spirits, ask the Lord for discernment, and avoid getting sucked into things that, as the New Testament says, "gives the appearance of godliness but denies the power thereof."

Remember, not everything is what it seems to 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 forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.

Psalm 53-- Is the World Suffering from Selective Hearing?

If you are a parent it probably has happened to you. You tell your child to do something and he or she ignores you. You say it louder and are still met with silence and inaction. Finally, you scream to them before storming into their room.

Once there, you are met with an "I didn't hear you."

Now sometimes that "I didn't hear you" is because the TV was too loud or the iPod was cranked up in their ears. Sometimes it is "selective" hearing--they hear what they want to hear, and it usually isn't you!

There are many people like that when it comes to God. They either are so self-absorbed that they don't notice God, they are so distracted that they can't hear or see Him working around them, or they have selective hearing and choose to ignore Him.

They also often live and operate in fear when there is no cause for fear (v5). This is most evident with those who do what we may consider irrational superstitions.

Some cultures, for example, believe that you have to "swing" away your sin. Each Spring the adults go to a playground-like setting. They stand on a swing, making it go back and forth, in fear that if they don't they will face God's wrath. They will put on their best clothes--guys in suits, women in nice dresses--and swing away!

In Psalm 53 David paints a picture of these outsiders. He uses words similar to those in Psalm 14 to reiterate the sinful and fallen nature of man. "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God'"(v1).

Some scholars say that Hebrew words for "there is no God" is not a denial of the existence of God, but rather a denial of the providence of the Deity. In other words, whether God really exists or not doesn't matter because the person denies God's right to control, direct or intervene in his or her life. They live for themselves with no thought of God. "There is none who does good, not even one" (v3). They are going their own way and without God's grace will continue to drift through life and eternity separated from the Almighty.

While it is easy for believers to sit back and say "I'm glad I'm not like them," God would have us respond differently. He longs to have a personal relationship with everyone.

How do you break through and reach a person like that? Romans 10:13-15 says "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" It goes on to say, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

It is up to us to lovingly enter into the "noise" of their "room" and share God's word. Not screaming like the frustrated parent, but as a loving friend who, like them, was once lost in life but now desires to show them the way forward.

Will you be that friend and help the world with its selective hearing problem?

_________________________

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 50-- Your Day in Court?

"All rise," the bailiff commands, "the honorable Judge Smith is now presiding."

A familiar scene played out in courtrooms all the time. The parties are assembled, the jury is in place, the judge makes his or her entry and takes control of the proceedings.

Now with that scene firmly in your mind's view, consider another courtroom as described in Psalm 50.

This courtroom is much greater than that which typically holds 2-3 dozen people. In this courtroom the whole world is assembled. Then the Judge makes His grand entry. Before the bailiff can give his command a hush fills the assembly as those gathered look on with awe at the presence of the Judge--no ordinary judge but God Himself.

There is no jury.

There is no prosecutor.

They are not needed for the righteous, perfect Judge will handle this Himself.

There are two defendants on trial. The first is a believer who has all the outward formalism of worship but lacks it inside. He looks spiritual but is missing any real spiritual vitality. He does all the "church" things but his prayer and devotional life is nearly non-existent. He lives a pretty self-focused life rather than a life of thanksgiving to God. When difficulties arise he turns to himself, others, or to worry in an effort to solve his problems, rather than turning first to the Lord.

The second defendant is not a believer but sure can talk like one. He knows the lingo, knows many of God's instructions, and often tells these to others. But he lives just the opposite. He lives a life that is wicked and opposed to God.

The Judge turns and addresses the first defendant.

"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me" (vv14-15).

It is a stunning reminder of how this defendant used to live and a dramatic call to once again place the Lord first in his life.

The judge then speaks to the second defendant. 

"These things you have done and I kept silent...But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face. Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue" (vv21-22).

A chill goes through everyone who heard these words. "He's giving him another chance," the crowd whispers to each other, "what will he do with it? Will he turn away from his sin and embrace God? Or will he one day have to face God's wrath?

