Media

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.

Just as God spoke to Isaiah, God is calling us to come and listen to him. Have you felt like you have been “hidden”, laboured in vain, seen no results from your service, become discouraged? Have you allowed your vision of God to become diminished in your life? God has a plan for you that exceeds your vision, he wants to do more with you and through you. Come and listen to him, respond to him in trust and faithfulness.

Amongst other characteristics of the Lord’s servant in Isaiah 42, verse 3 tells us “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.” Revd Graham Coldman asks us to consider how we have been bruised – broken relationships, ill-health, toxic work environment… Isaiah reminds us that the Lord’s servant will rescue the bruised, the wounded. the damaged. He has purpose and meaning for our lives; turn to him and allow him to rescue you.

God breaks his silence after about 100 years since king Hezekiah's short sighted relief. God wants his people to be reconciled with Him. He reminds his people of His promises and His incomparable character. We are challenged to thank God for breaking the silence and speaking comfort today; ask for strength to lay down any idols and or false hopes; pray for renewed strength to wait in faith and not fear

Revd Keith Saynor discusses how king Hezekiah put God first in his rule; destroying the temples, alters and idols of pagan worship. He reopened the Temple doors that had been nailed shut, reinstated the priesthood and the Passover festival; revival followed. Revd Keith recounts personal and other recorded stories of how God responded to prayers in unexpected ways and reminds us of angelic encounters. God has a plan for your life – ask God to speak to you, then listen and respond in obedience.

Revd Colin Baker challenges us to trust God to fight our battles when the enemy comes knocking, Our response is one of prayer, trust and confidence in our all powerful God; to grow in our love, knowledge and trust, becoming more and more like Jesus.