The Watford Church of Christ Podcast
We are on a journey to that future life exploring the incredible plans God has for us on earth to love Him and to love others. Join us on this journey!
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
IntroductionA new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' Malcolm here, and thank you for joining me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring our personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 2 to 4.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”(Isaiah 43:2-4 NIV11-GK)
The promises of the Redeemer- He will be with you - “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:20 NIV11) - Through all the deep waters (trials, hardships) of life - Through all the fiery oppressions of life - “This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:4-7 NIV11)- He will rescue you, set you free from all oppressors (Egypt, Cush, & Sheba) - Because He is your God, the Holy One, your Saviour - Because you are precious to Him, you will be honoured & loved
For Reflection- Who or what has God rescued you from? Give him some praise and thanks!
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
ConclusionI hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
IntroductionA new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is simply the first verse.
“But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1 NIV11)
We are called to remember the source of our redemption — the LORD. - He created & formed you - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV11)- He encourages you: Fear not- The Lord has redeemed you - “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” Galatians 3:13-14 NIV11- The Lord knows you by name - “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3 NIV11)
““Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 NIV11)
For Reflection- What is the greatest fear you have at the moment? Can you pray it to God?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
ConclusionI hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Monday Jan 01, 2024
God is not static. He is involved in his creation. He is actively healing, redeeming and transforming the world and its people. In other words, he is always doing ‘a new thing’. These daily devotional podcasts accompany the teaching and preaching series of the same title for the Thames Valley churches of Christ and the Watford church of Christ.
The title of our series comes from this Scripture in the book of Isaiah:
“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NRSV) Isaiah reveals God's plan for his people. They will not remain in exile forever. A return to the promised land is prophesied. The people in exile felt a mixture of fear and excitement. For some, living in exile had become comfortable. To uproot and return would be difficult. For others, it was the fulfilment of decades of prayerful expectation. The section of Scripture parallels the exodus with the return from exile. Leaving one land for another. Going on a difficult and dangerous journey. Leaving the familiar for the unknown. Having to trust God for provision. Pursued and surrounded by enemies.
Perhaps you can relate to this challenge. The Christian life is one where we are secure in God, but always learning, growing and journeying towards something better. Moving forward and growing is exciting, but disturbing. There is a need to let go of old things, not to say they weren't useful — they taught us things and we should remember those lessons — but we do not live in the past. We are moving forward in time and maturity towards being with God for ever and growing more and more into the likeness of his son, Jesus.
As we enter a new year God surely has plans to do new things in us and among us. What those are we may not yet know. But we can be sure they will be revealed as the year progresses. In this series we are seeking to learn from the great men and women of faith in Scripture who encountered something new, were called to something new, took on something new, and left lessons in faith for us who follow after them.
Why not take a moment to pray and reflect on what you hope to get from his series?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
ConclusionI hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Last Sunday we welcomed my good friend Dr Andy Boakye as a visiting speaker to the Watford church of Christ. He spoke on "The Advent of Jesus in Matthew's genealogy” from Matthew 1:2-6.
Andy observed that four women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and ‘the wife of Uriah’. All are questionable as to dignity. The theme of dignity restored to those who have lost it is a theme in Matthew’s Gospel. Especially when it pertains to women.
‘Jesus affirmed the dignity of women by accepting them as disciples and treating them with a respect that was considered scandalous in his patriarchal culture.’ Four views on women in ministry
Jesus came to restore the dignity of the disregarded and the forgotten. We see that in his treatment of any who are marginalised including by race — Matthew 15.22, the Canaanite woman.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
IntroductionLove is not something God does - it is something he is “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 4:8, 16 NIV11)1. Exegesis, John 13.34-35““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” (John 13:34-35 NIV11)A. New — love one anotherLev 19.18 / Mark 12.28-34“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18 NIV11)“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12:28-34 NIV11)New ‘law’ from new MosesNew command for a new people on a new Exodus, release from slaveryNew command for a new life (resurrection life), not just a new order of things“New” (kainen) implies freshness, or the opposite of “outworn” rather than simply “recent” or “different.”' ExpositorsB. As I have loved youLeviticus command - love others as love ourselves. Christ is now the way….We do not assess the quality of our love by our own definition of what it means for us to love people We don't assess the quality of our love by the way other people are loving us. We have a quality of love set by Jesus not by a human.John 13.1; 15.9, 13Also 1 John 3.16Foot-washing: Wash sins away; willing slavery to one another’s needsCommunity culture, not just individual - WBC translation -- 'if you have love among one another.C. Everyone will knowA different ‘law of attraction’Authenticates the Gospel (illustration of something that authenticates something)Evidence of true transformation, not just believers or moral people — world needs hope for transformation, not improvement2. Workshop10 minutes to discuss one of three questions in small groups - on handoutA. What are the main barriers to loving one another and how can they be overcome?B. What does it cost to love one another, and what will help us to willingly pay the price?C. What are the potential benefits/blessings to this congregation if we make deliberate efforts to obey this command?
