Why do we debate ?

[TashMeyer76]

I think the question is not why we debate but rather "WHY DO WE LOSE THAT THING CALLED COMPASSION, PATIENCE AND KINDNESS" when one brother differs from another. I've been in the Bible Study room where debates got so heated that people started calling one another names, or out-rightly accuse one another of lying.

1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Is the total Goal of everything in the end not the fact that WE believe in Jesus Christ our Saviour and that in the end When the time is right ALL THINGS will come into fullfillment - be it knowledge of what God meant by the Rapture, whether it is before or after World War 3, the Mark of the beast, Baptism dogmatix... GOD Will reveal all.

Ephesians 1 : 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

 

[RedTent]

I think the question is not why we debate but rather "WHY DO WE LOSE THAT THING CALLED COMPASSION, PATIENCE AND KINDNESS" when one brother differs from another. I've been in the Bible Study room where debates got so heated that people started calling one another names, or out-rightly accuse one another of lying.

1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Is the total Goal of everything in the end not the fact that WE believe in Jesus Christ our Saviour and that in the end When the time is right ALL THINGS will come into fullfillment - be it knowledge of what God meant by the Rapture, whether it is before or after World War 3, the Mark of the beast, Baptism dogmatix... GOD Will reveal all.

Ephesians 1 : 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

That is not debating at all, we are called on to not return anger with anger. We are not to participate in such unchristian behavior. There are plenty of true debates on cc that we can learn from.

Christians know that all those who proclaim Christ as savior are brothers and sisters in Christ, not called on to judge each other. Plenty of people on here know that. But the way is narrow that we are to walk, and those who are searching for that narrow road gain a lot by searching for it together.

Those who get angry about it are not walking the walk, they are to be ignored. If we focus on the bad we could lose sight of the good.

 

[kennethcadwell]

Ok, so I'm replying to the overall thread. I'm a newbie so bear with me. I like what gb9 and biscuit have to say. The only things I want to add/comment is I think it depends. I have had friendly debate, which I think can be fine (depending on where it goes) and I have fallen into debates that became arguements (i.e. angry, often spiteful debating). I don't think it is wrong to discuss different ideas, but often pride does get in the way. Love , God's love, needs to be in the center. Also I would like to add if the debate overbears who Jesus is and what he did for us, it is wrong. Overbearing defined as the debate and it's topic having more importance than Jesus.

I started this thread to get people to think. It is a main topic that hampers a lot of people in the church today, but is not talked about much. Friendly debating is good, and discussing different views is always good for knowledge to expand. The main point is how you see so much division in believers that result in arguments, or mean debates to try to prove one has salvation and the other doesn't. When you look at it though they both believe in God, accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, confessed their sins and asked for forgiveness, and been baptized.

 

[ji]

Even though in the scriptures it says do not be caught up in foolish arguments, Why do Christians debate with Christians over issues that the Bible has no indication of whether or not it is necessary for salvation ? Instance when the rapture will happen, speaking in tongues, and so forth !!!

Debating is useless.Reasoning is different.Debate is like a game when people feel thrilled.It's not good and lead to more emptiness and pride.For Christians its bad.
Reason with Godly Fear,everything will be alright.We will be able to learn more.
The devil also gives people speaking in tongues and lead them to hell.
But when people get Anointed by Holy Spirit,we speak in Tongues to the Living God Lord.There are enough,clear passages in Holy Bible mentioning clearly about it.Why doubting?Take everything to God and He will answer in time and make things Clear.Do Meditate on Word of God.And Pray with the subject that bothers you.He is alive and will make it Clear.Be patient.
About Secret Coming of the Lord God Jesus,its very clear from Holy Scripture itself,that the time only God the Father knows.Even Jesus does not know that.It's a Mystery and Time will only reveal.So we need to be prepared always.Must Repent(if we have to),be Humble(if not again Repent) and Prepare at every step.Leave it to God.He will Lead and make it 'Happen'.It's not humanly possible.Just we need to Let Go in the Lord God.And i am learning it each day.
Beware of doomsday prophecies,misleading anti-christ figures,confusing doctrines(if i am doing,i beg you to correct me with Holy Scripture),rumors,etc.Take everything to God.Be Strong in Lord God.
Do not doubt God.He is the only personality that will speak Truth and Promise things and NOT change it.Rest are all 'useless excitement of the moment'.

 

[kennethcadwell]

I do let God direct my every movement, and through all things seek out the truth with Him as my guide. I just get sad on a regular day basis when i see fellow Christians including well known pastors who continually put stumbling blocks on people to sway their faith, or make their denomination out to be the true word of God and every one else is false. Through my studies and watching with God at my side i have seen the good and the bad side of every denomination out their. God bless you and keep up the good work.

 

[kennethcadwell]

That is not debating at all, we are called on to not return anger with anger. We are not to participate in such unchristian behavior. There are plenty of true debates on cc that we can learn from.

Christians know that all those who proclaim Christ as savior are brothers and sisters in Christ, not called on to judge each other. Plenty of people on here know that. But the way is narrow that we are to walk, and those who are searching for that narrow road gain a lot by searching for it together.

Those who get angry about it are not walking the walk, they are to be ignored. If we focus on the bad we could lose sight of the good.

Good response. Christians should thank that way, however i was on another Christian site and they were debating cause this site told fellow bothers and sisters in Christ that if they do not speak in tongues they are not going to Heaven because they have not received the Holy Spirit. The scriptures though say that is just one of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit, and Paul himself says not all will speak in tongues. They try to divide the scriptures to fit their meaning and understanding instead of looking at the full scriptures. Even Jesus himself referred back to the old testament in his teaching to show that you much study and apply it all to get the full meaning.

 

[RedTent]

Good response. Christians should thank that way, however i was on another Christian site and they were debating cause this site told fellow bothers and sisters in Christ that if they do not speak in tongues they are not going to Heaven because they have not received the Holy Spirit. The scriptures though say that is just one of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit, and Paul himself says not all will speak in tongues. They try to divide the scriptures to fit their meaning and understanding instead of looking at the full scriptures. Even Jesus himself referred back to the old testament in his teaching to show that you much study and apply it all to get the full meaning.

I know! I can think of a lot of things people say the bible says that just isn't so. And lots and lots of times that one scripture will be presented in such a way they insists it means other scriptures aren't so. There are lots of people who come on this site to find out what the bible tells us because the bible itself seems too much for them.

I think that means it is up to bible readers to patiently, quietly, present bible. It requires careful, prayerful debate.

 

[humbleservnt]

1 " If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a

I know most of you have heard this verse, and I am probably just preaching to the choir so to speak, but I feel many of us as Christians either don't understand, or don't practice the importance of loving. Loving with God's love. I live in a community where churches seem to cannibalize each other daily, and it saddens me. I understand some people think certain topics are really important "Pre-trib rapture, No women as pastors, and many more" and I am not saying that these are not important. What I am saying is that love is supreme. God is love, perfect love. I know he is more than that (holy, just, omnipresent, I could go on forever, literally lol)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13: 33, 34

I feel as a whole, Christians are failing at this. At least here in America. You talk to many people that are not Christians, and we are not know for love.

 

[kennethcadwell]

1 " If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a

I know most of you have heard this verse, and I am probably just preaching to the choir so to speak, but I feel many of us as Christians either don't understand, or don't practice the importance of loving. Loving with God's love. I live in a community where churches seem to cannibalize each other daily, and it saddens me. I understand some people think certain topics are really important "Pre-trib rapture, No women as pastors, and many more" and I am not saying that these are not important. What I am saying is that love is supreme. God is love, perfect love. I know he is more than that (holy, just, omnipresent, I could go on forever, literally lol)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13: 33, 34

I feel as a whole, Christians are failing at this. At least here in America. You talk to many people that are not Christians, and we are not know for love.

That is very true love is the center of our faith in Jesus Christ, and love itself will conquer all.

 

[theneko]

I can't speak for everyone, but the reason I debate is to try to refute false teaching. many so-called Christians push things that are not in the Bible or twist verses to fit their agenda.

This a thousand times

 

[ji]

Even though in the scriptures it says do not be caught up in foolish arguments, Why do Christians debate with Christians over issues that the Bible has no indication of whether or not it is necessary for salvation ? Instance when the rapture will happen, speaking in tongues, and so forth !!!

we can reason and check whether its coming to a solution.It's not debate.
On the other hand debating is useless,if we start growing horns and tail; and transform into devil while talking with others.

 

[ji]

1 " If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain -----------
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I feel as a whole, Christians are failing at this. At least here in America. You talk to many people that are not Christians, and we are not know for love.

Pray more to God..