Tag Archives: the Sermon on the Mount

Do What You’ve Learned from the Bible

Posted on October 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school teacher, I learned a valuable lesson early in my career. Adults tend to make things more complicated than what they really are in life. Subsequently, as I read the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks so that even a child can understand His message. Don’t just listen to the Bible, do what you learn from the teaching of Jesus.

 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a [p]sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock, Matthew 7:24-25.

One of the greatest warnings in the Bible comes from Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2. While reminding the Israelites of God’s commands prior to entering into the Promised Land, the key to success in life is not adding or subtracting from the Bible. All you have to do is put into practice the advice, teaching and words of Jesus. It’s just that simple.

And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. 27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it, Matthew 7:26-27.

Unfortunately, seminaries in America and throughout the world have elevated scholars and theologians above the commands of Jesus. Rather than unite under the Great Commission, Acts 1:8, churches continue to divide by overemphasizing minor elements of the Bible. May today’s blog help you see the light and simple command to do what you learn from the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Spicing Up Your Act

Posted on September 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever teachers go through the motions of a lesson plan in class, students notice this lack of energy. Sometimes you can be so focused on what your Power Point says that you forget to read the room. The most successful teachers year after year are able to spice up their act annually to connect what they’re presenting with real life situations.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, Matthew 5:13-14.

Prior to modern day refrigerators, salt was used to preserve meat. Subsequently, when meat was removed from salt prior to being cooked in the first century, salt was used to add flavor to meat as well. Yet, in the above passage, Jesus appears to be referring to the faith of Christians. When your faith, your daily witness becomes stale, you’re no longer a positive influence to other people.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:15-16.

Jesus’ plan of action for preventing faith from becoming stale is by spicing up your actions. This begins by rejecting your old self and practices prior to becoming a Christian, Colossians 3:1-9. Then, once this becomes a daily priority, put on the mind of Christ, 1 Corinthians 2:16. As you learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, your actions will begin to resemble the salt and light Jesus desires in the Sermon on the Mount.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Recharging Your Spiritual Lights

Posted on September 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Since I recently received a Golf Cart for my birthday, I’ve been reading up on the appropriate time electric golf carts need to charge. Depending upon the battery, regular use and overall age of your cart, the recommended charge is between 3-7 hours. Like any battery, you don’t want to under or over charge it. Subsequently, I’m currently in the discovery stage to determine the ideal time for recharging my golf cart battery.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:14-16.

After beginning the Sermon on the Mount with spiritual attitudes to embrace, Jesus turns his attention toward letting your faith shine. Jesus begins with an analogy, how light can shine through the darkness of night when a city on a hill is fully lite up. Lights aren’t meant to be placed in a corner for simply the person reading a book late at night. Rather, spiritual lights should be illuminated without any sense of fear or shame.

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 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 2:14-16.

The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in a letter to the Church at Philippi. The context of the passage above points to putting on the mind of Christ, looking at your life as a servant of the Lord. Rather than dwell on the negative, which will poison your soul, start to become beacons of hope, Philippians 4:8-9. This is how Christians can become spiritual stars, shining bright in your spheres of influence. This should be the goal of every Christian by recharging your spiritual batteries daily.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Don’t Let Envy and Jealousy Ruin Your Heart

Posted on August 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When one of the wisest individuals in the Bible urges readers to guard their hearts, Proverbs 4:23, this warning should be heeded. If King Solomon compares human hearts to the well spring of life, erosion and ground water runoff can contaminate this spiritual well. Based upon Moses’ suggestion in the passage below, envy and jealousy filled the hearts of Joseph’s brothers with hatred.

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a [distinctive] long tunic with sleeves. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved [Joseph] more than all of his brothers, they hated him and could not say, Peace [in friendly greeting] to him or speak peaceably to him, Genesis 37:3-4.

From a sociology perspective, the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society, there will be certain personality types that will get under your skin. These individuals tend to be more boastful, confident or outspoken. Despite how blessed, gifted and talented people in your life may be, remember that God has a specific plan for everyone, 1 Corinthians 12:1-7.

You have heard that it was said to the men of old, You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be [ac]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court. 22 But I say to you that everyone who continues to be [ad]angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be [ae]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be [af]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You [ag]cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be [ah]liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire, Matthew 5:21-22.

