Spiritual questions. When answered, they can bring truth and light, and they can help open a person’s way to spiritual life. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). For us as Christians, our friends’ questions can turn into exciting opportunities to share God’s truth. When left unanswered, those same questions can lead to doubt, frustration, and ultimately spiritual alienation from God. In a radio interview I once heard, the late apologist Walter Martin declared, “When we fail to answer someone’s questions and objections, we become just one more excuse for them to disbelieve.” Once we understand what’s at stake, it’s clear that helping our friends find answers to their spiritual questions is one of the most important tasks we could possibly engage in. The writers of Scripture certainly thought so. As the apostle Paul challenged us, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Col. 4:5-6). The apostle Peter echoed those thoughts: “If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way” (1 Pet. 3:15-16). The Bible is clear, and the crisis in our culture is great: people—of all ages, but especially younger folks—need help sorting out what to believe, and we who are followers of Christ are called to respond to their questions and to point them to the truth of Jesus. Mittelberg, Mark, and Lee Strobel. 2010. The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask: (With Answers). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale Elevate. |
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