Tag Archives: The Bible

Noah: An Accurate Movie or A Mockery?

From 1999 t0 2002, I spent time researching, visiting and interviewing staff of upscale public golf facilities for Travel Golf Media.  Whether I was reviewing a grand opening, the newest teaching series or latest theory on the game of golf, I approached  each project with an open mind.  Although I hoped to write a positive message, I maintained a high journalistic standard, giving an honest assessment of what I experienced, read and saw.  Subsequently, I made enemies and friends through each review which leads me to Paramount’s 2014 depiction of the biblical account of Noah opening this Friday.

Starring Russell Crowe as Noah and Emma Watson, its apparent that revisionist historians, naturalistic scientists and environmentalists combined to make a mockery of the Bible.  If you read the first 8 chapters of Genesis and view this film, its clear the writers of the script disregarded Deuteronomy 4:2, adding modern theories into ancient texts.  When you consider the introduction of rock people, a righteous man who hates mankind, wanting to kill them and combine this with a “The Day After Tomorrow” mentality, Jews, Christians and historians will leave theaters disappointed.  Unless you enjoy bad humor, most religious people will walk away shaking their heads wondering how Hollywood could miss the point of this classic true story.

The rationale for my critic is based upon real science, proven by archeology and supported by the Bible.

1. Noah lived on earth during the days of Pangaea, Genesis 1:9-10, a giant continent surrounded by oceans.

2. The initial climate on Pangaea in the days of Noah do not contain rain, Genesis 2:5, consistent with the Open Canopy Theory, slowing down the aging process, Genesis 5:1-32, creating an environment for dinosaurs to thrive, explaining why fossils have been found in polar regions.

3. The people in Noah’s time thought he was crazy, since streams watered the earth, Genesis 2:6, making rain unnecessary, as the world was busy indulging in sins of pleasure, Genesis 6:5-7.

4. Thus, the Lord found favor in Noah, choosing him to build an ark, Genesis 6:8-17, using the forests God created in Genesis 1:11-12.

5. Noah spent years following God’s instructions, Genesis 7:5, fervently preparing for the first day of rain.

6. Prior to the atmospheric change, tectonic plates began to shift, creating a series of earthquakes as geysers erupted throughout the continent, Genesis 7:11, marking the end of Pangaea, gradually breaking away into 7 distinct continents, opening areas for rain water to recede.

7. Finally, rain fell from the sky, Genesis 7:12, as flood gates from the new atmosphere led to a global flood.

8. As the temperature changed to our current conditions, water receding in the polar regions froze, establishing the first ice age on earth.

Don’t just take my word on these issues.  Go see Noah if you have the money, read the first 9 chapters of the Bible and research this information, coming to your own conclusion, Matthew 9:12.

I look forward to reading your comments, opinions and thoughts on Noah, the Bible and reflections on your own worldview.

by Jay Mankus

 

Let the Madness Begin

As the final 2 play in games conclude late Wednesday, Thursday marks the first full day of of the 2014 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Known as March Madness, over the next 3 weeks a Cinderella will arise from 64 teams, a David will likely slay Goliath and brackets will be destroyed.  Unfortunately, office pools tend to spoil this month long event for many, worried about how much money they lost instead of enjoying the moment.

I’ve been one of the victims of this trend, deciding to forego filling out a bracket the last few years.  Sure, its just a contest, but I found myself frustrated by every wrong choice, bad call by an official and near miss which would have resulted in a perfect bracket.  Perhaps the thought of winning a billion dollars brought me back one more time or the challenge of seeing how well your picks stand up against college experts led me to participate?  In the end, I returned because I love competition, sports and the unknown of watching NCAA basketball.

