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 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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Follow me here: @mccx Website: www.malcolmcox.org
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
1. Stewardship- What is the mandate God gave us? “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may **rule** over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”” Gen 1:26–28 “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to **work** it and **take care** of it.” Gen 2:15- How is this meant to be carried out? - The word ‘work’ or ‘leodah’, can also be translated ‘tend’… or ‘serve’… And the word ‘care’ or ‘lesomrah’ as ‘guard’. - Similar words are used of the Priesthood in the book of Leviticus. The priesthood were not called to take advantage of the Israelites they were leading. - The example of the ‘rule’ of Jesus: “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” Lk 22:26- Caretakers - does not belong to you; on loan “The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;” Ps 24:1- Plastic in breast milk? ““if my land cries out against me and all its furrows are wet with tears, if I have devoured its yield without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, then let briers come up instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.”” (Job 31:38–40)- For benefit of all....---2. Compassion for humans and animals- Sabbath - For the land, the animals, your workers, yourselves ““For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove. “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.” Ex 23:10–12- Caring for animals: Treading out the grain, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Deut 25:4- Faith:The average Israelite village experienced a shortfall of 15,000,000 cal per year… 60 days of food per family… Although this sort of hungry season is not a surprise to the anthropologist, it certainly helps the modern reader to humanise the experience of our biblical ancestors....I hope you are beginning to realise that when God commands the Israelites not to muzzle his 800 pound working bovine, he is talking to a man who is hungry. And the 5 to 7 pound of grain that an ox would consume over a single day of threshing made a difference. P34-35- Vulnerable “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Is 58:7 “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24 “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.” Is 10:1–2"When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God.” Lev 23:22---Conclusion- To say we love God but trash what he made is hypocritical “I used to think that the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that 30 years of good science could address these problems. I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with these we need a cultural and spiritual transformation. And we scientists don't know how to do that.“ Quote from Gus Speth. P106 “If I were to summarise the message of the old Testament regarding creation care into a single proverb it would be this: the Earth is the Lord's and all it contains; you may make use of it in your need, but you shall not abuse it in your greed.” 108 “Short-term, desperation management that exhaust current resources in answer to the cry of the urgent was not acceptable in Israel, and it cannot be acceptable to us either.” 109- Your response?- How we spend our money has an impact on the environment in general, animals and vulnerable humans.- Educate yourself on the environment, animal welfare and the human impact of how we use our resourcesPlease add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. God bless, Malcolm
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Monday Mar 08, 2021
A quick look at 2 Peter 3:10-13 and its implications for creation 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
Sunday Mar 07, 2021
Sunday Mar 07, 2021
We take a look at Abraham and his weaknesses as well as the grace and generosity of God.
Sunday Feb 21, 2021
Sunday Feb 21, 2021
Intro - setting the scene
Last time - what happens when we walk with God
Chapter 17 - circumcision covenant; Sarah the mother; next year; upgraded promises
Change comes at God's timing; He has good in mind for us; we have a part to play; need closer walk with God as life goes on
I could talk about.....
1. Generosity in action, Genesis 18:1-8
Calf - royal generosity - feast
Heb 13:2 - 'strangers
2. Divine Tolerance, Genesis 18:9-15
The impossible is laughable
Matt 9:23-25 - Jesus laughed at because believes impossible
3. Pressure perverts priorities, Genesis 19:1-11
Lot with Abraham; near Sodom; In Sodom - adopted
4. The dangers of doubting God, Genesis 19:12-22
Having a doubt is not a problem. Expressing that doubt is not blasphemous. What is tragic is when doubt is used to to argue ourselves out of obedience.
Jesus helps you - Jn 20:27
5. The consequences of being dominated by greed and fear, Genesis 19:30-38
Greed
Fear - attempt control without God
I will talk about...
The benefits of walking in the presence of God
We understand the heart of God
1. He is the only legitimate judge
Therefore we are at peace
2. He cares about everyone
Therefore we pray even for those we don't like
Canaanites - not Israelites
Therefore we ask boldly - like Canaanites woman
Matt 15:22ff
Abraham a man of humility and boldness
Conclusion
God does more than Abraham asks - rescues Lot, Gen 19:27-29
Abe foreshadowing the heart of Jesus
Told us to pray for our enemies, Matt 5:44
Prayed for his, Luke 23:34
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 Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Introduction
Watershed moment: CH 12-16 all point to this moment
Interesting that this comes after the mess of Gen 16!
