Q&A

We’ve learned over the years that one of the most effective ways of teaching in Vanuatu is to offer a time for questions and answers in a public setting.  So, following each night of our gospel meeting, we took an hour or so to answer the inquiries that had been submitted to our question box.

Like those that Jesus received during His earthly ministry, we received genuine truth-seeking questions as well as “trying to trip you up” questions.  I actually enjoy both types.  The former obviously give you a glimpse into what the people are interested in learning about.  The latter are usually an attempt to support a false doctrine, and while I don’t have much hope in convincing the questioner, I do take it as an opportunity to teach the non-biased amongst the crowd the truth about the matter.

Something that I have always tried to practice (whether in a formal Q&A setting or not), is that of quoting/reading Scripture as a part of any answer.  I am amazed by groups who conduct similar sessions and quote experience and illustration without so much as mentioning a verse in support of their practices.  And truth-seekers usually take note.

The village SDA Church submitted some questions on the last day of the meeting, and also formally offered to set up a study with me to teach me the truth about the proper observance of the Sabbath Day and Jewish food laws.  I look forward to meeting with the leaders of their church when we return to Malekula in August, and hope that we will be able to base all of our conclusions on a proper understanding of God’s plan for His church.  Would you be praying that such will be the case?