Three weeks from now, I’m either going to be crowned champion, chump or fool.  Whatever the outcome, I will try to savor this experience win or loss.  The Bible’s advice for those indulging in this event is clear, “in your anger, do not sin,” Ephesians 4:26.  Although these words may be hard to apply, reflect on this teaching when you’re tempted to curse, punch a wall or throw the remote.  Sit back, relax and let the madness begin.

by Jay Mankus

Please let me know by commenting who you have in your Final 4.  I have Florida, Virginia, Arizona and Louisville.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Dining Out

The events of today can only be explained as a God instance, leading me to center of God’s will for a moment in time.  Stir crazy from not being cleared to go back to work yet, I spent 2 hours spring cleaning, purging my lame wardrobe.  After running an errand, I felt compelled to find a quiet restaurant to read and write for a while.  What followed next is best described as a Happy Meal at McDonald’s.

After enjoying a small treat from the dollar menu, I began reading a few chapters of the Bible, jotting down interesting details.  Before I started my prayer journal, a stranger approached with a few questions.  Noticing my Bible, his curiosity led to an hour long conversation.  Fifteen minutes later, a bystander joined the fray, adding to what I had begun.  To my surprise, this passionate woman was the mother of one of my former students.  When she departed, our discussion continued, reflecting on the temptations in life.

Although the conclusion wasn’t earth shattering, a seed was planted in a heart whose soul has been influenced by the hypocrisy of Christian leaders.  In life, God doesn’t force anyone to believe.  Rather, the apostle Paul suggests individuals are surrounded by visible and invisible qualities of a higher power, Romans 1:18-20.  Thus, anyone who is longing for a deeper meaning to life should start by soaking in the words of Christ, Romans 10:17, so that one day their minds will be renewed.  If you’re thinking about driving through or ordering take out, you might miss an encounter of a lifetime.  Therefore, slow down, kneel and ask the Holy Spirit for the words to share as you dine out.

by Jay Mankus

Boundaries, Bounties and Blown Opportunities

I witnessed a pastor go old school today, committing what some may call social suicide.  Taking no prisoners, this man of the cloth convicted households who display little boundaries or prefer to be their child’s best friend.  When parents don’t say no, define acceptable perimeters or clarify right from wrong behavior for their children, kids become one with the world.  Instead of being transformed by the word of God, Romans 12:1-2, teenagers are becoming like dust in the wind, blown from one trend to the next.

Today, more than ever, society has been turned upside down, just watch any commercial airing in prime time which ties sex to their products.  In the Wild West, cities and town offered bounties for anyone who were able to help authorities catch a criminal wanted for a hideous act.  If only an entrepreneur had enough money to offer rewards for good behavior, perhaps this country might return to its Judeo-Christian heritage.  Unfortunately, lines drawn in the sand keep moving, enforced differently by the government, leaders and schools, resulting in a generation of confusion.

From my own perspective, its frustrating to look back on all the blown opportunities I missed as a father.  Depression, fatigue and time have chipped away the standards I want to consistently uphold for my family.  Although I would like to turn the clock back, all I can do is look to history to avoid future failures.  Essentially, I need to become a Moses’ like figure, clearly communicating God desires for daily living, Exodus 19:3-6.  The best advice for anyone wrestling with parenting is found in Proverbs 22:6, “train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  May the words of the Bible provide blueprints for youth and adults struggling to identify absolutes, Psalm 119:105.

by Jay Mankus

Walk This Way… Talk This Way

As the summer of 1975 draw to a close, Aerosmith released their classic hit Walk This Way just before Labor Day Weekend.  When vinyl was king, this second single from the album Toys in the Attic was re-released a year later in November as popularity grew reaching as high as Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Essentially, this song written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry brought Aerosmith into the mainstream during the 1970’s and revitalized the band’s comeback in the 80’s.  From a high school loser to a taste of success, these lyrics struck a common cord with American’s, able to relate this song to life.

From the fall of 1999 thru early 2002, I spent time working as a staff writer for Travel Golf Media, now known as Travelgolf.com.  Every winter I was sent books, product or videos to review, then write an article based upon my experience as a former golf professional.  One of my favorite assignments was pretending to know nothing about golf, starting from scratch.  The goal was to watch each of the 3 videos in the set, apply the lessons on a course or practice facility for a week and give an accurate assessment of the teacher’s instructions.  Although frustrating, I was learning to walk and talk like an infant picking up a golf club for the first time.

