The fascinating thing about theological
debates, perhaps, is that they may be
conducted respectfully and intelligently. I
can remember debates in college and
most were interesting. Did great masses
come to Christ? Probably not, and I will
venture to say that is not the point. The
greatest benefit, as far as I can see,
comes to the men and women attending
who are taking in all of this, hearing charge
and defense, counter-charge and
comeback. Whether they follow the finer
points of the debate or not, one thing is
sure: the listeners walk away with a
stronger confidence that their faith is able
to stand on its own feet and need not fear
attack, questions or differing opinions.
After all, God has not given His preachers
and missionaries and teachers the spirit of
fear, timidity or cowardice. He is not
pleased when His preachers shy away
from controversial teachings that someone
may find offensive. The preacher who
pleases the Heavenly Father will preach
the Word, will be ready in season and out
of season, will reprove, rebuke, exhort and
endure hardship.
To accomplish this—a big order to be
sure—God has given to His children a
spirit of power with which to face the
enemy, a spirit of love with which to deal
with people, and a spirit of a disciplined
mind with which to face all unknowns
Defend & Keep the Faith
No one can do any of this in the flesh and by
himself. We will be needing the power of Christ
within us and the people of God surrounding us.
Preachers need to belong to a larger
community of ministers of the same faith to
encourage and assist one another.
Paul said, “I solemnly charge you in the
presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to
judge the living and the dead, and by His
appearing and His kingdom, preach the
Word!” (4:1-2)
This may not be easy but it is our assignment.
Defend and keep the faith.