Tag Archives: unidentified flying objects

The Topic that Freaks Churches Out

While documentaries and numerous Cable shows on Unidentified Flying Objects have reduced the stigma on this topic, you will still get strange looks if you appear too excited to discuss aliens and UFO’s. Modern day churches have similar issues that are taboo, especially televangelists who prefer to paint a positive spin on life to maintain online donations. Yet, outside of horror films like the Exorcist, bringing up demons remains a topic of conversation that freaks out most church members.

And Jesus summoned to Him His twelve disciples and gave them power and authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to cure all kinds of disease and all kinds of weakness and infirmity, Matthew 10:1.

As a child, I wasn’t much of a reader until I discovered Daniel Cohen. Cohen was the In Search Of author of books. Rather than listen to Leonard Nimoy on television, Daniel Cohen introduced me to mysterious phenomena like the possibility of a Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monter and Unidentified Flying Objects. Subsequently, as an adult, topics like demons and a real-life Devil who serves as the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2, doesn’t seem all that far-fetched to me. This belief was confirmed when I was confronted by a demon while assisting Mark, a Stephen’s ministry counselor during a home visit with an alcoholic.

But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any. 44 Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order, and decorated. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So also shall it be with this wicked generation, Matthew 12:43-45.

Perhaps, too many Christians are afraid to talk about demons in public, like the former stigma of opening up about alien encounters. After watching a rerun of Cold Case Files on A&E, the detective interviewed a serial killer who blamed a Succubus, a female demon, for persuading him to rape and kill women. If this is the case, how many other attacks, crimes, and unsolved mysterious can be attributed to demonic influences? It doesn’t take much to look at tragic stories on social media to imagine the possibilities. If Jesus took demons seriously 11 times in the gospel, churches need to unveil this spiritual aspect of life.

by Jay Mankus

Reverse Engineering Politics

Reverse engineering is the reproduction of another manufacturer’s product following detailed examination of its construction or composition. I was first introduced this term while watching a documentary on Aera 51. According to firsthand accounts from scientists, the technology found in crashed spaceships have been applied to designs of modern aircrafts.

Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them], Romans 13:1-2.

Whether you believe in Unidentified Flying Objects or not, social media giants are being used to reverse engineer politics. Google, Facebook, and Twitter have been allowed and given the power to control the daily narratives of current events. If a story didn’t fit their ideology, it is buried, disregarded or suppressed by global elites. Political searches on conversative and liberal political candidates demonize one side while only displaying the positive on the other. These are the algorithms Elon Musk wanted to uncover before attempting to buy Twitter.

For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer, Romans 13:3-4.

Jesus told his disciples to expect to be hated by the world, John 15:19. As Peter writes to first century Christians scattered following Nero’s persecution, we are aliens and strangers in this land, 1 Peter 2:11. The only person you can control is yourself. Therefore, while you may be lumped in with a group of people who you voted for, your main goal is to be a servant for good. Although you may not be successful is convincing others to your point of view, use history, 1 Corinthians 10:1-7, as a resource to steer people in the right direction, 1 Peter 3:15-16. Yet, do this with a humble and graceful heart.

by Jay Mankus

When God is Near… Fear Disappears

If you have lived long enough, you will see something that you can’t explain.  Whether you experience some sort of spiritual phenomena, are spooked by the presence of darkness or witness an unidentified flying object, fear is a common emotion.  These events result in awe, goosebumps and head scratching thoughts.  When God’s presence seems distant, fear can overwhelm souls.  However, when God seems near, fear disappears.

In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened, Luke 2:8-9.

At the beginning of the first century, a few shepherds had their own encounter with the supernatural.  When the country side began to glow with the presence of heavenly hosts, these men were frightened.  Shepherds are use to sudden attacks by wolves seeking to eat one of their sheep.  Yet, when the evening sky is overwhelmed by the glory of the Lord, it’s not surprising that these shepherds were freaked out.  Recognizing the fear in their eyes, an angel used a conversation to settle their nerves.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. 11 For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). 12 And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger,” Luke 2:10-12.

The term certainty refers to a fact that is definitely true.  Prior to entering into a personal relationship with Jesus, fear riddled my life.  My lack of direction in life along with the uncertainty of my eternal destination resulted in a reoccurring nightmare.  By the age of ten, I cried myself to sleep on a nightly basis, unaware of the meaning to life.  This state of sadness led me to pursue answers to my questions.  While I still get scared from time to time, the moment God entered my life, fear disappeared.

by Jay Mankus

Life is Just a Blip on the Radar Screen

Modern television is filled with episodes or series devoted to UFO’s, unidentified flying objects.  Several shows claim unidentified “bogeys” entering foreign air space. They are not from this world, far more technologically advanced than our planet.  These blips on radar screens don’t belong, creating tension for pilots who encounter the unexplainable.  As theories continue to fester about the existence of aliens, one thing is certain: life is just a blip on the radar screen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD0bG0SFJlU

Depending upon the career you choose, hand you’ve been dealt or how you were raised, life seems to go faster the older you become.  While talking to former students at a going away party over the weekend, my teaching career seems eons ago.  Before you know it, 7th graders are graduating from high school, accelerating this blip, like the USS Enterprise at warp speed.  On this journey through life, unless you take time to slow down, Psalm 46:10, your life will be void of permanent meaningful lasting relationships.

King David eludes to this blip in Psalm 49:10, where no one is exempt as the foolish and wise perish together.  Perhaps this may explain Solomon’s comments in Proverbs about using wealth to earn and entertain friends, taking his father’s words to heart.  The younger brother of Jesus learned a similar lesson, comparing life to a mist that vanishes into thin air, James 4:14.  In view of this truth, seize the moments you have today, Ephesians 5:15-18, making the most of the opportunities God provides.  Make your blip count before it disappears on life’s radar screen.

What legacy are you leaving behind for friends, family or neighbors? Who has been the greatest blip on your radar screen?

by Jay Mankus