All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
To Debate Is Not Of God
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(Edifier;62323)
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
I see you are quoting Romans 1:29. But to not debate against a lie does not bring love. It only brings hate. To leave a challenge going unchallenge is not love. It's like Satan telling everybody to believe that they can believe whatever they want and still being 100% completely Truth.
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
I see you are quoting Romans 1:29. But to not debate against a lie does not bring love. It only brings hate. To leave a challenge going unchallenge is not love. It's like Satan telling everybody to believe that they can believe whatever they want and still being 100% completely Truth.
(Lookin'4wardtoHeaven;62352)
Standing up for what you believe in , isn't that different from debating? I had to ask .
No technically they are not. They sort of link in together. But the problem is everybody stand up for what they believe, but don't really wanted to be corrected by the Word these days.
Standing up for what you believe in , isn't that different from debating? I had to ask .
No technically they are not. They sort of link in together. But the problem is everybody stand up for what they believe, but don't really wanted to be corrected by the Word these days.
Thanks (((((Jordan)))))Colossians 4:6 (KJV)Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
(Lookin'4wardtoHeaven;62428)
Thanks (((((Jordan)))))Colossians 4:6 (KJV)Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Your welcome Lookin'4wardtoHeaven. I'm so glad I could help.
Thanks (((((Jordan)))))Colossians 4:6 (KJV)Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Your welcome Lookin'4wardtoHeaven. I'm so glad I could help.
(Edifier;62323)
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
No, they lose debates because as Jesus said, most of the world will reject Him and His message. But that doesn't mean that any Christian has "lost" a debate. One can only lose a debate if his message isn't sound or true. It simply means that unbelievers will not understand God's message. We can't do a better job than Jesus and the apostles did and they were killed for spreading the Word. None of the prophets converted anyone either. They were simply called to speak God's word. And that's what we are here for also. Only those whom God is drawing will respond to the message.
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
No, they lose debates because as Jesus said, most of the world will reject Him and His message. But that doesn't mean that any Christian has "lost" a debate. One can only lose a debate if his message isn't sound or true. It simply means that unbelievers will not understand God's message. We can't do a better job than Jesus and the apostles did and they were killed for spreading the Word. None of the prophets converted anyone either. They were simply called to speak God's word. And that's what we are here for also. Only those whom God is drawing will respond to the message.
Edifier, your concern it very well founded. But, the problem isn't just with new Christians, but with long-time Christians as well. No one who doesn't understand the frame of mind of an Atheist should attempt to debate an Atheist (the Atheist's mind thrives on FUD). And, no one who doesn't understand the debated subject as well as the Atheist should debate the Atheist (many Atheists are scholarly or are ex-Christians). Modern Christians suffer greatly from two things. First, most Christians have an atheist worldview. We are submersed daily into atheism, such as through atheistic education and atheistic media. Even within Christian circles, the Atheist worldview is often significant. The debate merely highlights the incongruity between their faith and their worldview. The faith of these Christians is on a foundation of sand. Much of modern Christianity is cultish. These people believe false things within Christianity. Many of these things don't take much effort to show to be false. When people realize that they've believed false things, it can be a heavy blow to their whole faith. A debate might simply bring that out. The faith of these Christians is a house of straw.It's hard to keep your faith when it's a house of straw on a foundation of sand.(Edifier;62323)
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
tomwebster
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...it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 1:3If I don't have an answer for a question, it just means I need to go back to the Bible to find the answer. It's my weakness not God's, if you fall away for lack of faith, were you ever a Christian?
(Edifier;62323)
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
Edifier, I also want debate you, I will just cite a few scriptures to let you determine if what you say is true. Just before Jesus went back to heaven he told his disciples to Go and baptize people in all the world, TEACHING them to observe all the things Jesus had commanded, Matt 28:19,20. How could this work be done without debating Christianity??? Je4sus also said just before going back to heaven, that his disciples would be witnesses of his to both Jerusalem and all of Judea, and to Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth. Witnesses must debate Christianity to show the superiority of the Christian faith, Acts 1:8. Paul also showed that debate must be done to teach, 2Tim 4:2-5. Another interesting few scriptures is at Rom 10:13-18. How could anyone have faith in the Gospel unless someone went to them and taught God's word?? We are also told that we should make sure we know the truth of God's word before we teach others, 2Pet 3:15-17. James said that not many should be teachers, James 3:1. The reason for this is stated at 1Cor 8:11, we surely would not want to stumble any of the very ones that Jesus died for. Have you ever contemplated Matt 24:14?? This scripture says that the Good News must be preached to all nations, for a witness and then the end will come. If no one debated Christianity the end of this system of things would never come, God's paradise earth, THE KINGDOM Jesus told us to pray for in the Lord's Prayer would never come. God's purpose will come true!!! Someone must debate!!
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
Edifier, I also want debate you, I will just cite a few scriptures to let you determine if what you say is true. Just before Jesus went back to heaven he told his disciples to Go and baptize people in all the world, TEACHING them to observe all the things Jesus had commanded, Matt 28:19,20. How could this work be done without debating Christianity??? Je4sus also said just before going back to heaven, that his disciples would be witnesses of his to both Jerusalem and all of Judea, and to Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth. Witnesses must debate Christianity to show the superiority of the Christian faith, Acts 1:8. Paul also showed that debate must be done to teach, 2Tim 4:2-5. Another interesting few scriptures is at Rom 10:13-18. How could anyone have faith in the Gospel unless someone went to them and taught God's word?? We are also told that we should make sure we know the truth of God's word before we teach others, 2Pet 3:15-17. James said that not many should be teachers, James 3:1. The reason for this is stated at 1Cor 8:11, we surely would not want to stumble any of the very ones that Jesus died for. Have you ever contemplated Matt 24:14?? This scripture says that the Good News must be preached to all nations, for a witness and then the end will come. If no one debated Christianity the end of this system of things would never come, God's paradise earth, THE KINGDOM Jesus told us to pray for in the Lord's Prayer would never come. God's purpose will come true!!! Someone must debate!!
(Edifier;62323)
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
Edifier, I also won't debate you, I will just cite a few scriptures to let you determine if what you say is true. Just before Jesus went back to heaven he told his disciples to Go and baptize people in all the world, TEACHING them to observe all the things Jesus had commanded, Matt 28:19,20. How could this work be done without debating Christianity??? Je4sus also said just before going back to heaven, that his disciples would be witnesses of his to both Jerusalem and all of Judea, and to Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth. Witnesses must debate Christianity to show the superiority of the Christian faith, Acts 1:8. Paul also showed that debate must be done to teach, 2Tim 4:2-5. Another interesting few scriptures is at Rom 10:13-18. How could anyone have faith in the Gospel unless someone went to them and taught God's word?? We are also told that we should make sure we know the truth of God's word before we teach others, 2Pet 3:15-17. James said that not many should be teachers, James 3:1. The reason for this is stated at 1Cor 8:11, we surely would not want to stumble any of the very ones that Jesus died for. Have you ever contemplated Matt 24:14?? This scripture says that the Good News must be preached to all nations, for a witness and then the end will come. If no one debated Christianity the end of this system of things would never come, God's paradise earth, THE KINGDOM Jesus told us to pray for in the Lord's Prayer would never come. God's purpose will come true!!! Someone must debate!!
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
Edifier, I also won't debate you, I will just cite a few scriptures to let you determine if what you say is true. Just before Jesus went back to heaven he told his disciples to Go and baptize people in all the world, TEACHING them to observe all the things Jesus had commanded, Matt 28:19,20. How could this work be done without debating Christianity??? Je4sus also said just before going back to heaven, that his disciples would be witnesses of his to both Jerusalem and all of Judea, and to Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth. Witnesses must debate Christianity to show the superiority of the Christian faith, Acts 1:8. Paul also showed that debate must be done to teach, 2Tim 4:2-5. Another interesting few scriptures is at Rom 10:13-18. How could anyone have faith in the Gospel unless someone went to them and taught God's word?? We are also told that we should make sure we know the truth of God's word before we teach others, 2Pet 3:15-17. James said that not many should be teachers, James 3:1. The reason for this is stated at 1Cor 8:11, we surely would not want to stumble any of the very ones that Jesus died for. Have you ever contemplated Matt 24:14?? This scripture says that the Good News must be preached to all nations, for a witness and then the end will come. If no one debated Christianity the end of this system of things would never come, God's paradise earth, THE KINGDOM Jesus told us to pray for in the Lord's Prayer would never come. God's purpose will come true!!! Someone must debate!!
(Edifier;62323)
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
Then I guess you never read the letters of the Apostle Paul who was known as the "great debater", did you?I only wish I could learn to debate as the Apostle Paul did.Paul talked about "divisions and strivings among you". He was talking about fighting amongst ourselves over trivial things. But to debate the word of God in an adult and polite discussion is a good thing. It gets people to think.There's nothing wrong with "healthy" debate between people. It gets people to study the word of God.It's only when immature people throw temper tantrums because they "didn't get their way", is when it becomes a bad thing.Kim
All Christians should know that debating the Word of God, or even the existence of God with non-believers is not good. It brings doubt, and if you're a new Christian not grounded in the Word of God... Then you have absolutely no place debating. Many people lose their faith in Christ, AFTER they lose debates. They lose these debates because they weren't grounded in God's Word, and because they weren't spiritually ready. But who really is ready for the doubt that debating WILL bring? Don't compromise your faith with debates. God's Word is what God's Word is and there's no debate about it. God is God, Jesus is the Son of God and there's no debating the truth! And if you want to debate what I've said, then debate among yourself. I don't do debates, I just state what the Bible says and that's fact.
Then I guess you never read the letters of the Apostle Paul who was known as the "great debater", did you?I only wish I could learn to debate as the Apostle Paul did.Paul talked about "divisions and strivings among you". He was talking about fighting amongst ourselves over trivial things. But to debate the word of God in an adult and polite discussion is a good thing. It gets people to think.There's nothing wrong with "healthy" debate between people. It gets people to study the word of God.It's only when immature people throw temper tantrums because they "didn't get their way", is when it becomes a bad thing.Kim
Amen Kim People who dont understand the benefits of a healthy debate to cause ones brain to come into gear, normally just want to make unchallenged statements of their own thoughts.
(Christina;64306)
Amen Kim People who dont understand the benefits of a healthy debate to cause ones brain to come into gear, normally just want to make unchallenged statements of their own thoughts.
Kind of like this,
"a family member tells one not to go out and tell them your beliefs because they believe they have the truth (lowercase T) of God's Words and we have the truth of God's Words."
BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!I HATE compromising God's Words. It feels like letting Satan go ahead and eat our family and friends and let God do nothing.In fact Christina and everybody else, I want to tell you a little story.
'A young teenager who's a Christian, told me about God and Christ around January of 2006. Later in life, My family told me it was none of the girl business at all to tell you about Him. Only the family does.'
Yet nobody in my family told me anything...See what I mean with the above statement I made that is above the littlest story?so ... YEA, whatever.
Amen Kim People who dont understand the benefits of a healthy debate to cause ones brain to come into gear, normally just want to make unchallenged statements of their own thoughts.
Kind of like this,
"a family member tells one not to go out and tell them your beliefs because they believe they have the truth (lowercase T) of God's Words and we have the truth of God's Words."
BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!I HATE compromising God's Words. It feels like letting Satan go ahead and eat our family and friends and let God do nothing.In fact Christina and everybody else, I want to tell you a little story.
'A young teenager who's a Christian, told me about God and Christ around January of 2006. Later in life, My family told me it was none of the girl business at all to tell you about Him. Only the family does.'
Yet nobody in my family told me anything...See what I mean with the above statement I made that is above the littlest story?so ... YEA, whatever.
Been debating since I converted and all it has done is strengthen my faith by providing more information.
One debates when one witnesses no matter where it is... on the streets, riding a bus or online. Witnessing is definitely of God.I was saved in Clinton, Utah and in a matter of a week or two I was witnessing to Mormons. You bet there was debate and you can bet I got "beat up" pretty good. But the Lord was with me and I did not hide in a hole or lose my faith. Not in the least. The fact is it brought me right back into the Word. To learn who He is, what He did and why He did it. Those "debates" readied me more than anything else I could have done. I'd witness, I'd get beat up again, I'd learn and back into the Word again. It's said there is joy in the battle and indeed there is. After a while I could hold my own concerning most objections strengthened through His Word. And that's when I found why I had to go through all the ups and downs. It's not about who wins or loses a debate, it's about the fact that something was said and that the seeds were being sown without my being aware. I also found that being so armored with His Word that I could witness for what I had in Christ that they didn't have for the objections became less of a threat. I felt confidence to field those objections, the confidence in Him that Paul had when He got beat up and went back into the town regardless of what he'd just gone through.One other thing. If debate weakens one then it may not be their calling. We each have our gifts. I could not do what other Christians do. Other Christians couldn't do what I do. Each has his/her station. Some are archers, some footman and some horseman in the army of God serving the same Commander-in-Chief.Evangelizing is debate, debate with a fallen world. If evangelism is one's calling and you get knocked down then, get back up, dust yourself off, study the Word and get back into town.
actually the bible commands us to debate...."The Bible is filled with exhortations to use our reason. Jesus commanded, "You shall love the Lord... with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37). Paul added, "whatsoever things are true... think on these things" (Phil. 4:8 KJV). Paul also "reasoned" with the Jews (Acts 17:17) and with the philosophers on Mars Hill (vv. 22-33) winning some to Christ (v. 34). Bishops were instructed to be able "to refute those who contradict" (Titus 1:9 NASB). Paul declares that he was "appointed for the defense of the gospel" (Phil. 1:17). Jude urged us to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). And Peter commanded, "be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).Correcting the Cults: Expert Responses to Their Scripture Twisting.he Bible is filled with exhortations to use our reason. Jesus commanded, "You shall love the Lord... with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37). Paul added, "whatsoever things are true... think on these things" (Phil. 4:8 KJV). Paul also "reasoned" with the Jews (Acts 17:17) and with the philosophers on Mars Hill (vv. 22-33) winning some to Christ (v. 34). Bishops were instructed to be able "to refute those who contradict" (Titus 1:9 NASB). Paul declares that he was "appointed for the defense of the gospel" (Phil. 1:17). Jude urged us to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). And Peter commanded, "be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). (Correcting the Cults: Expert Responses to Their Scripture Twisting.)Peter uses the word "defense" in 1Pe 3:15, its the Greek word "apologia" which is a word taken directly from the law courts where lawyers defend and present the truth of their cases.... in times past we would call this giving an "apology", in old English this did mean to say you were "sorry", but meant to render a defense of your position in the context of strong sustained disagreement... in other words, one would defend the Christian faith in a debate. "When believers have Christ set apart in their hearts, the courage he gives them ought to make them always ready to testify about him. Peter called upon the believers not to fear, but he didn't stop there. Their faith should be active, ready to speak out—prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks. While Peter may have been thinking about believers speaking in a court, he seems also to have had in mind the everyday informal inquiries that might be directed at the believers—from either hostile or friendly neighbors. The words "an answer" can also be translated "a defense" and usually refer to responding to an accusation (see, for example, Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:3; Philippians 1:7, 16). Thus, these may refer to formal charges or informal accusations. Under any circumstances, the believers were to be ready to testify, explaining the reason for the hope that they had. (Life Application Bible Commentary 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.)"Furthermore, contrary to popular opinion, Christians are not supposed to "just have faith." Christians are commanded to know what they believe and why they believe it. They are commanded to give answers to those who ask (1 Pet. 3:15), and to demolish arguments against the Christian faith (2 Cor. 10:4-5). Since God is reasonable (Isa. 1:18) and wants us to use our reason, Christians don't get brownie points for being stupid. In fact, using reason is part of the greatest commandment which, according to Jesus, is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37). (I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist.; Norm Geisler and Frank Turek)So every bit as much as we are to engage in the Great Commission, eg to make disciples, to share the gospel unto the ends of the earth, we are given the same command to defend God's honor and repudiate both those who are fools (according to God's word) those who are atheists and deny God altogether, and just as fervently, we are to debate/argue for the particular truths of the Christian faith as it is attacked from those who are supposedly within the Christian faith. In fact, much of the NT, Paul's letters in particular, were written to combat heresy within the church. Think of Galatians in par5ticular, as he struggled against the Judiazers as he says that he would wish that they emasculate themselves because they are teaching damnable heresy and distorting the very gospel itself, by trying to teach that persons can be saved by obedience to the Law. Paul makes it very clear that by the law, no one will be saved. Galatians 2:15-16 (ESV) 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." Or think of the Beloved Disciple John, as He writes in 1 John, defending the truths about Christ Jesus against the Gnostics who denied that Jesus was a real man of real flesh and blood, and who denied that Jesus was the Christ. 1 John 1:1 (ESV) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— ..... 1 John 2:22-26 (ESV) 22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us — eternal life. 26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you."So the bible is just full of commands, exhortations AND examples of engaging in debate with both believers and those who claim to be believers.blessings,ken
WhiteKnuckle
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QUOTE (RobinD69 @ Nov 20 2008, 09:12 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=64318
Been debating since I converted and all it has done is strengthen my faith by providing more information.
