Mark Hicks

The gospel of grace isn’t just hard to accept for sinners—it’s offensive to saints who still don’t fully understand it. Jesus said, “Blessed is the one who is not offended by Me” (Matthew 11:6). The elect are chosen, but they still must contend for the truth of the gospel (Jude 3), because many will drift, distort, or even oppose the radical grace that saved them.

Grace will always be scandalous to those still holding on to self.
Even the elect must be reminded: “You are saved by grace through faith… it is not of yourselves.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

#jesus #God #Love #mercy #peace #follow #scripture #bible #context #exegesis #truth #grace #religion

6 months ago | [YT] | 0

Mark Hicks

Just like in Galatia, where believers began in the Spirit but tried to be perfected by the flesh (Galatians 3:3), many today face pressure from denominational traditions, cultural norms, or community expectations that add to the gospel. Even chosen, Spirit-filled believers may yield to that pressure, especially if it promises revival, morality, or acceptance. Rebel

#jesus #God #Love #mercy #peace #follow #scripture #bible #context #exegesis #truth #grace #religion

6 months ago | [YT] | 1

Mark Hicks

Human nature craves credit. Even the elect battle the flesh’s desire to contribute to salvation, sanctification, or blessing through works. Paul said, “If it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace” (Romans 11:6). Yet many still subtly or overtly try to mix the two.

Even Peter—one of the elect—was rebuked publicly by Paul for falling back into legalistic behavior (Galatians 2:11-14). If Peter could be swayed, anyone can.

#jesus #God #Love #mercy #peace #follow #scripture #bible #context #exegesis #truth #grace #religion

6 months ago | [YT] | 1

Mark Hicks

Paul said he feared the Corinthians would be led astray “from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Grace is simple, but people often prefer complex systems that make them feel in control. Many of the elect get caught up in movements, revelations, or systems that seem deeper but subtly shift trust away from Christ alone.

#jesus #God #Love #mercy #peace #follow #scripture #bible #context #exegesis #truth #grace #religion

6 months ago | [YT] | 1

Mark Hicks

Paul warned the Ephesian elders: “From among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). False gospels—legalism, performance, prosperity, mysticism—target even the elect. Jesus warned that “false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).

Note: “If possible” suggests strong deception, not loss of election—but the threat of falling away from grace (not salvation) is real. #gospel

6 months ago | [YT] | 0

Mark Hicks

What Jesus actually said in Luke 24:46-47…

“It is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. Now go and proclaim this finished message to all nations: people must change the way they think, because forgiveness of sins has already been secured in My name—beginning at Jerusalem.”

What exactly are you proclaiming? Plenty gets preached these days—often just to reach into your pocketbook. But the resurrected Jesus made it clear what we’re meant to proclaim.

“Repent” is a changed of mind, and “pardon of sins” was dealt with at the cross. God is not imputing sin to people, that’s religion’s job and they are working overtime.

In Luke 24:47, the phrase “should be proclaimed” in the Greek is kērussō, which means to publish or openly announce something that has already been accomplished.

He’s telling the disciples to go out and proclaim the good news: That sin has been dealt with once and for all, and people need to change their minds about it.

#truth #bible #context

8 months ago | [YT] | 0

Mark Hicks

It’s His blood, not our efforts, that secured our forgiveness.

One drop of His🩸abolished sin.

“In him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,” (Ephesians 1:7)

This verse is a powerful reminder that our forgiveness and redemption are entirely the work of Christ’s finished work on the cross—His blood. It’s not about anything we can do or have done—it’s about His blood shed for us, demonstrating the riches of His grace.

Paul emphasizes that forgiveness is a gift, not a reward for our efforts, which ties directly to the scandalous nature of grace. It’s not earned; it’s given freely because of His love. What a humbling and freeing truth! #grace

10 months ago | [YT] | 0

Mark Hicks

I was beyond excited to see this scene as I turned my drone around! Thank you Lord for allowing me to see your beautiful work! #photography #djimavicpro2 #nature #God #Jesus #HolySpirit #love

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Mark Hicks

We must remember that Jesus was born under law (Gal 4:4), and taught the law on steroids (Matt 5). The NC began what the blood was shed. Everything changed after the cross (Heb 7:12). ‪@mark_hicks‬

#Christian #Jesus #Faith #Christianity #Bible #God #Church #Worship #Prayer #JesusChrist

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 0

Mark Hicks

Scaring people to Jesus only produces an emotion-based religious experience. Love never fails. Scare tactics might momentarily grab attention, but they rarely lead to genuine transformation. Love, however, reaches the heart and creates a foundation for a real relationship with Jesus. As Scripture says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Fear fades, but love endures.

#love #truth #Jesus

1 year ago | [YT] | 0