Author Archives: Steve Hankins, Th.D.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12–13, AV) Years ago, I oversawContinue reading “Sweat Equity (1 Peter 4:12-16)”

“To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11, ESV) When I was the church planter/pastor of a small congregation in Savannah Georgia, one of the songs we would sing was titled “Forever.” It was written by Chris Tomlin and the lyrics began, “Give thanks to the Lord our God andContinue reading “Sing Praise (1 Peter 4:11b)”

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in allContinue reading “Using the Gift (1 Peter 4:10-11)”

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” (1 Peter 4:8–9, AV) Everyone will, at some time, encounter a traumatic time. It could be due to religious persecution, sickness, the death of a loved one, economic struggles, the lossContinue reading “Healing Love (1 Peter 4:8-9)”

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7, AV) I’ll be honest with you. What is going on in our world is scary. Throughout history, we have encountered scary times. In the 1950’s and 60’s both the United States and the Soviet UnionContinue reading “Avoid Panic Mode (1 Peter 4:7)”

“Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” (1 Peter 4:5–6, AV) For aContinue reading “Reason (1 Peter 4:5-6)”

“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shallContinue reading “Otherworldly (1 Peter 4:3-5)”

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”Continue reading “Mental Armament (1 Peter 4:1-2)”

“Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” (1 Peter 3:22, AV) One of the first hymns that I learned as a young believer was titled, “He is Lord.” The Lyrics are as follows. He is Lord, He is LordHeContinue reading “He is Lord (1 Peter 3:22)”

“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 3:21, AV) In 1983, the Lord saved me while I was reading a Gideon placed Bible inContinue reading “Baptism (1 Peter 3:20-21)”