Tag Archives: Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

Not Just a Seasonal Holiday… A Daily Declaration

Posted on December 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was introduced to the expression, “make room in your heart for Jesus this Christmas season” as a college student. I don’t remember if this was from the Black Student Union Bible Study I attended, Campus Crusade, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Whoever was the original source of this message, Christmas is not a seasonal holiday. Rather, the Mass of Christ should be a daily declaration.

But as he was thinking this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from [a]failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God], Matthew 1:20-21.

John 16 provides an introduction to what God with us will look like following Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. Starting with John 12, this final portion of John’s gospel reflects upon Passion Week, the week leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. From Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday was an emotional roller coaster for Jesus’ twelve disciples, 11 after Judas’ suicide. All these events took place to fulfill what was prophesized in the Old Testament. Like Christmas, Easter isn’t a seasonal holiday, it’s a daily declaration of a Savior to came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10.

All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, 23 Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us, Matthew 1:22-23.

The daily declaration is made possible by and through the power of the Holy Spirit who has given us everything we need for life. 2 Peter 1:3-4. Unfortunately, fictional characters like Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan played by Joy Keenan have convinced many Christians that God doesn’t exist and can’t speak audibly to human beings. Yet, for those who keep in step with the Holy Spirit via prayer and daily Bible Study, the Spirit of Emmanuel is alive and well. Therefore, as you open up your Christmas presents this year, don’t fall prey to a seasonal practice of Christmas. Rather, make Jesus Christ a daily declaration in your home and at work.

by Jay Mankus

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The Disowning

Posted on September 19, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Behind the scenes, there is a strategic attempt to disown the founding fathers of America.  This progressive movement is seeking to disown any leader who was influenced by religious or spiritual principles.  At some point in time dealing with that which is offensive has become more important than doing the right thing.  Subsequently, college professors, educational curriculum and mainstream media pundits are disowning that which made America the greatest country in the world.

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven,” Matthew 10:32.

During my five years as a student at the University of Delaware, I was fortunate to meet several foreign exchange students.  Many came to America hoping to make something out of their lives, perhaps doing better than their own parents.  I got to know most of these individuals through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship which met every Friday night on campus.  Once I grew out of the party scene, I began to hunger for something more in life.  Thus, Bible studies, campus events and prayer groups allowed me to dig deeper, drawer closer to God while developing godly friendships.

“But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven,” Matthew 10:33.

One girl that I met was from South East Asia.  Before Spring Break, she wrote her parents, informing them that she had recently made a decision to follow Jesus Christ.  Excited to share this news, it took almost a month to receive a return letter.  However, when she opened it, the response was shocking, disowned by her own family with no place to go home to after the Spring semester ended. While friends reached out to console her, most of us didn’t know what to say.  Unable to comprehend why Buddhists responded in this way, I guess her parents felt betrayed by leaving the only faith they knew.  After some time of contemplation, a few days before final exams began this girl stepped into the path of an oncoming train, committing suicide.

“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me,” Matthew 10:38.

While this was a tragic event, there is another which has eternal consequences.  Before sending his disciples out on a trial run, Jesus is blunt, clearing communicating his expectations.  There is no half-way for a follower of Jesus, you’re either all in or you’re not with God.  These high standards explain why so many turned away.  Today, there is public pressure to deny the Bible, it’s principles and teaching.  Those who do so are applauded and praised by the media.  However, this disowning fulfills Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:5.  Those who don’t deny Jesus face daily judgment, persecution and ridicule.  In the end, do you want to receive praise from mankind while being disowned by God?  Or do you endure hardship for the meantime, live as an outcast, yet receive recognition in heaven?  This is the dilemma of the disowning, where two worlds collide.

by Jay Mankus

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