If this scene were played out today, would you have to be one of the defendants?
_________________________

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 36-- Why Evolution is so Important

It was hard for me to sit there and listen. Even though I was watching the TV screen in my own house, I cringed as I listened to atheist "scientists" bash the concept of God. I was watching the documentary by Ben Stein Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. The movie shows how academia and the scientific community have systematically expelled any concept of intelligent design in considering the origins of life. As the movie progressed, Stein showed how the world view of these "elites" actually forbade them from even considering any theory contrary to Darwinism. We all thought scientists were open minded individuals willing to pursue truth no matter what. What we discovered from their own lips was that they were willing to pursue potential truth as long as it fit within their pre-conceived ideas. These supposedly brilliant scholars said they could accept space aliens before they could accept the concept that God exists and had anything to do with the origin of life. Stein, a Jew, also showed how Darwinism was the philosophical basis Hitler used for the destruction of millions of lives. Evolution must be believed because if you don't, then it opens the door for the possibility of God who might want to have a say in how we live our lives. Psalm 36 tells us that when there is no fear of God then all sorts of evil is possible (v1), even genocide. When there is no fear of God man turns to flattering himself (v2) and can no longer distinguish good or act with wisdom (v3). Evolution is important to these people because it allows them to hide behind an unproven theory to justify their self-worship. On the video, these "scientists" actually say it is there goal to eradicate religion from the world. Psalm 36 contrasts these people with the one true God who is righteous like the mighty mountains (v6) and stands ready to offer His priceless love (v7) to those who believe (v10). Don't fall into the evolution trap just because that is all you hear. Challenge the so-called science. Ask tough questions that move beyond the presumptions of those with an anti-god world view. Most of all, fear God. Feast on His abundance (v8) and you will see the fountain of life (v9).

_________________________

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 7--Results Not Just Rituals

On the surface it seemed like a legitimate question. A delegation of Jews went to the prophet Zechariah and the priests to ask if they needed to continue fasting in the fifth month like they did during their captivity years. Now that they were back in their homeland and nearing completion of the temple, was this necessary? God had a word for them in Zechariah 7, but it wasn't a direct answer to their question. Instead, God questioned their motives for doing the fasts in the first place. "When you fasted and mourned...did you really fast for Me--for Me?" (v5). God then shifted the focus away from the few days a year that they fasted to how they lived the other days of the year (vv6-10). God has never--and will never--be impressed by rituals alone. It has and always will be the motivation behind the rituals and how those rituals change one's life that concerns Him. The problem in this chapter wasn't the ritual of fasting, it was the people doing it. We go through the rituals today of praying, attending church, tithing, and even fasting. Those are good things to do but in God's eyes they are meaningless unless the motivation behind them is proper and the outcome of them is a godly life. Okay, you go to church on Sunday but how do you live the other six days? What difference does Sunday make in the rest of your week? When was the last time you took something specific from Sunday and incorporated it into your Monday? Are you going through the motions of a ritual or are you allowing the ritual to change you for the better?

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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.

Psalm 14-- The Atheist Next Door

As the technician finished repairing our computer network, I started talking to him about spiritual matters. I was surprised when he told me he was an atheist. I live in the United States where the vast majority of the population believes in God. When this man said he was an atheist, I could not help but think of Psalm 14:1 "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'." But while it may be a bit unusual to declare yourself an atheist, the reality is that most people live as if there is no God, whether they call themselves atheists or not. "The Lord looks down from heaven...to see if there are any who understand, who seek God," David tells us in verse two. What does God see? "They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one" (v3). While 80% of Americans call themselves Christians (as opposed to being Muslim or Jewish), only 16% are truly "qualified to be known as followers of Christ" (George Barna, The Seven Faith Tribes, pg 42). This means we are surrounded by a lot of practical atheists, many of which have found their way into our churches. They need to join the "generation of the righteous" (v5) by placing their trust in Jesus Christ to forgive them of their sin. This is a reminder to those of us who are true followers of Christ that we should not look at a person's self-described label but rather get to the heart of the issue--what have they done with Jesus Christ. Someone may call himself or herself a Christian but be as far from God as one who considers himself an atheist. We need to share the gospel with everyone and not make assumptions because they go to church or use Christian terminology.
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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 http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

Genesis 11-- Are You Building a Babel?

It was an extraordinary scene. One of the most powerful persons in the United States standing before the Pope. It was February, 2009 and the The U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is second in line to the president, had a brief audience with the Pope. Arguably the most politically powerful person in America next to the president, the Speaker is Roman Catholic. In Catholic theology, the Pope speaks for God. What would the Pope say to the Speaker? How would she respond to what he would say? Well, he told her in the clearest terms possible that it was the duty of government officials to protect life from conception till natural death. This was contrary to her policies. I think about that scene when I think of Genesis 11, which is a chapter of transitions. We see the transition from people being of one language and living in one place to being scattered across the earth with multiple languages (vv1-9). We see the narrative of the book transition to focus one one family, Abraham and his descendants (10-32). What is particularly notable in this chapter is the story of the building of the tower of babel. This was man's attempt to "make a name for himself." God said to fill the earth. Man, instead, rebelled and decided stay together. Not only that but they created a place to demonstrate their power and ability in direct defiance to God. Things haven't changed any since then. People today are still rebelling against God, doing things in direct defiance of Him as they try to make a name for themselves. They refuse to be told what to do and will stop at nothing to maintain power and control over themselves. We see this played out especially among those who promote abortion. Every act of abortion is a reenactment of the tower of Babel. It is a person telling God they know what is best for their lives and that they will do whatever they want regardless of what God says. But it isn't just with abortion--it is any time we knowingly and willfully defy what we know to be the clear commands of Almighty God. So, we all need to ask ourselves today, "Are we building Towers of Babel in our lives?" Are we constructing something in our lives that stands in defiance to God? What if it wasn't the Pope but Christ we were standing in front of today? Would there be a Babel in our lives that He would tell us to stop building?
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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 http://www.maxpoint.org/maxpoint/message_board.

1 Corinthians 11-- Navigating Different Cultures

It is always interesting going to a country I have never visited before. Every country has its own culture, traditions, and way of doing things. This is also true in the churches. In Nigeria, for example, women typically wear brightly colored dresses and large hats or full head coverings to church (also brightly colored). They expect women, all women, to do this. In Romania, the dress typically is very simple and only married women cover the heads. The style of worship also varies greatly from culture to culture. One culture may emphasize quiet meditation and prayerfulness in their services, while another may have dancing to loud drums.  Even here in the United States we have very different cultural styles when it comes to how we do church. In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul reminds us that regardless of our traditions and cultural preferences, we need to be other-focused (vv1-16). There are, however, some areas that are not open to traditional interpretation. One of those is the church's presentation of the Lord's Supper (vv17-34). While there certainly is freedom to when it is conducted and the exact manner it is done, God makes it clear that everyone should approach this ordinance with the utmost sincerity. This remembrance of Christ should be sacred. So, in areas where God is silent or gives us freedom, let's celebrate cultural diversity and respect the traditions of others. But where God is clear, let us be clear and keep sacred what He considers holy.

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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.

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.

