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 Oct 11, 2020
Sunday Oct 11, 2020
Paul in 'lockdown': 1
His impact beyond the home
Acts 28:16-31
Introduction
Could you use some inspiration?
Looking at Biblical character in 'lockdown' circumstances
Circumstances beyond our control - how react? In faith?
House arrest - Acts 28:16
Two years - Acts 28:30
His movement was restricted, but his impact for Jesus was not
1. Encouraging Fellow-Believers
Letters writtenPhilemon 1:1
Colossians 4:3; 4:10
Ephesians 1:1; 4:1; 6:19–20
Philippians 1:1; 13-14
Could you write a blog, record a podcast....?
Could you communicate more with other Watford people?
Find out what is meaningful
Question: What kind of communication do we prefer? Frequency; Method; etc
2. Praying for People
Colossians 1:9–12
Ephesians 1:15–21; 3:14–19
Philippians 1:9–11
More people praying now than before lockdown
How might you be able to grow in your prayer life as a result?
Question: What is helping or could help your prayer life deepen/develop at the moment?
Conclusion
Rejoicing in sufferings: Colossians 1:24
Magnified Christ: Philippians 1:20
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org.
Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD.
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 Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com.
Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.
God bless,
Malcolm
Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Sunday Oct 04, 2020
Sunday Oct 04, 2020
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org.
Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD.
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 Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com.
Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.
God bless,
Malcolm
Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Tuesday Sep 29, 2020
Tuesday Sep 29, 2020
1. Inclusivity is built person to person
Loving the one who is different
Luke 7.33-39
Jesus too ‘ordinary’ - a friend to ordinary people
Anointing him as king
A political as well as a theological act
Asking for justice and mercy
‘Religionists’ not in tune with the Spirit
Church: Who am I learning from? Benefitting from spiritually?
Churches should become more and more diverse in every sense the ‘older’ they are.
One sign of personal spiritual maturity is the ability to connect with more and more different kinds of people
Same for a church - that this can be home to more and more different kinds of people
Question to ponder: Have you noticed God bringing new people into your life?
Conclusion
Jesus died that all would know his Father:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.” (1 Timothy 2:1–7 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.
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.
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
PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Sermon for the Watford church of Christ, 13 September 20201. The Desk of Devotion
Devoted to God:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 NIV11) - modelled after the culture Jesus established.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 NIV11)
A Christian is professionally curious
Not a burdening curiosity, but a liberating one, an exciting one, a stimulating one.
What does devotion to God mean to you?
But, how does this devotion develop, mature, spread……?
2. The Piano Room of Perseverance
Perseverance: Acts 2.42proskartereo: to persevere in; to be close at hand
Sometimes not fun
Devoted to one another - “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10 NIV11)
philostorgos - devoted, loving, good-natured
Conclusion
Is God getting your attention in an area that needs perseverance?
Is God getting your attention regarding devotion?
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.
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.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
God bless, Malcolm
mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,
Sunday Sep 06, 2020
Sunday Sep 06, 2020
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org.
Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD.
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 Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com.
Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.
God bless,
Malcolm
Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Monday Aug 31, 2020
Monday Aug 31, 2020
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ “A song of ascents. Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 134:0–3 NIV11)“What happens when you arrive”, Psalm 134Introduction, v0-1aHave you ever had the experience of seeing something that took your breath away or made you cry out loud something like “Wow!”? End of pilgrimage - from Kedar to Jerusalem - (Psalm 120:5–6 NIV11)As if pilgrims overwhelmed by very real presence of God as finally arrive at destinationThe destination is not the goal - a relationship is the goalWe have ‘arrived’, therefore:1. We enjoy giving praise to God, vv1b-2Put aside whatever has been going on during the journey & celebrate!A. Minister/stand = same wordAccepted, secure; have a place, a role; we are servants of the Lord (Revelation 1:5–6)B. Night/mundaneLevites on night duty - could be mundane security jobC. Safe and accepted - in God's presenceIn Christ “house”: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,” (Eph 2:19 )Question: “How do we know we are safe in God?” (Ephesians 1:11–14)2. How to enjoy receiving blessings from God, v3aWe have arrived, therefore we receive blessings from God…“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”“bless” in every verse (bless=praise, give thanks, extol) - barakhA. Blessings go both ways"When he ‘blesses’ us he reviews our needs and meets them; when we bless him we review his excellencies and worship him.”Relationship is the point, not arrival, or the distractions of being a tourist in Jerusalem.e.g. Not “going to heaven”, but getting to know the one we will be with in eternityB. Enjoy God’s blessingsDo you fundamentally believe God wants to bless you?Questions: What stimulates you to praise God? What helps you to ‘enjoy’ God?Conclusion, v3bMaker: Who we were made for.He is not far off: (Deuteronomy 30:11–14)Come near through the blood of Jesus: (Hebrews 12:22–24)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.
