Post by Les Brewer on Oct 30, 2012 21:19:08 GMT
REASONING THE SCRIPTURES
Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, and for three successive Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, Acts 17:2 WNT
The Greek word for reason in this scripture is: dialegomai ee-al-eg'-om-ahee
to say thoroughly, that is, discuss (in argument or exhortation): - dispute, preach (unto), reason (with), speak.
To convince others we must have a good comprehension of what we are declaring to others, sometimes that leads to a debate over the definition or declaration of scriptures. Hence God has given us within our minds an ability to critically assess and assimilate information. That process is called critically thinking.
Critical thinking is a type of reasonable, reflective thinking that is aimed at deciding what to believe or what to do. It is a way of deciding whether a claim is always true, sometimes true, partly true, or false. Critical thinking is an important component of most professions.
A debate is; a: the formal discussion of a motion before a deliberative body according to the rules of parliamentary procedure b : a regulated discussion of a proposition between two matched sides.
To debate is; a : to contend in words b : to discuss a question by considering opposed arguments.
You cannot have a debate without critical thinking and cannot exercise critical thinking without having a debate. This holds just as true in our faith as it does others areas of life. Unfortunately most people instead of having a sound debate resort to a sour disposition.
(11) The Jews at Berea were of a nobler disposition than those in Thessalonica, for they very readily received the Message, and day after day searched the Scriptures to see whether it was as Paul stated.
(12) As the result many of them became believers, and so did not a few of the Greeks--gentlewomen of good position, and men. Acts 17:11-12 WNT
Open and honest debate within the confines of real Christian civility sets the stage for revelation to come forth and be applied to our lives. It was God who set up ministers in the church to bring comfort, edification, and exhortation to the body of Christ. To challenge the body to grow in the grace which has been allotted them through the blood of Christ. When scripture is unlocked the wisdom within them will provide for us in every area of life as they are applied in context to our lives.
(16) All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
(17) that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work.
2nd Timothy 3:16-17 MKJV
Read, Pray, and Apply the Scriptures daily for abundant life.
Ray Ritchie ( Minister of the Gospel )
