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!
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Episodes
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
In the latest of our teaching classes on tricky passages about men and women, we explored 1 Timothy 2 verses 8 to 15.
A PDF of my notes is available on my website.
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 Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Stefan takes us on the fascinating exploration of the relationship between Jesus and his mother.
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
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Leon gave us a fascinating insight into the lives of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar.
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
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
QUESTION: What does it mean to ‘follow’ someone today?
1. Women Following Jesus, Lk 8; Mk 15; Lk 23
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”(Luke 8:1–3 NIV11)
“In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.” (Mark 15:41 NIV11)
“But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.” (Luke 23:49 NIV11)
QUESTION: What did it mean for these women to ‘follow’ Jesus?
As disciples, seeing his life, hearing his teaching, watching him interact with people
Jesus travelled, lots of moving about, 12 + women - how find accommodation, travel? High commitment. Supporting him in mission, listening to him, talking to crowds as listen, supporting Jesus, work, out of own means, things that belong to them. Women disciples there as he teaches large crowd.
What does it mean to follow Jesus as a disciple?Leave - Go his way
Support his agenda
Essentially - “Jesus is Lord”
2. Women Learning from Jesus, Mk3; Matt 14; 15
QUESTION: What examples can you think of in the Gospels?
““Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!” (Mark 3:33–34 NIV11)
“The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” (Matthew 14:21 NIV11)
“The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children.” (Matthew 15:38 NIV11)
Taught by him, in mixed groups as many taught
QUESTION: What did it mean for these women to learn from Jesus?Sacrifice time - inconvenient
Listen with the object of learning
Respond
3. Women Knowing Jesus - by Experiencing the Life of Jesus, Cross, Resurrection….
QUESTION: What shows us that the women were close to Jesus?
To the Cross
“A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.” (Luke 23:27 NIV11)
“But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.” Luke 23:49
“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.” Mark 15:40-41
To the tomb
“The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.” Lk 23:55
What shows us that the women were close to Jesus?
At the cross, at the tomb, feeling fear, doubt, hopeLoyalty
Sacrifice
i.e. Love
What does it mean to learn from Jesus as a disciple?Want his life — accept when God takes us into experiences that are like those of Jesus
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”(Philippians 3:10 NIV11)
Conclusion
Women were an integral part of the ministry of Jesus
What if every time we read ‘disciple’ we think men and women unless it specifically excludes women?
We see no tension between the men and women followers of Jesus
We see a symbiotic joint ministry support and learning situation
This is really about Jesus
He was so inspiring people followed
Do you know this Jesus?
Apply
Discipleship is the only way to that vision
Have you made that decision?
What holds you back?
Remember the promise“everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29 NIV11)
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
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Stefan brings us the latest in our series on men and women in Christ. Today the focus is Jesus and Martha.
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ
Dates: 11thC BC - 'a festive time'
Geography: Maon and Perez - Wilderness
David's situation in context
Samuel dead - his key supporter - King-in-waiting - like Charles
Chased by Saul - Wife given away. - Could have killed him (has another opportunity later) - Remaining priest
Opening scenes
David's men and Nabal, vv4-13
Nabal's servant and Abigail, vv14-19
Abigail's Actions, vv20-31
Abigail
Her courage: An armed militia - in a ravine
Humility (vulnerable)
Straight-talking explanation: Nabal is a fool, I have a plan
Generous
Savvy: Up on politics; sling ref; appeals to his conscience; appeals to his godliness
God-focus; Prophetic; trust God
2. David's Repentance, vv32-35QUESTION: What do you see in his character?
Recognises God at work
Decisive - Instant change in his perspective
Humble - it is a woman! Accepts her instruction/teaching and offer.
Affirming -- Praises her - credit where due; blesses her;
Closing scenes
Abigail and Nabal, vv36-38
Abigail and David, vv39-42
David and his wives, vv43-44
Conclusion
Summarise
Vulnerability is no barrier to effectiveness
Women vulnerable; courage needed -- not permission; she used her intelligence and resources, not flirting;
Jesus: “he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7 NIV11)
He is our inspiration when we are vulnerable
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 NIV11)
Pressure reveals character: Nabal gets uglier, Abigail more beautiful and David more spiritual - eventually.
“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:8–11 NIV11)
We need challenging to see things from God's perspective
What do we learn about God?
vv 22, 26, 28, 31, 32, 34, 38, 39
“When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the LORD, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.”” (1 Samuel 25:39 NIV11)
Upheld - God actively working for David
Kept from doing wrong - protection
Brought on own head - God sorts things out
Is the writer drawing our attention to the fact that David was not godly-minded until Abigail came on to the scene and talked sense into him?
