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 Mar 07, 2023
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
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
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
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
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Delighting in one another : Who or what do we delight in?
Let’s see what we can learn from this passage…..'...distress (anankē) being basically ‘the choking, pressing care’, and persecution (thlipsis) ‘the crushing trouble’ (Lightfoot).' TyndaleAs if his life has been on hold until this news arrived. In a time without rapid communication it must have been hard to be in the dark for so long.‘night and day’: He works night and day 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and he prays night and day. '...one gets the impression of a man struggling to put into words a feeling too deep for words.' Tyndale‘come to you’: His heart is to be with them. He wants relationship, not just communication. Email and other messaging can never substitute for presence. Let us never be content with virtual presence. Timothy's visit has encouraged him, but it has not satiated his desire to be with them in person.Faith, love - connection with holiness
QUESTION: What are some of the reasons we can and should delight in one another?How delight in one another?
1. Speak of faith and loveWe need faith and love - help each other with thisFaith - 5 mentions in chapter
'joy in the presence' - a powerful picture. Paul holds the Thessalonians in God's presence. Perhaps in memory, or prayer. Tells us something of Paul's relationship with God.
2. Pray for one anotherPaul’s prayers make a difference“May God - framed in God
Note:'you' - plural 17 times in this section‘we’, ‘us’ - 10‘our - 3.
ConclusionJesus died for his friends, Jn 15:13 - people he delights in
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 Feb 08, 2023
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Thank you for listening to this podcast (https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-aiinq-1aef90).
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
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Introduction, v1Paul’s emotional state because suffering mentioned 2:14ff“We could stand it not longer”What kinds of things make you say something like, “I can’t stand it any longer!”?What are the things, as a Christian, that make you act because you can ‘stand it no longer’?
Faith gets stronger when we get upset
Faith gets stronger when we actA. SacrificeSending TimothyRiots last timeJealous Jews unlikely to be any less jealousTravel; time; energy
B. RiskWhat if it does not work / rejected?Outcome uncertainIn the end this is our faith in action
ApplicationsPray for one anotherTake action to strengthen and encourage on anotherDo so because of love, gently and with compassionDo not charge in, but do not stand by and watchSpeak truth: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.” (Ephesians 4:25 NIV11)
Conclusion, v5We have an opponentNot to be feared, but respectedJesus cared and acted - personal sacrifice for us…..“When God could stand it no longer…”
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
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Introduction, vv13
1. How to handle suffering, vv13-16 A. Fallen world B. Some prefer darkness C. How we grow
2. How to handle it when people we love suffer, vv17-20 A. We feel their pain B. We make significant efforts C. We trust God
Conclusion, vv19-20
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19 NIV11)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2–4 NIV11)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1–3 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 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