Tag Archives: Easter Sunday

The Great Commission Misnomer

Posted on December 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z44eQikDgY

The Great Commission is Jesus’ instructions to His disciples following His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Jesus entrusts these 11 men, down one after Judas’ suicide, to spread the good news about Jesus long after His ascension, John 3:16-17. The most common quoted verses appear at the end of the Gospel of Matthew and Mark. However, I chose the passage from Luke who records Jesus’ last words before His ascension into heaven.

So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel? 7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know [b]what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed [c]years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power. 8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth, Acts 1:6-8.

The Great Commission serves as a blueprint for modern churches for where to share their faith. If you would place the Great Commission on a map, plan A is your local city or town. Once everyone in this location has been reached, plan B begins with all the surrounding areas outside city limits. This includes local counties, suburbs and states. The final plan calls for going to the ends of the earth, beginning with your state and country.

Now the word of the Lord came to [a]Jonah son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to [b]Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His prophet] and went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading places then known]. So he paid the appointed fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His servant and minister]. 4 But the Lord sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to be broken. 5 Then the mariners were afraid, and each man cried to his god; and they cast the goods that were in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep, Jonah 1:1-5.

The misnomer that I see all the time is churches sending missionaries to the ends of the earth before reaching surrounding towns and villages. Subsequently, many metropolitan cities have been bypassed for more exotic locations overseas. While all nations need to hear the good news about Jesus Christ, inner cities are in desperate need of hope. May today’s blog inspire individuals to develop a heart for nearby cities before reaching others outside your home country.

by Jay Mankus

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Turning Your Attention Toward Love and Service

Posted on July 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Every human being experiences peaks and valleys in life. Depending upon your level of inspiration and motivation, you might have your mind set on higher aspirations and goals to achieve. As Jesus prepares his disciples for life on earth following his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, He turns his attention toward love and service.

When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine. 9 I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [[a]continue in His love with Me]. 10 If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love. 11 I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing, John 15:8-11.

Based upon the accounts of four first century historians, Jesus was a master storyteller, painting a vivid picture in the minds of his audience. This was accomplished by using analogies and parables that common folk could understand. As Jesus talks to his disciples in the passage above, his goal is to turn their attention toward loving and serving one another in His absence.

This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends, John 15:12-13.

Jesus doesn’t use empty words like modern leaders who follow the motto, “do what I say, not as I do.” Jesus practiced what he preached as He was about to lay down His own life for His friends on Good Friday. Jesus gave many hints to His fate such as John 14:1-4. Nonetheless, 3 days later Jesus conquered death on Easter Sunday, leaving His disciples with one final plea: turn your attention toward love and service, 1 John 4:18-21.

by Jay Mankus

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What Faith and Poker Have in Common

Posted on April 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When you spend nearly a decade of your life working nights, you have to improvise to find a way to do the hobbies that you enjoy. During my career in youth ministry, playing cards was one of the easiest ways to get to know other students. After leaving the ministry, I received a computer game with nearly a hundred different card games. About this same time, ESPN began airing the World Series of Poker annually. Watching these broadcasts helps a novice like me develop strategies from the best card players in the world.

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there; then he laid the wood in order and [c]bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar on the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took hold of the knife to slay his son. 11 But the [d]Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. 12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son, Genesis 22:9-12.

From a spiritual standpoint, if you want to expand your faith in God beyond Easter Sunday, reading and studying the Bible increases faith, Romans 10:17. While looking back at the life of Abraham, I discovered what faith and Poker have in common. When you’re about to run out of chips in Poker, desperation and a good hand forces players to go All In. Meanwhile, after years of wavering by trusting in his own instincts, God placed Abraham into a situation forcing him to make a decision. Abraham’s actions in the passage reveals he too went All In.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

Carrie Underwood’s song Jesus Take the Wheel contains a similar message. Rather than continue to drive and go where you want in life, Carrie alludes to the Lordship of Christ. When you surrender complete control by handing over a steering wheel to Jesus, you too are going All In by trusting God with your future. King Solomon highlights this concept in the passage above. When Christians reach a state of spiritual maturity, you are trusting God, going All In, playing the cards that the Lord gives you in life. Winning occurs when Jesus is Lord of all of your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Man Up to Your Past Mistakes

Posted on April 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The passage below details the second time Abraham lied to a foreign leader, “saying his wife was his sister. The initial occasion, Genesis 12:9-13, is understandable as Abraham had just begun his faith journey with God. Rather than fully trust in God, Abraham reverted to his former way of living, relying on his own instincts. Unfortunately, the second occurrence is unacceptable, forcing Abraham to man up to his past sinful mistakes.

Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the [a]South country (the Negeb) and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur; and he lived temporarily in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister. And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah [into his harem]. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said, Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken [as your own], for she is a man’s wife. 4 But Abimelech had not come near her, so he said, Lord, will you slay a people who are just and innocent? 5 Did not the man tell me, She is my sister? And she herself said, He is my brother. In integrity of heart and innocency of hands I have done this. 6 Then God said to him in the dream, Yes, I know you did this in the integrity of your heart, for it was I Who kept you back and spared you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not give you occasion to touch her, Genesis 20:1-6.

While reading this passage, I tried to get inside Abraham’s head. Why did he suddenly revert to his former way of life, one that excluded God? Beginning in Genesis 18, Abraham pleaded with God in prayer not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to his nephew Lot who was a resident. Reflecting upon the events of Genesis 19, Lot’s wife and servants were all killed, he’s living in a cave suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder and Lot’s so messed up his own daughters got him drunk to each bear his child. Logically speaking, Abraham decided, “what’s the point?” All these years of dedication and prayer have resulted in absolutely nothing.

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. 17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. 18 And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual]. 19 [My] brethren, if anyone among you strays from the Truth and falls into error and another [person] brings him back [to God], 20 Let the [latter] one be sure that whoever turns a sinner from his evil course will save [that one’s] soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins [[a]procure the pardon of the many sins committed by the convert], James 5:16-20.

Genesis 20 contains Abraham’s prodigal son story where he doesn’t fully return home until Genesis 22:13-14. The passage above was written by Jesus’ little brother. James doubted his big brother, joining the other Jewish religious leaders until Jesus rose from the dead Easter Sunday. James provides a prayer, encouraging first century Christians to man up to their past sinful mistakes. The only thing human beings can change in this world and themselves. Therefore, follow James advice today so that you too will finally rid yourself of any addictions, bad habits and unwholesome cravings, Colossians 3:5-9.

by Jay Mankus

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The Day God Sent Confusion Throughout the Land

Posted on January 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origins of April Fool’s Day is a mystery. Some historians point to Geoffrey Chaucer’s the Canterbury Tales. This theory is based upon Chaucer’s comments on the time between April 1st and foolishness. Meanwhile, others refer to the 16th century religious figure who refused to celebrate the re-established New Year on January first. This stoic held to the belief that the new year began in April following holy week and Easter Sunday. Whatever the inspiration for April Fool’s Day, someone is always seeking to send confusion throughout the land with a practical joke.

Come, let Us go down and there confound (mix up, confuse) their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from that place upon the face of the whole earth, and they gave up building the city, Genesis 11:7-8.

However, sometimes the joke is on you. Imagine you’re Baalaam and your donkey starts speaking to you. This may be a sign to others that you’re either drunk, stoned or out of your mind. Then again, maybe God is trying to get your attention, but you don’t like what you’re hearing like Jonah’s initial call to go to Nineveh. When God sent a spirit of confusion upon the land of Babel, this was no joke. Your friend the day before suddenly was a stranger, unable to communicate with you. When the construction workers realized that this was reality, everyone picked up and left, never to return to this job site.

When suddenly there came a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were separated and distributed and which settled on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled (diffused throughout their souls) with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other (different, foreign) languages (tongues), as the Spirit [a]kept giving them clear and loud expression [in each tongue in appropriate words]. 5 Now there were then residing in Jerusalem Jews, devout and God-fearing men from every country under heaven, Acts 2:2-5.

When I read articles online or watch the news, I feel like it’s April Fool’s every night of the year. You’ve got to be kidding right? While it’s been thousands of years since God sent a Spirit of Confusion throughout the earth, progressive politicians, Cancel Culture and the Woke Community are ushering in man-made confusion. Rather than state the obvious based upon biological and biblical truths, right and wrong have been turned upside down. May the power of the Holy Spirit restore common sense and sanity to new leaders so that this modern spirit of confusion ceases.

by Jay Mankus

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You Make the Darkness Tremble

Posted on October 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Two Old Testament prophets write about Lucifer’s fall from heaven in Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:14-15. According to the Bible, 1/3 of all angels were expelled from heaven along with the arch angel Lucifer, a.k.a. the Devil. The apostle Paul explains Satan’s new role on earth as the ruler of the air in Ephesians 2:2. Despite these supernatural powers, Jude 1:6-7 reveals how Jesus makes the darkness tremble.

You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as [a]make a man’s hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]! 20 Are you willing to be shown [proof], you foolish (unproductive, spiritually deficient) fellow, that faith apart from [good] works is inactive and ineffective and worthless? – James 2:19-20

As someone who grew up in a military family, the Army drilled into my father a spirit of discipline along with a clear right and wrong. Whenever I wasn’t acting properly, my mother responded with the words, “wait until your father gets home.” Since the demons know they are on the wrong side of history, they tremble in fear of their future judgment just as I was frightened to receive the consequences for my actions.

And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished [h]forever) in and unto victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 56 Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [i][upon the soul] through [j][the abuse of] the Law. 57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.

The real game changer occurred on Easter Sunday. Like Super Bowl 51, Satan thought he was victorious like the Falcons who were up 28-3 at halftime. Yet, when Jesus rose from the grave, the sting and power of death was conquered. The apostle Paul writes about this in Colossians 3:1-14. When a Christian’s mind dwells and focuses on God’s Word, this mindset also makes the darkness tremble.

by Jay Mankus

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On the Third Day

Posted on October 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The phrase ‘three days’ occurs 75 times in the bible. When the number three is used in the Bible, this is symbolic of completeness. However, three can also be used as an emphatic Semitic triplet to describe the intensity of something. The verse below is from an Old Testament prophet who points to Jesus’ death and resurrection on the third day.

Come and let us return to the Lord, for He has torn so that He may heal us; He has stricken so that He may bind us up. 2 After two days He will revive us (quicken us, give us life); on the third day He will raise us up that we may live before Him, Hosea 6:1-2.

Meanwhile, the apostle Paul explains the spiritual impact of Jesus’ resurrection on that first Easter Sunday. Like taunting death, Paul does some spiritual trash talking in the passage below. The sting of physical death was swallowed up by the supernatural resurrection by Jesus. To avoid critics saying Jesus’ wasn’t really dead, three days was plenty of time to guarantee this wasn’t a hoax, Matthew 28:11-15.

And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished [h]forever) in and unto victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 56 Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [i][upon the soul] through [j][the abuse of] the Law. 57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.

The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in his letter to the Church at Colosse. Colossians 3:1-4 explains how the resurrection of Jesus can transform Christians from within. Unfortunate, putting to death the addictions, bad habits and cravings of your past takes more than three days. Rather, this process takes a lifetime, a spiritual marathon where you throw off what’s dragging you down in prayer, Hebrews 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Mind Wanders…Worry Can Take Over

Posted on September 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who is dabbled in meteorology, I’ve always been fascinated by brewing storms in the distance. Sometimes these systems are unstable, breaking up before they reach your town. Yet, other storms intensify, catching residents off guard by its severity. When I take my eyes off of Jesus, my mind wanders and if I’m not careful, worry can and will take over quickly as another storm in life approaches.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do, James 1:6-8.

