Ripe in Understanding

Posted on June 8, 2020 by expressyourself4him

To a trained eye, farmers can recognize the difference between a developing crop to the point of readiness for harvesting and eating. Whether you’re talking about a field of corn, soybeans or an orchard, there are certain signs that distinguish full grown fruits from those not yet mature. To become ripe in understanding takes experience, training and years of working out in various fields. This process isn’t as clear or as easy when it comes to acquiring spiritual knowledge.

So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God, 1 Corinthians 2:5.

The apostle Paul writes about how philosophers placed their faith in the wisdom of men. While elements of philosophy may be beneficial, trusting in logic, science and the wisdom of the world became a spiritual stumbling block in the first century. Instead of being ripe in understanding, these individuals were denied access to divine knowledge and wisdom. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis refers to this as theological virtues. Only accessible through the power of the Holy Spirit, charity, hope and faith is limited to Christians who enter into a personal relationship with Jesus.

Yet when we are among the full-grown (spiritually mature Christians who are ripe in understanding), we do impart a [higher] wisdom (the knowledge of the divine plan previously hidden); but it is indeed not a wisdom of this present age or of this world nor of the leaders and rulers of this age, who are being brought to nothing and are doomed to pass away, 1 Corinthians 2:6.

Nearly two thousand years later, finding someone ripe in spiritual understanding is rare. Instead, many people accept, believe and cling to the ideals of this progressive age. The byproduct of this reality has insured that Common Core, Global Warming and other secular views have been interwoven into public education. Anyone ripe in spiritual understanding who attacks, challenges or exposes the flaws of these worldviews is demonized. Instead of allowing a healthy public debate, deniers are quickly shut down. The only way to break through to others is by fasting and prayer. As for the meantime, the ripe in understanding should concentrate on sowing spiritual seeds as COVID-19 continues to impact communities.

by Jay Mankus

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A Permanent Dwelling Place

Posted on June 7, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The biblical city of Corinth is located in modern day Greece, southwest of Athens. According to Acts 17:16, the apostle Paul is grieved by a city full of idols. Based upon an encounter with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, Paul did find two positive signs. Using an altar dedicated to an unknown god and a poet who writes about being an offspring of God, Paul introduces the God of the Bible to the Greeks. Based upon the passages below, the Corinthians needed to abandon their current idols so that room could be made for a permanent dwelling place for God’s Spirit.

Do you not discern and understand that you [the whole church at Corinth] are God’s temple (His sanctuary), and that God’s Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]? 17 If anyone does hurt to God’s temple or corrupts it [with false doctrines] or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that [temple] you [the believing church and its individual believers] are, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.

Just as Jewish religious leaders viewed the temple as a physical building to worship God, Greeks possessed a similar mindset. Thus, Paul compares human bodies to a living spiritual temple. This inner sanctuary is where the Holy Spirit was designed to reside within your soul. However, until you recognize this spiritual truth, daily actions, choices and selfish decisions can corrupt, damage or hinder the Spirit’s ability to transform your life. Perhaps, this explains why Paul repeats himself three chapters later, using an analogy of a prostitute to grab a reader’s attention.

Or do you not know and realize that when a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? The two, it is written, shall become one flesh. 17 But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. 18 Shun immorality and all sexual looseness [flee from impurity in thought, word, or deed]. Any other sin which a man commits is one outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, 1 Corinthians 6:16-19.

Addressing ungodly relationships within the church, Paul adds a new dimension to human bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Most sins that individuals commit are external such as gossip, fits of rage or slander. However, any type of sexual sin in the form of sexual immorality harms your own body. While you may have desires to make a permanent dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, sin will shut the door, locking God out. The only way to repair your relationship with God is to be reunited by purging sexual sins from your life. Until your temple is swept clean from sin, the Spirit will only have a temporary home.

by Jay Mankus

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A Revolution Deep Within

Posted on June 6, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The book definition of revolution is a forcible overthrow of a government in favor of a new system or social order. Synonyms include insurrection, rebellion, revolt and uprising. As the United States prepares for the 2020 Presidential Election, cable news networks are suggesting that a political revolution is about to occur. The more capitalism is demonized and communism is glorified by public education, potential voters will decide the future of this nation.

I indeed baptize you in (with) water because of repentance [that is, because of your changing your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins]. But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire, Matthew 3:11.

The Bible refers to a different kind of revolution, one that is deep inside the human soul. A first century prophet refers to this spiritual revolution in the passage above. John the Baptist understood his limited role of a forerunner, preparing the way for a great spiritual leader. While John practiced a traditional baptism in water, Jesus introduced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. One of Jesus’ disciples refers to this concept in the passage below. First century conversions were always followed by public baptisms.