John 14-- Lots of Questions

When I pick my children up from school, I always have a lot of questions for them. "How was your day? Did you learn anything? How much homework do you have?" I'm sure part of them appreciates the interest in what is happening in their world, but another part probably gets tired of playing "20 questions" everyday. In John 14, we see Jesus giving some of His final teaching with His disciples prior to the crucifixion.  In the midst of it, three of His disciples fire off questions--but they are all questions that Jesus had answered before in one way or another. These questions, however, are some of the same ones people are asking today. First, Thomas asked how do they get to where Jesus was going. The answer then is the same now: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me," Jesus said (v6). The second question was really a request--show us the Father (v8).  Give us proof. Expose to our eyes God the Father "and that will be enough for us." There are those who always want more proof. They never are satisfied with the answers they get to their questions. Jesus said again, as He had on numerous occasions, that if you see Him you see the Father (vv9-4). Jesus said that it came down to an issue of belief--either you take Christ at His word or not. The same is true today. No matter how many answers one gets to his or her questions, ultimately one must decide to accept Christ by faith or not. It really is that simple. The final question, posed by the other Judas (not the one who betrayed Jesus) was "why are you going to reveal yourself to us and not the world?" (v22). It just made sense to Judas that Jesus would want everyone to see everything about Himself. The reality, as Jesus pointed out, is that people are too blind to see. Those who love Him and serve Him will see Jesus for Who He is (vv23-24). You see, the more we fall in love with Jesus, the more we obey Him, and the more of Him we see and understand. So, if we pull those three questions together, we get a very important truth that we all should understand:

Eternal life in Heaven comes only by placing our faith in Christ and Him alone. Once we have done that, we grow closer to Him and experience more of Him as we obey Him.

If you have placed your faith in Christ, then how are you doing at obeying Him? We simply need to obey Him if we really want to see Christ and His glory manifested in our lives.

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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.

John 7-- Confusion

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that was filled with confusion--even chaos? Maybe a natural disaster or some other tragedy hit that effected a large number of people. Accurate information is often difficult to get at first. People have to make quick decisions about what to do and where to go, but rumors and bad information make it difficult. While it wasn't any kind of a disaster, John 7 records great confusion among people concerning Christ. Some mocked Him while others praised Him. Some sought to arrest Him while others longed to hear Him teach. Some saw Him as the Christ while others saw Him as an agent of the devil. Why so much confusion then--and now--over Christ and His message? Some are confused because their human intellect is blinded to the miraculous power of God (v14). Some are confused because they are trying to work their way to heaven (vv19-24). While others see Christ as a threat to their power (vv32-33,47-49). Many make assumptions about Christ but never get all the facts (vv41-43). If you are confused about Christ today, I would encourage you to take a closer look. Listen to His words, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (vv37-38). There is no need to be confused about the One who offers forgiveness, peace, and eternal 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.

John 5-- Just Like Their Parents

Children usually reveal a lot about their parents. We often can see strong resemblances of a parent’s appearance in his or her children. In addition, mannerisms, personalities, and even a child’s voice can closely resemble their parent. We may have never met the parents but we have a good idea about them because we know the son or daughter. In John 5, Jesus told a group that the way to see God the Father is to see Him as the Son. In fact, Jesus said, the only way to know the Father is to know Him. “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me as eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life,” said Jesus (vv23-24). The group He was speaking to diligently searched the Scriptures trying to discover eternal life, but when the answer to their search—Christ—was before them, they wouldn’t believe (vv39-40). How many people today are searching for truth, searching for eternal life, even searching for God, yet they refuse to place their faith in Jesus? They are going through philosophical exercises but won’t accept truth when they see it. If we want to see the Father and experience His truth, then we need to take a closer look at the Son.

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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.

John 4-- Hear it for Yourself

Have you ever had someone tell you something that seemed so outrageous you just couldn’t believe it? Then, upon further exploration, you came to believe it for yourself? John 4 records the stories of two people Jesus met. During their encounter with Christ, both individuals had to make a choice—to believe what Jesus said or not. The first person was a woman Jesus met at a well (vv1-41). As the conversation continued, the woman listened to Christ and eventually made a decision—the decision to trust Him as her Savior. The second individual was a man with a deathly sick son who found Jesus (vv46-54). He begged Jesus to come and heal his son. Imagine the man’s surprise when instead of going to his son, Jesus simply said “You may go. Your son will live.” (v50). Now the man had to decide for himself—would he take Jesus at His word and leave for his son, or would he stay and insist that Jesus go there? The “man took Jesus at His word and departed” (v50) and discovered his son had been healed. These two people had to make decisions for themselves about Christ’s claims. The same is true for all of us. It is not enough to hear what others believe. It is not enough to have family and friends who believe. It is not enough to even know the words of Christ. There has to come a moment in time when we believe Christ for ourselves and accept Him as our Savior. That was what happened in the town where the woman lived. She went and told everyone about Christ, but they had to believe Christ for themselves. Notice what they said to the woman in verse 42 “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” Salvation is always personal. It’s a personal decision to take Christ at His word that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no one can get to heaven apart from placing their faith in Him. Have you made that decision?
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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.

