Tag Archives: The Church

Two Elements of Transformation

Posted on February 17, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Before a dramatic and thorough change occurs within the life of a human being, there is usually a series of events that serve as a catalyst. Some people have to hit rock bottom before coming to their senses. Others go through some sort of near death experience before their soul is awakened. As for me, I suffered a nervous breakdown in high school before God set the stage for my heart to finally be open to receiving the good news about Jesus Christ.

Then Jesus answered him, “Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, favored by God] are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood (mortal man) did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ], Matthew 16:17-18.

After Jesus suffered, died on a cross, rose again and ascended into heaven, Jesus sent an invisible counselor to carry on the ministry he began on earth. The venue in which this movement continues in is the church. While not every congregation has a physical building, the church is the cornerstone for faith. After following the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 10:9-10, the church is the vehicle through which spiritual transformation occurs. Accountability, confession, fellowship, prayer and worship are methods through which each believer undergoes the sanctification process.

Now I say this, believers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit nor be part of the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (mortal) inherit the imperishable (immortal). 51 Listen very carefully, I tell you a mystery [a secret truth decreed by God and previously hidden, but now revealed]; we will not all sleep [in death], but we will all be [completely] changed [wondrously transformed], 1 Corinthians 15:50-51.

The final element of transformation is the cross. A common analogy refers to crossing out the I in self to become a member of God’s team. This commitment involves denying your own aspirations, dreams and goals on earth. According to Jesus, the only way to find life is by giving it up, losing it to follow the cross of Christ. This decision is often met with rejection from friends, family and neighbors. Nonetheless, if you truly want to fulfill God’s will by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, you heart will begin to cry out in prayer, “not mine, but your will be done.”

by Jay Mankus

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Rules Without Reason

Posted on January 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school teacher, I spent ten years hearing teenagers complain about rules without reason.  While students enjoy testing a teacher’s limits, pushing the envelope as far as possible, these complaints aren’t without merit.  Sometimes I established rules that didn’t make sense.  Following a methods course in Classroom Dynamics, I began to see the error of my way.  Thus, I started to alter, change and eliminate any rules without reason.

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? – Luke 14:28

Unfortunately, the government not only thrives on creating rules without reason, new legislation often provides positions to enforce these new policies.   While cell phone and texting laws are practical, some states have made it illegal to eat and drive.  In fact if you want a big gulp from 7 Eleven, local officials are trying to prevent individuals from purchasing anything over 24 ounces.  It’s no wonder that Frank Baum wrote the Wizard of Oz to illustrate the empty promises made by the United States government.  Perhaps, a candidate in 2016 will run on the platform of ending rules without reason.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God, Romans 13:1.

The government is not the only culprit, as the church is not far behind, relying on theology written several hundred or in some cases thousands of years ago.  In an attempt to force a congregation to adhere to a denominations’ beliefs, teetotalism can surface.  This stringent enforcement contradicts free will, resulting in members feeling like they have the power to police others in the church.  Perhaps, its time to exchange religion for a personal relationship with God.  In doing so, the grace of God will flow as rules without reason are replaced with faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Waking Up to a Whole New World

Posted on July 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Twenty years ago, adult, controversial and risque commercials appeared after dark, when most children were asleep.  The culture was much more conservative, careful not to corrupt the innocence of youth.  Unless you are living in denial, today everything is fair game, waking up to a whole new world.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8.

Social media is setting the pace daily, led by what’s trending on Twitter, followed by the latest eye catching video on Youtube.  Subsequently, a new generation lives by an entirely new set of standards, distant from the ethics of the Bible.  What once was wrong has become mainstream, normal to an accepting society, open to news ways of thinking.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.

Caught in the middle, the church is forced to balance grace with truth.  Although kinder and gentler, its difficult for those raised in the Fire and Brimstone Era to get past obvious sins.  Thus, when a microphone is put in front of a pastor’s face or as the camera rolls, its hard not to portray these individuals as judgmental, void of the love of Christ.  Despite what Christians believe about abortion, homosexuality and divorce, its better to demonstrate faith rather than shoving your beliefs in someone’s face.  Waking up to a whole new world will require an emphasis on living examples of Jesus to reverse these trends and possibly inspire a revival throughout the land.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Conventional Thinking

Posted on June 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A convent is a facility where woman seek refuge from the ways of the world.  This building serves as a refuge, a place where individuals attempt to devote their lives to prayer, reading the Bible and service.  While Hollywood has their own ideas from films such as Sister Act and the Sound of Music, convents provide a setting which goes against conventional thinking.

