Imposters of Faith

Posted on June 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

An imposter is a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others. Imposters may not start off with impure motives. Fear of what others may think initially often results in a chameleon effect, blending into environments so you’re not rejected by your peers. When an individual successfully deceives and tricks someone for the first time, an imposter is conceived. Imposters of faith come into play by preying on gullible Christian churches, going on a power trip when challenged or questioned.

For many imposters (seducers, deceivers, and false leaders) have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge (confess, admit) the coming of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) in bodily form. Such a one is the imposter (the seducer, the deceiver, the false leader, the antagonist of Christ) and the antichrist, 2 John 1:7.

One of my favorite books is the Handbook for Spiritual Warfare by Dr. Ed Murphy. The most powerful aspect of this book is a series of case studies, testimonies of how people ended up addicted, beaten or ravaged by poor choices they made in life. If I recall correctly, one of these is from an elder of a megachurch who tried to inform the leadership of a specific sin. After following the Matthew 18 principle, no one believed him as an imposter of faith had won the power struggle within this church.

Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand]. 13 But wicked men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and leading astray others and being deceived and led astray themselves, 2 Timothy 3:12-13.

During the Summer of 2020, the BLM movement attached itself to inner circle churches across the country. While Paul calls Christians to be color blind in Colossians 3:11, the Old Testament warned Israel about adding and subtracting from the Bible, Deuteronomy 4:2. Due to political pressure, some churches across the country have drifted from the Bible to embrace progressive policies. If money is involved, imposters of faith blend faith into our culture and society to avoid scrutiny. If you find yourself struggling with this syncretism, study Jesus words in Matthew 24 so that your love for God won’t grow cold.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 125: Everything I Need

Posted on June 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Kutless is one of the groups I should have featured much earlier, but they were bypassed for other songs that came to my mind. Kutless formed in Portland, Oregan in 1999 and have been rocking and rolling for the last two decades. This longevity has resulted in more than three million sold albums and counting. Besides being Sunday, I chose Everything I Need for the biblically based lyrics.

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[d]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4 By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

While listening to this song for the first time, I immediately thought of the words written by one of Jesus’ disciples in the passage above. According to Peter, the Holy Spirit gives Christians everything that they need for life. Yet, the world is filled with distractions that often separate us from God. The lyrics of Everything I Need parallels the Footprints Poem as there will be days that Jesus will need to carry us. When in doubt, lean on the promise in Philippians 4:13 as with Christ anything is possible.

by Jay Mankus

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Forward Your Love

Posted on June 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Pay It Forward Movement and Foundation was founded in the United States. The inspiration behind this concept was to start a ripple effect of kind acts in America with a goal to spread love around the world. Pay it forward dates back to ancient Greece in 317 B.C. A play performed in Athens used pay it forward as a key plot concept. In the passage below, John calls Christians to forward God’s love.

They have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to forward them on their journey [and you will please do so] in a way worthy of God’s [service], 3 John 1:3.

Most modern books contain a forward. This homophone serves as an introduction to a book, setting the tone for what will follow. In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:43-47, Jesus reveals the role that love plays in a Christian’s life. Forward is the direction or the future path you will take in life. The act of love is what separates a person of faith from others who walk the face of the earth.

Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity), 1 John 3:18.

Yet, John isn’t content with merely talking about love. While the expression “talk is cheap” may not have been around during the first century, John is set on forwarding the love of God. The theory in the passage above likely applies to philosophers that John met in sharing the good news about Jesus Christ. While the intellectual like to talk, a true believer is inspired to live out and forward God’s love daily.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 124: Zero Theme

Posted on June 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from one of the compilation albums that I picked up at a Christian bookstore more than two decades ago. I think the title was Oxygen, a collection of unknown Christian dance/hip hop artists. Zero was by far my favorite, persuading me to purchase the Ravenous album upon my next visit. The album was okay, but the Zero Theme is a tune that should be played at all nightclubs.

And when he had spent all he had, a [g]mighty famine came upon that country, and he began to fall behind and be in want. 15 So he went and forced (glued) himself upon one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed hogs. 16 And he would gladly have fed on and [h]filled his belly with the [i]carob pods that the hogs were eating, but [they could not satisfy his hunger and] nobody gave him anything [better], Luke 15:14-16.

If you like Push It by Salt-n-Pepa or Shannon’s Let the Music Play, you’ll appreciate the Zero Theme. While the lyrics are designed to make you want to dance, there isn’t anything spiritual involved. To avoid any spoiler alerts, there is a funny remix from an old television show. If your sole desire is to blow off steam on a Friday afternoon, pop in the Zero Theme and you’ll be grooving in a manner of seconds.

by Jay Mankus

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There’s No Need for Disinformation

Posted on June 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced news of a new Disinformation Governance Board. When an old Tiktok video of the individual selected to oversee this board surfaced, the credibility of this Disinformation Board was immediately put into question. Meanwhile, a tweet by Jeff Bezos called out President Biden for his own disinformation about a false statement on Covid-19 vaccines.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living their lives in the Truth, 3 John 1:4.

According to one of Jesus’ former disciples, the Bible has its own plan for dealing with disinformation. At the beginning of one of his last recorded letters, John’s greatest joy as a Christian is to see people, he spiritually mentored to live their lives in the truth of the Bible. Since the Bible contains supernatural power as a living document, Hebrews 4:12, disinformation is exposed by the light of God’s Word.

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.

