June 1, 2023
I have now read the sixth of twelve books suggested by FB friends. This one was recommended by Clayton Homewood. This is my summary. Marcus Peter Johnson, One with Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013). Salvation, according to historic Christianity, is our personal union with the living Christ, our inclusion in […]
No Comments » |
Books | Tagged: Christology, Ecclesiology, Justification, Sacraments, Sanctification, Soteriology, Union |
Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
November 28, 2022
In response to a dear friend’s question about listening to the Spirit and discernment. I wish listening to the Spirit was a mechanical process that always had a clear outcome. Unfortunately, we human beings are the ones who still do the “listening,” and our listening is complicated by our own interests, biases, and fears. Just […]
No Comments » |
Pastoral Care, Spirituality, Theology | Tagged: Church, Community, Discernment, Holy Spirit, Sanctification |
Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
February 28, 2018
For many the Holy Spirit is an impersonal, imperceptible, and indiscernible force. Cloaked in mystery, many find it difficult to “get a handle” on the Spirit. The Spirit has no “face” like Jesus nor any personal metaphors, such as parent, mother, or husband, like Israel’s God. Our desire, of course, is not so much to […]
4 Comments |
Spirituality, Theology | Tagged: Communion, Fellowship, Gifts, Holy Spirit, Pneumatology, Sanctification, Spiritual Gifts, Transformation |
Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
February 22, 2017
Paul describes salvation in three tenses—past, present and future. We have been saved (Ephesians 2:8), we are in the process of being saved (2 Corinthians 2:15), and we will be saved (Romans 5:9-10). Theologians have generally summarized these “tenses” as “Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification.” The Stone-Campbell Movement has recognized each of these, but different people […]
No Comments » |
Uncategorized | Tagged: Baptism, Eschatology, Faith, Glorification, Justification, Sanctification, Soteriology', Stone-Campbell |
Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
June 17, 2015
A marginalized, refugee community within a hostile culture is potentially filled with stress, suspicion, and selfishness. Communities sometimes turn on each other rather than caring for each other. Peter recognizes this possibility and addresses the need for this new community, living a new life, to grow in love for each other. As children of God […]
No Comments » |
Biblical Texts | Tagged: Born again, Conversion, Isaiah 40, Love, Psalm 34, regneration, Salvation, Sanctification |
Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
May 11, 2015
Everyone wants to be chosen, especially those who feel marginalized or undervalued. Many of us remember what it feels like to be the last one chosen in a pickup game of basketball or uninvited to the school party. Sometimes we feel like outsiders, and sometimes we are treated like outsiders. Sometimes we simply are outsiders. […]
2 Comments |
Biblical Texts | Tagged: 1 Peter, Alien, Covenant, Culture, Election, Resident Aliens, Sanctification, Trinity |
Permalink
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 […]
3 Comments |
Biblical Texts, Stone-Campbell | Tagged: Assembly, Character, David Lipscomb, Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Israel, Love, Obedience, Ordinances, Sanctification, Transformation |
Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks
March 17, 2010
Text: Philippians 3:4-14 That can’t be a commendable hunger, can it? To hunger for power. It depends on what kind of power we are talking about. To hunger for Caesar’s power (or wealth or status) is ungodly, but to hunger for the power to become like Jesus is something different. This is not a hunger […]
No Comments » |
Biblical Texts, Theology | Tagged: Bible-Philippians, Christ, Christology, Faith, Justification, Lent, Righteousness, Sanctification |
Permalink
Posted by John Mark Hicks