Tag Archives: Bible scholars

The Deliverer Will Soon Be Delivered

Posted on December 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former Roman Catholic, Mary mother of Jesus was often idolized by members of my former church. When I was younger, I didn’t pay much attention to Mary’s elevated status to sainthood and worship. Yet, as an adult, as I read what is often called Mary’s Song, helps me see the truth. The deliverer of Jesus will be delivered by the Son of God, Psalm 18:2.

And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb! 43 And how [have I deserved that this honor should] be granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy, Luke 1:42-44.

Bible scholars believe that Mary was likely a 13 or 14 year old teenager at the time of this immaculate conception via the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35. According to Matthew 1:19, Joseph and Mary were already betrothed, equivalent to a modern-day engagement. When Mary left to stay with Elizabeth, there were no signs of this pregnancy. If Joseph wasn’t a prudent man, he could have her stoned publicly for adultery. When Mary’s life and marriage was spared, thanksgiving followed.

And blessed (happy, [z]to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, 47 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Luke 1:45-47.

The above passage clearly states Mary’s public confession and need for a Savior. Despite all the great accolades placed and stowed upon Mary, she knew her place in life. As the Son of God quickly grew into a man, Mary began to treasure things within her heart and mind. Despite the blessing and honor of being the mother of Jesus, Mary acknowledged that the deliverer will soon need to be delivered herself. This is one of many unspoken truths about Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 266: Just Like God

Posted on October 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Evvie McKinney was recently recognized by K-Love Radio as one of 7 top emerging artists in 2022. One of Evvie’s songs that struck a chord with my soul is Just Like God. While listening to her lyrics, I was reminded of how God provides daily bread and meets my weekly needs. Unfortunately, I don’t time enough time to thank God for all the blessings in life that He has bestowed upon me.

Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son! 14 So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided, Genesis 22:13-14.

Abraham came to see God as Jehovah Jireh in the passage above. Some Bible scholars have suggested that Abraham believed that God would somehow resurrect his son Isacc if he went through with God’s call to sacrifice his son. Instead, God provided a ram caught in a thicket to spare Isaac’s life. Therefore, the next time the Lord provides something in your life, remember Evvie’s song Just Like God.

by Jay Mankus

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Come and See the Future

Posted on July 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes you can read too much into the Bible when you study it. However, Ukraine is currently the 7th largest producer of wheat in the world. Meanwhile, Ukraine is the 4th largest exporter of wheat, but Russia is preventing cargo ships from carrying out these shipments. If Russia’s ongoing invasion of the Ukraine does not go in their favor, this could spark a worldwide shortage of wheat by years end.

When He broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, Come and look! And I saw, and behold, a black horse, and in his hand the rider had a pair of scales (a balance), Revelation 6:5.

According to a couple of websites, olive oil is projected to increase in price by 20% in 2022. Meanwhile, the fine wine market continued to appear strong in the first quarter of 2022, so anyone panicked by my first paragraph still has time to get their life right with God. Based upon a consensus of Bible scholars, in the days of the third seal in the Book of Revelation olive oil and wine will be in great abundance,

And I heard what seemed to be a voice from the midst of the four living creatures, saying, A quart of wheat for a denarius [a whole day’s wages], and three quarts of barley for a denarius; but do not harm the oil and the wine! – Revelation 6:6.

If you want to come and see the future, pay close attention to the price of wheat. Based upon the law of supply and demand, the supply of wheat will influence the worldwide price. This global market principle is the economic relationship between the sellers and the buyers of various commodities. If you want to come and see the future like John, watch the price of wheat, oil, and wine in the years to come.

by Jay Mankus

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Misrepresenting God

Posted on September 15, 2020 by expressyourself4him

When you misrepresent someone or something, this usually involves giving a false or misleading account. Whether by action, deeds or words, misrepresentation distorts, perverts and puts a new spin on something. From a spiritual perspective, Christians and or churches often exhibit subtle ways of misrepresenting God. This is displayed through Syncretism which is the  fusion of two or more belief systems, and can be applied to philosophy, politics, and religion. In the Old Testament, Jews began to misrepresent God by adopting and observing pagan gods and practices.

