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S.A.N.S. Episode 339: All Fall Down

Posted on January 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I remember playing as a kid, repeating what others exclaimed, “ashes to ashes, we all fall down.” At the time, I had no idea what this meant but I was just trying to fit in. As an adult, I discovered that the expression: “Ashes! Ashes! We all fall down,” is related to the black pallor that a patient’s skin has in his last days and to the cremation of Black Plague’s victims. The Bible has another explanation for why human beings all fall down.

As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. 11 No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one! – Romans 3:10-12.

At the height of the Roman Empire, many Roman Christians felt superior to other believers scattered throughout the world due to Nero’s persecution. Subsequently, the apostle Paul addresses this superiority complex in Romans 2-3. The climax of Paul’s message is mentioned in the passage above. Despite how disciplined and educated that you may be, everyone falls short of God’s glory. May the lyrics of Sarah Masen’s song All Fall Down keep you humble and meek in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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The Day Earth’s Calendar Was Set in Motion

Posted on November 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Most archeologists agree that the Egyptians appear to have developed the first practical calendar. During the height of the Roman Empire, this calendar was appropriated and further refined into the Julian calendar. From a modern-day perspective, the Gregorian calendar is almost universally used today which was based upon the Julian calendar. After reading the creation story recently, God set in motion the earth’s calendar on the fourth day.

And God said, Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs and tokens [of God’s provident care], and [to mark] seasons, days, and years, Genesis 1:14.

The Mayans, Babylonians, Egyptians, Iranians, and Greeks were the first societies to study the solar system. Meanwhile, places like Stonehedge are believed to be built to model the solar system. Outside of Scotland, there are other similar structures that follow the stars like Easter Island in Chile. Just as Tom Hanks was trying to count the days while stuck on an uncharted island in Castaway, civilizations have been fascinated for thousands of years with stars in the sky that serve as markers for time.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, 3 A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4.

King Solomon devotes nearly an entire chapter to time. However, Solomon uses the four traditional seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall to highlight the human emotions that each season brings. While you are able to stare at your computer, phone or watch to know the exact time and seconds left in your day at work, only God knows what will happen to you today. Jesus’ earthly brother writes about this in James 1:2-4. Subsequently, whatever the calendar brings you, God makes everything beautiful in His time.

by Jay Mankus

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Above and Beyond the Call

Posted on April 28, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The backdrop of the New Testament takes place during the Roman Empire. Unless you were a Roman citizen, you had to do a little extra to get noticed. Scholarly versions of the verse below refer to a practice of impressment by the Roman law on Jews. Therefore, when Jesus urges listeners of the Sermon on the Mount to go the extra mile, this action serves as a plea to go above and beyond the call.

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles], Matthew 5:41.

As a parents of 2 boys who ran cross country and a girl who does spring track, I haven’t met many teenagers who love to run. There were a few on St. Georges track team that won back to back state titles, but runners appear to be a dying breed. Running is one of those hobbies that you have to work at, requiring discipline, focus, and mental toughness. When asked to run an additional mile, few have the energy to be up for this challenge.

Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit], 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.

In the passage above, Paul is appealing to athletes and sports fans. As a home of the Isthmian Games, Corinth would host this Track and Field Event every two years. This would run opposite of the ancient Greek Olympic Games. To win at this level of competition requires commitment, dedication, and resolve. The average person is content to do what is asked of them. However, if you want to step up your game, going the extra mile will persuade Christians to go above and beyond the call.

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The Dangers of Sexual Fantasies

Posted on December 7, 2019 by expressyourself4him

During the rise of the Roman Empire, the Romans took the Greek gods and changed their names to create their own. This adoption promoted the worship of many gods and goddesses. Juno, the goddess of women and fertility and Venus, goddess of love and beauty inspired first century Romans to indulge their sexual fantasies. One of the local temples even encouraged prostitution in the name of religion, an enticing way to attract new followers. This was the spiritual condition that the apostle Paul was forced to confront in a portion of his letter listed below.

And by them the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God were exchanged for and represented by images, resembling mortal man and birds and beasts and reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their [own] hearts to sexual impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it). For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one, Romans 1:23-26.

According to Luke, a first century historian and well known doctor, the apostle Paul was greatly disturbed by the idols in plain sight in Athens, Greece, Acts 17:16. Rome took these same gods and goddess and simply changed their names. If statues promoting fornication and pornography were in full view in Greece, it can be assumed that similar idols were erected in Rome. Apparently, some Christians thought worshipping these man made gods was okay. This mindset inspired the harsh and graphic words above. Paul boldly explains how sexual worship can lead to a homosexual lifestyle.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death, James 1:13-15.

While it’s unclear of the context above, Jesus’ earthly brother lays out how lust can ruin your life. First and foremost, you can’t blame God for your own sexual fantasies. Whenever anyone places themselves in a compromising position, you open the door for enticement and lust. The longer you remain in this tempting state, the closer you come to sin conceiving. Thus, unless you follow the blueprint for escaping temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13, sexual fantasies will lead down the same wayward path as David with Bathsheba and Samson with Delilah.

by Jay Mankus

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A Church That is Right When the World is Wrong

Posted on May 30, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Fulton J. Sheen was born in 1895.  Before his death in 1979, Sheen became an outspoken bishop in the Catholic Church.  Sheen’s popularity began as a preacher on radio and television programs.  One of his famous quotes would have offended many if announced today.  Yet, Sheen’s goal was to establish a church that is right when the world around it is wrong.  While logical on the surface, a changing world is often offended by those who cling to absolute truths.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect, Romans 12:2.

Fulton was merely practicing the teaching of the apostle Paul.  During the height of the Roman Empire, emperors used their influence to ban, persecute and on some occasions put Christians to death.  Like a bully trying to control those around them, the apostle Paul urged first century believers to win the battle of the mind.  Unless you protect your mind through a daily dose of Bible Study, prayer and worship, conformity to the world will occur at some point.  When this happens to church leaders, the power of the Bible is lost as doctrines become watered down.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

The Bible uses several analogies to explain the ongoing schemes of Satan.  Jesus refers to this fallen angel as the father of all lies.  One of Satan’s objectives is to convince Christians to bend, overlook or stretch the truth.  When weak minded leaders take over a church, worldly beliefs are slowly blended into biblical teaching.  The theological term for this process is known as syncretism.  Unfortunately, when this dangerous practice begins to spread, there isn’t much difference between the church and the rest of society.  When the light of Christ fades and the saltiness of faith disappears Fulton’s goal becomes impossible.  May the Fulton’s quote many years ago inspire believers today to develop a church that is right when the world is wrong.

by Jay Mankus

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The Seed of the Church

Posted on March 26, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus was born in the middle of the second century.  Spanning 85 years, Tertullian lived during the height of the Roman Empire.  After the apostles within Acts and Jesus’ disciples passed away, Christian historians began to record post biblical events.  Residing in the Roman province of Africa in Carthage, Tertullian is regarded as one of the earliest theologians.  He is the first Christian author to produce extensive literature on apologetics, defending Christianity against heresy and the threat of Gnosticism.  These works earned Tertullian the title father of Latin Christianity.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you,” John 15:18.

While Tertullian was born after Nero’s persecution and died well before the reign of Decius third century worldwide persecution,  suffering was rampant.  Another early historian Eusebius spoke of a great multitude of believers who perished.  Tertullian developed a unique perspective of Christian persecution that he witnessed.  In the cases of death, Tertullian said the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.  This quote is found in what is known as Apologeticus pro Christianis within the concluding chapters, pages 48-50.

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12.

Persecution is one of those experiences you don’t want to brag about it.  Depending upon the severity you endure, these events can scar your soul.  Nonetheless, Jesus tells his disciples to not take this personally for the world hated me first.  Meanwhile, one of the apostle Paul’s mission helpers makes a strong statement about the topic of persecution.  Its not a matter of if, but when.  Therefore, persecution should be expected for those who stand out by emulating Christ in this life.  In fact, if you’re not receiving weekly doses of persecution, perhaps you have become a chameleon, blending in to avoid this.  As Palm Sunday arrives, make sure you come out of your shell to give Jesus the praise He deserves.  If persecution results, so be it.  As Tertullian once wrote, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.

by Jay Mankus

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Fulfilling The Roman Mile

Posted on July 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The New Testament and the Roman Empire intersect during the first century.  As Romans expanded their control, Jews were forced to adhere with two different sets of law.  Beside the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, non-Roman citizens needed to comply with Roman law or else face punishment.

If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles, Matthew 5:41.

One law required a Jew to carry a Roman’s belongings or possessions for a Roman mile if asked to do so.  A Roman mile is one thousands paces, equivalent to 1,000 yards, or 660 yards shorter than a modern day mile.  During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his audience to do more than a Roman mile, going above and beyond what a Roman citizen asks you to do.

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you, Matthew 5:42.

Jesus didn’t ask his followers to do anything without first modeling it within his own life.  Several New Testament passages refer to Jesus as a servant of God, laying down his life for others.  Jesus understood that preaching and theology doesn’t convince non-believers to enter into a personal relationship with God.  Rather, lives are transformed when the love of God is displayed daily through a spirit of servant-hood.  Therefore, if you want to leave a lasting legacy on earth, emulate the Roman mile by giving of yourself to those who ask, need or appear to require some sort of help.  This is what Jesus means by going the extra mile.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Fortification of Faith

Posted on April 21, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Peace has always been temporary throughout the course of history.  Subsequently, cities created ramparts, defensive walls to protect their citizens from potential enemies.  Thus, the only way to enter certain regions was through gates, strategically located around city walls.  Although this fortification system was not perfect, gate keepers could warn city officials if aggressors were approaching on the horizon.

