John Mark Hicks

Hosea is redundant as he returns to the themes of idolatry and political alliances. This is more than literary style; it speaks to the stopped ears of his audience, their stubbornness, and the need to hear again—as a kind of last measure appeal—the deep corruption in their society. Apparently, the message is not penetrating their […]

What are the righteous to do when the world is falling about? When the lovers of violence and injustice are shooting arrows at the followers of the way? Psalm 11 responds to these questions, and the answer is rooted in Yahweh’s identity, faithfulness, and love. Bobby Valentine and John Mark Hicks discuss the meaning of […]

Where: Woodmont Hills Church of Christ, Nashville, TN Access:  Classroom 205 or available on Zoom (email me for link) Time: Wednesdays, September 4 – December 18 @ 6:30-7:30pm (Central Time) Teacher: John Mark Hicks Many remember the stories of Daniel in the Lion’s Den or his three friends in the fiery furnace. Perhaps we remember […]

Dr. James Nesmith, Jr. joins Bobby Valentine and John Mark Hicks to discuss the meaning and significance of Psalm 58. This is an imprecatory lament against injustice on the part of rulers (whether “gods” as NRSV has it, or “rulers” as the NIV [2011] has it). How might we pray this prayer today as disciples […]

The Common Grounds Unity Podcast hosted Bobby Valentine and myself to discuss our book Kingdom Come: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of David Lipscomb and James Harding. We discuss the theocentric dynamic nature of Lipscomb (d. 1917) and Harding’s (d. 1922) spirituality. The link for the podcast and the book are in the first comments. Listen […]

To which polis do you belong? I’m not asking in which geographical cities do we live, nor am I asking which nation-state do we inhabit? I am asking which polis shapes our identity, drives life, and defines our telos (the end toward which we live life)? Which polis gives our lives meaning and purpose? Paul […]

Peter Jay Martin, following in the footsteps of his father Joseph Lemuel Martin, authored a book that surveyed Revelation. Published by the McQuiddy Company (the Gospel Advocate publisher) in 1913, it was entitled The Mystery Finished, or The New Heavens and the New Earth. Peter’s book is not as well known as his father’s (The Voice of […]

Following the feeding of the 4,000 in the Decapolis on the eastern side of the Galilean Sea, Jesus and his disciples crossed over to the other side on the western shore, probably near Magdala. Jesus is now back among the Jewish villages of Galilee and immediately he faces opposition. Some Pharisees continue their argument with […]

In 1896, the people of the United States elected William McKinley (Republican) over William Jennings Bryan (Democrat). McKinley lead a voting block of wealthy business people, skilled factory workers, large farm owners and professionals located mainly in the Northeast, Midwest and West coast that defeated Bryan’s Southern and Rocky Mountain constituency. McKinley defeated Bryan 51% […]

In 1878 Lipscomb was chastised by George W. Hanlin, a fellow-Tennesean, for his views on civil government.  The writer doubted whether we would have the freedom to worship God if the “good, truly pious mean of 1776” had not framed our government. Christians should participate in politics because “laws were made to restrain bad people, […]