“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8, KJV 1900) Certain things are just impossible. It is impossible for a man to lift himself by his own hair or to fly by flapping his arms. As I have already stated in previous posts, the Bible teaches that it is impossibleContinue reading “The Impossibility (Romans 8:7-8)”
Author Archives: Steve Hankins, Th.D.
New Creation (Romans 8:4-6)
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5, KJV 1900) In 1746, Jonathan Edwards wrote a treatise titled, “Religious Affections.” In it, he presents a truth that when a person is a true believer, oneContinue reading “New Creation (Romans 8:4-6)”
The Greatest Assurance (Romans 8:1-4)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, KJV 1900) I once had a parishioner who was struggling with depression and anxiety. After a time of counselling I suggested that she read through Chapter 8. I felt that no believer could read this chapter and go away fromContinue reading “The Greatest Assurance (Romans 8:1-4)”
The Barrier of Impurity
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”
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.”
Renewing the Heart 