Unfortunately, worldly thinking has infiltrated the church, causing believers to have selfish thoughts.  When members of a congregation expect pastors, priests and teachers to do this or that because this is what they are paid to do, they are missing the point.  The apostle Paul reminds followers that the church is one body with many parts, 1 Corinthians 12:1-6.  The Bible clearly goes against the flow, suggesting you might be the only Jesus someone might ever encounter, Matthew 5:13-16.

Thus, after experiencing joy earlier in the week, I have found myself in a battle between complacency and conventional thinking.  Tired of leading this and that, I indulged in laziness, sitting along the sidelines this weekend.  Although pop culture may applaud me for taking a break, my heart was convicted by sins of omission.  Whenever idleness lulls you into a false sense of security, guard your heart and protect your mind, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8.  When you arm yourself with Scripture, conventional thinking will be a thing of the past, replaced by a Mother Teresa like faith.

by Jay Mankus

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A Memorial Day Offering

Posted on May 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Like a feud between siblings, the origin of the first Memorial Day celebration is clouded by history, with over 25 American cities taking credit.  The initial holiday was coined Decoration Day, based upon a 1867 hymn Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping.  Inspired by the end of the Civil War, ladies of the South decorated the graves of dead confederate soldiers.  Although president Lyndon Johnson officially declared Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966, the debate continues today as several cities had spontaneous celebrations back in the 1860’s.

Acts 10:4 introduces another memorial day, one with a spiritual background.  Legalism within the Jewish faith had exploded by the first century, creating social barriers between Jews, Gentiles and half-Jews due to inter marriage.  Like a leper, outcast by society, Gentiles were not initially accepted by the 12 apostles, who focused on reaching all the Jews within Jerusalem, Acts 1:8.  However, the persecution led by Saul caused early church leaders to shift directions in Acts 8:1-4 toward believers located in Judea and Samaria.  When the time had arrived, the prayers of a Gentile named Cornelius were answered.

An angel of the Lord came to Cornelius in a vision one afternoon, Acts 10:3.  While silent for years, God brings him great news.  Cornelius’ prayers and gifts to the poor have not been overlooked, brought to light in a memorial offering.  The final touch is communicated to Peter in a vision found in Acts 10:9-16.  This occurred so that legalism of Jewish Christians would be broken, lifted to welcome any Gentile into the kingdom of God.  Since Jesus died once and for all for all sin, 1 Peter 3:18, as a memorial offering for mankind, God’s goal was to eliminate cliches, factions and social barriers within the church, Colossians 2:20-23.  In view of this, don’t let holiday shopping, weather or worldly ways keep you from offering up a Memorial Day prayer!

by Jay Mankus

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Free Falling

Posted on May 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Tom Petty’s 1989 song Free Fallin’ refers to a boy who broke up with a decent girl, breaking her heart.  As a result, a sense of guilt leads Petty toward a downward spiral, free falling into a state of depression.   On the surface, many are great at hiding their pain, trying to stay cool or avoid unwanted attention.  Yet, deep inside the average soul, hurt is accumulating day by day, searching for someone or something to elevate this weight.

In Acts 11:1-3, a similar burden was lifted from the church, opening the heavens for a spiritual free fall.  Up until this point, Jewish law prohibited anyone in this faith to associate with Gentiles, especially partaking in unclean food according to Leviticus 11.  However, angelic intervention, 2 visions and a message from God redefined a Jews perspective of impurity, Acts 11:8-10.  Everything changed in Acts 11:15 as the Holy Spirit, fell upon the Gentiles in Caesarea.

According to the apostle Paul, God allows this to happen periodically, as He determines, 1 Corinthians 12:11.  This spiritual free fall is for the common good of the church, 1 Corinthians 12:6, occurring throughout the book of Acts 2:4, 4:31, 10:44-46 and so on.  Unfortunately, seminary’s, the school which trains future pastor’s, disagree with the book of Acts, claiming this was a momentary, supernatural out pouring of the Spirit, no longer active, ceasing to exist.  This notion has caused many in the church to free fall, questioning the existence of God.

While I don’t have the answer or power to end this thousand year old debate, I do want to prevent future believers from free falling from the faith.  If God can part a sea in the Old Testament and cause a dead man to rise from the grave after 3 days in the New Testament, why can’t the Holy Spirit free fall today to commence another spiritual awakening?  Although, prayers shouldn’t treat God like someone going to a check out counter, Matthew 21:21-22 promises great things to those who believe.  If you follow in the footsteps of George Whitfield, you might just experience another spiritual free fall.

by Jay Mankus

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Awaken Your Might

Posted on May 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A spirit of pessimism  has entered the church, anchored deep within the hearts and minds of Christian soldiers.  Instead of asking for things in Jesus name as the gospels suggest, the thought of failure cripples the power of God in their life.  Expecting defeat, lame prayer lives abound, void of any change, miracle or victory.

