January 26, 2023
Texts: Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:1-2a, Luke 4:16-21; Matthew 4:13-17 Days 33-36 in Around the Bible in Eighty Days. Israel needed a do-over. Humanity needed a do-over. The Messiah comes to recapitulate the story of humanity through the story of Israel. This lesson is the beginning of the Messiah’s participation in the story of Israel in […]
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Theodrama | Tagged: Baptism, Isaiah 61, Israel, Messiah, Ministry, Nazareth Manifesto, Red Sea, Reed Sea, Temptations, Trials, Wilderness |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
May 11, 2022
A Keynote Address for Harbor, Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, on May 6, 2022 Influenced by both their Greco-Roman culture and egged on by the intruders Paul called the “super-apostles,” the Corinthians apparently thought the ministry of a celebrity pastor like Paul should be characterized by thrilling and brilliant rhetoric about his visionary experiences, triumphant […]
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Biblical Texts, Theology | Tagged: 2 Corinthians 4:18-16, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Lament, Ministry, New Creation, Resurrection, Suffering |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
April 9, 2022
Finally, after preparing his readers for twenty-one verses, Paul begins his foolish boasting. Paul’s boasting matches, in some way, the “super-apostles” (hyperlian apostolōn; 2 Corinthians 11:8; 12:11). Whatever boasts they may have boldly announced, Paul can match them and more. Just as the “super-apostles” are apparently Hebrews, Israelites, descendants of Abraham, and ministers of Christ, […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: 2 Corinthians 11, 2 Corinthians 11:21b-29, Boasting, Church, Humility, Ministry, Suffering, Weak |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
November 20, 2021
If the ministry of the new covenant mediates the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Messiah, why is Paul’s ministry so filled with suffering? The gospel, epitomized in the death and resurrection of Jesus, calls its ministers—all believers—to give themselves for the sake of others. When we follow Jesus into his ministry, […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Death, Glory, Gospel, Hope, Jesus, Ministry, Resurrection, Suffering |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks
October 28, 2021
Paul asks, who is sufficient (competent, qualified, or adequate) for the ministry of reconciliation? This question begins a lengthy digression (if that is an appropriate description; 2 Corinthians 2:14-7:4) where Paul describes the significance, practice, and meaning of the ministry of reconciliation in which he is engaged for the sake of the Corinthians and others. […]
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Biblical Texts | Tagged: 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6, Competence, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Letters of Recommendation, Ministry, New Covenant, Pneumatology, Spirit, Tablets of stone |
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Posted by John Mark Hicks