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life, John 8:12.

There are other examples in Scripture that are much more obvious. The context of the passage above involves a woman caught in the act of adultery. According to Jewish law, this woman must be sentenced to death. The local scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus to either test him or simply get his opinion on this matter. Instead of taking the bait, Jesus gets down on one knee, writing with his finger in loose soil. Legend has it that Jesus began to write down transgressions committed by people in the crowd who were about to stone this woman. Bible scholars suggest that Jesus was writing down specific sins, ways that these religious leaders were also misrepresenting God.

We are even discovered to be misrepresenting God, for we testified of Him that He raised Christ, Whom He did not raise in case it is true that the dead are not raised, 1 Corinthians 15:15.

According to the apostle Paul, anyone who denies the resurrection of Jesus also misrepresents God. Prior to this passage, Paul lists several accounts of individuals who met with Jesus after being crucified on a cross. Perhaps, Paul was merely reminding first century believers of the facts. Nearly 2000 years later, atheists and agnostics have cast doubt on Jesus’ resurrection, relying on science rather than faith. However, an entire chapter of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 15, is devoted to highlighting the power and significance of Jesus’ resurrection. While it takes time to change, may this blog inspire you to stop misrepresenting God.

by Jay Mankus

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Sin City

Posted on January 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When the average America hears a title like Sin City, Las Vegas often comes to mind.  If a city prides itself on the motto, “whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” its pretty apparent that this desert destination is endorsing an immoral and sinful life style.  In an age of instant information, you don’t have to live in Las Vegas to experience temptation.  According to Dr. Ed Murphy in his chapter entitled, “What is Happening to Me,” sin engages individuals on 3 levels. by their flesh, through the world and spiritually, Ephesians 2:2.  Murphy takes this one step further, claiming evil seduces people from within, externally and supernaturally, assaulting the human mind.

The apostle Paul in his letter to a teenager pastor, claimed to be the greatest sinner of all, 1 Timothy 1:15.  Romans 7 contains Paul’s personal struggle with his own flesh, resulting in numerous sins, hampered by an inability to do what is right, Romans 7:15-20.  In 2 Corinthians 12:7-8, Paul refers to either a physical ailment or spiritual attack on his own body.  Most Bible scholars believe Paul had a medical condition or an illness similar to colitis.  Meanwhile, a few, going out on a limb, think Paul was struggling with a fleshly addiction.  Either way, if one of the godliest leaders of all time could not contain his own flesh, then every Christ follower today will endure a similar battle.

Jeffrey Dahmer was a normal child until he began to study pictures in the Sears Catalog.  Like a sponge, his mind began to crave more images, leading to an addiction to pornography.  Present in almost every check out counter in America, the world fed this habit which would darken his heart and consume his soul.  The flesh combined with the temptations of the world persuaded Dahmer to indulge in shameful acts, Romans 1:24-27.  These conditions served as a catalyst to lead Jeffrey to become a serial killer.  Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family Ministries interviewed Dahmer before his execution on death row, revealing information the main stream media does not want to believe.

Unfortunately, the third and final attack on human being is the least known, unless of course you commit murder and want to claim insanity.  From my own experiences over the last 29 years trying to walk by faith, sin can play tricks on your mind.  When I have been closest to the Lord, God continued to expose the sin living in my life like the apostle Paul.  However, when I drift away from God, I am blinded, 2 Corinthians 4:4, thinking and telling others that I am doing fine!  Based upon trial and error, if you are on the verge of a spiritual break through, the devil will send as many demons as possible to stop you in your tracks.  Yet, if you are lukewarm in your faith, you are left alone, as your own flesh and the world keep you from being a real spiritual threat.  Thus, as you wrestle for control over your body, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 and dodge the worldly idols around nearly every corner, Acts 17:16, dust off the armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes, Ephesians 6:11.  Remember this, whatever is stored up for heaven, will stay in heaven, Matthew 6:20.

by Jay Mankus

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