“David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me.” (1 Samuel 25:32 NIV11)
Abigail taught him a more excellent way - Priscilla?
Apply
We do well to welcome anyone (man or woman) who challenges us to see things from God's perspective, to behave more like God, to trust him.
Be grateful for the mediators
We do well to avoid stereotypes about what men and women can do. A warrior can be humble, a subjugated woman can act courageously, save people, and a change history.
Mediation
“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.” (1 Timothy 2:5–6 NIV11)
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.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
IntroductionThe series so far....Tonight: 1 Cor 11 & 14Some parts are hard to understand“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15–16 NIV11)Some of this material can be triggering because of abuses that happened in our past. This can be the case for both men and for women. ContextRoman Empire: The 'new Roman woman' (feminist)Corinth: Entrepreneurial; Progressive; Cult of Aphrodite (Goddess of war and fertility); Port city (vice and visitors); Honour/shame; Diverse; Patron/client system. Las Vegas/New York.Aristophanes (c. 450–385 BC.) coined the term korinthiazesthai (“to act like a Corinthian,” i.e., “to commit fornication”) in view of the city’s reputation. Plato used the term “Corinthian girl” as an euphemism for a prostitute (Murphy-O’Connor, 56).The church: Divided (rich/poor); disorderly - Patron house churches - Chapters 12 and 13 between these instructions- Emphasis on everyone needing one another. The church needs all the gifts we have. - Honour the weaker and suffering parts of the church.- Get priorities straight. Some gifts are more important than others (12:27-31)- Love one another — be like God. The way we use our gifts is more important than the gifts themselves. The gifts are temporary. Love is permanent.- Gifts are things from God. Love is God’s character.
1 Cor 11 Summary‘Head’: Kephale — ‘source’, ‘leader’, or, ‘authority’.Paul does not criticise women praying and prophesying. On the contrary he lays down the way women should be dressed when engaging in it. Therefore he accepted it.Wealthy women tended to be less strict about head coverings. If they were in their own home, they may have not been wearing a head covering, while the poorer visiting Christians would do so. This would lead to tension between the groups. Tension between the rich and poor is also seen in the selfish behaviour of the rich around the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-22).Everyone who prays and prophesies needs some 'authority' over their head. For women is it a covered head (hair tied up) and/or a veil. For men it is short hair.His main point is that in worship men should follow the dress codes (including hair styles) which proclaim them to be male, and women the codes which proclaim them to be female. The headship/glory issueMarried women are exclusively dedicated to their husbands. A veil (head covering) communicates this. They thus enable men’s glory to become ‘visible’. Or, at least, they do not obscure it.Men are exclusively dedicated to Christ. Short hair (lack of covering) communicates this. They thus enable God’s glory to become ‘visible’. Or, at least, they do not obscure it.The angels are in attendance at times of collective worship (similar to ‘where two or three are gathered’?). Via decorum appropriate to their culture (veil for women, short hair for men), men and women show respect to the presence of beings inhabiting the heavenlies.“You Corinthian Christians are having a hard time understanding the significance of following social etiquette while praying and prophesying. You think your freedom in Christ allows you to disregard cultural customs. The trouble with that is that it is dividing you, and bringing the gospel into disrepute. You are right that wearing a veil or not, and the length of your hair is not something significant to God, but you are wrong if you think it is immaterial to healthy worship and revealing God’s glory to people. In your culture women are subordinate to men. You are just going to have to accept that. Men are subordinate to Christ, in any case, and Christ is subordinate to God as Father. That works well, and so can your (women’s) subordination to men. It might not be God’s ideal (like slavery, 1 Corinthians 7.21-24), but it is no barrier to harmonious and meaningful worship.”
1 Cor 14 SummaryTongues needed interpretation. i.e. were not in a language the locals understood. Whether angelic language or human foreign languages, interpretation was needed.
Prophecy needed to be 'weighed', v29.No New Testament nor Apostle left early churches with a vacuum of instruction filled by the Spirit working through prophets.False prophets existed (Matthew 7.15; 2 Corinthians 11.13; 1 John 4.1) meaning prophecies had to be 'tested' (Revelation 2.2).Perhaps the Women were less educated, and thus had more questions than the men. This would lead them to ask more questions, which might, in a packed room, prevent the prophets from communicating their message and/or those able to weigh the message from doing so.Silent can mean in effect - 'wait your turn'. Either at the meeting, or at home.To speak up in a way that causes disorder (which is presumably what is happening) is disgraceful. But it cannot be disgraceful for women to speak as such, because how else will they prophesy (1 Corinthians 11.5. See also Acts 2.17-18; Acts 21.9)?The Corinthian women must be in submission - in this context.
