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
Sunday May 16, 2021
Sunday May 16, 2021
A second lesson looking at the life of Elijah. This time we focus on how God's kindness helped him to recover from his emotional crash.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 May 15, 2021
Saturday May 15, 2021
In the first of two classes on parenting, CJ and Sheree Wakefield share important principles regarding prayer and parenting. The Scriptures they reference are below:
General reminders on call to prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
Colossians 4:2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Prayer when parenting is tough
1 Peter 5:7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
James 5:1313 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.
1 Timothy 2:8Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
James 5:16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Psalm 102:1717 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.
Philippians 4:6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Romans 8:26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Mark 9:29 (HSCB, KJV, NKJV)And He told them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
Prayers for our children:
Ephesians 6:18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all your children.
Ephesians 1:18I pray that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened in order that they may know the hope to which he has called them, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
Ephesians 3:16-1916 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Luke 11:1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
1 John 2:15Do not love the world or anything in the world.
1 John 4:16...know and rely on the love God has for them.
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1 Chronicles 16:11Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
__________________
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).
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 May 10, 2021
Monday May 10, 2021
Elijah is a kind of Old Testament superhero. He heard from God, performed astonishing miracles - including the first restoration from death in the Bible - and yet collapsed in an emotional funk.
How helpful! He was someone "just like us" - James 5:7.
Join us as we study through Elijah's life from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2 over the next four weeks.
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).
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 04, 2021
Tuesday May 04, 2021
In this full version of the interview I conducted with Jim Pickett, we discuss how to become self aware about emotional well-being and mental health, and how to help those who are suffering.
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).
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
Sunday May 02, 2021
Sunday May 02, 2021
It was a pleasure to welcome my good old friend Douglas Jacoby to speak for us in Watford today. He provided an in-depth and inspiring explanation of Ruth and her faith.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). 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 29, 2021
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
“If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” Psalm 139,11–12 NIV11
How should Christians respond to emotional and mental health challenges? What do we do when the emotional darkness threatens to block out God's light?
In this class Jim Pickett provides some answers and guiding principles. Jim is a US Army veteran and currently completing his Masters in counselling. He is also an old and valued friend.
If you watch this class you will learn how to respond to your own challenges, and also those of friends both in the church and outside.
A longer version of this interview is also available. Resources for further reading, watching and listening are available on my website: https://www.malcolmcox.org/mental-health-emotional-well-being-spirituality/
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).
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 26, 2021
Monday Apr 26, 2021
A final look at the consequences of the resurrection for a Christian.
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 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Rob gives us a helpful insight into the significance of the conversion of the apostle Paul in regards to the way in which that supports the truth 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
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
A sermon for the Watford Church of ChristMain Point: Christians are called to a godly/new/resurrection life via Divine power and grace
Introduction
Why we are looking at this?
Post-Easter - consequences of resurrection
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” (Romans 6:4–10 NIV11)
Context of 2 Peter
Peter near end - “I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.” (2 Peter 1:13–14 NIV11)
Jesus is coming back, therefore how we live (the new life) does matter
False teachers - 2.1ff“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” (2 Peter 2:1–3 NIV11) Motivated by greed
Scoffers“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”” (2 Peter 3:3–4 NIV11)
Relevance of this passage for us
We are not called to a 'good' life, but a 'godly' (new) life, 3.11-12. Maturity is the doorway to eternity - add to our faith, increasing measure . More than just being busy!
We are enabled to live this (new) life by the manifestation of the divine power into our lives - grace is ours, i.e. true freedom
I.e. the power is not ours (v3), but God's working in and through us - our part is to cooperate, willingly, with effort
Today: How to have a godly life
1. Divine Power, v3
When you think of divine power - what comes to mind?
Resurrection power
“who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 1:4 NIV11)
Jesus is present with us - in person and in power
“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” (2 Peter 1:16–18 NIV11)“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)“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:32–33 NIV11)
His divine power and presence gives us.......
2. Everything we need
Do we really believe this?
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1 NIV11)“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12–13 NIV11)“my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV11)
Therefore we can do all God has called us to do.
The Christian life is hard at times, but never involves a demand to do what is not possible
If we really believed we had all we needed, what difference would it make to our lives?
His presence and power is enough for us to live ......
3. A godly life
What does a godly life look like?
A Christ-like life
Loving others as self
Serving not being served
Growing into this is key - comes through the struggles like those of Jesus
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:10 NIV11)
A godly life is ours through a relationship with Jesus....
4. Through our knowledge of him
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV11)
What does knowledge of God/Jesus mean?
Knowing him draws us to him
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:16–19 NIV11)
We know Jesus because he lives in us
Our responsibility is to know Christ and his glory
God’s responsibility is to give us everything we need for life and godliness - real life
This gift of knowing Jesus is our because we have been......
5. Called by his own glory and goodness
What does it mean to be 'called'?
Called by him
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28–30 NIV11)
i.e. initiative is God's - grace
Which inspires our gratitude for what Jesus has done
Conclusion
A godly life is possible because empowered by the Spirit
A godly life looks like one becoming more and more like Jesus
Suggestions to develop/fully inhabit a godly life....
Meditate and pray over these scriptures
Talk about how can live this godly life with your friends
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:9–10 NIV11)
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
For Easter Sunday we took a look at the transformation that the resurrection brought to the life of the apostle Peter.
He moved from fearful to faithful as a result of encountering the living 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