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Politically Divided

Posted on August 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In this age of statistics, athletes, coaches, and political leaders have so many numbers to analyze and crunch daily. While I am used to hearing stats on television, I recently heard a shocking statistic from the pulpit last Sunday. Due to political division within the Christian churches in the United States, 38 percent of pastors considered leaving the ministry in 2021. Perhaps two years of dealing with the Coronavirus have pushed preachers to their breaking point.

But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments. 11 For it has been made clear to me, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions and wrangling and factions among you, 1 Corinthians 1:10-11.

Division is the action of separating something into parts or the process of being separated. Whenever a large group of people come together to meet, there will always be political factions who agree on issues. As a former elder, these sects often begin innocently within Sunday School classes. Depending on the particular leader and their desire for power, a spirit of unity can be maintained by the mature or used a weapon of evil to create dissension.

 If I am detained, you may know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and stay (the prop and support) of the Truth. 16 And great and important and weighty, we confess, is the hidden truth (the mystic secret) of godliness. He [[b]God] was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the [Holy] Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, [and] taken up in glory, 1 Timothy 3:15-16.

The context of the passage above is guidelines given to a teenage pastor for selecting biblical leaders within his church. If you lower your standards for somewhere that you may like, you open the door for future division. Paul makes a great point by saying “if a man can’t control his own household, how can they lead a church.” While some may refer to this as old fashioned, this is the living Word of God, Hebrews 4:12. May this blog help you improve the unity within your own church.

by Jay Mankus

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How is the Seeker Service Experience Going?

Posted on April 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

It’s been almost fifty years since Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois introduced the concept of a Seeker Service Experience. As someone who got married right down the street, I know the history of this youth group that began meeting at Willow Creek Theater in Palatine, Illinois. If you have ever visited the Willow Creek Campus, it’s an amazing sight to see. Yet, whenever any leader reinvents church by deviating from the first century blueprint listed below, there will be spiritual consequences that often go unnoticed.

And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord’s Supper] and prayers. 43 And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers), Acts 2:42-43.

Carey Nieuwhof recently put together several telling church statistics for the United States in 2021. The total attendance is only at 36% of what it was prior to the Coronavirus restrictions. Today, only 52% of church-goers want primarily in-person services. To be honest, church attendance in this country has been on a steady decline since September 11th, 2001. The Sunday after 9/11 saw the largest attendance at churches in American history. Whenever human beings are confronted by death or tragedy, there is a natural response to consider life after death. Or as 1 John 5:13 states, to secure your eternal destiny.

And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; 45 And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. 46 And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, 47 Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death], Acts 2:44-47.

The reason why so many Willow Creek Association Churches have failed to duplicate the success of the original is their failure to possess the same spiritual hungry. Willow Creek began as a youth group who fasted and prayed for their lost teenage friends. Like the words of Nehemiah 1:4-7, this was the spiritual force that produced a mega church. A spiritual revival in this western suburb of Chicago led to the formation of this massive church campus. While Seeker Services may get the unchurched into your building, becoming part of the body of Christ occurs by following the apostles teaching which ultimately produces Christ followers who are eager to come back week after week to serve the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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Outcasts by a Forced Quarantine

Posted on March 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the reasons the Book of Leviticus was written is to provide an instruction manual to keep Israel pure and live in holiness before God. Moses was commissioned by God to inform Israel of a priest’s life and their precise work to represent an earthly example of obedience to God for Israel. Just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set guidelines and protocols for Covid-19, Leviticus clearly defines God’s standards for future outbreaks. Lepers in the Old Testament experienced one of the first forced quarantines ever recorded on earth.

Then the priest shall examine him, and if the diseased swelling is reddish white on his bald head or forehead like the appearance of leprosy in the skin of the body, 44 He is a leprous man; he is unclean; the priest shall surely pronounce him unclean; his disease is on his head, Leviticus 13:43-44.