ConclusionsDecorum in worship is important because we want God to shine (his glory), and visitors to see his glory.Decorum is not the same as ’controlled’ (early Christian worship has spontaneity built-in — “each of you has a...” 1 Corinthians 14.26).Decorum is culturally conditioned.Decorum looks different for men and womenThere is something significant about the differences between men and women that connect to headship and authority, but this headship and authority does not compromise the interdependence of men and women.
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Esther and Mordecai Introduction 1. What do we learn about Esther’s relationship with Mordecai? Obedient to him B. Concerned for him C. Protective of him D. Generous to him
2. What do we learn about Mordecai’s relationship with Esther? B. By challenging her to accept responsibility C. Obedient - Accepts her instructions D. Cooperative - Worked with her
3. What do we learn about men and women working together? A. Different circumstances, same devotion to God, each doing their part B. Accept their VulnerabilityC. Summary
ConclusionWhat do we learn about their work together?Gifts — They bring different gifts to the table.Opportunity — They have different opportunities because of the circumstances, and take responsibility for doing what they can.Necessary — They are necessary to each other fulfilling God's will, for their life and blessings that come to others through themInfluence — Neither is dominant, both have an influence on one anotherAuthority — Both ‘command’ the other
What do we learn about God?He rewards faith — expressed in sacrifice and courageEsther depends on God, not her beauty in declaring a fast - 4:16Esther asks Mordecai to gather all of God's people in Susa for three days of fasting and prayer. She refuses to try to achieve this mission based on her beauty and her cleverness and her influence, though they are great. John Ortberg, Overcoming your shadow missionDeclaring a fast indicates a dependency on God 4:16Mordechai has mentioned that rescue may come from another place, indicates his faith in God 4:14
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 Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
We hope you enjoy this exciting and thorough treatment of the relationship between Deborah and the Barak. Stefan Wolmarans gives us a fascinating insight into Israel's history, and the relevance for our own times -- as revealed in Judges chapters 4 and 5.
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 Apr 19, 2023
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Our world fractured on many lines: wealth, class, race and ethnicity, religion, age, education
1. It Was Very Good! Gen 1:31A. Good CreationHumankind made good - not a mistakeWe have a role
B. RoleResponsible - jointlyFruitfulRule togetherNo hierarchy
C. Generosity of GodCreation Fruitfulness/stewardshipPurpose
After the ‘big picture’ view of Gen 1, now let’s zoom in on the detail
2. It Was Not Good, Gen 2:18For Adam to be without a companion
A. Helper‘Eve’ - ‘life’, 3:20ezer - other references including to GodFor the work - good work God has in mind for us
“…’ezer is a generic term that refers to someone who contributes to completing a task or accomplishing a goal. The objective here is for the ‘ezer to partner in tending the Eden garden. Genesis does not comment one way or another on whether woman is a minor partner (contributing less than Adam), a major partner (contributing more), or an equal partner. Gupta, Nijay K.. Tell Her Story (p. 24). IVP.
He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. (Deut 33:29) You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper. (Hos 13:9) But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer. (Ps 70:5) I lift my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps 121:1)
B. Need one anotherNot about marriage per se, although most often expressed in that wayCreated for community - their fruitfulness will see to thatTheir partnership will enable them to serve the creation loaned to them by GodGod’s vision: men and women working together harmoniously to bless each other, their children, creation, the worldPlan was to be together enjoying intimacy with God
"Eve wasn't created from Adam's head to dominate him, nor from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to stand beside him as an equal, from under his arm to be protected, and from close to his heart to be loved."
C. Generosity of GodHuman companionshipBeautiful place to livePurpose/workCompanionship with God
3. It Was Bad, Gen 3Consequences of rebellion/sin
A. Blame shiftingCould argue man more responsible because she was deceived, but he rebelled. He received direct command, 2:16-17
B. Broken trust and dreamWith each other, the creation and GodPreviously worked together for creation’s benefit - now fear 3:10‘desire for husband’ - can mean dominate 3:16‘rule over you’ - descriptive or prescriptive? 3:16Evidence of sin connected with hierarchy?
C. Generosity of GodGraceNo eternal evil: Hitler etc.Clothing (better than Adam’s, 3:7/21)Not killed/destroyed - protected
Conclusion, Gen 3:15 - There is hope….What do we learn about God?Creative GenerousKindProtectivePatientProviderSensitivePowerfulVisionaryJust
What is our aim?Pre-fall relationship?Accept post-fall situation of struggle for dominance?
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:20 NIV11)
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