Author: Hank

born—then born again!
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In Him – part 1 – 426

https://youtu.be/9NJzNeK88eg
Welcome to Hank’s Place in 2023

The other day I was sorting through our numerous boxes of books and materials from Come Alive Ministries now that we’ve relocated to Florida, and I came across a little booklet from 1975 written by Kenneth Hagen senior.

The title was, “IN HIM.” The booklet covers some awesome bible truths which bear repeating.

Here’s one from Romans 10, beginning in verse 6, “righteousness (that’s right standing with God) based on faith speaks as follows… “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.”” Paul then explains that it is the word of faith that he is preaching, and says, “…if you confess with your MOUTH Jesus as Lord, and believe in your HEART that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

When a person believes in their heart that God’s Son Jesus died for their sins, and was raised from the dead as proof that that sacrifice was sufficient and successful, they are justified, made right in God’s eyes. Heaven is their destination, where there is no sickness, pain, suffering, anything bad.

But that person is still living on this earth. Will there be any change to their life NOW? Yes, IF they confess with their mouth Jesus as their Lord. You could say at that point their salvation, real as it is eternally, becomes ‘reality’ in this life, in the here and now. My friend, if you believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and is your Savior, say it! Declare it! God-life will pour into you NOW; you don’t have to wait till you get to heaven! The translation into Jesus’ kingdom takes place while you are still on this earth. You come out of the domain of darkness; you are placed into Jesus’ kingdom.

I believed in my heart Jesus was real, was Lord of all and I even asked Him to be my Savior in December of 1975. But it was not until I stood up in a church service and stepped out of the pew on January 18, 1976 to declare Him my Savior that Everything Changed here on earth. Instantly I was a new creation in the here and now. You could say what was already true in the spirit realm became true in my earthly existence.

My mother witnessed the grace of God when she and dad came to visit me in Pittsburgh that Summer. She saw. And wanted what I and the church members had. She believed in her heart and did not know what to do about it.

Thankfully God was merciful. Back at home she awakened one morning hearing a voice say, “I want Jesus as my Savior.” And another voice said, “Well, say it.” She thought she was dreaming and went back to sleep. Shortly thereafter she heard again, “I want Jesus as my Savior,” and the second voice, “Well, say it.” She did, and heaven burst in upon her and she was changed in this life.

Friend, if you believe Jesus is your Savior but you have never spoken it aloud, don’t WAIT — do it today. Speak. Tell someone.

Your life will never be the same, for will COME ALIVE!

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Licentiousness Is Not For You – 425

Welcome to Hank’s Place in 2023

Jude wrote a letter — to us! It’s found just before Revelation. After the opening greeting, Jude writes concerning our common salvation, asking us to contend earnestly for the faith that was handed down to us. And why? He explains certain persons, ungodly persons, have crept in unnoticed, and you know what they are doing? They are turning the grace of our God into licentiousness. Licentiousness is unprincipled, unrestrained promiscuity in sexual matters. YIKES! Oh and they were denying our Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

 Jude didn’t mean for us to get into dogmatic fights with every Christian who doesn’t believe just like we do, but to stand against the false teachers and to resist their ungodly message. These smooth-talking deceivers were drawing people away from Jesus. They were sowing discord while trying to make a name for themselves.

Jude refers to them as the ungodly. An ungodly person is — opposed to the things of God. They deny the Lord and reject the grace that might otherwise save them. They may ‘know’ the truth but they choose to reject it. It is incomprehensible, but they CHOOSE to remain under the condemnation of sin; they insist on THEIR way. They despise Jesus’ blood at Calvary.

Eph 2:8-9 states we are saved by grace. Grace captures the goodwill, lovingkindness, and favor of God that is freely given to us. It enables us to partake in His divine life. Grace is God’s divine aid that supernaturally empowers us to live a whole and healthy life, free from sin.

But these evil preachers were trying to turn the grace of our God into licentiousness. Preaching grace as the license to sin. If you preach the gospel of grace some will ask,”If God’s grace is greater than my sin, why can’t I go on sinning?” That’s Ro 3:18. That was the issue here. The truth is that the grace of God teaches us to say NO to ungodliness. But licentiousness teaches us to say YES.

Now listen to this. Jesus died to set us free, but we can lose our freedom in two ways; through legalism or licentiousness. The former, legalism, PUTS price tags on the free grace of God. Stresses obedience to laws, regulations, and such in order to receive good from God.  Licentiousness REMOVES the price tags from sin. “Do whatever you want, for we are under grace not law,” is its call. Yes, we are under grace and not the law, but this partial truth deception leads only to captivity and death. 

Our sinning will never affect God’s love for us, but it will surely affect us. Sin is destructive. It will hurt us and those we love. It is not God’s will for us to destroy ourselves through sinful living, so He gives us His grace – so that we may be empowered to say NO to temptation and live whole and godly lives. Tit. 2:11-12.

Today, don’t listen to the voice of licentiousness but continue in the GRACE of God — and COME ALIVE!

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No Condemnation – 424

Welcome to Hank’s Place in 2023

A great way to begin this year is to remind ourselves of the awesome truth found at the beginning of Romans 8 —“There is therefore now NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

This declaration is great — yet simple. Great because of its staggering implications; simple because it is so easy to understand.

If we are born again we are IN Christ Jesus. Since God the Father does not condemn Jesus, neither can the Father condemn you and I who are IN Christ Jesus. We are not condemned, and we will not ever be condemned, no matter what the devil may say.

Notice Paul uses the word ‘therefore.’ It means Paul has a logical argument, and can prove what he says, which is, if we are one with Jesus and He is our head, WE can’t be condemned. You can’t acquit the head and condemn some other part of the body, like you or me.

Dear friends, this is Grace upon Grace toward us – John 1:16. Notice Paul doesn’t say “less condemnation;” he says NO CONDEMNATION. That’s where many believe they are – thinking our standing has been IMPROVED in Jesus. No, not ‘improved,’ not ‘less’ condemnation —  it’s been completely changed into a status of NO condemnation. Ever.

Romans 8 puts us in a place of confidence and peace after all the conflict found in Romans 7. It begins with no condemnation; ends with no separation, and in between declares there is no defeat ever in Christ Jesus.

There is no condemnation because God has placed us IN Christ Jesus when we believed upon His Son. We deserved condemnation. But Jesus bore that condemnation, and our identity is now IN Him. He is condemned no more, so neither are we. So reject those condemning thoughts my friend!

It has nothing to do with how we walk — you may have in the footnotes of your bible a note about words not found in the earliest manuscripts, words believed added by an early scribe eager to help Paul out, that add, “who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” Certainly we should endeavor to walk after the Spirit and not the flesh, but our performance has no bearing on our deliverance from condemnation my friends.

We deserved condemnation. But by God’s grace, Jesus bore the condemnation we deserved, and our identity is now IN Him. Jesus is condemned no more, and neither are we. Ever.

So — may you begin 2023, and every day, declaring: “I am IN Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation in Him — or me. Hallelujah Jesus!” Declare — and COME ALIVE!

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New Year 2023 – 423

https://youtu.be/L1Qk92ooDWU
Welcome to Hank’s Place On New Year’s Day
It’s the new year and here’s a New Year’s admonition. Admonition, not resolution. Some people call New Years resolutions nothing but a ‘to-do’ list for the 1st week of the new year, then broken and or forgotten.
The admonition is from Acts 13:43. Paul and Barnabas, after speaking in the synagogue at Pisidia Antioch, urged the people who believed their message to CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD. What a great word. The Grace of God – He gives us favor unconditionally – we can’t earn it – we can only receive it. Many try to earn it and go empty handed. Don’t try to earn God’s favor, my friend but receive simply receive it!
Are you working so hard that you are on the verge of burnout? Stop. Instead, CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD.

Are you worried that you are not doing enough for Jesus? Stop. And CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD.

Are you distracted by generational curses, end times anxiety, idle talk? Stop. Then CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD.

Are you wrestling with financial difficulties, sickness or demonic oppression? Use the name of Jesus and CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD.

Want to make something of your life in 2023? CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD and let Him direct your steps.
When it comes to God and our relationship with Him, it is GRACE from start to finish. There is nothing else we need. And nothing else that can help.
GRACE comes to us by faith alone. Eph 2:8. So to continue in GRACE really only requires one thing: continue in the faith. GRACE – is really another word for JESUS – John 1:16 says “For from his fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”
This year let’s help each other to keep our eyes upon JESUS. He is the faithful One. He will see us through. He will help us; He will do the impossible for us. He will not fail us.

Yes, this year, let’s receive from Him grace upon grace.
And you know what? As we continue in the GRACE of God – we are transformed. We COME ALIVE!
Let me add something my long time friend Gary Hale from Johnstown PA shared with me the other day. He was praying and heard the Lord say, “2023 is going to be the year of CHANGE. No longer just some change like loose change in your pocket but the GREAT PROVISION that is ours.”
Receive it dear friend and get ready for God’s abundance this coming year of CHANGE for your life and ministry.

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Christmas 2022 – 422

https://youtu.be/bkpD3yLF5b0
Welcome to Hank’s Place On Christmas Day
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulders.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.  Isaiah 9:6-7.
God has gifted us with His BEST: His Son, to redeem us from bondage and certain death and give us eternal life in His presence.  We celebrate Jesus’ birth today!
Here’s the first two verses from Matthew 2: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
These wise men, having been made aware of Jesus’ birth — sought Him out. They — went to Him. Why? To be in His presence. And to worship Him. That’s wisdom then; that’s wisdom NOW.
For them it was Jesus the baby, but for us it is Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Receiving THIS Jesus is the key to Eternal Life — JESUS, is the WAY to God, the TRUTH of God, and the LIFE, life eternal with God.  John 14:6. He is the Light that shines in the darkness of today’s world.
And it is His Presence in our heart that is far more precious than any present under a tree!
In Genesis the first book of the bible we find the Lord God visiting Adam and Eve daily. Then sin came and God’s presence with man became rare.  Several thousand years later there was the promise given mankind through Isaiah, of Immanuel. God with us. Isaiah 7:14.
In the last book of the bible, Revelation, chapter 21, we find a new heavens and earth, and, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.”
Isn’t that fantastic? Genesis begins and Revelation ends with God’s Presence among His people! Hallelujah! What about in between – us today? If you are born again you have His Presence in you NOW – dwell on this amazing truth! It’s found in John 14:16-24. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All of God.
And now today, regardless of if you are with family, without family, alone, incarcerated, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope, in the reality of Immanuel, and COME ALIVE!

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Don’t Depress – Decorate! – 421

https://youtu.be/0MpJ9ZYNfbo

 

Welcome to Hank’s Place

Today is the third Sunday of Advent. Christmas is fast approaching. Have you been depressed by the merchandizing, the lack of Jesus and the misplaced enthusiasm? Allow me to ease your distress.

Pope Julius the first in 320 AD designated Dec 25th as a holy day – to counteract the Saturnalia celebrations in Europe dating from pre-Christ times.  It didn’t work. People enjoyed their revelry and celebrations, choosing to repent afterwards.

Things were so bad in England in the 1600’s that one of the planks of Oliver Cromwell’s political party was to ELIMINATE Christmas! He won, but later the Pilgrims were thrown out of power by King Charles II, who promised to make Christmas as wicked as before! Talk about pagan! Most genuine Christians loathed Christmas, considering it an instrument of the devil.

When the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in 1620, they OUTLAWED Christmas. There were no church celebrations, businesses were ordered open and anyone caught celebrating was subject to arrest and fines. And that’s the way it was in America – for over 200 years. In fact Congress continued to meet on Christmas Day up to 1856. 

However the excesses of an Old English Christmas had true appeal to the unregenerate flesh, and gradually the outrageous English Christmas re-emerged in America. It was NOT Christmas as we would think of it or as most of us would want it.

But on the continent of Europe things were changing. In the early 1600’s, much of Europe, especially Germany, celebrated the season as a joyous and warm family time. Carols were sung in the churches, thanks in large measure to Martin Luther, who did not fear to bring the easily sung and well loved tunes of the streets into the church setting.

Huge changes then occurred in the first half of the 1800’s. In 1822 Clement Clark Moore wrote “T’was the Night Before Christmas” and for the first time Christmas was seen in America as a joyous holiday for children and a wonderful family time. 

In 1834 Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” and Christmas in England was never the same. The crushing dehumanizing industrial revolution had to give place to a time to consider the wonder of the birth and life of a Savior.

In 1840 Queen Victoria of England married Prince Alfred of Germany, and the warm German Christmas traditions were imported to England and embraced.

There’s more, but gradually over the rest of the century, joy, family, giving, and worship replaced pagan debauchery, lewdness, revelry and drunkenness on both continents. Kind of.

What about gift giving, you ask? The tradition of gift giving, at first a simple and modest gesture, exploded in America following “T’was Night Before Christmas.” Merchants, sensing opportunity, placed Santa everywhere and people quickly adjusted their celebrations to include him. And spending. A lot of spending. With WWII and the time it took to send gifts to loved ones half a world away, the Christmas buying season expanded (to the delight of merchants) to a full month before Christmas.

So the cry to “Put Christ back into Christmas” stands on pretty weak ground historically. Jesus’ birth, despite the angels, the wise men, the fulfillment of prophecy, was never the official focus of Christmas in England or America.

BUT— Don’t be depressed! This Advent season, I suggest – you decorate! Decorate – yourself – with Christ! It’s Biblical – Gal 3:26: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” May others see you — adorned with Jesus. He is the Good News the world needs. Share Him. Help others — COME ALIVE!

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Beloved – 420

https://youtu.be/P5Q9tKpNPXA

 

Welcome to Hank’s Place

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Advent means the arrival of a notable person – no wonder all of December leading up to Christmas is called the ‘Advent Season.’ Of course, many shoppers call it the ‘Amazon Season!’

‘For God SO LOVED the WORLD – that He gave His only begotten Son…,’ John 3:16 as most of us know. God loves you – He loves me – His love envelopes saints – and sinners – extends to the most wicked of people. Jesus came and died for the sins of everyone ever born and yet to be born.

This doesn’t mean eternal life with God is automatically guaranteed; our part, our only ‘work’ Jesus said, is that we must BELIEVE in the One Whom He has sent. John 6:29.

When I stepped out from the church pew that frigid January morning in 1976, to come forward to declare Jesus as my Savior, an unimaginable ocean of love engulfed me. I knew, suddenly, that Almighty God loved ME – I cried and cried like a little boy – for the joy of experiencing total forgiveness and all that existed between God and I was a love relationship. Perhaps you have experienced something similar?

Soon I confused the truth that God loved me because of WHO HE IS, with thinking God loved me because I ‘got things right.’ It was performance mentality, what I’d lived in before Jesus, and made this Christian life a struggle. Filled with disappointment. Perhaps you have experienced something similar?

So here’s the word for you. Jude verse 21, “keep yourselves in the love of God….” The Advent season is particularly depressing for many – but not for you if you KEEP YOURSELF in the love of God.

Remember, 1 John 2:7 begins, “Beloved.” John refers to us believers as “beloved OF God,” and not as “lovers of God.” “Lovers of God” is based on – us. Once we settle in our hearts that we TRULY ARE beloved of God, THEN we’ll be able to love God and others – not out of performance or commandment – we’ll be able to love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19.

The original word for beloved (agapetos) means dearly loved, esteemed, and favorite and is closely related to a verb (agapao) that means to be well pleased or fond of or contented. Our heavenly Father is fond of us. We are His esteemed favorite and He is well pleased with us. He looks at us with a feeling of deep contentment knowing that we are His dearly loved children. He loves us as much as He loves Jesus! Again, He loves us as much as He loves Jesus!

It’s so important that we see ourselves as beloved that John uses this word 10 times in his letters.

Today, dearly beloved of God – keep yourself in this love —you’ll COME ALIVE! 

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Advent, Anniversary – 419

https://youtu.be/T8d2sATxQwY

 

Welcome to Hank’s Place

Coming to you from Venice, FL on this December 4th, the first Sunday of Advent.

[Mary appears, “Hank, it’s also our 46th wedding anniversary! Why don’t you share a bit about our wonderful love story!”]

YES, great idea, Mary! I’m happy to share a little. I recall we met in May of ’74, and by Dec ’75 were ready to go our own ways; just another in a string of failed relationships. But Jesus Christ burst on the scene the next month. We both were totally and radically born again! New creations, filled with the Holy Spirit. We didn’t know who we were, and found we didn’t know each other! We continued dating, constantly going to church. 

In Sept of ’76 in a Saturday morning men’s meeting at the church, the pastor unexpectedly laid hands on me to do what was in my heart. I’d had enough painful heart experiences, so much so that I’d closed it up pretty darn good. Even from myself. Only God knew what was in there. Well, the next day I proposed to Mary! Unexpectedly! Unplanned! I was as shocked as she was to hear those proposal words springing from my lips!

Three months later we married, each of us placing our fears and past experiences on the altar for Jesus to deal with. In faith. With a little trepidation.

And sure, there were bumps. Why would that be? One answer is found in Hank’s Place #378, “Marriage Rules.” I was trying to live by law, to ‘do the right thing’ – and that simply does not work.

And both of us needed to open our hearts to Jesus, our Heavenly Father, and one another. Slowly we began to live in the love of God.

More than once we were at opposite ends of the house after an argument — and then found ourselves simultaneously coming to one another asking forgiveness and seeking reconciliation. Yes, we certainly gave the Holy Spirit work to do!

The more we asked and received the love of God for ourselves, the more love we had to share with each other. If I could make one suggestion, it’s for YOU to pray daily to receive more of the love of God. Soon you will have plenty to walk in and to give away!

Recently, I won’t say how recently, as His love was percolating in me, I began realizing that my dream gal as a young man – drum roll – was my wife! Jesus had brought the woman of my dreams, the one He had fashioned for me, to me! Surprise! Something like when God brought Eve to Adam. Guys, you don’t turn your back on a gift like that!!!

