Should Christians contend for the faith?

[Yeraza_Bats]

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, 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 1:3

I was watching a Dinesh D'Souza video the other day, and in the video he was talking about the importance of being able to defend faith in Christ. He wasnt really talking about every Christian becoming a debater or anything like that, but really just learning of a few common arguments against Christianity, and learning how to argue against them.

He said that most Christians shy away from these things, and that when he was young he used to hear other Christians talk about how they didnt want to "debate", but just have an "open dialog".

We all know the verses about doing all things with love and not using harsh words and all that, I dont think anyone is debating that idea at all. Im just curious about the thoughts of others. Do you believe that there are Christians who refuse to argue against arguments made against Christianity? Do you believe that there are Christians who lack the ability to do so, and if there are, is it due to the teachings of others against being able to do so, or just a lack of knowledge themselves?

Im curious about the thoughts of others on this issue.

 

[Enow]

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, 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 1:3

I was watching a Dinesh D'Souza video the other day, and in the video he was talking about the importance of being able to defend faith in Christ. He wasnt really talking about every Christian becoming a debater or anything like that, but really just learning of a few common arguments against Christianity, and learning how to argue against them.

He said that most Christians shy away from these things, and that when he was young he used to hear other Christians talk about how they didnt want to "debate", but just have an "open dialog".

We all know the verses about doing all things with love and not using harsh words and all that, I dont think anyone is debating that idea at all. Im just curious about the thoughts of others. Do you believe that there are Christians who refuse to argue against arguments made against Christianity? Do you believe that there are Christians who lack the ability to do so, and if there are, is it due to the teachings of others against being able to do so, or just a lack of knowledge themselves?

Im curious about the thoughts of others on this issue.

It is very possible that for most christians, they are not grounded in the word to have roots in defending their faith.

It is equally possible that they do not seek to make "waves" or put a spotlight on themselves in public.

Most may be content to just show others that they are christians by their love and wait for them to ask them.

1 Peter 3:[SUP]15 [/SUP]But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

If one seeks a debate, usually one may find themselves arguing against someone with their mind made up and hardly having a heart in seeking the truth at all.

Addressing your signature...

I am a strong supporter of followers of Christ who struggle with the lbgt lifestyle. If you are struggling in faith with this like I do, feel free to contact me for support, encouragement or even for a friend. Or to give me your much needed support and encouragement as well

Are you supporting christians living in that lbgt lifestyle that are suffering from excommunication from fellow believers or are you supporting christians that are suffering by leaning on Jesus Christ for help in abstaining from that lgbt lifestyle?

 

[RamahDesjardin]

For me personally, I shy away from discussing faith with unbelievers because I rarely see them accept any kind of answer. Most people these days have heard Christian teaching. Their mind is already made up. You can find one or two people who are truly open to new ideas, but they're rare.

 

[garee]

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, 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 1:3

I was watching a Dinesh D'Souza video the other day, and in the video he was talking about the importance of being able to defend faith in Christ. He wasnt really talking about every Christian becoming a debater or anything like that, but really just learning of a few common arguments against Christianity, and learning how to argue against them.

He said that most Christians shy away from these things, and that when he was young he used to hear other Christians talk about how they didnt want to "debate", but just have an "open dialog".

We all know the verses about doing all things with love and not using harsh words and all that, I dont think anyone is debating that idea at all. Im just curious about the thoughts of others. Do you believe that there are Christians who refuse to argue against arguments made against Christianity? Do you believe that there are Christians who lack the ability to do so, and if there are, is it due to the teachings of others against being able to do so, or just a lack of knowledge themselves?

Im curious about the thoughts of others on this issue.

It all boils down to whose faith we contend for? The faith of Christ which comes from hearing God, or the faith of men in respect the heart of natural man that cannot see the spiritual things of God, seeing they are spiritually discerned in parables that hide the spiritual understanding from natural man .

We defend the faith(Christ's) that defends us. That work of faith or labor of love is of Christ alone. We are saved by the work of Christ’s faith not that of our own self.

 

[FeedtheMachine]

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, 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 1:3

I was watching a Dinesh D'Souza video the other day, and in the video he was talking about the importance of being able to defend faith in Christ. He wasnt really talking about every Christian becoming a debater or anything like that, but really just learning of a few common arguments against Christianity, and learning how to argue against them.

He said that most Christians shy away from these things, and that when he was young he used to hear other Christians talk about how they didnt want to "debate", but just have an "open dialog".

We all know the verses about doing all things with love and not using harsh words and all that, I dont think anyone is debating that idea at all. Im just curious about the thoughts of others. Do you believe that there are Christians who refuse to argue against arguments made against Christianity? Do you believe that there are Christians who lack the ability to do so, and if there are, is it due to the teachings of others against being able to do so, or just a lack of knowledge themselves?

Im curious about the thoughts of others on this issue.

I think a lot of Christians back away because they are afraid that they don't have all the answers or all the knowledge. I guess some are afraid of confrontation and would rather keep quiet than cause an upheaval. I am still a "new" Christian and have a lot that I still need to learn and I have often been involved in "debates" (willingly or unwillingly) and have reached a point where if I am not sure of something (especially when "debating/arguing" with non-believers) I will tell them "I am not sure, but would you mind if I found out and got back to you." Surprisingly this has worked on a few occasions. I feel that when we interact with people in such instances, it might be the only exposure that that person might get to the Gospel and I would rather say "I don't know" than give an answer that I "hope" is right and risk losing that person.

 

[RamahDesjardin]

If an atheist goes around initiating debate with Christians, it's a pretty good sign that person has studied and gotten all the best talking points online. A nominal Christian has no chance against sophisticated ambushes.

 

[FeedtheMachine]

For me personally, I shy away from discussing faith with unbelievers because I rarely see them accept any kind of answer. Most people these days have heard Christian teaching. Their mind is already made up. You can find one or two people who are truly open to new ideas, but they're rare.

Meaning no disrespect to you RD, but if all Christians shared that point of view no one would be brought to Jesus. I thank God for the Christian(s) that He placed on my path and that brought me to Jesus when I was of the belief that God did not exist...we are born...we live...we die...the end.

The Christians I am talking about did not force their view on me, nor were they pushy or condemning in their interactions with me. Instead we discussed our different beliefs and the Scriptures that they quoted and the way in which they communicated to me did not make me accept Jesus there and then, but it did plant a seed that grew inside my head for a couple of months before I found myself on my knees one cool Autumn afternoon calling out to Jesus to save me.

Please keep in mind that it is not in our power to save anyone...but it is in our power to plant the seed...

 

[RamahDesjardin]

I never said I don't discuss it at all. I do discuss with faith with the few people who seem genuinely interested. But I shy away from the hardened atheists who only want to argue.

 

[Snoozy]

yes we should contend for da faith. this is why its important that u after u get saved u get baptized into ur local bible believing church. u will get started on ur bible studies, u learn at home and at church. in both places all glory goes to God for its the Holy Ghost that teaches us all things.

 

[FeedtheMachine]

I never said I don't discuss it at all. I do discuss with faith with the few people who seem genuinely interested. But I shy away from the hardened atheists who only want to argue.

People who love to argue are not limited to atheists alone unfortunately...have you noticed some "hardened Christians" in this and other forums who do the same?

As a former "hardened atheist" myself, I can say that it was the "hardened Christians" that could never get the seed planted that a soft spoken, non-argumentative, patient, kind and non-judgmental disciple of Christ managed to plant...

(I did not mean to imply that you never discuss your faith. I intended no disrespect.)

 

[loveme1]

The time is that great darkness will befall and many will seek answers...

We contend for the Glory of GOD and Salvation of man through belief in our Lord and Saviour.

It is not about contending for people to agree with us but to Repent and believe He that saves... Share the Gospel and be meek and patient..

In our times the Gospel is far and wide which means the darkness is at work to deceive... if even the elect could be deceived if possible then the deception is gonna be a whopper.... my only offer is to hold fast to the Testimony of the Messiah both before and after His Resurrection throughout the New Testament.

example :if they say the Messiah is in the dessert come see... then don't go... or if they propose peace and unity for mankind don't believe because it is not how the Scriptures foretell us things will come to pass...

We are told he returns after much destruction...