As the creator of man and woman, God understood how vulnerable human bodies would become after sin entered the world in Genesis 3. While Leviticus is a tough read, any doctor or nurse would find the medical protocols fascinating. The goal of this book is to educate individuals on how to stop the spread of disease. If you go back to March of 2020, some of the health standards implemented by the CDC come straight out of the Bible. Although washing your hands regularly and staying six feet apart may seem like a drag, it plays an important role in keeping people healthy.

And the leper’s clothes shall be rent, and the hair of his head shall hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry, Unclean, unclean! 46 He shall remain unclean as long as the disease is in him; he is unclean; he shall live alone [and] his dwelling shall be outside the camp, Leviticus 13:45-46.

If you’ve ever contracted Covid-19, the chicken pox or any other contagious disease, you understand what it feels like to be quarantined. As for first century lepers who had encounters with Jesus, each was responsible for following the rules listed above whenever someone passing by got too close. Lepers were forced to live outside of the city limits until a priest gave them a clean bill of health to return to society. Until healing occurred, lepers could not be held or touched. This was deemed unsafe like those family members were who prevented from visiting hospitals and nursing homes to see their loved ones. As the spread of the Coronavirus appears to have faded, I pray that 2022 allows the outcast to be reunited soon.

by Jay Mankus

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On Spiritual Life Support

Posted on September 27, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Most adults have a scale that they step on and off every day. Based upon the weight that is revealed will dictate how much you eat and the amount of exercise that you engage in today. When you’re lighter than expected, individuals begin to feel a sense of accomplishment. However, when your scale unveils an extra five pounds that you just gained, an overwhelming spirit of conviction and shame may put your soul on spiritual life support.

And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. 4 But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity, Genesis 3:2-5.

According to Web MD, the human body is a complex machine with organs and systems constantly at work. When crucial internal functions begin to fail, human beings may have to be hooked up to a device to keep a body alive until it’s normal functions are restored. While life support machines were commonly used for those suffering from severe brain trauma, struggling Coronavirus patients were placed on a ventilator to help them breathe.

Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction, we in whose days the ages have reached their climax (their consummation and concluding period). 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. 13 For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [b]adjusted and [c]adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to [d]a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently, 1 Corinthians 10:11-13.

Christians who end up on spiritual life support get to this point by following in the footsteps of Adam and Eve. As soon as individuals begin to question in their minds “did God really say,” trouble is in your future. Embracing this mindset opens the door for justification and the rationalization of sin. Instead of searching for ways to escape temptation, I’ve experienced that vicious cycle where I prayed for forgiveness before indulging my flesh. If you have ever reached this state, reflect on the passage above so that you can begin to turn your faith around.

by Jay Mankus

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Diet, Exercise and Rest

Posted on August 11, 2021 by expressyourself4him

In the past two years, medical doctors and experts have been in high demand on talk radio and television. Whether serving as a guest host or part of a panel, the public is eager to know what physicians believe and think about the Coronavirus. Some of the best advice I heard in 2020 about staying healthy contains a 3 step approach. The first part was getting 8 hours of sleep every night since a lack of rest weakens your immune system.

Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power. 13 Food [is intended] for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will finally end [the functions of] both and bring them to nothing. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but [is intended] for the Lord, and the Lord [is intended] for the body [to save, sanctify, and raise it again], 1 Corinthians 6:12-13.

The second part focuses on staying hydrated. According to a recent Harvard Study, drinking enough water daily regulates body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, delivers nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Just as getting enough rest rejuvenates your body, hydrating lowers your chances of becoming infected with the Coronavirus.

Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, 20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

The final piece of advice from this doctor gave was to take care of your body by washing your hands and avoid close contact. While maintaining a healthy diet was not mentioned directly, it was assumed to eat fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. In the passages above, the apostle Paul eludes to food addictions and bad habits. Trying to change anything is hard, but if you can begin to view your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, this may provide the inspiration needed to diet, exercise and rest every week.

by Jay Mankus

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When Knee Jerk Decisions Prolong the Length of Your Storm

Posted on January 8, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Movies are filled with bad decisions which form the plot of a screenplay. Anger, curiosity, knee jerk reactions or pride often make a difficult situation even worse. In the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Skandar Kaynes plays Edmund Pevensie, the third youngest child who suffers from an inferiority complex. When Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are deported from London to the house of an eccentric professor during World War 2, Lucy discovers the magical land of Narnia. However, when Peter follows his younger sister into the Wardrobe (the portal to Narnia) the following day, an encounter with the White Witch places his entire family in danger.

