How to debate the Bible: for beginners

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Grailhunter

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Most of the time I see people on the forum discussing interpretation of the scriptures and sometime various sins.

What I do not see is discussions about the applications of Christian beliefs in motion and what we should do to lead a good Christian life.

So I am asking that question….What should we do to lead a good Christian life? What does a good Christian life look like?

I am not talking about theology. I am not talking about prophecy. I am not talking about sin or demons.

If you were explaining it to a new Christian, what would you tell him or them to do?
 
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amadeus

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@Grailhunter A "good" Christian life looks like Jesus.
What anyone needs to do is, Listen to Him and obey. To listen you must be able to hear and then when you do Hear, obey! Hearing comes from...?


"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom 10:17
 

Nancy

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Most of the time I see people on the forum discussing interpretation of the scriptures and sometime various sins.

What I do not see is discussions about the applications of Christian beliefs in motion and what we should do to lead a good Christian life.

So I am asking that question….What should we do to lead a good Christian life? What does a good Christian life look like?

I am not talking about theology. I am not talking about prophecy. I am not talking about sin or demons.

If you were explaining it to a new Christian, what would you tell him or them to do?

To me it means many different things. Like, not to return evil for evil. If someone were nasty to me, my knee jerk reaction USED to be, give it right back and more so. Now, I see that we are not to do that because it could blemish our walk in front of un- believers and most likely push them further away from the Truth of Jesus. Then of course, there is the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22,23.

If explaining to a new Christian, I would first off tell them how God has come through for me time and time again when I am faithful. Then I would tell them that surrendering ALL things to Him will bring about wonderful revelations in their lives.
And, that it is all about trust and faith, and that He means what He says! And of course, repentance, turning the other way when temptation rears it's ugly head and to lean on Him when this happens. So basically, repentance, trust and faith :)
 

Nancy

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To me it means many different things. Like, not to return evil for evil. If someone were nasty to me, my knee jerk reaction USED to be, give it right back and more so. Now, I see that we are not to do that because it could blemish our walk in front of un- believers and most likely push them further away from the Truth of Jesus. Then of course, there is the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22,23.

If explaining to a new Christian, I would first off tell them how God has come through for me time and time again when I am faithful. Then I would tell them that surrendering ALL things to Him will bring about wonderful revelations in their lives.
And, that it is all about trust and faith, and that He means what He says! And of course, repentance, turning the other way when temptation rears it's ugly head and to lean on Him when this happens. So basically, repentance, trust and faith :)
...And submission.
 

justbyfaith

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Most of the time I see people on the forum discussing interpretation of the scriptures and sometime various sins.

What I do not see is discussions about the applications of Christian beliefs in motion and what we should do to lead a good Christian life.

So I am asking that question….What should we do to lead a good Christian life? What does a good Christian life look like?

I am not talking about theology. I am not talking about prophecy. I am not talking about sin or demons.

If you were explaining it to a new Christian, what would you tell him or them to do?

I would point them to John 15:1-8; and tell them to draw up nourishment from the Holy Spirit by being connected to Jesus Christ.

This means staying in the word and asking the Lord on a regular basis to help you to obey it; and to obey it.

Jas 1:21, Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Jas 1:22, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Jas 1:23, For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24, For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Jas 1:25, But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Some basic things to be obedient to are found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49).
 
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Giuliano

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So do we want to include God in our lives?
How do we make God part of our life?
Look for good things to do. I think we are automatically including God in our lives when we show love for each other.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

I believe many good ideas we have come from God. Many good deeds are small, but we still should do them when we see them; but sometimes they are big and dramatic too.

Man hailed as hero for saving the lives of 3 men from overturned car in icy pond

Terry Ingram was out taking pictures of eagles in Bellevue, Nebraska, on Saturday afternoon when he witnessed a white sedan lose control while crossing railroad tracks, strike a fire hydrant and then land upside down in the ice-cold pond, according to ABC News’ Omaha affiliate station KETV.

“The car just came right in front of me,” said Ingram. “They hit the fire hydrant and I don’t think they even touched the ground … they were already airborne.”

Ingram then heard the men screaming for help and he immediately jumped into action.

"I panicked when I heard the guy's voice. 'Get me out, it's filling full of water,'" Ingram told KETV. "Once I pulled the door open, the water started going in, and he was coming out. Just seeing those bodies there, I thought they were gone."

Ingram dove into the freezing water and managed to pull one of the car doors open.

The story ends:

Ingram told KETV that he will always look back at the pictures he took that day and be thankful that his timing was right and that he was there to save the lives of the three men. He also hopes to meet up with the men he saved to see how they're doing after their traumatic experience.

"God puts people [in] places for a reason,” he said.
 

amadeus

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So do we want to include God in our lives?
How do we make God part of our life?
Is not reasonable service on our part an important part of it?

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Rom 12:1-2

If we do less than that, what should we expect? Who will be attracted through us to Him?

"Pray without ceasing." I Thess 5:17

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Phil 4:4
 

Grailhunter

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Look for good things to do. I think we are automatically including God in our lives when we show love for each other.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

I believe many good ideas we have come from God. Many good deeds are small, but we still should do them when we see them; but sometimes they are big and dramatic too.

Man hailed as hero for saving the lives of 3 men from overturned car in icy pond

Terry Ingram was out taking pictures of eagles in Bellevue, Nebraska, on Saturday afternoon when he witnessed a white sedan lose control while crossing railroad tracks, strike a fire hydrant and then land upside down in the ice-cold pond, according to ABC News’ Omaha affiliate station KETV.