If one stands up claiming to be a descendant of king David in our time and worldly authority push for him to be made king then believe not... the evil rebellion are trying to fulfill something in disobedience to GOD.

The King of Kings came and will return for us shortly.

So.. yes contend with a clear conscience and a loving heart.

 

[BeyondET]

Meaning no disrespect to you RD, but if all Christians shared that point of view no one would be brought to Jesus. I thank God for the Christian(s) that He placed on my path and that brought me to Jesus when I was of the belief that God did not exist...we are born...we live...we die...the end.

The Christians I am talking about did not force their view on me, nor were they pushy or condemning in their interactions with me. Instead we discussed our different beliefs and the Scriptures that they quoted and the way in which they communicated to me did not make me accept Jesus there and then, but it did plant a seed that grew inside my head for a couple of months before I found myself on my knees one cool Autumn afternoon calling out to Jesus to save me.

Please keep in mind that it is not in our power to save anyone...but it is in our power to plant the seed...

Good point, reminds me of Paul, Paul had no intentions on changing a thing he was pretty set on destroying the Christian moment of In those days.

IMO Christians shouldn't give up hope on unbelievers for one day it might just happened they may meet a christain that will change their prospective of God and of Christianity.

 

[bluto]

For me personally, I shy away from discussing faith with unbelievers because I rarely see them accept any kind of answer. Most people these days have heard Christian teaching. Their mind is already made up. You can find one or two people who are truly open to new ideas, but they're rare.

I have to say ramah, this is a sad post. It's not your call to "shy away" from anything especially as it pertains to defending the faith like Jude 3 states. As Christians we are suppose to "open our mouths" and declare the truth. Are you awar that Jeremiah who was dubbed the "Weeping Prophet" preached for I think it was 40 years and never saw any results? You "NEVER" give up and you "NEVER" "ASSUME" that somebody's mind is already made up. You do your job and let God take care of the heart.

IN GOD THE SON,
bluto

 

[RamahDesjardin]

I'm being honest about my struggles and insecurities as a Christian. I've met my share of highly motivated atheists, and it's distressing. Can't I confess that I'm working through my feelings on this? The OP was all about why Christians are too intimidated to witness.

 

[loveme1]

I remember a man that would stand in the middle of the town shouting everyone was going to hell... he was scary.. not what he said but how he said it....

Obviously we should be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves as the Messiah teaches.

 

[RamahDesjardin]

In our times the Gospel is far and wide which means the darkness is at work to deceive... if even the elect could be deceived if possible then the deception is gonna be a whopper.... my only offer is to hold fast to the Testimony of the Messiah both before and after His Resurrection throughout the New Testament.

This raises an interesting point, though... if the majority of end-times Christians will be deceived, what good will it do for them to contend?

 

[trofimus]

It is very possible that for most christians, they are not grounded in the word to have roots in defending their faith.

When you are debating with a non-Christian, the Bible is not your common authority so you must use another ways of proving something.

Logic and science/common knowledge are probably two most important in such a case. I also find philosphy (in the original meaning of the word) to be very useful too.

 

[Willie-T]

Ramah,
I think you are probably closer to Jesus with your beliefs and actions than most "Christians." 'Contending', means, to way too many people, that they are to best others in arguments. As long as they can shove their point down someone's throat, they feel they have done "the Lord's work." And all they usually do is further alienate a nonbeliever.

 

[PrynceNY]

It may be a lack of knowledge, however many have the perspective not to hurt others feelings. We live in a very political correct time. We have to put our feelings aside & preach what God word says unashamed. Christ said you will be hated for my name sake. Though there are those who do indeed truly love the Lord being hated by others makes them uncomfortable. Which is why you see a decent amount of christians publicly supporting those who promote sinful livestyles instead of condemning them.

 

[loveme1]

This raises an interesting point, though... if the majority of end-times Christians will be deceived, what good will it do for them to contend?

I wad was told off for being slack and this would come to mind.. so I will share it.

matthew 25

24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

read all the chapter..


If you have been given something then share it freely... worry not that you are mocked and scorned.. for Heavenly Father will see it and be pleased..

Don't be disheartened... you seek not approval of men my dear.