Tag Archives: Nero

Exposing the Advent of a Superficial Faith

As I listen to the content of my conversations and those around me, substance is usually lacking.  Instead of creating hunger or thirst for more, the topics I choose lack the flavor and seasoning Jesus expects his followers to discuss.  Thus, I often going days or weeks at times without experiencing heart to heart, meaningful or personal exchanges.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. – Matthew 5:13

Perhaps, the fault goes beyond my own inabilities to commune with individuals.  Answers can be traced back to the decline of Judeo-Christian values passed on over the past hundred years in America.  When churches, temples and houses of worship were the center of towns, you couldn’t escape hearing words from the Bible.  Yet, a trend toward minimizing the offensive words of the Scriptures has watered down truth, enabling educators to subvert the Word of God.

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.  But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32-33

Rather than carry on a heritage of faith, the desire to be liked, receive promotions and obtain positive press has bred a superficial faith.  Unfortunately, I find myself at the front of the line, afraid that my God won’t intervene.  Unless people begin to stand up, this decay will continue until Christianity is against the law like the days of Nero in Rome.  In these times, may the power of the Holy Spirit encourage warriors to stand up, Acts 4:29, to prevent a superficial faith.

by Jay Mankus

U-Turn or Bust

Since reading one of his chapters in Steeling the Mind of America, David Barton has become one of my favorite authors.  In his most recent work, U-Turn: Restoring America to the Strength of its Roots, I was shocked by what his research uncovered.  According to Barton, only 34 % of Americans believe in absolute truth.  If these numbers are true, this explains a culture who allows lies to be told, opinions to be elevated to fact status and morality based upon doing what’s right in your own eyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAx_vDlgyXk

To add insult to injury, public schools in Texas are now teaching children the Pilgrims were America’s first terrorists.  Instead of reminding youth of Islamic militants who held American ships captive like pirates, the history of events like the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli are vanishing.  As parents struggle to provide for their families, the state and federal government are brain washing children with liberal, new age and progressive worldviews.  Unless the United States get’s back to its founding principles, it’s U-turn or bust.

When things began to change for Christians as Nero rose to power over Rome in the first century, the apostle Paul left a good piece of advice, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.  Whether you’re a child, adolescent or adult, don’t take my or David Barton’s words as gospel.  Rather, test everything you hear, read and see.  Do your own thorough research; then once complete, you can cling to that which you have found to be true.  The sooner you turn around toward the truth, the less likely you will be busted by lies of the devil.

by Jay Mankus


All or Nothing

From my own life experiences, people usually fit into 1 of 3 categories: those that don’t care, people who are somewhat committed and individuals who give everything they have.  If  you change  the subject, topic or give incentives, degrees of seriousness will likely increase.  However, in the end, God has provided human beings with freewill, allowing each to set their own level of commitment.

Exodus 19:5-6 contains a promise for anyone willing to give the Lord 100% of their attention.  Anything less than being all in and the carrot at the end of the stick will be null and void.  The prize for fully obeying God and keeping the covenant of Circumcision and Passover is out of this world.  According to Exodus 19:5, the Lord will make Israel his treasured possession on earth.  Yet, words mean nothing unless action is inspired by faith, James 2:14-26.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoWtY_h4xo

A similar promise is made to those believers exiled from Rome during Nero’s persecution of Christians near the end of the 60’s AD.  One of the disciples from Jesus’ inner circle expresses the following within 1 Peter 2:4-10.  Although Peter mentions predestination, you can’t use this as a cop out or disclaimer.  Rather, just like the days of Israel wandering in the wilderness, the choice is yours: all or nothing, Deuteronomy 30:15.

by Jay Mankus