Media

Revd Graham Coldman explores what is meant for a first century Christian to offer themself as a living sacrifice. How can you follow the message of Romans 12, to live a life worthy of your calling, not to die a martyr, but to live life a sacrificial life, transformed by the power of God, working in and through you.

Revd Neville Hollands reminds us that there is no direct translation from Greek to English of the word we use for baptism. The closest imagery is to dunk into liquid, to drench, to overwhelm. He then goes on to describe three different types of baptism that are found in the New Testament -Baptism into the Church, the universal body of Christ; Baptism in water and Baptism in the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to be fully baptised in each.

Jessica shows how Jesus uses his encounter with a blind man to bring out key truths of the Kingdom of God. Jesus gave sight to the blind man and uses this as a metaphor to explain why he came into the world. The blind man saw Jesus for who he was and worshipped him. The pharisees who claimed to have sight, failed to see Jesus. Let’s be a light to those we encounter, live a life of faith that engenders transformation, testify to what God has done in your life, that he may do likewise for them!

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.