“The car just came right in front of me,” said Ingram. “They hit the fire hydrant and I don’t think they even touched the ground … they were already airborne.”

Ingram then heard the men screaming for help and he immediately jumped into action.

"I panicked when I heard the guy's voice. 'Get me out, it's filling full of water,'" Ingram told KETV. "Once I pulled the door open, the water started going in, and he was coming out. Just seeing those bodies there, I thought they were gone."

Ingram dove into the freezing water and managed to pull one of the car doors open.

The story ends:

Ingram told KETV that he will always look back at the pictures he took that day and be thankful that his timing was right and that he was there to save the lives of the three men. He also hopes to meet up with the men he saved to see how they're doing after their traumatic experience.

"God puts people [in] places for a reason,” he said.

"God puts people [in] places for a reason,” he said.

This is something that you have to be very vigilant and prepared for.
For life is a stage and I am merely a participant.
You are not what you say you are, but what you do.

What do you have to say to this young Christian and his wife.
How does he, his wife, and their children get involved with God.
You guys are the experts, the custodians of Christianity...
They want your advise.
How do they choose a church?
How should the married couple treat each other?
They do not know scripture...tell them in your own words.
Who knows who will read this on this forum?
 
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Nancy

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"God puts people [in] places for a reason,” he said.

This is something that you have to be very vigilant and prepared for.
For life is a stage and I am merely participant.
You are not what you say you are, but what you do.

What do you have to say to this young Christian and his wife.
How does he, his wife, and their children get involved with God.
You guys are the experts, the custodians of Christianity...
They want your advise.
How do they choose a church?
How should the married couple treat each other?
They do not know scripture...tell them in your own words.
Who knows who will read this on this forum?

I think discipleship is huge, yet it is lacking in most Church's...
Choosing a Church for the newly saved...PRAY for guidance to be led to a Bible teaching Church.
The man should love his wife as Christ loved the Church. Having scripture firmly embedded in our minds and hearts so as to guide the newly saved through the Word. Offer to meet with them often, read the Word together, pray always. And ALWAYS pray for the right words to pass your lips when dealing with babes.
 

Grailhunter

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I think discipleship is huge, yet it is lacking in most Church's...
Choosing a Church for the newly saved...PRAY for guidance to be led to a Bible teaching Church.
The man should love his wife as Christ loved the Church. Having scripture firmly embedded in our minds and hearts so as to guide the newly saved through the Word. Offer to meet with them often, read the Word together, pray always. And ALWAYS pray for the right words to pass your lips when dealing with babes.

Nancy, thanks for your response...
They don't know how Christ loves the Church. In a Christian marriage, what is it like? What is that love like? What makes a Christian marriage different?
Give them some advise on how to choose a Church for their family. Remember they have kids...young teenagers.
Meet with them and make them feel welcome...i very much agree.
Pray with them...I agree.
How important is it, to go to church. What is the difference between going to church and getting involved with the church?
What other advise do we have.
 
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Nancy

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Nancy, thanks for your response...
They don't know how Christ loves the Church. In a Christian marriage, what is it like? What is that love like? What makes a Christian marriage different?
Give them some advise on how to choose a Church for their family. Remember they have kids...young teenagers.
Meet with them and make them feel welcome...i very much agree.
Pray with them...I agree.
How important is it, to go to church. What is the difference between going to church and getting involved with the church?
What other advise do we have.

I would give them the scriptures pertaining to how Christ loves the Church, and praying with them for guidance to find a good Church would include their children.
In my own words, I would say there are many who think just sitting in a Church building is not going to do a thing but, becoming a part of that particular family of God is key to growth and service.
Other advice? Oh gosh, TONS of things we could say to them like, pray together, they might lose friends who are non Christian, to expect to be attacked by Satan and let them know the many ways that Satan tempts and taunts God's children, to NEVER give up! That, God WILL reveal Himself to them through prayer, other people, the Word...let them know that material things are not the way to fill that God shaped space in our souls...and basically to trust someone we cannot physically see.
 

Grailhunter

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they might lose friends who are non Christian

Yes for sure, that is why it is important to give them some new friends. Couples inviting them, not only to the church but barbecues and social events. Let them see what they have gained.
 
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Nancy

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they might lose friends who are non Christian

Yes for sure, that is why it is important to give them some new friends. Couples inviting them, not only to the church but barbecues and social events. Let them see what they have gained.

Yes, real fellowship!
 
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Giuliano

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"God puts people [in] places for a reason,” he said.

This is something that you have to be very vigilant and prepared for.
For life is a stage and I am merely a participant.
You are not what you say you are, but what you do.

What do you have to say to this young Christian and his wife.
How does he, his wife, and their children get involved with God.
You guys are the experts, the custodians of Christianity...
They want your advise.
How do they choose a church?
How should the married couple treat each other?
They do not know scripture...tell them in your own words.
Who knows who will read this on this forum?
Life can be complicated. Some things they probably need to work out between themselves as husband and wife; as long as they love each other, they can count on being able to work anything out.

I'd advise them not to rush into picking a church.

Scripture? I'd quote where Jesus said the law and prophets could be summed up in the Golden Rule. As they read the Bible, they can keep that in mind. If they can see the love in a passage, they can feel confident they got it right. If they can't see it, maybe they need more time -- maybe it's something they don't need to know -- who knows what other reasons might exist? I find it safe to act on a Bible passage only when I can understand how it involves love.
 

marks

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they might lose friends who are non Christian

Yes for sure, that is why it is important to give them some new friends. Couples inviting them, not only to the church but barbecues and social events. Let them see what they have gained.
To the new believer we are their new family, and we need to include them like family.

Much love!