Since four of Jesus’ disciples were fisherman, the New Testament contains several references to water and waves. The passage above is from Jesus’ earthly brother. Perhaps this disbelief is a public confession as first century historians suggest that James didn’t believe that his brother was the promised Messiah until after Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter Sunday. James’ words serve as a warning that when your mind wanders, worry can take over.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Up until recently, my motto was “control what you can control and let God take care of the rest.” Yet, as my confidence reaches an all-time low, I’m worrying about things that I rarely thought of in the past. As my confidence slides, my mind wonders “what’s going on and when will this bad streak end?” The apostle Paul gave advice to an anxious church in the passage above. The moment your thoughts wander out of control, pray immediately and spend time giving thanks to God for what you currently have.

by Jay Mankus

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The Testimony of God

Posted on May 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you’re ever had some sort of supernatural experience, you may find it hard to tell a friend that you’ve just seen a ghost, caught a glimpse of a UFO or entertained an angel who suddenly disappears. This is the premise of Joan of Arcadia which ran for two full seasons from 2003-2005. Amber Tamblyn plays Joan Girardi who continues to have daily encounters with God. To avoid being labeled as crazy, Joan keeps this relationship secret, waiting for the right time and person to disclose her testimony of God.

So there are three witnesses [b]in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One; 8 and there are three witnesses on the earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree [are in unison; their testimony coincides], 1 John 5:7-8.

The disciple whom Jesus loved builds upon the concept of the Trinity that he introduced in John 1:1-6. John refers to witnesses in heaven and witnesses on earth. In the spiritual natural realm, God the Father, the Word which came to life, and the Holy Spirit continue to share their testimony in heaven. Meanwhile, God’s Spirit, living water, and the blood shed by Jesus serve as witnesses on earth today. While this concept is hard to grasp, stories of eyewitnesses during Easter Sunday have passed on their testimony.

If we accept [as we do] the testimony of men [if we are willing to take human authority], the testimony of God is greater (of stronger authority), for this is the testimony of God, even the witness which He has borne regarding His Son, 1 John 5:9.

The apostle Paul provides a blue print for modern day testimonies in Galatians 1:11-24. When I became a Christian in high school, I had no idea of what a testimony was and why it is necessary. Yet, as I attended various conferences, retreats and summer camps, the stories that guest speakers shared were testimonies. Like the old hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” as you evolve spiritually and draw closer to God, lessons are learned that might help others. These testimonies of God are crucial for helping struggling Christians find their way back to Jesus. May this blog inspire you to share your own testimony this Memorial Day.

by Jay Mankus

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The Roman Rumor

Posted on April 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Fake News isn’t something that former President Donald Trump invented. Rather, there have always been rumors that have evolved over time like children playing the telephone game. Each listener passes on this information with a new twist that deviates from the original message. The plot to cover up Jesus’ resurrection began with a Roman rumor that continues today by revisionist historians.

While they were on their way, behold, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had occurred. 12 And when they [the chief priests] had gathered with the elders and had consulted together, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers, Matthew 28:11-12.

The apostle Paul writes about a time when people will reach a point where they will believe what their itching ears want to hear, 1 Timothy 4:1-2. This passage reminds me of a group of teenage girls sitting at lunch, gossiping about the latest rumor in school. Unfortunately, gossip can become like a drug to some, getting cared away by words like “did you hear about what so and so did?”

And said, Tell people, His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we were sleeping. 14 And if the governor hears of it, we will appease him and make you safe and free from trouble and care. 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this story has been current among the Jews to the present day, Matthew 28:13-15.

While many Christians around world will gather together to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this Easter Sunday, the Roman rumor spread 2,000 years ago is still passed on today. As a former Bible teacher, I was forced to address this lie with facts and biblical truths. Perhaps the same demons and deceiving spirits that Paul wrote about still exist today. Whatever the reason for rumors, may resurrection Sunday inspire you to confront the father of lies with the light of truth found in the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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