John 1-- His Picture is Everywhere

I've had the opportunity to visit more than two dozen countries. In one particular country, I was surprised to find pictures of their president everywhere. Inside buildings, outside buildings, in stores, camps, museums, everywhere you turned you saw this man's picture. He was the lead story in the newspapers, and always appeared first on the television news. Although I had not seen this in my other travels, it really is typical of humanity in general. We either have man as the center of everything, or we have Jesus Christ as the center. In John chapter 1, we see Christ as the focus of all eternity. John doesn't describe Jesus' birth in a stable, no, he goes much earlier than that. He describes how before time was, Christ was. Then we are introduced to another John, John the baptizer. Although he attracted a lot of attention by his message and unique methods, this John was quick to make Christ the center of everything. He readily saw Jesus for Who He was--the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (v29). The chapter concludes with Andrew, Peter, Philip and Nathaniel all deciding to make Christ the center of their lives and follow Him. The question for us today is who is the focus of our lives? Who is the focus of what we do throughout each day? Is it a man? Is it ourselves? Or is it Jesus 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.

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.

Luke 11-- What Not to Wear

You've heard the expressions "you have to look the part," "the clothes make the man," and similar statements about the importance of dressing right. There is even a TV show called What Not to Wear that helps people make better wardrobe choices. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice, there is something wrong if we put all of our focus on the external. Luke 11 is a chapter of contrasts between those who focused on the outward and Christ's teachings about who we are inside. In verses 37-54 Jesus stirs up great controversy at a dinner party He was attending given by a Pharisee. He took the religious leaders in attendance to task about their focus on the outward rather than on their hearts and really listening to God's word. Earlier Jesus had commented on how that generation wanted a sign--they wanted to see something outward before they would believe (vv29-32). He went on, however, to warn that we need to be careful about what we allow into our lives (vv33-36) and how the heart affects our entire life. He taught that it is one thing to get the bad out of your life, but if you don't replace it with something good, then the void will be filled with things even worse than before (vv24-26). So what should we wear--on the inside? Certainly one of the best things is a life of prayer, which Jesus details in the first 13 verses of this chapter. We need to develop a lifestyle of asking our heavenly Father, seeking His intervention and knocking on heaven's door (vv9-13). Becoming people of prayer will help us set our priorities right and live in a way that honors God--and that is the best thing to wear!

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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 6-- Smarter than a 5th Grader?

For 27 years the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. had a mistake on an exhibit notation. It took a fifth grader from Michigan to finally notice it and bring it to the museum's attention in order to correct it. For years, everyone assumed the exhibit was correct; after all, surely the curators and historians at the museum knew what was right. In a more dramatic fashion, that was the scene in Israel when Christ came along. People assumed that what the "experts"--the religious leaders of the day--taught was correct. Only this hadn't been going on for a couple decades but for hundreds of years! Jesus completely turned upside down the faulty traditions and thinking of the day. In Luke 6, He begins by setting the leaders straight about the sabbath (vv1-11). He then begins to shift the focus of His ministry to 12 men (vv12-16) out of the hundreds, even thousands, who followed Him.Even this approach to leadership development was different. Next, He presents to the crowds a radically different message than what they had heard from their "experts." Blessed are the poor, hungry, persecuted, etc. Love your enemies. Stop your hypocrisy. (vv17-49). Even today, what we believe and practice in our lives often contradict the so-called "experts." But that is o.k.! Jesus was right then and He is right now. Our focus should be on bearing good fruit in our lives (v43) by putting into practice the things we learn from Christ (v49).