During the Roman Empire, soldiers were responsible for defending a 6 feet by 6 feet area, to prevent attackers from breaking the line of defense.  At their disposal, these men possessed a large shield coated with a non-flammable liquid which extinguished flaming arrows shot by enemy troops.  The apostle Paul compared this weapon to a shield of faith, Ephesians 6:16.  When overwhelmed by incoming fire, a solider could entrench themselves under this shield until help arrived.

Unfortunately, faith can be a mystery, especially if your prayers aren’t answered or help never comes.  According to 1 Peter 5:8, the devil uses discouragement to lure depressed souls away from church.  If depression leads to disenchantment, doubting the existence of God,  the fortification of faith can be destroyed, Hebrews 10:26-27.  In this age of suffering, its important to arm yourself with the right weapons, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  Despite where you are on the spectrum of faith, its time to fortify yourself with the armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18.

What advice can you share to help anyone currently struggling with their faith.  People are waiting for your suggestions.

by Jay Mankus

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Killing Jesus

Posted on October 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

According to the most recent New York Times Best Sellers list for the first week of October, 2013, Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard’s book Killing Jesus has reached number one.  O’Reilly’s latest novel follows in the footsteps of his 2011 project Killing Lincoln, which remained a best seller for 65 weeks.  While this new project focuses on the historical events leading up to Jesus’ death on a cross, my blog serves as a reminder of how the American media is successfully killing Jesus from modern history books.

jesus on cross photo: Jesus Cross.jpg

Based upon my research using theology books, Jesus was born sometime between 4 and 5 BC, using the decree made by Caesar Augustus for a census for the entire Roman world as a reference point, Luke 2:1-3.  Since Joseph and Mary were on the run. fleeing Jerusalem from King Herod’s slaughter of boys 2 years and under, hiding in Egypt until his death, Matthew 2:13-15, the term Anno Domini was introduced when Jesus returned to Israel in Nazareth, Matthew 2:23.  Despite the rise and fall of empires, history has used Before Christ and in the year of our Lord, the English translation for AD, for thousands of years.  Until recently, Jesus’ place in time was secure.

jesus on cross photo: Jesus on_the_cross.jpg

As educational institutions continue to hire Atheists, Marxists and Socialists as professors, Jesus has been killed, erased and omitted from modern textbooks.  Relying on the Gregorian Calender, which is influenced by international groups like the United Nations, Before Common Era (B.C.E.) and Common Era (C.E.) have now replaced Before Christ and Anno Domini.  The National Education Association, also known as the N.E.A. has adopted this view, removing the traces of Jesus from history books.  These were like the first lashings Jesus received, prior to carrying the cross to a hill on the north side of Jerusalem.

In 1985, the Jesus Seminars appeared on the scene, inspired by Robert Funk, designed and formed by the Westar Institute.  Under the guise of a biblical movement, this phenomena follows in the foot steps of the Gnostic Gospels, written a few hundred years after the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The scary aspect of this movement is their 4 colored bead system.  Red designates what Jesus definitely said, pink represents what Jesus probably said, gray for not original, but like minded comments and black for words Jesus did not say.  If this same scrutiny was applied to the Koran, there would be an uprising among Muslims.  Unfortunately, most churches have remained quiet, allowing Jesus to be mocked, spit on and verbally crucified all over again.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Game of Crying Uncle

Posted on August 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The expression of crying uncle appears to have some ties to the Roman Empire.  During the first through third centuries, when a child was bullied by a stronger individual, they were coerced to use the Latin term Patrue.  Once spoken, meaning uncle, the dominant figure would release or set free the person they had cornered.

Today, when an older sibling catches up to a faster and younger sister or brother, either holding onto or sitting on them, a power trip rushes through their soul.  As a result, the elder statesman in the house usually seeks total submission before letting go or getting up.  Like a bribe, torture continues until a person finally gives in, “crying uncle,” at the top of their lungs.

While researching this topic, I stumbled across a biblical account that might of inspired the first game of crying uncle.  According to Genesis 32:24-26, Jacob participates in a wrestling match which lasts all night long, something the founders of W.W.E. would be proud of.  Holding on for dear life, Jacob refuses to let go until this stranger blesses him.  Unbeknownst to Jacob, his opponent is God himself, Genesis 32:27-30.  Although he does not force God to say uncle, Jacob follows a Jesus like approach to acquiring what he desires, Matthew 7:7-11.

The next time you feel caught, captured or cornered by the devil, try to emulate Jesus’ model for prayer.  Don’t forget to ask God specifically, crying uncle, confessing that you can’t make it in life on your own strength.  If nothing happens right away, keep on seeking God for advice, answers and direction.  Finally, like Jacob, hold on to God, by knocking on heaven’s door until you receive the blessings of God!

by Jay Mankus

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