This is an excerpt from chapter seven in the book, “Hurdling the Barriers” to Church Health. “Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;” (Proverbs 25:4, ESV) As a pastor, I have ministered to many people who have struggled with cancer. I am sure that everyone of usContinue reading “The Barrier of Impurity”
Author Archives: Steve Hankins, Th.D.
The Believer’s War (Romans 7:21-21-25)
“For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.” (Romans 7:22–23, ESV) In 1969, when I entered college, I applied for andContinue reading “The Believer’s War (Romans 7:21-21-25)”
Beating the Addiction (Romans 7:14-20)
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15, ESV) I have met with many people who are addicted to one thing or another. I have great empathy for these people, because the majority that I have counseled,Continue reading “Beating the Addiction (Romans 7:14-20)”
The holy Law (Romans 7:12-14)
“Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.” (Romans 7:13, ESV) Years ago, I sat on a jury in aContinue reading “The holy Law (Romans 7:12-14)”
The Enticement (Romans 7:7-11)
“But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died.” (Romans 7:8–9, ESV) I do not know if you have had this experience.Continue reading “The Enticement (Romans 7:7-11)”
Do Not Panic (Philippians 4:4-7)
Today, I felt led to take a quick break from the study in Romans to look at the reaction to the recent corona virus situation. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but inContinue reading “Do Not Panic (Philippians 4:4-7)”
Hurdling the Barrier of Missed Truth.
Each week I promised to present a synopsis of the book, “Hurdling the Barriers” – to church health. I usually post these on Saturday, however, the internet service was down and we just got it back. This is the introduction from chapter six, which deals with the barrier of “Missed Truth.” “But as for you,Continue reading “Hurdling the Barrier of Missed Truth.”
Free to Bear Fruit (Romans 7:1-6)
“Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God . . . But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead whereinContinue reading “Free to Bear Fruit (Romans 7:1-6)”
Cost of a Gift (Romans 6:20-23)
“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:22–23, KJV 1900) When I was a young boy, I rememberContinue reading “Cost of a Gift (Romans 6:20-23)”
What you seek changes you! (Rom 6:19)
“For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” (Romans 6:19, ESV) There are a variety of old expressions that describe behaviors and their results, like these. You are what you eat! ItContinue reading “What you seek changes you! (Rom 6:19)”
Renewing the Heart 