Question: I am concerned that debates are not profitable regarding Scripture. Could you please ...

Question: I am concerned that debates are not profitable regarding Scripture. Could you please address the matter of debates?

Response: Much depends upon the spirit in which the debate is engaged. A debate can degenerate into a bitter argument where neither party is listening to the other, each merely reiterating his entrenched and opposing views. One’s opponent is rarely convinced, but a clear-cut presentation of both sides helps the listener to be better prepared when faced with challenges to biblical truth. In order to contend for the faith, one needs to be knowledgeable. Jesus entered into some very frank exchanges with the rabbis in His day. Paul debated publicly everywhere he went: “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him: (Acts:17:17Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
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