Today dear friends, allow God to tenderize your heart, to heal it from past hurts and filling it with His love. Soon your life, and your marriage —will COME ALIVE! And if you want to hear what Mary has to say, just let us know.

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Please Stop Working – 418

https://youtu.be/Go8PEk23-3c

 

Welcome to Hank’s Place

Some people think it was Augustine, one of the earliest Church fathers, who said, “What is grace? I know until you ask me. When you ask me, then I don’t know.”

A short definition of grace is that it is God’s unmerited favor. He showers us with “good” because of His nature, not our performance. The world does not operate that way. The world says we must work to earn – ‘things.’

Paul wrote in Romans 4:4-5, “When people work, they earn wages. It can’t be considered a free gift, because they earned it. But no one earns God’s righteousness. It can only be transferred when we no longer rely on our own works, but believe in the One who powerfully declares the ungodly to be righteous in His eyes. It is FAITH that transfers God’s righteousness into our account!” Passion translation.

These verses are powerful. They say that grace stands opposite to the principle of works; grace has to do with receiving the free GIFT of God. Works has to do with EARNING our standing before God. Paul expanded the Greek word for grace from heartfelt generosity toward a dear friend into something much more powerful: God gives His grace to the undeserving, even to ENEMIES!

Under works – when wages are earned, what one receives is not counted as grace but as debt. Something owed. A system of works seeks to put God in debt to us, MAKING GOD OWE US His favor because of our obedience, owe us salvation and blessing because of OUR good works.

Under grace, it’s different. Salvation and blessing are not received by works, but are FREELY GIVEN to the one who believes on Him who justifies the ungodly. Like you and me. By faith. Like Abraham.

Because of what Jesus did at Calvary, God can justify the ungodly. We are justified DESPITE our ungodliness.

Thank God for our Savior Jesus! Our faith in Him is accounted for righteousness.

People of the Old Testament were not saved by keeping the Law. No one could. Everyone who has ever been saved – has been saved by grace through faith. Under the Old Covenant people tried their best to keep the Law, but had to rely upon that Day of Atonement, by faith, that God would cover their sins another year.

Today, stop thinking that you can earn God’s salvation or favor. The principles of works and grace stand in opposition to each other. As systems, works is about earning and deserving. Grace is about believing and receiving.

Believe and receive God’s favor today, my friend —you’ll COME ALIVE!

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Thanksgiving! – 417

https://youtu.be/Rc3TH_H8ev4


Welcome to Hank’s Place

Thanksgiving Day is a few days away – my good friend Nate Krupp of Salem Oregon sent out a reminder of the Thanksgiving Story – a story well worth remembering. With thanks to Nate, here is that story.

The Pilgrims were a godly people who left the Church of England to start something they considered more simple and more biblical. They left Plymouth, England, on August 5, 1620, on the Mayflower ship enroute to an English colony in today’s Virginia, in search of religious and political freedom. They were blown off course to today’s Cape Cod Bay on the East Coast of Massachusetts. Before disembarking on November 21, they drew up the Mayflower Compact, which was the first time in history that free and equal men voluntarily, in writing, covenanted with GOD and each other to create their own civil government. FIRST TIME in history!

On shore, they discovered 20 acres that were already cleared and ready for planting! Nevertheless, 44% of their number died that first winter. In March, an Indian chief, Samoset, appeared and greeted them – in English. He explained that the land had been cleared by a warring tribe, the Patuxets, before they had all died from a mysterious plague four years earlier. He returned a week later with Squanto, who had lived in Spain and England for nine years, where he had learned English, and had just returned from England six months earlier. He stayed with the Pilgrims and taught them how to fish, hunt, plant, etc., and greatly increased their chances of survival. Samoset and Squanto introduced the Pilgrims to Massasoit, the chief who controlled the entire area and with whom a peace treaty was arranged. In October the Pilgrims invited the Indians for a time of celebration and THANKSGIVING TO GOD, which lasted three days.

In 1789 President George Washington proclaimed November 26 as a day of national thanksgiving. President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November, 1863, as “a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father.” In 1941 Congress ruled that the fourth Thursday of November would be observed as Thanksgiving Day.

Today, I encourage YOU to take time to give thanks to GOD – for His mercies, lovingkindness, His son Jesus our Savior – for your salvation and for ordaining America as God’s covenanted nation. Thank Him for His hand yet upon America — He’s not done with America although dark clouds swirl about, or US. Give thanks —and COME ALIVE!

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