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 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
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Simon gives us the benefit of his expertise in the area of apologetics to refresh our faith and resource us to share about the resurrection with our friends.
This is the first of two classes. The second will be by Rob Payne.
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 Mar 28, 2021
Sunday Mar 28, 2021
Introduction
Context: Ch22 - binding of Isaac; celebration of deeper trust; confirmation of blessings by grace of God
We talk about living by faith a lot
What does it mean?
Question: When we say, "Let's live by faith", what does that mean to you?
It means, according to the NT, taking lessons from Abraham's life
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.” (Hebrews 11:8–19
1. Faith is responsive
QUESTION: "What examples can you think of when Abraham was responsive?"
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)“The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.” (Genesis 12:1–4
Go when called.They could have gone back to Ur, but were content to live and not see the fulfilment of the land promise.
They knew, by faith, that it would come to their descendants.
If they trusted God for something that in the OC was not made clear, how much more we should have faith for our heavenly inheritance which has been made abundantly clear.
2. Faith is Sacrificial
QUESTION: "What examples can you think of when Abraham was sacrificial?"
“By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.” (Hebrews 11:9 NIV11)
His home in Ur was much nicer!
Left comfort & security, even family. Probably similar situations were paralleled among the Jewish Christians at the time Hebrews was written.
A life of movement, not settling: Ur, Haraan, Canaan, Egypt etc
3. Faith is Courageous
QUESTION: "What examples can you think of when Abraham was courageous?"
“even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Did not know where he was going. Detail only came later.
Takes courage to believe the promises, (Gn. 12:2; cf. Gen 13:16; Gen 15:5).
Isaac on mountain - courage to trust.
Abraham refused to limit God’s power or the method through which He would keep His promise, and therefore he did not limit his obedience.
4. Faith is Persistent
QUESTION: "What examples can you think of when Abraham was persistent?"
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18–21 NIV11)
Lived among strangers in a land he was told be would inherit, but they were still there!
"Waiting for God to provide them with an earthly inheritance, the patriarchs came to realise that this life is not an end in itself but a pilgrimage towards a future that God alone can construct for his people." New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. Edited by Carson, D. A, R. T France, J. A. Motyer, and Gordon J. Wenham: InterVarsity Press, 1994.
We aim to be living by faith when we die.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all died without receiving the land of Canaan as an earthly inheritance.
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” (Hebrews 11:13 NIV11)
‘welcomed them from a distance’ = ‘hailed it with delight’, Brown 206. Died not seeing reward, but did see it in another sense.
The people commended here were: confident, proud to witness to their faith, seeking something better, able to discern what was of real value, willing to put their security in the unseen.
5. Faith is Dependant
QUESTION: "What examples can you think of when Abraham was dependant on God?"
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.” (Hebrews 11:17–19 NIV11)“As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.” (Genesis 22:6–8 NIV11)
Although there was lack of clarity, there was still faith.
Abraham saw God as his 'solution', the only one to hold on to.
Questions in breakout rooms
QUESTION: "How do you know when you are hearing the 'call' of God to live by faith? What helps you to respond by faith?"
QUESTION: "What helps you to live by faith when that means sacrificing some of the comforts of this world enjoyed by people who do not live by faith?"
QUESTION: "Is there an area of life right now where you sense God calling you to courageously live by faith? What would it look like to be courageous in that situation?"
QUESTION: "What helps you to persevere in your life of faith when you cannot see the end? What keeps your spiritual vision clear enough to inspire you to persevere in living by faith?"
QUESTION: "What does it mean to you to be dependant on God by faith? What does that look like?"
Conclusion
“Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi.” (Genesis 25:7–11 NIV11)
Positive summary
Sons honouring his wishes
Buried in 'the land'
The blessings signed as to continue in Isaac
Communion
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” (Philippians 3:20–4:1 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
Sunday Mar 21, 2021
Sunday Mar 21, 2021
A sermon for the Watford Church of Christ.Today we take a look at the extraordinary faith of Abraham. He willingly takes his son to be a sacrifice. What will happen on the mountain?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 18, 2021
Thursday Mar 18, 2021
Mothering Sunday saw us looking at the two mothers of Genesis 21 - Sarah and Hagar.
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