Tag Archives: resurrection

Engaging Our Culture: April 20-Beyond Belief

Posted on April 20, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2016 movie “Risen”

Bible Verse of the Day:

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you,” Matthew 28:1-7.

Biblical Connection:

According to the New Testament, Jesus remained on earth for 40 days following his resurrection on Easter Sunday, Acts 1:1-3. First century eyewitnesses recall accounts where Jesus appeared to his disciples and friends before vanishing like a ghost. This is the account detailed in Risen. While Luke was a first century doctor, he also served as an early church historian, sharing convincing proof that Jesus was alive. For many eyewitnesses, this encounter was beyond belief.

When you’ve experienced and seen a miracle from God, a root of faith is deeply planted within your soul. However, if you’re a skeptic by nature, teased and vulnerable to false information, seeds of doubt will keep you from believing that Jesus actually rose from the dead. Fake news was paid for in Matthew 28:11-15 by Jewish religious leaders to stop the truth about Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven from being passed on. This is why doubts about Jesus still persists today.

Closing Song:

Today is the pinnacle of the Christian faith. Yet, without discipleship and the biblical training of new converts to Christ, the power of Resurrection Sunday will be lost for future generations. May the message of hope for salvation and eternal life be shared today and for the days to come.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 27-When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Posted on January 27, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailer from the 2010 film “The 5th Quarter”

Bible Verse of the Day:

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles[b] from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask,” John 11:17-22.

Biblical Connection:

When I’m not able to find a scene reflective of a film, I’ll provide the entire trailer to give readers a broader perspective. As a former high school teacher, one thing is certain during the course of any year, one or more students will die in a car accident at your school or one nearby. This is the plot based upon the true story of Luke Abbate who dies days before his 16th birthday. When bad things happen to God people, families can be torn apart, always second guessing themselves and God. Older brother Jon, a member of the Wake Forest University football team, changes his number to Luke’s #5. After taking a leave of absence from the team following his brother’s death, Jon leads Wake to one of their most successful seasons ever, moving fans to refer to the 4th as the 5th quarter.

One of the scenes in the 5th Quarter has a coach talking about the two knowns in life: birth and death. Unfortunately, coping with the loss of one loved one is nothing new. After her own brother dies, Martha blames Jesus for Lazarus’ death. Despite her emotional anguish, Martha believed that Jesus could somehow bring Lazarus back from the dead. While the Lazarus effect does occur today, people who have been pronounced dead and do wake up, why bad things happen to good people remains a mystery. King Solomon writes about a time for everything in Ecclesiastes 3. Peter talks about faith being tested by trials in 1 Peter 1:6-7. The younger brother of Jesus points to unexpected events as things that build character, maturity and perseverance. When bad things do happen to you, you may never receive a direct answer from God, but these situations will challenge you to grow in your faith.

Closing Song:

Like the Abbate family who founded The Luke Abbate 5th Quarter Foundation, as you go through your first trial of 2025, may the Lord bring something positive out of this negative experience.

by Jay Mankus

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Turning Your Attention Toward Love and Service

Posted on July 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Every human being experiences peaks and valleys in life. Depending upon your level of inspiration and motivation, you might have your mind set on higher aspirations and goals to achieve. As Jesus prepares his disciples for life on earth following his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, He turns his attention toward love and service.

When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine. 9 I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [[a]continue in His love with Me]. 10 If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love. 11 I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing, John 15:8-11.

Based upon the accounts of four first century historians, Jesus was a master storyteller, painting a vivid picture in the minds of his audience. This was accomplished by using analogies and parables that common folk could understand. As Jesus talks to his disciples in the passage above, his goal is to turn their attention toward loving and serving one another in His absence.

This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends, John 15:12-13.

Jesus doesn’t use empty words like modern leaders who follow the motto, “do what I say, not as I do.” Jesus practiced what he preached as He was about to lay down His own life for His friends on Good Friday. Jesus gave many hints to His fate such as John 14:1-4. Nonetheless, 3 days later Jesus conquered death on Easter Sunday, leaving His disciples with one final plea: turn your attention toward love and service, 1 John 4:18-21.

by Jay Mankus

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A Spiritual Foreshadowing

Posted on April 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Foreshadowing is a term my high school English teacher ingrained within my head. Whether our class was reading Canterbury Tales or Romeo and Juliet, she would always urge students to think about the foreshadowing of a scene. In the passage below, Moses points to the foreshadowing of Jesus, initially mentioned in Genesis 3:15 following original sin, Adam and Eve’s fall from grace in the Garden of Eden.

Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the fire (the firepot) in his own hand, and a knife; and the two of them went on together. 7 And Isaac said to Abraham, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. [Isaac] said, See, here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice? – Genesis 22:6-7

As God puts Abraham’s faith to an unbelievable test, Bible scholars believe that the concept of a resurrection was conceived within Abraham’s mind. This is one of the few explanations that makes sense for a guy who had a tendency to rely on his own instincts rather than fully trust God. If this is true, Isaac’s hypothetical resurrection is a foreshadowing of Jesus coming back to life on Easter Sunday.

[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. 9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God, Hebrews 11:8-10.

All Christian’s hope that their life will leave behind some sort of legacy, to inspire others to elevate and take their own faith to new heights. The author of Hebrews nominates Abraham for the Bible’s Hall of Faith in the passage above. God’s initial promise to Abraham while residing in the land of Uz is a foreshadowing of the birth of a great nation, Israel. However, even Abraham struggled to believe in this promise until Isaac was finally born. As you read and study the Bible, may the Holy Spirit open your eyes to other foreshadowing’s found in this book.

by Jay Mankus

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Waiting for God to Fill in the Blanks

Posted on February 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I grew up in a time when Dot-to-Dot Coloring Books were popular. This was one of the ways I learned all the letters of the alphabet and how to count up to 25 and 50. As long as I connected A to B to C or 1 to 2 to 3 and so on in the correct order, I discovered what animal, person, place, or thing was hiding in between the dots. Unfortunately, life as an adult is much more complicated as I regularly find myself waiting for God to fill in the blanks before I make my next move.

And Abram said, Lord God, what can You give me, since I am going on [from this world] childless and he who shall be the owner and heir of my house is this [steward] Eliezer of Damascus? – Genesis 15:2

As Abram began to grow up, the thought of having any children at his age allowed doubt to creep into his mind. Abram’s hopes and dreams of seeing God’s promise fulfilled, Genesis 12:1-3, that he would become a father of a great nation seemed impossible. This is the context of the passage above as Abram became impatient while God was working behind the scenes to fill in the blanks of his future. Perhaps, Abram’s crisis of faith is similar to a modern-day mid-life crisis, disappointed by how things turned out.

He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep. 18 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, when you were young you girded yourself [put on your own belt or girdle] and you walked about wherever you pleased to go. But when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will put a girdle around you and carry you where you do not wish to go. 19 He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. And after this, He said to him, Follow Me! – John 21:17-19

Peter experienced these emotions in the passage above. John details Jesus’ first conversation with Peter following his denial and crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Perhaps, Peter’s initial idea that Jesus would become an earthly king, someone he was willing to fight for, deflated him. After a period of reconciliation, Jesus begins to fill in the blanks of Peter’s future, dying on an inverted cross as he didn’t feel worthy of being crucified like Jesus. Wherever you are in life, be still before the Lord, Psalm 46:10, as God fills in the blanks, prepared in advance for your future, Philippians 1:6.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 265: Commission

Posted on October 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Taylor, Madison and Logan Cain grew up in Alabama as preacher kids. One of the benefits of being homeschooled by their parents, it opened the door to start their musical career at an early age. As part of the group simply known by their last name, Cain was recently selected by K-Love Radio as one of 7 emerging breakthrough artists.

He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know [b]what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed [c]years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power. 8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth, Acts 1:7-8.

One of Cain’s most recent single Commission is based upon Jesus’ call to his disciples following his resurrection and just prior to his ascension into heaven in the Book of Acts. Based upon the lyrics, Cain is devoted to fulfilling this spiritual commission by using music to share their faith and love for Jesus. May today’s song inspire you to use your own spiritual gifts and talents to spread the gospel around the world.

by Jay Mankus

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On the Third Day

Posted on October 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The phrase ‘three days’ occurs 75 times in the bible. When the number three is used in the Bible, this is symbolic of completeness. However, three can also be used as an emphatic Semitic triplet to describe the intensity of something. The verse below is from an Old Testament prophet who points to Jesus’ death and resurrection on the third day.

Come and let us return to the Lord, for He has torn so that He may heal us; He has stricken so that He may bind us up. 2 After two days He will revive us (quicken us, give us life); on the third day He will raise us up that we may live before Him, Hosea 6:1-2.

Meanwhile, the apostle Paul explains the spiritual impact of Jesus’ resurrection on that first Easter Sunday. Like taunting death, Paul does some spiritual trash talking in the passage below. The sting of physical death was swallowed up by the supernatural resurrection by Jesus. To avoid critics saying Jesus’ wasn’t really dead, three days was plenty of time to guarantee this wasn’t a hoax, Matthew 28:11-15.

And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished [h]forever) in and unto victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 56 Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [i][upon the soul] through [j][the abuse of] the Law. 57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.

The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in his letter to the Church at Colosse. Colossians 3:1-4 explains how the resurrection of Jesus can transform Christians from within. Unfortunate, putting to death the addictions, bad habits and cravings of your past takes more than three days. Rather, this process takes a lifetime, a spiritual marathon where you throw off what’s dragging you down in prayer, Hebrews 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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A Touch of Faith

Posted on April 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While seeing is believing, feeling Jesus’ hand where a nail once held him to a cross resulted in a touch of faith for Thomas, John 20:27-28. Jesus uses this moment to express how blessed those individuals who have never seen Jesus, but still believe. The authors of the four gospels share their own encounters, personal experiences, and recollections of Jesus. Some of these accounts may stir your heart that produces a touch of faith.

[We are writing] about the Word of Life [[a]in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands, 1 John 1:1.

The touch move rule in chess is the most basic rule when competing in any tournament. If a player deliberately touches one a piece on the board when it is their turn to move, they must move or capture that touched piece if it is legal to do so. From a spiritual standpoint, when you reach out to touch a person or thing, your senses confirm that this object is real. Meanwhile, when your heart is touched by God, the Holy Spirit prompts you to act.

Until the day when He ascended, after He through the Holy Spirit had instructed and commanded the apostles (special messengers) whom He had chosen. 3 To them also He showed Himself alive after His passion (His suffering in the garden and on the cross) by [a series of] many convincing demonstrations [unquestionable evidences and infallible proofs], appearing to them during forty days and talking [to them] about the things of the kingdom of God, Acts 1:2-3.

According to the four gospels and the Book of Acts, following Jesus’ resurrection he appeared to and interacted with over 500 people. Prior to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-6, followers of Jesus were in awe of God’s power to raise a human being from the dead. The Great Commission served as a blue print for the first century Church, Acts 1:8. Yet, when a doubting Thomas felt the scar in Jesus’ palm, this touch of faith is all that he needed to transform his life.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 43: Bring Me Back to Life

Posted on March 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Evanescence is one of those groups that isn’t Christian but has songs with lyrics that parallel biblical themes. Evanescence is a rock band that began in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995. Singer, pianist, and keyboardist Amy Lee joined forces with guitarist Ben Moody to form Evanescence. Today’s song reminds me of a mix of the Back Street Boys, Heart, and Run DMC.

Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; John 11:25.

What attracted me to today’s song is that human beings all reach a point in life where we feel dead inside. Sometimes this is due to being tired or worn out emotionally. Regardless of why we feel this way, finding motivation or strength just to get out of bed can be a chore. Whenever you find yourself in this helpless state, call out to Jesus in prayer so that the Holy Spirit will breathe new life into you.

by Jay Mankus

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The Author and the Giver of Peace

Posted on January 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One Old Testament prophet gave the future Messiah a nickname. According to Isaiah 9:6, Jesus will become the Prince of Peace. The author of Hebrews takes this concept one step further claiming that Jesus is also the author of peace. All of you have do is recall the words of Jesus while hanging on a cross for a crime he didn’t commit. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, Luke 23:34.”

Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), Hebrews 13:20.

The author of Hebrews refers to Jesus as a Great High Priest. The reason for this title serves as symbolism as a perfect lamb sacrificed for the sins of mankind. One of Jesus’ own disciples refers to a new Christian as part of a royal priesthood thanks to the shedding of Jesus’ blood and resurrection 3 days later, 1 Peter 2:9. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul points to Jesus’ willingness to lay down his life for sinners, Romans 5:8.

Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it), Hebrews 13:21.

This is the spiritual pedigree that elevates Jesus up as the author and giver of peace. The only question is why aren’t followers of Jesus today displaying and offering peace to others? Have we forgotten our calling to love our neighbors as ourselves? Or have the worries of this world bruised and battered our souls? Wherever are you in life, may this blog inspire you to pass on the peace of Christ in 2022.

by Jay Mankus

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