Many years ago as a Theology student at Howard Payne University something struck me then as it does now. We would spend endless time as theological students “discussing” or should I say debating doctrine. Most of the time all parties saying the same thing and yet never agreeing. Yet the lost were were within a door of the dorm.
We are first obligated to reach the Lost in Worthy as was commanded by our Lord Mathew 28:18-20. By this same verse we are commanded to teach what Jesus taught. This is our first obligation in chat.
The issues of doctrine are secondary. Do not misunderstand my thought. Scripture teaches that we are to be wary of being swayed by doctrine Ephesians 4:14. Many come in to do nothing more than confuse and mislead the Saints. We are obligated to respond II Timothy 4:2-4. Our discussion of Doctrine should be relegated to Mars Hill. This is where it has been designated for discussion and debate.
My point is this I appreciate the chitter chatter in the upper. Like i pointed out earlier in college we missed the lost because the lost were not sought out. We need to make sure we are following our Lord’s command as it was written first to win, second to teach and when a doctrinal issue or false teaching arises be sensitive to those who come into upper who may not know the Lord. The arguements (discussions) would lead people away and not to the Lord.
Print this article
Increase
Decrease
January 16th, 2006 at 8:04 am
I didn’t know what Mars Hill was for. Thanks!
January 21st, 2006 at 10:15 am
Great post Steve. I’m totally behind you on this issue.
January 21st, 2006 at 11:24 pm
I agree, there is a lost and dying world out there,
that desperatly need a touch of the masters hand.
I have discovered that the hands he likes to use is ours.
The compassion of Jesus in us is essensial.
Enjoyed the article as I am new to chats and blogs and such.
April 11th, 2006 at 8:08 pm
Interesting thought, and not without merit. However, I am not certain that it is totally accurate. I agree that there needs to be more active evangelism, that is the job of all who name the name of Jesus. I also agree, that argument often turns people off. Some people, can not distinguish between argument and debate, nor even debate and discussion. Discussion, I feel, is always acceptable, but there are times when it does need to be split off from the upper room to another room. There are, however, times when a discussion is ended, or has been taken elsewhere, and the activity in the chat room comes to a screeching halt, and people drop of out of boredom. Had the discussion, debate or even argument have stayed, so would the interest and although those arguing, probably will not come to agreement, those listening will often have a deeper understanding of the issues, than would have otherwise been the case.
The notion that these discussions drive people away, is counterbalance by the fact, that there are those who are attracted to them, if this were not the case, talk radio would be out of business.
To me, there is no problem with passionate discussion, there is only and issue of order and respect. Should they move to mars hill? Probably, but I don’t see people going to mars hill to wait for something to disagree about. These thing will always begin in normal chat, and if it gets to the point, where it needs to move, those who believe it should move, should inform the ‘offenders’ and they would likely leave. Much of the time, a moderator is there and it should be their call.
If you think I am wrong about this, I’ll meet you in Mars Hill.
April 28th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Is Man Worthy of Gods Love
did Abraham prove his love and obedience to God
by takeing Isaac to the alter for sacraifice