Home Blog Page 28

4 Great Women In The Bible

M.T. Omoniyi
-
0
4 Great Women In The Bible

Hi reader, thank you for clicking on this article. As a charity, it is due to the donation from individuals that allow us to share this article with you for free! However the truth is, less than 1% of our readers donate and in order for us to keep on going, we need your help. If you donate just £2 a month, you can help Our God Given mission keep thriving. To donate, click here.

Prefer to listen? Listen here

Women play a powerful role in God’s story of redemption throughout Scripture. Whether it’s International Women’s Day or not, this is an important fact that more Christians should know and celebrate.

Here are 5 who we should celebrate more and whose example you can follow in.

Hannah

Hannah was initially childless, and prayed desperately for a son.

She made a promise to God that if he permitted her to bear a son, she would devote him to God, this was a promise she was intent on keeping.

When God fulfilled this request, she faithfully kept her word. She left her son, Samuel, to be raised in the temple of the Lord while continuing to provide him guidance and mentorship along the way.

The book of 1 Samuel introduces us to Hannah. On top of her womb being closed, her husband’s second wife did have children and used it to provoke her rival in marriage. Understandably distressed, Hannah prayed for a son, promising to return him to the Lord for His sovereign purposes. In God’s providence, He answered Hannah’s prayer through the birth of Samuel, whom He anointed to become a prophet, priest, and judge in Israel.

Do you pray with confidence that God hears and desires to answer your prayers according to His good purposes for your life? Are you praying with a surrendered spirit, ready to relinquish the gifts He gives for the glory of His name?  This is an example to follow because of how Hannah drew close to God. She also offered something she has long desired back to God confirming that her most prized possession was always Him. Because Hannah’s love for God exceeded her love for His gifts, she is an example worth following.

It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth

1 Sam. 2:10

Deborah

Deborah played a very unique role in Israel’s history, serving as the only female judge in a lawless period before the country got its first king. In this male-dominated culture, she enlisted the help of a mighty warrior named Barak to defeat the oppressive General Sisera.

Deborah’s wisdom and faith in God inspired the people. Thanks to her leadership, Israel enjoyed peace for 40 years.

After Moses led Israel out of the land of Egypt and Joshua had led Israel into the land promised to Abraham to conquer the Canaanites, Israel fell into cycles of disobedience that prompted God’s wrath to fall on Israel in the form of slavery to the Canaanites.

In this time, God raised up judges to redeem Israel from political slavery and give them an opportunity to repent. Israel often did repent for a single generation, but fell back into idolatry and disobedience, prompting once again God’s wrath.

“Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. But because of the course you are taking, the honour will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman

Judges 4:9

Esther

Esther was a persecuted citizen of Israel under Persian reign.

In the 7th–6th century BC, Esther was chosen out of the women of Israel to be part of the harem of King Xerxes. She used her political influence to destroy the antisemitic actors who sought to destroy the Jews in Persia, and through her faithfulness, established the Jewish festival of Purim. She was thereafter chosen by Xerxes to be his queen, and she ruled Israel as a Jewish queen of a Gentile nation.

Like Deborah a thousand years earlier, Esther saved Israel from the consequences of its own spiritual folly and established a safe place for Jews to worship in the land. It was on this basis that Judaism was allowed to flourish under Greek and Roman rule in the centuries to come, and it was because of Esther that the ministry of Jesus was able to thrive freely and openly in a public society.

A young Jewish girl living among the exiles in Persia found herself queen of the empire when a plot was revealed to destroy all the Jews. Esther was the woman God had prepared “for such a time as this” to save his covenant people (Esther 4:14). Aware that going uninvited before the king could cost her her life, Esther went to plead for the life of her people.

Just as God used one woman’s courage to be an instrument of salvation for His people, He still uses women today who are willing to proclaim His name. Esther reminds us to count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord (Philippians 3:8). The days ahead may give us even greater opportunities to follow her example.

Priscilla

Priscilla was a powerful church leader in the book of Acts.

She and her husband, Aquila, led the church in maintaining theological purity, love for the poor, and mentorship of young, charismatic leaders such Apollos, who were still figuring out how Jesus fit into God’s story of redemption.

Priscilla represents God’s counter-cultural insistence upon the dignity of women in church leadership and the power He plans to accomplish through them to revolutionise what it means to belong in the people of God and what women can do to lead by example in faithfulness and hospitality.