God’s long speeches: blessings; commands; answers
Abraham’s responses: falls down twice; laughter; question/request; circumcises
Overview
Upgraded blessings, vv1-8
Land....this land
Great nation...dust...stars...many nations...kings
Son...Sarah
Covenant...protection...slavery/exodus...eternal (everlasting)
Abraham’s part, vv9-14
God enacted his part in Gen 15
Circumcision - the sign of the covenant
What happens to who, vv15-21
Sarai...Sarah mother of the son of the promise
Isaac...continuance of the covenant
Ishmael...great nation
Abraham’s response, vv22-27
Urgent...that very day
Thorough...all, every, every
1. God
Q: “What does God expect of Abraham?” “What does he hope this will achieve?” “What do we make of the fact he waited until Abraham was 99 and Sarah 90 years old?” “What might be the reason God does not rebuke Abraham for his laughter (Isaac means laugh)?”
A growing relationship - walking before God; deeper relationship as time goes by;
A growing set of promises - expanded....; Sarai - Sarah; Abram - Abraham
A growing partnership - God devoted to covenant, asks for Abraham’s devotion in circumcision (explain some background to circumcision)
2. Abram - “as for you”, v9
Q: “How do you suppose Abraham might be feeling as he hears these upgraded promises?” “How do you suppose he felt about circumcision?” “What do you make of his request regarding Ishmael?” “Given there was a year or so before Isaac was to be born, what do you make of Abraham’s urgency?”
Receives grace - laughed in heart; prayer answered re Ishmael
Called to greater faith (devotion) - walk before God (how know we are doing this?); circumcise - trust God;
Urgent and thorough - faith in action (son not coming until next year, but gets on with circumcision)
Conclusion
Lesson for us today:
Circumcised hearts: Lev 26:41; Deut 10:16; 30:6; Jer 4:4; Rom 2.29;
We need a deeper walk with God as life goes on.
Longer spiritual life leads to greater clarity on our weaknesses and the joys of a relationship with God
In Christian life walking with God is designed to be increasingly challenging and rewarding! Like any human relationship in fact. Layers of an onion. Discovery. Adventure. Exploration.
We all have challenges - COVID part 2,3,4......
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.” (Galatians 6:1–18 NIV11)
Jesus: has made us a new creation via the cross
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 Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Introduction, v1a- Just had high point of Gen 15: promises, sacrifice, covenant, faith/righteousness- Women in foreground - Abraham in background- Fundamentally, this is not about men and women as such, but about impatience- We have seen Abraham's faith tested and will see it tested again. This time it is Sarah's test of faith which is highlighted- We also learn a lot about the LORD: vv2,5,7,9,10,11,13- Very emotional introduction!---1. Losing it in the Home, vv1b-6The causes and consequences of impatience - and God's answerQ: What problems can you spot?Q: Sources of shame?What is going on here?Gen 3 all over again: "took...gave"; "agreed" = "listened". Easy, but tragic.Fitting in with culture - rich women would do this; polygamy not banned by God specifically, but Gen 2 implies it is not God's will; What's missing? No mention of God.Consequences of manipulation and control: jealousy, 'violence' (flood) - strong emotions; 'mistreated' (Egypt) - Sarai's dark heart - lie ours when consumed by something; everyone loses - Hagar has lost her home, Sarai her maid (as well as her mind!); Abram his second wife and his sonWhat will happen - enter the LORD!What fuels impatience? 10 years later.....External: Shame & fearFitting in with culture - expectations. Family pressure; social class pressure; cultural background pressure; church pressureWhat helps - big picture thinking God is working on you for your benefit.... “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4 NAS95) God has a different way for you to live... “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2 NAS95)Internal: Desire for personal satisfactionMake me feel 'whole'What helps - keeping a firm grip on the end game... “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 NIV11) God has a different way for us to go.... “And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd.” (Ephesians 4:17 MESSAGE)- Typical causes of shame for a Christian: in church - my kids are not Xtns etc; outside church - don't join in with immoral lifestyle, don't fit in.Summary: Hagar trying to get what she wants (like Eve, Babel, Abe in Egypt, Lot & King of Sodom); Abraham opting for the quiet life.---2. Rescue in the Desert, vv7-14Q: What do we learn about God from the actions and attitude of the Angel of the LORD?- What is going on here? - The LORD springs into action: seeking; finding; listening; instructing; comforting; guiding; seeing - Went looking - like Adam and Eve - Gentle with her - First mention of her NAME is by God, not mistress or husband - Hagar is helped: reassured; rescued; redirected; - Going home - but her home no more - Abram protects an Egyptian 'slave' - opposite of what will happen to his descendants - Will suffer - But for a good purpose, meaningful - LORD honest - Not justification for domestic abuse - Abram gets a son- Key points for us - 'sees' - me, even me! - Dawn - difference between being watched and being seen - Psalm 139:1-18 - faith - Lacking in Sarai & Abram - Seen in Hagar---Conclusion, vv15-16Hagar..Abe..son..Abe..Ishmael..son..Abe..Hagar..IshmaelIsaac another 14 years: did Ch16 delay this?