Tag Archives: Jerusalem

Spiritual Turning Points

Posted on November 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the cliches in churches today that seems to be overused occurs when a leader refers to “a come to Jesus moment.” A first century history uses the expression “coming to your senses” while recalling Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:16-18. Both of these terms each highlight spiritual turning points that occur in a human being’s life.

When they had finished talking, James replied, Brethren, listen to me. 14 Simeon [Peter] has rehearsed how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people [to bear and honor] His name. 15 And with this the predictions of the prophets agree, as it is written, Acts 15:13-15.

During a church council meeting in Jerusalem, Jesus’ earthly brother received a rhema, a word from the Lord. Like a human mind which puts two and two together to click, James recalled a prophecy in the Old Testament which Amos wrote about. Luke quotes Amos in the passage below as James declared this is what the prophets agreed upon, Gentiles coming to faith in God.

After this I will come back, and will rebuild the house of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its [very] ruins, and I will set it up again, 17 So that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked, 18 Says the Lord, Who has been making these things known from the beginning of the world. 19 Therefore it is my opinion that we should not put obstacles in the way of and annoy and disturb those of the Gentiles who turn to God, Acts 15:16-19.

Sometimes spiritual turning points could be attending a specific church for the first time. A month ago, my first visit to Fearless Church, the pastor’s message seemed to be written for me. In the weeks that followed, Leanne and I joined a home group, and both feel we’ve found our new church home. The next time you find yourself at a crossroads in life, be open and prepared for your next spiritual turning point to arrive.

by Jay Mankus

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But… God Knows Your Heart

Posted on November 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I spent the majority of my adolescence wearing emotions on my sleeves. While my peers knew exactly how I felt, I didn’t have an inkling that God knew what was going on in my heart. I wasn’t mature enough nor did I possess a clear understanding of the God of the Bible. Unfortunately, depression led me to withdraw, trying to cope with my broken heart on my own.

And after there had been a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, Brethren, you know that quite a while ago God made a choice or selection from among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the Gospel [concerning the [c]attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] and believe (credit and place their confidence in it), Acts 15:7.

As the first century church of Jesus Christ grew, differences emerged between churches and their leaders. Rather than sweep this under the rug by ignoring it, the apostles and disciples met in Jerusalem to come to some sort of a resolution. Rather than force Jewish practices upon newly converted Gentiles to Christianity, a couple of key Mosiac laws were recommended to follow.

And God, Who is acquainted with and understands the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit as He also did to us; 9 And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith ([d]by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God), Acts 15:8-9.

It took a first century doctor in Luke to point out that God knows and understands human hearts. Meanwhile, an individual described by one prophet as a man after God’s own heart experienced one trial that opened his spiritual eyes, Psalm 34:18. Don’t try to be a hero by wanting to figure out everything on your own. Let go and let God heal your wounded heart.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Does the Impossible

Posted on October 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Daniel was one of the young Jews living in Jerusalem when Babylon captured his homeland. Forced into captivity and taken back to live in Babylon, this country and their customs came into direct conflict with Daniel’s faith. After fighting for his right to maintain his Jewish dietary convictions, one of Daniel’s political enemies convinced King Darius to adopt a law which made it illegal to pray to other any god. Despite this law, Daniel continued to pray to the God of the Bible.

Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, May your God, Whom you are serving continually, deliver you! 17 And a stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that there might be no change of purpose concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and passed the night fasting, neither were instruments of music or dancing girls brought before him; and his sleep fled from him, Daniel 6:16-18.

This is what led Daniel to be placed into a den of lions in the passage above. Forced to adhere to this newly enacted law, Darius begrudgingly ordered Daniel to be placed into this unusual jail cell overnight. This punishment would have been a sure death sentence to most human beings. Maybe Daniel could have survived one lion attack, but the odds were definitely against him. Subsequently, King Darius feared the worst, expecting to see human remains first thing in the morning.

Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den and to Daniel, he cried out in a voice of anguish. The king said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, Whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions? 21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever! 22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent and blameless before Him; and also before you, O king, [as you very well know] I have done no harm or wrong. 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel should be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no hurt of any kind was found on him because he believed in (relied on, adhered to, and trusted in) his God, Daniel 6:19-23.

Based upon Daniel’s interaction with King Darius in the passage above, this is a clear sign of God doing the impossible. Other translations of the Bible records Daniel saying that “there wasn’t even a scratch on his body.” Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Daniel prayed to the Lord to shut the mouths of these lions over night or if Daniel actually saw angels keeping all of the mouths of the lions shut. While you may not be able to fathom how God works, the Lord still does the impossible today for those who believe.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 245: Healing Waters

Posted on October 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s musician came all the way from Adelaide, Australian to follow her dream to become a contemporary Christian artist. While Michele Tumes began his music ministry in Australian, she moved to the United States in 1993. Songs like No Greater Love in 2010, The Key, and Tinker Bell, also in 2008 put Michele Tumes on the map. One of her most soothing songs is Healing Waters.