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately

Acts 18:26

These strong women in the Bible held the line of faithfulness when many men in Israel were satisfied to capitulate to the paganism of Canaan, Persia, and Greece.

These women represent not only the kind of bravery to which all Christians are called to in the face of suffering, but represent a uniquely powerful purpose which God has designated for women to achieve.

How do you combat the feeling of loneliness during lockdown?

On Mission
-
0
How do you combat the feeling of loneliness during lockdown?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has made it harder to be with others. Contact with family and friends continues to be limited, and with social and leisure activities are restricted, for many of us, the last year has been one marked with feelings of loneliness. So what hope does the Bible give for those who may feel this way?

Join the discussion online by using the hashtag #ThePulsePodcast. 

Listen on Youtube: CLICK HERE

Listen on Apple Podcasts: CLICK HERE

Listen elsewhere: CLICK HERE

RECENT EPISODES

How To Be Your Brothers Keeper

Tobi Oludipe
-
0
How To Be Your Brothers Keeper

Hi reader, thank you for clicking on this article. As a charity, it is due to the donation from individuals that allow us to share this article with you for free! However the truth is, less than 1% of our readers donate and in order for us to keep on going, we need your help. If you donate just £2 a month, you can help Our God Given mission keep thriving. To donate, click here.

Genesis 4 tells the story of Cain and Abel. We know that in the end Cain commits a senseless act and kills his brother. Before that, however, we see God ask Cain about Abel saying ‘Where is your brother Abel?’(Genesis 4:9) Now, God already knew what Cain had done to Abel. However in questioning Cain about his whereabouts implied that He had ascribed to Cain a level of brotherly responsibility. God wanted Cain to be able to account for his brother and that speaks volumes to the relationship God wants us to have with our brother and sisters on earth today.  There is no question to how important brotherly love is to God:

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

John 4:20

In a world of social media, it is easy to be deluded into thinking that people do not need a brother or sister to show them care and affection. That people have it altogether and are completely fine. This is not always the case. The global pandemic has left a left a lot of people feeling cut off and isolated – more than ever people are in need of brotherly love.

These are three ways to be your brother’s keeper;

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love

Sometimes we think honour is exclusive to certain people. We are quick to honour our favourite celebrities and people we look up to but how often do we honour the people around us. This could mean buying a gift, sharing a compliment, paying a visit etc. The Bible instructs us to outdo each other in showing honour (Romans 10:12) meaning we should be proactively seeking to honour the people within the body of Christ, no matter the type of relationship we have with them. The word devotion also instructs an intentionality and persistence in caring, loving and honouring one another.

Let your love be genuine

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind

Peter 3:8

Brotherly love is central to being your brother’s keeper but if that love is not coming from the right place it will bear no fruit. The Bible instructs us to let our love be genuine. (Romans 12:9) Peter describes the type of attitude Christians should have for one another and perfectly directs us in what is needed to genuinely love. A humble mind to serve your friend, sympathy for conflict resolutions, unity of mind for understanding and a tender heart to maintain the friendship and love in all seasons.

A desire to serve

The purpose of service is so that God can reach others through our hands. Jesus is the ultimate example as we see Jesus lay down His whole life in service to us.

Through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

Constantly looking out for how we can serve one another and be of help is key. The silent cries for help must be acknowledged even when they are not directly aimed at us. In order to acknowledge this requires being less focused on self and actively focusing on others.

God is looking for those who will take up the burden of caring for others. A relevant quote states; ‘people are either giving love or crying out for it.’ Therefore it is important that we attempt to avail ourselves for others, being our brother’s keeper just as our Saviour has made himself readily available for us and kept us through and in His everlasting love. (John 3:16)

A Warning Against Partiality

Ayo Stephen
-
0
A Warning Against Partiality

Hi reader, thank you for clicking on this article. As a charity, it is due to the donation from individuals that allow us to share this article with you for free! However the truth is, less than 1% of our readers donate and in order for us to keep on going, we need your help. If you donate just £2 a month, you can help Our God Given mission keep thriving. To donate, click here.

Prefer to listen? Listen here

As a young Christian, I have observed a pattern within the modern Church where Christians can be extremely partial in whom they follow, acknowledge, support and praise according to popularity or social standing. Partiality is a dangerous sin that is warned against many times in the Bible. It breeds cliques and creates subconscious hierarchies. In this article, I will be referring to the Book of James to explore more about what the Bible says on partiality.

