OUR Faith
Members of St Margaret's came together to answer some of the questions people are asking about faith and church.
If you would like to explore the Christian faith in more detail, we will warmly welcome you to any of our services.
What is a Christian?
A Christian is someone who has a relationship with God and who is trying to respond to God’s overwhelming love for us. It results in our wanting to explore deeper and deeper the understanding of God and what he wants us to be, not being frightened of doubting or of being angry with God. It involves the offering of every part of our life to God, giving a focus to living and accepting that God is interested in and wants to share in all we do.
Being a Christian is not easy, it is hard, keeping faith, hope and love alive when the going gets tough, and loving our neighbour, regardless of our failures. We must always follow the teachings of Christ in order to be Christians believing he is the Son of God.
Being a Christian is being involved in a two-way relationship with God, talking to him and listening to him in equal measure on a daily basis, offering all we do to him, for his glory. A Christian love freely given to others often results in the giver receiving greater love in return.
Being a Christian is following the teachings of Jesus and by our lives and example showing God’s love and compassion to all. We shall frequently fail but God will forgive our weaknesses as he trusts us to forgive others.
Will you accept me for who I am?
St Margaret’s accepts everyone, without making judgement, however and wherever they are at the present moment, looking forward from where people are rather than reflecting on where they have come from. As well as accepting people for who they are, irrespective of colour, creed or status, we welcome them into the family of the Church with love, appreciating the time and talents they have to offer and sharing in their sorrows and joys. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are – poor, rich, educated, from a different culture – all are treated the same in God’s eyes and, remembering His great love for each one of us, we share His love with everyone, whoever they are.
Is it alright to feel sad when a loved one dies?
We are human, made in the likeness of God, and, like him, we have the ability to grieve when a loved one dies – or when we hear of international disasters. We cannot explain or have an answer for why these things happen – but it is important to remember that God is grieving with us and for us. Therefore it is quite right to feel sad, as Jesus was when he saw people suffering. Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. This is the smallest verse in the Bible but one of the most important. It reminds us that Jesus experienced pain and all other emotions that we as humans feel and so He understands. By experiencing the loss and grieving for a loved one you can help other people – for God taught us to love one another.
Grief is acceptable, but as Christians we take comfort in knowing our loved one(s) are in God’s keeping and will live in our hearts forever. As we are taught in the Creed, we profess to believe in eternal life, and so take reassurance that we will meet again in God’s loving presence.
Can I be forgiven for all the bad things I have done?
The simple answer is yes, but there is more to it than that! Jesus deliberately mixed with those whom society could not forgive - for example, Mary Magdalene, Zacchaeus and many others. In so doing he showed God’s unconditional love, and by his Crucifixion showed that this love was open to all people. When Jesus died on the cross all our sins were forgiven and through that action our sins continue to be forgiven today. No matter how big or small the things we do wrong are, they are wiped away.
That doesn’t mean that we can keep on sinning intentionally, but it does mean that we can be forgiven for those times when we fall down. We must also remember to forgive others in the same way, as this is what God expects of us.
The Church of England teaching regarding the Sacrament of Confession is that “none must, some should and all may”. The important thing about God’s forgiveness is that in order to receive it we must first ask for it. It’s always there but you need to open the door to let his love and forgiveness in – and once you are forgiven, it is finished. If you would like to make a confession, please contact our Rector.
Having faith means believing in God’s promise to forgive our sins. He knows our weaknesses and forgives. He does not stipulate how often or how many times he forgives. Even in the last hours of life if we ask for forgiveness he will forgive and will be saved.
What is the most important Commandment?
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.”
By loving God completely we follow the teachings of Jesus and show his love and compassion to all we meet. It is important that, however difficult, we try to copy his love and forgiveness. Being human means we will frequently fail, but God will forgive our weaknesses and with his help we shall have the strength to persevere. We were created by God to love Him and all people – and our love is in response to God’s unconditional love for us.
God’s unconditional love for us is so great a gift that we should always try to share it with all we meet. We do this with our whole heart by trying to make love a foundation of our lives. Remember that God loves you no matter what, so you should always try to love yourself. Once we have accepted that we should love ourselves, it must become easier to accept and to give love in return.
What does your church offer young people?
At St Margaret’s we try very hard to connect with the children and schools in our community and children are always made very welcome:
- On Wednesday our popular Parents and Toddler Group, Church Mice, meets at 9:30am.
- We have welcomed young people into our choir. If you enjoy singing and are over 7 years old and woulod like to join it please contact our Organist and Choirmaster - Jonathan on music@stmargaretslowestoft.co.uk
- Activity bags for children and a Noah’s Ark play area for younger children are always available in the church.