Tag Archives: salvation

Engaging Our Culture: January 26-Coming Back from the Gates of Hell

Posted on January 26, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1999 film “Any Given Sunday”

Viewer Discretion: a couple of curse words do appear on this clip for NFL Championship Sunday.

Bible Verse of the Day:

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God, Hebrews 10:26-27.

Biblical Connection:

Al Pacino addresses the Miami Shark as Coach Tony D’Amato before taking the field, he compares football to the game of life. Down to their third-string quarterback, the odds of winning this game isn’t good. Yet, Coach D’Amato compares this desire situation to his own failures in life. The only way D’Amato knows how to climb out of their hellish position is by fighting back, “inch by inch.” Since football is often a game of inches, players connect with this analogy, preparing their minds for their upcoming battle on the gridiron. When individuals come together as a team, lesser talent can upset better players on Any Given Sunday.

The author of Hebrews addresses a growing concern within the first century church. Apparently, false teachers began to convince young Christians that the more they sinned, the greater God’s grace would be poured out upon you. Subsequently, Hebrews 6:1-6 blames this on a lack of depth, Christians who stop growing spiritually after learning the elementary teachings of Christ. As a former seminary student, young theologians can be persuaded into justifying ungodly beliefs by over emphasizing certain passages of Scripture and devaluing others. To avoid continuing down the highway to hell, Matthew 7:13, take your thoughts captive by making them obedient to the words of the Bible, Psalm 119:9-11.

Closing Song:

My today’s song open your mind to the ongoing spiritual war happening behind the scenes. Pray for protection so that you won’t find yourself slipping away from God in 2025.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 362-A Love that is Real

Posted on December 25, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God, John 3:16-21.

Reflection:

As one of 3 members of his inner circle, John was either listening to the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus or within an ear shot. Following Jesus along for 3 years on earth, there were likely many amazing statements expressed and shared. However, the words of John 3:16-17 struck a chord with John’s soul. As Jesus shares God’s plan for redemption, this is information that John likely treasured in his heart like Jesus’ mother Mary. When human beings read and study today’s passage, you can begin to experience and see a love that is real.

Prayerful Action:

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven, Matthew 5:16.

Learning to Love the December as God Forgives You:

If you have never experienced genuine love, you’ll likely be skeptical, “what’s the catch?” However, based upon the words of the 4 Gospel authors, desperate people sought out Jesus. After hearing amazing stories of healing and miracles, many came to Jesus as a last resort. Jesus didn’t perform these acts like performing daily chores. Rather, Jesus became God with us, a source of light and love in a dark and dying world. This is real love.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

While presents often take center stage on Christmas Day, the love of Jesus is why families come together for this special day. May the lyrics to the Love of Jesus inspire you to spread the love of Jesus to your family and friends on Christmas Day.

by Jay Mankus

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The Redeeming Angel

Posted on November 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The textbook definition of redeem is to compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something). From a spiritual perspective, human beings are fallen creatures, falling short of being able to earn or meet God’s glory, Romans 3:9-12. If no one is righteous, mankind is in desperate need of a redeeming angel. Moses refers to God as this spiritual being, the One who makes our sins as white as snow, Isaiah 1:16-18.

Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself], before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac lived and walked habitually, God [Himself], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day, 16 The [b]redeeming Angel [that is, the Angel the Redeemer—not a created being but the Lord Himself] Who has redeemed me continually from every evil, bless the lads! And let my name be perpetuated in them [may they be worthy of having their names coupled with mine], and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them become a multitude in the midst of the earth, Genesis 48:15-16.

Perhaps, Moses’ description of God as a redeeming angel comes from his own personal experience in Exodus 4:10-14. When asked by God to be the voice of Israel, Moses rejects God’s call due to some sort of speech impediment. While God initially sends Moses’ brother Aaron to speak to Pharaoh on Israel’s behalf, the redeeming angel at some point heals Moses’ stuttering. Once Moses gains confidence to talk, Aaron is no longer necessary to speak on his behalf.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service], Psalm 91:9-11.

Depending upon your current situation, you may need redemption or saved from a debilitating condition. According to the Psalmist, those who take refuge in the Lord will have angels sent to accompany, defend, and preserve your life. Yet, just as Jesus told his disciples, those who lack belief and faith will not be able to overcome life’s obstacles, Matthew 21:18-22. May today’s blog motivate you to trust in the Redeeming Angel of God.

by Jay Mankus

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Dread and Fear

Posted on July 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Dread is a great fear in the context of impending evil. When someone develops the ungodly belief that God is solely a disciplinarian who punishes individuals who get out of line spiritually, dread will consume these souls. Meanwhile, fear is a strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by a perceived danger or actual threat. The passage below covers a little bit of both.

