Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "debate/debates". There are only two places in the New Testament where these are found: 

Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, KJV

2 Cor 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: KJV

This is the Greek word "eris". Strong's Concordance says this: a quarrel, i.e. wrangling. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: contention, strife. Vine's Expository Dictionary includes these: quarrel, especially rivalry; and the expression of enmity (Dictionary: Deep-seated, often mutual hatred.). Where the world LOVES a good debate, the God of the Bible does NOT! The world's idea of debate may start out as a friendly discussion of opposing viewpoints, but many times it DOES end up in contention, strife, rivalry, and even hatred! Since the Word of God can only be understood by those who have been born again (1 Corinthians 2:14), we should never try to "debate" the Word, but LIVE the Word! I like this quote from Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke:

"The answer for this nation is not polemics and debate, but the consistent, bright-burning witness of genuine believers. Let me remind you, if you want to be rid of the darkness, stop arguing and just switch the light on!"

HE (Jesus) IS the Light! 

John 1:1-5: IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.  [Isa 9:6.] 2 He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. 4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. 5 And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]. AMP

John 8:12: Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life. AMP

John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes. 36 While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. KJV

So, as children of the Light, we must simply be doers of the Word and let the light of His life and presence in us shine out to those we do life among! I KNOW that you and your family are being this Light at work, at school and wherever you go! No need for many words, your life SPEAKS volumes! Here is Hillsong Live with "Children of the Light":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!