Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Let Us

Posted on November 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my greatest regrets in life was taking for granted my education as a child. Despite having several amazing teachers, I was never really impressed by the topic of English. If I had only paid attention in class to grammar back then, my career as an aspiring writer probably would have taken off by now. Nonetheless, the trinity within the Bible is revealed early in the Bible by Moses through the words “let us.”

God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them, Genesis 1:26-27.

As the Classic Amplified Version of the Bible reveals in the passage above, Let Us refers to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Holy Ghost is used in the King James version to highlight this powerful invisible force. One of the ways I came to grasp the trinity was one person with three distinct personality traits. God the Father is the spiritual adult in the room, the disciplinarian who reminds you whenever you stray off course. Jesus the Son is the youthful version of God with the Spirit who serves as our spiritual guide.

In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [b]Himself. 2 He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. 4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men, John 1:1-4.

One of Jesus’ disciples refers to Him as homoousias. This theological term was first used at the Council of Nicaea which was presided over by the emperor Constantine. The Nicene Creed was conceived at this council which agreed that Jesus is the same in being and the same in essence with God the Father. Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit of a counselor in John 14:14-16. Therefore, when you see the expression “Let Us” in the Bible, this united agreement was the force behind the Creation of the World.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 301: What a Beautiful Name/Agnus Dei

Posted on November 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone in 2022, it’s officially time for Christmas music. While stores in Aiken have been playing Christmas music since the days following Halloween, Christmas season is now here. As you listen to the Cottrell’s version of What a Beautiful Name / Agnus Dei worship montage, may the words help you overcome the commercialism of Christmas. The lyrics should help you make Jesus the reason for this special season.

And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth, John 1:14.

A first century physician serves as a church historian. Luke is the author of Acts who writes about several of the apostle Paul’s missionary trips in accordance with the Great Commission left behind by Jesus, Acts 1:8. At some point during this spiritual journey, even this doctor was moved by what he saw and witnessed. Luke came to the conclusion that there is no other name on earth that compares with Jesus, Acts 4:12. May today’s song bring you closer to the One who saves.

by Jay Mankus

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The Bible’s Version of Weird Science

Posted on November 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Weird Science provides a snapshot of life in the 1980’s. Two teenage nerds attempt to create the perfect woman on a computer program. Rather than pretend, these two push the limits of their minds, breaking the law to achieve their ultimate goal. After a chain reaction similar to a scene from Ghost Busters out pops a real-life Playboy Bunny wearing low cut underwear and shirt. After recently reading the Creation Story in Genesis, God provides the Bible’s version of Weird Science in the verses below.

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs or a part of his side and closed up the [place with] flesh. 22 And the rib or part of his side which the Lord God had taken from the man He built up and made into a woman, and He brought her to the man, Genesis 2:21-22.

Teenagers aren’t the only ones who push the limits of science. The world’s first “test tube” baby was born on July 25, in 1978, The child’s name of this artificial birth was Louise Joy Brown. This scientific feat was the Jurassic Park for creating human life. While this was impressive, creating a woman out of one of Adam’s rib and part of his flesh is a miracle. If Hollywood tried to capture this event on film, it would be unbelievable.

Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man, Genesis 2:23.

Rather than use anesthesia, God places Adam into a deep sleep. According to oral tradition, Adam had a similar reaction to the two boys in Weird Science. While the Bible doesn’t mention that Adam reached for his side, as someone who has broken a couple of ribs the words above suggest Adam placed his hand over the incision as he spoke. If you haven’t seen Weird Science, the attached trailer might enhance your ability to imagine Adam’s reaction to the world’s first full-grown woman.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 300: Christmas at Denny’s

Posted on November 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are some artists who become synonymous with one song. Such is the case for Randy Stonehill who released Christmas at Denny’s on his 1989 “Return to Paradise” album. I met Randy back in college before I was fully aware of his talents as a songwriter and storyteller. I could have used Charlie the Weatherman as the featured song for Stonehill, but I was waiting for after Thanksgiving to reflect upon the powerful imagery provided within Christmas at Denny’s.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6.

Whenever I listen to this song, I am moved by the orphans depicted having their Christmas dinner at a local Denny’s restaurant. Depending upon the cards that you have been dealt in the game of life, it makes me think of what could have been in my own life. While it would be nice to turn back the clock and change what has already happened, you have to make the best of cruel circumstances, James 1:2-4. May the lyrics of Christmas at Denny’s help you appreciate what you have rather dwell on what might have been.

by Jay Mankus

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The Tree of Life and Knowledge

Posted on November 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a student at the University of Delaware who majored in Golf Course Design and Maintenance, I was forced to take Botany I and Botany II. These were probably two of the most boring classes that I ever experience, but I did learn tons about plants, especially their Latin names. Although I never studied the Tree of Life or Tree of Knowledge, I did learn about the century year old trees on campus. According to Revelation 22:1-2, the Tree of Life will bear 12 different kinds of fruit.

And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight or to be desired—good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life also in the center of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of [the difference between] good and evil and blessing and calamity, Genesis 2:9.

This miracle tree will yield a different fruit each month. Meanwhile, John infers that the leaves of the Tree of Life have the ability to heal nations. On the other hand, the Tree of Knowledge is thought to be a fig tree based upon Jewish and Christian traditions. I’m not sure what caused Eve to stare at a particular fig, low bearing fruit? Perhaps, hunger led to a second glance that planted the seed of sin within Eve’s heart. At some point, Adam and Eve talked about this as both gave in without a second thought.

 Blessed (happy and [c]to be envied) are those who cleanse their garments, that they may have the authority and right to [approach] the tree of life and to enter through the gates into the city, Revelation 22:14.