Thus, the devil has taken a foothold of prayer lives, Ephesians 4:27, given over to him by individuals who have lost hope.  Its no wonder that churches are in the state they are, empty by low attendance, filled with gossip or slander and corrupted by false teachings of the world.  Its time as Asaph urged many years ago to awaken God’s might, Psalm 80:2.

Another Pentecost is obtainable if saints are willing to follow the blue print left behind by the apostles, Acts 2:42-47.  We must put aside our petty disagreements, coming together  in a concert of prayer, united as one body in Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:12.  Once this point is reached, prayers like Acts 4:29, accompanied by immediate answers in Acts 4:31 will awaken God’s might, drawing others into the house of God.

by Jay Mankus

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Oppression vs. Possession

Posted on April 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him
Diagnosing the Demonic

One of the major theological debates in churches today revolve around the presence of demons within believers.  The Bible reveals that those who are filled with the Holy Spirit can not become possessed by a demon or foreign spirit, Romans 8:9-15.  Yet, skeptics make a valid argument when they ask, “if this is true, how do you explain the sin and violent acts committed by Christians?”

To honestly address this question, the concept of spiritual oppression arises.  The context of oppression refers to situations when a follower of Jesus is affected or influenced by an undetected force.  Matthew 16:23 is one of the best examples of oppression as Peter’s mind becomes poisoned by a worldly mindset.  Later on in Acts 5:1-11, Peter believed Satan could enter someone’s heart.  If these things happened to leaders, how often does this occur within an average church goer?

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Jesus uses the parable of weeds to further the notion of oppression.  Matthew 13:24-26 illustrates how Satan can plant seeds while the church is sleeping.  This likely explains why the apostle Paul is so adamant about your thought life.  According to 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Paul urges fellow believers to take their thoughts captive, making each idea and image obedient to Christ.

Former Liberty University professor David Appleby and Dr. Ed Murphy have discovered the difference between oppression and possession is often interrelated.  Case studies, research and personal encounters by each of these men have brought some light to this taboo topic.  As progress continues in this area of spiritual warfare, maybe one day the church will be more open to this serious matter.  For now, anyone who desires to walk the less traveled road, Matthew 7:13-14, must put into practice Matthew 26:41 to ward off the daily schemes of the evil One, Ephesians 6:11.

by Jay Mankus

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Where it all Began

Posted on February 28, 2012 by expressyourself4him

When you ask people where did the church begin, some will say Antioch.  It was here where the term Christian was first coined due to the believers of this city who emulated the life of Christ and his teachings.  Others will say the church began after Pentecost, specifically in Acts 2:42-47, where Luke, the author of Acts, describes the blue print for the first century church.  Meanwhile, many will suggest the church began with Peter and the 12 disciples, relying on Jesus’ own words in Matthew 16:17-18.  However, after a rhema today, a word of knowledge from God, the church began in Acts 1:14.

Most historians of the first 3 centuries of the church, believe the Gospel of Luke and Acts are one continuous book .  Both are addressed to the same patron, Theophilus, whom was likely responsible for copying and distributing Luke and Acts once they were complete by Luke.  Since the gospel of Luke never mentions the great commission of Jesus, the only synoptic gospel not to mention this vital event, Acts mentions this right away in 1:8.  Except for Luke 24:50-53, the last few verses of Luke, there is a natural progression between Luke’s gospel and Acts.  This leads me to where the first church members are mentioned in Acts 1:14-15.

Luke suggests that there were approximately 120 core believers immediately following Jesus’ ascension into heaven.  The 11 disciples are obvious, followed by Mary the mother of Jesus along with his earthly brothers and the women whom discovered the empty tomb in Luke 24:22-23.  Luke 24:24 suggests companions of the disciples, Luke 10:1 suggests 72 others who were appointed by the Lord and John 19:38-39 suggests Pharisees like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had become followers of Jesus.  If you add spouses of these men, you begin to get close to 120 people.

The first century church began with the 11 remaining disciples, coming together regularly to pray, joining other followers of Jesus as a corporate body of believers.  According to Acts 1, there were 2 main items on their prayer agenda, raising up a new disciple to replace Judas Iscariot and receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.  Like the parable of the persistent widow, Luke 18:1-8, these men and women continue praying until God answered their prayers.  Pentecost, beginning in Acts 2:1, was not a fluke, happening by a random act of choice.  No!  Pentecost occurred, just like the first and second great awakenings, God’s people came together every day to pray as a corporate body in a concert of united prayer.  This is where it all began, by never giving up and claiming words like Matthew 15:25-28 in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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