And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38.

Unfortunately, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit has created division and turmoil within modern Christian churches. While some denominations encourage the baptism of the Holy Spirit, others claim that if you haven’t experienced or received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you aren’t saved. Several theologians suggest that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Pentecost was unique, limited to that period in history. Whatever you may believe, spiritual revolution begins deep within human hearts that accept and embrace God’s free gift of eternal life as their own, Romans 6:23.

by Jay Mankus

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Fleeing an Alka-Seltzer Faith

Posted on June 5, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Alka-Seltzer is an antacid and pain reliever first marketed by the Dr. Miles Medicine Company of Elkhart, Indiana. An Alka Seltzer tablet contains aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous citric acid. When added to hot water, tablets dissolve in 20-30 seconds depending upon the water temperature. Since 1966, this cold medicine has been used to fight colds and flu like symptoms. Just like the disciple Peter denied knowing Jesus in public, the faith of many modern Christians tend to fizzle out after being baptized, disappearing quickly under duress and peer pressure.

So the Jews surrounded Him and began asking Him, How long are You going to keep us in doubt and suspense? If You are really the Christ (the Messiah), tell us so plainly and openly. 25 Jesus answered them, I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me]. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father’s name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me], John 10:24-25.

During a first century conversation with Jews, Jesus finds himself surrounded by individuals eager to know if He is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament. Instead of giving the people what they wanted, Jesus refers back to a parable introduced earlier in chapter 10. Eluding to himself as a shepherd, Jesus points to the fact that sheep know and recognize the voice of their shepherd. Genuine sheep hear, listen and obey the voice of God. Any actions contrary to this is a sign of unbelief.

But you do not believe and trust and rely on Me because you do not belong to My fold [you are no sheep of Mine]. 27 The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand, John 10:26-28.

To explain this in modern terms, free will give individuals daily options to obey or disobey God’s commands in the Bible. While everyone goes through cycles of high and lows, those who struggle with temptation are likely missing a key ingredient. I accepted Jesus as my Savior in high school, not as Lord. Thus, I was still in control, not willing to yield total control over to God. After living in sin following my first semester of college, the Holy Spirit prompted me to make Jesus the Lord of my life. If your faith appears to be fizzling out, perhaps it’s time you make a similar decision, Romans 10:9-10, to flee an Alka-Seltzer faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Known or Unknown

Posted on June 4, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was built following the first World War. On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in the plaza of Arlington National Cemetery. On September 1921, four more American bodies were exhumed from unmarked battlefield graves in France and placed in the new Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington. This memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1921, but additional work needed to be completed before being opened to the public on April 9, 1932. The first military guards were troopers from the 3rd Cavalry, “Brave Rifles”, posted at Fort Myer. Since April 6, 1948,  the regiment was reactivated and has been guarded by soldiers from 3rd Infantry which you see today when visiting.

So Paul, standing in the center of the Areopagus [Mars Hill meeting place], said: Men of Athens, I perceive in every way [on every hand and with every turn I make] that you are most religious or very reverent to demons. 23 For as I passed along and carefully observed your objects of worship, I came also upon an altar with this inscription, To the unknown god. Now what you are already worshiping as unknown, this I set forth to you, Acts 17:22-23.

During the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul stumbled upon a monument dedicated to an unknown god. Unlike other idols erected to the various gods of Greece, this altar suggested the presence of a higher power. This subtle memorial provides an open door for the apostle Paul to introduce philosophers to the God who raised Jesus from the dead. Paul’s speech on Mars Hill got mixed reviews. Like any debate, preconceived notions, stereotypes and uncertainty prevented skeptics from accepting or embracing this unknown god. Based upon the end of Acts 17, the resurrection of the dead was a stumbling block, too unbelievable for minds to grasp. Nonetheless, Paul was welcomed back to speak, winning over Dionysius, a judge of the Areopagus.

For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification], Romans 1:20.

I spent the first portion of my life in a religious setting, forced to attend Mass every weekend, even on vacation. Unfortunately, I spent more time looking at my watch than paying attention to the priest giving the Homily. If you haven’t already noticed, I was raised Catholic, trained to pursue the Sacraments such as Communion and Confirmation. The dangerous aspect about being religious is that you know just enough to get by. Instead of practicing faith by entering into a personal relationship with Jesus, I treated God like a check list. I went to church, completed confirmation and confessed my sins to a priest. Despite attending church for 15 years, I didn’t know God. If it wasn’t for the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Bible Study at my high school, God still might be a mystery to me. However, if you want the unknown to become known, look for the signs in creation so that an invisible God becomes visible through faith.

by Jay Mankus

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What is Happening to this Country?

