Promises for the Battle
Community
Grace #3—Varieties of Grace
Use the gift you have received to serve one another as good stewards of the varieties of God’s grace. Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:10–11). With apologies to Browning: … Continue reading
Living Wisely #8—Wisely Chosen
Go to the ant, O sluggard. Observe her ways and be wise. Notice that, having no chief, officer or ruler, she prepares her food in the summer, and gathers her provision in the harvest. Proverbs 6:6–8 For a regret-free future, take the initiative now. We live wisely when we see what needs to be done … Continue reading
Forgiveness #7—Saving Forgiveness
Be on your guard so you don’t destroy faith! If other followers of Christ sin against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. And if one of them sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, “I repent,” forgive each one of them. Luke 17:3–4 We have … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … about Grace and Reconciliation, Part 1
When I was becoming an Army Ranger in late 1969, the cadre emphasized, in many ways, that we were members of a team, and that we would not succeed in our combat missions unless we were in tune with and in sync with one another. “Cooperate and graduate” became our mantra. Fast forward twenty nine … Continue reading
Servants #2— Selfish Servants
God has composed the body—giving more abundant honor to the members which lacked—so that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 1 Corinthians 12:24-25 We can be selfish in two ways, a good way and a bad way. As we disbelieve this … Continue reading
Civility #4—Civil Righteousness
Where jealousy and underhandedness exist, there is disruption and worthless practices. 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 a long time. In the classical age … Continue reading
Speech #1—Edifying Words
Let no rotten word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification (according to the need of the moment) so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29) Because we live in a community with other human beings, it is extremely important that we be conscientious … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … I Need More Faith
The Bible commands us to love one another and to pray for one another. One of the means which the church I attend uses to encourage this is to have the congregation on Sunday evenings form little groups of four or five to share prayer requests, and then to pray together for several minutes. This … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 