Tag Archives: demonize

The Biblical Armageddon

Posted on October 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Politicians often use World War III as a talking point to convince voters that their opponent is far too extreme to get elected or too dangerous to remain in power. As mid-term elections continue to ramp up this month, advertisements and commercials will continue to demonize other candidates. While the 1998 film Armageddon is entertaining, there is one war that will occur known as the biblical Armageddon.

And I saw three loathsome spirits like frogs, [leaping] from the mouth of the dragon and from the mouth of the beast and from the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For really they are the spirits of demons that perform signs (wonders, miracles). And they go forth to the rulers and leaders all over the world, to gather them together for war on the great day of God the Almighty, Revelation 16:13-14.

According to a vision from God by one of Jesus’ former disciples, the final battle on earth, Armageddon, will take place at Megiddo. This former territory of the Tribe of Manasseh will serve as the scene of World War III. Despite all the lead up this this event in the Bible, John is vague about the actual details in Revelation 19:19-21. Instead of providing thrilling accounts like Saving Private Ryan, John summarizes this battle in a sentence: the beast was seized, overpowered, along with the false prophet who were defeated and judged by God. Spoiler Alert!

Behold, I am going to come like a thief! Blessed (happy, [a]to be envied) is he who stays awake (alert) and who guards his clothes, so that he may not be naked and [have the shame of being] seen exposed! 16 And they gathered them together at the place which in Hebrew is called Armageddon. 17 Then the seventh [angel] emptied out his bowl into the air, and a mighty voice came out of the sanctuary of heaven from the throne [of God], saying, It is done! [It is all over, it is all accomplished, it has come!] – Revelation 16:15-17.

Perhaps, this may explain why no famous movie writer has attempted to make a modern version of the biblical Armageddon. What John does provide in the passage above, Armageddon serves as the last piece of the puzzle of God’s plan on earth. This final event on earth will open the doors of heaven for eternity where all dead Christians will be reunited for a never-ending reunion. While I’m sorry there is no drama about the Armageddon, make sure you get your life right with God now, so you’re prepared.

by Jay Mankus

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They Questioned It and Were Right

Posted on February 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

During my first year of college, I attended a “Why Knock Rock Seminar” at a local church. Why some of the theories that were espoused by the various speakers had a degree of merit, to demonize Christians who felt called to reach young people with rock music was moronic. One of these groups considered dangerous by the Puritans of the 1980’s was the Altar Boys. The Altar Boys’ punk rock sound was enhanced by Gut Level lyrics that spoke to my heart.

And her prophets have daubed them over with whitewash, seeing false visions and divining lies to them, saying, Thus says the Lord God—when the Lord has not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppression and extortion and have committed robbery; yes, they have wronged and vexed the poor and needy; yes, they have oppressed the stranger and temporary resident wrongfully, Ezekiel 22:28-29.

While doing some research for my new series Sing A New Song, I stumbled upon the song I Question It. Although the particular sound of this song hasn’t aged well, the lyrics were prophetic. When the church elite was busying condemning and judging those aspects of the youth culture that they didn’t like, the Altar Boys were trying to warn Christians through their Gut Level Music album in 1986. Instead of listening, complacency set in as liberals and progressives quietly worked behind the scenes to take over.

And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. 31 Therefore have I poured out My indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their own way have I repaid [by bringing it] upon their own heads, says the Lord God, Ezekiel 22:30-31.

I guess it’s a little too late for the members of the Altar Boys to exclaim “I told you so!” Yet, the conditions of today remind me of the words of the prophet Ezekiel. God wanted someone to stand in the gap: a leader, a parent or students to defend that which is right and true. Unfortunately, no one rose to this occasion. Nonetheless, I sense a similar call to stand up for the Bill of Rights, the Constitution and for Religious liberties. Will the church sit back and watch from their pews or start reminding their neighbors of America’s heritage of faith? Time is of the essence so stand now or we too will be destroyed.

by Jay Mankus

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Suppressing the Majority

Posted on October 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When the facts don’t paint a pretty picture of a beloved figure, an ideology or movement, members of the media may be tempted to hide, suppress or redirect the public’s attention to a matter of less importance, serving as a diversion.  This practice often involves bottling, concealing, snuffing out or withholding essential information.  Subsequently, the majority can be silenced, kept in the dark about what is really happening in the world.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord,” Romans 12:19.

A camera without context can be dangerous in today’s society, unable to magnify the big picture or provide an accurate description of what has occurred.  Back in the mid to late 1990’s, I attended the first Promise Keepers’ event held at Soldier Field.  Bill McCartney packed the house Friday night as close to 65,000 men filled the home of the Chicago Bears.  Unfortunately, the headlines in the Chicago papers and television read, woman protest this sexist group.  New flash: there were 3 protesters Friday night and 1 on Saturday.  This is just another example of how a liberal media have suppressed the majority.

What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted, Proverbs 10:24.

Not much has changed over the past 20 years except cell phones and tablets have turned average citizens into newscasters.  Yet, depending on what you have caught on film can either be used to demonize an unpopular individual or stir up raw emotions within viewers.  As much as some people like being in control, no one can play God.  Whatever motives the medias possesses either bad or good will eventually be exposed.  Therefore, while the majority may be suppressed temporary, God will reward the righteous for staying the course in the end.

by Jay Mankus

 

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