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
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ
1. What God’s messengers are like inside, internally, their motives - and how you can tell, vv2-7
A. Suffering, v2Acts 16 - stripped, beaten with rods, severely flogged, prison, feet in stocks.Yet bold in speakingWhy do that if likely to receive same treatment?
B. Motives, v3Not trickyIf he had tricked them they would know by now
C. Flattery, v5No greedDoes not get you beaten up
Authority from suffering and sacrifice for no personal gain. Apply to leadership, of course, but also to how we treat one another because this is an issue of Christ-likeness.
“The hallmark of well-entrenched greed, then, is a willingness to use people to serve our love for money, rather than the use of money to serve our love for people.” Glittering Vices, Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung
“When we process our leadership by our character, the quality of the outcomes will be measured by a thriving culture where people are valued and not used, where the leader is respected and not feared, where a leader is trusted and not doubted, where the moral authority of the leader’s life makes others glad to cooperate and achieve, where grace underwrites the administration of the employee handbook, and where the leader’s example stimulates those he serves to live and lead as the leader lives and leads.” Redefining Leadership Joseph M. Stowell
2. What God’s messengers are like with people, externally, their actions - and how you can tell, vv7-12
A. ChildQUESTION: In what way could an adult like Paul be a ‘child’ among the Thessalonians?InvisibleNot a ‘hero’Dependant
B. Nursing motherQUESTION: In what way could an man like Paul be a ‘nursing mother’ among the Thessalonians?Skin-closeBird keeping chicks warmFeeding
C. FatherQUESTION: In what way could an person like Paul be a ‘father’ among the Thessalonians?Taking initiative byEncouragingComfortingUrging
QUESTION: What would these look like?
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Encouraging - put courage in - FAITHComforting - companionable compassion - LOVEUrging - take action - ENDURANCE
"He exhorted them like a sports coach telling his team how to win; he encouraged them like a friend strengthening someone facing a daunting task; he testified to them like a witness in a court of law." N. T. Wright, The NT for Everyone
ConclusionA wonderful model for us to imitate in reaching out to those who do not know God….
‘The true missionary is not someone specialised in the delivery of the message but someone whose whole being, completely committed to a message which demands all, is communicated to his hearers.’ Best, Tyndale Commentary
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 Jan 17, 2023
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
0:00 Introduction4:15 Motives Matter10:42 Loving Actions16:35 Conclusion
1. What God’s messengers are like inside, internally, their motives - and how you can tell, vv2-7
A. Suffering, v2Acts 16 - stripped, beaten with rods, severely flogged, prison, feet in stocks.Yet bold in speakingWhy do that if likely to receive same treatment?
B. Motives, v3Not trickyIf he had tricked them they would know by now
C. Flattery, v5No greedDoes not get you beaten up
Authority from suffering and sacrifice for no personal gain. Apply to leadership, of course, but also to how we treat one another because this is an issue of Christ-likeness.
“The hallmark of well-entrenched greed, then, is a willingness to use people to serve our love for money, rather than the use of money to serve our love for people.” Glittering Vices, Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung
“When we process our leadership by our character, the quality of the outcomes will be measured by a thriving culture where people are valued and not used, where the leader is respected and not feared, where a leader is trusted and not doubted, where the moral authority of the leader’s life makes others glad to cooperate and achieve, where grace underwrites the administration of the employee handbook, and where the leader’s example stimulates those he serves to live and lead as the leader lives and leads.” Redefining Leadership Joseph M. Stowell
2. What God’s messengers are like with people, externally, their actions - and how you can tell, vv7-12
A. ChildQUESTION: In what way could an adult like Paul be a ‘child’ among the Thessalonians?InvisibleNot a ‘hero’Dependant
B. Nursing motherQUESTION: In what way could an man like Paul be a ‘nursing mother’ among the Thessalonians?Skin-closeBird keeping chicks warmFeeding
C. FatherQUESTION: In what way could an person like Paul be a ‘father’ among the Thessalonians?Taking initiative byEncouragingComfortingUrging
QUESTION: What would these look like?
