Author: Hank

Welcome to Hank’s Place – 260

In the 1980’s my wife Mary heard the Holy Spirit say that in later years there would be a mental health crisis in the church. That time is now! Take a look around – so many people, including Christians – suffering from stress and anxiety, depression, melancholy – and much worse. Millions are on meds, most with no hope of getting off. In our local school district, there were 7 suicides in 2018. Young people! Considering their lives so hopeless they ended them. And some were Christians. (Pause)

Somehow their problems, their situations in this life had become such giants – so much greater than their knowledge of God and His mercies and grace – that they chose to stop living. Such a tragedy.

Maybe YOU need an injection today friend, not of medication, but an injection of HOPE. Or maybe you know of someone – a family member – a friend – who needs a shot of HOPE. Hope looks to tomorrow. Hope KNOWS better days ARE coming. These next few blogs – I hope – are going to help!

Col 1:26-27 is one of my favorite passages: Paul writes of a mystery formerly hidden, but has NOW been manifested to His saints.” NOW now NOW. He goes on to say God has “…willed to make known” so this is a God thing, “what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Christ in you means the riches of His glory are already deposited – IN US.

This is a profound mystery – that people like you and me – without the right pedigree, without the right heritage, upbringing, understanding, without knowledge, and without an ability to GET THINGS RIGHT – could become recipients of God’s GRACE. A grace that reveals the riches of His glory – and it all begins with CHRIST IN US.

With Christ IN US, there is that guaranteed hope within us – the hope of being brought to GLORY, into God’s presence – without blame – without shame – to see Him face to face and experience Him fully!

Do you believe upon Jesus – who died for your trespasses – who was raised for your justification? I know you do! Then Christ Jesus has come to live within you – HE IS YOUR GUARANTEE that better days ARE coming – HE WILL – BRING – US – TO – GLORY!!

Meditate on that. Then put those woes and cares, frets and frustrations, discouragements and fears, all the darkness, under His feet. See Jesus, God of Glory, in triumph over them. Let that HOPE that already lies within you be dormant no longer.

Yes, my friend, let HOPE arise – and COME ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place —02-26

Hey, that writer of Hebrews penned an awesome letter to Hebrew Christians and us! In pointing out the “betters” of the New Covenant, he urged his readers in chapter 10 to draw near to God, holding fast their confession of hope, and encourage one another in Christian living and giving.

But Vs 26-29 — are terrifying – if you live in a world of mixed covenants. Let’s check them out so we can sleep peacefully.

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. …How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace.”

Is God schizophrenic? Unconditional love – and fearsome threatening? Yes, our God is a consuming fire. But an interpretation out of context is all wrong.

The author is referring to people within the Christian community. People who have heard the truth. The fact that they “go on sinning deliberately even after receiving knowledge of the truth” indicates that the people in view are not (and never were) genuine believers. Because the Old Covenant has passed away, there is no place for them to turn for forgiveness. That’s found in the New, in Christ’s sacrifice—which they have rejected. So they will face judgment. 

Puzzled? Think about – Judas. Judas heard the truth – and spurned it. Judas spent literally years in the presence of Jesus. He not only heard the truth, he lived with Grace and Truth in the flesh. 

But Judas rejected Jesus as Lord. He called Jesus “Rabbi,” not Lord, in the garden, remember? Jesus came to give His life for Judas – but Judas wasn’t interested. He preferred his own sinful life of greed and betrayal. Surely Judas had many opportunities to repent – but he did not. He rejected the grace of God.

Jesus died for Judas. What more could Jesus do? Nothing! There is no more sacrifice for sins other than the one Jesus provided. To reject Jesus as Lord is to trample the Son of God underfoot and treat the blood of the covenant as unholy.

Within our Christian communities there are those whose lives and life-styles repudiate the work and the person of Jesus.  Jesus, whose sacrifice has made us holy. I am confident you are not a modern day Judas – or you wouldn’t be visiting Hank’s Place. 

Fear not, in Jesus you have been redeemed – eternally. You have passed out of judgement and into Eternal Life. John5:24. You have eternally –  COME ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place – 262

Last Hank’s Place I was sharing about the crisis of mental illness in the Church. And Paul’s admonition in Eph 6:17 and 1 Th 5:8, to guard you mind. How? By putting on a helmet, which he calls the helmet of the hope of Salvation. 

Salvation: in the Greek sozo, total wellness, healing, restoration and ultimately eternal glory with Jesus. The hope of salvation, that we will be in the glorious presence of God one day, without shame. That helmet means we confidently hope for a better tomorrow. Of course – because the God of Hope lives within.

I pointed out the community effort, the 4 friends found in Mk 2:1-12 who brought their paralyzed compatriot into Jesus’ presence. Community is especially important regarding mental health because people thus afflicted usually withdraw, cut themselves off from others. Even from God. 

But we can help – not by telling them to have more faith, or that they have sin in their lives or by giving them a to-do list for recovery. No, we can, as they did in Mark, bring the suffering one into the presence of Jesus.

I believe Jesus has a particular interest in healing the mind. Just read Is 61:1-3. Let’s pick up at the end of verse 2. Jesus, being sent by and commissioned by Almighty God – to comfort all who morn, especially those who morn in Zion – we are talking believers – who are grieving, sorrowful, lamenting, depressed over life or life’s circumstances.

Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.

The Message Bible says, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.

The New Living Translation says, a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.

So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Oaks of righteousness – being in right standing with God – approved and acceptable to God – without judgment or criticism. Without defect!

THAT is powerful! It’s time people come to Jesus, get the help they need – that only HE can provide – and COME ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place

Last Hank’s Place I shared that there is a mental health crisis in the church. And the world. Millions on meds. Millions suffering from anxiety, depression – hopelessness. So many going suicidal.

What can we do? I’d shared the mystery in Col 1:26-27 – Christ in us, the hope of glory and urged you to let that hope – and you have it because Christ is in you if you are a believer – let that hope arise in yourself – and Come Alive!

Mental illness – something in the mind not working as it was intended. May I draw your attention to Eph 6 and the armor of God. Is the head mentioned? Yes it is! Eph 6:17. Take up the helmet of salvation. In 1Th 5:8 Paul urges us to put on a helmet, called the hope of salvation. This is why I’m convinced that HOPE plays such a large part in issues of the mind. 

Helping others – or yourself – to let hope arise – hope means a better tomorrow is on its way – will do well in alleviating, improving, one’s mental well being.

People suffering mental illness invariably pull away, withdraw. But everyone has need of community. Community: not isolated. Community: where others are experiencing similar issues. Where others understand, and support. Where people help one another put on that helmet, the hope of salvation. Hope is real and we all need it.

Think of Mark 2:1-12. A paralytic came to Jesus. No, wait! He couldn’t come; he was paralyzed. Four friends brought him – despite difficulties. They dug a hole in the roof of the home and lowered the paralytic to Jesus. Now catch this: it says Jesus, seeing THEIR Faith – the faith of the 4 friends – said to the paralytic, first, your sins are forgiven, and second, rise, take up your pallet and walk.

There are many take-aways here. 

How about: don’t tell someone with mental illness that they need more faith – use yours! 

How about: don’t tell someone they must have unconfessed sin in their lives – ask God to forgive any sin if present! 

How about: it’s not your job to ‘fix it’ – rather how about helping someone get into the presence of the Lord and so Jesus can fix it? He is good at fixing – everything!

Yep, when you are before Jesus, good things happen: people COME ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place – 258 

The writer of Hebrews penned an awesome letter – to, take a guess – Hebrews. Hebrew Christians specifically! Reminding them of their Old Covenant, and point by point revealing to them how much BETTER the New Covenant is. Urging them not to go back but to hold fast to the new and live in it daily.

Chapter 10 begins with the sacrifice of Christ; His precious blood given for a NEW covenant. Vs 19 declares Jesus’ blood gives us CONFIDENCE to enter the HOLY PLACES! The holy place, reserved for priests, and the Holy of Holies reserved for the High Priest only — once a year allowed into God’s Presence!

Jesus’ sacrifice is the ‘new and living way’ we enter in. Vs 19. Next verse states Jesus is our eternal High Priest. No need to fear, “did we get it right” or “is our sacrifice acceptable?” It’s JESUS’ sacrifice who opened the way, and the way is always open. Message Bible says, “It was a perfect sacrifice – by a perfect person – to perfect some very imperfect people.”

In light of the way into God’s presence being been opened to us by Jesus, the writer gives us 3 admonitions.

Vs 22 – Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. The Message says, “full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.” We CAN commune with God. Pray with confidence! Let’s do it! Don’t whimper and apologize for your existence when you do. 

Vs 23 – Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Meaning what? God is trustworthy. His promises are all true. And He always keeps his word. Wait for His promises to come to pass. Don’t give up on them. Or God!

Vs 24 – Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Again from the Message, “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” Provoking others to LOVE rather than envy and jealously. Sounds like a God plan, doesn’t it?

TODAY, let’s take advantage of the open door to the Throne of Grace! Without self-consciousness! Let’s keep hope alive, and encourage other Christians — to COME ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place — Salvation part 3 of 3

Can you lose your salvation, like losing your car keys? Losing your temper one day and your salvation the next? In the last 2 blogs we’ve been finding strong support in Scripture that this just is not possible, because salvation is a God thing and He has made promises to us. Unbreakable ones. He always keeps His promises.

I’m using 2 Cor 1:20 for that. It reads, “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are YES; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” All of God’s promises are for US, and all of them are TRUE and kept through HIM!

Here’s 3 more Scriptures indicating impossible things would have to happen in order for us to lose our salvation.

God would have to remember our sins, but Jeremiah 31:34 says: “they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”.  This is repeated in Heb 10:17, “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

God would have to forget that we are His children, when Isaiah 49:15 says: “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I WILL NOT FORGET YOU.”

Finally, God would have to blot our names out of the Book of Life, when His word says: “He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” That’s Rev 3:5.

God will not break these eternal promises. He keeps His word. You have believed upon Jesus? You have cried to Him to save you from your sins, yourself, and this world? Then have confidence today that He HAS kept you, IS keeping you and WILL keep you unto that great day. That’s enough to shout for joy — and COME ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place — Salvation part 2 of 3

We have been sharing about possibly waking up one morning and finding we had lost our salvation. Fearing being cast away on that day when Jesus returns for His bride. 

I shared with you how this is a groundless fear — yes, we can neglect the benefits and blessings of walking in faith and grace on this earth, but we were finding the good support of Scripture declaring such things as it is GOD who has done the saving, and God who does the keeping, and GOD who has promised to keep us, and vindicate us on that last day. Hallelujah!

As 2 Cor 1:21-22 declares, “He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is GOD, who also SEALED us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” GOD established us IN Christ. GOD put His seal on us – what’s that? The seal is the Holy Spirit in our hearts. The Spirit is His promise, His pledge to us, that we are HIS FOR ALL TIME.

Here’s more support from Scripture. For us to lose our salvation several impossible things would have to happen. For example:

God would have to forsake us. But Heb 13:5 says, “He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.” 

Here’s another. God would have to cast us out of Himself. Yet Jesus said in John 6:37, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”

And, God would have to condemn us, in contradiction to Ro 8:1, 34 that read, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” “who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Would Jesus stop interceding and begin condemning? No way!

And one more: God would have to remove the Spirit that was given us as a pledge, a promise that we just read. But John 14:16 reads, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may BE WITH YOU FOREVER.

Scripture cannot be broken – God will not break these eternal promises. He keeps His word. Dwell on these trustworthy truths my friend — you will be shouting for joy as you COME ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place —  

As I young Christian schooled in the Armenian stream more than Calvin’s, I believed I had to hold tightly to Christ my Savior lest I lose my salvation. Those early years were times discovering the love of God and having stress in feeling it was up to me to stay there and stayed saved. 