The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, and the god [the object of worship] of their father [Terah, an idolator], judge between us. But Jacob swore [only] by [the one true God] the Dread and Fear of his father Isaac, Genesis 31:54.

While the Ten Commandments have not been introduced yet, Moses appears to write this passage with what God desires in mind. Prior to his introduction to the one true God in Genesis 12, Abraham was taught about Terah. Looking back in hindsight, Jacob made an oath to the one true God, filled with dread for those who worship the idolator Terah.

So have no fear of them; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or kept secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna), Matthew 10:26-28.

As a former Roman Catholic, the wrath of God was over-emphasized in the church that I grew up in. Subsequently, anytime I did not obey God or do the right thing, Romans 7:15-17, I beat myself up with guilt and shame. The dread and fear which consumed my soul in high school was not healthy. Despite my former ungodly beliefs, Jesus sets the record straight in the passage above. Reverent fear leads many to faith in Christ, Romans 10:9-11. May any current dread, result in salvation.

by Jay Mankus

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Who is this Man?

Posted on May 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever you meet someone for the first time, initial impressions play a part in whether or not you will call this individual a friend or foe. The context of the passage below begins as Isaac goes out to a well to pray. This isn’t just a community well, this is Beer-lahai-roi . This name was given to this place by Abraham who had a divine moment here, referring to this place as the well to the Living One Who sees me.

And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel. 65 For she [had] said to the servant, Who is that man walking across the field to meet us? And the servant [had] said, He is my master. So she took a veil and concealed herself with it, Genesis 24:64-65.

Since the introduction of the Lone Ranger in 1938 and television show a decade later, Hollywood has used anticipation as a vital tool to grab the attention of viewers. Once the Lone Ranger was portrayed as a hero, people wanted to know “who is this masked man?” From Rebekah’s perspective, she wanted to know who is this man approaching their caravan?

Jesus answered her, All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. 14 But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life. 15 The woman said to Him, Sir, give me this water, so that I may never get thirsty nor have to come [continually all the way] here to draw. 16 At this, Jesus said to her, Go, call your husband and come back here. 17 The woman answered, I have no husband. Jesus said to her, You have spoken truly in saying, I have no husband. 18 For you have had five husbands, and the man you are now living with is not your husband. In this you have spoken truly. 19 The woman said to Him, Sir, I see and understand that You are a prophet. John 4:13-19.

Rebekah’s eagerness is similar to another woman in the Bible. Just as Rebekah met Eliezer at a well in the desert, a Samaritan woman has a similar experience with Jesus. Jesus uses thirst for water to turn their conversation into a meaningful talk that elicits spiritual hunger within this woman’s heart. As she turns toward home, she begins to ponder, “who is this man who knows so much about my life?” This type of hunger leads to salvation, Acts 4:12, securing their eternal destination in heaven, 1 John 5:12-13.

by Jay Mankus

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Salvation is due to our God

Posted on July 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The word salvation began being used in the late 1100s and early 1200s. This comes from the Old Latin term salvātiōn. Salvātiō in Latin is the equivalent of salvatus, which is the past participle where English derives the meaning to save. According to a first century physician, the apostles of Jesus, some of whom were former disciples of Jesus, came to the conclusion that true salvation is only found in Jesus.

This [Jesus] is the Stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone]. 12 And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved, Acts 4:11-12.

Following the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God pressed the reset button in Genesis 12:1-3. Abram soon became known as Father Abraham, sowing the seeds for God’s chosen nation. Moses was selected by God to lead Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into a promised land. Yet, God needed to set up a temporary solution to cope with the human flesh and sinful nature detailed in Leviticus.

In loud voice they cried, saying, [Our] salvation is due to our God, Who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb [to Them we owe our deliverance]! – Revelation 7:10

A priesthood was developed to atone for the sins of mankind until a second Adam was sent in the form of God’s one and only son, John 3:16-17. The apostles recognized this individual as the Messiah formerly a Jewish carpenter from Nazareth. While Peter thought Jesus would become an earthly king, Jesus’ death on a cross and his subsequent resurrection was necessary to complete the spiritual process known as salvation thanks be to God.

by Jay Mankus

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Contend for the Faith in 2022

Posted on June 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The term contend suggests that you are about to enter a struggle with difficulty and or danger to overcome. This ordeal is like a battle for supremacy, similar to a hotly contested athletic competition. Jude doesn’t use hope for the best or try as if quoting a Little League motto. Rather, Jude is calling on all first century Christians to become active participants in defending the faith for Jesus Christ.

