Promises for the Battle
Doug Knighton
Godliness #1—Profitable Godliness
Godliness God loves godly living because he is the center of its focus. We live in a godly way when we order both the form and substance of our existence so that everything accords with God’s intention to manifest his glory to and through human beings. Jesus did it, and he calls us to follow … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Supper and the Covenant
Remembering the significance of events is important in our culture. So we invent slogans and ceremonies to help us. “Remember the Alamo!” Fireworks on the fourth of July. “Never again!” Memorial Day. God gave the nation of Israel similar ways to remember. The most important of these was the observance of Passover. The Lord Jesus … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Having Fellowship With God
The psalmist said, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1). He was a shepherd, who had often seen deer panting for a satisfying drink from a stream’s pure waters. This was the best illustration he could think of to describe the intense longing that he … Continue reading
Civility #8—Civil Praise
I am not ashamed of the gospel because God makes his power to save available to everyone, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Romans 1:16 Yahweh, place a guard on my mouth! Protect the opening of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to evil speech as a way to participate in sinful activities. … Continue reading
Civility #7—Hopeful Civility
If you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are fortunate. So don’t let it bother you. Rather, set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts, so you will always be ready to answer, with courtesy and respect, anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 1 Peter 3:14–16 Hopeful people can be … Continue reading
Civility #6—Life-Giving Civility
Do you want to really live? Would you love to live a long, happy life? Then make sure you don’t speak evil words or use deceptive speech! Turn away from evil and do what is right! Pursue peace and promote it! Psalm 34:12–14 Isolation inspires insanity—and death! Cut off from positive human interaction, we human … Continue reading
Civility #5—Imitation Civility
When Christ suffered for you, he left you an example to follow: … When he was maligned, he did not respond with a curse; when he suffered, he did not threaten to retaliate. Rather, he placed his future in the hands of God because he judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21–23 How did he do it? … Continue reading
Civility #4—Civil Righteousness
Where jealousy and self-centeredness exist, there is disruption and every worthless practice. But wisdom from God is first pure, then peaceable, considerate, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and authentic. His wisdom, planted peacefully by peacemakers, yields righteousness. James 3:16–18 ‘Politician’ has been a four-letter word for ages. In the classical age of … Continue reading
Civility #3—Despicable Me
Why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. … All of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:10–12 The waitress asked Descartes if he’d like another cup of coffee. He said, “I think not.” Then he disappeared. Our self-perception colors … Continue reading
Civility #2—Imitative Civility
Treat your enemies as valuable; do what is best suited to meet someone’s needs; and lend without despairing that you will have enough. Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is usefully kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35 We call the smallest … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 