In these lay a great number of sick folk—some blind, some crippled, and some paralyzed (shriveled up)—[a]waiting for the bubbling up of the water. 4 For an angel of the Lord went down at appointed seasons into the pool and moved and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was cured of whatever disease with which he was afflicted, John 5:3-4.

When I first heard Healing Waters on the radio, I was reminded of the passage above. In the first century, one place in Jerusalem developed a reputation for miraculous healing. A pool near the Sheep Gate was given the Hebrew name Bethesda. Desperate people came from all over the region hoping to experience healing waters. As you listen to today’s song, may you be encouraged by God’s power to heal.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 244: Testify to Love

Posted on October 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Christian group Avalon formed in 1995 as a vocal quartet from Nashville, Tennessee. However, over the years, Avalon’s focus on worship music led to a slight name change to Avalon Worship. I was first introduced to Avalon through one of their Christmas albums. While some of their songs or more memorable than others, Testify to Love is one of my favorites.

And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole [e]human race], Mark 16:15

The lyrics to Testify to Love are based upon the passage above. Known as the Great Commission, Jesus leaves a blueprint behind for future Christians to follow, Acts 1:8. First century Jewish Christians completed phase one: testifying about Jesus to everyone in Jerusalem. The apostles completed phase two by the end of the first century by testifying to surrounding towns and villages. The final phase is up to believers to testify about Jesus to the ends of the earth. May this song inspire you to do your part.

by Jay Mankus

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What are You Avoiding?

Posted on June 25, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Samaria is bordered by Galilee to the north and Judea to the south. The first century historian Josephus set the Mediterranean Sea as Samaria’s boundary to the west, and the Jordan River as its limit to the east. This defined region is consistent with the biblical allotments of the tribe of Ephraim and the western half of Manasseh in the Old Testament. The Jews avoided Samaria because they had become a mixed race with Gentiles and centered their worship at Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem. 

He left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 It was necessary for Him to go through Samaria, John 4:3-4.

While Jesus’ disciples walked around Samaria, Jesus felt it was necessary to go straight through. The remainder of John 4 reveals Jesus’ divine appointment. Using Jacob’s well as a meeting point, it was a matter of time before the locals traveling to retrieve water would arrive. This sets the stage for a conversation with a woman who struggled with commitment. After a series of failed marriages, Jesus changes the subject from water to spiritual matters. In a matter of moments, a spiritual hunger is conceived within this woman’s heart. A spark that would soon transform her life.

And in doing so, He arrived at a Samaritan town called Sychar, near the tract of land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 And Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, tired as He was from His journey, sat down [to rest] by the well. It was then about the sixth hour (about noon), John 4:5-6.

Whenever you avoid someone or something, you miss out on the opportunity to alter another person’s life. If you are led by fear to walk away from conflict, you’re missing out on a potential blessing from God. Meanwhile, if you’re running away from God’s calling like one Old Testament prophet, Jonah 1:2-4, you’ll make things harder on yourself. Instead of wasting months, years or decades of your life walking in the wilderness, consider it a pure joy when you’re forced to endure, face and overcome trials and tribulations in your life, James 1:2-4.

by Jay Mankus

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The Stewardship of God’s Grace

Posted on March 21, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Stewardship is the conducting, managing and or supervising of a specific operation. The context of the passage below refers to the careful management, entrusted to apostles, to oversee a believer’s spiritual condition. This responsibility isn’t merit based. Rather, the apostle Paul and Jesus’ disciples became the caretakers of the great commission, Acts 1:7-8. As the good news about Jesus Christ spread beyond Jerusalem to surrounding towns and villages, the stewardship of God’s grace continued, Ephesians 2:8.

Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace (His unmerited favor) that was entrusted to me [to dispense to you] for your benefit, 3 [And] that the mystery (secret) was made known to me and I was allowed to comprehend it by direct revelation, as I already briefly wrote you, Ephesians 3:2-3.

Paul was first introduced to this concept on the road to Damascus. This supernatural event altered Paul’s path as a persecutor of the church. Described as a flash of lightning from heaven, before this encounter concluded, the apostle Paul would walk away a transformed man. Yet, Paul was initially blinded by this light, led by his hand to a disciple named Ananias. This divine appointment on the street called Straight ignited a spiritual fire within Paul to propel him to become a steward of God’s grace.

Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, 4 And he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me [harassing, troubling, and molesting Me]? 5 And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance], Acts 9:3-5.