3. How To GrowProper view of GodWe are not able to love one another because we do not have our minds filled with an accurate vision of God. WillardJesus - his vision for the church (not ours)Everyone knows everyone. It is not a little church with ambitions of becoming a big church. It has no agenda but to love one another and help each other better serve the Lord. It manifests the fullness of the church because in its life Christ and the Spirit are directing our attention to the Father. HighfieldConclusion, Romans 5:6–11All inspired by God/Jesus’ love for us….“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:6-11)Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Introduction1605Remember, remember, the 5th of November,Gunpowder, treason and plot.I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intentTo blow up the King and the ParliamentThree score barrels of powder belowPoor old England to overthrowBy God's providence he was catch'dWith a dark lantern and burning matchHoller boys, holler boys, let the bells ringHoller boys, holler boys, God save the King!
Remembering the right things is importantQUESTION: What is vital to remember? What, if you forgot it, would cause severe stress in your life? What does/did God remember, and what are we to be remembered for?God remembers his people (do they remember him?)
“He has raised up a mighty saviour for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” (Luke 1:69-75 NRSV)God remembers his people, but why?
1. Why God Should Forget
QUESTION: Reasons God should forget us
A. We offend himB. We forget himC. But…..““Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV11)God cannot forget
2. Why God Chooses to RememberQUESTION: Reasons God chooses to remember us
A. He promised to remember us (covenant)B. He loves the people Jesus died forC. He has a vision for usHe ‘needs’ us?Luke 12:6-7Nothing can separate us — Romans 8.37-39Let that motivate you to act for him and do things that will be remembered….
3. What Will We Be Remembered For? Mark 14:3-9Question: Why was she singled out to be ‘remembered’?
A. Acted generously She loved JesusCost did not worry herKnew he was going to the cross - last chance
B. Acted courageouslyDespite skepticsIncluding Jesus’ own followers (Mk 14.10-11)
C. Acted beautifullyAnointed Jesus — he was the centre of her attentionDevoted to JesusNot about recognition, reward, approvalThe way she is remembered points back to Jesus
ApplicationSmall things; Cost something; For Jesus; reaSupported by the Spirit
Conclusion, Matthew 28:18-20Remember — ‘I am with you always’‘Do this in remembrance of me’, Luke 22.19
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Stefan explored the idea of Christian unity looking at some of the writings of Paul.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
You have found an upload from the Watford church of Christ. We were delighted to welcome Archie Higgin to speak to us on what the suffering of Christ in Gethsemane teaches us about his compassion for his disciples and us today.
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
IntroductionQUESTION: What do you think his answer would be?God’s people involved in war in OTGod’s people not involved in war in NTWhat changed?
ScripturesViolence from the start“Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.” (Genesis 4:8 NRSV)VisionOT - time when the lion will lie down the lamb; peace-bringer will come; peace between humans and God - “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them…. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25 NIV11)JesusMatthew 5:9 (NIV):** "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44 NIV11)Matthew 26:52 (NIV):** "Put your sword back in its place,' Jesus said to him, 'for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Later NTRomans 12:18 (NIV):** "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV):** "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world."Ephesians 6:12 (NIV):** "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."1 Peter 3:9 (NIV):** "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."Revelation 21:4 (NIV):** "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Jesus can ‘use’ war to open up hearts, but he does not desire itJesus wants peace, and we can be his peace-bringers
Questions and IssuesIs self-defence, or national defence the same as going to war?What would we say to the argument that there is a greater good when we resist evil?What would we say if we were Jewish?What would we say if we were Ukrainian?
ConclusionWhat this means for us…..“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.” (1 Timothy 2:1-7 NIV11)Pray for authoritiesLive peaceful lifeInvite others into the peace we have
Lord’s SupperJesus gave himself to violence to spare us the violence we deserve
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm