I recently had a longtime friend ask me an interesting question. We chat about once every two or three months. He is not always sober when he calls, but we always have a great time catching up and I get to sow a few gospel seeds in the process. During a recent call, my friend asked me an interesting question, and one I had never been asked before. He had listened to a local minister sharing a message from the book of Revelation in the Bible. The minister talked about how someone who was not in a right relationship with God would have to go through a second death (Revelation 21:7-9).

My friend, who is not a die-hard believer or regular church-attender, did not understand what the minister meant and asked me sincerely if he needed “to die twice.” I did my best to explain about the judgments to come as talked about in Scripture and having a right relationship with God through inviting Jesus Christ to forgive us of our sinful natures and have lordship and leadership of our lives. After a great conversation, I was able to pray with my friend.

I share this innocent interaction to emphasize how important sincere questions can be in the course of faith conversations and building trusted relationships with others. No matter who you are, it is okay to ask questions. If you do not understand—ask. Whether you are the one listening to a sermon or have been in ministry for several years, it’s okay to ask questions when we don’t understand. Even in Mark chapter 4, Jesus had to teach his own disciples what his parables meant.

When people we have built relationships with know that they can ask us honest questions without embarrassment or a condescending attitude, we may just find ourselves helping a lost sheep find their way back into the fold. Hopefully, you’ll sense the words of Christ echoing in your ears, “…‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” Luke 15:6-7. It doesn’t matter if you are one of the sheep or one of the Shepherd’s helpers—questions are okay—and it’s always a great feeling to finally come home.

God’s richest blessings,
Marshall.

Dr. Windsor is founder and president of Windsor Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. A Registered, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.