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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 5-- Staffing for the Future

If you have ever been involved in the process of hiring someone for a position, then you know what a challenging task this is. Even though you carefully review the candidate's resume, diligently check references, and conduct an extensive interview, you can never know for sure how that person is going to work out until they start doing the job. But what if you weren't just trying to find a good worker for a company but rather you were trying to find people to help launch a movement--a religious movement--what would you look for? You would probably look for those with great knowledge and impeccable religious credentials. But that is not what Jesus did as we see in Luke 5. Here Jesus "hires" four men to His team. Simon Peter and the brothers James and John are professional fishermen--solid "working class" men but hardly religious leaders. Then he takes on Matthew, someone known for dishonesty and selfishness in his career as a tax collector. Not exactly the men I would have hired if I were in Jesus' position! Why these men and not those with religious leadership experience? We get some insight from the stories of this chapter. When Jesus heals the man whose friends lowered him down to Jesus from the roof, we see the religious leaders reacting with disgust and a lack of faith. Commitment to, and faith in Christ is the most important thing, regardless of what credentials you might have. Later, we see these religious leaders questioning Jesus about his followers lack of fasting. To this Jesus replied with a parable about putting new wine in old wineskins. These religious leaders were stuck in traditions and could not think outside the box. What Jesus was offering was radically different. So, he bypassed the credentialed for those who "forsook all and followed Him" (vv11,28). Do you have what it takes to be a key participant in Christ's global movement? It takes an unquenchable faith, a willingness to look outside your box, and a total surrender to Christ. You may not have the "credentials" to make a global impact but with those three things God can use you beyond your greatest imagination.

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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.

Colossians 2-- Cheated

Have you ever finished a business transaction and felt cheated? I know I have, and usually it involved cars. You get the bill from having repair work done and you have that feeling that they "fixed" more than what was really wrong. Or you buy a new car, get it home, and then get that sinking feeling that somehow you were ripped off. Feeling cheated in life is not something that we want to experience. Colossians 2 discusses a couple things that will cheat you. The first is the world's philosophies (v8). Supposedly highly-intelligent people with large numbers of academic degrees come up with all kinds of ideas and belief systems that dismiss the fundamental tenants of Christianity. What they say sounds good. It seems to make sense. But we are told to beware of such things for in Christ "dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in Him" (v10). Any philosophical system that does not include Christ is shallow and a rip off. Second, legalism will leave you cheated (v18). Legalism says you do these certain things and you will attain true spirituality, you will be truly "religious" (vv21-23). However, true spirituality starts from the inside. We do or don't do certain things because our heart is given over to Christ and we are listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are driven from an internal love and devotion rather than an external set of rules. I've known many people who followed all the "rules" but were just as carnal as the worst backslider. Don't get cheated. Instead, since you "have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving" (vv6-7).

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 Corinthians 11-- Recognizing Deception

We hired a "magician" to perform at my son's ninth birthday party. The kids had a lot of fun being tricked into believing that he was able to do what seemed impossible.  We all knew these were just slight of hand tricks, but we enjoyed it as we let ourselves get caught up with the entertaining show. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who get caught up with the "tricks" and deceitfulness of false beliefs and/or they end up following leaders who are not truly godly. Paul addresses this in chapter 11 as he pleads with the Corinthians to recognize deception. How can we know if what we are hearing or reading is right? Ask "does the core message differ from salvation through faith alone in Christ alone" (vv3-4)? There is, for example, a fast-growing belief system propagated by a very popular American talk show host that at its core fails on this question. When you strip away the hype and spiritual sounding verbiage, the core is "believe in yourself," not Christ. Now, here are some more questions to ponder. Does it take from you emotionally, physically, spiritually and not replenish you (v20)? Is the church/group/movement personality driven or is it Christ focused and Christ driven (vv12-15, 20)? If you get the right answers to these questions, then look at the pastor/teacher/leader you are considering placing yourself under. Does his life show humility and genuine sacrifice (vv22-33)? Does he demonstrate genuine and deep concern for the people/ministry entrusted to his care (v28)? While there certainly are more questions we should consider when evaluating beliefs and ministries, these will get us off to a good start in recognizing deception.
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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.

Hebrews 9-- Completing the Job

Starting a project is one thing, but completing it is what is important. Whether it's business, politics, sports or home improvement, it is important to bring completion. Something that is only half-done becomes an eye-sore and a mess. Well, when it comes to life, Hebrews 9 tells us that Jesus is that completion. The chapter details the Old Testament tabernacle and sacrificial system then shows how Christ is the fulfillment of all things. His sacrifice was eternal. The power of sin was not temporarily defeated but totally destroyed. Everything Christ does is far better than the best the world has to offer. In Him, we too can be complete. If you are looking for satisfaction, purpose, peace or trying to build your life outside of Christ, you will come up short. Only Christ can bring completion to 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.

Hebrews 3-- The Difficulty of Change

Many people, maybe even a majority, are uncomfortable with change. We get into a routine which becomes a comfort zone for us and it is hard to break out. This is especially true when it comes to our belief system. This is what Hebrews 3 tackles as it deals with those whose belief system was centered on Moses and the law. They are challenged to move to faith in Christ who is far superior than Moses (vv1-6). The author reminds readers that even those who followed Moses out of Egypt rebelled (v16). Because of their unbelief they were not allowed to enter into the rest of the promised land (v18). So it is today for those who are still outside of Christ. To those who are clinging to their traditions, to a works-based religion, or to another world-view that doesn't have Christ as the center, God says to you "Do not harden your hearts" (vv7, 15) and remain in unbelief (v19). Rather, become partakers with Christ and experience His rest. Yes, that does require change but it will be a change that you will never regret.
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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.

Hebrews 1-- Famous People

I have had the privilege of meeting a few famous people in my life. There was something "special" about seeing these people. They were famous partly because they were among the top in their fields but mostly because large numbers of people knew who they were. People get famous in this life for various reasons, but Hebrews 1 points out that there is no one as famous, important or significant as Jesus Christ. Not even the angels can compare (vv5, 13-14). From the time He created the world (v10) to the time that the earth as we know it passes away (v11) and into eternity (v8, 11) Jesus Christ is God (v8) and He reigns supreme (v13). Whatever revelations we need in life, we need to look no further than Jesus Christ (vv1-2). Have you "met" Jesus? Have you acknowledged that what He did in dying and raising from the dead is all sufficient to forgive your sin and provide everlasting life in Heaven? It is fine to get excited about meeting famous people. But there is no one who can change your life like Christ 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 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 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.

Galatians 3-- Too Simple

Would you agree that the world is getting more and more complex? As new technology emerges to make life "easier" it actually makes things more complicated. My parents had a hard enough time figuring out how to set the clock on a VCR, now there are mp3 players, digital video recorders, high definition television, Blue Ray DVD, picture-in-picture, and a host of other techno-gadgets that you have try and figure out. These complexities extend far beyond gadgets--they go to every aspect of our lives from mortgages (do you want an adjustable rate, a fixed 30 year, a five year fixed that moves to an adjustable rate, etc?), doctor visits (have you ever read all of the privacy disclosure paperwork they give you?), even to buying milk (skim, whole, half, 2%, soy). Sometimes we want to apply these complexities to something that really is quite simple, like the gospel. We want to make it harder than what it really is. That is what Paul faced as he wrote to the Galatians in chapter 3. There were those who were adding to salvation through faith in Christ. They said you had to follow Jewish practices as well as committing your life to Christ. Today there are many people who want to add things to the gospel. They say "yes, believe in Jesus to forgive you of your sin, but you also must do..." By adding to the gospel they in fact erase the gospel. Don't get caught up with those who want to make the gospel more than what the Bible says that it is. Salvation still comes through faith alone in Christ alone. Nothing more, nothing less.