My favorite modern tree is the Japanese Cherry Tree. For the past 25 years, each Spring I waited for the pink flowers to bloom. While millions flock to Washington, D.C. each March to see white and pink cherry trees in full blown, all I had to do was walk out of my front door. Over the years, my kids have taken pictures in this tree to mark their growth. Since we moved this summer, next spring we’ll have to find another tree to celebrate. Then again, there will the tree of life awaiting in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 299: Everything About You

Posted on November 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from one of my last purchases at a Christian Bookstore in Delaware before it closed its doors for good. Oceans Above is an Electronic Worship group that puts their own spin on classic worship songs. I was initially going to feature Gazing which is one of the topic songs on the attached album cover. However, the remake of Everything About You touches my heart each time I hear the ending which is like a prayer from a prodigal who finally came to their senses.

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing, John 15:5.

Everything About You was part of a unit on Listening that I taught as a high school Bible at Red Lion. Students listened to a wide variety of Christian songs for an entire period, journaling about the beat, lyrics and melody of each. One of the songs I got the most surprising feedback was Everything About You. The song seems like it’s going to end before a soft prayer with guitar is added to enhance this song. May Oceans Above touch your life like it has mine.

by Jay Mankus

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What I Need this Christmas

Posted on November 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him
You and I wasn’t available on You Tube so I substituted this song with Rain Down.

Every Thanksgiving my family members are expected to provide a list of presents that they want for Christmas. Yet, the more I ponder about what I want, I can’t think of anything that I really need this year. Rather than waste money on presents that I may not use or want, all I need for this Christmas is to spend time with my family. After working my first sixty-hour week leading up to Thanksgiving, family is what makes the holidays special.

 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 4:13.

This perspective was conceived after listening to the song You and I by Oceans Above. The lyrics of this song start off with a prayer request for a wide range of individuals throughout the world. Similar to the beatitudes in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7, the lead singer turns their prayer toward “what I need.” Part of the chorus references the words of the apostle Paul in the passage below. What Christians really need is for Jesus to be strong in your weak moments in life.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength), 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Therefore, don’t make Christmas self- centered by seeking presents. Instead, it’s time for me to be the giver rather than a receiver. One of my favorite Christmas gifts over the years was a letter from someone I met on a Misson’s trip in college. Despite not receiving a letter in return for 3 months, I continued to write to see how they were doing. When I returned home during Christmas break, I got a letter about all the trials she had endured. Sometimes the greatest gift is not giving up on those who have lost hope.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 298: Heartbeat

Posted on November 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The lack of techno in Heartbeat by Elevation Rhythm makes this one of my favorite electronic praise songs. The lyrics of Heartbeat point to the word of Jesus in the passage below. If the heart is the well spring of life, Proverbs 4:23, then putting your heart into your faith in Jesus is a game changer. According to Jesus, loving God with all your heart, soul and mind is the greatest commandment to keep in life.

Teacher, which [e]kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light—which are heavy?] 37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). 38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment, Matthew 22:36-38.

When hearts are set on things above, Colossians 3:1-4, loving your neighbor as yourself is attainable. C.S. Lewis claims that only Christians have access to biblical love as this is one of three theological virtues mentioned at the end of 1 Corinthians 13. When the Holy Spirit enters your heart via a public confession of faith, Romans 10:9-10, hearts are transformed. May the lyrics of Heartbeat inspire you to continue to love God with all your heart, soul and mind.

by Jay Mankus

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The Original Omission

Posted on November 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Thanks to the writings of Augustine of Hippo who lived from 354–430 AD, the phrase peccatum originale was conceived. Augustine was referring to the passage below where Adam and Eve committed the original sin on earth by disobeying the boundary set by God in Genesis 2:16-17. When you place this passage side by side with James 1:13-15, Satan planted a thought inside of Eve’s mind that was eventually acted upon the more Eve stared at the fruit hanging from the Tree of Knowledge.

For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good (suitable, pleasant) for food and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she gave some also to her husband, and he ate, Genesis 3:5-6.

When Moses documents this story that was passed down through oral tradition, one key detail is often overlooked. While the version of this passage doesn’t specify Adam’s whereabouts when Eve took the first bite, other translations of the Bible claim that Adam was right there with her. Adam failed to show leadership by not interrupting the serpent or simply exclaiming “get lost.” Subsequently, as Eve was busy committing original sin, Adam demonstrated the original omission.

So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin, James 4:17.

The word omission in the context of Genesis 3 means a failure to do something, especially something that one has a moral or legal obligation to do. Since Adam was given authority over the Garden of Eden with the responsibility of being a caretaker or in golf lingo the superintendent of Eden, Adam failed to uphold the only rule given to him by God. The earthly brother of Jesus clarifies what a sin of omission is in the passage above. The moment Adam sat idly by his wife’s side without stepping in to stop this tempting urge, the original omission was conceived.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 297: Letting Go

Posted on November 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The lyrics of today’s song could have been written by one of Jesus’ disciples. The man who identifies himself as Levi writes about Jesus’ expectations for a disciple, Matthew 16:24-27. This commitment isn’t easy. The only way to keep Jesus’ request is by letting go by denying yourself, taking up the cross and following Jesus. While the attached video doesn’t credit a specific group, the words of Letting Go is self-explanatory.

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. 11 The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed, Romans 10:9-11.

The apostle Paul provides another way to let go in the passage above. Paul urges first century Christians to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. This requires a public confession of faith, usually in the form of a baptism. Meanwhile, this act should be accompanied by acts of contrition to demonstrate your faith and trust in Jesus. While Electric Christian music may be new to you, the final two songs of the week get better and better.

by Jay Mankus

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