With that question the prophet, cleansed of his doubt and self-pity, summoned the courageous faith to face oppressive forces and reroute Israel's history. As we journey through our lives, these kinds of questions become ingrained in who we are. The gospel story is studded with time-tested sermon starters. And all the resurrection stories begin with questions that are directed to us as well as the Bible characters. Not all questions have to have such cosmic sweep.
Simple queries can humble and engage a congregation.
A few stood, then a few more, until more than half the congregation were on their feet. First the speaker offered prayer, then she preached to a congregation now sufficiently humbled to want to hear God's healing word. Once I heard a physician preaching in a service that celebrated all the members who served in any capacity in the healing industry, from orderlies to surgeons, nurses to general practitioners, desk clerks to pharmacists. Amazing testimonies came from the congregation, not to downgrade medical care but to affirm the power of faith. The questions involved them in the service.