Tag Archives: abortion

Learning to Win the Debates of Tomorrow

Posted on October 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a member of the Spiritual Life Committee at my former school, I spent five years taking students to Christian Leadership Conferences. While every conference had a different theme, there were workshops at each event on developing a biblical Worldview. Several of the teachers were college professors whose main goal was to prepare current students to win the debates of tomorrow.

Now who is there to hurt you if you are [d]zealous followers of that which is good? 14 But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed (happy, to be envied). Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition]. 15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully, 1 Peter 3:13-15.

While improving my high school Bible curriculum each summer, I discovered that Summit Ministries contains some of the best content for my students. Founded by Dr. Jeff Meyers, Summit Ministries is devoted to equipping college students with the knowledge and techniques to win the debates of tomorrow. As I listen to 2024 presidential candidates, I’m astounded by how poorly most of their debate skills come across on television.

[And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear ([e]unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behavior in Christ may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives]. 17 For [it is] better to suffer [unjustly] for doing right, if that should be God’s will, than to suffer [justly] for doing wrong, 1 Peter 3:16-17.

Perhaps, many of these future leaders fall into the category touched upon by the apostle Paul in Galatians 1:10. In an attempt to please their donors, I don’t see any American politician seeking to please the Lord. Topics like abortion and Planned Parenthood could be an easy slam dunk, but who is willing to stand in the gap for God, Ezekiel 22:30. If you want to learn how to win the debates of tomorrow, visit Summit Ministries to start your journey on the road to victory.

by Jay Mankus

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There are Certain Things That are Never Acceptable

Posted on August 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the reasons the Democrats did surprising well in the 2022 mid-terms elections is that woman across the country thought that abortion would be banned nationwide. The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe vs. Wade decision simply turned abortion over to each state to decide for themselves. Since most Republicans didn’t have a clear and concise message on abortion, the Senate remained in the control of the Democratic party.

Now Dinah daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out [unattended] to see the girls of the place. 2 And when Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he seized her, lay with her, and humbled, defiled, and disgraced her, Genesis 34:1-2.

Today’s featured passage covers the first case of rape mentioned in the Bible. Many states placed a provision within their abortion laws to allow a mother to terminate the life of a baby in the case of rape or incest. This seems like a practical clause for extreme circumstances. Yet, the response of Dinah’s brother to their sister’s rape makes it’s clear there are certain things that aren’t acceptable.

And they said, Should he [be permitted to] deal with our sister as with a harlot? – Genesis 34:31

As America has replaced Judeo-Christian values with humanism, modern responses to rape cases are appalling. I’ve heard and seen individuals blame the woman by suggesting, “she had it coming.” Others point to probable cause, “did you see what she was wearing? She was asking for it.” While Simeon and Levi were confronted by Jacob for their vengeful actions, these two young men respond with the passage above. May today’s blog help you see that certain things like rape are never acceptable.

by Jay Mankus

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The Days of Our Lives in America

Posted on June 18, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Who needs Reality Television when daily current events bring news stories that seem more appropriate for a comedy, drama or Sci-Fi thriller. Anyone who watches cable news, follows social media or scans the internet will find a real life soap opera. Instead of watching the Jersey Shore, people want to know what is it like to live in land formerly known as Chaz. When asked about protestors who have secured this six block section of downtown Seattle, the mayor replied, “If this movement continues, this could become the summer of love.” While members of the mainstream media have painted the picture of a street festival, some concerned citizens have requested to have their identities hidden to avoid any backlash.

Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. 20 For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires], James 1:19-20.

Grant Napear was the Play by Play announcer for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association for 22 years. Over the past two decades, Napear has developed relationships with NBA players he called games for. Following the death of George Floyd, DeMarcus Cousins, a former star with the Kings reached out to Napear via a tweet. The context revolved around wanting to know Napear’s opinion on Black Lives Matter. Trying to be all encompassing, Grant tweeted, “All Lives Matter.” This tweet set social media on fire, creating a backlash against Napear and the King’s organization. Bowing down to the Cancel Culture, Grant Napear was fired after expressing his politically incorrect opinion.

See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil, Deuteronomy 30:15.

Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Alicia Garza co-founded Black Lives Matter in 2013. Black Lives Matter was conceived following protests after police shootings of African Americans. Over the past 7 years, Black Lives Matter has grown to become an international activist movement. Protests and riots spawned by the outrage over George Floyd’s unnecessary death at the hands of 4 Minnesota police officers has increased the public awareness of Black Lives Matter. After the homicides of NYPD officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu in Brooklyn, New York, Blue Lives Matter was founded on December 20, 2014 to counteract Black Lives Matter. Blue Lives Matter is designed to change these wrongs to law enforcement by shedding positive light on America’s heroes to boost morale and gain society’s support.

