On December 5, I was the subject of an editorial in Truth Magazine by Mark Mayberry. I want to clarify one important point about the editorial's assumption.
This blog post was not written as a direct response to Bruce Reeves’ article in the October Truth Magazine. At that time, I had no knowledge that his article even existed. I did not become aware of it until this past Tuesday.
It is true that Bruce’s debate challenge was one of several challenges I have received, and the general atmosphere surrounding those challenges was on my mind. But the post was not aimed at Bruce individually, nor was it written as a reply to any single person.
My purpose was broader than that. I was addressing a spirit I’ve observed in our brotherhood for some time — a spirit that often turns disagreements into fights, and discussions into battles. What I wrote was a personal reflection on how we interact with each other as Christians, not a coded reply to any specific article or individual.
I appreciate your commitment to truth and clarity. My hope is that, even in disagreement, we can all strive to speak with humility, patience, and love, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1–3).
Matthew you are so spot on.Paul had said that flesh and blood is not the enemy but Satan and his forces of hell are.we battle everyday against his schemes and I suppose that there will b times we will succumb to him. But when we start fighting against one another as Gods family it has to cause our Father to weep and the devil to sit back and relax. You are a blessing to the congregation where you serve and to me especially. Keep up the great fight and your are so right love not only works it never fails.
Brother that was beautifully said, and I feel the same way. You captured the heart of what Scripture teaches so clearly We truly aren’t fighting flesh and blood Paul reminded us that our real battle is against the spiritual forces of darkness, Ephesians 6:12. And you are right, the enemy celebrates every time God’s people turn their swords on each other instead of standing together.
When we wound our own family in Christ, it grieves the Father’s heart. But when we choose love, patience, and humility, we weaken the enemy’s schemes and strengthen the church. Love still is the greatest weapon we have, and as Paul said, love never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8. You are an encouragement, brother. Keep standing firm in the Lord, keep loving His people, and keep pointing others back to Christ. Your words matter more than you know.
The temptation to scapegoat is strong and it is driving division. But when we do that we do not recognize what we are doing (Lk 23:34). The church is full of imperfect people. She doesn't need our defense. Jesus justifies her. She needs our grace, if we are to be like him.
Brother thank you for sharing this. These words feel very timely because the church truly is walking through a heavy season but even in moments like this God keeps calling us back to that simple powerful path the Scriptures have shown us all along, the path of love humility forgiveness and unity in Christ. What Matthew wrote is true, debate and division do not heal hearts, only the grace of God does. The Bible reminds us that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God, James 1:20. When we step back from fighting and step into prayer gentleness and patience the Lord does His best work. And yes the reminder that we are not the problem but human weakness is helps us stay humble. Scripture says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23. That includes us and that means we all need grace and we all must show grace. The call to forgiveness is powerful. Jesus said plainly if you have anything against anyone forgive him, Mark 11:25. Paul strengthens it by saying forgive one another just as God also forgave you in Christ, Ephesians 4:32. When we forgive we start healing the cracks the enemy tried to widen. I love the reminder that unity begins with identity. We are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:26, and we stand under one Lord one faith one baptism, Ephesians 4:5. When we remember we are family it becomes easier to speak gently listen carefully and love deeply. And the path forward is still the same one Scripture has always given us. Pursue peace with everyone, Hebrews 12:14. Let us pursue what makes for peace and what builds up one another, Romans 14:19. Love covers a multitude of sins, 1 Peter 4:8. Brother may God help us choose the better way, not bitterness not suspicion not division but love, because love truly never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8. I am praying that the Lord will strengthen His church calm the storm and unite hearts in Christ. And please keep praying for our ministry here in India that God will use us to bring peace light and the gospel to many.
On December 5, I was the subject of an editorial in Truth Magazine by Mark Mayberry. I want to clarify one important point about the editorial's assumption.
This blog post was not written as a direct response to Bruce Reeves’ article in the October Truth Magazine. At that time, I had no knowledge that his article even existed. I did not become aware of it until this past Tuesday.
It is true that Bruce’s debate challenge was one of several challenges I have received, and the general atmosphere surrounding those challenges was on my mind. But the post was not aimed at Bruce individually, nor was it written as a reply to any single person.
My purpose was broader than that. I was addressing a spirit I’ve observed in our brotherhood for some time — a spirit that often turns disagreements into fights, and discussions into battles. What I wrote was a personal reflection on how we interact with each other as Christians, not a coded reply to any specific article or individual.
I appreciate your commitment to truth and clarity. My hope is that, even in disagreement, we can all strive to speak with humility, patience, and love, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1–3).
Thank you again for engaging.
— Matthew
Matthew you are so spot on.Paul had said that flesh and blood is not the enemy but Satan and his forces of hell are.we battle everyday against his schemes and I suppose that there will b times we will succumb to him. But when we start fighting against one another as Gods family it has to cause our Father to weep and the devil to sit back and relax. You are a blessing to the congregation where you serve and to me especially. Keep up the great fight and your are so right love not only works it never fails.
Brother that was beautifully said, and I feel the same way. You captured the heart of what Scripture teaches so clearly We truly aren’t fighting flesh and blood Paul reminded us that our real battle is against the spiritual forces of darkness, Ephesians 6:12. And you are right, the enemy celebrates every time God’s people turn their swords on each other instead of standing together.
When we wound our own family in Christ, it grieves the Father’s heart. But when we choose love, patience, and humility, we weaken the enemy’s schemes and strengthen the church. Love still is the greatest weapon we have, and as Paul said, love never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8. You are an encouragement, brother. Keep standing firm in the Lord, keep loving His people, and keep pointing others back to Christ. Your words matter more than you know.
The temptation to scapegoat is strong and it is driving division. But when we do that we do not recognize what we are doing (Lk 23:34). The church is full of imperfect people. She doesn't need our defense. Jesus justifies her. She needs our grace, if we are to be like him.
Brother thank you for sharing this. These words feel very timely because the church truly is walking through a heavy season but even in moments like this God keeps calling us back to that simple powerful path the Scriptures have shown us all along, the path of love humility forgiveness and unity in Christ. What Matthew wrote is true, debate and division do not heal hearts, only the grace of God does. The Bible reminds us that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God, James 1:20. When we step back from fighting and step into prayer gentleness and patience the Lord does His best work. And yes the reminder that we are not the problem but human weakness is helps us stay humble. Scripture says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23. That includes us and that means we all need grace and we all must show grace. The call to forgiveness is powerful. Jesus said plainly if you have anything against anyone forgive him, Mark 11:25. Paul strengthens it by saying forgive one another just as God also forgave you in Christ, Ephesians 4:32. When we forgive we start healing the cracks the enemy tried to widen. I love the reminder that unity begins with identity. We are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:26, and we stand under one Lord one faith one baptism, Ephesians 4:5. When we remember we are family it becomes easier to speak gently listen carefully and love deeply. And the path forward is still the same one Scripture has always given us. Pursue peace with everyone, Hebrews 12:14. Let us pursue what makes for peace and what builds up one another, Romans 14:19. Love covers a multitude of sins, 1 Peter 4:8. Brother may God help us choose the better way, not bitterness not suspicion not division but love, because love truly never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8. I am praying that the Lord will strengthen His church calm the storm and unite hearts in Christ. And please keep praying for our ministry here in India that God will use us to bring peace light and the gospel to many.