questions About Faith
You may also wish to read the answers our youth group gave to their own list of questions. Visit the 'Youth Speak' page to learn more.
What makes your churches distinctive?
We are a real community with all its faults and failures, wrestling with its identity today. We try to relate to people and their dilemmas and don’t judge. Church is comprised of a diverse number of people and it could easily be likened to a family Christmas dinner: some are there for fun, some out of duty; others questioning why they’re there, but hopefully all come out of love. Church, in many ways, is like a box of chocolates: you can be surprised, pleased and disappointed all at the same time.
Our churches are distinctive by their involvement within the community and also by the generosity and hospitality we offer. We are visible and active not only in the church buildings but out of contact with people within the community.
Do you feel different when you become a Christian?
Below are a number of quotes from people within our church family:
There are a variety of experiences as to when one becomes a Christian; for some it is an ongoing journey, others have a definite ‘experience’ that defines the moment they become a Christian.
Some experience a great relief and happiness, reconciliation with God through His forgiveness and love, knowing that you can trust Him in all things. A purpose is found in life when you become a Christian and a sense of belonging and fellowship in a wider community. You no longer feel alone.
Faith for me is like reading a book, the more you read, the more you understand and often it takes a while to understand the nuances.
How do you know that Jesus wasn’t a con-man?
That’s a question we all ask ourselves at one time or another but ultimately it is a question of faith that you have to work out for yourself. There is a lot of historical proof that he lived and at the moment of crucifixion he had a choice: he could have backed out from the suffering and pain in the cross and if he was a con man I am sure he would have done.
He performed miracles. Even if nothing in the Bible was true people still have personal experiences of Jesus’ presence in their lives.
Why would frightened disciples continue to follow a crucified con-man? No one follows a conmen for 2,000 years and have billions of followers. Jesus demonstrated supernatural gifts which showed insight into people’s lives that he could not have known about otherwise – for example the Samarian woman at the well. Conmen are in it for their own benefit – what did Jesus gain in worldly goods? Jesus’ life reflected sacrifice for others and selfless service.
Why do the people of Harling United Benefice go to church?
Below are a number of quotes from people within our church family:
Some go to church to be with others, to meet and share their journey. Church is an uplifting experience for many, lifting you up for the week ahead or troubled times. We come to meet with God in worship, to take communion and give thanks.
It is sometimes said that people go to church because of a sense of duty. Yes, sometimes this is the case, especially if we have a job to do there. But regardless of the motivation for coming to church, people go away glad they made the effort and feel recharged. You gain something from being there.
You might go to church because you are lonely and want to fill a void. You might come because you like community singing. You listen to the Bible and hopefully learn something to bring us to Christian maturity; having things explained. We give our time and giving Him honour and glory.
How do you know what God wants you to do day to day?
We believe God just wants you to put one foot in front of the other and do your best by walking with Him. This involves listening to him in prayer, looking for God guidance by tuning into his frequency and understanding what discipleship is about.
Sometimes you don’t know what God wants! You need to know some Bible verses to get guidance from it – looking at how people have been guided in the past.