May 13, 2009
[Note: I am attempting to keep these SBD installments under 2000 words each, but that is–of course–quite inadequate for the topics covered. Consequently, these contributions are more programmatic than they are explanatory or defenses of the positions stated. You may access the whole series at my Serial page.] God partners with humanity as divine representatives […]
14 Comments | Theology | Tagged: Anthropology, Bible-Genesis, Creation, Humanity, Identity, Image of God, Missio Dei, Mission, Missional, Original Sin, Sin, Sinful Nature, Vocation | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
March 29, 2009
One formerly unchurched person recently told me about his first experience with the Lord’s supper. He had grown up in the inner city where a gang was his family. Befriended by “good Samaritans” in a time of need, he attended “church” for the first time and sat on the second row with his new friend. […]
13 Comments | Theology | Tagged: Bible-Acts, Bible-Luke, Ecclesiology, Eucharist, Lord's Supper, Ministry of Jesus, Missional, Sacraments, Table | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
February 27, 2009
Road Trip: Shaped by Mission “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s […]
8 Comments | Spirituality | Tagged: Apprentice, Bible-Acts, Bible-Luke, Christology, Church, Ecclesiology, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom, Mission, Missional | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
September 5, 2008
“In my former book, Theophilus, I worte about all that Jesus began to do and to teach….” (Acts 1:1). “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and […]
1 Comment | Theology | Tagged: Bible-Acts, Church, Curse, Ecclesiology, Eschatology, Ethnicity, Gender, Kingdom, Mission, Missional, Race | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
September 2, 2008
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). “Today this scripture is […]
13 Comments | Theology | Tagged: Bible-Luke, Christology, Church, Curse, Discipleship, Ecclesiology, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom, Ministry of Jesus, Mission, Missional, Salvation | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
August 23, 2008
“…Galilee of the Gentiles–the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:15d-16). “…Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17) “Galilee of the Gentiles”? Is that not part of the land of promise? Indeed. […]
4 Comments | Theology | Tagged: Beatitudes, Bible-Matthew, Christology, Curse, Fall, Galilee, Gospel, Hope, Jesus, Kingdom, Mission, Missional | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
March 31, 2008
Christians in the early centuries approached the doctrine of God according to the structure of the Apostles’ Creed and the earliest baptismal formulas: “I believe in one God the Father, I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, and I believe in one Holy Spirit.” To believe in one God is to believe in the Creator […]
3 Comments | Theology | Tagged: Church, Ecclesiology, Love, Mission, Missional, Missionary, Theology, Trinity | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
August 29, 2006
I admit it; actually, I confess it–I find “Sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Luke 12:33) a hard and difficult saying. Probably more than any other saying of Jesus–even “love your enemies”–I’m inclined to throw up my hands and say “I can’t do that.” It puts me in the position of the Rich […]
29 Comments | Biblical Texts, Spirituality | Tagged: Bible-Luke, Discipleship, Materialism, Mission, Missional, Poor, Possessions, Poverty, Wealth | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
July 30, 2006
I can’t seem to get it out of my mind, and I’ve tried. After working through Luke as preacher, Bible class teacher and small group leader for eleven months, I have found myself profoundly convicted. Over the next few posts (however long that takes me, and my track record on posting is not laudatory), I […]
6 Comments | Biblical Texts, Theology | Tagged: Bible-Luke, Ecclesiology, Kingdom, Mission, Missional | Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks