Author Archives: expressyourself4him

A New Age of Fundamentalism

Posted on April 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Christian fundamentalism movement in American Protestantism arose in the late 19th century in response to theological modernism. While theological modernism can be defined in multiple ways, take the 1960’s in the United States for an example. This decade was defined by sex, drugs and rock and roll. As church leaders struggled to address this issue in a biblical manner of love, Christian fundamentalists replied with fire and brimstone messages designed to scare the hell out of teenagers.

Now listen and give heed, O Israel, to the statutes and ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live and go in and possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you, Deuteronomy 4:1-2.

Whenever any belief, command and exhortation is forced down the throats of any society, resentment and rejection often follow. This brash response caused several to leave the church, inspiring others to go into education to spawn a New Age of Fundamentalism. Fifty years later, the tables have turned as now Christianity is no longer the dominant worldview in the United States. Syncretism, the blending of multiple worldviews have opened minds beyond what Adam and Eve experienced after the spiritual fall of mankind.

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free, John 8:31-32.

Truth is now relative in this New Age of Fundamentalism. Ask a supreme court nominee how to define a woman and you won’t get an answer. Meanwhile, expert panelists on cable television believe that men can have periods and give birth to children. Environmentalism has surpassed and replaced Judeo-Christian values as the dominant religion, worshipping every aspect of mother earth. As liberals and progressives are elevated into political positions of power, anyone who does not share their same beliefs are bullied to confirm or else face the consequences. This is the unfortunate reality of a society controlled by social media. May God helps us all.

by Jay Mankus

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The Bible’s Version of All In

Posted on April 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As children grow up and mature, simple card games like Go Fish and War are replaced by more complex ones. I was introduced to Cribbage in high school, moved on to Hearts in college and graduated to Euchre and Spades in my twenties. However, it wasn’t until watching the World Series of Poker on television, Texas Hold’em style, that I truly understood going All In. When your chips deteriorate, and a decent hand is dealt, desperation forces many professional card players to go All In.

And Abraham said to his servants, Settle down and stay here with the donkey, and I and the young man will go yonder and worship and [a]come again to you. 6 Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the fire (the firepot) in his own hand, and a knife; and the two of them went on together. 7 And Isaac said to Abraham, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. [Isaac] said, See, here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice? 8 Abraham said, My son, [b]God Himself will provide a lamb for the burnt offering. So the two went on together, Genesis 22:5-8.

The Bible has its own version of All In. Two analogies illustrate this point: driving a car and reading a newspaper. The driver of a vehicle knows where they want to go and how long it will take thanks to GPS. Going all in spiritually means handing the wheel over to Jesus, yielding complete control to God. Meanwhile, every paper has multiple sections that may bore, entertain or interest you. Yet, going all in requires Christians to live their lives as an open book to God, not hiding, holding back or tearing out any unpleasant page from your life.

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there; then he laid the wood in order and [c]bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar on the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took hold of the knife to slay his son. 11 But the [d]Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. 12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son. 13 Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son! – Genesis 22:9-13

When you study the life of Abraham, it took him a while for him to truly place his trust in God. I truly believe that asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, his promised child, forces him to go All In. Some scholars claim that Abraham came to the conclusion that somehow Isaac would be raised from the dead if he was fulfill to God’s calling. King Solomon chimes in on this topic, explaining the Bible’s version of All In, Proverbs 3:5-6. As you mature spiritually, don’t be afraid to join Abraham by placing your trust fully in the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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Reaching a Level of Faith Without a Doubt

Posted on April 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever struggled with confidence in your life, what was once comfortable and easy brings doubt to your mind. If confidence is the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something, doubt is like a cancer that can deteriorate and erode your faith in God and yourself. The more doubt creeps into your mind, James 1:6, reaching your full potential in life becomes less likely.

Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the fire (the firepot) in his own hand, and a knife; and the two of them went on together. 7 And Isaac said to Abraham, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. [Isaac] said, See, here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice? 8 Abraham said, My son, [b]God Himself will provide a lamb for the burnt offering. So the two went on together, Genesis 22:6-8.

According to one of Jesus’ disciples, 1 Peter 1:6-7, faith is tested through fire in the form of hardships, failures and trials in life. Jesus’ earthly brother suggests that this life cycle is necessary to develop and mature, James 1:2-4. Michael W. Smith sings about this in his hit song, Live and Learn. The lyrics provide a brief summary from the Garden of Eden to Paul’s confession in Romans 7:15-18.

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there; then he laid the wood in order and [c]bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar on the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took hold of the knife to slay his son. 11 But the [d]Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. 12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son. 13 Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son! – Genesis 22:9-13

Before you can reach a level of faith without a doubt, you have to learn from your past mistakes, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6. If you don’t learn from history, you’ll repeat the errors, mistakes and transgressions of your past. Overcoming addictions, bad habits and unwholesome cravings isn’t easy, Colossians 3:5-9. However, when God puts you into a difficult situation like Abraham, trusting God with all your heart, soul and mind opens the door to reaching a level of faith without a doubt.

by Jay Mankus

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How Obedience Endears Yourself to God

Posted on April 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former Catholic, I was taught that I could earn my way into heaven by following the Ten Commandments and participating in the Holy Sacraments. Whenever you learn something that Jesus addresses in Luke 18:18-30, the Bible corrects my misunderstanding. Since this account is mentioned by 3 of the 4 gospel authors, obedience are acts of faith that endear yourself to God, something a rich young ruler was unable to do.

But the [d]Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. 12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son. 13 Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son! 14 So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided, Genesis 22:11-14.

Moses highlights this concept in the passage above. Prior to Genesis 22, Abraham had a habit of trusting in his own instincts rather than placing his full assurance in God. Perhaps, this is what led God to ask Abraham to do the unthinkable, sacrifice his promised son Isaac. When an angel of the Lord intervenes just before Abraham was going to go through with this, this obedience to God’s call endeared himself to the Lord.

If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

Prior to Moses’ farewell address as Israel’s spiritual leader, he spends a chapter highlighting why God blesses obedient acts. Like a child who honors their parents, this is accomplished by listening intently and following the rules set in your home. Obedience isn’t a feeling, something you do when you want to. Rather, obedience is a daily conscience decision to seek God first and His righteousness, Matthew 6:33-34.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 12: The Wilson Phillips of Christian Music

Posted on April 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Back in the 1980’s, movie soundtracks played a big part in selling albums as well as growing the brand of secular artists. Following the popularity of Pretty Woman in 1990, Wilson Phillips’ debut album sold over 5 million copies two years later in part due to the hit song Hold On. As I expanded my Christian music collection in college, I came across an artist, Linda Elias, who has a similar sound as Wilson.

And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him, 1 John 4:16.

The music of Linda Elias spoke to a number of my Christian friends at the University of Delaware. While Linda is usually overshadowed by her husband Rick, a founding member of Rich Mullins’ Ragamuffin Band, they each sing backup on their spouses’ solo albums. If you just want to have fun by singing out loud to music with friends, the Meaning of Love album contains several memorable songs to shout out in public. May the lyrics of Linda Elias music touch your heart this week like it’s moved me the past 30 years.

by Jay Mankus

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God is with You in Everything you Do

Posted on April 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I was a big fan of Bryan Adams growing up. When you consider that I was born in August of 1969, Adams song the Summer of 69 cemented my appreciation for this Canadian born artist. Adam’s most famous piece, the theme song for the new Robinhood movie at the time, Everything I Do (I Do For You) is a moving ballad. However, when I sing the lyrics, I replace a temporary relationship on earth with God.

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. 23 So now, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my son or with my posterity; but as I have dealt with you kindly, you will do the same with me and with the land in which you have sojourned, Genesis 21:22-23.

If you’re a critical person like me, it’s hard to believe that God is with me in everything I do. However, I have met individuals in college and beyond who were truly blessed by God. This is the observation that King Abimelech makes about Abraham based upon his initial interactions. While Abraham definitely wasn’t perfect with his tendency to lie, he must have matured and grown closer to the Lord at this point in his life.

I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [g]infuses inner strength into me; I am [h]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency], Philippians 4:12-13.

While writing a letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul explains the secret to having God with you in everything you do. Paul provides a similar illustration in 2 Corinthians 12:7-12 as the weaker human beings become, it opens the door for God to become strong. From a New Testament perspective, the deeper your faith and trust in God become, the better your chances are for God to be with you in everything you do.

by Jay Mankus

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Longing for Something Made to Last

Posted on April 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you’re impatient like me, I get bored easily when I watch television. The last television series I regularly watched was 24, more than a decade ago. Although I may get lost from time to time when marathons of Bones, Castle or Joan of Arcadia come on, I prefer thinking rather than watching. While Joan of Arcadia is one of the few series that satisfied my spiritual hunger, I still long for something made to last.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship, Romans 12:1.

The apostle Paul touches on this topic in today’s featured passage. If you’re searching for something made to last, pursuing a spiritual act of worship is a great place to start. Paul uses a similar analogy in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, adding freewill to make Christians examine their degree of dedication to the Lord. Whenever you chose to follow God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25, you’re well on the way to pleasing the Lord.

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:2.

However, if you want to leave a spiritual legacy on earth, discovering God’s will for your life is the place to start. In a letter to a teenage pastor, Paul urges believers to put their spiritual gift and talents into action, 2 Timothy 1:6. A list can be found of these gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:1-13. If you want to be all you can be in life, reaching your full potential, long for something made to last by pursuing God’s will for your life on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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The Cave of Machpelah

Posted on April 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The first mention of a permanent burial place in the Bible, a modern-day cemetery, is found in Genesis 23. Based upon what I could find online, the oldest known cemetery on earth is the Gross Fredenwalde Cemetery. The ancient resting place in Germany is believed to be close to 8,500 years old. After the death of his wife Sarah, Abraham felt compelled to buy of piece of property known by locals as the Cave of Machpelah.

