debate Archives - Plain Bible Teaching

Andy Sochor July 8, 2020

L. F. Bittle: Lions and Skunks

L. F. Bittle (1833-1905) worked for about twenty years with Daniel Sommer in producing the Apostolic Review. Sommer described him as “the best educated and the most modest man I ever knew” (Daniel Sommer: A Biography, p. 153). On one occasion when he was challenged for a debate, Bittle gave the following response:

“We can imagine a man brave enough to go forth into the forest to hunt lions, but on his return that same man would step aside when he would be confronted by a skunk” (Daniel Sommer: A Biography, p. 158).

Filed Under: Restoration History Tagged With: controversy, debate, spiritual warfare, teaching

Andy Sochor July 23, 2019

How to Discuss Contentious Topics (Season 13, Episode 12)

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How to Discuss Contentious Topics (Season 13, Episode 12)

In this season, we’re discussing social issues – problems that are facing our society and what the Bible has to say about these issues.

Many of the topics we have discussed in this study are controversial and can elicit strong emotional responses from individuals. Because of this, we may be tempted to avoid any type of discussion on these issues, especially if we know there will be disagreement.

However, as we have discussed, there are Biblical principles that apply to these topics. Therefore, discussions on these sorts of issues can provide a way to direct others – especially those who are not Christians – to what the Bible teaches. So we should not avoid discussing these things altogether, but we do need to understand the proper way to discuss contentious topics.

If you found this episode to be useful, please share it with others. Also, if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a rating on iTunes or Stitcher. This also helps others hear about the podcast. Thanks.

Tagged With: controversy, debate, teaching Leave a Comment

Andy Sochor January 16, 2019

How to Discuss Contentious Topics

Most have noticed that the world in which we live has become more divided and contentious in the past few years. Many topics that come up for discussion – both in person and especially online – can elicit strong emotional responses from individuals. Because of this, we may be tempted to avoid any type of discussion on potentially controversial issues, especially if we know (or are reasonably certain) there will be disagreement.

However, for many controversial topics, there are Biblical principles that apply to them. Therefore, discussions on these sorts of issues can provide a way to direct others – especially those who are not Christians – to what the Bible teaches. So we should not avoid discussing such things altogether, but we do need to understand the proper way to discuss contentious topics.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: anger, debate, love, peace, speech, truth

Andy Sochor November 8, 2016

Jesus: The Great Debater (Season 4, Episode 3)

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Jesus: The Great Debater (Season 4, Episode 3)

One aspect about Jesus that is often ignored is His ability to debate. There is probably a reason for this. To say that religious debates are not popular in our time is an understatement. Yet the ability to debate is a valuable skill for those who would endeavor to teach the gospel to others. Jesus was so effective that Luke recorded four occasions in just one chapter (Luke 20) in which Jesus silenced His opponents. He did so by presenting arguments that could not be combated.

When Jesus silenced His opponents four times in Luke 20, He was able to do so without turning the common people against Him. “And they could not find anything that they might do, for all the people were hanging on to every word He said” (Luke 19:48). This was before the debates in chapter 20. Then after the debates, Luke records: “And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him” (Luke 21:38). We must develop our abilities to confound our opponents while also persuading the people. In order to help us do this, we’re going to consider how Jesus silenced His opponents. So in this episode, we’re going to discuss the four things Jesus did as He debated with those who opposed the truth.

Article: Jesus: The Great Debater

Tagged With: debate, Jesus, teaching Leave a Comment

Andy Sochor December 11, 2014