As we were being dangerously tossed about by the violence of the storm, the next day they began to throw the freight overboard; 19 And the third day they threw out with their own hands the ship’s equipment (the tackle and the furniture). 20 And when neither sun nor stars were visible for many days and no small tempest kept raging about us, all hope of our being saved was finally abandoned, Acts 27:18-20.

Sailing on an Alexandrian ship bound for Italy, a northeaster disrupts Paul’s trip to Rome. The winds did not let up for several days, slowing the progress of this journey. Warning the crew about a vision he received from God, Acts 27:10, the centurion did not listen, convincing by the captain and owner of this vessel to press on. According to the passage above, conditions continued to worsen as the sun, moon and stars were not visible as the storm blocked out any signs of light. Unfortunately, many Christians go unheard as experts follow science rather than follow the voice of God.

Then as they had eaten nothing for a long time, Paul came forward into their midst and said, Men, you should have listened to me, and should not have put to sea from Crete and brought on this disaster and harm and misery and loss. 22 But [even] now I beg you to be in good spirits and take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you but only of the ship. 23 For this [very] night there stood by my side an angel of the God to Whom I belong and Whom I serve and worship, 24 And he said, Do not be frightened, Paul! It is necessary for you to stand before Caesar; and behold, God has given you all those who are sailing with you. 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith (complete confidence) in God that it will be exactly as it was told me; Acts 27:21-25.

Pastor’s during the Coronavirus face a similar situation today. As local and state officials are placing bans or limits on the number of individuals who can attend church, spiritual leaders are in a difficult spot. Do elders make knee jerk reactions by disregarding state mandates or carefully follow social distancing standards? Human nature tends to lead people to push the limits. Meanwhile, common sense leads human beings to be responsible by putting the needs of others in place of yourself. Whatever circumstance or trial that you face in 2021, make sure that knee jerk reactions don’t prolong the length of your current storm.

by Jay Mankus

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Starting Over in 2021

Posted on January 3, 2021 by expressyourself4him

ξεκινώντας από την αρχή is the Greek word for starting over. Meanwhile, the Latin expression for starting over is iterum incipi. When translated literally into English this refers to again, a second time. As 2020 is thankfully ushered out for good, it’s time to hit the reset button. While no one knows for sure how long the Coronavirus will stick around, starting over with a blank canvas gives me hope of a brighter future.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome, Jeremiah 29:11.

Despite earning a nickname as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah 9:1 and Jeremiah 13:17, there is a glimpse of positive news. In the passage above, the Lord finally gives Jeremiah a message of hope. These future plans includes blessings, dreams and a final outcome worth waiting for. Therefore, if you still haven’t gotten over the worst pandemic in the last century, the Bible provides some encouraging news.

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; 31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired, Isaiah 40:30-31.

Another Old Testament prophet provides an analogy that most adults can relate to. Between the spread of Covid-19, forced closures of businesses and the stress of trying to stay alive, 2020 has worn out countless souls. Thus, as many have lost their energy and joy for life, it’s time to place your faith in God’s hands again. Just as eaglets trusted their parents renew their strength, it’s time to place your faith in God to start over in 2021.

by Jay Mankus

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Mixing Birthdays with Christmas

Posted on December 16, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon when you were born in a calendar year, your birthday is either overshadowed by Christmas, spread out throughout the year or occurs in the summer when most of your friends are on vacation. I fall into the latter category, often struggling to a find a few friends who are home in August. Yet, most of the women in my family are forced to mix their birthday with Christmas. My mother and wife were born one day a part in the middle of this month while my sister Cindy and Leanne’s mom were born on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, these days are mere appetizers that lead up to the birth of Christ.

[My purpose is] that you may know the full truth and understand with certainty and security against error the accounts (histories) and doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed and in which you have been orally instructed, Luke 1:4.

