Media

Revd Ian Millgate uses the passage from John 6 to illustrate how Jesus connects with three distinct groups of people - do you identify with any of these groups? The first – those who know Jesus, yet through various circumstances, feel that Jesus is absent from their lives. Second – those who do not yet know Jesus and are curious. Third – those who seek purpose in life and a spiritual destination Revd Ian offers helpful advice to those who identify with each of these groups.

Janet uses the account of how Jesus healed an invalid man at the pool of Bethesda, as a reminder that Jesus can set us free from any number of issues we face in our lives - including physical, mental and emotional challenges. Most of all, Jesus can set us free from those things that have separated us from him; we can come to know Him personally.

Revd Keith Jackson challenges us to Look in Good directions... "Lord-ward" - to Jesus the author and perfector of faith. "Forward" - step by step with hope. "Outward" - to see those around us in need of God's touch. "Upward" - to the mountains, where our help comes from.

Revd Billy Fenning challenges us to consider whether our hearts are receptive to receiving God's word and shares three hacks for doing so: 1. Prepare the soil of your heart – put in the hard work, personal preparation to receive the word of God in your life 2. Listen with all your might – keep a journal, write down what God is saying to you 3. Welcome God's Word as it is – the Word of God will set you free, bringing healing, liberation & restoration

Paul Rhodes challenges us to set the conditions in our lives to live the abundant life that Jesus promised.

Richard discusses the main factors that influence Baptist churchmanship – believer’s baptism the Priesthood of all believers and the liberty of the local church. Discernment of God’s will is found through collective understanding and interpretation through church members. Discernment and consensus requires patience, it relies on God’s timing not ours! It demands we put aside our own wishes and desires, responding to disagreement with love and humility.

Revd Steve Prince discusses the imperative of the church as a unity community. Jesus prayed for unity throughout his church in John 17:20-23. Unity is essential for our corporate health and spiritual growth. Focus on unity in our relationships at home, our small groups, our local church and across our churches in Reading and beyond. Steve highlights some of the ways that unity can be destroyed – and how it can be restored.

The psalmist's call to "sing to the Lord a new song" is an exhortation for change. Revd Colin Baker encourages the Church to embrace change. To seek God's purposes and will through praying together; to stand together carrying one another's burdens; to give ourselves in service, service that costs; to intercede for and encourage our leaders - both spiritual and secular.

The prophet Isaiah wrote about the suffering servant around 700 years before Jesus Christ was born. As we explore the character of the servant and the events and outcome of the crucifixion of Jesus, we see clearly that Isaiah was describing the messiah and the redemption of mankind that God had planned. We have the privilege of understanding God’s redemptive plan and the open opportunity to respond.

Revd Billy Fenning reminds us that God is cares more about the state of your heart than the work or your hands. We are exhorted to learn to feed our "inner man" as apostle Paul puts it (Ephesians 3:14-21) in strength, depth, knowledge and fullness.