Win Souls, Not Arguments!

[shepherdsword]

I will just say a couple things and then continue lurking:
1a;  Theology is the STUDY of God. 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
And 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1b; these two verses clearly show what a mistake it would be to neglect theology.

2. "Winning arguments". When we "win souls", have we not won an argument? I submit that that is exactly what we have done. Paul "disputed daily" in the synagogue. Shall we not do the same? We shall dispute with those who "oppose themselves".

Conclusion: I humbly submit that this subject is not an (either/or) proposal but rather a (both/and) situation.

I think the point of the OP is that winning some debate over a trivial point is not productive in winning souls. Sure, there are battles to be fought, but one must choose wisely and resist the urge to argue only for the sake of winning.

 

[Earburner]

8 I o9

 

[Jack]

The Word of God / the Christian Bible is what wins souls.

Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

[David in NJ]

That may be true for many of us, but we need to remember where the line is between our responsibility and God’s power.

We are not called to be spiritual salesmen trying to close the deal. We are called to be faithful witnesses who tell the truth, preach Christ, love sinners enough to warn them, and leave the results in the hands of God.

Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” ~1 Corinthians 3:6.

That will humble a man in a hurry. We can plant the seed. We can water the seed. We can pray over the seed. But only God can make dead ground come alive.

So no, we should not argue just to hear ourselves talk, win a debate, or score points. That is flesh, not faithfulness. But we also must not confuse patience with silence. When the gospel is on the line, truth must be spoken.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” ~2 Timothy 4:2.

Notice that balance. Reprove. Rebuke. Exhort. But do it with longsuffering and doctrine. That means we need backbone and patience, truth and mercy, clarity and humility.

We may not always see the fruit right away. Some seeds lie under the soil a long time before anything breaks the surface. But God sees it. God knows it. God uses His Word in ways we may never see on this side of glory.

So yes, win souls, not arguments. But let us remember this: souls are not won by avoiding truth. They are won when the gospel of Jesus Christ is faithfully spoken, the Spirit of God does the work, and sinners are brought to repentance and faith in Christ.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” ~Romans 1:16.

Awesome Post - Thank You

 

[David in NJ]

I think the point of the OP is that winning some debate over a trivial point is not productive in winning souls. Sure, there are battles to be fought, but one must choose wisely and resist the urge to argue only for the sake of winning.

Did JESUS win arguments???

Sure HE did = for us!!!

 

[Jack]

Jesus didn't argue. He stated FACTS! It's His Way or the highway, to Hell FOREVER! Jesus doesn't ask permission!

Jesus is God!

 

[Bombastic]

2.5M views · 62K reactions | Win Souls, Not Arguments | David Diga Hernandez

Win Souls, Not Arguments

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1 Peter 3:15-16: But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

1 Peter 3:15 says, "who asks."
Most times nobody is asking, but somebody wants to be heard.
I was reminded of this verse and its misuse or abuse while listening to the lyrics of this video.

I had shared this video on my FB page before visiting this site and saw this thread:

 

[Lambano]

Did JESUS win arguments???

Jesus lost this argument with a desperate Palestinian mom (see Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28).

I don't think He minded.

He won something more important.

 

[David in NJ]

The Holy Scriptures are all about GOD Winning over arguments = for us who Believe.

When GOD wins the argument, souls are won.

The arguments began in Genesis with the Serpent = "Did God really say........"

 

[David in NJ]

Jesus lost this argument with a desperate Palestinian mom (see Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28).

I don't think He minded.

He won something more important.

EXCELLENT - Thank You

The Holy Scriptures are all about GOD Winning over arguments = for us who Believe.

When GOD wins the argument, souls are won.

The arguments began in Genesis with the Serpent = "Did God really say........"

JESUS provoked the woman with His Argument which yielded the Fruit of Faith for her child's deliverance.

Abraham argued/petitioned with God for the saving of souls, but 10 righteous could not be found.

Paul argued/prayed/petitioned with God for healing and the LORD Said: "My Grace is sufficient for you" = Grace was the Winner

The Centurion brought his argument/petition to JESUS and he received his request AND Jesus demonstrated how FAITH can win the argument, which in this case was sickness unto death.

Jacob argued/wrestled with God and prevailed.

GOD desires us to Win the arguments by Faith in His Word whereas the Saving of Souls Belongs to GOD = Paul knew this

Paul argued/debated with the Jews = some were saved as the result = God did this

JESUS warned us of false prophets/teachers = the HOLY SPIRIT in us argues against them with TRUTH = God does this

 

[Jack]

Jesus doesn't argue. He states FACTS!

Jesus is God

 

[amigo de christo]

Great share Angelina. It is evident, for sure, that we (The Church) have lost our way and, many pastors as well have the same bug. How can someone get on well with brothers and sisters with opposing doctrinal beliefs? Should we go along to get along? I have not belonged to a church since August of this year. Now I'm in a place that does not have a church that I would go to. I've been invited to a Methodist church that is more world than church; but I have only said maybe one day I will visit but, I don't even want to do that, lol. It is so hard to find fellowship with believers who believe the important, core beliefs of Christianity. All denominations have their own kind of unity but, if you do not agree, how to not be this:

Romans 16:17
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

It is a fine line, and I HAVE been "marked" by a few churches because I admitted to the pastors that I did not feel comfortable with their acceptance of blatant sin. They turned pretty ugly with me immediately. Also, being a single female does not sit well with any of them, regardless of the church's soundness in doctrinal teachings.

Thanks for the video, and Merry Christmas sister!!

xox

and the answer to your question of do we go along to get along . NO way and no how .
cause as you wisely brought us its MARK those who cause divivisions in the DOCTRINE ye have learned
and A VOID those . and yeah i have noticed that uptick
with older single men and women . Nimrods act like its sin to remain single .

 

[Jack]

and the answer to your question of do we go along to get along . NO way and no how .
cause as you wisely brought us its MARK those who cause divivisions in the DOCTRINE ye have learned
and A VOID those . and yeah i have noticed that uptick
with older single men and women . Nimrods act like its sin to remain single .

Well said!

 

[David in NJ]

Jesus doesn't argue. He states FACTS!

Jesus is God

The FACTS are the argument against SIN and the need for everyone to turn to CHRIST

That's a FACT - Jack

 

[Jack]

The FACTS are the argument against SIN and the need for everyone to turn to CHRIST

That's a FACT - Jack

That's not an argument. It's simply fact. Jesus doesn't argue. He gives facts and commands. He is God.

 

[David in NJ]

That's not an argument. It's simply fact. Jesus doesn't argue. He gives facts and commands. He is God.

JESUS used argument = that's a FACT - Jack

argument /är′gyə-mənt/

noun​

1. A discussion in which disagreement is expressed; a debate.
2. A quarrel; a dispute.
3. A reason or matter for dispute or contention

JESUS did not 'quarrel' = which is what you are referring to

 

[Jack]

JESUS used argument = that's a FACT - Jack

argument /är′gyə-mənt/

noun​

1. A discussion in which disagreement is expressed; a debate.
2. A quarrel; a dispute.
3. A reason or matter for dispute or contention

JESUS did not 'quarrel' = which is what you are referring to

Jesus is God. That's FACT! He never asks for permission. Believe or burn in Hell.

Mk 16 He that believeth not shall be DAMNED!

No argument needed. Try arguing with Jesus. You might regret it FOREVER!

 

[David in NJ]

Jesus is God. That's FACT! He never asks for permission. Believe or burn in Hell.

Mk 16 He that believeth not shall be DAMNED!

No argument needed. Try arguing with Jesus. You might regret it FOREVER!

LOL

you just proved God's argument against sin - thank you
you also proved my argument as well - thank you

 

[Jack]

LOL

you just proved God's argument against sin - thank you
you also proved my argument as well - thank you

I hope you never get in an argument with Jesus / God! Hell's not a nice place to spend eternity.

 

[amigo de christo]

JESUS used argument = that's a FACT - Jack

argument /är′gyə-mənt/

noun​

1. A discussion in which disagreement is expressed; a debate.
2. A quarrel; a dispute.
3. A reason or matter for dispute or contention

JESUS did not 'quarrel' = which is what you are referring to

correct he did not quarrel . In fact he also did not ever once try and pander to please either .
As i am well sure you are aware of that my friend . But not this flesh pleasing generation .
JESUS spoke Truth . And when often HIS TRUTH offended
And even when his own said LORD did you not know this offended them
HE said LEAVE THEM BE . THEY BLIND leaders of the blind and every PLANT my FATHER DID NOT PLANT
GONNA BE ROOTED UP . And upon examination of acts and every letter i read from them apostles in said
bible , OH THEY WERE fast to correct sin and error . AND did not pander to please man .
For even paul wrote
for do we seek to please man or God . IF i sought to please man i would NOT BE the servant of CHRIST .
Those who sin REBUKE before all that others may fear .
Wherefor REBUKE THEM sharply that they may be SOUND in the FAITH .
YEAH I DONT SEE that in most churches david . nor do i see MARK those who cause divisions in the DOCTRINE
ye have learned and avoid such . NOR warnings to FLEE such things .
WHAT I SEE is MARK those who correct sin and errors in doctrine ye have learned and JUDGE THEM AS HATERS .
Throwing them and the words in that bible OUTTA the doors of churches .
THAT BE what i see david . FOR SEEKER FRIENDLY SOUGHT TO PLEASE unrepentant sinners .
AND LOOK how well that worked out . THE churches LEAVENED big time and now
they gather more and more under a ecumiencal intefaith GOSPEL DENYING LIE . it aint working out too good IS IT .
THIS JDUGE NOT correct not , AINT WORKING at all . ITS DESTORYING THEM .