February 17, 2017
While some have perhaps read The Shack as an actual account, the title page identifies the piece as a “novel.” This is a fictional story. But…it is nevertheless true. The movie, too, is fictional…but true. Read The Shack, watch the movie, and walk with me into the world of spiritual recovery, a journey into my […]
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Uncategorized | Tagged: Addiction, God, Healing, Recovery, Suffering, The Shack, Trinity |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
January 28, 2013
At least two theological themes emerge from this pericope. On the one hand, the kingdom of God breaks into the life of a woman who had been bound by her disability for eighteen years. She is healed and experiences redemption. On the other hand, opposition to the kingdom of God arises in response to her […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: Bible-Luke, Curse, Gospel of Luke, Healing, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Luke 13:10-17, Ministry of Jesus, Sabbath |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
September 24, 2011
This story is the first of five where Jesus enconters conflict. Jesus becomes controversial in the eyes of some, particularly the religious leaders. Jesus forgives sin, eats with sinners, defies the traditions about fasting, and heals on the sabbath. Jesus does not conform to the traditons of the elders and he assumes a role in the […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: Authority, Bible-Gospel of Makr, Forgiveness, Healing, Mark 2:1-12, Paralytic, Son of Man |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
September 22, 2011
Lepers were outsiders. They were not only excluded from normal social interaction but they were excluded from the assembly of God. The disease did not elicit sympathy but revulsion and exclusion. They were unclean, contagious, and judged. The kingdom of God reverses this situation. Lepers are healed, included, and redeemed. It is evidence that the […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: Bible-Mark, Gospel of Mark, Healing, Kingdom of God, Lepers, Leprosy, Mark 1:40-45 |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
September 17, 2011
The last line of this section describes the ministry of Jesus in Galilee: “he went into the synagogues everywhere in Galilee, heralding and casting out demons.” I call this “practicing the kingdom of God.” That is, Jesus announces that the kingdom of God has drawn near and demonstrates its presence through redemptive acts. This is the […]
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Theology | Tagged: Bible-Mark, Demons, Exorcisms, Healing, Kingdom of God, Mark 1:29-39, Miracles, Practicing the Kingdom |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
October 8, 2008
[My book on the Shack is now available on Kindle.] If you are interested in a pastoral review of The Shack, that five part series begins here. While some have perhaps read The Shack as an actual account, the title page clearly identifies the piece as a “novel.” This is a fictional story. Young himself […]
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Pastoral Care, Theology | Tagged: Genre, Healing, Literature, Parable, Shack, The Shack, Theology, William P. Young, Woundedness, Wounds |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
August 25, 2008
“God seeps through the cracks.” I heard that statement today. I thought it profound; wish that I had originated it (there is my pride); and wondered why I had never heard it before (I thought I knew everything!). It struck me as so true…at least in my life and I can only speak for myself. When […]
6 Comments |
Pastoral Care, Spirituality | Tagged: Forgiveness, Grief, Guilt, Healing, Heart, Pain, Pride, Sin, Spirituality, Suffering, Wounds |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks