Month: October 2015
Preventing a Church Split
From the Book: Preventing a Church Split by Gene Edwards
Summarized by John David Hicks, Evangelist
This is a scenario; a textbook case form Gene Edwards on how a Continue reading
THE STEPS IN PROBLEM SOLVING
by John David Hicks © 1999
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself. Or you also may be tempted.” –Galatians 6:1
CENTER BOX: JESUS GIVES US THE KEY TO CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Sooner or later as a Christian you will experience some problem with another Christian. Continue reading
The Power & Responsibility of Your Words
by John David Hicks
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of Continue reading
WHAT IS A CULT AND HOW DO THEY WORK
by John David Hicks, Evangelist\Bible Teacher © 1985
Robert Bowman, a cult specialist, defines a cult as “…a religious organization who claims to be Christian, but denies the basic teaching of Biblical, historical Christianity, especially regarding the nature of God, the person and work of Christ, or the way of salvation. Every cult Continue reading
PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER & WORSHIP
by John David Hicks, Evangelist\Bible Teacher © 1997
“Pastor, teach us the essentials of prayer and worship in a simple way so that we can remember it, Continue reading
Why Pray?
“You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). Continue reading
A CHURCH BETWEEN PASTORS
Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 20:28-32 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, Continue reading
Cleansing A Church & Breaking Strongholds
By John David Hicks, Evangelist © 2004
Oppressive strongholds take root for a reason.
1. Confess any sins of the past.
-Have prayer team ask God what the problem is and what we need to do. Continue reading
Every Neighborhood Needs An Eleanor
By Joyce Holscher (Joyce is the sister of John David Hicks)
Adrenaline churned and my racing heart pumped as I assessed the neighborhood and nervously waited for the light to change. Graffiti graphically displayed the presence of gang activity in this area I once called home. This was where I planned to spend the evening – Continue reading
HOW TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE — “V-0-I-C-E”
by, John David Hicks, Evangelist © 1996
James 4:7-10; Hebrews 11:6
V – VACATE SELFISH DESIRES, by dying out to self, desiring God’s will to be done. (Luke 9:23; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Eph. 4:22-24). Is there any known sin or pride in your life that you have not confessed or made right? Then VACATE busyness. Be Continue reading
LOVE FEAST– “A Healing & Bread Breaking Service”
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without Continue reading
Prayer Warrior Commitment
Prayer Warrior Commitment*
FROM: John David Hicks, Evangelist
TO: The Prayer Warriors in the Church
Real REVIVAL is defined as the unconditional outpouring of God’s Continue reading
20 Questions and Answers to Build Your Faith for Healing
20 Questions and Answers to Build Your Faith for Healing
John David Hicks, Evangelist © 2004
Read Part One (1-15) before you are prayed for and Part Two (16-20) after you are prayed for. Meditate on the scriptures and your answers.
Part One (before you are prayed for) Continue reading
My Testimony
HOW I BECAME A CHRISTIAN: By John David Hicks
How You can become a Christian
As a child, I attended Sunday School at a community Church. I received a pen to reward me for seven years of perfect attendance. Even so, I did not understand what it meant to be a Christian. In the summer of the fifth grade, I attended a youth camp and went forward to become a Continue reading
My Prayer of Commitment!
John David Hicks, Evangelist © 1999
Jeremiah 31:3, “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving–kindness. NRSV, therefore Continue reading
God Has a New Life for You
Jesus said, “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’” (John 3:7). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has Continue reading
The Freedom of Forgiveness
by John David Hicks
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, Continue reading
What kind of God do you serve?
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am Continue reading
How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one…. Sanctify them by the Continue reading
How to Walk in the Spirit
John David Hicks, Evangelist / Bible Teacher *
Summer 2002 · Volume 6 Number 3
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 nkjv). “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness Continue reading
The Gospel As Told By the Glass Goblet
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
By John David Hicks
In my sermons on the filling of the Holy Spirit, I use a simple illustration. A large glass goblet filled with clean, pure water represents how God Continue reading
Enjoying Life!
The Secret of Contentment
By John David Hicks
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”—1 Timothy 6:6 “The thief comes only to steal and kill Continue reading
THE PURPOSE OF LIFE: The Relationship
By John David Hicks, Evangelist © 1998 Faith Encounter, Inc.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Continue reading
Developing Deeper Friendships Through the Art of Asking Questions
by Evangelist John David Hicks © Faith Encounter, Inc. 1997
“The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” (Prov. 20:5)
“The pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.” (Prov.27:9) Continue reading
God’s School of Life
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate Continue reading
The Three Great Priorities of Life Part 1
John David Hicks, Evangelist / Bible Teacher • Winter 2003 • Volume 7 Number 1
“If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!The grace of the
Lord Jesus Continue reading
The Three Great Priorities of Life – Part 2
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my d Continue reading
The Three Great Priorities of Life – Part 3
“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:18-20). “But in your Continue reading
The Laws of Faith
by John David Hicks, Evangelist © 1997
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power Continue reading
Integrity in Your Lifestyle
by John David Hicks, Evangelist © 1997
Some Guidelines for Judging Right and Wrong in Gray Areas. “Test everything. Hold on to the good.” 1 Thess. 5:21 Continue reading
The Day of Small Beginnings
by John David Hicks, Evangelist © 1996 www.faithencounter.org
Zechariah 4:6-10, “So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. “What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of God bless it! God bless it!’” Other trans: he shall bring out the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ Then the word of the LORD came to me: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. “Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”
This is the picture. After seventy years of Babylonian captivity, the children of Israel have now returned to their land with a commission from God to rebuild the temple. When the people reached Jerusalem, they built an altar and offered thanksgiving to the Lord.
Amidst the ruins they laid the foundation of the new temple. But they soon became discouraged with the daunting task ahead of them.
Zerubbabel, a descendent of King David, was the Governor and along with the people, he too becomes discouraged. Zechariah, is the prophet sent by God to encourage Zerubbabel. Let me paraphrase the rest of this story.
Zerubbabel tried to get the people back to work on rebuilding the temple. But his efforts had failed. All they could see were the heaps of temple rubble left by the Babylonian army 70 years earlier.
The people were so discouraged that nobody wanted to work. The task looked impossible.
One day, Zerubbabel sat down on a big rock and looked at the mess around his feet. Just then, the prophet Zechariah showed up with a cheery, “How’s it going?”
Zerubbabel sighed, “This place is sure a mess. I don’t know why we ever wanted to come back here any way? There’s nothing left in the city worth saving. This place is a disaster, with toppled stones and debris everywhere. I’m not the right person for this job.”
Pausing for a few seconds to brush the dust off his robes, Zerubbabel continued, “Nobody showed up for work again today. How am I supposed to raise up this temple to the glory of God without anyone here to work?”.
“Zerubbabel, the Lord is with you,” Zechariah encouraged. But, looking up at the prophet, Zerubbabel questioned, “Is God really with us?”
“Of course He is,” Zechariah declared. “It’s a fact what we are no longer in captivity. And, it is evident to all that it is His grace that brought us back to this land. I know you are discouraged but you are closer to seeing this place restored than you think.”
Still sensing Zerubbabel’s doubt and discouragement, Zechariah continued, “The Lord says, your hands have laid this foundation, and your hands will finish this Temple. But there’s something you must do first.”
Zerubbabel shook his head and moaned. But Zechariah said, “Now listen to me. You can do it. Do you see that big stone over there that’s almost hidden by a bush? That’s the finishing stone, the capstone, the final stone the workers will put into place on the new temple. Do you see it?”
“Yeah, I see it. So what?” Zerubbabel mumbled miserably.
“Zerubbabel, the Lord says you are to shout to it, ‘Grace, grace!’”
“What?” asked Zerubbabel in disbelief. “Shout to the stone? I’m supposed to shout to this capstone?”
“Listen, the Lord told me to tell you, ‘It is not by your might, or by your power that this will be accomplished. But by his Spirit.’ You must put your confidence in the grace of God. That’s what shouting ‘Grace!’ is all about. Now get up, walk over there and shout, ‘Grace! Grace!’”
“Zechariah, I know you want to help me. But I’m having trouble getting people to follow me now. If they see me out here shouting to a rock, they’ll think I’m crazy,” Zerubbabel argued.
“Zerubbabel, are you going to obey the Lord or not? Will you cast yourself, this task and your ministry on the grace of God? Will you trust Him or not?” Zechariah questioned.
Realizing he had nothing to lose, Zerubbabel looked around to see if anyone was watching, then he quietly said, “Grace… Grace…”
“No, no, Zerubbabel!” Zechariah implored. “Not like that. You’re supposed to shout it: Grace! Grace!”
After a few halfhearted shouts, both men stood looking at the capstone.
Finally Zechariah said, “You know what’s the matter with you, Zerubbabel? You’re despising the day of small beginnings.” Zerubbabel did not reply.
Zechariah continued, “Because you don’t see a lot happening right now, you think these days are not important. But the fact that you are here is the beginning of the move of the grace of God. “
Reaching over to touch Zerubbabel’s shoulder, Zechariah said, “God will not abandon the works of His hand. He will accomplish his purpose.”
“You are not to despise what’s happening now. Although it looks small, it’s real, and it is a start.” Pointing to the ground, Zechariah continued. “These obstacles and problems that look like a great mountain to you are going to become like a flat plain. You will see this temple completed and the capstone set in it’s place.”
“Why wait until the day you finish the temple to begin to praise God?” Zechariah asked. “Praise Him now and trust him to bless your efforts in this day of small beginnings. Shout out to the stone, Grace! Grace!”
In more ways than I can comprehend, God has been working in my own life. The rubble of my past is being cleared away. Slowly but surely the foundation of God has been laid anew. A beautiful temple to the glory of God is rising from the ruins. I have been shouting to the rubble and confusion, to the broken, hurting and the lost in this world, “Grace! Grace! God’s Grace!” And, I have seen God do more than I could ask or imagine (Eph.3:20).
The Lord’s message to Zerubbabel and to us is that some problems are beyond our control to resolve, no matter how strong or talented we are. When our ability fails, the task is completed by the Holy Spirit. “This is the word of the LORD to [you]: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (v6).
But what about you? Don’t underestimate God’s empowering grace in your life! Don’t despise the day of small beginnings. Will you bring your mountain of problems to the Lord, and shout out to them, “Grace! Grace!” along with me?
PRAYER: Lord, with your empowering presence, I take authority over the thief, the enemy, concerning (this situation–(John 10:10). And, I shout “Grace, grace!” to this mountain. (Zechariah 4:6-7; Ephesians 3:20-21). “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you” (Psalms 84:11–12). -Amen.
Encounter with a Supernatural God
“Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. Continue reading
Your Treasure Finances Your Destiny
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew Continue reading
A Passion for God (Part 1):
How you got it, lost it, and how you can find it again
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For Continue reading
A Passion for God (Part 2)
His presence is everything!
“Moses said to the Lord, ‘You have been telling me, “Lead these people,” but you have not let me know Continue reading
A Passion for God (part 3)
The Glory of God
“Then Moses said, ‘Now show me your glory.’ And the LORD said, ‘I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD,in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion… Continue reading
The Man of God and Sexual Sin
“Without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4). Continue reading
EL PODER DE NUESTRAS PALABRAS
por John David Hicks
Las palabras pueden sanar y restaurar un corazón herido, o por el contrario, destruir una vida. Una lengua Continue reading
The Ministry of Suffering
“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering…. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted…. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect Continue reading
Living with Rejection and the Praise of Men
“Then Saul said, ‘I have sinned…. Surely I have acted like a fool and have erred greatly'” (1 Samuel 26:21). “Many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not con-fess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:42-43). “We are fools for the sake of Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:10 NRSV). Continue reading
Sin Has Moved Into the Church
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).
By John David Hicks
If any mortal man could glory in his earthly splendor, Nebuchadnezzar Continue reading
Aaron’s Halfway Repentance
“‘But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out'” (Numbers 32:23). “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: “Among those who approach me I wil Continue reading
THE MAKING OF MIGHTY MEN OF GOD*
by John David Hicks, Evangelist © 1997
1 Chronicles 11:9-11, 22-25 And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him. These were the chiefs of David’s mighty men — they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised…Benaiah Continue reading
God’s Kind of Faith
The way to ascend into the supernatural faith of God (Part 1)
A universal law, the Law of Faith, rules the physical and spiritual worlds. Three things are essential in life the Bible tells us: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV). Continue reading
Faith for Revival
The way to ascend into the supernatural faith of God (Part 2)
What is faith? Faith is being sure of something we can’t see. Hebrews 11:1 is the official definition: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Continue reading
Faith That Performs the Works of God
The way to ascend into the supernatural faith of God (Part 3)
“What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:28-29 NRSV). Continue reading
Gospel of Healing
Salvation, Healing, and Deliverance: The Scriptural Proof
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Psalm 103:2-4 NKJV).
By John David Hicks Continue reading
Moving to the Next Level Spiritually
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4). “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19).
By John David Hicks
In 1947, Chuck Yeager Continue reading
The Principles That Move You to the Next Level
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
By John David Hicks Continue reading
The Look That Transforms
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
By John David Hicks
On August 7, 1954, in Vancouver, Canada, one of the greatest track and field events Continue reading
The Lost Key to Power and Authority
“Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge (understanding). You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering” (Luke 11:52). “I will come to you very soon…and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:19-20). Continue reading
Who You Are Determines Your Success and Destiny
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). “Above all else, guard your heart [your affections], for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Continue reading
The Authority of Righteousness
“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 4:25-5:2). God did this “For the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26 nasb). Continue reading
The Good Shepherd Mission Trip
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
By John David Hicks
Jesus presents two pictures in the tenth chapter of John: the Good Shepherd and the thief. The Good Shepherd loves th Continue reading
Mission Trip Pictures
To the People that provided the Bicycles for Pastors and Medical insurance for the Orphans.
Here are the pictures from Rwanda, Africa of the results of your generous gifts. Some of you provided cash Continue reading
The Power of Righteousness (Part 2)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). “But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom’” (Hebrews 1:8). “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30) Continue reading
The Victory of Righteousness (Part 3)
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
By John David Hicks Continue reading
How to Overcome Temptation!
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Continue reading
The Second Missionary Journey
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29). “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18). Continue reading
God’s Economy or the World’s–It’s Your Choice!
“Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). “It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NASB). “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God Continue reading
Living in God’s Presence
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).
By John David Hicks Continue reading
Prayer for a Wayward Child
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate….’ Not long after that, [he]…set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living…and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. Continue reading
You Need God’s Grace
““From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another” (John 1:16). “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:16-17).
By John David Hicks
“The unaware life is not worth living,” said Socrates.
It’s also true that the Christian who is unaware of the beauty of grace Continue reading
How to Hide God’s Word in Your Heart
“I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word” (Psalm 119:15-16 NASB).
By John David Hicks
The psalmist internalized God’s Word by meditation, delight, and memorization. “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:10-11). He desires not just to know about God, but to know God personally, His ways, Continue reading
God’s Eternal Passionate Purpose
“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:3-4).
By John David Hicks Continue reading
A Harvest of Righteousness
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest” (Isaiah 32:17-18). “For the kingdom of God is…righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men” (Romans 14:17-18).
By John David Hicks
When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, something amazi Continue reading
“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
By John David Hicks
These six words of Jesus can free your heart and stop Satan’s accusations. They will help you overcome trouble, fear, and condemnation: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJV).
Emily’s Quinceañera
By John David Hicks
My family recently experienced a new tradition. My daughter Sandra married a man from Guatemala 17 years ago. They have two children, a girl and a boy. In all of Central and South America and even Mexico, when a girl turns 15 the family celebrates what is called a Quinceañera.
A Quinceañera is the Continue reading
Condemnation Kills
“The letter (the law) kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3:6).
By John David Hicks
The Garden of Eden had two trees that Adam and Eve could choose to live by. They chose to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, although God had forbidden them to eat of it.
That tree was an example of living in the flesh, living in self-centeredness. Like Satan, when you live in independe Continue reading
“David Strengthened Himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6)
By John David Hicks
Known in Scripture as a “man after God’s own heart,” David was a worshiper. His name means “Beloved of the Lord.” He was called and chosen. Yet in his troubles, problems, sin, and discouragement, David had to “strengthen himself in the Lord.” At times he had to preach to himself to regain his strength. I’m sure he would often remind himself of God’s faithfulness when he had faced the lion, the bear, and King Saul.
It’s Opportunity Time!
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15–17).By John David Hicks
There are many things in life that demand your time. You choose Continue reading
An Invitation to a Covenant Relationship
““‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws upon their heart, and on their mind I will write them.’ He then says, ‘And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more’” (Hebrews 10:16-17 NASB).
By John David Hicks Continue reading
Plugging into the Power of the Church
By John David Hicks, Evangelist / Bible Teacher • Summer 2012 • Volume 16 Number 2
Acts 17 tells the story of Paul and Silas going to Thessalonica. The preaching and demonstrating the gospel led to a great multitude of believers. There was a reaction to this and a riot broke out. The mob started looking for Paul and Silas. “When they did not find Continue reading
The Power of Blessing or Cursing
By John David Hicks
When I was a freshman in college, someone suggested at a dorm meeting that we play a prank on Joe who wasn’t there. “Here’s what we’ll do. Through-out the day each of us says something negative to Joe. He looks sick, his skin has bad color, he ought to go to bed….”
