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
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
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 May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
Embracing the Lord's Supper as a Joyful and Communal Event
Luke 15.23
“Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”
This is why we come here—to celebrate!
Part of that celebration is what we call ‘the Lord's Supper’.
Another part is prayer - what can we celebrate in prayer this morning?
Let's pray together...
Part 2: Let's have a feast and celebrate
Hand out capsules at start
Introduction
Today, we will focus more deeply on the Lord's Supper / Communion.
We will take more time over it after some teaching and discussion.
QUESTION: What is the Lord's Supper?
QUESTION: Why do we do it? What is it for?
1. What Did Jesus Do and Expect His Followers to Do, and Why?
Luke 22.19-20
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
‘do this’ - what is the ‘this’?
Why - in remembrance of me
What remembering? His servant, sacrificial heart. His acceptance. His love.
Leads to - fresh inspiration out of gratitude
2. What Did the Early Church Do and Why?
They gathered on the first day of the week to break bread
Acts 2.46
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,”-
Acts 20.7
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.”. .
Proclaimed Christ
1 Corinthians 11.26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Demonstrated and strengthened their unity
1 Corinthians 11.27
“So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.”Context - eating together as Lord’s Supper while being selfish and mean to one another
About not respecting Christ’s body by treating one another in a Christ-like way
Easy to have a smouldering resentment towards someone at church when taking communion while looking at the back of their head, or in a large church where you can easily avoid them
Different when sitting around a table next to them or opposite them.
Resurrection day
Probably weekly
Involved a meal
Not restricted to that?
3. Traditions Around the Lord's Supper
Traditions and further theological understanding
Transubstantiation, the idea that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, based on one scripture.
Preserving mysticism developed into a kind of magical-ism
Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, had different interpretations.
One cup or many?
One prayer or several?
Silence, music, prayer....
Wine or not?
Who can serve it? Priests? New Testament tells us that we are all priests1 Peter 2.9“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
Who can take it? Sometimes, children or laypeople were denied the elements, but is that what Jesus intended?
4. Conclusions for Us Here and Now
Five key issues
It is about Jesus: Remembering Him is the primary purpose.
It is a community meal: We gather together as a family of faith.
We feast on Christ—together: It strengthens our community unity.
‘Unworthy’ is not about sin per se: It's about treating each other with Christ-like love. Strictly speaking, no one is 'worthy'!
Not about the elements or the rituals: Focus on Jesus and community.Conclusion
We eat together, with Jesus, as sinners
Luke 5.29“Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.”
Luke 14.13“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,”
Jesus ate with anyone who would eat with him.
He would come to your place for dinner - only problem- he would bring all his friends!
Last supper: Apostles would desert him, Peter deny him; Judas betrayed him
Any questions or brief comments?
Discussion with neighbour about anything God revealed to you today
Open prayer
I pray after 10 minutes
Break bread and give out - what difference does it make that I do this?
As we conclude, let’s take time to pray, reflect, and sing. Let's prepare our hearts before we take the bread and wine, remembering the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the unity we share in Him.
PrayerPlease 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
Saturday May 25, 2024
Saturday May 25, 2024
Our annual international Sunday was a blast! Wonderful international food, singing in different languages and much more. As part of the service we heard Joshua tell us his testimony and Malcolm spoke on how we find freedom in the peace of Christ.
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 May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
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 May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Lance brought us an overview of the sermon on the mount and in particular the beatitudes. He showed us how these simple but profound instructions are also promises that change the world.
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 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Matthew 6.26“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”Life makes us question whether God cares
1. Jesus Needed God's Care
Luke 3.21-22“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.””
Luke 9.34-36“While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.”
Wilderness angels Mark 1.13“and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
Gethsemane angel Luke 22.43“An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Point: If Jesus needed it...
2. Jesus Showed us God Cares QUESTION: How did Jesus show people God cares?
Matthew 10.26-31““So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Point: God has gone out of his way to let us know he cares. Jesus shows us that sometimes God caring does not mean our lives are easy. Gethsemane! He understands us. Conclusion1 Peter 5.6-7“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”Convinced God cares?
His Eye Is On the Sparrow (1905) SM Mrs. C. D. Martin1. Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav'n and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me:His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
2. "Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears: Though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. 3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever doubts arise,When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me;His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me.I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
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 Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Charl speaks honestly about the confusions of the Christian life and how we can find hope in 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
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Sean St. Jean brought us a deeply moving and assuring lesson based on:
Matthew 6.27““And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”
As he said, "Life is fragile. Anxiety is inevitable. Worry is not."
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 Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Stefan gives us the reasons behind why it's important that we are a new creation.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 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Introduction
QUESTION: Smell, touch, hearing, sight, taste - which sense is most important to you and why?
1. Death Smells Bad
A. Lazarus, Jesus“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11)
Spices needed: “Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:39-40 NIV11)
Death smells bad!
B. Living death?QUESTION: What do we use to distract us from the things we fear?
2. Resurrection Life Smells Good
A. Jesus“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” (Mark 16:1-2)
“[John] bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.” (John 20:3-8 NIV11)
3. Our New Lives Smell Good“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV11)
A. To the worldWe smell like JesusHow maintain?
B. Consciously learning from himHow to smell more like JesusTake these as Bible study and prayer focus ideas:1. Attitude - Philippians 2.52. Ready - Luke 12.353. Obedient - John 14.23-244. Merciful - Hebrews 2:175. Amazing - Matthew 8:27
ConclusionLord’s SupperNo fear of death
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 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