Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2007 movie “The Bourne Ultimatum”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God, Galatians 5:19-21.

Biblical Connection:

Bible verses were shared over loudspeakers during the morning announcements or read out loud in homeroom to guide students with a daily theme. Prior to the 1960’s, public education encouraged young minds to be kind, just and moral. In the decades that have followed, social media preys on tired and weak minds like David Webb. This is how lost minds have become reprogrammed today.

The apostle Paul explains to a first century church about the invisible battle that all human beings are facing. Beginning in Galatians 5:16-18, two forces are at work daily: human nature and the Holy Spirit. The weaker your mind becomes, the quicker that acts of the flesh become a part of your life. When this behavior becomes a pattern, you become a slave to sin like the words of James 1:14-15.

Closing Song:

After the love of his life was assassinated, Jason Bourne sets to find where it all began for him. Sleep depreciation led Jason’s mind into being reprogrammed by becoming a hit man. To snap human minds out of this spiritual amnesia, you need to study the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 5 so that you can learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit to avoid falling prey to future temptations.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2014 movie “God’s Not Dead”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all^[b] sin. ⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us, 1 John 1:7-10.

Biblical Connection:

While college was once a platform for ideas, Atheist, Communist and Marxist professors seek to conform young minds to their secular worldview. A billionaire recently spoke out about how his daughter attending Harvard completely transformed into a leftist. While God is certainly not dead, college parents who don’t recognize their children when they come home have their doubts.

False teaching about God increased at the end of the first century. Subsequently, John who was a former disciple of Jesus seeks to set the record straight about these lies. John explains what God desires as well as what it means to walk in the light of God’s truth. Like the man who goes to visit his mother, he fails to recognize human nature and how God uses trials to strengthen faith.

Closing Song:

Syncretism is the best explanation for why many people believe that God is dead. As Christians continue to add and subtract from the Bible, Deuteronomy 4:2, blending secular beliefs with their own, outsiders are dumbfounded and turned off by this hypocrisy. Only when followers of Jesus practice the words of today’s featured passage can the world’s misunderstanding about life be straightened out.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 movie “A Few Good Men”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ¹⁹ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse, Romans 1:18-20.

Biblical Connection:

When two marines give Private William Santiago a code red, trying to teach him a valuable lesson, tragedy occurs. This act of discipline triggers a pre-existing condition that results in his death. As Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee attempts to explain a code red to the jury, it’s not listed in any of the Marine manuals. Yet, Kaffee uses common sense to illustrate that not everything is included.

After the Church in Rome is formed, the apostle Paul receives news of members of the congregation acting as elitists. Paul uses today’s passage to help Roman Christians understand that all human beings are sinners. To those outside the church, Paul points to the visible qualities of God’s creation like rainbows and sunsets so that no one can claim, “I never knew or saw God.”

Closing Song:

Story tellers like Jesus made convincing arguments by using cultural parables that His first century audience could relate to and understand. In modern-times, communicators like Charlie Kirk were able to reach college students by using common sense and logic. The next time you find yourself in a theological debate and discussion, use common sense like Tom Cruise in today’s scene to prove God’s existence to skeptics.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going,” John 14:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

When Jason discovers that Emily has a terminal condition, he finds her in the hospital chapel apologizing for how he handled this initial news. As Emily begins to contemplate her eternal destiny she wonders if God takes prayer requests in advance. Instead of focusing on her condition, Emily’s dying wish is that Jason and her mom would become a couple.

As Passion Week has arrived, the week of the crucifixion, Jesus prepares the disciples for his death. While these 12 men can’t fathom life without Jesus, He begins to explain why his death on a cross is necessary. In a later letter, the disciple whom Jesus loved writes about knowing for certain about your eternal destination in 1 John 5:10-13. This is what Emily was wondering about in this chapel.

Closing Song:

One of the mistakes young Christians make is treating prayer like you’re at the checkout counter at a local supermarket. One Old Testament prophet claims that sometimes sinful actions prevent God from hearing your prayers, Isaiah 1:15-18. However, when you approach the Lord in a humble manner, pouring out your soul in prayer, God does take advance orders like securing your eternal destiny in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Remember the Titans”

Bible Verse of the Day:

That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, Ephesians 4:20-24.

Bible Verse of the Day:

Back in 1971, a Virginia school board decided to integrate an all-Black school with an all-white high school. As football players gathered together for training camp, tensions rose. Today’s scene provides context of how a racial divide prevented players from coming together to form a team. Shortly after this scene, Coach Boone plans an early morning run to Gettysburg’s battlefield.

The apostle Paul understood the importance of reminding human beings due to lapses in memory. Just as players began to focus on their own selfish desires, Paul reminds Christian in Ephesus of their call to faith in Jesus. While the easy thing to do is abandon God in times of crisis and trials, the key to change involves embracing the attitude and mind of Christ.

Closing Song:

Chase Utley’s father once told Chase as a child, “don’t tell people how great you are, show them!” This little leaguer went on to become a World Champion with the Philadelphia Phillies. When attitudes begin to assign with the mind of Christ, godly actions follow.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Rudy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

Biblical Connection:

Daniel Eugene Ruettiger was a high school dreamer which I can relate to as an average student as well. Growing up near Notre Dame, Daniel who developed the nickname Rudy always wanted to attend Notre Dame. Subsequently, when he is denied access to the bus visiting his favorite college, this academic obsracle ignited a fire deep inside of Rudy’s soul to do whatever it took to fulfill his dream.

The apostle Paul writes to the Church at Philippi. After the events in Philippi detailed in Acts 16:16-34, Paul had fond memories of all that God had done in this city. Rather than dwell on being imprisoned, Paul and Silas turned their cell into a worship center. This positive outlook on life led the lead jailor to faith in Christ. This is Paul’s call to focus on the excellent and praiseworthy things in life.

Closing Song:

Rudy spent the years following graduating from high school trying to prove his doubters wrong. Despite 2 years of failing to get into Notre Dame, he finally succeeded. Then when opportunity arose, Rudy fought with every ounce of his body and soul to will his way onto the Notre Dame football team. This is how you overcome obstacles to fulfill your dreams in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2015 movie “McFarland USA”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Biblical Connection:

All sports use running to get into shape over the off-season. Yet only 1 high school sport involves running during each competition without a break, half-time or time out. This was the dilemma facing Coach White as he tried to recruit athletes for the Cross-Country team he was starting. White sought out troubled students, hoping they would find a new home in Cross-Country.

The apostle Paul appeals to sports fans who attended the Corinthian Games, a first century track and field event hosted by Corinth in non-Olympic years. Like Coach White, Paul reveals that running involves self-discipline. However, as you beat your body into submission, do this in a manner that you will receive a crown that last for eternity.

Closing Songs:

Cochren and Company’s song compliments today’s featured passage. The lyrics point to the spiritual promise in Romans 10:9-11. If today’s blog finds you running off course like the prodigal son, run back to Jesus as your heavenly father is waiting for you with open arms, Luke 15:20.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1986 movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ So you too should be glad and rejoice with me, Philippians 2:14-17.

Biblical Connection:

When the timing is right, a friend will bear their soul to you. This is the case of Cameron who opens up to Ferris and his girlfriend in today’s scene. When you’re a victim of verbal abuse, you often hold this pain inside of you. After skipping school with Ferris, Cameron lets his guard down. One of the first steps toward being healed of verbal abuse is opening up to a friend.

In a letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul writes to first century Christians about their attitude, emotions and words that they use. Bad attitudes can turn a home, school or workplace into a negative atmosphere. Instead, Paul calls this congregation to become like stars shining in the darkness of this world. Words should be encouraging and uplighting, not daggers to your soul.

Closing Song:

Verbal abuse is often fueled by tongues of fire. Individuals who go scorch earth upon other people are simply expressing and lashing out at others based upon what they have endured in their past. May today’s message inspire you to think twice about verbally assaulting other people.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1985 movie “Better Off Dead”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” ³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^[a]” ⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” ⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit,” John 3:1-8.

Biblical Connection:

I was a sophomore in high school in 1985 when Better Off Dead appeared in theaters. I related to Lane Meyer who became suicidal after being dumped by his girlfriend. I become a loner in Junior High and actually thought about planning my own death. Yet, when I was at my lowest point following a nervous breakdown, I was introduced to entering a personal relationship with Jesus.

Although Nicodemus wasn’t suicidal like Lane Meyer, there was an emptiness, a void in his life. Nicodemus went to Jesus at night, afraid of what his fellow Pharisees might think of him. While initially sarcastic with Jesus in today’s passage, Nicodemus shuts up and begins to ponder the words of Jesus. At some point, Nicodemus enters into a relationship with Jesus based upon updates provided in John 7:50 and John 19:39.

Closing Song:

In this month of suicide awareness, the film Better Off Dead is now used in high school to talk about this sensitive issue. When individuals begin to turn their attention away from self-pity and toward Jesus, the abundant life is attainable, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Trailer from the 1987 movie “Fatal Attraction”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father^[d] is not in them. ¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever, 1 John 2:15-17.

Biblical Connection:

I was a senior in high school when Fatal Attraction debuted in theaters. The impact of this film was so powerful that married couples went to see this film together, convicting and urging one another to never have an affair. The trailer begins with a biblical theme of be careful of your first glance when you meet someone. A second glance at the Tree of Knowledge cost Eve their home in Eden.

In a first century letter to Christians scattered throughout the Middle East, John urges human beings to be careful about what their eyes covet. This is consistent with Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:27-30. When the lust of your eyes is empowered by a second glance, you begin to make irrational decisions. This is the warning with Fatal Attraction.

Closing Song:

Bruce Carroll tells 3 stories about individuals who gave into the lust of their eyes. Whenever human beings feed their flesh,bad things happen in the form of compromise. May today’s devotion serve as a warning to keep people from indulging in a second glance.

by Jay Mankus