What is a question?
That is a good question. It ranks right up there with Shakespeare “to be or not to be”? Or perhaps a more personal one like “where is God?” or “why am I here?”
Let’s briefly summarize the concept of a question then look at where the answers are!
The word defined
The word “Question” is formed from the word “Quest” from the root “Query” and the Latin
action suffix “ion”.
The root “Query” means a call for an answer or a request issued to solicit an informative response.
A “Quest” most commonly means a search for particular knowledge, object or person.
The Latin suffix “ion” makes the word “Quest” into the action word “Question”
Purpose it serves
The “question” may serve many purposes.
Questions seek out knowledge, information, affirmation of general knowledge, an understanding of right from wrong, correct from incorrect. Questions may be used to help build confidence and trust rather than uncertainty and doubt, they should help build up truth and expose lies.
Types of questions
There are many types of questions. A search online will reveal anywhere from 3 to 12 types of questions designed for numerous specific uses from education, to marketing surveys.
However in general we understand these 3 basic types
Yes/No questions: the answer is “yes or no”
Question-word: the answer is “information” or “wh” questions – who, what, when, where, which, how and why.
Choice: the answer is “in the question” or multiple choice
https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/questions.htm
How questions test our faith
A child is persistent in asking questions because there is so much they do not understand. There are many questions asked and answered in the Bible. The first question we see in the Bible is asked by the serpent in the Garden of Eden. This question was intended to deceive Eve by asking if God could really be trusted.
Now the serpent was craftier than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” Genesis 3.1
The resulting consequence of Eve living out her misunderstanding and mistrust of God was disobedience and rebellion and death. The created immortal nature of Adam and Eve became mortal and they knew this and were ashamed of their failure and hid themselves from God. The second question was asked by God when He searched them out in the garden.
Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3.9
God knew where they were hiding and called out to them. He knows where we are today and is asking the same question. Not for His benefit but for ours He is asking “Where are you?”
Ultimate end
Jesus asked a question of His disciples Matthew 16: 15-16
https://www.gotquestions.org/who-do-you-say-that-I-am.html
“Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”
After performing several miracles and preaching on both sides of the Sea of Galilee Jesus watches many of the disciples leave in confusion and doubt about His teaching. He then asks those who remain a question.
“So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.” John 6:67-68
Jesus asked His disciples another question in a parable in Luke 15 which reveals His true nature and concern.
Then Jesus told them this parable: “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent. Luke 15:3-7
If you are hiding and lost as I once was, be assured that God is reaching out to you. There is no place where He cannot reach you. One Bible verse which gives me great comfort is Romans 8: 38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It is good to ask questions, yet often the source and the answers are suspect.
One important thing I urge you to do if you are serious in your quest is to pray to God that He will reveal the truth to you in His Word and that you will not be deceived. May this be your faithful and constant prayer as you remain persistent as a child asking questions.
Trust in God as He reveals the answers that will change your life!
Resources for answers to your questions
https://www.summit.org/resources/
Cold-Case Christianity J. Warner Wallace
Momeaning 