Posted on June 3, 2020 by expressyourself4him

As the Coronavirus began to spread within prisons throughout the United States, government officials thought it would be a good idea to release non-violent criminals. Within hours of their release, New York City’s mayor was shocked by those who returned to a life of crime. Meanwhile, as business owners and entrepreneurs were forced to stay at home as month long quarantines were extended, life savings quickly disappeared. Filled with a sense of urgency, several local companies began to defy governor orders, opening their businesses to the public. About a month ago, some of these owners were arrested, fined or had their licenses revoked. After the unfortunate death of George Floyd, businesses struggling to survive have been broken into, damaged, looted and some burned down.

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do, Galatians 5:16-17.

As protesters and rioters appear to be taking over control of major cities, I’m struggling to grasp what is happening to this country? The Bible does provide some clues in the passage above and below. After the fall of Adam and Eve, human beings are now born into a sinful nature full of a series of urges. The apostle Paul refers to this as craving and desires inside of you. Some might refer to this as your dark side. Star Wars developed force sensitive characters throughout their franchise with the heroes, Jedi, seeking to become one with the Force. In the first century, the apostle Paul was pleading with Christians to follow promptings of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned individuals about allowing darkness to reside within your soul, Matthew 6:23. When anyone allows darkness to linger, you become vulnerable like Anakin Skywalker who turns to the dark side to become Darth Vader.

But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, 2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

In the passage above, Paul receives a prophetic message about what the end times will look like. Part of this image of the future includes deluding and seductive spirits designed to manipulate individuals. The end goal of these invisible forces of evil is to have the vulnerable believe and embrace twisted and warped doctrines. According to Paul, this will be accomplished by searing consciences through a series of lies. If you watch recent media reports from local, city and state officials, many don’t want to offend the protesters. Others aren’t willing to allow more cops to get hurt which appears to encourage looters to keep looting. Perhaps, the end times have arrived and the events of the past week has merely opened my eyes to this fact. As for now, all I can do is pray for America so that heart, minds and souls will come together to find common sense, healing and peace.

by Jay Mankus

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What Kind of Sign are You Holding Up?

Posted on June 2, 2020 by expressyourself4him

A newly married couple once came across a dense fog. As other vehicles slowed to a crawl, the husband attempted to make a pass on a two lane highway. While passing the final car, creating this traffic jam, their car is clipped by a truck heading in the opposite direction. The newlyweds flip end over end, traveling several hundred feet before coming to rest in the parking lot of a local business. Since the fog was so thick, other vehicles continue to pass by, unable to see their totaled vehicle.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, Matthew 5:13-14.

After being knocked out for a few minutes, the man comes to, seeing his wife lying in a pool of bed. Compelled to act quickly before the woman he loves bleeds to death, this man frees himself from the wreck searching for help. To his surprise, this couple landed in a doctor’s parking lot, kicking on the door with his foot fervently with his still wife’s body in his hands. As an elderly man opens the door, the doctor replies, “I’m sorry I stopped practicing years ago.”

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:15-16.

If you are observant, every day you will cross paths with someone in need of help. A co-worker going through a series of trials, a neighbor coping with a death of a relative or friend looking for a source of hope. According to a recent study, 240 million Americans claim to Christians. However, many of these believers have stopped practicing what they believe. Instead, few portray signs of spiritual life like the salt of the earth or light of the world. When the wounded come to your door steps, what kind of sign are you holding up? May this story that I recently heard motivate you to put your faith into action.

by Jay Mankus

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What the World Needs

Posted on June 1, 2020 by expressyourself4him

One of the favorite weeks of the year as a teacher was attending the annual youth leadership conference. As a member of the Spiritual Life Committee, serving as chaperone for this event gave me the opportunity to recognize and encourage student leaders to follow God’s calling. These events introduced me to cutting edge curriculum designed by Summit Ministries. During one decade, I was blessed to participate in work shops led by Dr. Jeff Meyers and John Stonestreet. During my final year of attending, I was challenged to stop judging the world by engaging our culture with the living Word of God.

Now while Paul was awaiting them at Athens, his spirit was grieved and roused to anger as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned and argued in the synagogue with the Jews and those who worshiped there, and in the marketplace [where assemblies are held] day after day with any who chanced to be there, Acts 17:16-17.

Stonestreet’s best lesson focused on the apostle’s initial visit to Athens. Despite being discouraged and grieved by a city full of idols, Paul tried to find something positive. Based upon the passage below, Paul identified a point of reference, an altar dedicated to an unknown god. Following a similar method of apologetics used by C.S. Lewis in the second portion of Mere Christianity, Paul establishes a common ground. Instead of preaching a message of condemnation, Paul compliments the citizens of Athens, referring to them as religious. Paul also quotes a poet who refers to being an offspring of God. This is what the world needs to hear.