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Encouraging - put courage in - FAITHComforting - companionable compassion - LOVEUrging - take action - ENDURANCE
"He exhorted them like a sports coach telling his team how to win; he encouraged them like a friend strengthening someone facing a daunting task; he testified to them like a witness in a court of law." N. T. Wright, The NT for Everyone
ConclusionA wonderful model for us to imitate in reaching out to those who do not know God….
‘The true missionary is not someone specialised in the delivery of the message but someone whose whole being, completely committed to a message which demands all, is communicated to his hearers.’ Best, Tyndale Commentary
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
Friday Jan 06, 2023
Friday Jan 06, 2023
1 Thessalonians Series
We are making Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians our focus at the start of this year. What will we learn? Only the Spirit knows, but we shall explore the church in Thessalonica, the character and heart of the apostle Paul, and, most importantly, God himself. We are looking at a letter jam-packed with references to God, Father, Jesus, Christ, Lord and Holy Spirit - a total of 97 mentions in 89 verses. While it is true that we will learn practical aids to our Christian lives, we will, more significantly, learn a great deal about our Heavenly Father.
This class is an introduction to the church in Thessalonica with information on its location, founding, economics and archaeology.
Subscribe to the Thames Valley podcast feed and YouTube channel to make sure you do not miss the daily devotionals based on 1 Thessalonians as well as the teaching classes.
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 Jan 03, 2023
Tuesday Jan 03, 2023
v1 Greeting - personal; God-focus; grace & peacev2 - thankful for all; prayerfulv3 - hard work for God inspired by Jesusv4 - family relationships; 28 times - ‘brothers’v5 - God changed you dramaticallyv6 - Accepted suffering; joy from the Spirit‘If Christ wore a crown of thorns, why should His followers expect only a crown of roses?’ Martin Lutherv7 - modelled Christianity to other Christiansv8 - their reputation is connected to God’s workv9 - turned to serve Godv10 - Trust in God revealed by patient service
GodWe find 15 references to the Godhead in the 10 verses of chapter 1 and 97 mentions in all 89 verse of the letter.He gives grace and peace, and joy despite suffering which inspires their work for Him such that it inspire others.
Turn to serve, v9Repentance is a lifestyle and a radical one at that. Turn from: desire to be comfortable; compromise; fear; laziness; sins, halfheartedness; guilt; shame"It would be like asking people in a modern city to give up using motor cars, computers and telephones.” N.T. Wright.Turn to: God; hope, love, faith, exploration of the Spirit’s desires, listening to God, risk, adventure, stretch, the new
Discussion
1. God-focussedWhat does it mean to be God-focussed?What resources will help you to be God-focussed this year?
2. Turning to serveTurning away: Do you have something to turn away from in order to serve God? If you are struggling with this, what resources do you have to help you?Turning towards: What opportunities has God given you to serve one another and the lost? What will help you to serve in faith, love and endurance this year?
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 Dec 21, 2022
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
The Lord's Supper at our carol service was my reading of the Bethlehem police report by John Sutherland. I took it from Dan Walker's inspirational book, 'Remarkable People: Extraordinary Stories of Everyday Lives'.
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 Dec 13, 2022
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
“News of Great Joy!” Luke 2.8-20
“How to enjoy Christmas as a Christian”
Thoughts based on the ‘Sussex Carol’
v1 Merciful King
On Christmas night all Christians singTo hear the news the angels bringOn Christmas night all Christians singTo hear the news the angels bringNews of great joy, news of great mirthNews of our merciful King's birth
John 1.14; Rom 12.1; Eph 2.4-5; 1 Tim 1.16; Heb 2.17; 4.16; 1 Pet 1.3; 2.10
v2 Free from sin
Then why should men on earth be so sad?Since our Redeemer made us gladThen why should men on earth be so sad?Since our Redeemer made us gladWhen from our sin he set us freeAll for to gain our liberty?