In a letter to the Church in Rome, Paul highlights exactly what Jesus did for you and me. “God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” Romans 5:8. One chapter later, Paul compares grace to a free gift, Romans 6:23. Building upon the words of King David, God’s grace is infinite, far greater than the human mind can comprehend, Psalm 103:11-12. This is what makes the stewardship of God’s grace continue today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Fervor of Faith

Posted on October 5, 2020 by expressyourself4him

During a discussion with a woman at a well in Samaria, the topic of conversation transitions to worship. The woman refers to her descendants who worshiped on this mountain, pointing toward Mount Gerissim. Apparently, first century Jews were legalistic, belittling Samaritans for not going to temple at Jerusalem to worship God. However, Jesus points to a time in the future, following his death and resurrection, when individuals will be able to worship God in any place or time.

God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality), John 4:24.

In the passage below, the apostle Paul builds upon this concept. Whenever individuals enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-10, an intimacy develops. As faith increases, man’s relationship with God becomes a daily priority. Thus, faith isn’t something that you put back on the shelf and walk away from like a Bible. Rather, faith becomes part of you, growing into a fervor through a higher calling via the Holy Spirit.

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! – 1 Corinthians 16:13

This Samaritan woman mentioned by John, one of Jesus’ disciples, is introduced as a restless individual, searching for answers to life’s questions. This journey led the Samaritan woman to look for love in relationships, leaving one man after another when love disappeared. However, when Jesus talked about living water, a spark was triggered within her soul. Hungry for more, John 4:39 reveals that a fervor for faith was conceived, leading her entire family to faith in Christ. This is the kind of fervor that we all need today.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Are Moving in the Wrong Direction

Posted on December 3, 2019 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29pNlltk8EI

Whenever you find yourself in uncharted territory, common sense leads you to ask others who have been in a similar situation. If you just ask the first person that you find and respond accordingly, you might find yourself heading in the wrong direction or going to the wrong place Whether you are dealing with an illness like cancer, considering a career change or searching for wisdom to overcome a current obstacle, the more insight you compile the better.

When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were [miraculously] healed and made clean, Luke 17:14.

The man in the passage above is simply following the crowd, doing what the locals are accustom to do for a healed leper. This step was necessary to be fully restored back into society; receiving acceptance from spiritual leaders. While on his way to see a priest in Jerusalem, this Samaritan has a change of heart. This didn’t seem right as this man’s conscience told him to turn around. Whispers in his mind like, “why are you going to a priest instead of the One who healed you?” Some sort of internal struggle persuaded this man to turn around abruptly and return to Jesus.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; Luke 17:15.

When a couple leaves the hospital with a new born child for the first time, there is no handbook to follow step by step for the rest of your life. Sure, there are books you can read, classes you can take and grandparents to reach out to, but in the end you need to figure out what works and what doesn’t. This trial and error applies to most aspects of life, living and learning along the way. Yet, when your conscience is awakened, your heart is convicted and ears hear God’s still small voice, make sure you listen so you don’t end up going to the wrong place.

by Jay Mankus

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Forbidden by the Holy Spirit

Posted on August 12, 2019 by expressyourself4him

During the Day of Pentecost detailed in Acts 2, a supernatural event enabled first century disciples to speak in tongues.  Initially, eyewitnesses thought the disciples were drunk until foreigners, visitors to Jerusalem, began to hear these men speak in their own native tongue.  According to Acts 2:9, this included Asia Minor, a place Paul and Silas chose to reach during Paul’s second missionary journey.  However, Luke records another strange occurrence in the passage below, the apostles were prohibited to introduce the gospel to Europe.

Now they passed through the territory of Phrygia and Galatia, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in [the west coast province of] Asia Minor, Acts 16:6.

There are a couple of explanations for this region being forbidden by the Holy Spirit.  One Bible Commentary suggests this territory was not a designated Roman province.  As a Roman citizen, the apostle Paul accepted this spiritual push back as a clear sign to wait for another opportunity in the future.  Meanwhile, Acts 1:8 refers to a natural progression for the gospel to spread: Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria.  The most logical explanation is that Paul and Silas went out of order, visiting the ends of the earth before reaching every nearby town and village.

And after they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; Acts 16:7.

As modern missionaries continue to fulfill the great commission, Matthew 28:16-20, the Bible warns of regions controlled by demonic powers such as Persia in the book of Daniel.  Those called to enter these dangerous countries and nations face the same risk the Elliott family took as described in the film End of the Spear.  When five missionaries were killed in Ecuador by the Wadani tribe, some would have seen this as a sign to quit.  Yet, this loss of life opened the door members of the Wadani to accept and receive the good news about Jesus Christ.  While there will always be forbidden areas on earth, may God fill you with resolve to fulfill God’s plan for your life.

by Jay Mankus

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