In the decade that followed, my role changed from giving solid advice about golf to spiritual insight on life.  Unfortunately, the older people get, the more set they become in their ways, unwilling to consider honest critiques.  In fact, as a former Bible teacher, I’ve learned that certain forms of entertainment, hobbies or  pastimes are sacred.  A mere suggestion of error, flaw or inaccuracy often provoked explosive debates in class as if I was attacking their little brother or sister.  Therefore, I tried to be more subtle, quoting verses like Psalm 26:3, Proverbs 27:19 and 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, letting the Bible do the talking for me.  May these words from the Bible convince the unstable to walk and talk like Jesus, 1 John 2:6.

by Jay Mankus

Uncharted Waters

During my last summer as a boy scout, I spent a week canoeing 50 miles in the Canadian wilderness.  To reach our goal, our troop had to average just over 7 miles a day to complete this journey.  Due to a few stormy days, one day was stretched to 10 miles after whitecaps, 3 feet high at times, through a curve ball into our original plans.  Once leaving our guide at the boat dock, our scout master had the only map of these foreign bodies of water.  Faith, trust and hard work was to key to finishing this adventure.

After graduating college, I faced a similar dilemma, but this time I endured uncharted territories, not 100 % sure where to go, what to do and how to survive living on my own.  Although I had friends who had made a smooth transition to this next phase in life, I thought finding a full time job would be much easier.  My greatest fear was settling for something less than ideal, but not waiting too long to decide.  Finally, like a master navigator, God provided the perfect position in Columbus, Indiana.  While having one of the best summers of my life, I treated my new position like a sprint instead of a marathon, eventually burning myself out after 15 months due to immaturity.

Twenty years later, I feel as if I am living the lyrics to Willie Nelson’s song “On the Road Again.”  Some where along the way, doubt has crept into mind whispering words of confusion.  Whether you are new parents driving home from the hospital with your first child, starting a new job or looking for purpose and meaning in life, uncharted waters await you.  Although waves of uncertainty may come crashing around you, James 1:6, there is a living God who can lead you beside still waters, Psalm 23:2.  Whatever trial is currently staring you in the eye, may the God of the Bible help navigate you through life’s storms so you may experience the gift of eternal life, Romans 6:23.

by Jay Mankus

Why is God Taking so… Long?

In this day and age, waiting is like praying for patience, nobody wants to do it.  The essence of waiting involves one of two options: either stay where you are or delay your plans until something happens.  However, if you’re not in a safe place common sense will urge you to move.  Meanwhile, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might overlook the obvious sign God has provided.

In Psalm 22:1, David’s prayer mirrors Jesus’ words in Matthew 27:46.  David went from the out house as a lonely shepherd, living in country fields under the stars to the penthouse, anointed as the next king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16:13.  However, the catch was David had to wait until Saul’s death until this dream became a reality.  A whirl wind took David to the king’s palace as a servant to the king, playing his harp, to a battle field, defeating Goliath and to a cave fleeing the wrath a jealous king, literally running for his life.  This is the context in which David felt forsaken and forgotten, unable to wait any longer.

Meanwhile, Jesus spent 6 hours hanging from a cross before his death.  Without any pain killers, Jesus endured excruciating  pain as 3 modern railroad sized spikes went through each hand and both ankles.  If this wasn’t bad enough, insults and mocking followed, carrying on for hours.  Grasping for air to breath, having a conversation to share his final words was exhausting.  Thus, God the Father went silent, allowing His Son to finish the task that Jesus was sent to earth to complete, Luke 19:10.  Not able to wait any longer, Jesus gave up his spirit, succumbing to the natural forces of life.

Perhaps, Hebrews 12:4 was placed into the pages of the Bible for impatient people on earth.  Despite the trials you encounter in life, God reminds mankind that at least you didn’t have to shed your blood on a cross.  With this subtle reminder, may God fill you with the spirit of Isaiah 40:28-31.  If you find yourself tired, weary and lacking understanding, may the wings of eagles lift you up as wait on God.  In your weakness of impatience, God is strong, carrying you periodically when you can’t tarry on, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.  Although I don’t know why God is taking so long to reveal His plan to me, I am clinging to His promise of a brighter future, Jeremiah 29:11.

by Jay Mankus

The Author of Disillusion

In life there are daily winners and losers based upon an outcome, performance or results.  However, no one is exempt from disillusion, tasting the disappointment connected to the reality that someone or something is not as good as you thought or were promised.  Beyond the pages of the Bible is Eve, the first to experience this painful truth, likely kicking herself for falling prey to the author of disillusion.