Acts 13.39; Rom 6.7-22; Rom 8.2; Gal 5.13; Heb 9.15; Rev 1.5
v3 Life and Health
When sin departs before His graceThen life and health come in its placeWhen sin departs before His graceThen life and health come in its placeAngels and men with joy may singAll for to see the newborn King
Matt 16.25; Mk 10.30; John 1.4; 3.15; 4.14; 6.35; 10.10; Rom 5.17; 6.4; Heb 9.9/10.22
v4 Darkness to Light
All out of darkness we have lightWhich made the angels sing this nightAll out of darkness we have lightWhich made the angels sing this night"Glory to God and peace to menNow and for evermore, amen!"
Is 9.2; Matt 4.16; 5.14-16; John 8.12; 12.46; 1 Peter 2.9
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
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
We can only know the true nature of God as Father from the Scriptures.– The Lord’s Prayer teaches prayer, but it also teaches us how to relate to God as Father, and what he is like– This series is designed to help us– Understand our Father better through what is revealed in the Lord’s Prayer– Come to know him better & enjoy our Father-God– Be a more Father-God-like father to our children (if we have them)– Represent Father-God more accurately to the world and thus make him more attractive for people to get to know
Introduction, Matthew 6:9-13– ““This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven Father-God is nearby; hallowed be your name, Father-God is holy; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Father-God is powerful; Give us today our daily bread.Father-God is caring; And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven debtors. Father-God is forgiving; lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – Father-God is our protector.
Our Father God is our protector
Prevent Devil from taking advantage or our trials
1. What causes us to doubt God’s protection?Harm done to us by authority figuresPainful life experiences that we feel are unfair
“…the life of faith does not protect us from the pit. Rather, the power of God brings us out of the pit to new life which is not the same as pre-pit existence.” Location 670 Walter Brueggemann, Praying the Psalms
“Though we will suffer problems, accidents or trials, God gets the last word. Nothing can happen to us that God cannot redeem.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 61). John Murray Press. Kindle Edition.
We cannot protect our children from all harm – does lead us to doubt God’s ability to protect us from harm?
2. What are some of the consequences of not trusting God’s protection and taking matters into our own hands to protect ourselves?We hoard and lack generosity
“Living from a condition of scarcity, we learn that we must protect what we have. If we give it away, we might end up in dire straits.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 85). John Murray Press. Kindle Edition.
We do not heal from sin, shame, guilt
3. What are some scriptures that assure us of God’s protection?1. Psalm 23 / Jn 102. 1 Cor 13:4-8. ‘Love’ stands for God3. 1 Cor 10:134. Rom 8:26-275. Psalm 1216. 2 Thess 3:3-47. Eph 1:138. Jn 17:12ff
Discussion about God1. If Father God is our protector, what does this mean?2. If Father God is our protector, how can we be more aware of this reality?3. If Father God is our protector, how can we enjoy his protection?
Discussion about us as fathers1. What does it mean to be a protector for our children?1. Kids feel safe to talk to us – the door is always open2. My Dad is there for me3. Guidance4. Assistance5. “Use me as an excuse”2. How can we help our children be more aware of our protection?3. What can we do so that our children enjoy our protection?
ConclusionProtection changes over time as we grow
“Father of goodness, look upon us, we who live in this miserable state of woe. We know that children cannot find a better condition than to be with their loving father, who feeds them, gives them drink, clothes them, protects them and shields them from all needs. Gracious Father, take us, your miserable children, to be with you in heaven.” A Short Meditation on the Lord’s Prayer (1526) By Balthasar Hubmaier
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 Dec 07, 2022
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
Dr Douglas Jacoby is our visiting speaker from Scotland. He teaches us on the significance of the second advent when Jesus will come again.
We continue the topic of the coming of the Christ next Sunday, the 11th of December. Please feel free to join us then or for our carol service on the 18th of December 10:30 in the morning.
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 Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
We can only know the true nature of God as Father from the Scriptures.
