September 23, 2017
Some people enjoy hearing testimonies. Others do not. As for the latter, their reasons vary. Some testimonies appear superficial or lack discernment. Some believe testimonies are too subjective and individualistic. Some regard testimonies as private, a matter of personal interpretation rather than public proclamation. People should keep “testimonies,” according to some, to themselves, and they […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: Assembly, Hermeneutics, Praise, Psalm 66, Psalms, Testimony, Thanksgiving |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
April 27, 2017
The Ray Evans Seminar, an annual event at the Alameda Church of Christ in Norman, Oklahoma, was held March 31-April 2, 2017. The general topic was Embracing Creation, which is also the title of the book I co-authored with Bobby Valentine and Mark Wilson. The book is available here. I gave six presentations as well […]
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Uncategorized | Tagged: Anthropology, Assembly, Baptism, Christology, Creation, Ecology, Eschatology, God, Humanity, Inheritance, Lord's Supper, New Heaven and New Earth, Sacraments, Vocation |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
May 16, 2016
It is rather distressing to see Christians wringing their hands over the state of the nation. Facebook is populated by “Christian rants,” which reflect a state of anxiety, anger, and angst. Many live in fear. Believers, however, worship God. Perhaps the contrast is not apparent. Perhaps Christians are so filled with fear, it is difficult […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: Assembly, Creation, Psalm 96, Sovereignty, Worship |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
August 29, 2015
Here is concluding counsel for a marginalized, victimized group. As exiles and aliens (1 Peter 2:11-12) within Roman society, Peter calls them to transcend their situation by living as an authentic community, which seeks only good for its surrounding culture. This section concludes the major exhortation section of 1 Peter. It opened with the vocative […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: Assembly, Ecclesiology, Eschatology, Hospitality, Liturgy, Love, Worship |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
December 29, 2014
In recent weeks, some within Churches of Christ have discussed the rising participation of women in worshipping assemblies. Some find this disturbing, even rebellious, while others think it encouraging. Whatever one’s perspective, sometimes we hope to find some resource within our past to guide or enlighten us. I think this is legitimate–not so much as […]
20 Comments |
Stone-Campbell | Tagged: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Assembly, Complementarianism, David Lipscomb, Egalitarianism, Women |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
May 14, 2014
This sermon by David Lipscomb appeared in The Nashville American (February 21, 1900, p. 5). I thought it was interesting to read what Lipscomb said to those incarcerated at the “State Prison.” I thought the reference to “character” rather than status, place or position was a veiled reference to looking at the heart of a […]
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Biblical Texts, Stone-Campbell | Tagged: Assembly, Character, David Lipscomb, Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Israel, Love, Obedience, Ordinances, Sanctification, Transformation |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
April 17, 2014
Sometimes assembly is more important than a wedding night. That doesn’t sound right, does it? But it is the message of Joel 2:12-17. The impending disaster, the day of the Lord, created an urgency within Israel that prioritized the gathering of God’s people over wedding celebrations. A penitent people, according to Joel, should assemble to […]
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Biblical Texts, Theology | Tagged: Assembly, Fasting, God, Joel 2:12-17, Prayer, Renewal |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks