Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1990 movie “Pretty Woman”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴ and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” ⁶ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. ⁹ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰ Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ¹¹ “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin,” John 8:3-11.

Biblical Connection:

Pretty Woman details the subtle transformation of Vivian from a prostitute into a mature woman. Yet, as Vivian changes her mindset about life, she also begins to impact Edward’s business decisions. This noticeable difference causes Philip to make a pass at Vivian. As Vivian wants a fairytale ending, walking away from a sexual addiction isn’t easy.

John 20:30-31 and John 21:25 refers to countless encounters, miracles and stories about Jesus were left out of the Bible. To prevent the gospels from turning into an encyclopedia, events like today’s passage were left out of the other 3 New Testament books. Jesus’ advice to this woman caught in the act of adultery was to immediately leave her life of sin.

Closing Song:

The lyrics of today’s song follow the prostitute who used an expensive bottle of perfume to anoint and wash Jesus’ feet. If this blog finds you struggling to leave an addictive act of sin, humble yourself and lean on the Lord to set you free.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 movie “When a Man Loves a Woman”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. ⁴⁴ Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. ⁴⁵ Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation,” Matthew 12:43-45.

Biblical Connection:

When a Man Loves a Woman is one of the most powerful and serious films Hollywood has made to address alcoholism. As Andy Garcia is trying to convey alcoholism to his 2 children, the youngest doesn’t understand what he’s talking about. However, when the oldest defines alcoholism in real terms, it’s clear to see that Meg Ryan has lost control of her life, unable to stop drinking.

Today’s passage is one of the best explanations for addiction that the Bible has to offer. Like Superman, every human being has their own kryptonite, a vulnerable weakness. What tempts one individual varies. Yet, when you make a decision to get rid of harmful habits, impure spirits don’t just go away. Rather, in extreme circumstances, spirits return without warning, overwhelming souls.

Closing Song:

If today’s blog finds you battling a crippling addiction, reach out to the Chain Breaker. Find an accountability partner and or group to pull you away from the impure spirits ravaging your life. May God bring healing and restoration to your life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the anime short “Legion”

Bible Verse of the Day:

They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.^[a] 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. ³ This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. ⁴ For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. ⁵ Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. ⁶ When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. ⁷ He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” ⁸ For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” ⁹ Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” ¹⁰ And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. ¹¹ A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. ¹² The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” ¹³ He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned, Mark 5:1-13.

Biblical Connection:

Upon encountering a man under complete demonic possession, Jesus wants to know what He is up against. The name legion refers to a large military unit. In the context of the Bible, a legion is 5,000 soldiers. Subsequently, as Jesus confronts the demons inside, an exorcism is necessary. Unlike Hollywood portrayals, Jesus is able to immediately bind and cast out this legion of demons.

At the end of this passage, verses 18-20, readers find out that this man has a family he hasn’t seen since becoming demon possessed. Immediately becoming a disciple isn’t God’s plan for this healed man, Romans 12:1-2. Rather, going home and telling everyone what God has down in his life is a much more powerful witness, giving hope to others currently oppressed by demons.

Closing Song:

Like food manufacturers in the United States which add byproducts into their food to make it hard for consumers to stop eating, the spiritual realm applies similar practices. Addiction, bad habits and cravings are fueled by unclean spirits that consumed this man. Instead of remaining bound by these spirits, God wants to heal and restore you just like the man in Mark 5. Don’t delay in seeking help by laying your burdens at the feet of Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1958 movie “Vertigo”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” ⁴⁶ “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied. ⁴⁷ “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. ⁴⁸ “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? ⁴⁹ No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.” ⁵⁰ Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, ⁵¹ “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” ⁵² They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee,” John 7:45-52.

Biblical Connection:

As a child, I had a reoccurring dream of falling off a cliff, waking up just before dying like the scene from Vertigo. However, when doctors told me that I would never run again as a teenager is a living nightmare that transformed my life. Forty years ago today, I twisted my ankle running in a cross-country meet, finishing this race one mile later. By not stopping, I tore all of the tendons in my ankle and twisted my tibia 180 degrees in the wrong direction. The initial plan for my ankle reconstruction surgery was to drill a hole and place a screw into ankle to hold this bone in place. Yet, when the doctor performing my surgery placed my tibia back into its proper location it popped into place. This miracle enabled me to swim 2 months later and run my final year of high school.

A Pharisee named Nicodemus experienced a similar transformation. Meeting with Jesus under the cover of darkness, Nicodemus was afraid what his fellow religious leaders might think of this encounter. John 3:1-21 details the content of this special meeting. Doubting the concept of becoming born again, Nicodemus responds with sarcasm. However, as Jesus raises His voice, this conversation sets the stage for one of the most powerful passages in the Bible, John 3:16-17. Like the miraculous events of my healed ankle, Nicodemus began to ponder everlasting life and God’s loving nature. Nicodemus actions and response in John 7 illustrates that something changed deep inside of this man. John 19:38-42 suggests that Nicodemus became a follower of Jesus.

Closing Song:

When you’re desperate, you turn to God in prayer. My last day at school before my ankle surgery, members of the Fellowship of Christian athletes formed a circle around me, laying hands on me to pray for a miracle. Without a doubt, these cries for help turned my nightmare into a transformational healing that I’ll never forget and will continue to share as long as I live.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 movie “Jerry Maguire”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs, 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

Biblical Connection:

Sports agent Jerry Maguire is fired from a firm he helped start after publishing a new mission statement. This booklet deviates from the love of money with an emphasis on less clients and more quality time with their players. Trying to get his only client a new contract, Jerry tries to remind Rod of the joy of playing football as a child before he ever got paid.

