John Mark Hicks

Text: John 13:1-17 The sermon begins at about minute 43 at this link. Through washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus teaches us to receive grace even when we feel unworthy and full of shame, and he also teaches us to follow his example of giving grace by serving others.

Text: Matthew 9:9-17 Jesus uses Hosea 6:6 to critique the criticism of some who objected to his eating with “tax collectors and sinners.” The point? Jesus pursues mercy for the sake of healing, and this is at the heart of kingdom living. It is pouring new wine into wineskins.

Season 1, Episode 5. Available on Podcast here. Available on Vimeo here. Stan Wilson, Haley Villacorta, David Villacorta, and I have begun a series of podcasts/videos about “The Chosen” produced and directed by Dallas Jenkins. These conversations seek to explore one dimension of “The Chosen” per episode. This week we focus on Mary, the Wedding […]

Begins at the 45 minute mark. This sermon was delivered at the Cedar Lane Church of Christ at Tullahoma, TN, on June 4, 2023. On Lady Wisdom and Dame Folly in Proverbs 9, see also this blog.

This brief homily is based on the the lectionary readings from Genesis 1-2:4a, Psalm 8, Matthew 28:16-20, and 2 Corinthians 13:13. The love of God is expressed in creation and in the story of redemption (including the sending of the Son and the sending of the Spirit). The grace of Jesus Christ is the gift […]

Season 1, Episode 4. Available on Podcast here. Available on Vimeo here. Stan Wilson, Haley Villacorta, David Villacorta, and I have begun a series of podcasts/videos about “The Chosen” produced and directed by Dallas Jenkins. These conversations seek to explore one dimension of “The Chosen” per episode. This week we focus on Matthew in the […]

I have now read the sixth of twelve books suggested by FB friends. This one was recommended by Clayton Homewood.  This is my summary. Marcus Peter Johnson, One with Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013). Salvation, according to historic Christianity, is our personal union with the living Christ, our inclusion in […]

Texts: Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1-7; 22:1-5 Days 78-80 in Around the Bible in Eighty Days. What will “heaven” be like? It is the place where God dwells within a renewed creation, filled with renewed relationships, and an ever deepening intimacy with God, each other, and the creation itself. It is a dynamic of loving intimacy that […]

Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:21-28; 50-57; 2 Peter 2:11-13 Days 75-77 in Around the Bible in Eighty Days. The voice from the throne announced, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Ultimately and finally, God makes all things new through resurrection. Though Jesus was seemingly defeated by the powers in his death, God vindicated […]

Texts: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 13:13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Days 68-70 in Around the Bible in Eighty Days. For many the Holy Spirit is an impersonal, imperceptible, and indiscernible force.  Cloaked in mystery, many find it difficult to “get a handle” on the Spirit. The Spirit has no “face” like Jesus nor any personal metaphors, such as […]