Hot Topics: Debates With Non-Believers
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?
1 Corinthians 5:12 (NIV)
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8 (ESV)
Jesus did NOT criticize the Romans, although they were invaders and warlords, although they were guilty of heinous crimes, although they worshipped gods who were NOT God.
Because God allowed Caesar and Pilate (as He allows or appoints all leaders).
Because God has far-sighted purposes (and we’re not on His “planning committee”).
Because they didn't know the Lord of Hosts. (In this case, ignorance is an excuse.)
Here's the thing: if Christ is our Example, then we should work to copy what He did– and also consider what He did NOT.
For instance, in the case of outsiders, the King of kings didn’t condemn them.
'Sin is not charged against anyone's account where there is no law' (Romans 5:13).
'If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin' (John 15:22).
In other words, those who don't know Jesus...
Will not understand your grounds for debate.
Will judge Him poorly by your pushy words.
Need to hear Good News, and not their mistakes.
Christ's ONLY condemnatory remarks, the only debates He entered (and won), were among those who claimed to share His faith.
Therefore, here's my personal intention: to discuss hot topics within the church– and not attempt to correct those who aren’t.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
The mission fields many Christians condemn, namely, media and entertainment, are the fields where you’re called to rise and shine!
I know YOU KNOW better than to debate God’s laws with people who never learned them, because among them are His Own lost sheep!
Instead, you’re sent to set the record straight about the God of love, peace, and kindness. Let God correct them in His Own sweet time.
Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but amazingly, He came to save it!
Hot Topics: Debates With Non-Believers (Part 5)
P.S. Some gifted Christians feel called to debate with outsiders who are open to it. Their title is “Christian Apologists”. Systematically and respectfully, they represent God and His Heart with skill.
If they’re not kind, then they’re not on God’s team:) These clearly gifted people are exempt from this particular advisory.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!