Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Clip from the film “The Fall of Man”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—¹³ To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. ¹⁵ But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! ¹⁶ Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. ¹⁷ For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! – Romans 5:12-17

Biblical Connection:

Genesis 3:6 reveals that Adam was right there with Eve when she picked the fig and ate from the Tree of Knowledge. The phrase that Moses uses in conveying this is that Adam was with his wife while the serpent was planting seeds of doubt into her mind. Adam could have intervened at any time to stop this conversation, but his own curiosity allowed the serpent to continue to speak.

Although Moses details the blame game between Adam and Eve following their original sin, the apostle Paul blames Adam for their act of sin. God gave Adam authority over the Garden of Eden and went over the ground rules, not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. Adam lost this authority which enabled Lucifer to become the ruler of the air over the earth in Ephesus 2:2. Meanwhile, the Devil offers Jesus back this authority in Matthew 4:8-10 in exchange for His worship.

Closing Song:

John 10:10 highlights how the Devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy your relationship with God. While the spirit of Halloween may distract you from what is important in life, watch and pray so that you don’t fall prey to sin like Adam and Eve.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2005 movie “The Devil’s Advocate” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³ All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:1-7.

Biblical Connection:

Sometimes the biggest opportunity of your working career isn’t worth the toll it will take on your family. When Florida attorney Kevin Lomax is offered a position at a high-end New York City law firm, he’s looking for his next challenge. Yet, at the end of the rainbow, remaining undefeated in the court room, Kevin finds out that his boss is the Devil.

The apostle Paul writes to a first century church in Ephesus. Paul shares the obstacles that new converts to Christianity endure upon entering into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11. After being kicked out of heaven, the fallen angel Lucifer has retained his spiritual abilities. Subsequently, the Devil continues to be the ruler of the air over the earth, planting seeds of doubt into the minds of individuals with addiction, bad habits and cravings to kill any dreams of change.

Closing Song:

In a world falling apart, the fictional Superman isn’t coming. Yet, when you cry out to the God of Creation, angels will be ushered by Jesus to come to your rescue as you continue to battle the ruler of the air.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from Derek Prince “Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. ¹⁹ I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. ²⁰ Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. ²¹ I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. ²² So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. ²³ I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. ²⁴ Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, ²⁵ except to hold on to what you have until I come.’ ²⁶ To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—Revelation 2:18-26

Biblical Connection:

When Americans hear the word witchcraft, Hollywood interpretations like Be Witched, Charm, or the Wizard of Oz may come to mind. Yet, the biblical word for witchcraft is derived from the Greek word pharmakeia. From my days in seminary, this is where the English word for sorcery comes from. Meanwhile, the Jezebel spirit is a demonic spirit fueled by control, legalism and power.

In John’s message to the Church at Thyatira, he begins with the positive, their faith in action. Nonetheless, Christian members of this church practiced syncretism, the blending of the Bible with cultural and societal beliefs. This tolerance of unbiblical practices opened the door for the spirit of Jezebel to enter the Church at Thyatira. When I studied the 10 characteristics of the spirit of Jezebel, these demonic influences are prevalent in America and throughout the world.

Closing Song:

In the absence of spiritual leadership, the spirit of Jezebel thrives. When threatened by Queen Jezebel in 1 Kings 19:1-4 even the mighty prophet Elijah wanted to die. This is the power of demonic influences that can overwhelm formerly strong spiritual souls. Be on guard as the spirit of Jezebel has exploded in America, feeding on political hate speech and the demonization of any opponents who stand up against this demonic power.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Guest Clip about former Cult Leader Jim Jones “Joe Rogan Podcast”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. ⁴ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit^[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood, 1 John 4:1-6.

Biblical Connection:

The expression “don’t drink the Kolade” originated from Cult Leader Jim Jones who gave cyanide laced cups of Kolade to his followers in 1978. The Joe Rogan guest provides a historical perspective of how and why Jim Jones developed a large following. On the surface, Jim Jones preceded Martin Luther King Junior Civil Rights Movement, but his false teaching led to the deaths of 900 people.

The longer His presence was removed from earth, the more teachers not familiar with Jesus began to describe unbiblical accounts of His life. By the end of the first century, the last living disciple of Jesus corrected this false teaching. When one lie is not refuted, people begin to believe this teaching as truth. This is why you must be diligent by watching out for spirits of deception.

Closing Song:

Relying on AI, the Internet or social media to shape your biblical knowledge is dangerous. Rather, follow the advice of the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 by testing everything you hear, read and see with the Bible. Cling to what is true to avoid falling prey to the next Jim Jones.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Gone in 60 Seconds”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now a wind went out from the Lord and drove quail in from the sea. It scattered them up to two cubits^[b] deep all around the camp, as far as a day’s walk in any direction. ³² All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers.^[c] Then they spread them out all around the camp. ³³ But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the Lord burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. ³⁴ Therefore the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah,because there they buried the people who had craved other food, Numbers 11:31-34.

Biblical Connection:

Every human being possesses at least one weak spot, something they can’t say no to. This bad habit may be alcohol, caffeine, food, nicotine, opioids, pornography, sex or shopping. In the film Gone in 60 Seconds, boosting cars is their addiction. Subsequently, as Memphis Raines attempts to recruit former members of his team, Sway initially rejects this offer to return to her former life.

In the original King James Version of the Bible, Moses uses the word lust in place of craved for food. Whenever you are living in poverty, a good meal is something hard to come by. As Israel is wandering in the wilderness for 2 years, they become broken, lusting for more than manna and water. This lustful craving led to a plague where Israel buried many family members.

Closing Song:

While human beings are trying to sleep, demons of lust are working overtime. While these spiritual entities vary, female demon’s called succubus prey and men while incubus, male demons of lust, tempt woman. This is why it’s essential for Christians to take their thoughts captive to avoid experiencing the horrors of a real-life Halloween.

by Jay Mankus

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