Seite 153 - Evangelism (1946)

Das ist die SEO-Version von Evangelism (1946). Klicken Sie hier, um volle Version zu sehen

« Vorherige Seite Inhalt Nächste Seite »
The Debate
[
See also pp. 301-306, “Meeting Prejudice and Opposition.”
]
God Is Seldom Glorified—In some cases, it may be necessary
to meet a proud boaster against the truth of God in open debate; but
generally these discussions, either oral or written, result in more harm
than good.—
Testimonies For The Church 3:213
(1872).
Discussions cannot always be avoided.... People who love to see
opponents combat, may clamor for discussion. Others, who have a
desire to hear the evidences on both sides, may urge discussion in
all honesty of motive; but whenever discussions can be avoided, they
should be.... God is seldom glorified or the truth advanced in these
combats.—
Testimonies For The Church 3:424
(1875).
Opposers Must Sometimes Be Met—There are occasions where
their glaring misrepresentations will have to be met. When this is the
case, it should be done promptly and briefly, and we should then pass
on to our work.—
Testimonies For The Church 3:37
(1872).
To Meet Defiance but Not Defy—In the presentation of unpop-
ular truth, which involves a heavy cross, preachers should be careful
that every word is as God would have it. Their words should never
cut. They should present the truth in humility, with the deepest love
for souls, and an earnest desire for their salvation, and let the truth
cut. They should not defy ministers of other denominations, and seek
[163]
to provoke a debate. They should not stand in a position like that of
Goliath when he defied the armies of Israel. Israel did not defy Goliath
but Goliath made his proud boasts against God and His people. The
defying, the boasting, and the railing must come from the opposers
of truth, who act the Goliath. But none of this spirit should be seen
in those whom God has sent forth to proclaim the last message of
warning to a doomed world....
If they, like David, are brought into a position where God’s cause
really calls for them to meet a defier of Israel, and if they go forth in
the strength of God, relying wholly upon Him, He will carry them
through, and cause His truth to triumph gloriously. Christ has given us
149