We all have our questions about some aspect of our faith, many of us however are not very good at exploring the answers with those around us.

 

At St John's we value the interaction between people, however it is sometimes necessary to explore parts of your own faith in privacy. It is our hope that through exploring some of these questions you will take the next step and start talking about your own questions to someone at St John's. No questions are too small nor too simple; we only ask that you have a willingness to explore them with you.

 

These answers are a collaborative effort by a number of our church family at St John's. If you have a question that you don't see here, why not drop us an email and pose your question to us.

 

 

Is it okay to feel sad when a loved one dies?

Yes, it is okay! It is a natural human response at times of bereavement and loss and should never be something to be ashamed of. When we lose someone, we will first miss their presence in our lives and this can take some time to overcome.

Never be afraid to cry; we know from the Bible that even “Jesus wept”; he too knew the pain and loss of a loved one, his friend. We should not be afraid to show our emotions during times of loss. It helps us to heal the burden of grief wecarry. When we share our thoughts with others, we gain strength from knowing we all share similar feelings. We are not alone.

Grief is not just a natural process of loss, it is necessary. You miss the person’s presence and the dreams and plans you shared, but more than that the future you could have shared together. If the other person was a Christian, you have the comfort of knowing they have gone to the Lord. It is hard to begin again and you can often feel alone, even amongst friends. You have to choose a new path in life, finding new ways to occupy your time. Joining a new club, for example, can be enriching. It can be a chance to do things you always wanted to do. You can find friendship and support, especially if you’re part of a church.

Whatever happens, you can always remember the happy times you had together for those memories will always be a part of your life. In time the sadness will become less and less, but this will never diminish the love that you hold for them in your heart. For Christians we know that our time apart will be but for a brief moment, until we are reunited with them and all who have gone before us to be with the Lord. 

 

 

How as a Christians do you get through the week?

Being a Christian doesn’t provide us with a ‘quick fix’ to living. We have to take things one day at a time. The service at Church on a Sunday and meeting other Christians during the week helps. I can talk to God each day and ask him about any difficulties, or read the Bible for help and inspiration. I can also talk to other Christians, they are my family, and they will understand and not pass judgment on me. My house group know me and my problems well, so I can ask for their advice and help, after I have asked God.

God does not make everything easy. Christians do not suffer less than other people. Believing is not relaxing. But perhaps what is different for Christians is a sense that they are in it together, with God, and with each other. And that can be just the encouragement each of us needs.

We can commit each day to God. When we work with others or meet non-church goers at any time, we are mindful that we should remain true to Him. His teachings on how to treat others should influence us. We draw on God in our day to day life because we know He is with us and cares about everything we do.  

 

 

Why do members of St John’s go to church?

St John’s is not a church for Christians. Well, alright, we’re being provocative. Of course as a church, we are here for people who follow Christ. But we are here just as much for those who feel threatened by words like ‘Christian’, ‘fundamentalism’ and even ‘God’, but who nevertheless would like to find faith.

Going to church can become just like a habit… but it is a good habit. We miss it, if we don’t do it. It helps us to ‘take stock’ and focus on God through workshop, prayer and sermons. We feel safe; it is like having a large family around us who belong to each other. Whatever happens in life we know we will be supported and loved.

We have a handsome Vicar, which helps some! We are child-friendly and welcome families. We enjoy fellowship together. People who are involved in church feel they are valued and keep coming. We feel comfortable with each other, and are not stuffy in our outlook. We go to church to be closer to God, to learn more about Him (and Jesus) and explore our faith together. At St John’s, we also come to have fun, fun, fun! 

 

 

 

Is the Old Testament out of date for Christians?

No, is the simple answer. The Old Testament is definitely not out of date! It is often hard for many people who are new to the Bible to be able to engage and understand some of the parables and stories within it. It explains the origins of life, points to the coming of Jesus as the Messiah, through symbols and history. It gives the basis of our law (through the 10 Commandments).

Jesus knew and quoted the Old Testament during his time with us, as recorded in the Testament, and said that he came to fulfil the promises within. It’s the way God spoke to and interacted with his people. Modern translations have made it more accessible to a new audience. The Old Testament has been a part of our culture and history, influencing literature and contains most types of writing and story-telling.

Do modern people find themselves in the depths of despair? Do modern people scream ad the heavens Basil Faulty style? Do modern people ever dance and sing for joy? Then modern people have something in common with ancient people like Job, David, Ezekiel, Elijah and Daniel. Modern people find something very familiar in these ancient stories, something which speaks to us all.

These Old Testament characters experienced many situations with which we can identify in the modern age. So the Old Testament is up to date and relevant in today’s world. When Jesus came he fulfilled the prophesies found within the Old Testament and provided us with a chance for a new beginning. Instead of the need for animal sacrifices to God, Jesus came and died on the cross as the final and ultimate sacrifice for all who believe and trust in Him.

 

 

Does the church believe in angels?

Angels are everywhere in the Bible. They scale ladders between heaven and earth. They move as shadows in fiery furnaces. They open prison doors. They are particularly hard-working around extraordinary events, such as the nativity and the resurrection of Jesus.

But, they rarely place harps, boast an impressive wing span or eat certain brands of cream cheese! The angels of scripture are quite different to the angels of Hollywood. They are never the stars of the show. They are on God’s business, pointing the way to his Son, and helping his people for His sake.

The question many people often ask: how do we know when we see an angel in the 21st century? There are times in the life of some, who can be especially touched by another human being. They are at a point of a crisis to provide strength at the point of need. They are guided to us by the Lord. They are His messenger and comforter.
Angels ministered throughout the life of Jesus: after 40 days in the desert; at Jesus’ empty tomb – they rolled the stone away, and angels appeared to Mary and the disciples at the resurrection. Some angels have rebelled against God – they are mentioned in the Bible. The Devil, for example, was once an angel, who led a revolt against God.

Some people believe that angels have rescued them when they have been in life-threatening situations.

 

 

What different types of people are there at St John’s?

At St John’s there is a broad range of people from all walks of life. We celebrate our diversity and we recognise we hold different viewpoints, but we value and respect each other. St John’s welcomes all and recognises that we are each at different stages on our Christian journey.

We listen to each other, and pray for and visit people who are elderly or in local homes. Some senior members of our church are part of the Circle, a group that meets each week; they support each other. We have a lot of single people and people who are unemployed, or on low incomes, and we care for each other equally. We are thankful that God accepts us as we are; and we try to do the same.

How should an educationalist or a lawyer relate to a retired deaf person or an adult with learning difficulties? The answer at St John’s is ‘somehow’, because we understand that we are all connected, we are all one. Just as many ingredients make up a pudding, so it takes different fruits and nuts to make up a church!