[If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which] I command you today, to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land into which you go to possess. 17 But if your [mind and] heart turn away and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you today that you shall surely perish, and you shall not live long in the land which you pass over the Jordan to enter and possess, Deuteronomy 30:16-18

As political debates continue daily, one movement has been ignored, overlooked and silenced, The headline of an article says it all, Abortion at “historic low” by all measures, new CDC Study says. What the title minimizes is the fact that 623,471 babies were aborted in 2016. This was the lowest number of abortions in the United States in over 40 years. Having the lives of over 600,00 fetus’ snuffed out prematurely isn’t news worth celebrating. Just like one life lost to the Coronavirus is one too many, one unwanted pregnancy terminated is a sad state of reality. When my wife Leanne’s final pregnancy encountered a series of issues, a specialist suggested aborting our daughter Lydia. Instead of bowing to fear, the Lord protected Leanne and Lydia until her birth almost 16 years ago. While opinions vary depending upon who you ask, the born and unborn matter to God.

by Jay Mankus

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Unplanned

Posted on September 22, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Rarely does a teenager know exactly what they want to do at an early age and takes the steps to fulfill their dreams. Sure, elite athletes, so called prodigies often become professional athletes, but not everyone succeeds. Abby Johnson possessed a hunger deep inside of her heart to help women. This passion propelled Johnson to become one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the United States. A fervent believer in a woman’s right to choose, Abby defended abortion as pro-life protestors surrounded her clinic daily. Abby had designs to be an advocate for Planned Parenthood for life until what see saw during a routine abortion changed everything.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come, John 16:13.

According to recent statistics, Planned Parenthood clinics performed 332, 757 abortions in 2018. Each of these accounts have a story of a pregnancy terminated due to some reason. For some of these women, this act brought relief that a child was not born out of wedlock. As time has passed, perhaps guilt and shame have consumed other souls, second guessing their decision. The 2019 film Unplanned shines light on women who have been silenced by the media, afraid that if their testimony is heard, more women will choose adoption or birth over killing unborn children. While the name Planned Parenthood suggests these clinics offer counseling for expecting parents, performing abortions has become a cash cow, with most clinics focusing solely on scheduling and performing abortions.

So Pilate said to Him, “Then You are a King?” Jesus answered, “You say [correctly] that I am a King. This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth [who is a friend of the truth and belongs to the truth] hears and listens carefully to My voice.” 38 Pilate said to Him [scornfully], “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no guilt in Him [no crime, no cause for an accusation], John 18:37-38.

The conversation between a governor named Pilate and Jesus sum up the current political debate over abortion. The context of this dialogue occurs on the eve of Jesus’ crucifixion as religious leaders persuaded a majority of the people in Jerusalem to hand Jesus over to be executed. The idea of truth is difficult today as Pro-Choice advocates are in favor of terminating pregnancies. The truth about this play on words is that if you are pro-choice, you are for the death of the unborn. Since this doesn’t sound good, optics have been changed to focus on a women’s right to choose. Prior to her life altering experience, Abby Johnson was adored by social media, a champion for women and women’s right. Now that Johnson has switched sides to the Pro-Life crowd, the truth is clear to Abby. My prayer is that as individuals watch Unplanned, the truth will set you free from the pressure to conform to worldly standards.

by Jay Mankus

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Lowering the Bar or Extending God’s Grace?

Posted on January 30, 2019 by expressyourself4him

As a former Catholic, you can tell a lot about the direction of a church based it’s leadership.  Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, is now calling for priests to forgive any woman who has terminated a pregnancy.  During a recent interview on cable news, a member of a local archdiocese summarized this theological change.  In the past, female Catholics who had an abortion were excommunicated from the church, viewing this act of killing an innocent life.  Today, Pope Francis wants to focus on love and forgiveness by extending grace to those who have fallen short of God’s glory.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me,” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

When I heard excerpts of this interview, I wasn’t sure what to think.  However, now that I have had time to digest this new stance, there are two possible explanations.  First, the church is lowering the bar by altering the expectations of what it means to be a modern day Christian.  Just as public education has changed the standards for a passing grade, clergy is now more accepting.  As godliness diminishes within society it’s hard to find willing servants of Jesus.  Thus, many churches are being forced to overlook past transgressions to fill half empty buildings and worship services.

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace, Romans 11:6.

The other logical explanation is a shift from an Old Testament view of God’s wrath and judgment toward a New Testament approach based upon the love of Jesus.  This theological position points to the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15.  God is already working in the lives of the righteous according to Matthew 9:9-13.  It’s the rebellious, lost and those wandering in the dark who need help.  Instead of emphasizing church growth, pastors have become more evangelistic to reach out to a generation of people who have not grown up in the church.  Depending upon your theological beliefs, you may lean toward one of these two positions.  Nonetheless, the church is suppose to be the hands and feet of Christ, like a beacon of light piercing into the darkness of a spiritually dead and dying world.

by Jay Mankus

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Obedience to God Brings Opposition

Posted on October 8, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the church you attend or attended, pastors focus on different aspects of Christianity.  Some emphasize altar calls, asking convicted hearts to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus.  Others challenge believers to live out their faith seven days a week, being a light to the world outside of church.  Unfortunately, few discuss a painful reality, obedience to God brings opposition from the world.

“If the world hates you [and it does], know that it has hated Me before it hated you,” John 15:18.

In the past two months, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been verbally crucified by the media daily.  While sexual assault accusations have received most of the headlines, you have to read between the lines understand the motivation behind these attacks.  First, Kavanaugh is a devout Catholic who isn’t afraid to express his faith.  Second, Kavanaugh will likely defend and protect pro-life cases.  Thus, an obedience to support life in the past has alarmed abortion activists to attack this man of God.

19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love [you as] its own and would treat you with affection. But you are not of the world [you no longer belong to it], but I have chosen you out of the world. And because of this the world hates you, John 15:19.

No one wants to be hated.  Human nature creates a desire within to be embraced and loved.  Yet, one day Jesus revealed a side of Christianity to his disciples that is hard to grasp.  Obedience to God brings opposition?  Really?  Well, if your life is a living example of Christ, shining light into darkness, this will expose flaws within the lives of others.  Thus, this will lead to resentment and in some cases hatred.  Therefore, if you want a complete perspective of what to expect as a Christian living in 2018, obedience to God brings opposition from the world.

by Jay Mankus

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That’s the Worst!

Posted on March 11, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In this age of raw emotions expressed on social media, perspective is often lost.  Subsequently, blogs, instagrams and tweets tend to exaggerate events, making things far worse than reality.  Thus, if you troll social media long enough, don’t be surprise if you find a comment claiming, “that’s the worst.”

Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue, Psalm 120:2.

Whenever I drive, my patience is at its worst.  Whether I am alone or driving my family, I am frustrated by the slightest mistake made by other drivers.  These offenses strike a nerve, usually getting me bent out of shape.  Unfortunately, I prematurely judge and label each individual behind the wheel as the worst driver I have ever seen.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; Luke 6:37.

Debates over what’s the “worst” varies.  Some claim accidental deaths, others suggest cancer victims and a few argue that the millions of aborted babies since 1973 is a travesty.  As for me, I believe eternal separation from God is the worst.  In a discussion with his 12 disciples, Jesus brings up the concept of losing your soul.  The context suggests the temptation to be rich, self-supportive and wealthy causes some to forfeit their soul.  In view of this, follow Jesus’ advice within Matthew 16:24-26 by giving your life away.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Different Kind of Outrage

Posted on September 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Barbarism, desecration enormity, inhumanity and violence are all associated with outrage.  Death is one of the most common events which triggers this raw emotion.  While seventy percent of the protesters in North Carolina were bused in from out of state, this doesn’t mean that the parents and family who lost their son have released all of their frustrations.  Tragic events take time to cope with, heal and recovered from, yet there is another kind of outrage which often gets overlooked.

The people went to Bethel, where they sat before God until evening, raising their voices and weeping bitterly, Judges 21:2.

The grieving process affects individuals in varies ways.  Some mourn in silence while others heal quicker the more they can share the burden upon their hearts.  Yet, there are millions who have perish without the shedding of a tear.  According to the CDC, over 50 million babies have been aborted in America since 1973.  Although some woman who have shared their regrets during television interviews, there are no tombstones to remember those whose life never began, cut short by due to medical reasons or inconvenience.

“LORD, God of Israel,” they cried, “why has this happened to Israel? Why should one tribe be missing from Israel today?” – Judges 21:3

Whenever people are confused, God is either the first to blame or place to find refuge from their pain.  After the murder by an enemy of Israel, people of faith displayed a different kind of outrage.  Those who endured injustice in the Old Testament didn’t waver in seeking answers to their problems in life.  Rather, people of faith raised their voice in prayer, demanding and expecting answers.  This is a different kind of outrage which still has a place in understanding God’s plan and purpose for your life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Waking Up to a Whole New World

Posted on July 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Twenty years ago, adult, controversial and risque commercials appeared after dark, when most children were asleep.  The culture was much more conservative, careful not to corrupt the innocence of youth.  Unless you are living in denial, today everything is fair game, waking up to a whole new world.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8.

Social media is setting the pace daily, led by what’s trending on Twitter, followed by the latest eye catching video on Youtube.  Subsequently, a new generation lives by an entirely new set of standards, distant from the ethics of the Bible.  What once was wrong has become mainstream, normal to an accepting society, open to news ways of thinking.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.

Caught in the middle, the church is forced to balance grace with truth.  Although kinder and gentler, its difficult for those raised in the Fire and Brimstone Era to get past obvious sins.  Thus, when a microphone is put in front of a pastor’s face or as the camera rolls, its hard not to portray these individuals as judgmental, void of the love of Christ.  Despite what Christians believe about abortion, homosexuality and divorce, its better to demonstrate faith rather than shoving your beliefs in someone’s face.  Waking up to a whole new world will require an emphasis on living examples of Jesus to reverse these trends and possibly inspire a revival throughout the land.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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