So Paul, standing in the center of the Areopagus [Mars Hill meeting place], said: Men of Athens, I perceive in every way [on every hand and with every turn I make] that you are most religious or very reverent to demons. 23 For as I passed along and carefully observed your objects of worship, I came also upon an altar with this inscription, To the unknown god. Now what you are already worshiping as unknown, this I set forth to you, Acts 17:22-23.

In the aftermath of the George Floyd’s unnecessary death at the hands of a white police officer, buildings, local businesses and vehicles have been set ablaze in Minnesota. As riots continue to spread to other major metropolitan cities, anger over Floyd’s death has fueled this outage. As African Americans, minorities and protesters seek justice for this hate crime, time will tell what the future holds. As for now, cooler heads must prevail. If this country wants to continue it’s reputation as the great American melting pot, we must come together to discover what we have in common. When common beliefs and ideals are embraced, Americans can unite over the freedoms laid out in the Bill of Rights.

by Jay Mankus

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Bringing to Light the Secret Things

Posted on May 31, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Biblical context helps prevent wrong interpretations of Scripture. When you make assumptions about a specific verse in the Bible, you have to view each individual passage like one piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Context allows you to place similar pieces together. The more pieces you have connected, the clearer your understanding becomes of the Bible. The term theology refers to the science of God. The more you read and study the Bible, the full meaning of a passage comes into focus.

So do not make any hasty or premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes [again], for He will both bring to light the secret things that are [now hidden] in darkness and disclose and expose the [secret] aims (motives and purposes) of hearts. Then every man will receive his [due] commendation from God, 1 Corinthians 4:5.

In the passage above, Paul is writing to members of Corinth who had a tendency to jump to conclusions. A spiritual leader named Apollos became a fan favorite, like the church whose attendance drops whenever the senior pastor isn’t preaching. Thus, Paul encourages first century Christians to avoid making premature decisions. Give outsiders a chance, an opportunity to demonstrate and sow spiritual fruit. While not everyone will be eloquent, Christ living within hearts make leaders great.

When we were living in the flesh (mere physical lives), the sinful passions that were awakened and aroused up by [what] the Law [makes sin] were constantly operating in our natural powers (in our bodily organs, in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh), so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now we are discharged from the Law and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once restrained and held us captive. So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness [of life], Romans 7:5-6.

One chapter unveils the issue raging within human souls. The apostle Paul pours out his heart in Romans 7, explaining the invisible tug of war that exists within each person. Bringing to light the secret things, Paul exposes sinful passions that arouse sensitive appetites. When you connect the passage above to Galatians 5:16-17, this internal spiritual war comes to life. Like feeding a beast, the more you give into selfish desires, the less room there is for the Holy Spirit to operate. Therefore, if you want to follow the prompting of God’s spirit, hearts and minds must be fixed on things above, Colossians 3:1-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Overcoming Periods of Darkness While Living in the Wilderness

Posted on May 30, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Following the Exodus out of Egypt, Israel spent 40 years living in the wilderness. This time served as a transitional period before entering God’s promised land. While the Bible refers to a wilderness, in reality the Jews spent their days in the hot desert sun and nights surrounded by snakes and scorpions. Spending a week or weekend in the wilderness camping or hiking can be rejuvenating. However, living off the gird for an extended period of time requires a complete trust in God to provide daily bread.

And I will confirm with them a covenant of peace and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land, and [My people] shall dwell safely in the wilderness, desert, or pastureland and sleep [confidently] in the woods, Ezekiel 34:25.

Since the Coronavirus pandemic inflicted America in 2020, state mandated quarantines have separated family members, friends and neighbors. While some states have eased these restrictions during the month of May, I still haven’t been able to visit my parents. Due to speculation of a second wave of COVID-19 striking communities who don’t practice social distancing, these past 3 months have created a new type of wilderness, living inside your home most of the time. At some point faith has to trump fear, trusting God that life will soon return to a new but safe normal.

And I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing, and I will cause the showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing [of good insured by God’s favor], Ezekiel 34:26.

In the sixth century before the birth of Christ, the prophet Ezekiel refers to a covenant of peace. For those of you struggling during this period of darkness and uncertainty, the verses above serve as a glimmer of hope. Ezekiel promises to keep those living in the wilderness safe from evil beasts. Meanwhile, Ezekiel refers to a hill of blessing, showering God’s people with grace and favor. While you may not sense peace at the moment, I pray that this biblical promise encourages you. When the wilderness is replaced by normalcy, perhaps you’ll have a better appreciation for the little things in life that we have all taken for granted.

by Jay Mankus

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