Praying the Scriptures
By John David Hicks
There is a special blessing, authority, and power when you pray the Word of God. “Praying God’s Word completely changed my prayer life,” one pastor said. “It was like lifting weights—suddenly my prayers had real substance and I could tell I was putting on some spiritual muscle.”
Listening Prayer
By John David Hicks
Many times I have come to the Lord in prayer wanting provision or guidance, not for the relationship itself. But it’s the relationship we have with the Lord that is the key to the abundant life He has promised. A good relationship is the ability to relate to others, to give and take with listening and sharing things in common. Relationships take time, patience, and the desire to be together.
Love Stoppers
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1). “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Gal. 5:14). “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).
By John David Hicks
When a couple attends marriage counseling and are thinking of getting a divorce, I ask them this question: “When you got married, were you in love with each other?” They almost always say, “Yes, we were in love and that’s why we got married. But now we can’t stand each other.”
A Letter to a Devastated Christian
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6).
By John David Hicks
My dear brother in Christ,
Your question about hearing the voice of God has more to do with the assurance of your salvation than it does with divine guidance. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize that “the just shall live by faith” (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17). Your faith is based on the trustworthiness of God’s Word. Trusting God’s Word during a time of devastation or solitude in your life will build that relationship. So hang in there and trust God’s Word.
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My Prayer Partners
To My Prayer Partners!
“Jesus says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV). God wants to fellowship with you. Out of that fellowship you will do and see what the father is doing.
By John David Hicks
Jesus’ times of prayer were not seeking God’s will but seeking fellowship, His presence. When you read the Gospels you see that Jesus has a message and put it into practice. He is doing what God is doing.
To walk with God and live in His Continue reading
1 SCRIPTURE ON HEALING
By John David Hicks, Evangelist/ Bible Teacher © 2002
“Since faith comes by hearing the word of God, then, if we expect the people to have faith to receive God’s divine blessing of physical healing, we must teach them these scriptural truths which alone can build faith for this blessing,” says T.L. Osborn in Healing The Sick. He continues, “How many would be saved if they never heard a message on salvation? Or if, when the subject of salvation was addressed, the main points were: Continue reading
2 HOW TO RECEIVE DIVINE HEALING
By John David Hicks, Evangelist /Bible Teacher © 2002
The Bible tells us that it’s God’s will for everyone to be saved. But why is it that all are not saved? You must receive Salvation by faith (Eph. 2:8-9; John 1:12). Peter tells us that we are born again by believing the word of God. “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of i Continue reading
3 A PRAYER FOR HEALING
By John David Hicks, Evangelist/ Bible Teacher © 2002
Before and after the healing service, meditate on this prayer and the Scriptures:
LORD, as your child, have mercy on me and heal me. You have made provision for my healing at the Cross and declared that it is your will to heal me. By your grace impart into me the gift of faith—your faith—so that there is no striving on my part. With your faith comes a rest, a confidence, and a knowing. Continue reading
THE POWER OF SOAKING PRAYER! (4 of 4 parts)
By John David Hicks, Evangelist © 2003
“Soaking Prayer” or “Soaking in the Lord” is when you have a time of concentrated prayer and waiting in the presence of God. It conveys the idea that something is dry and needs to soak in moisture to be refreshed. Like “soaking in a tub, you are saturated and surrounded by warm bath water; you are peaceful and relaxed.” On the spiritual side, Continue reading
Prescription For Revival
I CAN GIVE YOU A PRESCRIPTION THAT WILL BRING REVIVAL”
John David Hicks, Evangelist\Bible Teacher © 1998
These are the word’s of Dr. Reuben A. Torrey who saw God give revival in the late 1800’s. His “prescription” included three basic requirements.
FIRST: Let a few Christians get thoroughly right with God. If this is not done, the rest will come to nothing. Continue reading
Listening Prayer
By John David Hicks
Many times I have come to the Lord in prayer wanting provision or guidance, not for the relationship itself. But it’s the relationship we have with the Lord that is the key to the abundant life He has promised. A good relationship is the ability to relate to others, to give and take with listening and sharing things in common. Relationships take time, patience, and the Continue reading