Category: Debate

Yes, my young Christian friend, I will, with love and kindness, overlook your earnest and perhaps honest “youthful ramblings.” I, too, was once young. I, too, have made foolish judgments and impetuous statements. Not knowing the Scriptures, and not having the experience of seasoned and mature, battle scarred veterans of the faith, when I said things that were “off base,” I was taught and led back to the way of truth.

It is inappropriate for any child of God to behave in less than a righteous manner. Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12). The term “honorable” in the passage (translated honest in the KJV) is defined by Vines, “good, admirable, becoming, has also the ethical meaning of what is fair, right, honourable, of such conduct as deserves esteem” (Vines, Vol. II, pge. 229).

The interesting thing about this affirmative address, beyond the fact that it accomplished everything Matt intended it to accomplish, is that Mr. Streutker could not and did not really even attempt to answer any of Matt’s challenges.

We not only are lacking in knowledge of the Bible in our generation, we are also lacking in a respect for the teaching of God’s Word and a lack of willingness to stand up and be counted to defend the Truth and expose error! The Bible tells us “and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them; for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of. But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light.” (Ephesians 5:11-13). We should take advantage of every medium of information which will help us determine the difference between light and darkness – including email and the internet. It is my plea that we will not let anyone discourage us from free and open investigation.

Are you a “non-controversialist” or are you a faithful brother or sister who earnestly contends for the faith (Jude 3)? What about the preacher and elders where you worship? Do they “by sound doctrine…convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9)? Do they stop the mouths of those who “subvert” the truth (Titus 1:11)? If not, why not? If not, they are failing in their duties and need to repent (Acts 20:28-32; 2 Tim. 4:2-5). If they refuse to repent, then one of two things should be done: (1) either the elders need to be removed from office and/or the preacher fired; (2) or you should find a group of faithful Christians with which to work and worship.

Christianity is a system of extreme devotion to God and His truth, to the Savior and His gospel, to the Holy Spirit and His revelation (Mark 8:36-38). Therefore, let us “Test [prove] all things; hold fast that which is good,” and challenge others to do the same (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Frankly, the non-controversial, non-combative, non-confrontational approach to preaching is cause for alarm. Often, though certainly not always, such a spirit resides within those who are liberal minded and who have no respect for “the good fight of faith” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 1 Timothy 6:12; Jude 3). Not being sure that error condemns, and not being convinced that denominationalism is not of God, some have begun to sympathize with false teachers and apologize for those who oppose and expose them.

Proposition: The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.

* Affirm: R.L. Vaughn
* Deny: Steven Deaton

Proposition: The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.

* Affirm: R.L. Vaughn
* Deny: Steven Deaton

Proposition: The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.

* Affirm: R.L. Vaughn
* Deny: Steven Deaton

Proposition: The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.

* Affirm: R.L. Vaughn
* Deny: Steven Deaton

Let us never forget that we are soldiers of the cross who must adorn and use the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-17). Let us love the souls of men like the Messiah, and be determined, no matter the consequences, to press the true light into the world around us!

It seems that brethren in general, and many of those who preach, have either forgotten what the true spirit of Christ is, or they have never known it at all. We ask, does one have “the spirit of Christ” when he rebukes those whom he says do not have it? To those who condemn men for not having “the spirit of Christ,” will you have “the spirit of Christ” after you have read Hardeman’s sermon?

Perhaps every form of teaching, every means of honorable, militant defense of the truth, has its own particular “down side” or “drawback.” Debates are no exception. Let us not, though, fail to use any medium simply because of its potentially negative aspects. Avoid the abuses as much as possible (Rom. 12:18). Understand, too, that not all allegedly “bad” results connected with a debate are therefore evil. Despite the ugly reaction to Jesus and the apostles, there was nothing inherently “wrong” or sinful in their manner and methods (Matt. 12:14). Their debates led to many unfortunate and regrettable events, but the fault was not theirs (Cf. Acts 7:51-60). In other words, debate and discussion are not to be abandoned because some “set all the city on an uproar,” or because opponents make the minds of others “evil affected against the brethren” (Acts 14:2; 17:5).