Jesus was not partial

have you not then made distinctions amongst yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

James 2:4

The basis of the Christian faith lies in the existence of Jesus and His show of love for us, despite our sin (John 3:16). To truly understand this ultimate display, we must first come to terms with the fact that He died for us whilst we were still sinners (Romans 3:23). We must understand that whilst we were still sinners, He granted us a way out of what seemed to be inescapable (Romas 5:8). He is just and impartial, that is why He offered salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16) through the gift of faith (Eph 2:8-10), creating a body of belivers who are all in the same standing, called to one faith.

Partiality is such a dangerous sin, especially because it can be difficult for us as young Christians to notice it. James 2 describes a scenario where discrimination is shown towards a poor man in comparison to a rich man. It ends with verse 4 saying “have you not then made distinctions amongst yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” See, partiality leads to unnecessary divergence, even though we are all called to be one body. Based on charisma, popularity, even physical appearance – the list could go on – young Christians can get caught in the trap of following one group over another, based on shallow metrics. This can further lead to blinding young Christians with a word that may not be necessarily scriptural. Christ loves us all irrespective of where we stood in sin. We should aim to follow these steps, removing partiality from the Church and treating everyone equally despite our biases.

A warning against partiality

Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:13

A problem with partiality is it causes us to assume judgment over people in the Church. Partiality forces a judgment on people, creating a system only inclusive to “popular” believers, or believers who are perceived to be of a high moral standard. We are warned against this in the Bible – that if we judge without mercy, the same would be shown unto us. Additionally, the hierarchy automatically assumes us as judges and acts to lessen the work Christ did on the Cross for all, despite our state. If Christ judged us all the same, then we should strive to humble ourselves in our behaviour towards members of the Church body.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

James 2:8

How would you feel if partiality was shown towards you? Would it pull you closer to Christ or deter you from Christ? Partiality is not edifying to the body of Christ nor does it promote the Christian message of inclusivity, “a body with many parts”, “loving thy neighbour”. We must shift out of our bias and move towards embracing everyone within the body, in the same way, Christ embraced us and still continues to embrace us.

Biblical Optimism

On Mission
-
0
Biblical Optimism

What kind of organisation is Atheism: a non-prophet organisation.

Optimism is “the tendency to expect the best possible outcome or to dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.” 

Optimists usually feel that “good things” will happen in the future or that what they hope and dream for will happen. By nature, most people tend toward either optimism or pessimism, regardless of their relationship with God.

Everyone’s glass is either “half full” or “half empty.” So, optimism is not necessarily the same as faith in God. It can be a natural personality trait that has nothing to do with faith.

Discuss

  • Are you a half full or half empty person?
  • What do you think when you see road works or unfinished buildings?

Worldly Optimism

Worldly optimism is not based on faith in God. Many unbelievers simply refuse to worry because life is more pleasant that way.

“Don’t worry; be happy” is their motto. 

They may place their faith in any number of lesser gods, such as karma, denial, the “universe,” or intentional ignorance. This may work temporarily, but it is a misplaced optimism with no real foundation.

Optimistic people find more enjoyment in life and are usually more pleasant to be around because they refuse to worry about things they cannot control. However, simply because a person appears optimistic does not mean that he has great faith in God or that her faith is appropriately placed.

Without realising it, some Christians also place their faith in a “lesser god” because they have a misunderstanding of faith.

  • They may stubbornly cling to the belief that they will receive whatever they want simply because they believe it hard enough.
  • They take care to appear outwardly optimistic because they fear that “negative confessions” might cancel out their prayer requests.
  • Or they simply cling to the notion that there’s power in positive thinking. This is false optimism because it is not based on the sovereign nature of God but on their own ability to believe hard enough to get what they want.

This can lead to confusion and disillusionment with God when their requests remain unfulfilled. 

Discuss

  • Where does the impulse to trust in a Lesser God come from?

Biblical Optimism

Biblical optimism is the result of faith in the character of God. 

The Bible refers to this as “hope.” Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

When we hope in God, we put our trust in His sovereign plan above what our circumstances tell us. 

Romans 8:23–35 explains it this way: “But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Paul is speaking of our future reward and the things that “God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

If we redefine Optimism then!

Optimism (Proverbs 4:23; Luke 21:18; John 16:33; Romans 8:25; 28; 15:13; Colossians 3:1-4) combines hope and faith into synergy (the combination supercharges and become more than just the sum of its parts) to be positive for Christ. It is heartfelt confidence that everything will come out for the best, no matter what happens, as Paul proclaimed. It will help us to think the best of and be positive with people and all situations, even if we are proven wrong.


Regardless of what may happen in this life, we know that God sees, cares, and will “wipe every tear from our eyes” when we are forever with Him (Revelation 21:4).

 That confidence can give us an optimistic outlook, even in difficult circumstances. Biblical optimism does not place so much emphasis on earthly events. It can accept difficult circumstances because it believes that “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Godly hope looks beyond what we understand to view life from God’s perspective.

God designed us to live with hope. 

Psalm 43:5 says, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

Optimism is a choice. When we choose to trust God for everything, we can rest in His promises to take care of us the way He sees fit (Philippians 4:19; Luke 12:30–31). 

We can “cast our care upon him” (1 Peter 5:7), “let our requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6), and accept His “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). 
Knowing that we have a loving heavenly Father who desires to care for us and provide for us should give every child of God a reason for true optimism (Matthew 6:8; Luke 12:29–31).

  1. How would you define Optimism? Are you a person who is positive with your outlook? Why, or why not?
  2. When would there be an occasion to distrust a person or situation?
  3. How does being Pessimistic counteract Optimism? What is the cost to others (God, family, friends, neighbours, church, workplace, etc.) when you are a negative person?
  4. What happens to your relationship with God, with others, and with the opportunities God gives you, when you are negative?
  5. When have you been filled with Optimism the most?
  6. In what situation did you fail to be positive when you should have been?
  7. What issue is in your life that would improve with more Optimism? Are you willing to be a passionate person?

Why we all need friends who will hold us accountable

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
-
0
Why we all need friends who will hold us accountable

Hi reader, thank you for clicking on this article. As a charity, it is due to the donation from individuals that allow us to share this article with you for free! However the truth is, less than 1% of our readers donate and in order for us to keep on going, we need your help. If you donate just £2 a month, you can help Our God Given mission keep thriving. To donate, click here.

Being accountable to someone is one of the hardest things in our Christian walk as it means we give another person permission to correct us. Most of us do not like to be corrected, even when we know our behaviour is inappropriate. Also, holding our friend accountable can be difficult at times, especially when we feel our behaviour isn’t up to the standard we are correcting. However, we are all becoming more and more like Christ each day, as we die to self and accountability is necessary and vital to growing together as a body, if it is from a place of love and extended grace.

What is accountability

To be accountable is to be liable to account for one’s actions to someone else [1]. At judgement. we will all be accountable to God (Matthew 12:36; Hebrews 4:13), however, the accountability described in this article is in relation to our daily lives as Christians. We are not supposed to do life alone. We can have accountability to make the whole walk lighter. Someone to share the burdens of our day to day lives as Christians (Galatians 6:2). Christ carries all our burdens, but our friend can comfort us in them. There will be situations that a friend who understands our struggles can inject with wisdom.

Two are better off than one, for they help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Most times our accountability is our friends or peers on a similar journey to our own. They will be around us the most and see how we truly live our lives up close. These are the best types of foundations for accountability, ones of friendship. Friends that holds us accountable call us out on our behaviour, ask questions about our lifestyle and check us on our character. However, this should all be done in love, for the betterment of us.

Why accountability matters

Accountability can reveal secrets and expose patterns of behaviours in our life that we did not want to deal with, as it rightly should. When David tried to hide the sin he had committed, God sent Nathan to hold him accountable (See 2 Samuel 12:1-15). Nathan called David out on what he had done, through the revelation of God, which led David to confess and seek forgiveness (2 Samuel 12:13). We may not always see our behaviour until someone calls it out.

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy

Proverbs 27:5-6

We also need to be humble enough to accept correction. Nathan simply pointed out what David had done as the Lord directed. It was David who realised his sin and repented. Having said that, we should not take advice from just anyone. It is not everyone’s opinion that should carry the same weight. We have to decide on the voices that we allow to have an impact on our life.

So, who gets to “call us out”?

Although we do not have to be friends with only Christians, the people closest to us that really speak into our lives should understand what we are truly about. Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. We are warned in the bible on the type of people we entertain in our lives (Proverbs 13:20). The impact they have on our decisions, speech, conduct and character in the long term.

