S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Scripture is clear that God hates discord and fighting among His children (2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:15; James 3:14, 4:1-3). Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but ...

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July 01 2013 • 6 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Felicia Nicholas Supporter Student/youth sub-leader

If they are truly argumentative and not justified as a rational debate or discussion, then that spirit shall be prayed against, in order for them to grow. 'And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil' - 2 Timothy 2:24

January 21 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter

WHY ARE CHRISTIANS ALWAYS ARGUING?

My view is that Christians should engage in structured dialogue on fundamental practices of our faith so that theological differences are resolved. However, absolute Bible truths are not subject to debate. They are to be accepted without question in accordance with the revelation of Scripture. 

The New Testament Church held a theological conference to address some issues touching on Christian conduct and practice. The two church communions were however agreed on the basic truths of the faith but had taken opposing standpoints on some general issues. The meeting held between the Jerusalem Church and the Gentile church is popularly referred to as the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15.

However, when the church community engages in endless disputes over minor doctrinal differences, we end up bringing disrepute to the body of Christ and obstructing the advance of the gospel effort. 

This is not to suggest that we should not hold differing views on certain non-fundamental issues but that we should respect each other's rights in those circumstances.

We should however be agreed on the foundational biblical truths such as:

1) THAT unregenerate man lives in depravity of sin and only justification by the blood of Jesus Christ can take away that sin (John 3:16; Romans 3:23, 6:23) 

2) THAT believers are saved by grace through faith in Christ by means of the atonement of sin by the blood of Jesus Christ which He achieved through His finished works of the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:11-12)

3) THAT Jesus is God the Son and that God exists in Three Divine Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and that the three share full and equal divinity ((Philippians 2:5-7)

4) THAT Jesus is soon coming in person to take away the faithful and to judge the wicked (1Thess. 4:13-17).

5) THAT the word of God is infallible and sealed within the Scriptures and that there is no new revelation to be expected (Heb. 1:1-2)

7) THAT the Church is fallible and is subordinate to the word of God and to the reign of Christ as it Head and Redeemer (Rev. 2-3).

On these and other fundamental truths, there is no debate. These are matters on which our true communion lies and any religious organization or religious society that denies these truths is not a true church. 

Now as concerns arguments falling outside the preview of fundamental Bible truths such as those relating to church traditions and practices, we may debate and even accept to hold varying views on them 

For instance, Evangelicals do not agree with Pentecostals on certain practices simply because of varying interpretations on certain teachings of the Bible. 

However, both sides are agreed on the fundamental biblical truths above and recognize each other as true church communities despite their theological differences.

The Roman Catholics and other cultic and neo-cultic church movements however hold onto serious flaws which are inconsistent with Bible truth and which mark them out as cultic.

Evangelicals and Pentecostals or Protestants general would not consider the Roman Catholic Church as a legitimate body of the Christian Faith. I know this may be unsettling for some readers but we must remember that Catholics hold a false view of Christ and have exalted Mary to divine status. 

Their unbiblical teachings are discussed under separate articles elsewhere in this forum.

This does not imply that there are no true followers of God among Roman Catholics who have recognized biblical truth or that all Protestants are necessarily godly people. God knows all that are truly His by their faith walk (2 Timothy 2:19). Scripture however commands that we should judge every spirit to see if they are of God (1John 4:1-7). We are commanded to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good (1Thess 5:21)

June 01 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

jD Ando Supporter

Simply, because they do not yet understand the word of God.
Love one another!

January 21 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jim Stevens Supporter

Sadly many Christians can easily fall into argumentative behavior thinking they are defending "the truth" (or something they think is truth). This behavior is from their carnal nature, not from their "new self, which is created, in Christ Jesus for good works". In reality the truth defends itself and "sets us free". 

The question may suppose that Christians are above sin which is an erroneous concept. If the question is merely expressing frustration with Christians who behave badly, that is certainly legitimate. True Christians are those who confess that both their sin and their human righteous deeds "are as filthy rags" and they accept the robes of righteousness Christ freely offers to all. 

There is no excuse for Christians to behave badly when confronted with conflict, false doctrines, or differing opinions. Christ sent out his disciples with the instructions "I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves". 

All too often when confronted with error or uncomfortable questions/situations, a weakness in human response is to attack rather than express humility. This is simply not Christ-like behavior. It takes humility to say "I don't know" or "I am wrong, or may be wrong".

I am sorry for the times I have been argumentative and brought reproach on the name Christian, and I thank God for forgiveness.
A saved sinner.

August 31 2017 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report