Beloved, my whole concern was to write to you in regard to our common salvation. [But] I found it necessary and was impelled to write you and urgently appeal to and exhort [you] to contend for the faith which was once for all [a]handed down to the saints [the faith which is that sum of Christian belief which was delivered [b]verbally to the holy people of God], Jude 1:3.

As human beings, priorities tend to shift depending upon the time of year. When a series of unexpected events throw a wrench into your schedule, you usually have to make sacrifices. You may even have to cancel several commitments that you wanted to keep. In the midst of trials and tribulations, you may lose your way for a while. Yet, as Jude states above, don’t forget about your spiritual future and salvation.

Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses, 1 Timothy 6:12.

As an adult over the age of fifty, I don’t have the energy I once possessed as a hyperactive teenager. Nonetheless, there is still something worth fighting for: the future of my children, potential grandchildren and a decaying spiritual heritage in America. This is where Christians must ascertain their spiritual gift, fine tune them and fan these gifts into flame, 2 Timothy 1:6-7. In your own weakness, may Christ be strong so that you may become an active participant in contending for the Christian faith in 2022.

by Jay Mankus

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Growing in the Grace of God

Posted on April 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was introduced to the concept of God’s grace as a new Christian by an acronym. God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense provides a visual image that has stuck with me over the years. The apostle Paul also summarizes God’s grace in one verse of the Bible, Romans 5:8. “While we were sinning, God demonstrated His love for all human beings by sending Jesus to die for our sins.” To acknowledge this is one thing, but to grow in the grace of God shows an appreciation and reverence to the Lord.

But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and [h]recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)! – 2 Peter 3:18

Whenever you receive a gift that was deserved, you may feel bad or want to repay this individual with something in exchange. Yet, according to one of Jesus’ disciples, there is nothing that you can do to reimburse God. This unmerited favor is a free gift described by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:23. Some people accept this as their own, others put it on a shelf to collect dust while the bitter reject God’s offer. Growing in God’s grace is a way of thanking God for this everlasting gift, Luke 19:10.

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself,] Ephesians 2:8-9.

The apostle Paul makes a plea to anyone who thinks that they can earn their salvation. The above passage seeks to confront this flawed mindset. Salvation is a free gift not based upon works. Part of accepting this as your own involves receiving God’s grace through faith. At the end of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus provides advice of how you can grow in God’s grace, Matthew 6:14-15. Forgiveness in conditional based upon how you forgive others. Therefore, growing in God’s grace means loving and forgiving those who trespass against you. As you pour out grace to others, God will flood your life with grace.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 15: When You Die

Posted on February 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As I begin the third week of this new feature, these next 7 days may be the greatest selection of inspirational songs to date. Today’s song comes from the Bryan Adams of Christian music, a group called the Kry. Before I talk about the lyrics of When You Die, I am issuing a disclaimer for the You Tube video as it’s extremely graphic in nature. I’m assuming the purpose is to prepare Christians for death.

Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. 14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air], James 4:13-15.

You might need a tissue or two before you click the play button. Anyway, on the What About Now album, When You Die is immediately followed by What About Now, serving as a montage to consider your eternal destiny, 1 John 5:13. This is why I selected a version where both songs are played. While I haven’t thought much about my own funeral, this would definitely be a song to play on a video screen.

by Jay Mankus

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Holding Out the Word of Life

Posted on April 23, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The Psalmist is one of the first authors of the Bible to refer to this book as words for life. In the passage below, this portion of the Old Testament serves as a flashlight in the dark, pointing out the right direction to go. When you receive amazing advice, it’s like food for hungry souls. Meanwhile, each time you open the Bible, spiritual percepts provide tangible understanding to unveil truths that were previously hidden from you.

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, Psalm 119:103-105.

In the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul compares the Old Testament to a book of life. Inside of these pages, you will find a spiritual presence, Hebrews 4:12. This author suggests that these words jump off the pages, living and active to inspire souls to change for the better. Meanwhile, Paul uses the second coming of Jesus as motivation to hold up the Word of Life to whoever he comes in contact with daily.

Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:16.

In a letter to a teenager pastor, Paul explains how to correctly handle this spiritual book, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible serves as a spiritual guide to life as it convicts, corrects and disciplines those who stray off course. Although the original text of the Bible does not contain chapters or individual verses, John 3:16-17 points to salvation, not judgement. When you do hold out the Word of Life, make sure you do this with gentleness and respect.

by Jay Mankus

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