Tag Archives: baptism

A Sign of a Mature Faith

Posted on July 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A friend in college told me about a truth from the apostle Paul’s confession in 1 Timothy 1:15. While writing a teenage Pastor, Paul refers to himself as the greatest sinner of all time. The premise my friend shared is that the closer you draw near to God, the more your imperfections are exposed. Subsequently, a sign of a mature Christian faith is the acknowledgement that Jesus must become more, and you must become less.

I indeed baptize you [c]in (with) water [d]because of repentance [that is, because of your [e]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. 12 His winnowing fan (shovel, fork) is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out and clean His threshing floor and gather and store His wheat in His barn, but the chaff He will burn up with fire that cannot be put out. 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him. 14 But John [f]protested strenuously, having in mind to prevent Him, saying, It is I who have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me? 15 But Jesus replied to him, [g]Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for [both of] us to fulfill all righteousness [that is, to [h]perform completely whatever is right]. Then he permitted Him, Matthew 3:11-15.

My favorite class in Seminary was Revival and Revivalism. This course studied the spiritual climate just before and immediately following the first and second Great Awakening. The content in this course was enhanced by the teaching of Leonard Ravenhill which I often listened to while I worked at Ton Communications. According to Ravenhill, these movements of God began with Christians honestly addressing the sins in their lives. These public confessions sparked spiritual awakenings.

You yourselves are my witnesses [you personally bear me out] that I stated, I am not the Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), but I have [only] been sent before Him [in advance of Him, to be His appointed forerunner, His messenger, His announcer]. 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the groomsman who stands by and listens to him rejoices greatly and heartily on account of the bridegroom’s voice. This then is my pleasure and joy, and it is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so,] John 3:28-30.

If you want to examine a great example of mature faith in the Bible, you can begin with John the Baptist. The first mention of John begins with Isaiah 40:3, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” As John drew a large following from his baptism ministry, pride could have gotten in the way. “Hey, look what I’ve done!” Yet, when the timing was right, John acknowledged his role, “Jesus must become more and I must become less.” This is the type of faith modern Christians need to begin to emulate.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 303: The Thrill of Hope

Posted on December 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The origin of Advent comes from the Latin term adventus. Advent is a season of the liturgical year observed in Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. Over the years, advent has evolved into a four-week family celebration. Yet, the earliest observances of Advent consisted of 40 days of repentance, fasting and prayer leading up to baptism for new believers in Jesus.

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope, Romans 15:13.

Christy Nockels adds a new twist to Advent with her song The Thrill of Hope. Unfortunately, the commercialism of Christmas has altered the spiritual celebration of Advent. The watering down of Advent has pushed prayer and fasting ahead to the New Year. Yet, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas should be spent making room in your heart and life for Jesus. May the lyrics of The Thrill of Hope prepare you for the season of Advent.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 297: Letting Go

Posted on November 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0rS1RNnsXI

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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S.A.N.S. Episode 208: The Robe

Posted on August 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When you try to highlight 365 different artists in one year, you reach a point when you think, did I already write about this artist? I hope this isn’t a repeat, but today’s song was introduced to me by my spiritual mentor Ken Horne during a high school retreat. The Robe by Wes King uses the imagery of a baptism along with the passage below as an invitation to come to Jesus so that you can walk away clean and free.

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.

There are certain people that I’ve met in life that revel in worry. The closer you are or become to these individuals, spirits of worry can become oppressive and often wear you down. The Robe serves as a positive message as God accepts you where you are in life. While some Christian’s still dress up for church to impress others, come as you are to accept and embrace God’s grace and mercy.

by Jay Mankus

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What a Baptism Can Do for You?

Posted on March 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A baptism is an outward display of an inner faith. Today, churches across the country perform infant baptisms and child dedications where this decision is made by parents. However, the baptisms performed by John and Baptist and Jesus in the Bible were based upon personal convictions. While I was baptized as a child, I felt convicted in college to get baptized publicly. What my baptism did for me was to take my faith more serious by becoming a man of God.

[The souls of those] who long before in the days of Noah had been disobedient, when God’s patience waited during the building of the ark in which a few [people], actually eight in number, were saved through water, 1 Peter 3:20.

In the passage above, Peter compares baptism to the flood sent by God to cleanse the world from sin. According to oral tradition, the days of Noah was filled with worldwide disobedience. Perhaps not to the extent of the days of the Judges 21:25 where human nature influenced people to do what’s right in their own eyes. Nonetheless, baptism provides Christians with a do over, a fresh start to begin again. You may not feel clean, but the body of Christ serves as an accountability partner to keep you out of trouble.

And baptism, which is a figure [of their deliverance], does now also save you [from inward questionings and fears], not by the removing of outward body filth [bathing], but by [providing you with] the answer of a good and clear conscience (inward cleanness and peace) before God [because you are demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:21.

Peter provides a broader explanation of what the act of baptism can do for you in the above passage. The issue that Jews like Peter had to overcome was a spiritual superiority complex that existed among first century religious leaders. Pharisees became so obsessed with their outward appearance that hearts were neglected. Following baptisms in the book of Acts, believers had immediate access to the Holy Spirit. As Christians learn to keep in step with God’s Sprit, Galatians 5:25, consciences are cleansed and purified. May this blog inspire you to pursue an adult baptism if you haven’t yet done so.

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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Close to Your Heart and Near to Your Lips

Posted on March 1, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Whenever you hear someone talking about a heart or lips, the context often refers to a physical relationship. While ease-dropping, you might discover that a friend is in love. Or an obnoxious and rude customer boasts loudly about hooking up with a woman last night. When love is in the air, even quiet and shy individuals open up to express the good news of a significant other.

But what does it say? The Word (God’s message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, Romans 10:8.

In a letter to the church of Rome, the apostle Paul uses heart and lips in a spiritual context. Possibly referencing the words of King Solomon in Proverbs 4:23, the heart is the well spring of human bodies. Meanwhile, lips are the gateway to your mouth. When hearts and lips work hand in hand, beautiful expressions such as confession, encouragement and honesty flow.

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 Romans 10:9.

Although different personalities exist, baptism is symbolic of a public expression for an inner faith. Remaining silent about a personal relationship with God is not an option. Thus, Paul compels believers to come out of your shell by verbalizing what is in your heart. Faith provides the opportunity for what is close to your heart and near to your lips. May this blog inspire you to find an avenue to express your faith daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Is Being Devout Good Enough?

Posted on July 3, 2019 by expressyourself4him

If you have been to a funeral recently, eulogies tend to focus on the good that an individual has done over the course of their life.  Despite flaws, imperfections and weaknesses, positive qualities are highlighted to give friends and family members hope that their loved one has entered the gates of heaven.  This makes me wonder is being devout good enough?

Now at Caesarea [Maritima] there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who, along with all his household, feared God. He made many charitable donations to the Jewish people, and prayed to God always, Acts 10:1-2.

In the passage above, Luke introduces a highly respected individual.  Despite his lack of Jewish upbringing, Cornelius earned a reputation of being God fearing.  This holy reverence inspired a cheerful heart to give and fueled a desire to pray to God daily.  Perhaps, this character makes Cornelius an ideal candidate to become the first Gentile to receive the good news about Jesus Christ.

This Jesus is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief Cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation],” Acts 4:11-12.

Earlier in the book of Acts, Luke makes it clear that being devout is not good enough.  There is only one door, one way that leads to eternal life, faith in Jesus Christ.  God found favor in Cornelius, using a series of events that led to a meeting with Peter.  During Peter’s message within a house in Caesarea, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening.  Immediately, following Peter’s mini-sermon, Cornelius and his family were baptized.  If you want the eternal security mentioned in 1 John 5:13, place your trust in Jesus to seal the deal, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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The Comfort and Encouragement of the Holy Spirit

Posted on June 6, 2019 by expressyourself4him

A first century doctor makes an interesting observation about the Holy Spirit.  While initially described as the Holy Ghost in the original King James version of the Bible, Luke describes the feeling and sense new believers experienced following their baptism.  Despite being an invisible force, those who walked with God daily received an inner peace in the form of comfort and encouragement.  When I read the passage below for the first time, I pondered “what does it mean to walk in the comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit?”

So the church throughout Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace [without persecution], being built up [in wisdom, virtue, and faith]; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it continued to grow [in numbers], Acts 9:31.

The term walking with God is found 62 times in the Bible.  One of the first references of this phrase occurs in the passage below, a command from God to Abram to activate his faith by arising and walking to fulfill God’s calling.  While Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 5:22 mentions that Enoch walked faithfully with God.  Subsequently, Enoch was spared death, taken up into heaven like Elijah.  Perhaps, this shines light on the comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Arise, walk (make a thorough reconnaissance) around in the land, through its length and its width, for I will give it to you.” 18 Then Abram broke camp and moved his tent, and came and settled by the [grove of the great] terebinths (oak trees) of Mamre [the Amorite], which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to [honor] the Lord, Genesis 13:17-18.

The comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit could also originate from teachings from Moses.  Deuteronomy 28 lists acts that result in blessings and curses from God.  The blessing list lasts 14 verses, followed by 54 verses on curses due to acts of disobedience.  Common sense tells me that if you are walking with God or as the apostle Paul puts it in Galatians 5:25, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, blessings will abound.  Moses states in Deuteronomy 28:2 that” all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you pay attention to the voice of the Lord your God.”  Therefore, as individuals walk with God, blessings will bring comfort and encouragement to ensure believers that you are on the right track.

by Jay Mankus

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