Just moments ago, I was invited into the 4th-5th grade classroom to answer some questions those students had. And it wasn't just a few questions. I think I could have spent half an hour in there with all the hands that were shooting up. They are an inquisitive group, and their questions show that they are giving serious thought to the Bible and Christian doctrine. Again, some answers were quite complex. I hope that I was able to answer them simply enough--or at least that the Holy Spirit could make sensible my attempts at answering their questions.
I suspect that such questions never cease. In our Bible Basics Class, we have life-long Christians attending (sadly, no prospective members this time). Even though these Christians have studied the Bible and heard lessons and sermons for years, they are still growing in faith and knowledge of God's word. They still have questions.
The Church meets regularly for word and sacrament. The sermon is preached. But as carefully crafted as any sermon might be, it is not designed for follow up questions to explain something more clearly or to address a related topic. The pastor can hope the sermon answers all questions, but he is certain that no sermon can. Bible Class allows for people to ask their questions.
God's people are encouraged to ask their questions--no matter how bold or contentious they may seem. It may be a question that has lingered in your mind. It may be a question that was posed to you, and you are wondering how it should be answered. Such questions rarely just go away. God uses them to lead us to grow in faith and knowledge. Satan uses them to convince us that there are no good answers and leads us into false belief and despair.
The obvious solution is to join us for Bible Classes and Sunday School. Discipleship is a life-long endeavor. No one will master it all or graduate. God continues to speak to us in his word, to enlighten us to see his truths, to cause us to marvel at mysteries, and to fill us with comfort and confidence in his promises.
The law of the Lord is perfect. It revives the soul. The testimony of the Lord is trustworthy. It gives wisdom to the inexperienced. The precepts of the Lord are right. They give joy to the heart. The commandment of the Lord is bright. It gives light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure. It stands forever. The just decrees of the Lord are truth. They are altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold, even better than much pure gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:7-10)