In the wake of the Coronavirus, a once in a century event, some of you wish that you were born during a different month or period in history. During a late night conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, Jesus refers the spiritual process of being “born again.” At the time of their discussion, this theological term wasn’t known causing Nicodemus to become sarcastic. “Do you really expect our mother’s to open up their legs to be forced back in their womb again?” The wry smile on Nicodemus face vanished quickly. According to John, this religious leader stops talking, intrigued by the thought of being spiritually reborn.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([d]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him, John 3:16-17.

As neighbors decorate the interior and exterior of their homes for this celebration, don’t be caught off guard by silly Nick. Rather, prepare your hearts for the true meaning of this holiday season. The passage above highlights what some Christmas Carols declare, “Joy to the World as Immanuel has come to earth to save this fallen world from sin. This gift wasn’t without a sacrifice as God offered up his one and only son to become the perfect Lamb of God. Perhaps, this Christmas as people gather together at a church, in a home or view an online service, the only birth that matters is the decision to become born again, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Lose the Desire to Sing

Posted on December 3, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Over the course of my life, there were several years that I never wanted to end as I was having the time of my life. Other years can be best described by “blah, ho hum or nothing special.” However, as December begins and a New Year approaches, most Americans are ready now to turn the page on 2020. Between the Coronavirus, countless deaths, a troubled economy and whatever else you have endured, finding something to sing about is tough.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we [captives] sat down, yes, we wept when we [earnestly] remembered Zion [the city of our God imprinted on our hearts]. 2 On the willow trees in the midst of [Babylon] we hung our harps, Psalm 137:1-2.

The Psalmist writes about a similar period in his own life. The forced detention of Jews to Babylonia following the conquest of the kingdom of Judah began in 598. This exile would last a total of 12 years, removing the wind beneath the wings of this harp player. After being removed from their beloved land, musicians lost their desire to play an instrument. Subsequently, harps were abandoned, hung in nearby willow trees in Babylon.

For there they who led us captive required of us a song with words, and our tormentors and they who wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill [with the harp]. 6 Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I remember you not, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy! – Psalm 137:3-6.

People listen to music for a variety of reasons. Some listen as a form of entertainment, others to pass the time or seek inspiration from a particular song or genre of music. While music can sooth human souls as in the case of King Saul in 1 Samuel 16, depressing music can plant troubling thoughts. Whenever I am depressed, I rely on certain songs to uplift my mood. Yet, when you lose the desire to sing, come to Jesus to lighten your load, Matthew 11:28-30.

by Jay Mankus

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A Last Ditch Effort to Save a Nation

Posted on November 24, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The origin of concerts of prayer dates back to revivalists in Scotland, in October, 1744. According to Joseph Tracy, a historian of the First Great Awakening,  the desire to convert the world to Christ prompted evangelists to devote two years toward prayer oriented events. Churches set aside time for prayer Saturday nights, Sunday mornings and the first Tuesday of each quarter. As a spirit of prayer spread throughout the region, souls were primed to confess their sins and receive Jesus as Lord.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life, John 3:16.

A similar movement began 36 years ago in South Korea. The International Prayer Assembly included 2,000 prayer-mobilizers from 70 nations who issued an International Call to Prayer. This concert of prayer was based upon five main objectives: call out to God for a worldwide outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to apply the work of the Cross to men and women, to awaken the church, to break the power of Satan over people’s lives and to unify and empower the church for world evangelism. The impact of these prayers likely explains the revival that spread throughout South Korea.

For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him, John 3:17.

When you fast forward to today, the 2020 Presidential Election and Coronavirus have teamed up to create havoc. As Trump battles elections results in 6 battleground states, a growing number of COVID-19 cases have empowered government officials to flex their political power. While Biden is expected to become the 46th president, America is close to having spiritual holidays cancelled. Meanwhile, recent allegations that states using software provided by Dominion and Smartmatic may have rigged the election in Biden’s favor, omitted from the media. In view of this chaos, starting a new generation of concert of prayers may be the only hope to save the constitution and spiritual heritage of this once great nation.

by Jay Mankus

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