Caversham Baptist Church

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.