To Debate or not To Debate?

Apologetics, the study and disproof of other religions - many Christians wonder what value this field has. Should we immerse ourselves in it so that we can disprove every false view that comes before us? Should we back off, knowing that a debate is not going to save anyone? These questions are good, but to answer them we have to acknowledge both the values and limitations of apologetics and debate.

Apologetics is a valuable field, especially for Christians seeking leadership in the church. Jesus debated with the religious leaders of his day repeatedly, the Apostles were constantly debating the Pharisees, and one way we knew that Paul was saved was that he "baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ".

By understanding and debating other religions we learn to value what God has taught us more dearly and we can see the dangers of misunderstanding the truths of scripture more clearly and earnestly than we could before. At its core apologetics is the understanding of truth and the lie, and no Christian should go with out.

Apologetics encourages deeper study, it allows us to tailor our message to different audiences, and it allows us to face different religions and show them the greatness of believing in God, but it does have limitations. We can't debate people into salvation because salvation is not a mere intellectual understanding, it is a heart change. Debate can pave the way for this, and it can make evangelism more effective, but we shouldn't lose sight of our goal: we are aiming to win souls for Christ, and take every thought captive to do his will.

So knowing all this what should we do? First we ought to study the scriptures so that we can answer people who have questions or want to challenge the scriptures. Every Christian needs to be able to proclaim the essence of what we believe. Secondly, we need to exercise discernment; we can't disprove everything, nor should we even try. Rather than getting too focused on the lie we should always strive to preach the truth. Don't forget that when Paul was debating the Jews he wasn't just trying to prove them wrong, he was proving "that Jesus is the Christ".

So lets go out there and debate, let's challenge false teaching, and let's point people to the truth: Jesus is the Christ, and there is no way to salvation except through him.

Big Faith, Big Prayers

I was praying to God one day and I really wanted to ask God for something, something big, but I just didn't think it would happen. So I modified my request and tried to make it "realistic", and that's when the Holy Spirit began to speak to me: "You're not praying by faith!"

Often times we as Christians go to God in prayer and we pray in ways in which we have no way to measure if God is answering our prayers, and there are several reasons for this. Sometimes we don't want to face the disappoint and difficult questions. If I pray "Lord, heal my sick Aunt" and God doesn't heal her we fear that we'll begin to doubt God and question His goodness. Maybe we don't want to get our hopes up only to be let down. Maybe we just don't think we're justified coming in front of the throne of glory and asking such a bold request.

But in all those questions I believe that we lose sight of what the purpose of prayer really is. Jesus says "Cast all your burdens on me" and "My yoke is easy and my burden is light". God says "turn to Me, and live". These two statements reflect the true importance of prayer. Prayer is an act of faith, an act of trusting in the awesome power of God, trusting that He cares about our daily struggles and that He loves us and has enough power to do something about it.

When I pray a "realistic" prayer I'm really fearing that God won't answer my big prayer, but this is where we need a big faith. We worship the God who made the universe, we worship the God who raised Himself from the dead, the God who made a virgin give birth. Our prayers shouldn't be limited to what is "realistic" because we don't serve a God bound by what our minds consider to be realistic, we serve a God who "...is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine".

Perhaps you fear the disappointment of an unanswered prayer. Even in this we should ask and have the faith that God, as our Heavenly Father, knows best. Paul prayed repeatedly for relief from what he called a "thorn in the flesh" and God didn't heal him. Instead "...he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'". Even in His "no" answers God gives the strength and the knowledge to carry on and live this Christian life victoriously.

So let's not fear to ask God for the desires of our heart. Let's align our will to His, let's pray for things only He can do, and let's trust God to answer as He sees fit. Let's not try to limit what God can do, let's trust in a God who answers big prayers.

Proven Faithful

2 Timothy 2:2 "...and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

Matthias the individual who was appointed to "fill the position of Judas" after his death is not mentioned within the Scriptures other than one time in Acts 1:21-26. Although little is known about him we do have three key characteristics by which he is considered for the position. One of these is not directly spoken of while the other two are directly referenced. He is a believer, faithful/enduring, and will bear witness to the work of Christ.

First, Matthias is referenced as an individual who met the qualification of "accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us..." It is interesting to see the faithfulness of Matthias, for to be amongst the teaching of Jesus Christ from the beginning of His earthly ministry until his ascension meant persevering through all that Christ also dealt with while he was with the apostles. Matthias' faithfulness is seen even when the large amount of followers left at the difficult teaching of Jesus' when He taught that He was the bread of life in John 6:22-66. He also remained faithful after the death of Christ and was among them at his ascension in Acts 1. This type of faithfulness that is seen among the apostles is beneficial and one that should be spoken highly of. It is a faithfulness to the teachings and life of Christ that can be followed in a similar manner today!

Second, Matthias is a believer who sought after and continued in the teachings of Christ. Although this is not specifically denoted it must follow that he is a believer, if they are seeking an individual who will, "become with us [the Apostles] a witness of his resurrection." His belief in the Lord Jesus Christ is a prerequisite to his being appointed to this position.

The third characteristic is associated with this in that he is appointed to actually speak and proclaim, to be a witness with the apostles of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Himself. He is expected to live it and proclaim it!

Some Questions for reflection. Do we continue to seek to exhibit this type of devotion and commitment to the things of God? To the proclamation of the work of God in the lives of individuals? To the faithful service even if it is apparently unnoticed? Can we be considered worthy of our calling to preach and proclaim and live the gospel that has saved us from sin?

Pastor Brian D. Kenner

Sweet Communion Baptist Church
3765 N. 35th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53216
Phone: (414) 442-1389

Sweet Communion Baptist Church is located two blocks south of Capitol Dr. on 35th St.
Service Times are as follows.

Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible study (7:00 pm)
Sunday Morning Prayer (9:00 am)
Sunday Morning Sunday School {All Ages} (9:30 am)
Sunday Morning Worship Service (10:50 am)
Sunday Night Prayer (4:30 pm)
Sunday Night Worship Service (5:00 pm)

Sweet Communion Baptist Church also offers a food and clothing pantry which is open every Saturday from 12:00 pm- 2:00 pm.