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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.

Galatians 2-- Are You the Problem?

Hypocrisy has always been one of the chief reasons non-Christians give for avoiding Christ. Their exposure to some Christians had been a turn-off. In unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters, the Barna Group's David Kinnaman documents hypocrisy as one of the main reasons young adults give for avoiding church. Hypocrisy in the church isn't new. In fact, it is exactly what Paul dealt with in Galatians 2 as he recounts his encounter with Peter and other early church leaders. Peter, it seemed, would act one way when he was around Gentiles and another way around Jews. Paul challenged that he and his message needed to be consistent. If even the early church leaders had trouble with consistency, then what can we do? Well, Paul goes on to explain that the key to consistency is crucifixion. When you and I daily consider ourselves crucified with Christ, then it isn't us trying to be consistent; rather, it is Christ living His life through us. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God..." is how Paul put it in verse 20. Unfortunately, too often the gospel is hidden behind the inconsistent lives of those who claim to embrace it. If more believers lived the crucified life, then maybe more outsiders would be able to see the gospel for what it is. So, is your life a turn-off to those outside of Christ or does your consistency allow the gospel to shine clearly through 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.

Matthew 27-- A Soldier's View of the Cross

Imagine that you are a Roman soldier in the first century A.D. You are deployed in a "peace keeping" role in a city called Jerusalem. The governor is in town to make sure that a local celebration called "passover" doesn't get out of hand. Today, you are assigned to the governor's detail ready to carry out anything he commands. A man named Jesus is brought in to be judged by the governor. You have heard some rumblings about this Jesus, but don't know much about Him and really don't care. You watch Jesus' encounter with your boss and how your boss reacts to the crowds who for some reason seem intent on having this guy executed. Finally, the governor turns this guy over to you to begin the execution process. Your apathy now turns to antagonism as you and your friends begin to mock and beat this supposed "king of the Jews." It is time now to move the prisoner to a hillside outside of town where you will carry out his execution by crucifixion--the worst form of suffering that you know.

Too weak to carry the wood that He will be nailed to, you order a man from the crowd to carry Jesus' cross the rest of the way up the hill. After you nail Jesus to the wood and drop the cross into the ground, you watch the suffering begin. Your antagonism, however, turns to intrigue as you watch this man handle himself the final hours of His life. Although this Jesus had been stripped of everything, and is hanging helpless on this cross, He seems somehow to still be in control. There is something very different about today--and something very different about this prisoner. An eerie feeling comes over you as an incredible darkness sets--even though it is the middle of the day. That darkness continued for three hours until you hear this Jesus cry out something. You draw closer to hear Him cry out again--and you watch as life leaves him.  But even that was different.  It wasn't like He just died--like you had seen so many others die--rather, it was more like He stopped living. Like He was somehow in control of even this moment. Then there was a horrific earthquake. Now it is clear to you, this man was who He said He was. "Truly this was the Son of God" you exclaim to all those gathered around. What started as apathy turned to antagonism then intrigue and finally ended with this confession.

How do you view the cross of Christ today? Are you apathetic--you don't think what Christ did has any relevance for you? Are you antagonistic for some reason--maybe you feel that God somehow let you down? Or maybe you are reading this today with great intrigue--you are trying to discover who Christ is for yourself. Hopefully, if you haven't already, you will come to the place that the solider came to when he made his confession. Hopefully today you will realize that Christ's death was for you--to pay for your sin. Hopefully today you will embrace Christ as your Savior, as you acknowledge that He is the only way of salvation from sin and the only pathway to Heaven. If you have never done so, then stop right now and thank Christ for dying and raising from the dead for you. Ask Him to forgive you of your sin and to give you eternal life. Don't just be a spectator at the cross...embrace it for yourself!

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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.