Answering Questions

 

Recently hearing David Wood answer a Muslim's question about Bible accuracy, I was reminded of how Charlie Kirk would take questions for those attending his visits to universities. Each of these men spoke from memory with the ability to quote scripture and address not only the specific question, but often put it in context with surrounding scripture to explain how the incorrect interpretation was created. That, in my mind is a talent, a gift. Well done, while giving God the glory, it is a gift that can reach the unsaved. Not all of us have that gift.

Then again, not all of us are called to speak out publicly. I had to do that a few times, and I was not gifted with the ability to do it without a bunch of quaking in my shoes, and making a few mistakes. One happened in Taiwan. I was leading a User Acceptance Test. There were a series of specific items to be tested, but the end users were also able to do what they considered every day work, in case our tests did not touch theier concerns.

The testing was to begin on a Monday morning. The manager who introduced me to the class did so both in English and Chinese, then he was called away for a moment. Rather than ignore the class, I made a few comments about what we would be doing in the coming week as we worked together on testing the software prior to acceptance by the company. They were consistent in eye contact and attention, as I began ro run out of nonspecific words. I was about to talk about the firsts test when the manager returned, smiled so kindly, and explained he was the only one in the room who understood English.

There are times when I've wanted to speak to someone about their religious beliefs, and feel I lack the ability to do so without creating an issue. Then remind myself:

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:19-20)

In context, Jesus is explaining to the disciples that they will be taken by authorities because they speak truth, and not to worry. Their situations were a lot different that what mine are, yet God provides other verses as a confirmation we've read this one as the Spirit is with us when we speak of Him:

And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. (Luke 21:13-15)

Luke's example is the same as Matthew's, read in context. In Luke 12, though Jesus began speaking with His disciples, there were multitudes around Him, and His words went beyond confrontation:

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. (Luke 12:8-12)

Paul tells us how difficult it is for a person to believe:

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:14-15)

Not all Christians are called to be preachers, but every single Christian is called to confess before men our belief in Jesus. We have opportunities to do that. It woiuld have been inappropriate for me to do that before my Chinese test class, but it was very appropriate to mention it as one of the managers and I went to lunch and I took a moment for prayer before my meal. Our assistant pastor stopped to help a motorist, mentioned his job and his calling - and we now have another family in our congregation and a marvelous tenor in the choir!

One student asked my grand-daughter to join her on the bus that picked up children for church. Now four generations have been members there. All because one person asked a question - and another gave an answer. As Peter put it:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)