One of the ungodly beliefs I developed as a teenager was that Christians couldn’t be rich to avoid the love of money. Yet, the apostle Paul writes to a first century pastor to explain this misconception. It’s the love of money that Christians should avoid. This includes control, greed and power over other people. Money isn’t evil. It’s how money is used that opens the door for evil.

Closing Song:

Sports betting advertisements bombard viewers of sporting events. These companies are selling gambling as an easy way to make money. Whenever individuals seek to take a short cut in life, compromise and temptation open the door for embracing and loving money. May the words of the apostle Paul speak to you as your guard your heart against the love of money.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Pursuit of Happiness”

Bible Verse of the Day:

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength, Philippians 4:10-13.

Biblical Connection:

The Pursuit of Happiness is based upon the true story of Christopher Gardner. Part of Chris’ journey to becoming a successful businessman involves a divorce and spending time in a homeless shelter with his son. While Chris does end up winning over the interview team, this initial job doesn’t provide a guaranteed salary. This is where being content is more important than happiness.

The apostle Paul was raised to become a learned Pharisee who went by the name Saul. As a Roman citizen and a Jew, Saul went on to become a powerful synagogue leader who fought against the establishment of the first century. Yet, following the death of the apostle Stephen, a series of events transformed Saul’s life. This is why a born-again Paul writes about how the pursuit of happiness can result in disappointment. Over the years Paul learned to be content in life.

Closing Song:

C.S. Lewis refers to success as the process of arriving in Mere Christianity. Subsequently, to those on their own pursuit of happiness, learn to be content in current circumstances. As you seek to acquire this biblical trait, your faith journey will guide you where God wants you to be.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 movie “Good Will Hunting” (Language Warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? ¹² Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” ¹³ Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” ¹⁵ The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” ¹⁶ He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” ¹⁷ “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. ¹⁸ The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true,” John 4:11-18.

Biblical Connection::

Will is an orphan with an unusual gift; he is a genius. This leads Will to take a janitor position at MIT, quietly solving Mathematic problems written on a chalkboard that no other student enrolled at this prestigious university could solve. Unfortunately, Will has a painful past which he is afraid to reveal. This is the context of today’s conversation.

Instead of sitting on a park bench, Jesus is standing at a well, waiting for individuals to arrive. As a woman comes forward, the topic of water breaks the ice. Yet, Jesus transforms a shallow conversation into a spiritual one. Prior to sending her away, Jesus wants to meet her husband. This one question opens the door, peeling back the layers of this woman’s life.

Closing Song:

I talked to a Buddhist woman last week. Our discussions ranged from a myriad of topics. After a good friend recently became born again, this woman was turned off to Christianity, so I followed the C.S. Lewis approach, searching for common ground. Only God knows what is in store next, but you have to give individuals time to stop hiding from their past before an open dialogue can be established.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams”

Bible Verse of the Day:

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” ³⁴ But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. ³⁵ Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all,” Mark 9:33-35.

Biblical Connection:

An ungodly belief are beliefs that do not align with the Bible’s teaching and God’s character. Ungodly beliefs are absorbed, developed and engrained within minds of a child which are carried over into adulthood. When Ray is not invited to see what’s beyond his own cornfield, the ungodly belief of “what’s in it for me” arises. Society teaches the opposite: to get what is yours.

Jesus often listened to conversations that his disciples thought went unheard. Subsequently, Jesus asks about the topic of discussion as the disciples traveled to Capernaum. Instead of revealing their debate on who is the greatest disciple among the 12, Jesus was prepared to correct their flawed mindset. From a biblical perspective, the greatest is the one most willing to become a servant.

Closing Song:

Over the course of my lifetime, Hollywood has convinced Americans that October is the month dedicated to embracing horror. In a processional leading up to Halloween, television networks air one slasher movie after another. To avoid falling prey to another ungodly belief, take your thoughts captive, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, so you won’t imitate a what’s it in for me attitude.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2009 movie “The Blindside” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. ⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. ⁵ The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. ⁶ But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. ⁷ Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. ⁸ Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever, 1 Timothy 5:3-8.

Biblical Connection:

The Blindside contains an earlier scene when Michael Oher’s adopted mom pulls him aside during tryouts. Sandra Bullock tells Michael to embrace all of his teammates by treating each like a family member. Just before the snap in today’s scene, Michael has a flashback of these words, inspiring him to defend his teammates by blocking with all his might until the whistle blows.

As a teenage pastor, Timothy receives instructions from the apostle Paul about leading his congregation. Paul’s advice includes God’s expectations for Christians, treating members of their church like family members. Jesus told his disciples that others will know you by the love that you display daily. This is how you should defend and treat your family.

Closing Song:

Love doesn’t come naturally. Nor is love instantly absorbed by reading a slogan on an NFL field like “choose love.” Rather, love flows out of Christians who have developed a legacy of faith.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “Bourne Supremacy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh, Romans 13:11-14.

Every so often an old movie scene, a song or visiting a specific location will suddenly trigger a memory from my past. This is what Jason Bourne experiences in today’s scene. Sometimes a previous event can be so painful that you do everything in your power to suppress this stain from your past. This one flashback leads Jason to return to Berlin to discover what really happened.

Based upon the words of today’s passage, the apostle Paul received news that members of the Church of Rome began reverting back to their former way of life. Instead of living with a sense of urgency, an idle faith led some to participate in deeds of darkness from their past. Therefore, Paul calls this church to spiritually clothe themselves with Jesus, putting on the mind of Christ in prayer.

Closing Song:

Addictions, bad habits and unwholesome cravings don’t suddenly disappear when you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. However, when new believers begin to read the Bible, meditate upon what they are learning and pray for forgiveness, minds start to conform to God. In the meantime, practice the words of Matthew 11:28-30 by laying your burdens at the feet of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus