Tag Archives: faith

The Way Verses Today

Posted on November 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

I tend to be directionally challenged.  However, I’m also careful not to trust the opinion of another man at a gas station who seems uncertain.  While GPS is a nice modern device to rely on, when it starts to recalculate, the question is which way should I go?

And asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem, Acts 9:2.

Philosophically speaking, should you follow your heart, mind or the newest teaching?  Worldviews like Humanism, New Age and Post-Modernism have convinced many former believers to leave the Way for religions of today.  Concerned leaders of the church are wondering, what can be done to reverse this trend?

No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people, Acts 5:13.

One of the reasons for this mass exodus is a lack of genuine Christians within America.  I know I’m just as guilty as the next person, leaving a trail of hypocrisy behind.  As people are rubbed the wrong way, parents are staying home on Sunday.  Subsequently, a generation of children are growing up without a faith experience.  Thus, the Way of the Bible is fighting a losing battle.  May the Holy Spirit spark young people today to leave an imprint of love on a culture desperately waiting for the Real Thing.

by Jay Mankus

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Running with the Gospel

Posted on October 29, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The author of the book of Hebrews refers to life as a marathon.  While the hustle and bustle on the East Coast cause many to sprint, often dying out quickly, its important to pace yourself.  Unfortunately, I find myself going on binges for a few days, then collapse only to repeat this vicious cycle the next week.  I guess its time to start jogging with the gospel.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.

Sometimes what God tells individuals to do doesn’t make sense.  Thus, like Jonah, many try to run away, going in the opposite direction until storms result in a U-turn.  Meanwhile, some have the gift of faith, able to trust the Lord whatever or wherever the Holy Spirit leads them.  Although I once possessed this gift, doubt has caused me to stop running with the gospel.

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked, Acts 8:30.

The encounter within Acts 8 reveals a powerful lesson about faith.  After an angel spoke to Philip, he began to run along side a chariot going down the road.  To his amazement, a foreigner was reading the book of Isaiah.  Like a scene out of Hollywood, Philip takes advantage of this situation.  In the end, Philip leads this man from Ethiopia to faith in Christ.  Therefore, don’t go through life in an aimless manner.  Rather, start running with the Gospel and you’ll be amazed where God will lead you.

by Jay Mankus

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Unconscious

Posted on October 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There are a couple of ways to view the term unconscious.  The most obvious refers to those who are knocked out, in a comatose state.  Another relates to those who appear to be senseless without a conscience.  The latter can seem to be heartless, unmoved by life altering events.

And Saul approved of their killing Stephen. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, Acts 8:1.

A well known Pharisee of the first century could be described as unconscious.  After overseeing the execution of the apostle Stephen, Saul goes on a mission to snuff out Christianity within the Jewish community.  During this pursuit, Saul doesn’t seem phased by the death of Christians, like he get’s his jollies out of persecuting the faith community.

But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison, Acts 8:3.

Sometimes the events of every day life can harden hearts.  While some may turn to depression, others can be filled by hatred.  In fact, this may explain Saul’s words in his letter to the church of Ephesus.  “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:26-27.  If you want to avoid causing anger to poison your heart, soul and mind, take Saul’s advice.  Just let it go or you too may become unconscious.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Real Faith in Rough Times

Posted on October 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In sports, it doesn’t take much to decipher contenders from pretenders.  As a season lingers on, the cream usually rises to the top.  Sure, there will always be cinderellas or underdogs, but momentum only takes you so far.  Thus, when push comes to shove, the heat of competition distinguishes champions from losers.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ, Romans 10:17.

Faith is not as easy to measure.  Some denominations encourage a quiet faith, allowing your actions to speak for themselves.  Meanwhile, other churches are vocal, focusing on evangelism, preaching and salvation.  The methods used by these ministries can be offensive, rubbing outsiders the wrong way.  This is when God places people in rough times so that real faith can blossom.

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep, Acts 7:60.

One of the apostles named Stephen found himself in a life and death situation.  Based upon the events of Acts 7, keeping his faith private would have saved Stephen’s life.  Yet, something inside of him felt keeping quiet would be a form of compromise.  Therefore, between a rock and a hard place, Stephen became one of the first Christian martyrs, stoned to death for his faith.  His response to this persecution demonstrated real faith in a rough time.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Somethings Money Can’t Buy

Posted on October 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the 1990 classic Pretty Woman, Richard Gere plays a powerful man who buys failing businesses, sells off their assets and makes money on the demise of others.  Starting off as a heartless human being, a rendezvous with Julia Roberts begins a subtle transformation.  During his next business deal, Gere realizes that money can’t buy happiness or love, something his business partners could not fathom.

Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, Acts 8:9.

During the first century, there was a famous sorcerer named Simon.  Citizens of Samaria were in awe of Simon’s powers.  Yet, when Simon began to witness Philip’s ability to heal and perform miracles, jealousy consumed his soul.  Desperate to obtain more power, Simon thought he could persuade the apostles to purchase the Holy Spirit.  Unfortunately, this too can’t be bought, only available by God’s grace through faith.

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, Acts 8:18.

While money may curry favor with friends initially, maintaining friendships requires dedication, effort and hard work.  Money is simply a vehicle to access resources most individuals don’t have.  Yet, temporary treasures often fade away leaving a distant memory of the glory days.  In view of this reality, may you spend your remaining days of earth investing in family, faith and relationships that will continue in eternity.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Killing Despair

Posted on October 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever been caught singing the blues, you’ve experienced despair.  Initial symptoms trigger depression, gloom and resignation.  Breaking free from these doldrums isn’t easy.  However, there is a cure to eliminating despair.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28.

Jesus had a tendency to attract misfits, people whom the social elite would never give the time of day.  Beyond his unusual daily wardrobe, Jesus made an emotional connection with total strangers.  Thus, when He spoke about laying your burdens down, hurting souls began to lighten their loads of stress and worry.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, Matthew 11:29.

In their song Kill Your Own Despair, Esterlyn references these biblical principles.  Belief in a higher power is the first step from breaking free from this invisible force.  However, belief is meaningless without faith in action.  Therefore, as soon as individuals make this leap, you can find rest for your souls.  If despair is currently sucking the joy from your life,  trust in the promises of the Bible to kill your own despair.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The History of Faith

Posted on October 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

History is one of those topics in school that is often neglected.  However, there are moments in time when a student can retrace history which helps make things click.  If you live on the East Coast, remains from the Revolutionary or Civil War are close, possibly a stones throw away.  As for me, I live less than a mile from a famous battle which turned the tide in the Revolutionary War.  Although obscure to many, traveling over this bridge daily can unlock the history to America’s faith.

To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran, Acts 7:3.

Prior to Acts 7, important religious information was left to spiritual forefathers, prophets, kings of Israel, Jesus or one of the 12 disciples.  Perhaps, the average person felt left out, not one of God’s chosen people.  Yet, beginning in Acts 7, the history of faith is conveyed by a relative outsider.  This new voice provides a brief glimpse of how Jews and Christians are linked together by a history of faithful leaders.

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” – Acts 7:51 

In view of Stephen’s speech to Jewish leaders, I wish Americans would begin to retrace their own history of faith.  Political correctness and revisionist historians are trying to hide the spiritual foundation of America’s forefathers.  Just as government officials in the first century were resistant to change, stubborn hearts are preventing many from seeing the truth.  Maybe adults need to take their children on local field trips to a nearby museum or historical site so that the history of faith will be unveiled to those currently grasping at straws.

by Jay Mankus

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When Obeying God Trumps Man

Posted on October 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

From an early age, the concept of obedience is reinforced within many childhood games.  Simon Says, Mother May I and Red Light, Green Light rewards and penalizes players for either obeying or disobeying.  Perhaps, the creators of these activities understood obeying God trumps man.

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” – Acts 5:28

Following the legalization of abortion in 1973 after the Roe vs. Wade ruling, the Senate passed the Church Amendment which eventually led states to enact conscience clauses.   While the wording may be different, these laws prevent individuals from performing procedures that go against their religious beliefs.  Unfortunately, as political correctness replaces the Bible as the moral gold standard, many are faced with the dilemma, “do I please man or God?”

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! – Acts 5:29

The disciples of Jesus found themselves in a similar situation around AD 30.  Jewish leaders and Roman officials attempted to quench their freedom of speech.  Thus, after authorities encouraged Peter to stop telling others about Jesus, he faced a crisis of faith.  Prior to the Holy Spirit, Peter would have likely retreated, blending into society like a chameleon.  However, after Pentecost Peter was a different man, unable to remain silent anymore.  Thus, this is one of those occasions in life when obeying God trumps man.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Threat of Faith

Posted on October 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to the scientific community life evolves.  As environments or habitats change, creatures and human beings are forced to adapt if they want to survive.  The same can be said about worldviews.  When truth is conveyed, realized or revealed, belief systems are put to the test.  This is the threat of faith.

For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us, Acts 6:14.

People will always go through periods of change.  Whether its puberty, relationships or unforeseen trials, each day provides a series of surprises.  Through the good and bad, hearts rejoice and grieve, while emotions rise and fall.  Yet, when what you have always known is challenged, faith and doubt collide.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ, Romans 10:17.

Through the years, time can take a toll on wounded souls.  In the case of the Jews, religious leaders thought the Jesus movement would destroy Judaism.  Thus, this threat elevated tensions, fueling resentment against Christianity.  As more and more individuals believed and were baptized, faith became a threat.  Nonetheless, when souls hear or read the words of the Bible, faith becomes a friend in Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Worthy of Suffering

Posted on October 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

During my time at the University of Delaware, I was fortunate enough to meet several missionaries.  Through campus groups like Campus Crusade, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Intervarsity, opportunities arose to interact with individuals from different countries, cultures and dynamic characters.  In biblical terms, several of these people I met are worthy of suffering.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name, Acts 5:41.

It’s interesting how people define success in various ways.  The poor may say a good day is having enough money to feed the whole family.  The middle class might suggest its making more than you spend.  Meanwhile, the upper class base success on property, possessions and power.  Yet, for first century Christians, enduring public persecution for their faith was like a badge of courage.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name, 1 Peter 1:7.

Beyond any physical or verbal abuse martyrs experienced, a nugget of truth has been passed on from generation to generation.  While you may suffer for your beliefs, trials serve as a vehicle for growth.  Just as a furnace uses fire to remove imperfections from clay, persecution strengthens faith.  Thus, while the world is dumbfounded by those willing to risk death, imprisonment or public beatings, devout Christians continue to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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