Saturday, July 22nd, 2023.
It’s not hard to start a fight with a Christian. All it takes is fighting words like…
Baptism
Tithing
Calvinism
Bible versions
Woman preachers
Many subjects that Christians argue over become clearer when you rightly divide.
It is tempting to jump right into these subjects to show someone the explanatory power of dispensational Bible study. Be careful.
If you raise these subjects to someone who is not looking for answers, it is likely to start a religious rumble.
Many people have stronger opinions about what churches fight about than they do about the gospel of Christ.
Start with salvation. That is controversial enough. Talk about how they were saved. Listen. Tell your testimony. There is a high chance their personal testimony is weak or nonexistent (i.e., they are lost).
If controversy started a conversation with a stranger, great! Now, look for opportunity to direct it back to what matters most: the gospel.
You should know how to respond to controversial doctrines, but don’t let a lengthy conversation about these subjects steal your opportunity to communicate the gospel, especially with strangers.
You should know what subjects will start a fight and how you can work those subjects back to salvation. If possible, avoid hitting those buttons if it hinders them knowing about the gospel of Christ.
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:2
For your edification,
Justin “lover not a fighter” Johnson