Question and answer (Q&A) time can be taken as a dialogue or interview. It grants us the opportunity to understand and present the present truth in a clear and distinct manner. It is also an ideal time for self-reflection. (But we will deal with the latter aspect towards the end of the article.) Not infrequently, opportunities come along our way in the form of questions during which the Lord allows us to give answers that will enlighten souls who live in darkness or are uncertain on certain spiritual and doctrinal points. The truth of the present time must be given in the most impressive manner. But to do this, it is worth to quickly point out that it is essential to be equipped first with a number of essential tools if any successes are to be gained during such time.

Essentials:

The Holy word of God tells us that when “the Comforter [is come], which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance,” “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth. . . and He will shew you things to come.” John 14:26; 16:13. This is the heart of the matter. The Spirit of God is the pillar to the success of Q&A time. The inquirer’s heart is prepared by the Spirit for the discernment and reception of the truth. The respondent is reminded of the scriptures to be used in giving the answer.  Philip, one of the seven deacons, full of the Spirit, “opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture [the one the eunuch was reading], and preached unto him Jesus.” Acts 8:35. More important also is the help given so that the words are spoken with power, touching and piercing the heart of the hearer.

Next, related to the above essential is: do not allow opinions to override the inspired word of God during the grand opportunity of question and answer time granted to us. Opinions such as “in my view” or “I think,” and so forth, should be avoided. This means we always need to study His word with prayer and an earnest heart. How can we quote when we do not know where to quote from?  For the Holy Spirit “reminds,” and what will we be reminded of when there is nothing stored in our brains? This leaves us with many speculations when the direct word of God is plain on the matter. Jeremiah, writing by the Spirit, told his personal story impressively as follows: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jeremiah 15: 16

This verse reminds me of a story that occurred some years ago in the hills of the Rumphi district of Malawi. There in the hills lay a woman (once my primary school teacher) who endured up to thirty-nine days without any food in an attempt to imitate Christ’s fasting. Several attempts which were made to offer her food by her companion, a young man who fasted with her but was periodically eating, failed, as she insisted she wanted to reach forty days. By the time she was taken to hospital, she was quite emaciated with the result that she could live no more. How important is physical food then! Yet more important is not the “meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” John 6:27. The story, however, holds true even with the spiritual food Christ talked about. Many in the church of God have become spiritually “emaciated” for not eating for some time.  From another inspired writer, we read:

“The Word of God is our sanctification and righteousness, because it is spiritual food. To study it is to eat the leaves of the tree of life.” –Evangelism, p 138

“We must eat the word of God—make it a part of ourselves.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 195

When we ourselves are “emaciated,” how do we stand during Q&A time?

Let us come to another essential tool: we need to be doers of the word. Many questions are answered through actions, and it does not bring any good fruits when one teaches that which contradicts his own actions. The Bible says:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightaway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” James 1:22­­–24

Has there ever been Q&A time in the Bible?

Yes, quite a lot, but let us look at a few examples.

Q. Ahab –“Art thou he that troubleth Israel”?

A. Elijah –“I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord.” 1 Kings 18:17–18

 Q. The wise men –“Where is He that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.”  

A. Herod –“Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.” But Herod wanted to destroy him. (Matthew 2:2, 8, 13)

Q’s. & A’s.  The Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him [John the Baptist], “Who art thou? . . . I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. “Art thou that prophet?” And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” John 1: 19–23.

Q. The Rich Young Ruler –“What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

A. Jesus –“Keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:16–17

Q. Phillip –“Understandest thou what thou readest?”

A. Eunuch –“How can I, except some man should guide me?” Acts 8: 30–31

Now, brothers and sisters, never underestimate the precious Q&A time. As you can see, they are sweet moments that, when used properly, may well have a profound effect on our lives. But before we completely conclude, let us look at Q&A time as an opportunity for self-reflection. For the sake of brevity here, we will just have to take an individual assignment. Before everyone takes the questions that follow, each is urged never to ignore meditation and prayer by asking questions to oneself each time during meditation. Now it is time for the assignment.

Answer the following questions honestly:

As I come to the end of this year 2011 and enter into another year 2012:

  • What is my relationship with Jesus?
  • Do I live to be a blessing to others?
  • Do I do missionary work outside of attending church services?
  • If my name were called today in the heavenly sanctuary, would I be found worthy?
  • If probation closed today, on which side would I be?

Hint: Like David, say the prayer: “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” – Psalms 26:2; 139:23.

Now have a nice Q&A time. Continue to ask; God will give you answers and you will never be the same again! AMEN.

Joel Jungubawa Msiska,

Malawi