Caversham Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
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Paul shares how after Abram and Lot went their separate ways, Lot pitched his tent outside Sodom, It wasn't long before Lot had moved his tent inside Sodom and after that swapped his tent for a house - he had become comfortable in a place that was outside of God's will. We are challenged to review our own situation - have you become comfortable and complacent, but outside of God's will? Are you open to be corrected or have you hardened your heart?
Kevin discusses the transient nature of life on earth and compares it with the eternal life for those who have received salvation through Christ’s work on the cross.
We are challenged to reflect on the transformation that God brings about in those who are already living in eternity, and our role in allowing that transformation to take place.
Revd Graham Coldman completes the series from the letter of Jude to the early church. Whilst Jude gave an urgent warning to this young and growing church, that they should follow Jesus' teaching and not be led astray, he also calls upon them to act with "mercy mixed with fear" towards those who are leading others astray, that they may be rescued from their terrible destiny. A reminder that we live in a complex physical and spiritual world with difficult challenges.
Revd Jonathan Edwards reminds us that God has planted the gift of encouragement in each of us. With your faith and life journey, you are uniquely qualified to encourage others. Encourage your church leaders, children and youth, your family and neighbours – even those you don’t know!
Jude challenges the church to address an urgent issue.
The behaviour of some people in the church did not match-up to what Jesus taught.
Christ died for us, to cleanse and forgive us. We can’t continue to live our lives as we did before we put our trust in him. God wants to perform a work in our lives; to transform us. Let’s search our own hearts and listen to what God is saying, are there areas of my life that I need to put right?
Janet Quarry outlines the main and tragic events in Joseph’s life. Whilst Joseph had no control over these events and what happened to him as a result, he did have control over how he responded to them. God promises to be with us, we don’t need to be defined by our upbringing, by the events and circumstances imposed upon us – instead, we can allow God to bring about good in all circumstances, to mould us and make us powerful and effective servants in his hand.
Richard challenges us to retain our focus on the things of God as described by Paul in Phil 4v8-9. Social media and other commercial organisations understand the value of our attention and treat it like a commodity. We need to learn how to retain focus and not allow our attention to be won by unhelpful distractions. When we focus on God and pay him attention, we are aligned with him; learn to see him working in our lives; hear his voice and understand his will for both our lives and for our church.
Paul Rhodes shows how Jesus is made manifest in in each of the sacrifices (Burnt, Peace, Sin & Trespass) and Feasts (Sabbath, Passover, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles) as described in Leviticus. Jesus has fulfilled the sacrifices and will complete the fulfilment of the feasts
As part of the fulfilment of the feast of Tabernacles, we‘re encouraged to pray for the revival and appropriate the work of Christ in his sacrifice for personal and collective benefit
Claire talks to us about her work at Guinebor 2 hospital in Chad as well as a short devotion from Proverbs 3 v 5-6.
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 heath 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 be rescued.
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.
Revd Graham Coldman explores the prophetic message of Isaiah 35. The focus is on how God wants to restore and heal his people, to give them all they need for a fulfilled life through relationship with him. We see the fulfilment of these prophesies in Jesus – he gives the “living water”, he is “the Way”. On the day of Pentecost, God sent his Holy Spirit to empower us to live the life he called us to; to be his voice, his hands and his feet in the place he has put us.
Revd Colin Baker discusses this very familiar passage from Isaiah and challenges you to invite Jesus into hidden or hurting areas of your life; to surrender burdens you were never meant to hold; to pray for deeper surrender and stronger peace and to ask for a daily revelation and transformation.
It was during a period of national instability and insecurity that God appeared to Isaiah. Isaiah saw the Lord, he acknowledged his need for cleansing and received it; he heard God’s call, was ready to respond and went.
Isaiah’s assignment wasn’t easy, but it was divine. God sends us into hard places, not to guarantee success, but to obey his voice.
Revd Steve Prince explores how we can identify and manage the noise (those things that rob and distract us from our peace) we seem to constantly face in our daily lives. Revd Steve explores the parallels he finds in professional football at Reading FC. The challenge we’re left with is “How do you become still before God?”
God speaks with passion because he's loving. God speaks against hollow religion because he desires our hearts. God speaks a call to return, offering cleansing and restoration. God speaks a warning because he is merciful and just. What in particular is he speaking to you about and how will you respond?
After Jesus' resurrection, two of his disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus, sharing their grief of the loss of Jesus. Jesus came along-side and journeyed with them - but they did not recognise him. Revd Colin reminds us that even though the disciples failed to recognise Jesus, he was still there - with them, ministering to them, working for them. Jesus' presence and ministry was not dependent on the disciples seeing him, feeling him or knowing he was there.
Graham goes through Luke 23 v50-56 and 24 v1-12, showing the referrences and disbelief in the resurrection of Jesus.
Revd Steve Prince unpacks Isaiah 61 1-7, we explore the character of father God and understand what God has done in our lives, establishing us as oaks of righteousness, reminding us of strength and endurance. We are called into the priesthood of believers, ministering to one another, encouraging and building each other up in the faith.
We explore the parallels between Passover and the plan of salvation – Passover reminds us how God recued his people from a dark and oppressive ruler. These events foreshadow the salvation that God has made available to all people. Passover provides God’s people with a reminder of what God had done for them. Breaking bread together, offers an opportunity to reflect, remembering what God has done for us and what he can do for dark and needy world.
Revd. Julia Binney goes through Exodus 3, where God shows himself to Moses via the burning bush and explains who I AM.
Joseph was exiled to a foreign land where he demonstrated great wisdom and integrity in his dealings with pharaoh. Joseph was drawn into the culture of Egypt, becoming an Egyptian without compromising his relationship with God – even pharaoh recognised the spirit of God in him. Like Joseph, we must live authentic godly lives in whatever "land" God has placed us.
Richard explores the life of Joseph – how throughout his life he was wronged and treated badly by those who were closest to him. Joseph leaned to trust is God’s promises and provision and God blessed him and made him successful in all he did. We see echoes of this in Jesus’ life and death – the actions of those who wanted to kill him resulted in the salvation of the world.
Revd Graham Coldman explores the relationship between Esau and Jacob. Jacob used an elaborate deception to obtain his brother’s birthright. This deception overshadowed Jacob’s life for the next 20 years. Esau and Jacob were reconciled in an encounter with echoes from the parable of the prodigal son. Despite a life built on lies and deception, God’s purpose was fulfilled trough Jacob. God has a plan for each one of us and can use us for His purposes irrespective of our past failing
Revd Steve Prince calls us to be real, authentic in our relationship with God and others. Life can be challenging with all sorts of struggles. Psalm 23 highlights 3 key themes: living in and being carriers of the presence of God, knowing His refreshing and restoration in the valleys and feasting on and sharing sustenance at the banquet of His table.
Revd. Keith Saynor takes us through Romans 15 v 22-24, explaining how we need to avoid disappointment taking over our lives and how our attitude should be to focus on God.
Revd Graham Coldman explores the deepening relationship between God and Abram. God had a purpose for Abram, he has a purpose for your life too!
In an impatient world we need to understand God's plan for our lives and His timing for its implementation. Richard reminds us to have an eternal perspective, to live holy and godly lives, to be found ready when we finally meet Him face to face.
Revd Graham Coldman explores Abram's developing faith and relationship with God. Events in Abram's life caused him to reflect and assess where God is in each situation. Abram's confidence and trust in God grew as he exercised his faith, stepping out to face the unknown.
In whatever situation we find ourselves, Revd Barry Kirk challenges us to exercise the faith we have, no matter how small, to give the situation to God - pray and act - and God will be pleased with us! He will answer our prayers in the way that He knows is best for us.
The apostle Paul uses the imagery of a roman soldier to describe the spiritual battle that Christians face and the provisions that God has made to ensure every Christian can stand firm and overcome. Revd Graham Coldman takes us step by step through the imagery, as both children and adults are encouraged to engage in an activity to make their own, fully equipped model soldier.
