Conviction, found in debate........

[Guest duane65]

There are times when we as Christians will debate things, about Church, doctrine, religion, name it.

I have seen the division that constant debate, and strife brings.

Debate and strife are like a two sided step ladder. You have a person, or persons on either side, and they debate and argue, go step after painful step, usually on the necks of others until one reaches supremacy. We have debates to prove the inadequacy of the other person. In the body of Christ this is foolish, and of the devil.

Then there is prideful debate. Usually people that have little, or no self-esteem, and a serious confidence problem. These people will at times become very knowledgeable about something just to feel adequate. But what they don't realize is unapplied knowledge, or refusing the leading of the Holy Spirit, they stand on their own works to advance their walk with Jesus. When a person has a self-esteem problem, and they depend on their knowledge and works to have a relationship with God, this will usually give them a inferiority complex, masked by a superiority complex. In other words they feel less than, but need to prove they are better than.

And when someone brings up the fact that we don't need debate, or strife, or division, this will convict, but usually cause the person of inferiority to debate, and argue even more.

So when a statement is made, by a preacher, a teacher, or Evangelist, that there is much strife in the Church, and there are some, not all Christians, that have pride, arrogance and conceit, the person of low self-esteem will take it as a personal attack, and strike back. This isn't great, nor is it nice, or is it needed. It is a person stuck in an emotional stronghold, started by Satan, and fueled by over emotionalism, and the flesh (mindsets).

Satan starts it, and if we buy into it, it becomes a stronghold, strongholds cause fear, and emotions to go out of control. This causes us to make bad decisions, and bad decisions destroy our lives. We are all the products of how we are raised, but we are also responsible for our actions. There has to come a time, when the past has to stop controling us, and our present becomes a devotion to God, and a life lived by the power, and revelation of the Holy Spirit.

We can have knowledge, but little understanding, because their are times when a person has the knowledge, but only to advance their own wisdom, and not the Kingdom of God.

There are so many great leaders in the Church, and great lay-people, that are so devoted to God. But there are also people that truly love God, and will lead a defeated life, because of a lack of knowledge, or they abuse others with the knowledge they have.

All we can do is lead and pray. I have been asked "Who are you to presume to know the Word?" Or you act like you are the only one that is led by the Holy Spirit. I never claimed that, nor would I. But I do know God, and I am very familiar with His way. It is written that My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways. This is meant for the lost, and wicked. When we are Born Again, we are to become God inside minded, and see others through the eyes of Jesus. God bless you all, and good-bye. Rev. Duane Baggett

[Guest yod]

I disagree..

Let's argue about it!

[sisterinchrist]

There are times when we as Christians will debate things, about Church, doctrine, religion, name it.

I have seen the division that constant debate, and strife brings.

Debate and strife are like a two sided step ladder. You have a person, or persons on either side, and they debate and argue, go step after painful step, usually on the necks of others until one reaches supremacy. We have debates to prove the inadequacy of the other person. In the body of Christ this is foolish, and of the devil.

Then there is prideful debate. Usually people that have little, or no self-esteem, and a serious confidence problem. These people will at times become very knowledgeable about something just to feel adequate. But what they don't realize is unapplied knowledge, or refusing the leading of the Holy Spirit, they stand on their own works to advance their walk with Jesus. When a person has a self-esteem problem, and they depend on their knowledge and works to have a relationship with God, this will usually give them a inferiority complex, masked by a superiority complex. In other words they feel less than, but need to prove they are better than.

And when someone brings up the fact that we don't need debate, or strife, or division, this will convict, but usually cause the person of inferiority to debate, and argue even more.

So when a statement is made, by a preacher, a teacher, or Evangelist, that there is much strife in the Church, and there are some, not all Christians, that have pride, arrogance and conceit, the person of low self-esteem will take it as a personal attack, and strike back. This isn't great, nor is it nice, or is it needed. It is a person stuck in an emotional stronghold, started by Satan, and fueled by over emotionalism, and the flesh (mindsets).

Satan starts it, and if we buy into it, it becomes a stronghold, strongholds cause fear, and emotions to go out of control. This causes us to make bad decisions, and bad decisions destroy our lives. We are all the products of how we are raised, but we are also responsible for our actions. There has to come a time, when the past has to stop controling us, and our present becomes a devotion to God, and a life lived by the power, and revelation of the Holy Spirit.

We can have knowledge, but little understanding, because their are times when a person has the knowledge, but only to advance their own wisdom, and not the Kingdom of God.

There are so many great leaders in the Church, and great lay-people, that are so devoted to God. But there are also people that truly love God, and will lead a defeated life, because of a lack of knowledge, or they abuse others with the knowledge they have.

All we can do is lead and pray. I have been asked "Who are you to presume to know the Word?" Or you act like you are the only one that is led by the Holy Spirit. I never claimed that, nor would I. But I do know God, and I am very familiar with His way. It is written that My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways. This is meant for the lost, and wicked. When we are Born Again, we are to become God inside minded, and see others through the eyes of Jesus. God bless you all, and good-bye. Rev. Duane Baggett

I agree, and when we disagree, or debate we should back in up in scripture and in love. And remember what would Jesus do. I have seen arguing and strife in christians sites and no longer want to belong, just because a person as a different view on it. Then so-be-it. Pray for them, it will be between them and God.

thank you so much for this post. I have almost left because I have seen some strife and arguing in this site. But I am praying.

[sisterinchrist]

Proverbs 27: 25-He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife; Proverbs 29:22-An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. Romans 16:17-Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.1 Corinthians 4:6-And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. 7. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didnst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as it thou hadst not received it?

[kodischild]

I disagree..

Let's argue about it!

That is what I was going to write. *sigh* You beat me to it.

[apothanein kerdos]

Your definition of debate is anyone that disagrees with you and then proceeds to explain why. What you have to say about debate and strife should be of no concern to anyone.