“But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.” (Romans 5:15, ESV) There is a television commercial running now that it is tax season,Continue reading “The Free Gift (Romans 5:15-17)”
Author Archives: Steve Hankins, Th.D.
The Barrier of Lost Love for Others
Here is a brief synopsis of Chapter 4 of the book, “Hurdling the Barriers to Church Health and Growth.” “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34, ESV) I remember our transition from Savannah to PortsmouthContinue reading “The Barrier of Lost Love for Others”
Chain Reaction (Romans 5:12-14)
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12, KJV 1900) In the early 1900s, several scientists began experimenting to produce chemical and nuclear chain reactions. The thought was to capitalize on the release of energyContinue reading “Chain Reaction (Romans 5:12-14)”
A Greater Love (Romans 5:6-11)
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (RomansContinue reading “A Greater Love (Romans 5:6-11)”
Blessing of Sufferings (Romans 5:3-5)
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3–5, KJV 1900) For most of us, theContinue reading “Blessing of Sufferings (Romans 5:3-5)”
Peace Access and Hope (Romans 5:1-2)
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1–2, KJV 1900) I was in high school and college in the late 60’s and earlyContinue reading “Peace Access and Hope (Romans 5:1-2)”
The Convincing Proof (Romans 4:18-25)
“And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, andContinue reading “The Convincing Proof (Romans 4:18-25)”
The Barrier of Lost Love for God
Chapter three of the book, “Hurdling Barriers,” focuses on the barrier of a lost love for God. It is a barrier to which no church will admit, but it is not uncommon. Moreover, many churches may have this barrier without even knowing it. What follows is a brief introduction to the chapter. “You shall loveContinue reading “The Barrier of Lost Love for God”
Standing on the Promises (Rom 4:18-22)
“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:Continue reading “Standing on the Promises (Rom 4:18-22)”
Faith and Promises (Romans 4:13-16)
“For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath:Continue reading “Faith and Promises (Romans 4:13-16)”
Renewing the Heart 