Revd Keith Jackson shares five gifts from God - things that cannot be bought or earned.
Revd. Barry Kirk explains that each person is given something to do that shows who God is. We're challenged to explore our gifting and purpose and to put those gifts into practice so that the whole body (the church) works as God intends.
Revd Graham Coldman challenges us to ensure that all of our relationships are rooted in and characterised by reverence for Christ - reflecting care, compassion and love.
Rob explores 7 themes from Jesus' teaching on prayer - the passage we often call The Lord's Prayer. These themes provide us with a pattern or model for our personal and collective prayer.
Revd Graham Coldman discusses Paul's challenge to us all, to intentionally live the new life that we have in Christ - to "put off" the old life and "put on" the new. The imagery used by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians is that of changing clothes, it's an intentional action on our part. In a politically charged week, with a general election in the UK, we're reminded of the power of words, both constructive and destructive. God wants us to use words positively, to encourage and strengthen others.
Revd Billy Fenning discusses the Christian pilgrimage, the lifelong journey from coming to faith to arriving in glory. We will encounter challenges along the way, "valleys" times or seasons where life is difficult, maybe illness, maybe other trauma. We are called to show tenacity, to endure. Our hope is in God, in Him we live and move and have our being.
Richard uses Ephesians 4:1-16 to explore the exhortation from the apostle Paul, to seek unity, diversity and maturity. We are encouraged to seek common ground in our relationships, to seek and acknowledge our God given gifts and to use them for strengthening and growing His kingdom; to celebrate our diversity and encourage one another to maturity.
Revd Jonathan Edwards challenges us to express God's Love to others. We do this by deepening our love for God (abiding in Him) deepening our understanding of one another and deepening our desire to act - love in action.
Graham Coldman takes us through Ephesians 3 v 1-21, showing us the mystery of Christ and how we should have pride and passion to serve.
Geoff Wilson shares from Hebrews 11:1-16 & 12:1-3, encouraging us to keep following the Lord and not lose heart. He presents four challenges from Hebrews 12:1-3 - to Throw off everything that hinders..., to Run with perseverance the race marked out for us..., to Fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith... to Consider him who endured such opposition...
Revd Graham Coldman invites us to consider four grace related themes - the Cost of grace paid by Jesus, the Works of God's grace in our lives, the Community of grace and the Temple of grace (the church).
Revd Graham Coldman takes 5 key words - sound, sight, sent, scripture and together - all found in the account of the events of the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-21. Which of these words is God speaking into your life?
Revd. Steve Prince discusses how God takes ordinary people who are prepared to be moulded and shaped by Him to become effective influencers for His kingdom. Give thanks for people who have had a positive influence on your life - become an influencer and do great things for Him.
Richard runs through 2 Corinthians 8 v 1-8 and 2 Corinthians 9 v 6-15, asking what does it mean to be generous and do we really see things as gifts from God?
Rob Sproule goes through 2 Samuel 9 v 1-13, showing kindness as a Christ like characteristic and asks the question of how do we imbue kindness to others.
Graham Coldman touches on Ephesians 1 v 15-23, going through the origins of the Baptist movement and what it means to be a Baptist.
Rev. Julia Binney goes through 1 Corinthians 15 v 1 – 11, talking about the resurrection of Christ and how it's fundamental to the Christian faith.
Richard discusses what happened on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24 v 13-34) to explore the truth and reality of the resurrections of Jesus. If Jesus really was raised from the dead, then we need to take the claims of Jesus very seriously and respond to His calling.
Graham Coldman takes us through the story of Easter over multiple parts, emphasising the importance of every aspect of the story, with a reading from Matthew 28 v 1-10.