Jesus uses the Sermon on the Mount to warn those in attendance of the dangers of envy and jealousy. While the apostle Paul writes, “in your anger do not sin,” Ephesians 4:26, Jesus goes deeper, pointing to your heart. Luke 6:45 reveals that your mouth speaks out of the overflow of your heart. Therefore, before hatred is conceived in your heart, stop the root of bitterness in its tracks, Hebrews 12:15. Clothe yourself with Christ, Colossians 3:12-14, so that love prevails.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Coming to a Place Where You Let the Lord Lead

Posted on June 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I’ve become pretty good at playing the What if Game over the past few years. If you’re not careful, the what ifs in life can become an excuse for you not to move on following an unexpected disappointment, failure or setback. Rather than asking God for a Do-over, maybe everything has happened up to this point to persuade you to finally come to a place in your life where you’re ready to yield total control over to the Lord?

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the [w]span of his life? 28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and [x]learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. 29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his [y]magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? – Matthew 6:26-30

On one of my most recent visits to Liberty University, I attended my daughter Lydia’s church Breakthrough. This church meets in a coffee shop called La Vida which is near the campus of Lynchburg University where my oldest son James is in the process of completing his doctorate in Physical Therapy. As for the church service, following a moving time of worship, the sermon was about reaching a place in your life where you’re willing to let the Lord lead you. Romans 10:9-11.

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? 32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. 33 But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:31-34.

In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains what it means to let God lead your life. The first step concerns overcoming anxiety and worry. When faith takes the place of these two stressful conditions, attaining peace becomes possible. Hpwever, the key ingredient to coming to a place where the Lord will lead you involves seeking after God’s kingdom and righteousness. Just as the beatitudes set the tone for the beginning of this famous speech, when you let go and let God lead, everything else is provided by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Not Just a Biblical Principle… A Way of Life

Posted on May 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Every consumer from one time or another has been a victim of false advertising. Maybe you bought something online after watching a late-night infomercial and the product never lived up to its guarantee. This disillusionment has also crossed over into biblical teaching, spoiled by self-seeking television evangelists. Subsequently, when individual’s read a promise in the Bible, demonic thoughts like “that sounds too good to be true” may enter your mind.

And the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking some of all his master’s treasures with him; thus he journeyed to Mesopotamia [between the Tigris and the Euphrates], to the city of Nahor [Abraham’s brother]. 11 And he made his camels to kneel down outside the city by a well of water at the time of the evening when women go out to draw water. 12 And he said, O Lord, God of my master Abraham, I pray You, cause me to meet with good success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming to draw water, Genesis 24:10-13.

One of the teachings of Jesus that has stuck with me over the years is Matthew 7:24-27. This occurs at the end of the Sermon on the Mount. Another translation of this passage refers to being a doer of the Word. Perhaps, this message was partially designed for his disciples who may have been going through the motions spiritually. From a modern perspective, Jesus is trying to communicate faith is a way of life, not just a biblical principle.

And let it so be that the girl to whom I say, I pray you, let down your jar that I may drink, and she replies, Drink, and I will give your camels drink also—let her be the one whom You have selected and appointed and indicated for Your servant Isaac [to be a wife to him]; and by it I shall know that You have shown kindness and faithfulness to my master. 15 Before he had finished speaking, behold, out came Rebekah, who was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, who was the wife of Nahor the brother of Abraham, with her water jar on her shoulder. 16 And the girl was very beautiful and attractive, chaste and modest, and unmarried. And she went down to the well, filled her water jar, and came up, Genesis 24:14-16.

Abraham’s servant Eliezer is given the task of finding Isaac a wife. As the executive of Abraham’s estate, he is taking this responsibility seriously. Afraid of failing, Eliezer turns to prayer in the passage above. Based upon Moses’ account of this journey, Eliezer’s prayer is specific, designed to reveal to him Isaac’s future wife. To Eliezer, prayer isn’t just a biblical principle, it’s a way of life to guide your steps daily.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Intent to Deceive

Posted on April 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Lying is one of those traits which doesn’t mean what it once did in the United States. There was a time before lawyers got involved that a handshake agreement was as good as gold. This was during an era where a name and your word reflected upon the character and integrity of an individual. Unfortunately, those days are gone, replaced by an intent to deceive, either for personal gain or to avoid punishment.

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said, Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken [as your own], for she is a man’s wife. 4 But Abimelech had not come near her, so he said, Lord, will you slay a people who are just and innocent? – Genesis 20:3-4.

Rather than call lying for what it is, cable news anchors, journalists, and reporters play the intent to deceive game by using words like “this is controversial, it’s a right-wing conspiracy or that’s fake news. Due to collusion between the global elite, print and social media, the intent to deceive continues daily via political talking points as every member of the mainstream media reads off the same script, in locked step together.

Did not the man tell me, She is my sister? And she herself said, He is my brother. In integrity of heart and innocency of hands I have done this. 6 Then God said to him in the dream, Yes, I know you did this in the integrity of your heart, for it was I Who kept you back and spared you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not give you occasion to touch her, Genesis 20:5-6.

Human nature causes Christians to play this game as well. Abraham is the mastermind behind two separate deceptions: Genesis 12:9-20 and Genesis 20:1-6. Perhaps, Abraham thought, “this worked before, let’s try it again.” According to King Solomon, lying is a byproduct of not fully trusting God, Proverbs 3:5-6. Like the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:33-34, until a complete trust in God is formed, human beings will continue to possess an intent to deceive.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Listening for God’s Audible Voice

Posted on February 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_JhYeirIXs

According to Jesus, listening and hearing are two separate things, Mark 4:9. One of Jesus’ common expressions is “he who has ears, let him hear.” Depending upon your attentive state, whoever is speaking may be boring or perk your curiosity. Based upon the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:24-27, listening inspires action. While atheists, liberals, and progressive Americans claim that God is dead; I believe listening for God’s audible voice is achievable, Galatians 5:25.

Now [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father’s house, to the land that I will show you, Genesis 12:1.

Like any relationship, levels of intimacy can change from one day to the next. While Moses writes down God’s first encounter with Abram in the passage above, what actually happened on this day likely contained more details. From a human point of view, Abram might have wondered if he was going crazy or the creator of the universe was really speaking to him? This initial encounter opened Abram’s mind to the possibility of listening for God’s audible voice.

And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice. 13 When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, What are you doing here, Elijah? – 1 Kings 19:11-13.

This is something the prophet Elijah also experienced in a powerful way. Based upon the passage above, there were a series of natural disasters which includes a tornado, earthquake and great fire. As this prophet was searching for answers to why these events were unleashed upon the earth, Elijah patiently listened for God’s audible voice. God didn’t send these down from heaven, they were simply part of nature on earth. As you take time to slow down by offering up prayers to God, listen for God’s audible voice, the Holy Spirit, so you can rebuke those who seek to blame God the next time bad things happen to good people.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Picture of Perfection

Posted on January 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a young aspiring athlete, my picture of perfection was the best player in every sport. Wayne Gretsky in hockey, Dr. J in basketball, Steve Carlton in baseball and Reggie White in football. Before the existence of social media, news was strictly based upon a player’s performance. Today, there is no picture of perfection as critics on the right and left pick apart rising stars like vultures during a feeding frenzy.

You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete [ak]maturity of godliness in mind and character, [al]having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect, Matthew 5:48.

The Sermon on the Mount points to perfection, but in the sense of striving towards it. The apostle Paul quotes an Old Testament prophet in Romans 3:9-12 to burst the bubble on human perfection. In case you haven’t heard, this is impossible as all men and women has fallen short of God’s glory despite how hard each has tried, Romans 3:23. Despite this painful reality, Hebrews 4:15-16 refers to Jesus as a great high priest who was a model of perfection, dying on our behalf.

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [d]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live], Ephesians 2:10.

If life is meant to be a series of trial and error, sooner or later you’ll start to take steps toward perfection. The apostle Paul compares God to a spiritual potter, constantly molding and fashioning us into His image, Romans 9:20-21. Meanwhile, Paul compares God to a carpenter in the passage above. Depending upon your gifts and talents, the Holy Spirit seeks to guide you toward the good works God has planned for you in the future, Philippians 1:6. As you keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, may your life resemble the fruits if God’s Spirit like a picture of spiritual perfection.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Making God Your Top Priority in 2023

Posted on January 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A top priority refers to something of greatest importance. While attending Seminary, one of my professors introduced me to the Triangle Theory. Based upon time management, a triangle diagram is used as an aide to analyze how you spend your time outside of sleeping. When you do an honest assessment of your day-to-day activities, the average hours you invest in this or that will highlight what your top priority is at this moment in time.

And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a [u]deserted place, and there He prayed. 36 And Simon [Peter] and those who were with him followed Him [[v]pursuing Him eagerly and hunting Him out], 37 And they found Him and said to Him, Everybody is looking for You. 38 And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out, Mark 1:35-38.

One of Paul’s missionary helpers, John Mark, recalls a story told to him by one of Jesus’ disciples. While the disciples slept in, Jesus got up early in the morning to go walking in the wilderness. After finding a quiet place, Jesus prays to his heavenly Father. Based upon the words above, Jesus top priority to begin each day was seeking guidance from God to determine where He wanted Jesus to go and what God wanted Him to do.

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:33-34.

Perhaps, the Sermon on the Mount provides an introduction to Jesus’ prayer life. This insight begins with the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:1-15. After fasting is touched upon, Jesus concludes this section of his message on what Christians should strive for: hunger and thirst for righteousness. When God becomes your top priority, your mindset changes from earth toward heaven. The apostle Paul lays this out in Colossians 3:1-17. May these passages of the Bible inspire you to make Jesus Lord of all in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→