According to David, God revealed further insight into this mysterious figure.  Psalm 7:14 describes someone who is pregnant with evil, suggesting a similar outcome to James 1:13-15.  Once this author implants this desire into your mind, its attaches like a leech, conceiving an act of sin.  If this spiritual disease expands like a cancer cell, disillusion can cut someone’s life short.  Although a victim may seek professional hurt, only the Doctor of Love can restore that which was lost, Luke 19:10.

Modern leaders are committing plagiarism, copying off the author of disillusion with thoughts like “it takes a village to raise this generation.”  If this mindset persists, convincing the masses, government officials will be playing right into the hands of the author of disillusion.  As the traditional family continues to crumble, crippled by the ideals portrayed on television, only time will tell whose message will be embraced.  May the God of the past, present and future rescue souls like Eve from a paradise lost.

by Jay Mankus

Regifting Jesus

Over the years, countless songs have expressed the ideal manner in which to regift Jesus to a lost and dying world, Luke 19:10.  Camp fire songs like “Pass It On” convey how a little spark from the love of God can produce a spiritual fire within another human being.  Hymns such as “Be Not Afraid” supplies a message of hope for those who follow Jesus, promising rest for weary souls.  Modern lyrics from hits like “If We Are the Body” by Casting Crowns questions why acts of believers in Christ aren’t consistent with the words of Scripture, Romans 12:4-5.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJL7Eis0Rb0
The concept of regifting refers to giving or handing down something that you don’t need anything or find appealing.  Unfortunately, this mentality influences who we love, for how long and the extent to which faith is displayed.  Consequently, innocent bystanders are confused by inconsistencies within the church and by those who claim to be Christmas worshipers.  Thus, poor examples of regifting Jesus will leave many at home this holiday season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeTpISSA5x8
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then the quality of regifting Jesus lies within your heart.  Philippians 2:4 suggests that wounded individuals might need to heal before they can begin to successfully impact others for the good.  Whatever your current condition is, may you look to the Lord for strength, Philippians 4:13.  During these weak moments in life, may the power of the Holy Spirit empower you to regift Jesus in a genuine and loving manner.

Forgotten Prosperity

At church last Sunday, I heard a verse from the Bible that struck a nerve.  When reality hits home, its hard to ignore, especially when a verse sums up the last 15 years of your life.  Lamentations 3:17 references Jeremiah, who is speaking a message to Israel given to him by the Lord.  In essence, God’s chosen people had forgotten what is was like to experience prosperity during their years of exile.

As for me, I moved to Delaware a wealthy man, at least in my own eyes.  Wise investments after getting married resulted in enough money to pay for our first house in cash.  However, being told to rely on first time home buyer tax breaks, my wife and I decided to save most of this for the future.  Unfortunately, when many of the .com companies went belly up in 2000, I lost nearly $65,000 dollars in the stock market.  With this slush fund basically gone, the hits kept coming as my teaching salary wasn’t enough to support a family, losing on average of $2000 a year.  Thus, our savings account quickly became an accumulating debt which has taken a toll on both of us, sending my family into our own sort of financial exile.

However, if you’ve never had a bad day in life, you won’t be able to appreciate the good ones.  Thus, the James 1:2-4 principle applies to forgotten prosperity.  When your money is gone, God is a last resort, a crutch to help you stand back up.  I wish the last 15 years had a different ending, but for now what’s done is done.  The hard part is moving on, swallowing your pride and trusting God for daily bread, Matthew 6:11.  I’m not sure what God has planned, yet it’s never too late to pray for a Job like conclusion, Job 42:12-15.  Go with God and God will go with you!

by Jay Mankus