The Word in Biggleswade

This week we’re joined by a guest speaker (who is practically part of the family!) to mark Good Money Sunday. Matt Ceaser from JustMoney explores the subject of money – how we use it, what is says about us and how it can impact us and those around us. Using the Parable of the Talents as a basis he reflects on the complicated relationship between loaned money and the one doing the loaning. We are called to make good use of the blessings we have received and to share them with those in need. How will we respond to Christ’s invitation to use the wealth that we have been given to join in the beautiful, just, restorative work of building his Kingdon on Earth as it is in heaven? Good Money SundayMatthew 25:14-30Matt Ceaser Sunday 12th October Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

This Harvest Sunday Martin reflects on the changing nature and rhythm of harvest. Most of us don’t grow our own produce any more so how do we ensure we are bringing our very best to God in worship of Him? We can offer our money, our time and our talents as a sacrifice of praise and gratitude, in acknowledgement of all that God has provided and how grateful we are to Him for that provision. We are free to decide what and how much to give but what matters is our heart and attitude when we do. Harvest2 Corinthians 9:6-8Martin Ceaser Sunday 5th October Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

Strong, challenging words from Paul's letter to Timothy to reflect on this morning, as Martin unpacks this week’s passage. We should beware the false teachers who pull us away from Christ and wrap up selfishness and greed in godly language. Instead we must hold on to the true teaching of Christ, that points us to Christ and leads us into deeper relationship with him and with our fellow believers. The true Gospel is simple… Jesus is enough! A great and profound reminder to take us into our week. 1 Timothy 6:3-10 & 17-19Martin Ceaser Sunday 28th September Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

This week, as we continue to reflect on putting God in His rightful place through worship, we focus on the call to respond to God’s love for us. We are called to devote ourselves, giving our whole lives, not just our Sunday praise, as an act of worship to Him. When we present ourselves as living sacrifices and allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, it gives us a new perspective and a new calling to love God and love others. Romans 12:1-13Martin Ceaser Sunday 21st September Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

Exploring the example of the early Church, this week we delve into our shared lives at the body of Christ. How invested are we in each other’s lives? How are we linked and making the effort to take an interest in those around us? Will we respond to the individuals in our community when they are hurting and hurt with them too? However we feel about our connection to Church, the challenge is to invest in the common life for the good of the Body and see what God is doing across the community.  Acts 2:42-47Martin Ceaser Sunday 14th September Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

As we begin a brand new academic and Church year, Martin challenges us to think about what our priorities are for the year ahead – placing God as our primary focus for the months to come. What we put focus on and where our eyes are drawn to is what we will prioritise this year. If it is not God that holds our gaze we may get distracted and pulled away from him. Where are your eyes fixed right now? It’s time to set your mind on things above. Matthew 6:19-24Martin Ceaser Sunday 7th September Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

This week Cliff takes us back to basics as we explore the role and importance of service, highlighting examples of godly service throughout the Bible. Service is the expression of love, obedience and humility towards God and others. Not status or recognition but instead demonstrating faithfulness, sacrifice and reflecting God’s own heart. We’re all called to serve – an instruction and part of our calling. What does service loom like for you this week – through the church, your family and in the community? Whose feet will you wash? Mark 8:35-45Cliff Andrews Sunday 31st August Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

How brave are you? Are you willing to face your fears and ask the sorts of questions where you might not like the answer? This week Gareth leads us through a reflection on the challenging words of Psalm 26 where David asks God to test him and examine his heart. We know we can convince others that we are doing the right thing and often we can even deceive ourselves but to leave our lives open to the Father’s examination? We can’t hide from the one who sees all and knows what others can’t. Ready to face the big test? Psalm 26Gareth Godfrey Sunday 17th August Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

This week we explore something simple but so shocking and so profound. Martin unpacks more about the identity of Jesus and the claims he made about himself. He referred to himself as Jehovah – the unchanging, eternal God – and it caused shockwaves for those who heard him. The Jews couldn’t believe him and the Romans would have seen as an anti-establishment revolutionary. But Jesus doubled down – not only repeating his claims but also saying that to get to know the Father in heaven, they had to get to know him. Someone brave and bold enough to claim all this was either a liar, a lunatic or actually the Lord as they said. Who is this Jesus? He is I am. He is Lord. John 8:12-30Martin Ceaser Sunday 10th August Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

At the end of a fantastic week of Holiday Bible Club, Martin reflects on the story of Joseph and how God rescued his people. It’s just one example of God’s big rescue plan for mankind – that concludes with the ultimate saviour, Jesus. As Peter cried out for help in this morning’s reading, Jesus was there to rescue him. But he needed to be ready to ask and seek that help too. Are you ready to reach out to the messiah today? Holiday Club finaleMatthew 14:22-33Martin Ceaser Sunday 3rd August Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