Listen to us, my lord; you are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in any tomb or grave of ours that you choose; none of us will withhold from you his tomb or hinder you from burying your dead. 7 And Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, the Hittites. 8 And he said to them, If you are willing to grant my dead a burial out of my sight, listen to me and ask Ephron son of Zohar for me, 9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns—it is at the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me here in your presence as a burial place to which I may hold fast among you, Genesis 23:6-9.

Ephron, the original owner of this land, was going to give the Cave of Machpelah as a gift to Abraham. However, not wanting to feel obligated in the future, Abraham is moved by God to make a fair offer based upon the market value of this property. After a little back and forth with people of this land of Hitties serving as witnesses of this agreement, the sale was completed and Sarah to laid to rest.

So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre [Hebron]—the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field and in all its borders round about—was made over 18 As a possession to Abraham in the presence of the Hittites, before all who went in at his city gate. 19 After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of [b]Machpelah to the east of Mamre, that is, Hebron, in the land of Canaan. 20 The field and the cave in it were conveyed to Abraham for a permanent burial place by the sons of Heth, Genesis 23:17-20.

My wife’s family has their own special place in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Over the past five years, Leanne has said goodbye first to her father in 2017 and her mother last summer. If you were driving on the country road known as J, you’d probably pass it without seeing Union Cemetery due to the dense trees. Nonetheless, everyone must face the reality first spoken by Job, “from dust we were created and to dust we will return.” The next time you say goodbye to a loved one, don’t forget the Cave of Machpelah which started this tradition.

by Jay Mankus

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What Faith and Poker Have in Common

Posted on April 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When you spend nearly a decade of your life working nights, you have to improvise to find a way to do the hobbies that you enjoy. During my career in youth ministry, playing cards was one of the easiest ways to get to know other students. After leaving the ministry, I received a computer game with nearly a hundred different card games. About this same time, ESPN began airing the World Series of Poker annually. Watching these broadcasts helps a novice like me develop strategies from the best card players in the world.

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there; then he laid the wood in order and [c]bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar on the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took hold of the knife to slay his son. 11 But the [d]Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. 12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son, Genesis 22:9-12.

From a spiritual standpoint, if you want to expand your faith in God beyond Easter Sunday, reading and studying the Bible increases faith, Romans 10:17. While looking back at the life of Abraham, I discovered what faith and Poker have in common. When you’re about to run out of chips in Poker, desperation and a good hand forces players to go All In. Meanwhile, after years of wavering by trusting in his own instincts, God placed Abraham into a situation forcing him to make a decision. Abraham’s actions in the passage reveals he too went All In.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

Carrie Underwood’s song Jesus Take the Wheel contains a similar message. Rather than continue to drive and go where you want in life, Carrie alludes to the Lordship of Christ. When you surrender complete control by handing over a steering wheel to Jesus, you too are going All In by trusting God with your future. King Solomon highlights this concept in the passage above. When Christians reach a state of spiritual maturity, you are trusting God, going All In, playing the cards that the Lord gives you in life. Winning occurs when Jesus is Lord of all of your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Waiting Until the Time God Sets

Posted on April 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Despite how impatient human beings can be, waiting is part of God’s process. If everyone got what they wanted and when they wanted it in life, there would be no intrigue or mystery. Meanwhile, history is like a series of cycles that often repeats itself, especially when mankind doesn’t learn from the mistakes of the past. As individuals set out to achieve desired goals, success often does not come until the time God determines.

The Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for her as He had promised. 2 For Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time God had told him, Genesis 21:1-2.

Whenever this topic comes up in a conversation, I always remember when I waited to become a PGA teaching professional. The initial step begins by passing a Player’s Ability Test, shooting a set score for 36 holes in one day based upon the difficulty of the course. During my first attempt, I hit the ball great, played the hardest hole one under par, but missed by 2 shots because I played the easiest hole three over par with 7 putts. If I just two and three putted this short par 3, I would have become what I wanted, not God’s will for my life.

 I have seen the painful labor and exertion and miserable business which God has given to the sons of men with which to exercise and busy themselves. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end, Ecclesiastes 3:10-11.

Abraham and Sarah experienced their own soap opera on the way to having their first child together. Despite trying for more than a decade, Sarah’s womb remained barren. The older each became, the more unlikely Sarah’s dream of having her own child would become a reality. Nonetheless, the circumstances became so overwhelming, that only God’s power and His time could have conceived Isaac. This is just one of many examples of waiting until the time God sets for His promise and will to be fulfilled.

by Jay Mankus

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