Yes, Christians Should Debate

Justin Taylor has written an excellent BLOG, referencing John Stott an evangelical pastor, regarding the Need for Christians to debate and defend their Christian Faith.<br /> <br /> John Stott stated that "the proper activity of professing Christians who disagree with one another is neither to ignore, nor to conceal, nor even to minimize their differences, but to debate them. We should speak the truth in love, not being truthless in love or loveless in truth".<br /> <br /> Recently I was recently criticized for engaging in public discussion with other christian leaders about matters of faith. I was told, "You should not be disagreeing with other Christian leaders in public. It looks bad to an unbelieving world." I felt like using the Hebrew word for "baloney". (something that does not have or make sense...) Of course we are to engage in debate and discussion. If not for sharing TRUTH then to demonstrate how Christians can "speak the truth in love"!<br /> <br /> On numberous occasions I've stated that Christ Followers owe each other and an unbelieving world the Truth more than anything else. As Christians engage an ever "anti-Christian bias" we must be not be afraid to speak the truth in love. <br /> <br /> While it is accurate to speak about sharing our faith in Truth and with Grace, we must never back down from telling the Truth about Christians having The TRUTH. <br /> <br /> Jesus said, "the Truth with set you free". In addition, HE said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." If a Christ follower truly understands that ONLY Jesus can set one free from pain, shame, regret and sin; how in the world can we ever fail to defend and stand on the only TRUTH that can provide hope and the promise of eternal life.<br /> <br /> This culture needs a genuine Tolerant Spirit from Christ followers. A spirit that is loving, understanding, forgiving and forbearing others, making allowances for them, and giving them the benefit of the doubt, for true love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things". <br /> <br /> In addition, this culture needs to see Christ followers who are not afraid defend their faith with the same vigor demonstrated by Jesus and the Apostles. In other words, we can not refuse to engage in necessary controversy when the truth of the gospel is at stake.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Dr. Tom Smiley is Senior Pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church, Gainesville, Georgia. The 2400 member congregation is a vibrant Christian fellowship locally and globally. Dr. Smiley is the founder of "Life with Smiles Ministry". His messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his "blog" entries and thoughts on God, faith, current events, and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/. His books: "Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents", "Angels all Around", and "Uncommon Common Sense" can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website. Contact Dr. Smiley at [email protected].<br />

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/3/237047