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
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 4. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 261
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “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 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 4
Tomorrow we will move on to Genesis chapter 12. Let's take one last look at chapter 11 before we go.
There is a problem. A major problem. And the text highlights it without apology.
“Sarai was barren; she had no child.” (Genesis 11:30 NAS95)
Why does the writer emphasise Sarai's inability to have children? No explanation is given. No context. How does she feel? What impact does this have on Abram? We can only speculate, but some cultural context might be helpful:
"Without children the man had no one to perpetuate his name and the wife enjoyed little prestige and much frustration, for she had no alternative career to motherhood. Further, in old age, childless couples had no children to care for them, and after death, none to carry out the funerary rites regarded as vital to the soul’s well-being in the afterlife." Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 1–15. WBC 1.
Sarai's barrenness may illustrate more than simply a human challenge. She is the one through whom, ultimately, the author of life will emerge (Matthew 1:3, 16; Acts 3:15). She represents Eve through whom all life would come (Gen 3:20).
But she is dry.
The Bible does not hide difficult matters. Obstacles and disappointments are highlighted, not hidden. Heroes are revealed to have flaws. No airbrushing here. We shall see this clearly as we get to know Abram and Sarai better.
For those of us who know the story (plot spoiler!) she will have a child. It will be a miracle. There will be laughter and joy. More on that later. It is important, if we are to fully grasp the significance of what God wishes to teach us, that we do not skip to the end without entering the experience of our friends Abram and Sarai.
Devotional thought for today
Is there any "dryness" in your life? Has your career stalled? Perhaps you are stuck in your marriage, or in a dispute with a friend. Have health challenges become more than you can bear? Are you finding it hard to connect your heart to your heavenly father?
Remember that in a dry land, a woman found more refreshment than she expected when she met Jesus at the well:
“Where can you get this living water?” (John 4:11 NIV11)
Jesus gave her that water, and he offers the same to us:
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”” (John 7:38 NIV11)
Indeed, we are all heading towards ultimate refreshment, not just for us but the world:
“For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”” (Revelation 7:17 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God for refreshment in the driest parts of your life
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “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 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 3
Today let's have a look at the way in which we are introduced to Abraham in the context of the rest of Genesis chapter 11.
The background picture is pretty bleak. After the magnificence of creation, and the spectacular intimacy of God's relationship with his people in Eden, we have tragedy after tragedy. The first murder, the necessity of the flood, and the confounding of the arrogance of humankind at Babel.
The human thread is tragic and sad. The divine thread is one of grace and hope.
The latter part of Genesis 11 takes us towards greater hope. In just a few generations we move from Babel to Abram. From pride to faith. Of course, the evidence of that faith is still to come. But, knowing the story, we are made aware that pride, rebellion and confusion are not the last word.
“Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan;” (Genesis 11:31 NAS95)
As we come towards the end of the chapter we find people on the move. Where are they going? To "the land of Canaan". We are introduced to hope. It will not be a straightforward journey. There will be pauses, obstacles and mistakes. Patience will be needed. But, God is guiding and providing.
Devotional thought for today
One of our challenges as people of faith is to be patient pilgrims. Along the way we discover the journey is not smooth. Yet, in encountering this, we discover that God is with us.
Are you finding your journey challenging at the moment? Do you wonder where all this is leading? It's important to remember that the fate of Adam and Eve, of those drowned in the flood, of those confused at Babel, is not the last word.
“...hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you see hope even in your darkest moments and situations
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Introduction
Why Abraham matters
Jesus and other NT writers (see all NT refs at foot of notes)“the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11)
“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 NIV11)
Abraham used as an example of faith most in the bibleWhat we hope to achieve by focussing on him
Inspiration for a life of faith in uncertain timesLearning how to live an adventurous life of faithWhat we will do in this class
See him as a personDid he exist?
Should we ask the question? Others do.Amount of detail - author sounds like he believes in him; cultural references - accurate, and the ones which appear not to be are either editors helping later readers to understand, or discoveries yet to be made; Jesus references him“And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.” (Genesis 21:34 NAS95)"My great-grandfather lived in London his entire life, never traveling outside the M25"Camels - scepticism and further discoveriesDid Abraham ride a camel?, Biblical archaeology review, November/December 2018, page 52, Mark W. Chavalas
See Douglas Jacoby's article:https://www.douglasjacoby.com/qa-1544-camels-in-the-bible-anachronistic-bible-contradiction/
Genesis 24:10-11, 31:34-accounts of camels involving Abraham, Rachel. Dated around 2000-1600 B.C.E.
10thC Egyptian recordPlace in the Negeb called “The Fortress of Abraham,” listed among places conquered by the 22nd-Dynasty king Sheshonq (Shishak) in his incursion into Palestine during the reign of Rehoboam (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:25-26; 2 Chr. 12:2-12).Abraham tradition well established at that timeRather like reading a book in 6021, four thousand years’ time, about Admiral Lord Nelson - did he really exist?Died 1805Imagine archaeologists digging and finding Nelson’s column - dated 1844 (the year it was finished)Does not prove he existed, but does prove he was not an invention some two thousand years or more laterHis time and place
His story as the beginning of hope for humankind
Gen 1-11Creation / FallCurse / GraceSacrifice / MurderWickedness / Salvation - floodPride / Grace - BabelGod has a long-term plan of reversing the curse, bringing healing - through those who will worship himHe begins with a relationship and builds from there, a declaration of love
What does it mean for us?1. Open to God directing us2. Open to God's timing for his promises to become tangible3. Open to the possibility that your life might have a multi-generational impact seen far beyond your lifetime4. Open to the adventure of faith!
Conclusion
What are you hoping to get out of this series?Don't forget the podcast“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 NIV11)
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.
Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.
God bless,
Malcolm
New Testament references: Matt. 1:1–2, 17; 3:9; 8:11; 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 1:55, 73; 3:8, 34; 13:16, 28; 16:22–25, 29–30; 19:9; 20:37; John 8:33, 37, 39–40, 52–53, 56–58; Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2, 5, 8, 16–17, 32; 13:26; Rom. 4:1–3, 9, 12–13, 16, 18; 9:7–8; 11:1; 2 Cor. 11:22; Gal. 3:6–9, 14, 16, 18, 29; 4:22; Heb. 2:16; 6:13, 15; 7:1–2, 4–6, 9–10; 11:8, 17, 19; James 2:21, 23; 1 Pet. 3:6
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “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 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 2
Most preaching and teaching about Abraham begins in Genesis 12. Understandable, but we are missing something. Abraham first comes on the scene in Genesis chapter 11. Let's take a few minutes today to consider how the story of Abraham is set up.
“Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. Now these are the records of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran; and Haran became the father of Lot. Haran died in the presence of his father Terah in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldeans. Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah and Iscah. Sarai was barren; she had no child. Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran, and settled there. The days of Terah were two hundred and five years; and Terah died in Haran.” (Genesis 11:26–32 NAS95)
The writer of Genesis portrays Abraham as an historical figure. The amount of geographical and genealogical data and level of detail makes most sense that way. Some people doubt the actual existence of Abraham, and point to the lack of archaeological evidence. But then, there is very little archaeological data for any individual figure from 4000 years ago. The absence of evidence is not evidence of the absence of Abraham.
Let's spend a few moments today talking about geography and history.
The ancient city of Ur is equated with today's Tell al-Muqayyar, situated on the Euphrates in southern Mesopotamia. It may have had a population of around 25,000 at the time Abraham lived there. Many buildings, a ziggurat and Royal tombs have been unearthed.
Take a trip to the British Museum, or to its online gallery, and you will find what is called, "The Royal game of Ur". It is not too fanciful to imagine Abraham and his brothers playing this game as they grew up.
The Royal Game of Ur, 2600BC-2400BC Use this image 1460257001 | British Museum
Devotional thought for today
The Bible is not a book of fantasy stories, neither is it a theological treatise. At times it uses poetic (e.g. Psalms) and apocalyptic language (e.g. Ezekiel, Daniel, Revelation), but most of the time it tells us about people to whom we can relate.
Take some time to imagine Abraham playing a board game with his father Terah. Perhaps it was his dad who taught him how to play. Maybe he had a competition with his brothers Nahor and Haran. If they were anything like siblings I know, they will have argued over the game, possibly even fought over it, scattering the pieces and overturning the board.
Picture playing the game with them - picking up a counter and placing it on the board. Of course, for this particular game the instructions have been long lost (!), but our imagination can supply the reality of the scene.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you see the humanity in Abraham and his contemporaries. Pray to approach their stories as people like you and I.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. I'm Malcolm Cox and this is a daily devotional podcast called "Adventures in faith with Abraham".
"... went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 1
How important is Abraham to you? He is mentioned by name 317 times in 286 verses of the Bible. More than most.
On a visit to India I was requested to preach. When I asked what to preach on I was told "Abraham". "No problem", I said, "but why Abraham?" The reply surprised me, "Because many Indian Christians have never heard of him."
On reflection, it made sense. So many come from a Hindu background and have never read the Bible. And of course, as was pointed out to me, we don't have to know about Abraham to become a Christian. I preached on Abraham that visit, and I hope I left a good impression of this amazing man of faith.
Whilst it's not necessary to know about Abraham to become a Christian, I would suggest it is necessary to know about him to fully grow into all that we can become as Christians.
Matthew includes Abraham in his genealogy of Jesus:
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:” (Matthew 1:1 NIV11)
Luke records the prayer-song of Mary:
“He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”” (Luke 1:54–55 NIV11)
Mark references Jesus mentioning Abraham in his debates with the Sadducees:
“Have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?” (Mark 12:26 NIV11)
John captures a significant moment in the ministry of Jesus when he mentions Abraham 10 times in a few verses: John 8:33-58.
If Jesus thought Abraham was important, shouldn't we? And we've not even touched on the preaching in Acts, the epistles of Paul and Peter, the letter to the Hebrews and others. We will get to those in the series.
So, a simple question for today.
Will you commit to taking Abraham seriously? More seriously than ever before? Pray and ask God to help you.
That's my commitment to you in this podcast series, and I hope you will join me.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
“He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
A reading for the communion at today's service for the Watford Church of Christ.
It comes from Max Lucado's book, "God came near".
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
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 Dec 13, 2020
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
(The Miracle in the Manger)
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:8–20 NIV11)---
Introduction: vv1-8
QUESTION: Something nice you stumbled across in an unlikely place?
- Searching for a vaccine!- Most searched-for terms on Google this year: [https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-55245304]
QUESTION: Manger X 3 - why?
- Not the point, but the pointer- Whoever heard of a king in a manger?! An animal’s feeding trough.- Imagine the shepherds… “Did the angel say ‘manger’ (v12)?” “They couldn’t mean ‘manger’, could they?”
"Augustus was the adopted son of Julius Caesar. He became sole ruler of the Roman world after a bloody civil war in which he overpowered all rival claimants. The last to be destroyed was the famous Mark Antony, who committed suicide not long after his defeat at the battle of Actium in 31 BC. Augustus turned the great Roman republic into an empire, with himself at the head; he proclaimed that he had brought justice and peace to the whole world; and, declaring his dead adoptive father to be divine, styled himself as ‘son of god’. Poets wrote songs about the new era that had begun; historians told the long story of Rome’s rise to greatness, reaching its climax (obviously) with Augustus himself. Augustus, people said, was the ‘saviour’ of the world. He was its king, its ‘lord’. Increasingly, in the eastern part of his empire, people worshipped him, too, as a god." Wright, N. T. Luke for Everyone. 4. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.2. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011.
