Completely agreed! Heated debates are never good.
However, a heated debate should not be mistake for the following:
1) When one rebukes another (in gentleness)
2) When false doctrines are expose (thru scripture alone)
3) When a humble heart is seeking answers, but asks question when confused
Some scriptures to support what I just said:
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Proverbs 9:7-9
Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Proverbs 27:4-6
For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Acts 18:27-28
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:14-16
*** What I truly feel is important is that we try to find asnwers to all problems, even this one, with Godly wisdom from the spirit and scripture...
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.
2 Corinthians 1:11-13
Good post brother, rebuke and debate were a common thing in the early Church. Paul rebukes and judges the Church for sin and so on, but yes this was done in love and truth. It was the Church who received more rebuke than the unbelievers. This was done to keep the man of God on his toes, and away from sin. If you know what the sins of the flesh are. Christ said as many as i love, i chasten and rebuke. Today its judge not or don't debate, but we need to understand what that means, or we have the apostle Paul contradicting Christ.
As he said the Church could judge small matters, but if it was sins of the flesh like adultery or incest, Paul was given authority to take that person out of the assembly, and deliver him over to satan so his spirit could be saved in the end. As we see in 1Co 5:5
That is a judgement call both by Paul and the Church, so this man could be saved in the end, although he would suffer for his sin. Judgement begins at the house of God. Some teach that this man came back to God in one of Pauls apistles, and Paul said to let him back into the assembly (us) lest he be overcome with much sorrow. Mercy again if this is true...
Today we have adultery and all manner of sin in the Church, and some people (our leaders) don't say a word, except judge not. And this does'nt even include false teachers and prophets, who Paul judged to be cursed. And even warned us to let them be cursed. Perhaps this is mercy as well.
But this is a hard thing today, as we have slid backwards with our judgement, even when it involves sin. Rebellion is a sad fact amongst us, so we need to be firm but mercyfull at the same time. Because Christ was mercyfull. But even when Christ did not judge, he told the offender to sin no more, or a worst thing could come upon them. So basicly judgement was coming if the offender did not repent. Delivered over to satan for his or her sins? perhaps, this may be mercy also. It may also be that God is doing this now and not Paul or the church.
When was the last time you seen a minister delivering a sinning saint over to satan for the destruction of the flesh? This would be rare. When we see this kind of sin now in the church some are app to send him to hell in a hand basket. So its best to let God do the work and show mercy, as Paul showed this man mercy in judgement.
1Peter 4:17
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
I know that debate is not judgement, but if your debateing with a false teacher it can be if he does'nt hear you, or the plain scriptures. He is self condemned, especially if he is leading other saints astray. Again we live in a time of many denominations, who gather online and their doctrines are very different than what is considered sound doctrine. So i can see God useing others to help them see the scriptures more plainly,
even in debatefull conversations if they will only allow, as Monkeys post refers too.. Proverbs 27:4-6 and Acts 18:27-28
Its a revelation thing, man needs revelation of Christ and the doctrines of the apostles. Without some, it is impossible to know the doctrines of Christ for the church. Study to show is a great saying, you are never put to shame if you are a workman approved by God. And the church is to show double honour to them who labor in the word and doctrine. 1Ti 5:17
This is why God ordained teachers in the church, to teach the body of christ the scriptures. To lead them away from heresies, to make them better men and woman of God, for the work of the ministry, and the perfecting of the saints. To do good to all men especially them who are of the household of faith, and be a light to others in this present world. Teachers? well them who are approved of God, not just anyone should teach, this is a gift of God, as is the rest of the gifts.
Luk 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Luk 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
And again mercy was here for this repentant man, but the other was looked on by God as exalting himself because he was good, but he despised others.
Done for now, hoped i helped some understand a bit more of this very touchy debate or judgement subject. But and if you are constantly in debates its time to take a look at what you are doing. As debate if done in the flesh is, or can become sin. A teacher is to wait on his teaching, as God leads.
God bless
:rainbow: :rose:
