Category Archives: Truth

Engaging Our Culture: September 28-When You Become What You Despise

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2003 movie “Flywheel”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.” David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul, 2 Samuel 12:4-7.

Biblical Connection:

Jay Austin finds himself in debt which feeds a sinful desire to sell cars for much more than they are worth. Before the days of Car Fax, Jay was ripping off his customers. When Jay began to look at himself in the mirror, he despised the person who he had become. This change of heart leads Jay to begin giving back money and apologizing to his former customers.

Today’s featured passage is a reminder of how devastating sin can impact a godly individual’s life. Prior to an affair with Bathsheba, David was a man after God’s own heart. Yet, when compromise led to an adulterous affair ending in a child, this initial sin snowballed into a spiritual avalanche. Nathan was such a great storyteller that David wanted to condemn the person he had become.

Closing Song:

Today’s song addresses the power of addiction. When you commit a sinful act the first time, you might think that you can easily refrain the next time you find yourself in compromising position. However, when sin becomes full blown, it changes how you act, behave and think. Before you hit rock bottom, may conviction open your eyes to help you see that you’ve become what you despise.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 27-Using Common Sense to Prove God’s Existence

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 movie “A Few Good Men”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse, Romans 1:18-20.

Biblical Connection:

When two marines give Private William Santiago a code red, trying to teach him a valuable lesson, tragedy occurs. This act of discipline triggers a pre-existing condition that results in his death. As Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee attempts to explain a code red to the jury, it’s not listed in any of the Marine manuals. Yet, Kaffee uses common sense to illustrate that not everything is included.

After the Church in Rome is formed, the apostle Paul receives news of members of the congregation acting as elitists. Paul uses today’s passage to help Roman Christians understand that all human beings are sinners. To those outside the church, Paul points to the visible qualities of God’s creation like rainbows and sunsets so that no one can claim, “I never knew or saw God.”

Closing Song:

Story tellers like Jesus made convincing arguments by using cultural parables that His first century audience could relate to and understand. In modern-times, communicators like Charlie Kirk were able to reach college students by using common sense and logic. The next time you find yourself in a theological debate and discussion, use common sense like Tom Cruise in today’s scene to prove God’s existence to skeptics.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 26-Asking God for Advanced Orders

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going,” John 14:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

When Jason discovers that Emily has a terminal condition, he finds her in the hospital chapel apologizing for how he handled this initial news. As Emily begins to contemplate her eternal destiny she wonders if God takes prayer requests in advance. Instead of focusing on her condition, Emily’s dying wish is that Jason and her mom would become a couple.

As Passion Week has arrived, the week of the crucifixion, Jesus prepares the disciples for his death. While these 12 men can’t fathom life without Jesus, He begins to explain why his death on a cross is necessary. In a later letter, the disciple whom Jesus loved writes about knowing for certain about your eternal destination in 1 John 5:10-13. This is what Emily was wondering about in this chapel.

Closing Song:

One of the mistakes young Christians make is treating prayer like you’re at the checkout counter at a local supermarket. One Old Testament prophet claims that sometimes sinful actions prevent God from hearing your prayers, Isaiah 1:15-18. However, when you approach the Lord in a humble manner, pouring out your soul in prayer, God does take advance orders like securing your eternal destiny in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 25-Oh My God What is Happening?

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 television mini-series “The Stand”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up,” Daniel 3:13-18.

Today’s scene brings back memories of freedom of speech denied during the Coronavirus. Doctors, scientists and social media influencers who didn’t conform to Covid shots were demonized, demonetized and were immediately banned from social media sites. This is the background of Stephen King’s made for television mini-series the Stand.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were being forced to bow down and worship another god. This demand went directly against the second commandment. In the Stand, Rae Flowers took a similar stance, willing to risk death for her belief in freedom of speech. Whether it’s the loudest voice or the greatest political threat, Charlie Kirk’s assassination is causing Americans to wonder, “Oh my God, what is happening?”

Closing Song:

On the verge of facing death, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego trusted in the God of Israel. This spiritual stand was blessed by God, saving their lives and changing the mind of Nebuchadnezzar. This is what can happen when you take a spiritual stand by trusting in an invisible God.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 24-When a Group of Misfits Become a Team

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “Night at the Museum”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” 12 I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me. 14 Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophet Noadiah and how she and the rest of the prophets have been trying to intimidate me. 15 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days, Nehemiah 6:11-15.

Biblical Connection:

Larry Daley takes a security job at a local museum. Little does Larry know that all the exhibits in the American Museum of Natural History come life at night. When the golden device that allows this transformation to occur is about to be stolen, this group of misfits start working together. Like a coach, Larry leads all the characters to save this device and keep it at the museum.

Nehemiah was the cup bearer to the King of Persia. Upon hearing the news of the demise of Jerusalem, Nehemiah fasts and prayers for 3 months. Following this time, God gives Nehemiah a vision of how to rebuild the walls surrounding Jerusalem. Nehemiah gathered the people who lived near their part of Jerusalem’s wall, using each to create a successful team of workers to finish in 52 days.

Closing Song:

As a former coach, some of my teams didn’t have the talent of others. Yet when you can get a group of individuals to buy into a common goal, even a collection of misfits can become a team.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 23-Attitude Reflects Leadership

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Remember the Titans”

Bible Verse of the Day:

That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, Ephesians 4:20-24.

Bible Verse of the Day:

Back in 1971, a Virginia school board decided to integrate an all-Black school with an all-white high school. As football players gathered together for training camp, tensions rose. Today’s scene provides context of how a racial divide prevented players from coming together to form a team. Shortly after this scene, Coach Boone plans an early morning run to Gettysburg’s battlefield.

The apostle Paul understood the importance of reminding human beings due to lapses in memory. Just as players began to focus on their own selfish desires, Paul reminds Christian in Ephesus of their call to faith in Jesus. While the easy thing to do is abandon God in times of crisis and trials, the key to change involves embracing the attitude and mind of Christ.

Closing Song:

Chase Utley’s father once told Chase as a child, “don’t tell people how great you are, show them!” This little leaguer went on to become a World Champion with the Philadelphia Phillies. When attitudes begin to assign with the mind of Christ, godly actions follow.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 22-Overcoming Obstacles to Fulfill Your Dreams

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Rudy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

Biblical Connection:

Daniel Eugene Ruettiger was a high school dreamer which I can relate to as an average student as well. Growing up near Notre Dame, Daniel who developed the nickname Rudy always wanted to attend Notre Dame. Subsequently, when he is denied access to the bus visiting his favorite college, this academic obsracle ignited a fire deep inside of Rudy’s soul to do whatever it took to fulfill his dream.

The apostle Paul writes to the Church at Philippi. After the events in Philippi detailed in Acts 16:16-34, Paul had fond memories of all that God had done in this city. Rather than dwell on being imprisoned, Paul and Silas turned their cell into a worship center. This positive outlook on life led the lead jailor to faith in Christ. This is Paul’s call to focus on the excellent and praiseworthy things in life.

Closing Song:

Rudy spent the years following graduating from high school trying to prove his doubters wrong. Despite 2 years of failing to get into Notre Dame, he finally succeeded. Then when opportunity arose, Rudy fought with every ounce of his body and soul to will his way onto the Notre Dame football team. This is how you overcome obstacles to fulfill your dreams in life.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 21-Fighting a New Form of Crime

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2007 movie “Live Free or Die Hard”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous,” Matthew 5:43-45.

Biblical Connection:

There are 600 million cyber-attacks that occur daily. Cell phones, emails and U.S. mail is used to target unknowing victims. John McClane is sent to protect computer hacker Matt Farrell. Using a computer program that Farrell designed, master cyber-terrorist Thomas Gabriel takes over government computers. This forces McClane to work with Farrell to find and stop Gabriel.

While going through the Ten Commandments during a first century sermon, Jesus explains what it means to live out these commandments today. Whenever you are taken advantage of, deceived or trespassed against,Jesus urges human beings to love and pray for your enemies. Although this doesn’t make sense for those living outside of faith in Christ, this a call on how to live your life.

Closing Song:

Just as a boy scout is taught to be prepared, the apostle Paul urges Christians to put on the whole armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18. This is how you take your stand against fighting cyber-attacks.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 20-Experiencing a Hard Day of Work

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2015 movie “McFarland USA”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13.

Biblical Connection:

As the son of a former Captain in the Army, hard work was demonstrated for me by my father. As a teacher, Coach White wanted to see what his runners had to endure before and after school. Today’s scene helps remind Coach White what a hard day of work feels and looks like. This weekend experience altered the Cross-Country practice to keep his runners fresh for race days.

The apostle Paul helped plant a church in the city of Thessalonica. While spending time around members of this congregation, Paul appears to have observed lazy and unproductive people. This is likely the inspiration for Paul’s plea in today’s passage. Meanwhile, idle individuals tend to distract others from working. Those who know and daily work hard will earn enough to eat.

Closing Song:

When you set the tone, others will follow your actions. While certain days of work will be harder than others, whatever you do work as you’re serving the Lord, Colossians 3:23.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: September 19-Another Season to Heal

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2018 movie “The Miracle Season”

Bible Verse of the Day:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:   a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,   a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,  a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4.

As a former high school teacher, a year doesn’t go by without a local student dying in a car accident. After meeting a teenager for the first time, this boy died on their way home that weekend. This is the movie plot for the Miracle Season as members of the girls’ volleyball are forced to come together following the tragic death of Line Found. As friends and family start the healing process, the remainder of West High’s season is dedicated to their former star Caroline.

King Solomon spent time as a judge ruling other difficult cases like the one in 1 Kings 2. Yet, in today’s passage, Solomon reflects upon the various seasons of life that human beings must endure. Life is filled with ups and downs, which may be shocking and unexpected. This emotional roller coaster may lead you to lean on family, friends or teammates to get you through difficult times. Caroline’s death serves as a catalyst to come together as a team and achieve greatness.

Closing Song:

Jesus’ earth brother refers to unexpected events like Caroline’s death as trials that are part of life, James 1:2-4. These unsettling times are necessary to become mature and complete spiritually. If this blog finds you still hurting, may the fall of 2025 serve as a season of healing.

by Jay Mankus