- Different from Augustus- The awesome was in an awkward place at an awkward time- Two responses to finding the awesome in the awkward
---
1. Fear Turns Into Joy, vv9-14, 20
- Could say, surprise turns into joy
QUESTION: Biggest or loudest concert you’ve ever attended?
- Fear and joy. - Are they thinking about what happened in **Exodus 19**? - The angels correct the shepherds’ fear and tell them that a better response is joy. - Is this the difference between the Old and New Covenants?- Joy prompts worship.- Growing as a Christian is helped by enlarging the ways in which our awe is inspired- Spiritual disciplines make a huge difference- What places/experiences enlarge your joy?
- How has your ‘devotional’ year been? Time to assess?
Suggestion: use the ‘examen’ explained in my QTC podcast going out on 24 Jan. If you want it earlier I’ll send you a copy.---
2. Confusion Turns Into Talking, vv15-19
- v17 - spread the word- What made them so talkative?- Sometimes it’s hard to talk about Jesus- Sometimes it’s easy
- How can we make it good news for all people? Make it good news for one person.- Social justice issues are personal issues- Who might God be sending you to this Christmas? - Family, neighbour, stranger?---
Discussion Section
Three options:
1. Pick one question for your group to discuss2. Attempt to answer both questions3. Give each person the choice as to which question they want to answer
Question 1 : Share about something in your Christian life which at first provoked fear in you, but led to joy. What have you been afraid of which turned out to be a blessing
Question 2 : Share about a time when talking about Jesus came naturally to you
---
Conclusion: v20
- The God of glory in a manger- The God of glory on a cross- The God of glory in us…..- Pray before taking bread and wine
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
You have found a podcast from the Watford Church of Christ. This week Stefan Wolmarans teaches us about the life of love as expressed in 1 John 2:7-11.
If you'd like to find out more about us please email here: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com
God bless, Malcolm
Monday Nov 30, 2020
Monday Nov 30, 2020
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ---
Intro, Luke 17:11
QUESTION: "Share one thing you've been grateful for this week - or even today"- Today we talk about gratitude, thankfulness. We are commanded to be thankful:“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 NIV11)- Commanding thankfulness is right, but problematic - if we do not understand why---
1. The compassion of Jesus makes us thankful - Luke 17:12-13
QUESTION: "Why do you think the ten men stood at a distance? Was Jesus unwilling to go to them? Were they afraid?" "What does it tell you about the way they viewed Jesus?" Respect? Not wanting to bother him or get him in trouble? - Jesus told to make audacious requests:“Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’” (Matthew 6:11–13 NIV11)“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15–16 NAS95)QUESTION: "How has the compassion of Jesus showed up in your life?"---
2. The power of Jesus makes us thankful - Luke 17:14- Trust in Jesus- Thankfulness follows obedience- “As they went” - i.e. healing after obedience. Faith always sees fruit after obedience. See Noah, Hebrews 11:7f.- Thankful for the command - leads to obedience - leads to fruit- That power is linked to our practice of what Jesus taught - in advance of seeing it bear fruitQUESTION: "How has the power of Jesus showed up in your life?"---
The Heart of Thankfulness - Luke 17:15-16
- Response; praise & thanks QUESTION: What motivated the Samaritan to come back to Jesus? Why didn’t the other nine return? QUESTION: What does this passage teach you about gratitude?---
Conclusion - Luke 17:17-19
- All about God- All included- Positive future- Faith/salvation- What do we learn about faith from what Jesus says here?---
Communion:
“After taking the cup, he gave **thanks** and said, “Take this and divide it among you. And he took bread, gave **thanks** and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave **thanks**, broke it and began to give it to them.” Luke 22:17, 19; 24:30 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 Nov 22, 2020
Sunday Nov 22, 2020
Sermon for the Watford and Dublin churches
22 November 2020
Introduction
Most important thing to do for virus, economy, social well being?
Used to have one priority, now have several!
Lot of our malaise when feeling overwhelmed, flat, anxious or overstressed is due to confused priorities, or, what's really important?
Near end 2020
Review and reset
This question has been asked since time immemorial
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Mark 12:28–29 NIV11)
So, we know loving God and neighbours is primary
But, how do we figure out what that means for our lives, personally?
That's what today's lesson is about......
PART 1: Unhealthy ways to decide what's important
a. Guilt
b. Fear
c. Makes us feel better
Imagine if you made decisions about our children our marriage or our friends on these bases.
I will do what you want because I am feeling guilty about mistakes I've made in the past.
I will do what you want because I'm afraid otherwise you might hate me or leave me.
I will do what you want not because it makes you happy with because it makes me feel better.
That would not be a healthy relationship with a human
It certainly is not a healthy relationship with God.
Questions for the groups: What was the important thing they knew or learned? Why was and is this important? How would the importance of this manifest itself in your life?
PART 2: Healthy ways to figure out what's important
Five characters to show us the way
1. David
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4 NIV11)
It's easier to teach a Christian the bible than it is to teach them how to worship.
David - a man after God's own heart.
‘Beauty’ = favour, pleasantness
A good quiet time could be to meditate on what is ‘beautiful’ about the LORD. Would that include His holiness, mercy, long-suffering nature, loving-kindness, integrity, justice, completeness, perfection, wisdom, .....? Interesting that in Ps 50.1-6, His/Zion’s beauty is expressed in terms of fire, speaking, tempest, judgment etc.
His desire to be close to God is very active - ‘ask’, ‘seek’ X2, ‘dwell’, ‘gaze’
‘dwell’ used of a married couple who have set up house together
2. Rich young ruler
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”” (Mark 10:21 NIV11)
Do you have any barriers to full surrender to Jesus?
He starts on his knees, but turns his back on Jesus
This man has no material needs and no law-needs. He knows he has other needs, but what are those needs. Jesus is about to tell him - and it is clearly not what he man expected.
response, however, moves beyond command to an abondonment and trust that involve the losing of self in yielding, trustful communion....The move is from willing duty to utter delight.” Brueggemann, Psalms, 196
3. Mary
““Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:41–42 NIV11)
Sometimes good things are why we miss out on the best thing.
The better priorities, chosen consistently over time, yield a lasting legacy of godliness
4. The blind man
“He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”” (John 9:25 NIV11)
Important to remember the transforming power of Jesus in our lives.
It's never doctrine that converts anyone, it's always the evidence of the power of Jesus in peoples' lives.
Perhaps especially true for our children
Have your testimony ready.
5. Paul
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13–14 NIV11)
Baggage from the past will obscure what is important for the present and the future.
Paul did not deny his baggage, but he did not let it get in the way of being ambitious for God.
We never fully ‘arrive’ on earth, but progress can be a delight
Conclusion
What have our characters taught us about what is important?
David: knowing that God is at the heart of prayer
Rich young ruler: knowing God is at the heart of surrender
Martha: knowing God is at the heart of service
Blind man: knowing God is at the heart of witness
Paul: knowing God is at the heart of ambition
Centring on Jesus makes what's important clear
Suggestion:
Use these five characters as a way of assessing what's important to you going into 2021
As a filter to help you assess where you are and want to be in 2021
Scriptures used in or related to today’s lesson:
Psalm 27:4; Matthew 23:23; Mark 10:21; 12:28-29, 33, 39; Luke 10:41-42; 16:15; John 9:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Philippians 3:13-14
Questions for the breakout rooms:
What was the important thing they knew or learned?
Why is this important?
If this was important to you, how would it show up in your life?
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org.
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Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.
God bless,
Malcolm
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