Recently a listener sent us a screenshot of a conversation concerning reconciliation. A gentleman laid out reconciliation beautifully, when the other (Mr. Bobby) in retreat mode came back with, "We are not going to debate this. We contend for the faith". Apparently he does not know the definition of "contend."
According to Oxford it means "asserting something as a position in an argument." Webster says, "to strive or vie in contest or rivalry"....."to strive in debate: argue."
So the statement, "We are not going to debate this. We contend for the faith," is illogical and goes against the law of noncontradiction.
If people would not speak on things they know nothing of, the world would be a better place. But unfortunately we have those who insist on knee jerking without first studying the "whole matter." They allow themselves to be "carried away" and do not walk "uprightly according to the truth of the gospel." Like the Athenians, they spend "their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing." They are "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
As Jude told the "little flock" to argue for the faith, Paul exhorts those of us in the body of Christ to do the same. In 1 Timothy 6:12 we are told to "Fight the good fight of faith," And it's not only a fight, it's a "good fight!"
Paul was never one to run from an argument. However, today there are some trying to convince us that he would never argue because after all, he wrote, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." A verse that actually has a context even though they choose to ignore it. They would rather play "Follow the leader" than follow the bible.
Just what do you think happened in Antioch between Peter and Paul? I assure you it was no "Love Fest." Peter was having a good time breaking bread with a bunch of uncircumcised non Jews, when things quickly went south. The Old Testament law police arrived, and two faced Peter was quick to remove himself from the table of the Gentiles. Paul, seeing this, rushed over and confronted him to his face. He rebuked him in front of everyone, and in the fire of Paul’s righteous indignation, ole Peter got scorched!
Now I wonder why Paul withstood Peter to his face, when in the spirit of "showing grace" all he had to do was overlook it and say, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.?" Some of these "milquetoast" "mid actors" we have today would have cried FOUL on the very apostle they claim to follow. But I digress...
In Acts 15, we find where certain men had come from Judæa teaching that "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." As you can imagine, that did not sit well with Paul and Barnabas. The Bible says they "had no small dissension and disputation with them."
Webster defines "dissension" as being "contentious quarreling." This does not resemble the false narrative of the kumbaya singalong now does it?
Moreover, what does Acts 19:8 say about Paul and his experiences in the synagogues?
That he "went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God." WHAT? "spake boldly?" "disputing?"
Back to the Oxford we go. dispute: argue about (something); discuss heatedly. compete for; strive to win.
So the bible declares Paul to be our "pattern," while the bible NON-believers tell us that we should not argue. -Can someone say "nonsensical?"
Furthermore, Paul did not just argue, he actually went to the enemies' turf to do so! I can just picture it now. The synagogue doors swing open - and in walks this dark skinned Jew who looks like an Egyptian. He stands there before a room full of unbelieving Pharisees, boldly proclaiming Christ to be the Son of God. Preaching the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection, and that belief was the only thing required for justification. (Acts 13:29-39)
Oh, and by the way, for those who have fallen for the latest lie claiming that Paul preached "the gospel of the kingdom" and not "the gospel of the grace of God" in the book of Acts, here it is. Waaay back here in the 13th chapter. -Oops!
Listen, when "the faith" is under attack from false teachers, we are to rise up, stand strong and contend. (defend it) What do you think Paul meant when he wrote 2 Timothy 3:16? "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:."
"Reproof." "Correction." We are to use scripture to "Contend." Remember? Contend:"assert something as a position in an argument." "to strive or vie in contest or rivalry." "to strive in debate: argue."
Jude called it contending, Luke called it disputing. Paul called it fighting. Oxford and Webster called it arguing and debating. But today's thin skinned denominationalist and even some "right dividers" whine and cry when confronted about their error.
It is time we stop soft peddling this. If we are going to claim to follow Paul, how bout we actually DO what we claim? Stop beating around the bushes - be frank and candid - and with vigor put some bass in our voice and tell it like it is. If someone wants to argue the faith, give them what they ask for. But first, study and learn the material. Learn to rightly divide, so that when it's your time to contend you won't be "ashamed." Equip yourself with some installed doctrine and who knows, you may be the key to changing the course of someone's life!
As ministers of reconciliation we must not only tell the "world" of their current status with God, but also warn the "body of Christ" of false teachers claiming to have received "new" revelations of truth. Claiming to "see something you don't see." They read IN to the scriptures instead of taking them at face value. The reason neither you or I "see" it -- is because it simply IS NOT THERE!
The reason they take the position to "Agree to disagree... Can't we all just get along," is they want to brainwash their audience into thinking that arguing for the faith is taboo. (a BAD thing) When in fact it's scriptural. If they can get you thinking that way, guess what you won't do? You won't dare question THEIR false teachings. (Get it?) It's the muzzle-and-silence-technique. Their hope is to keep you docile and drunk on the tainted koolaid.
Over the years we have had many to come to change their position after email exchanges, telephone conversations, and even debates. So you will never convince my wife or me that there is no profit in contending. Some are simply not built for it, and that's okay. But for those of us who are, God expects us to "fight the good fight." To "contend for the faith.". As you do so just remember to be discerning, so you'll know when to close your bible and walk away. Being careful not to waste your time on someone who will NOT believe, while letting someone pass you by who WILL.
To quote James Earl Jones from the movie, The Vernon Johns Story, "My daddy always said, son, if you see a good fight, get in it!"
"Fight the good fight." -the apostle Paul.
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