The Lord’s Prayer teaches prayer, but it also teaches us how to relate to God as Father, and what he is like
This series is designed to help us
Understand our Father better through what is revealed in the Lord’s Prayer
Come to know him better & enjoy our Father-God
Be a more Father-God-like father to our children (if we have them)
Represent Father-God more accurately to the world and thus make him more attractive for people to get to know
Introduction, Matthew 6:9-13
““This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven Father-God is nearby; hallowed be your name, Father-God is holy; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Father-God is powerful; Give us today our daily bread.Father-God is caring; And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven debtors. Father-God is forgiving
Our Father God is forgiving: Which Scriptures come to mind that fit the following statements?
Forgiveness is not earned by performance
“This narrative goes like this: Love and forgiveness are commodities that are exchanged for performance. God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness must be merited by right living. What God most wants is for us not to sin and instead to do good. This narrative is rooted, as all false narratives are, in a half-truth. True, God does not want us to sin, and God does want us to do well. But that is only because sin harms us, and acts of goodness are healing both to us and to the recipients of our goodness.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 77). John Murray Press.
“Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”” (Luke 23:42–43 NIV11-GK)
“Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”” (Matthew 9:2 NIV11-GK)
God enjoys forgiving
“God is one who forgives our trespasses. As Richard Foster notes, “At the heart of God is the desire to forgive and to give.” God loves to forgive, even more than we long to be forgiven. In a word, our Father pardons.” (p. 61).
God does not have to be persuaded to forgive
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7 NIV11)
Sins are not forgotten, but they are not used against us.
We forgive our kids, but we bring up their past mistakes too.
Do we do the same to ourselves? God does not.
““I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”(Isaiah 43:25 NIV11)
Forgiveness is not in short supply
“When we offer forgiveness we do not have less of it, nor do we diminish our capacity to forgive each time we forgive.” (p. 84)
“Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:13–14 NIV11)
Forgiveness is an act of love
God does not only forgive sinners, he loves them. See Jesus with the tax collectors etc. Parable of the prodigal – father kisses the son – as sign of forgiveness.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV11)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV11)
“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.”” (Numbers 14:19 NIV11)
Forgiveness is strength
“Forgiving someone makes us appear weak and vulnerable, but it actually reveals strength and power. When victims forgive they become victors—not over others but for others. Our weakness prevents us from being able to forgive. Our fear keeps us from surrender and sacrifice. But people “in whom Christ dwells” learn to live and to give as Jesus did. Jesus is not merely a model to emulate or imitate, he is a source of strength to rely upon. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).”(pp. 144-145)
Peter, Brothers, Judas
Discussion about God1. If Father God is forgiving, what does this mean?2. If Father God is forgiving, how can we be more aware of this reality?3. If Father God is forgiving, how can we enjoy his forgiveness?
Discussion about us as fathers1. What does it mean to be forgiving for our children?2. How can we help our children be more aware of our forgiveness?3. What can we do so that our children enjoy our forgiveness?
ConclusionNext Wednesday: Father-God is our protector – lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one
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
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Now let’s discuss why Jesus came and what this means for us….Jn 1:14 - ‘enfleshing’ ‘dwelling’
Question: What is the point of the incarnation?
1. Show the church how to live“The pattern for the church is not the narrative descriptions in Acts, but the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus.” Hicks, PatternCommunity, leadership,
2. Affirm goodness of creation “The incarnation affirmed the goodness of creation, since God cannot participate in moral inferiority, much less something evil.” Embracing creation,
3. Reveal God as wanting to hear from us“Of course he would speak to us ordinary people. The Incarnation of Jesus proves that.” Willard, Hearing God
Question: What advantages do we have since Jesus is still incarnate?
Mediation. The Son was incarnate in order to become the "one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5).
2. Grace: Glorified, he remains all that he was, with sympathy for strugglers undiminished. Heb 4:15-16. He is our helper.
3. Hope: we will be like he is. Divine and human. Col 3:4
Questions for discussion:What stands out to you about the Mighty One’s ultimate reign? What hope and comfort does it bring? How do you desire to respond to Jesus?
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