Palm Sunday - Revd Keith Saynor discusses Jesus' triumphal entry to Jerusalem. Jesus rode into Jerusalem, humbly riding a young donkey, fulfilling an ancient prophesy. Without realising it, the owner of the donkey played a key role in this event, offering a small gift that made it possible. We face the same challenge - what is the "donkey", the small offering, that we can make to enable God's plan to be fulfilled?
Revd Graham Coldman looks at the place of the transfiguration, a mountain top where Peter, James & John, saw Jesus talking with Moses & Elijah. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”. We are encouraged to find, cultivate and maintain our mountain top, that place where we meet with Jesus, the place where we hear His voice, and to listen to Him.
Revd Steve Prince discusses what the Kingdom look like in the Acts, post Pentecost and challenges us to be both hearers and doers.
Revd Jonathan Edwards discusses Christian Hope, how this Hope is for everyone, not just a select few, for everyone, the "world". Our hope is definite (it is certain, assured) dynamic (requires us to put our hope into practice) and has direction (calls us to move forwards with God in his service).
Colin Baker takes us through Acts 16 v16-40, showing how God uses our trials and tribulations to spread his word, how we can overcome these if our heart is with him and how we need to be the ones to spread his word, as people won't just pick up the Bible and understand it.
Colin takes us through Acts 16 v1-15, guiding us through Paul's first steps in Europe, his first convert in Europe and how we need to show appreciation of others ministry and efforts.
Revd. Colin Baker calls on us to reflect on the ways in which we have had rocks thrown at us and how we can use our faith to deflect them and overcome their wounds and scars
How to walk with and God and serve Him without getting burned out. Less haste, less waste.
On Fathers' day, Richard reminds us of Paul's instructions to Timothy in following the call to pass down the Good News from generation to generation, to hold the faith firm, to endure and to remember that God is with us all the way.
Keith takes us through Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-8, a journey of there being a right, allocated time that God has set aside.
We have been called to do a specific job - as we share the gospel and stand against evil in the power of the Spirit, we will see the results!
We celebrate Pentecost as the point in time when God sent his Holy Spirit and the church was born. Christians soon came under persecution and fled their homelands. Like scattering seeds, the gospel spread to the ends of the earth!
Revd. Colin Baker reminds us about the importance of serving with right motive and purpose
Colin Baker takes us through Acts 5:17-42, teaching us that we should be trusting in God for opportunities in times of trouble.
Colin takes us through Acts 5:12-16, with "Continuing" to live with the living Christ in our lives.
Colin goes through Acts 6: 8-15, starting the discussion with on Stpehen and the courage that he showed in the face of adversary. To be continued next week.
Revd. Colin Baker explores how the early Christians faced opposition and persecution, we should expect and prepare for the same
Rebecca explores how the early church focussed on the fundamental role they were left with and how this maps onto Caversham Baptist church's vision
Colin Baker takes us quickly through Acts 3, showing supernatural healing, as part of our Mother's day service.
Revd. Colin Baker encourages us to diligently prepare for sharing all that God has done for us in anticipation that we will have opportunities to do so.
Revd. Colin Baker looks at the elements for fire - Fuel (the Word of God), Heat (Love & Passion for Jesus) and Oxygen (Holy Spirit) introduced on the day of Pentecost. The result FIRE. What happened next?
Baptism - A bit like replacing the batteries, God replaces the heart and gives the power to live
Baptism - the symbolism and the reality of committing to Christ and becoming a member of the family of God
Revd. Colin Baker shares the 5 principles of missional power: Manifestation, Message, Might, Mandate & Motive
Colin Baker takes us through Ephesians 4 v 11 - 12, explaining the 5 gifts of Christ. The gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
Revd. Colin Baker reminds us that we have each been given one or more spiritual gifts, - given to us, used to bless others, to encourage and build up the body of Christ. Know your gift and put it to good use.
Jonathan Edwards joins us to go through 1 Corinthians 12 v12-17, to explain the importance of the gifts given by God and how we should use them to better the church.
Richard explores the stories of Simeon and Anna, how they each waited many years for the fulfilment of God's promise. What can we learn from this?
