Convictions and Preferences

Read Your Bible. Know What You Believe . Fulfill your ministry.

It is against our very nature to not take the bait when someone wants to argue about our faith, or when we see someone doing something different at their church that we do not do at ours.

It really seems to bring us to an instant boil when someone uses a specific verse to question why we are so rigid in our faith.

I myself am of the opinion that someone who does not believe that the Bible is true should not do a documentary on something found in the Bible. But the History Channel just will not listen to me. Fancy that!

I used to really have a grand time arguing with people on Facebook. Yup, it is a foolish thing to do. Then someone one day told me how he hates to see Facebook arguments between two Christians. He simply said that there are too many non-Christians who will see it and walk away thinking that all Christians do is argue.

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

2 Timothy 2:23–25
New Living Translation

YOU WON THE BATTLE BUT LOST THE WAR

There is a way to show someone they are wrong about Christian beliefs without belittling them. I tremble when I think about the times that the other party would say that I was right, but they were now damaged because of my attitude in dealing with them.

I never argue anymore. Here is what I learned that helped me refrain.

PREFERENCES AND CONVICTIONS

Convictions normally fall within doctrinal beliefs. Because they do, it is rather easy to find what your convictions are. They are the no-doubt beliefs that you hold as true. These are the rock-solid beliefs that through prayer and Bible study you have a foundation that cannot be shaken.

Of course, if you only have these convictions because someone told you it was true, then you have a rather shaky foundation. Read your Bible. Know what you believe. Fulfill your ministry.

My convictions are simple.

Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone.
Sola Fide: Faith Alone.
Sola Gratia: Grace Alone.
Solus Christus: Christ Alone.
Soli Deo Gloria: Glory to God Alone.

Anything other than these five statements of faith are preferences.

The reason being, if you believe that the Bible is the only source where we can know God, if you believe that your salvation is by grace through faith, that your salvation comes through Christ alone, that all glory is to God alone, the plan of salvation is plainly seen and you are standing on a firm foundation.

Here then is why there should be is no arguing. Someone’s unbelief in these convictions does not weaken my foundation. I do not have any doubts.

Read the last part of the Scripture above. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. God and His Word do not need to be defended but rather just explained.

And just in case you think I am bragging about not arguing, brother, I learned this the hard way with many bruises.

The Simple Plan of salvation

The simple plan of salvation is based on accepting Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness and eternal life. It involves admitting you are a sinner, believing Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and confessing Him as Lord. Key steps include faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, repentance, and prayer.

Key Aspects of the Plan of Salvation:

• Acknowledge Need: Recognize that you are a sinner in need of salvation (Romans 3:23).

• Understand Sin’s Penalty: Realize that sin separates you from God and results in spiritual death.

• Believe in Jesus: Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead
  .

• Confess and Receive: Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and ask Him to forgive your sins.

• Repentance: Turn away from sin and toward God.

A Simple Prayer of Salvation:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that You died on the cross and paid the penalty for my sin. I believe that You rose from the dead. I am placing my faith in You alone to forgive my sin and save me. Thank you for giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, AMEN”.

This plan emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not earned through good works.