BILL’S BLOG ENTRY #71

From “Discipleship and Discipline” by William H. Hicks, copyright March, 2005:

“CHAPTER THREE: POWER FOR DISCIPLESHIP- THE RESURRECTION, continued
“Recall the Great Commission. “When Jesus came near, He spoke to them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. “And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.” (Matthew 28: 18 – 20, God’s Word translation)

Recall our earlier discussion about acceptance. Acceptance means to reach out with an open hand to receive. Acceptance implies a willingness to take something offered from someone else voluntarily. Acceptance conveys not only the willingness to assume personally the responsibility to take the appropriate action, but also implies a confidence or assurance that one has the capability/capacity to do the job successfully. We must accept Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. In the same manner, we must also accept the responsibilities of discipleship. God does not force Himself on anyone!

If we are to make disciples of all nations, we must have the power to be disciples. “And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised Him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His name.”

The power for discipleship and discipling is in the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.””

About THE DISCIPLE

William H. “Bill” Hicks is a graduate of Wesleyan University, BA, Religion, 1971 who also holds a Masters in Public Health Degree (MPH) from the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health (1973). Bill also has studied at the Dallas Theological Seminary. He grew up in Harlem, New York City, USA during the 1950s and 1960s, graduating from high school before attending Mount Hermon Preparatory School and undergraduate school in Connecticut. He has spent most of his professional life in the public health arena, while being constantly in ministry. He received his license to preach the Gospel at Oklahoma City, OK in 1971. He has written extensively on Christian topics. He enjoys life in Chattanooga, TN with former District Public Defender Ardena Garth Hicks, his wife of 30 years. They have two daughters, Rachel (BA, University of Memphis magna cum laude, 2014) and Sarah (Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, Global Scholar, University of Tulsa, 2017).

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