It's done the same for me. Most of the atheists prove the word of God without knowing they're even doing it. However, I'm reminded of something someone said to me about how to keeps weeds out of my yard."Given a chance grass will choke out the weeds" Debating with nonbelievers does plant little seeds of doubt in the mind of believers. (weeds) For a younger brother these will grow to huge weeds that will hinder and hurt their conscience. So given a chance the grass will choke out the weeds, Grass being the maturity of the brother in the understanding and the knowledge of the word of God and mature growth of Faith.I don't believe it's wise for a new believer to search out a debate of the word of God espesicaly with atheists. To debate when confronted provides a different situation and the defense should be made.Ultimately though "The feet of the righteous are comanded by God".The word of God should never be debated publicly between believers infront of non-believers. This provides in their mind a lack of unity, "If they don't even believe the same thing about the same God, then he must not exist. They just make stuff up to make themselves feel better....." Paul addresses this when he's talking about the lawsuits/disputes among believers, "And this you do infront of unbelievers!"Modified I forgot to mention one caution about debates. BE CAREFUL! As was reminded me a few days ago when I was rebuked by a brother in a forum. We can only know what God has revealed to us through the scripture. Further more. Be careful in a debate that you don't get into a battle of wills, such as, You just want to win the debate and prove yourself right. Then it turns into a selfish thing and away from the Glory of the Lord. The Lord will give you things to say, but also remember, He may also want you to say nothing.
Been debating since I converted and all it has done is strengthen my faith by providing more information.
It's done the same for me. Most of the atheists prove the word of God without knowing they're even doing it. However, I'm reminded of something someone said to me about how to keeps weeds out of my yard."Given a chance grass will choke out the weeds" Debating with nonbelievers does plant little seeds of doubt in the mind of believers. (weeds) For a younger brother these will grow to huge weeds that will hinder and hurt their conscience. So given a chance the grass will choke out the weeds, Grass being the maturity of the brother in the understanding and the knowledge of the word of God and mature growth of Faith.I don't believe it's wise for a new believer to search out a debate of the word of God espesicaly with atheists. To debate when confronted provides a different situation and the defense should be made.Ultimately though "The feet of the righteous are comanded by God".The word of God should never be debated publicly between believers infront of non-believers. This provides in their mind a lack of unity, "If they don't even believe the same thing about the same God, then he must not exist. They just make stuff up to make themselves feel better....." Paul addresses this when he's talking about the lawsuits/disputes among believers, "And this you do infront of unbelievers!"Modified I forgot to mention one caution about debates. BE CAREFUL! As was reminded me a few days ago when I was rebuked by a brother in a forum. We can only know what God has revealed to us through the scripture. Further more. Be careful in a debate that you don't get into a battle of wills, such as, You just want to win the debate and prove yourself right. Then it turns into a selfish thing and away from the Glory of the Lord. The Lord will give you things to say, but also remember, He may also want you to say nothing.
I have found this topic to be very interesting as it's where I've been at in the last few months.From 3 different areas, I have had much debating with very strong atheists (one on a chat place, one to a penpal, and having2 non-christians in our Homegroup) and I have been quite knocked around. It has really surprised me as I have been a strongchristian all my life and I thought I could easily cope. I think it has all come at a time when I was already 'down' over otherthings so the combination of it all made me doubt more than I ever have in my life before. The reason I got involved in the chat room was because many atheists were putting forth their point and needed to be answered.I was thinking of the many others who were reading the posts and not saying anything but getting all their notions from what was being said (either way). I learnt how to become much more hardheaded (being called all sorts of names), how to keep calm andnot get into replying with abuse myself (very hard) and realising at the end of the day, all they do is rubbish you for believingsomething they simply have no concept of but they have absolutely nothing to replace it, their lives are empty. Occasionally youcome across someone who is really searching and for that person it is worth it. The previous posters are right, debating is a gift given to some and not to others and there is certainly a place for it. We are told to be ready to have an answer for when it is needed and if no christians were there to answer others questions and to stand up forthe truth then the enemy has won. (in a manner of speaking) But it is also true that you need to know your bible and be strongenough in your faith. I feel strongly also that as WhiteKnuckle said, it is harmful for non-christians to see all the disagreements and arguments betweenchristians themselves over major doctrines. It just makes them think that the bible is very contridictory when those who believe init cannot even agree. It's important for them to see us in unity.So, yes, there is a place for debating and at times it's very necessary. (the right people at the right time)
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