Do not be misled “Bad company corrupts good character”

1 Corinthians 15:33

As “Bad company can corrupt”, good company can influence. Jesus surrounded himself with 12 disciples who He taught and together, they did life. They were not perfect but eventually, as they spent time with Christ, they began to understand who Christ was and what He stood for. Their lives were changed by their relationship with Christ, as ours, as Christians, is being transformed. We may not have a group as large as that to do our everyday life with, and we do not need one. One person that we can be accountable to is more efficient than thousands who only applaud but never correct.

Ultimately, accountability is more than correction; it is more than sharing our secrets. True accountability creates spaces for transparency. We can only be truly accountable if the relationship enables us to be open and honest. The right friendships that allow for accountability can be life-changing. A support system that can encourage, bless, edify and love on one another through a mutual love of God (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Three Keys to Contentment

Shumi Mararike
-
0
Three Keys to Contentment

Hi reader, thank you for clicking on this article. As a charity, it is due to the donation from individuals that allow us to share this article with you for free! However the truth is, less than 1% of our readers donate and in order for us to keep on going, we need your help. If you donate just £2 a month, you can help Our God Given mission keep thriving. To donate, click here.

Technology has given us a closer glimpse into other people’s lives during lockdown. We have more access to their homes, families, jobs, etc, albeit virtually. We may have found ourselves comparing our lives and what we have to theirs. Consequently, envy may brew up, giving rise to discontentment. Despite all the challenges, the progress we’ve made or lack of, we can be satisfied in the present and excited about what is to come. God has foreknown the situation you’re currently in and will see you through.

The true meaning of contentment

Contentment is not a lack of ambition (see here for how to have a healthy view of ambition). It is not merely “settling for what you have”, neither is it sluggishness. Contentment is trusting in the faithfulness of God irrespective of the circumstances. This may be developed by observing the three keys to contentment: focusing on (i) who God is, (ii) what God has said and (iii) what God has done.

1. Who God is

A proper view of God’s character will reassure the troubled heart. He is our Father who, not only knows our every need, but delights in meeting them. He is a a generous God who loves to bestow good gifts upon His children.

 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Matthew 7:9-11

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17

2. What God has said

We remember what God has done alongside what He has said. As you glance around at your circumstances, you may deduce that the situation is unsatisfactory and helpless. You may feel alone, but you’re not. God hasn’t deserted you. He is present in your very situation. He is with you and will see you through. We know so because He has said so – to the children of Israel, to the persecuted believers of the early church and to you.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5-6

3. What God has done

God is not a distant being uninterested in the affairs of men and women. He is ever-present. He is involved, doing many wondrous things in our lives; grand or seemingly small. God has met your spiritual and physical needs. By His grace, you have survived a global pandemic. He has given you the health to see a new day, the means to have a roof over your head- these sound like trivial things, but their value cannot be understated. If ever in doubt of God’s activity and great providence in your life, read Psalm 103. God has:

  • Forgiven David and forgiven your sins in Christ (Psalm 103:3; 1 Peter 1:3)
  • Healed the diseases of the Israelites and has healed your own (Psalm 103:3).
  • Repeatedly delivered David from impending death (1 Samuel 17:41-49; 1 Samuel 19-21). God has rescued you from danger, death and its power (Psalm 103:4; 1 Corinthians 15:55).
  • Crowned you with His unfailing love and compassion (Psalm 103:4; Romans 8:38-39)
  • Brought you true satisfaction, thus strengthening and energizing you (Psalm 103:5)

Take heart, look to God

Paul, the imprisoned apostle learned to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12). He looked to the opportunities his house arrest presented for the advancement of the Gospel message (Philippians 1:12-14). He continuously rejoiced (Philippians 4:4). Rather than focusing on his circumstances, He focused on the God who was able to supply all his needs and those of the Philippians (Philippians 4:19). Paul focused on who God is, what God had said and what God had done. How did Paul do all this? Through the all-sufficient strength that Christ supplies (Philippians 4:13).

We can protect ourselves from the negative effects of comparison and be contented in all situations when focusing on who God is, what He has said and what He has done. God has sent His Son so that our souls may find rest. Rest in Christ; He gives you the strength to trust in the unceasing faithfulness and sure provision of God.

How To Have Fruitful and Healthy Debates Online

Chude Obuaya
-
0
How To Have Fruitful and Healthy Debates Online

Hi reader, thank you for clicking on this article. As a charity, it is due to the donation from individuals that allow us to share this article with you for free! However the truth is, less than 1% of our readers donate and in order for us to keep on going, we need your help. If you donate just £2 a month, you can help Our God Given mission keep thriving. To donate, click here.

