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
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
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
1. Paul the ideal representative of Jesus - a regenerate lifev3: Snake: symbol of evil. Eden. Snake tried to kill Paul - a 'risen' man. Symbolic of the message of resurrection post-baptism (shipwreck)?v5: Shook off the snake - Jesus shook off death's cursesnake and sea (two evils) have no effect on Paul.This new life is powerfulv9: So many parallels with Jesus. see Luke 4:38-41“Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.” (Luke 4:38–41 NIV11)vv15-16: Paul escorted like an Emperor arriving victorious“The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” (Acts 28:15–16 NIV11)Fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus that the Gospel will go to the ends of the earth“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” (Acts 1:8 NIV11)v17: Opposed by the very people who should have been helping him‘he’ - end of ‘we’ section. Is it significant? Had Luke left, or was he putting the spotlight more on Paul.‘I’ is the first word in Paul’s sentence. This is a personal apologia. But not self-focussed. Only to get a hearing.v23: All about the Gospel‘witnessed to them’ - he was not interested in defending himself, but taking the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.vv25-27: Stubborn JewsIs 6 used by Jesus - recorded in all four Gospels - and with the same resultSo like Jesus - but human and weakUndignified landing on Malta‘Encouraged’ by the people who came to greet himChained to a soldierDid not decide most of his itinerary, route or timingUnable to persuade all the Jewish leaders who came to see himWhat is discipleship?Walking in the power of a Christ-given new lifeOur discipleship goal? Remind people of Jesus.
2. The Gospel is unhinderedAll we say about Paul is true and important, but the most important thing is to demonstrate that nothing can hinder the Gospelv31: Literally: “Proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and unhindered.”Last word is ‘unhindered’ - only time used in NTActs ends with no resolution to Paul’s personal problems, but instead on the real point of the narrative, the continued strength and spread of the gospel. The focus must remain on the gospel and not on the personal.What hindrances do you think Paul and the early church had to contend with?What are some of ours?Job - Gospel still unhinderedHealth - Gospel still unhinderedChildren - Gospel still unhinderedAll areas for the Gospel - perhaps the main area for the Gospel. Are we aware of how God can do this? The opportunities he is giving us? If you are there, that’s where the Gospel is. What is the essential nature of those hindrances?Temporary; Human;“All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” Philippians 4:22Probably written from RomeWhat is our vision for an unhindered gospel in 2023?
Conclusion“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” Is. 6:6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”We are unworthy to take this message, to live this life - but we are made ‘worthy’ because we have been touched
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 Nov 18, 2022
Friday Nov 18, 2022
Handout Class 4 | “Finding the Father’s Face” Series | Watford Men 2022Matthew 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, He is King of Kings and cannot be thwarted - Give us today our daily bread - Father-God is caring
Our Father God is caring - He provides - Psalm 23 - “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV11) - Care about our bodies - “…in the 1850s the average American slept 9.5 hours a night. By 1950 that number dropped to eight hours a night. Today the average American sleeps under seven hours a night.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 33). John Murray Press. - In what ways do we take care of our bodies? - Care about our emotional/mental health - In what ways do we take care of our emotional and mental health? - Care about our spiritual health - In what ways do we take care of our spiritual state?
Discussion about God 1. If Father God is caring, what does this mean? 2. If Father God is caring, how can we be more aware of this reality? 3. If Father God is caring, how can we enjoy his care?
Discussion about us as fathers 1. What does it mean to be ‘caring’ for our children? 2. How can we help our children be more aware that we care? 3. What can we do so that our children enjoy our care for them?
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
1. Inherited FlawsA. ‘Son of Shealtiel’B. You are someone’s son/daughter
2. Circumstantial FlawsA. Zerubbabel B. You are influenced by society, this world and people around you
3. Created Flaws A. “I will take you” B. You are responsible for your decisions
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:7–10 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
Friday Nov 11, 2022
Friday Nov 11, 2022
Tunde takes us into the story of Jesus and the woman at the well.
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 Nov 11, 2022
Friday Nov 11, 2022
Stefan brought us the next in his series on 1 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
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
1. How does coming into my blessings (relationship with me) work? vv 10-13 A. Israel needed reminding that they did not make themselves holyB. God chose them, redeemed them, stuck with them through ups and downs C. How did God first make you aware that the blessing of being a relationship with him was possible?
2. What has been your experience of my holiness? vv14-19a A. You did not respect it. B. I brought/allowed you trouble, but you ignored it to pursue your own priorities C.What influences/tempts us to forget to respect God’s holiness?
3. What does your future look like now you have repented? vv19b A. Currently no better than before! B. But the future is promised to be better. C. What does trusting God look like, here in Watford, practically, today?
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