Revd. Colin Baker explores the characteristics of Jesus the Good Shepherd
John 10 v 14-21
Sharon has come to visit us to explain persecution, especially what is happening in Hong Kong. Is persecution a curse or a blessing and can God change that?
Revd. Colin Baker explores what it means to be Partners together in ministry, being fully committed together in service.
Philippians 1:3-5
Luke 1:13-15 & 28-32
Colin Baker completes the series looking at small groups, focussing on serving and praying for one another.
Key bible references - Serve: Galatians 5:13, Pray: James 5:16
Colin speaks on his third sermon about small group ingredients. This time, it's why we need to encourage one another and how we should teach one another on a regular basis.
Revd. Colin Baker continues the series on small groups, looking at the importance of confession and forgiveness within authentic relationships
James 5:16, Ephesians 4:32 & Colossians 3:9
Colin kicks off the series on small groups, showing the ingredients of what makes up healthy small groups and specifically looking at the first 2, love and acceptance.
Richard Wilson explains what it means to be a Baptist, with a brief history and seeing what 1 Peter 2 v 1-12 has to say about it.
Revd. Colin Baker concludes the series on repentance by looking at the outcome - Freedom!
Matthew 7 v 15-20 & Luke 15 v 25-30
Revd. Colin Baker explores what happens when we choose to make a change and turn towards God, aligning our will with His - true joy.
Luke 24:44-49
Referencing 2 Corinthians 7:2-12, Revd. Colin Baker discusses what's so important about repentance?
1 Peter 2 v 9, Noel Robinson explores the significance of praise, the outworking of faith.
1 Peter 2 v4-25. Rev'd Colin Baker continues the series on "being" Be royally faithful.
We have been made, called and built into a royal priesthood; we are to be His ambassadors.
Rev'd Colin Baker speaks from John 4 v 7-23. The Samaritan woman at the well and how we need to be more open and focused on God in our worship.
We give thanks for our refurbished church building. Rev'd Colin Baker speaks from Luke 17 v 11-19. Ten with leprosy were healed, only one returned to say thank you!
We welcome Reading festival goers, as Richard Wilson explores the importance of being fully equipped for Christian living and service, referencing Ephesians 6:10-20
Rev Prof Philip McCormack continues our series from the letter to the Ephesians focussing on chapter 6 verses 1 to 9/. Philip challenges us to be counter cultural - challenging cultural norms in line with what we find in God's word.
Julia joins us again to continue our series in Ephesians 5 v 21 to 33, talking about how what is Godly submission and how we should respond, love and respect each other.
Kevin joins us again to continue our series in Ephesians 5 v 3 to 20, talking about how we should show ourselves to the world.
This week Colin Baker considers the apostle Paul's challenge in 2 Timothy 1:3-14 - A Convicted Disciple?
This week Steve Barber looks at John 20 verses 19 - 22 titled "As the father has sent me, I am sending you"
This week we celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, looking at John 20 v 1-8 and 11-17
This week Colin Baker continues the “How do we grow from here?” looking at 2 Timothy 2:1-10 including believers baptism.
This week Revd. Colin Baker looked at Timothy 5 v 17-6:2 and the blessings and responsibilities of leaders.
This week Colin Baker looks at 1 Timothy 5 v 1-16 and our responsibilities towards believers.
This week Colin starts a look at 1 Timothy 4:1-16 in our How do we grow from here series.
This week Colin Baker continues the series on How do we Grow from here? looking at the role of a Deacon, reading from 1 Timothy 3:8-13
Colin continues our look through the books of Timothy, this week looking at the gender roles in worship.
Colin continues our look through 1 Timothy, this week chapter 2 verses 1-7, titled How do we grow from here? - The priority of prayer in worship.
Colin continues our look at the book of 1 Timothy and asks, "How do we grow from here?"
This week Colin Baker starts a series looking at the book of Timothy titled How do we grow from here? and this week It matters what you believe.
This week Colin continues our Advent series looking at John 1 v 1-18 titled "The Earth Song"