On the eve of our annual Holiday Bible Club, we conclude our short series on the themes of Joseph and his final test for his estranged brothers coming to Egypt to beg for food. The story shows that the worst moments can be used for God’s glory and Joseph gets to choose his grace moment – resisting revenge to be reunited with the ones who tried to get rid of him. There’s nothing we can do to interrupt God’s plan for our lives – he is sovereign but allows us free will to choose, even when those choices are bad. How do we see God’s plans in the worst of times? Holiday Club approaches #5Genesis 45:1-11Martin Ceaser Sunday 27th July Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

Returning to the Holiday Bible Club themes in Genesis, Cliff explores the way God works through Joseph’s toughest season – suffering from the injustice of being wrongly accused and then wasting away in an Egyptian prison. God took this lowest moment and made it something significant. Something life changing. Something with long term impact for him, his family and his people. Are we ready to let God use our circumstances, good or bad, for his glory? Holiday Club approaches #4Genesis 40-41Cliff Andrews Sunday 20th July Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

Celebrating baptisms this week with the message of the Gospel. God knows us and he loves us. He’s been thinking us since time began. He’s focused on us above all things in creation – and he does everything he can to tell us this too. We all want to be known, loved, to be whole and holy, to have a purpose and a plan – and all this can be fulfilled through God. Nothing we can do will make him love us more or less but he won’t force us to love him back. It’s our choice and he’ll honour that choice… so will you choose God’s love today? Ephesians 1:3-14Martin Ceaser Sunday 13th July Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

This week we explore the subject of truth – how to speak the truth, how we receive the truth and how we tell what truth is. Something that seems pretty easy and straight forward can be anything but when it comes to frank and personal exchanges. Speaking and teaching truth isn’t merely reserved for sermons but something we should all be willing to step up to – and be open to receive. Together we learn from the struggles of tough truth rather than through ease and avoidance. 2 Timothy 4Nick Treby Sunday 6th July Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

In this week’s all age service we explore together the choices that Joseph made while he was enslaved in Egypt. He was tempted to sin against God and his master but choice the challenging but right choice. But the right choices don’t always come without suffering and following God’s lead doesn’t keep us away from pain. However, God will always be with us and will always work through the very best and worst outcomes, to fulfil His plans through us…  Holiday Bible Club approaches #3Genesis 39Martin Ceaser Sunday 29th June Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

Continuing our exploration of Joseph, with the themes of this summer’s Holiday Bible Club in mind, this week we look at the impact of the brothers’ decision to turn on the dreamer. What are the consequences for Joseph and his brothers of their actions and what does it have to teach us about the way God might lead us somewhere uncomfortable in order to set us free… Holiday Bible Club approaches #2Genesis 37:12-36Martin Ceaser Sunday 22nd June Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

A remarkable piece of clothing is at the centre of this morning’s message. An item of clothing that represents a dysfunctional family and an unhealthy case of parental favouritism. With a timely nod towards Father’s Day, Martin colourfully unpacks the story of Joseph and the toxic impact of jealousy. The first of our themes from this summer’s Holiday Bible Club challenges us to live knowing we’re all God’s favourites and we don’t have to compete and envy our spiritual family members. Holiday Bible Club approaches #1Genesis 37:1-11Martin Ceaser Sunday 15th June Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

Celebrating the birth of the church with life-changing tongues of flame… it’s Pentecost and with the help of some dramatic chemistry, Martin explores the transformation sparked by the Holy Spirit. Pentecost itself wasn’t the catalyst but the Spirit arrived and changed it for good – turning the first believers from hiding and operating in secret to a movement taking the Word to the ends of the world… (So... science experiments don’t really make for great audio on podcasts we’re afraid – sometimes it really is better to join us in person (!) – but there’s still plenty of stuff to appreciate in this bonus opening section. Not least one of the best timed ‘heckle’ Biggie Baptist has ever staged… enjoy!) Acts 2:1-13Martin Ceaser Sunday 8th June Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

Returning to our series on the Holy Spirit, Gareth explores the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Starting with discussing the personhood of the Spirit and then unpacking what happens when we are filled by his power. We receive the desire to live as God intended and to be His image bearer – to reflect His nature and character. We are need supernatural power to live supernatural lives and that’s when we come into our own. As we are continually filled, we are cleansed, transformed and overflow to others too. Ephesians 5:8-21Gareth Godfrey Sunday 1st June Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk

This week, ahead of our annual general meeting next month, Martin explores the biblical role of church deacons in the leadership of the church. From the life of the early church in Acts, taking care of neglected widows and orphans, to the modern day practical, pastoral, functional and social role of our own community. Deacons servant-heartedly give up time to ensure the daily running of the church. Who do you know who is full of character and strong in relationship with God and other people, who can become our next deacon? Acts 6:1-7Martin Ceaser Sunday 25th May Find out more about our church community at www.bbchurch.org.uk