Now there certainly are numerous exhortations in Scripture to hold fast, to keep ourselves in the love of God, yes, but regarding losing our salvation, well, I’ve come to a different understanding. We can neglect the benefits of our salvation and refuse the grace of God in this life, missing out on the goodness of our God — but losing that salvation — no.

Let’s look at some Bible passages — perhaps you will draw a similar conclusion:

1 Cor 1:8-9. Jesus will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

WOW! Not you, not me, but GOD, who is FAITHFUL.  HE will confirm – substantiate, justify, vindicate, prove — that we are BLAMELESS when Jesus Christ returns. What a relief. 

Let’s read it again, 1 Cor 1:6-9, but from The Message Bible, “The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives. Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God Himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of His Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.” 

WOW again! On the day when Christ Jesus returns, it will be shown we don’t lack a thing, for we are IN Christ. GOD is at work in us to keep us on track, to keep us steady. It is GOD who started us on this life’s adventures in Christ, and GOD will NEVER GIVE UP on us. Never. NEVER forget that my friend!

There’s more to come next time – until then rest secure in your salvation – it has been purchased for you by Jesus Christ Himself. As you do, you’ll COME  ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place — 02-09

2 Tim. 2:11–13. It says, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown himself.” Scary?

Let’s remove the fear! It starts, “If we died with him.” This is what makes the gospel so good. Manmade religion preaches self-denial and dying to self, but the gospel simply declares, “You died.” Your life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3) and He now lives in you. Gal 2:20.

Paul then assures us that because we are in union with the One who already overcame, already endured, and who now reigns, we will also endure and reign with Him. It’s a trustworthy statement, because of Jesus!

But what if we disown Jesus? Will He disown us? No. Paul is not talking about Christians in a moment of weakness. He’s referring to those who reject Christ. It’s strong denial. They will one day reap the consequences of their choice. There’s no grace for the faithless — because the faithless will not receive it.

Do you see? There are those who confess Christ and those who deny Him. If you have denied Him, you can still confess Him, but if you have already confessed Him, you cannot deny Him – at least not to the point where He would deny you.

That’s the next phrase, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Tim 2:13.

The Accuser says, “If you are not constant in your faith every single day, if you disown Jesus just one time, God will punish you!” It’s as if our unfaithfulness (that’s sin) was greater than His faithfulness (that’s grace). 

Will Jesus deny us? No way! We are IN Christ. He cannot disown himself, so He cannot disown you or me! Ever. We are one with the Lord. His future is our future and that’s a good future indeed!

Don’t listen to dead religion that says you have to perform and endure to be saved. We stand on His promises, not our efforts. Even if we have a bad day, or a moment of faithlessness, He remains utterly faithful.

Dwell on this trustworthy statement my friend — you’ll COME ALIVE!

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Welcome to Hank’s Place —  

Grace—the unmerited favor of God—is ours because of Jesus and Calvary. We ARE forgiven, we HAVE been redeemed, we HAVE BEEN PLACED into His kingdom. Seated with Him in the heavenlies. Forever. God graciously GIVES – we receive.

But what if we sin after becoming a Christian? Do we have to confess those sins in order to be forgiven? Sometimes people point to Ja 5:15 and say, “Yes.” “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” Or they use 1 Jn 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Out of context a person might think that – especially if they forget 2 Cor 5:19 “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them.” Or that grace and works don’t mix: “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.” Ro 11:6.

James gives us only one condition for forgiveness: faith. Remember Christ bore all our sins on the cross.

How can James say the sinner will be forgiven? Because the sinner already has been forgiven. They just need to receive it.

My friend, if you are burdened with guilt, you need forgiveness – right now. So ask for it. God will give you the forgiveness you need because He already has.

It may sound confusing, but the issue really is not will God forgive you but will you receive His forgiveness? Will you cling to the sins of your past – or present – or will you take hold of His forgiveness today?

Feeling burdened, crushed by your sins? Ask God for forgiveness – see Jesus upon Calvary’s cross – with your  sins – see forgiveness already granted – receive it – and COME ALIVE!

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