Prefer to listen? Listen here!

Social media appears to be the primary breeding ground for different ideas to be hashed out and It seems as though every week, there is a new debate erupting. Questions usually arise upon the aftermath of an online debate revolving around how Christians should engage with such situations. Often it appears that each time there is a debate, there is often much bemoaning about how Christians have conducted themselves within the debate. In the past, I have been guilty of arguing in such a way that mars the name of Christ. How we as Christians debate online is important; so what can the scriptures teach us about how we should debate?

Should Chritians enagage in debates?

Before we define how to have a fruitful and healthy debate, we must first discover whether we should debate. Debating isn’t inherently evil. Debating can be a helpful tool in the arsenal of the Christian, especially when engaging people who oppose the faith. Before Jesus sent out the 12 apostles, He commanded them to be “wise as serpents” (Matthew 10:16). Elsewhere in scriptures, those who are wise are described as those who are able to be persuasive with their speech (Psalm 37:30; Proverbs 16:21,23; 25:11). Debating is necessary when different ideas are being presented, especially those that are critical to the life of a Christian. Debating can be helpful in deciphering through different ideas and deciding which ideas should be accepted and those that should be rejected.

When trying to decipher whether we should argue, it is important to define what isn’t a healthy and fruitful debate. If debating is the exchanging of ideas through various forms of argumentation, then quarrelling is the clashing of ideas mainly through shouting. Debating aims to present opposing arguments with the possibility of persuading the audience and perhaps the opponent. Quarrelling aims to present an argument not through persuasion but through forcefulness. Those who use quarrelling as their form of argumentation aren’t interested in hearing the opposing argument, or even consider that they can be wrong – such people seldom believe they can be wrong. The bible warns against those who choose to quarrel as their form of argumentation. The Bible describes such people as fools (Proverbs 20:3), hot-tempered (Proverbs 15:8), wrathful (Proverbs 29:22) and ungodly (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Furthermore, the bible also warns from even associating with those who are quarrelsome (Romans 16:17), for such behaviour can tempt evil (1 Timothy 6:4).

Are debates worth it?

Social media allows for regular accessibility into the perspectives of different people. In God’s infinite wisdom, He has created humans with different intellects and interests who will have different experiences. Due to sin, humans are susceptible to engage in conflict when there is a difference of opinion; irrespective of its validity. It is important to decipher which topic is worth engaging in and what is better to take to the Lord in prayer. 2 Timothy 2:23-25 states “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,”. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul is admonishing Timothy to commit to the work of Christ, which is to know Him and make Him known, and not waste time arguing over small matters that won’t edify the saints but instead unsettle them (2 Timothy 2:14). Verse 23-25 is critical for the believer when deciding which online debates should be engaged with. Avoid all debates online that are fuelled by controversy. Why? “they breed quarrels”. Those who use controversy as a means to engage in the discussion are not looking to edify the saints and glorify God, instead, their aim is division and confusion (1 Timothy 1:4, 2 Timothy 2:14).

When you want to debate

There will be many opportunities to debate online and how we debate and what we choose debate will be emblematic of why you want to debate. So how can we debate in a healthy and fruitful manner? Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding whether to debate or not.

  1. Why do I want to engage? When you see a topic that whet’s your appetite for argument, ask yourself why? Why do you want to engage in that particular discussion? Is it to build yourself up, to understand further or because you like controversy? If it’s the latter, then it’s best not to engage.
  2. Do I know enough? There can be an insatiable desire to join in every conversation and give your “two pence” but before you do, ask yourself “do I know enough about this topic to give a reasonable contribution?”. Excellent oration doesn’t qualify you to speak at every moment, neither does reading sufficiently in a particular area in such a way that you can parrot the best points. If you don’t know enough, it’s better to simply listen and learn. The desire to speak at every turn can lead to sin (Proverbs 10:19).
  3. Do I want to listen? James 1:19 teaches us to be slow to speak and be quick to listen. If we want to argue in and healthy and fruitful way, we have to commit to listening. Quarrels will certainly occur if we are more concerned with being heard than seeking to hear. By committing to listening, we are more likely to understand an opponent’s position better and respond in such a way that is clear and doesn’t caricature an opposing perspective.
  4. Do I want a brother or an enemy? Hebrews 12:14 teaches us to pursue peace with all men. All men. Why? Because everyone is your neighbour (Luke 10:29, 36-37). When you decide whether this particular debate is appropriate to engage with, ask yourself “do I see my opponent as a potential brother or my enemy?”. This question is more critical to answer if your opponent is a believer. If they are a believer they are a blood-bought, redeemed, co-heir with Christ. No matter how much you disagree, you are eternally bound to this person. So aks yourself, what’s more important to me, my argument or this image-bearer?

The temptation to flex your argumentative muscle online can be appealing, however, we must remember our allegiance is not winning arguments but to love. Jesus commands us to love God and neighbour (Matthew 22:37-40) and thus love should be the ethic that fuels how and why we argue. If we view debates as a means to “destroy” people, then we will ultimately lose the people we want to win. However, if we see debates as a means by which we can persuade people to the glory of Christ and all His beauty, we will end up having many healthy and fruitful debates online.

Three Points on Modesty You Should Know

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
-
0
Three Points on Modesty You Should Know

Hi reader, thank you for clicking on this article. As a charity, it is due to the donation from individuals that allow us to share this article with you for free! However the truth is, less than 1% of our readers donate and in order for us to keep on going, we need your help. If you donate just £2 a month, you can help Our God Given mission keep thriving. To donate, click here.

The issue of modesty is a prevailing topic amongst young Christians today. I have always struggled with the conversations surrounding modesty when only directed at women. Men equally need to be included in discussions on modesty. However, the conversations are always tailored to speak to how a woman should dress. The policing of our clothing by “well-meaning” Christians has at times come across as degrading, rude and insulting, leaving many with a negative association of the word. There are very strong opposing views on this issue. So, what exactly is modesty?

Modesty is for men and women

We read of “brotherly love and affection” (Romans 12:10) and “correcting our brethren” in the faith (Galatians 6:10); however, at times, we do not execute the correction with the gentleness and compassion required. On many occasions, words have been used to hurt, belittle and shame women in the church. A lack of understanding of what it means to be modest has translated into an un-Christ-like rejection of members in the body, based on appearance. It appears that we are always speaking solely to women on this issue, in regards to what they wear. If our focus is to not cause the other to stumble, modesty applies to both genders as each are equally at risk of lust. Nonetheless, the topic of modesty is greater than the effects that our outfits have on another person.

Modesty is a call to a higher standard of living that draws the attention away from self. To be modest is to be humble enough to understand that the attention does not have to be ourselves. Every Christian should be modest, as Christ was modest.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross

Philippians 2:8

Our greatest example is Jesus Christ. No example is greater than His. Jesus was modest in appearance (Isa. 53:2), character (Phil. 2:7), speech (Jn. 12:49) and conduct (Jn. 6:38). All Christians, male and female, should aspire in our daily lives to becoming modest like Christ.

Modesty is about more than what you wear

We seem to have the opinion that modesty is only about clothing. Clothing contributes to our display of modesty but so does our behaviour around people too. The outflow of a modest person will be reflected in their appearance as with their character, love and grace to others.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony”

Colossians 3:14

The conversation on modesty is often focused on females and clothing. Although what we wear should be driven by a heart that seeks to please God above all else, our outfit should not be the main focus. And this applies to all, men and women alike. Our boast should be in Christ alone (2 Corinthians 10:17). Our lives as Christians are to be examples displaying the personhood of Christ, first and foremost.

Modesty is a heart issue

The issue of modesty stems from the heart. We know that God sees the heart more than the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). The true depth of a modest heart is one of surrender. What is more important to God than a heart in complete surrender of self and in complete obedience to Him. To surrender self for Christ, deny self-desires for obedience to God’s will.

Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me”

Mark 8:34

We need to adopt an attitude where all we do, think, say and wear is to the glory of God, not self, nor the attention or applause of others. Forms of boasting, grandiose attire and pride are at opposing spectrums to modesty which is driven out of humility. If we are more concerned with the external, earthly possessions – food, clothing, money, jewellery, or anything else, we have lost focus. We should desire a life of modesty that declares, “what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ” (Phil. 3:7).

Finally, I want to implore us to open our minds to a new understanding of this topic. We tend to quote the Scriptures as the main arguments on modesty and direct it at women only. The topic of modesty is for all Christians. Although certain verses are gender specific, the conversation should be tackled holistically. The Bible makes it clear that;

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16

We need an understanding of the appropriate way to approach the Scripture in regards to modesty. An understanding that allows us to both teach and correct in grace and truth, as well as display modesty in how we express our opinions about the topic.

Why you need to forgive the person who hurt you

D. W. Brown
-
0
Why you need to forgive the person who hurt you
Prefer to listen? Listen here

Hi reader, thank you for clicking on this article. As a charity, it is due to the donation from individuals that allow us to share this article with you for free! However the truth is, less than 1% of our readers donate and in order for us to keep on going, we need your help. If you donate just £2 a month, you can help Our God Given mission keep thriving. To donate, click here.

Forgiveness is a key element of the Christian faith for a number of reasons, and it’s something that I’m sure most of us understand. However, I also think it’s one of those things that is easier said than done. We’re instructed in multiple places in scripture to forgive one another (Matthew 6:15, Luke 6:37, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, to name a few) but when we feel someone has harmed, grieved or persecuted us, forgiveness doesn’t come naturally. I always find that it feels much easier and more natural to harbour a grudge against the person I feel has wronged me, at least for a while. That’s because I’m a fallen man, saved but still stained by sin. I’d like to make a few short points in this piece, to remind us of both the necessity and the beauty of forgiving one another.

The bitterness of holding on

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another” – Ephesians 4:31-32

From experience, in the past when I’ve felt someone has wronged me, and I’ve held a grudge against them or responded by wronging them, it has never made me feel better. It might give me some sort of twisted, momentary satisfaction, the sense that I’m giving this person what I feel they deserve, but in reality, I am just allowing bitterness to control my thoughts and actions. When that bitterness sits a while, it eats away at me, and has knock on effects on everything I do. Can you relate at all to what I’m describing?

Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, identifies this bitterness as a real problem to warn the church about. In the verse quoted above, he identifies kindness, tender-heartedness and forgiveness as the opposites, the antidotes to bitterness, wrath, anger and slander.

It depends on the offence against us, but we normally find it much easier to forgive someone if they have apologised for their words or actions and asked us to forgive them. But what about those who haven’t apologised or showed any remorse for their actions against us? Can we forgive them?

Forgiving the unrepentant

Speaking personally, it took me a long time to realise that you can forgive someone even if they have not asked for forgiveness. Forgiveness is not some sort of mathematical transaction, as if you can only grant forgiveness once the request for forgiveness has been received, rather it is an attitude of the heart. Of course, this is easier said than done, but as Christians forgiveness should be our automatic response to any wrongdoing against us.

Let me show you the ultimate example of this sort of forgiveness. Here are words that Jesus prayed, as he was being crucified.

 “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” – Luke 23:24

Those who were beating, mocking, torturing and eventually murdering Jesus were showing no remorse or repentance whatsoever, yet remarkably he displayed an attitude of forgiveness towards them. This was so challenging to me when it first hit home. At the time I was harbouring a grudge against someone for words they had said to me months earlier and hadn’t apologised for, but seeing in this passage the contrast of Jesus’ attitude as he was being brutally murdered, compared to my attitude over something so comparatively insignificant, made me realise how arrogant and petty I was being. But there is a more important link to Christ here. Our necessity to forgive others stems from the fact that we have been forgiven for much greater offences.

Forgive, just as you have been forgiven

Earlier in this piece, I quoted Ephesians 4:32, as a scriptural example of a command to forgive. However, you may have noticed that I left out the end of the verse. Here is the full verse:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 4:32

The foundation of our forgiveness is our state of being forgiven. We have committed far greater offences in our rebellion against God, than any other people on this earth could ever commit against us – yet we stand forgiven. That’s a mind-blowing, heart-stirring truth. When you let it sink in that because of Christ you are totally forgiven for your wrongdoing against God, the wrongdoings of others against you suddenly don’t feel as difficult to forgive. Alistair Begg put it this way in a sermon last year:

“When I fail to forgive you it’s because I’ve exaggerated the offense against me, and I have minimised my offense against God.”

Someone may have legitimately harmed you, and this piece is not intended to minimise that, but I hope that you’re able to consider afresh that if you’re in Christ you have been forgiven for far more serious offences.

Today, why not express your gratitude to God for his mercy in granting you that glorious forgiveness – and think about how you should respond to others in light of being a recipient of that forgiveness.

To find out more about the topic of forgiveness, have a listen to the latest episode of The #onthetable Podcast!

1...272829...51Page 28 of 51
Sample field data

© On Mission (2024) | Part of The Evangelical Alliance | Registered Charity: 1170615