Good sir, it's about establishing one's teaching
based on scripture.
And when it comes to legs to stand on in that regard...
Your
proper response should be:
Amen! Lt. Dan not withstanding.
What people who take discussing scripture as if it is a joke, or not to be taken seriously and therefore, their errant proclamations are to be respected and seen as correct is, they're wrong on both counts. And here's why, as you know.
We're having these discussions on the world wide web. The forum title itself generates hits on search engines by the mere wording, Christianity, board. People seeking to know what it means to be a Christian, what the Bible says about any given subject, rather than going to a church for the first time, investing in a Bible, because they may not know those are typically available at public libraries either for check-out or review in the Reference section, will often times seek answers on the Net.
As such, it is our responsibility to consider this and to also realize, the eternal destiny of an individual soul is the real issue here! And that is why the truth about God, who came to earth to deliver his new covenant by his grace, in the form of Jesus the Christ, is paramount!
And that is also why those who demonstrate no respect for that fact need be identified and rebuked! Because as we know, Jesus himself was tried by Satan when in the desert during his 40 day fast. All manner of temptations put to him there just to lead him off the path of righteousness. And this was God Satan was playing with! Jesus knew this. Satan didn't.
Satan and his legion, his disciples, are still here in this world. Yes, Satan lost his power over death when Jesus died on the cross. However, that did not banish Satan from this world. He's still here and he roams like a hungry lion seeking souls to devour. Innocent seekers to mislead to his lies, and away from the truth and righteousness of the word that is of God.
And this is why it is important to not tolerate those who demonstrate their repeated efforts to confound, insult, blaspheme, mock, the scripture, and the grace of God's Salvation and teachings that pertain to that. Because souls are at stake!
And those who mock either don't know that, don't believe that, or don't care! For those type, their hobby is to bring conflict to Christians who gather in community.
And if they can stir strife and make the atmosphere chaotic enough, they likely figure those who do seek after the truth of God will be dissuaded from that pursuit. Either at that forum wherein the chaos is prolific. Or for all time. Because those dissuaded seekers may be led to believe those who Troll in the name of mocking the truth of God in Christ are an example of all Christians.
They are NOT! They're Trolls! *edit to add* Because Christians don't disrespect God, his word, or the Salvation that is available to any person seeking that truth.
While rebuking such ones as those who behave in that way is made a manifest necessity in order to insure the sons and daughters of vipers who behave as blasphemers, Trolls, etc... are thrashed and rebuked for their effort to lead innocent seekers, God's people, to damnation. Whether that blaspheming Troll type believes in damnation, God, Jesus, or not. They at least believe it is worth their life's time to make sport of God, Jesus, Salvation and the Bible. And while that is sad, it cannot be tolerated. We're talking souls here! God's words, Salvation, eternity, here!
If we feed that type after they show us their intent, we add to their sin by encouraging them to continue in it by inviting their behavior to respond again and again if we speak to them.
We know them by their fruit! And it is rotten.
May God find them, and lead them to his peace. In the meantime, let them starve for the attention they so hungrily seek! God's word is sharper than any two edged sword, and is eternal. It isn't a punchline, and it isn't a topic that should be made sport of.
