The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

Men and Women in Christ | ”The Bravery of the Loved - Resurrection Witnesses” | Malcolm Cox

John 20:1-18QUESTION: Tell me something you have witnessed that no one else here has seen. Something you would like other people to know, or wished that they had witnessed with you.1. Daring Discipleship
A. CrossDangerousLove - loyaltyMary M - Luke 8.1-3Only women in all four accountsMary mother of JesusDid not believe - came to faith“When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”” (Mark 3:21 NIV11)“Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (Acts 1:12–14 NIV11)“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”” (Luke 2:34–35 NIV11)“But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” (John 19:33–34 NIV11)
B. BurialJoseph and NicodemusJoseph only man in all four accounts‘marginal’ disciplesLike the ‘marginal’ women
C. Resurrection Afraid - human!“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”” (Matthew 28:1–10 NIV11)Non-sensical messageUnexpected eventInvalid witnesses
Point: The courage to be a loyal disciple is available to all people, no matter your status. You can be a ‘marginalised’ person, but a wonderful witness. You can be the most vulnerable person, but the most loving and loyal.
At all three locations, they were there at a location of ‘failure’. But that did not diminish their loyalty and love for him. 
2. Gentle Jesus
A. QuestionsWhy? Who?
B. Personal‘Mary’He caredFelt specialHe treated women in a way they were not used to
C. Mission‘Go tell…’First ‘apostle’Infectious bravery - Apostles become braveActs 2 - unstoppable church
ConclusionParallels with Eden. New Adam; Garden - abundant life; Reverse the curse; Woman brings fruit of death, now the fruit of lifeGod emphasising the value of the ‘marginalised’ - especially womenWe can be this brave
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

Men and Women in Christ | ”Exegesis and Hermeneutics” | Malcolm Cox

Men and Women in Christ: A Divine Harmony
I am excited to announce that we are embarking on a new teaching series exploring the stories of men and women in the Bible. Through this series, we will delve into the lives, roles, and contributions of these Biblical figures and examine the relationships between men and women as portrayed in the Scriptures.
Throughout the series, we will explore a wide range of topics, including leadership, family dynamics, cultural contexts, and gender roles. We will examine the lives of both well-known figures and lesser-known characters, and consider how their stories can inspire and inform our own lives.
As we explore these topics, I hope that we will gain new insights into the nature of God, the complexities of human relationships, and the power of faith and redemption. My hope is that this series will help us to better understand and appreciate the rich diversity of experiences and perspectives represented in the Bible.
I encourage you to join us in this journey of exploration and discovery. Whether you are a long-time member of our congregation or new to the community, there will be something for everyone in this series. I look forward to learning and growing together as we explore the stories of men and women in the Bible.
One note of caution and explanation. This issue can be controversial and has caused division in Christendom. Our goal for is not to find a 'position' as such. Instead, we want to explore together, understand God and each other better. If that means at the end of this project that we need to change some of our beliefs and ways we practice our faith then that will be all well and good. But it is not our goal. The goal is to learn from our heavenly father, and one another, and then honour our Lord.
God bless, Malcolm

”Spirit God in us” | 1 John 3.24 | Epistles of John Series | Stefan Wolmarans

Stefan leads us in the latest in his series on the first epistle of John.
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

”Faith, Love, Hope” | 1 Thessalonians Summary | Malcolm Cox

This Sunday, we concluded the series on the 1 Thessalonians by summarising its major themes. We began by sharing with one another lessons that God has taught us through the book. I have done my best to turn up the volume, and I hope you can hear the inspiring and insightful comments by members of the Watford church.
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

”The Effects of Grace” | 1 Thessalonians 5v12-28 | Malcolm Cox

In this lesson on the last few verses of 1 Thessalonians we explore the way in which grace helps the community to function in a way that honours 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](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

”What Happens to Dead Christians” | 1 Thess 4vv13-5v11 | Malcolm Cox

1. What will happen to Christians living and dead? 4:14-18 
QUESTION: What comes to your mind when we talk about the second coming of Jesus?
A. SequenceJesus comes back victoriousThe ‘sleepers’ resurrect They and anyone alive at the time join Jesus in eternal life
B. Everyone will notice‘One word of command, one shout from the archangel, one blast from the trumpet of God and the Lord himself will come down from Heaven!’’ J. B. Phillips translation
C. With Lord forever - excellent outcome!
2. What will happen to people without Christ? 5:1-3
Do not know dateDo not speculate
A. Thief - Unexpected
B. Peace and Safety - False confidence
C. Labour pains - No way out - inevitable
We are called to be awake and sober so as to help these people
3. Who we are & how to respond to who we are. 5:4-8
A. Awake, not asleep / Sober, not drunkTake yourself seriously - you matter in the kingdom of God
B. Faith, Love, HopeDo a Bible study on these themes
C. What does this mean?Help one another - written to a church
Conclusion, 5:9-11
God’s aims for us, & our response
Are you afraid of death?Are you afraid of judgement?Does it bother you that you do not know when Jesus is coming back?What does it mean to put on faith love and hope?God’s hope is that we will live - differently - with confidence God’s aims are that we benefit from the confidence of our destiny beyond this life
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

”Report from the Teleios Conference on Gen Z” | Malcolm Cox

A few thoughts I shared with the Watford church as a result of attending the Teleios conference in Oklahoma.
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

”Our Father Who Art In Heaven” | Matthew 6 | Douglas Jacoby

Our friend Douglas Jacoby was the visiting Speaker on the 5th of March 2023.
He spoke on the Lord's prayer from Matthew 6:9–13.
We hope you find this recording to be a blessing.
You can find more materials on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj9Qa8D9zumJZdoAtARDUww) and website (https://watfordchurchofchrist.org).
Most Sundays we gather at the West Watford Free church, 10:30AM. 
The address is: Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 6NU
You can contact us on: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com.
God bless you

”Safeguarding Sunday” | Becky, Charl, Penny

A Watford church of Christ lesson on God's love for the vulnerable and our part in loving those who need his care.
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

”Two Essentials for Pleasing God” | 1 Thess 4:1-12 | Malcolm Cox