Years earlier, John was present when Jesus told his disciples that spiritual truth will set you free. While disinformation, gossip, and rumors continue today, Christians who shine the light and love of Jesus will convict the hearts of those trying to control your speech. Despite the algorithms designed by social media sites that favor progressive ideas, living your life in the Truth will expose disinformation as its espoused.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 123: Atrocity

Posted on June 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Mukala reminds me of an old computer game that I played when I was a teacher, Mancala. Yet, Mukala is a Christian group that blends electronic dance with a mix of pop and rock. Mukala is led by singer and keyboardist Dan Muckala, guitarist Alex Nifong, and drummer Jason Collum. The lyrics of Atrocity is based upon a secret sin that results in a series of bad choices detailed in James 1:13-15.

The woman answered, I have no husband. Jesus said to her, You have spoken truly in saying, I have no husband. 18 For you have had five husbands, and the man you are now living with is not your husband. In this you have spoken truly, John 4:17-18.

While the context of Atrocity is unclear, there are traces of the classic song by the Police Roxanne. Apparently, a Christian leader that bandmembers knew ends up becoming an adult entertainer at a strip club. Mukala is so shocked that Dan wonders how this individual can sleep at night. Yet, like the prodigal son, until someone reaches the bottom of the barrel, atrocities will continue today.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Throw it Away

Posted on June 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every now and then, I will be overwhelmed by frustration. Whatever I am working on at this time turns into an epic failure. Human nature will trigger thoughts like “what’s the point or you’re wasting your time.” Apparently, one of Jesus’ disciples encountered a similar situation during the first century. Due to a growing number of spiritual imposters, John warns leaders to not throw away all that you’ve invested.

Look to yourselves (take care) that you may not lose (throw away or destroy) all that we and you have labored for, but that you may [persevere until you] win and receive back a perfect reward [in full], 2 John 1:8.

Perhaps John is reminded of the words of Jesus in Luke 14:28. Before you build anything, start a new project or commit yourself to a time-consuming task, consider the costs. If you don’t have a time of reflection to sort out all the details, there’s a chance you’ll never finish this endeavor. Therefore, before you pour your heart and soul into anything, sit down to see if this can be accomplished.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. 10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [[i]morally] to all people [not only [j]being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers], Galatians 6:9-10.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul writes to Christians who are thinking about giving up on someone or something. Whether you’re reaching out to a friend or working on a worthy project, in the end you reap what you sow. If anything is good or worthwhile, Philippians 4:8-9, think about such things. May the encouragement provided above help you not throw away all that you have invested. Keep the faith!

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 122: How Could I Ask for More?

Posted on June 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I was working full time in youth ministry, Cindy Morgan was one of my favorite female Christian artists. While working in Columbus, Indiana at a Methodist Church, Cindy was one of the featured artists at an outdoor concert at Mill Race Park. The album that touched my heart the most was Real Life. At this time, there wasn’t many artists who addressed real life issues like How Could I Ask for More?

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself,] Ephesians 2:8-9.

As a child, the alure with being rich and famous is common. Yet, when my parents moved to a wealthy area of Ohio and my girlfriend Leanne lived in an affluent suburb in Chicago, the emptiness of wealth was revealed to me. I didn’t see what I expected except for a desire to keep up with the Joneses. Looking back, the lyrics of How Could I Ask For Me reminds me that happiness comes the love of Jesus. So as my future job in South Carolina is still unknown, all I can do is thank God for the little things as I wait.

by Jay Mankus

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No Doubt About It

Posted on June 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church is a time of prayer during each mass. Depending upon the congregation or priest, a list of prayers is usually read out loud. Following each individual request, the audience responds with “Lord hear our prayer.” One of Jesus’ disciples writes about this in the passage below. According to John, God does hear these prayers and there’s no doubt about it.

And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him, 1 John 5:15.

It’s not uncommon for children to adopt an invisible friend when they are young. While parents may be uneasy about this behavior, this is the power of the imagination of a child at work. Similar to Robin Williams’ adult character in the film Hook, age and time have a way of sucking the joy out of parents. Rather than revel in the innocence of being young, the Devil has a way of wearing down faith, John 10:10.

When the disciples saw it, they marveled greatly and asked, How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once? 21 And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a [n]firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. 22 And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive, Matthew 21:20-22.

During a first century walk, Jesus teaches his disciples a powerful lesson about pray. This isn’t a meaningless imaginary exercise where you pretend to talk to an invisible God. Rather prayer is maximized when Christians approach God without doubt. Having belief and faith takes prayer to the next level. To those who pray without a doubt begin to move the mountains blocking God’s path for you.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 121: Everything

Posted on June 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song is a favorite for drama teams throughout the nation. Lifehouse’s Everything is a modern version of Curious Fools’ classic song Pull which was a popular dramatization when I was in youth ministry back in the mid 1990’s. The attached video uses Matthew 11:28-30 to illustrate how everything in life begins to pile up and subsequently overwhelm burdened and troubled souls.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([r]relief and ease and refreshment and [s]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [t]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne, Matthew 11:28-30.

Recognizing this internal struggle, Jesus calls anyone who is overburdened to come to Him. While human nature may make you think you can carry all of this on your own, you won’t be able to find rest or peace. This is the context of what the apostle Paul was going through in 2 Corinthians 12:7-12. The next time you find yourself swept away by stress, in your weakness trust Jesus to become your strength to lift you up on wings of eagles, Isaiah 40:29-31.

by Jay Mankus

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