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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Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
In preparation for today’s lesson I re-read the Dallas Willard book “Hearing God: developing a conversational relationship with God".
As with all of Willard’s books, it is about much more than the actual title or theme. It's really about what it means to know Christ and to live for him in this world. He sets up the book by noting that God wants a friendship with us. He references the Scriptures below. Take some time to read them and, as you do so, ask yourself what they are telling you about God's desire for the kind of relationship he wants to have with you.
Ex. 29:43-46 “…there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory. “So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.”
Ex. 33:11 “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.”
Psa. 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Is. 41:8 “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend…”
John 15:14 “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Heb. 13:5-6 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?””
Take some time to meditate on one or more of these Scriptures. How does it make you feel knowing that God wants this for you? The fact that it is God's desire for you to have a conversational relationship with him is more important than what we want. Hearing God is more about his heart than our techniques. It's about relationship. Part of that is about hearing God. Our goal is not to ‘hear’ from God as such. Our goal must be to understand and learn what it means to be in a conversational relationship with God and to enjoy hearing from him in whatever way he decides is best.
Is this important? Willard says this, "Today there is a desperate need for large numbers of people throughout our various social groupings who are competent and confident in their own practice of life in Christ and in hearing his voice." 12
I agree. The world does not need diffident, insecure and unconfident Christians. What kind of God would that reveal to the world? No, the world needs confident Christians. That confidence must be in God, and not tainted by religious arrogance. That is why hearing from God is fundamentally about our submission and not our worthiness. That submission is something we will look at in the lesson today.
“So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”” 1 Samuel 3:9-10
The word ‘listening’ is the Hebrew word שָׁמַע, or, šāmaꜥ meaning to hear, listen and obey. The intention to obey is contained within the listening action. Listening to obey is one way we tune in to God’s wavelength. It is how we find the sound of his voice. Every Sunday our guitarists tune their instruments to the piano. It takes active listening to match the pitch of the guitar to that of the piano. Passive listening will not do it. In his book, “Letters by a Modern Mystic”, Frank Laubach says this about his progress to being a good God-listener:
“I feel like one who has had his violin out of tune with the orchestra and at last is in harmony with the music of the universe."
Ideas and Questions for Reflection
In what ways do you think God might ‘speak’ to you?
How do you feel about developing a conversational relationship with God?
What part does submission play in developing that kind of relationship with God?
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
In this second sermon in a series about why we sing when we are gathered on a Sunday, we look at the passage in Colossians 3.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 06, 2022
Friday May 06, 2022
Why do we sing?
There is not a great deal of instruction in the New Testament about church singing. But what the Scriptures lack in volume they make up for in depth. This week and next week we will take a look at two of the key passages about congregational singing.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:18-21
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16
A Casual Comment?At first glance these instructions to sing seem almost like a throw-away comment. It is as if Paul has heard that the churches don't like singing and decides to add an instruction to sing because it's a good thing to do. But, are these instructions connected with a bigger picture? I believe they are. Much bigger, much more profound.
Guthrie claims, ‘...this command can be seen as the culmination of the first five chapters.’ Resonant Witness: Conversations between Music and Theology. Kindle Edition.
If you want to understand how this instruction to sing fits here and what relevance it has to our theology and practice as a congregation, you need to read the rest of Ephesians.
The Spirit and the TempleThe verse break in Ephesians 5:18-19 splits the reference to the Spirit from the next verse about singing. The result is to hide the connection between being filled with the Spirit and singing. What connection do you think exists between the Spirit and singing? Let’s explore the connection between Spirit, Temple, the Body of Christ and singing.
Paul wants the Ephesians to understand the significance of their calling to be a temple, Ephesians 2:21-22. The physical temple was where God revealed his glory on Earth. Jesus re-identifies the temple as his body, John 2:19–21. His body is the place on Earth where God’s glory was manifested. That was an extraordinary statement which shocked his hearers. Perhaps even more shockingly the glory of God which was in Jerusalem, then in Jesus (or more accurately manifested in that building, then in that body), is now in the church.
Specifically, it is the church made up of both Jew and Gentile. The two groups together (which encompasses all of humanity) have been made one by Christ, Ephesians 2:14–16, and are now joined together as a temple, Ephesians 2:19-22.
That temple deserves to be honoured and kept pure. Hence his commands to avoid drunkenness and the like, and instead to be filled with the Spirit. The Spirit of God filled the temple, was fully in Jesus, and now wishes to fill the entirety of God’s people both Jew and Gentile.
God makes the ‘two’ into one. To function as God intended, this temple (church) must be filled with the Spirit. What does this mean?
Four instructions"be filled" (plerousthe) is the command which is expressed in the following ways:
Speaking (lalountes) to one another in songs, hymns, and spiritual songsSinging (adontes) and making music (psallontes) in your heartsGiving thanks (eucharistountes) to the LordSubmitting (hypotassomenoi) to one another
How are we to obey the command to be filled with the Spirit? By speaking to one another in song, singing, giving thanks and submitting to one another.
Why the connection with singing? Does it have something to do with engendering unity between the disparate Jews and Gentiles? We bond together by singing and we sing because we are bonded together in Christ. How will our two congregations be bonded in the Spirit? By obeying the command that to be filled with God’s Spirit - and part of that is singing together. That’s not too onerous a command, is it!?
Ideas and Questions for Reflection Read the whole book of Ephesians and reflect on why Paul thinks singing is so important for the Church.Is there anything that inhibits you from singing with all your heart when we are together? If so, what can you do about it?What does it mean to you that the congregation is now the temple?
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 28, 2022
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
It was a privilege to have my friend Christopher speak for us on Sunday. He and his son were visiting from Uppsalla.
He speaks from the heart about freedom - based on that wonderful passage in Galatians.
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 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
A sermon for the Watford Church of Christ.
We have reached the end of our road to the resurrection. We spent some time today thinking about the meaning of the resurrection. Why did he rise? Why does he still live?
The key aspects of our exploration are his ability to help us and his commitment to love us.
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 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
We have arrived at the penultimate destination on our road to the resurrection. We look at the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. We note his courage, dignity, faith, trust, love and hope.
Next week we complete our journey as we rejoice and reflect on the meaning of the resurrection.
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
Monday Apr 04, 2022
Monday Apr 04, 2022
We continue on the road to the Resurrection.
1. The Silence of Jesus Amazes Pilate, vv2-5
A. v2King?“You? You must be kidding!”The key question for High PriestsThe key question for PilateThe key question for humankindThe key question for you and meQUESTION: What kind of king is Jesus?
B. v3Many accusations
C. vv4-5QUESTION: Why didn’t he answer?Calm, dignified, courageous. In contrast with the religious leaders, and even Peter.Silence not admission of guilt, but settled surrenderAmazedRoman law presumed the guilt of those who refused to defend themselvesNo faith
2. The Shouts of the Crowd Manipulate Pilate, vv6-15a
A. v8-11self-interestJealousy/Envy ‘phthonos’, ‘the heart burns’, ‘the stomach is hot.’QUESTION: What are they jealous of?
B. v12-15a“what crime?” - knows innocentcall to crucify - “he is a robber; Caesar is our king”Are you following the crowd? 1 Peter 4:1-5
3. The Strength of Jesus Defies the Soldiers’ Mockery, vv15b-20a
A. v17-19“Ancient images of crowns frequently show the kings wearing crowns with radiating points, symbolising the glory flowing from the head of the monarch. The thorny or spiked branches mock this type of crown, using materials ready at hand from the acanthus shrub or from palms.” One day – every knee shall bow – including ours! Phil 2:8-11.
B. v20aled - v1, 16 - to crucify
Conclusion, v20bChief priests, elders, teachers of law, whole Sanhedrin, Pilate, Crowd, Soldiers, whole companyWho is the focus?The who amazes, who surrenders, who is kind - JesusWill you let him be your king?
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
Saturday Apr 02, 2022
Saturday Apr 02, 2022
As we continue on our road to the resurrection, we stop off to look at the two trials of Jesus and Peter.
1. The Garden, vv43-51 A. Darkness B. Betrayal by your bestie C. Abandonment
2. The House of the High Priest - Jesus’ Trial, vv53-65 4A. ‘illegal’ trial B. Silence and acknowledgment of identity C. Physical abuse
3. The Courtyard of the House of the High Priest - Peter’s Trial, vv66-72 A. Legitimate ‘trial’ B. Loud protestations and denial of identity C. Avoidance of consequences
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 Mar 24, 2022
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Stefan took us to Gethsemane where we see Jesus at his most vulnerable. What can we learn from his humility, his neediness, and his courage?
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
Monday Mar 14, 2022
Monday Mar 14, 2022
1. Jesus prepares his disciples for hospitality, vv13-16Special occasions are often marked with special mealsJesus is not a victim. He is in control, the masterThe disciples lived by faith not by siteRoasting the lamb and providing unleavened biscuits, bitter herbs, sauce, water, and wine. The room itself would require special furnishings (such as couches and lamps).
ApplicationWhen you follow Jesus, you get more than you bargained for.When you invite Jesus into your life, you invite his friends, and not only that, but all the other people he loved to hang out with that we don’t.
2. Jesus prepares his disciples for understanding, vv22-26This meal explains what happens the next day. As the Passover is symbolic, so are these actions of Jesus.All meals in this culture were to establish or perpetuate a relationship. The way Jesus uses the bread and wine (“this is my person) make it clear that “to partake of the bread meant to join oneself to Jesus and his fate.”The cup is always connected with suffering, hence a symbolic joining with the suffering of Jesus, a symbolic participating in the restoration of Israel, instituting the new covenant (Acts 2).Covenants sealed with blood, Exodus 24:1-8.Blood poured out is symbolic of dying a violent death. Nothing to do with literal drinking a blood.He will die as a sacrifice and sin offering: Isa 53:10
ApplicationFollowing Jesus means eating his bread and drinking his cup - participating in his life.
3. Jesus prepares his disciples for failure, vv17-21; 27-31“To betray a friend after eating a meal with him was, and still is, regarded as the worst kind of treachery in the Middle East”“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” Psalm 41:9If “one of the twelve” v20 can lose it, so can we.Better for him if he had not been born: this man's fate will be worse than that of Jesus. That's saying something!Heb 6:4-9
Judas - greedFailure of faith (loyalty), not couragePeter - boastingFailure of courage, not faith
C. ApplicationBe sober about your strengthMake a plan to be strongerTrust that God will bring you throughThe apostles were stronger after this, and endured severe persecution. Your past failures do not define your future.
What is God preparing us to do?What is God preparing you to do?
Jesus not caught off-guard. Always in control
“Rom. 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
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