Read this Christians

[Jian^sia]

What I want to say is:
Dear Christians who want to debate for God and spread the Word, should take a step back and ascertain your convictions.

Here are a few things you should consider and understand first.
1. Are you convicted that God is real?
2. Do you believe in the full authority and revelation of the Bible?
3. What is your aim in participating in this forum?

If you are thinking that the debaters here can be swayed by easy answers, then be in for a disappointment. The debate forums are usually a good place to get your convictions undermined. Too many times on other sites, I have had doubts. Doubts whether the truth of the Bible was real. There were no really intellectual reasons to NOT accept your opponents' stands. If you are truly honest, and not biased, reading some of their arguments will really shake your beliefs a little, if not a lot.

Other questions:
- Do you have Biblical knowledge?
- More importantly, do you have (spiritual) wisdom (Proverbs 2,3)?

The Bible says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Before beginning each post,
1. Pray for wisdom, ask for guidance.
2. Belt on your buckle of truth.
3. Take on your shield of faith.
4. Pray for your opponents, for the struggle with have is not against flesh and blood but spiritual forces.

Brothers, I admit, that you have to have a well-developed relationship with God before doing any of this apologetic stuff. The only reason why I don't stay in doubt is because God always returns the faith. There were times when I was seriously challenged, even when I thought I was had a sure footing.

As the Bible says, 'be rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.' - COL 2:7

Fix your eyes on Christ.

[Goose]

Hi Jian. Thanks for the insight.

What I want to say is:
Dear Christians who want to debate for God and spread the Word, should take a step back and ascertain your convictions.

Here are a few things you should consider and understand first.
1. Are you convicted that God is real?
2. Do you believe in the full authority and revelation of the Bible?
3. What is your aim in participating in this forum?

I'll add a few more:

4. Have at least a basic knowledge of logic. Know how to identify a logical fallacy.
5. Have a basic understanding of historical methods.
6. Read scholastic literature. Avoid preaching material.
7. Remember, everyone has a bias.

Brothers, I admit, that you have to have a well-developed relationship with God before doing any of this apologetic stuff. The only reason why I don't stay in doubt is because God always returns the faith. There were times when I was seriously challenged, even when I thought I was had a sure footing.

I also went through a very serious doubting period. I almost walked away from Christianity. I think everyone doubts at some point. The more I debate the more I'm convinced the reason people are caused to doubt by the types of arguments presented on this forum and elsewhere is that they have difficulty distinguishing between a good argument that is back by solid evidence and a weak argument backed by wishful thinking. Just because an alternate explanation is offered for a Christian explanation doesn't make the Christian explanation untrue or even to be seriously doubted. For most cases there is usually one explanation that best accounts for all the evidence. If doubting Christians would understand this logical principle I think they'd have less doubts.