Just a thought......

It is one thing to disscuss biblical issues and see things differently from one another. It is quite different when we turn those discussions into heated arguments or "debates" Even though this is through a screen and you may not "know " me and I may not "know" you..... there are time that the message comes through LOUD AND CLEAR. I wonder...... has anyone stopped to ponder James 3:16:
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."

If we are not expressing our views in love but rather are INTENTIONALLY trying to get someone else going hot, then WHAT Spirit are we being lead by? Is it any surprise that some people come here to read and learn from threads yet walk away feeling more confused than before?

Just a thought.

I somewhat agree. I don't think there's anything wrong with a little debating, but I think it's important to keep your cool and consider the other person's feelings. Don't resort to insults or name calling. That's practically asking for trouble right there.

Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Gal 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Basketball competition, baseball, football, hockey, when they win the championship they rejoice, out of all the teams that competed we are the winners, we are number one.

I wonder if a lot of people claiming Christianity also have that attitude, that out of all the denominations, and interpretations of the Bible, we have the truth out of all them, and they rejoice, and say we are the winners, we are number one.

I think it is far too easy to forget that the whole world is out there watching. They are looking for examples of Christ-likeness. They want see if people who claim to be new creatures in Christ have undergone a great change. Does that change on the 'in' work it's way 'out', or no?

We have a great opportunity to shine the light for Christ. Let's not blow it.

For those who remember the Christian band (late 80's or early /mid 90's) DC TALK (if you don't, look them up) ,
they had a song called "what if I stumble" there is a quote the used at the beginning of the song that has always stuck out to me:
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”

It's on my playlist.

Debate the subject, not the person.

A pity. Our foibles amongst ourselves doesn't change the fact of Christ's death for our sins and His resurrection. If they were interested in truth, don't look at Christian behavior...that's why we have a Savior.

i find its good to challenge people, there are things in the bible people find hard to except and not all the bible is about Jesus.

Romans 1:18-23

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

God is watching, so, yea, dont thinks He isnt seeing you and taking note of how you behave on a forum that bears His mighty name. If we are ambassadors for Christ, lets show it.

No one here is better than anyone else. We are all here because of Him, because He died for us.

👍 I’m w/ ya. To me speaking to
"the unknown” is where we learn the discipline of patience & forbearance. Kindness is rehearsed!

I think we are talking fruit of the spirit.
Acting like Jesus.
Exhibiting His attributes.
That is what being filled with the spirit does.
Produces good fruit.

Now a coach does not get all mushy with a player. He loves them too much to leave them like they are. He invokes and promotes change. They MUST CHANGE.
This is true in God. There is rebuke and correction as well as affirmation and edification.
Joseph was put in irons and imprisoned.
But iron was put into Joseph through change.

But yes,love is the atmosphere in which true correction or rebuke properly is applied.
Disagreement needs a good powdering down with mercy,love,patience,and desire to esteem others higher than ourselves,which is sacrifice.
Lively debate is ,IMO, beneficial when it is concept vs concept.
Going personal is most always destructive.
Some pile on imojies to signal no harm intended.
We cant see each other,so mis interpreting one's tone or humor can easily happen .
Caps for me,is emphasis,not screaming.