Tag Archives: Magna Carta

When the Presence of God is Unrecognizable

In the colonial days of America, colleges were established for aspiring preachers. The British who settled in America fled England to find religious freedom after being forced to comply with the church of England. The early college graduates were inspired to fulfill the Magna Carta, like the disciples who sought to complete Jesus’ Great Commission, Acts 1:8.

And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers, and there arose another generation after them who did not know (recognize, understand) the Lord, or even the work which He had done for Israel, Judges 2:10.

Benjamin Harris first printed the New England Primer in 1690. After publishing a similar volume in London, this book became the single most influential Christian textbook in American history. Young students were introduced to the English alphabet by memorizing a verse from the Bible for each letter. This was used for more than 150 years before schools transitioned from Bible based curriculum toward a secular emphasis.

And the Israelites left there then, every man to his tribe and family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. 25 In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes, Judges 21:24-25.

When you read articles, current events and updated changes to public education, the presence of God has disappeared. While the Pledge of Allegiance is still practiced in some school distracts, the Bible verse of the day, prayer and the Ten Commandments have been removed. The complaints from atheists continue today, seeking to erase the presence of God from America’s founding. Until leaders like Joshua rise up to take a stand, America is about to experience a Judges like era when the people of this nation will not recognize or understand the God of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

The Defaming of Faith

Defame refers to cast asperations on, malign or slander the reputation of someone. In this age of social media, it only takes one post, tweet or video to ruin years of faith, respect and trust. As individuals battle for control, power and supremacy, distortions, embellishment and lies will be made to elevate one’s status while tearing down others.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you, 1 Peter 4:12.

From a spiritual perspective, there is a rise in naturalistic scholars, revisionist historians and secularism within America. When history does not enhance a particular worldview, events, facts and founding fathers are being defamed to delegitimize past accomplishments. Meanwhile, K-12 education is omitting significant influences such as the Magna Carta, the Pilgrim’s religion and role the ten commandments has played in establishing our justice system.

But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. 14 If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse, you glorify], 1 Peter 4:13-14.

Whether you want to call this watering down or defaming, America has a rich Christian Heritage. Yet, due to political correctness traces of Christianity has vanished from public education. Meanwhile, other believers are afraid that if they speak up at work, their jobs or potential advancements will be terminated. However, Peter states that you shouldn’t be surprised by the defaming of faith. First century Christians embraced this as a badge of honor, a sign that their faith was alive and well. While nobody wants to endure hardship, trials in life are meant to strengthen and refine your faith.

by Jay Mankus

Pump Up The Volume

For the meek, shy and soft spoken, its easy to allow others to walk all over you.  Although, the silent majority once ruled the roost, the brash, power hungry and rude have shouted down Americans toward their ideology and worldview.  Subsequently, atheists,  lawyers and politicians have redefined the rules, pumping up the volume of their talking points.

In the aftermath of this stampede, foundations have been cracked and principles weakened, leaving historians scratching their heads.  When England began to limit their citizens to worship God in one church, the Magna Carta was conceived, leading the way for colonists to set sail for a new land.  This excitement stoked a passion in the founders, pumping out the volume to remind people of the reason each crossed the Atlantic.

When Patrick Henry stood up to naysayers at the Virginia Convention in 1775, he spoke out of the overflow of his heart, crying out for freedom.  “Give me liberty or give me death,” swayed those who were on the fence, paving the way for  the Revolutionary War.  If the United States of America has any hopes of surviving, there needs to be a spiritual revival so that God’s blessing will not removed permanently.  As you cope with today’s grim reality, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to pump up the volume, Acts 4:29, to ignite a movement to win back our moral compass.

by Jay Mankus

 

A Generational Secret

Since 1986 television producers have added the film Independence Day to their annual 4th of July programming.  While the aliens replace the British in this modern interpretation, Jeff Goldblum’s speech to pilots just before their final battle helps remind viewers what this day truly means to Americans.  One of my Independence Day traditions include watching the Patriot starring Mel Gibson.  Gabriel, Gibson’s son dies during the Revolutionary War, but his son’s vision is fulfilled, “after the war, you can start a whole new nation,” starting with rebuilding Mel Gibson’s fire ravaged home.

 However, the key to maintain a nation lies within the Bible.  This generational secret was carried out by mothers in the 2006 film The Nativity Story.  Before public education existed, mother’s taught their children how to read, write, count and in Jewish homes, the stories of the Old Testament.  Father’s taught their children a trade, passing on the family business and or farm, from one generation to the next.  The Psalmist urges readers of Psalm 145:4 to pass on the good news about God’s divine nature, his provisions and the miracles he preformed one after another to the nation of Israel.

 

In order for the United States of America to survive, children must remember the words of documents like the declaration of independence listed below.  The god mentioned in this document is the God of the Bible.  Unfortunately, political correctness, revisionist historians and liberalism is raising up a generation without the facts of God’s divine providence on this country.  If you are still uncertain or doubting my opinion, go read the original Magna Carta for yourself.  The British came to America to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to a new continent.  In essence, the spiritual future of this country relies on you and me.  These efforts or lack there of will transcend history for the better or worse.  May all who read this be moved to live out Psalm 145:4.  May God continue to bless America on this day and for years to come!

by Jay Mankus

Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

Abandon Ship, Abandon Ship

Edward Smith, Captain of the Titanic said, “I never saw a wreck and never have been wrecked, nor was I ever in any predicament that threatened to end in disaster.”  These famous last words illustrate why the apostle Paul warned people about being over confident in 1 Corinthians 10:12.  Unfortunately, Vince Young, former backup quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t learn from history calling the 2011 Eagles the next “dream team,” ending in a nightmare at 8-8.  Starting quarterback Michael Vick revised this statement with one of his own, calling the 2012 Eagles “a dynasty.”  After 8 straight loses following a 3-1 start to this NFL season, at 3-9 its time to abandon ship.

The word hype means to advertise, build up, excite and publicly tout.  If a professional athlete wants to get on ESPN, they will celebrate excessively or show boat to draw attention to themselves hoping to make Sports Center.  Meanwhile, if a journalist wants national exposure, he or she will try to write something controversial so that people will talk about their piece around the water cooler at work.  This probably explains why writers of the 1997 film Titanic include a scene with Leonardo DiCaprio standing up on top of the forward bow, yelling, “I’m king of the world!”  Instead of jumping ship, our culture has abandoned humility.

Gone are the days of acting like you have been there, handing the ball to the official after scoring a touchdown in football.  Or simply running around the bases following a home run in baseball.  Meanwhile, narcissists are running rampant in society, likely due to a lack of discipline, parenting and  the rod of correction, Proverbs 13:24.  Either way you slice it, people are abandoning the principles of the Magna Carta.  Europeans came to this country on ships to fulfill the great commission, Mark 16:15-16, by spreading the gospel to the new world.  Today, revisionists are erasing Christ from our history books as we now live in the Common Era.

As the ship called America is sinking, I am optimistic that Captain Jesus can save us from a sea of despair.  However, its not a bad idea to put on the life vest of salvation, 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9.  When the upcoming financial cliff approaches, be prepared for the worst, 1 Peter 1:3-7 so that through this adventure your faith will be refined for the next ice berg.  As for now, slow speed ahead with your eyes on the prize, Philippians 3:20-21!

by Jay Mankus