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.
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
PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John
Sunday Aug 23, 2020
Sunday Aug 23, 2020
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ
Introduction, v0
"What is and is not unity?”
yahad: together, along with, in close proximity or concord either in space or time; by extension: close association in relationships, unity.
1. God’s vision, v1
Jesus: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (John 17:22 NIV11)
Jesus used the word "one", more than the word unity
A. Relational harmony
Unity tested by proximity
If no testing, maybe not proximate enough!
B. Precious, honouring, spreading
Oil - Psalm 23
Perfume
Visage
Anointing as an honouring
Hospitality. Love spreads.
C. Refreshing
Hermon - 2,814m; snow all year; drenching; dew - soaking
Supply what one another need: Acts 2:45, 4:35
Church is not an institution with functions, but a family with relationships.
2. Gods vision for harmony comes about when we tell the truth instead of lies
The goal is expressing godly love - Eph 4.1-6; 14-16; 25-32
The means is communication
A. Speak
Conversations
Regular
Initiate
B. Truth
No hiding
C. Love
Gently
3. God’s vision for harmony comes about when we offer each other mercy instead of condemnation
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NIV11)
““Do not judge, or you too will be judged.For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1–2)
The goal, again, is experiencing God’s love
The means is trust and respect
A. Mercy means no condemnation, Matt 18 / Lk 18
Remembering we are not superior
Trusting each other’s motives
People who do not trust others display a lack of trust in the Spirit, since all of us are just as Spirit-filled as each other
Mercy is cheerful : “if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:8 NIV11)
B. Mercy means active compassion
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16–18 NIV11)
Practical help for one another
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:15–17 NIV11)
A loving truth and mercy are essential for harmony among a community.
See Jesus - “full of grace and truth”, Jn 1.14
Question for breakout rooms: “How harmonised are we? Are we doing life together?”
Conclusion
Jesus always in harmony with the Father and of the Spirit
Jesus lived truth in love
Jesus lived mercy and grace
The cross brought and brings us unity with God and one another
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.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.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, MalcolmPS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John
Monday Aug 17, 2020
Monday Aug 17, 2020
“What happens when we choose the one who chooses us”, Psalm 132
Introduction, vv1-5
Solomon ‘speaking’
David’s sacrificesGreat cost - death of Uzzah, 2 Sam 6;
sacrifices - 2 Sam 6 - 6 steps bull & calf,
dancing
David's purpose: God's honour - Mighty one of Jacob (avir) (stone);
God’s presence - worth the effort
Ephrathah - Bethlehem, David, Messiah
Jarr - ark housed when lost, like ‘lost in the woods’
Desire for God’s presence and ability to worship him - footstool
Solomon wants to ensure promises to David apply to him
Recites conditions, broke them, consequences followed - David died 971 - 586 Zedekiah eyes gouged out, temple destroyed - 386 years
But not all lost because God wants to be with his people, he chose us, he blesses us
Promise can be trusted because Messiah comingStrength; Light; Defeat of enemies;Vindication of anointed one
What does this mean for God's people today?
1. God chooses, vv13-14
Chosen“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
Desires to dwell X2“Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)
Resting place - satisfaction, contentment“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7)
Enthroned - like moving in together
YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN BY GOD!
2. God provides, vv15-16
Abundant provisions, lack nothing, Ps 23Therefore the needy are needy no longer
Note emphasis on the marginalised
Clothed with salvation“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26–29)
Therefore joyful singing
Confidence - “I will…” X3
YOU HAVE ACCESS TO EVERYTHING YOU NEED
Therefore we sacrifice to love others
3. God confirms, vv 17-18
Horn - symbol of strength and victory.Note - growing. Like Kingdom. Yeast?
God has a vision for all of humankind and all of his creation - healing
VictoryEnemies defeated - Death and sin: 1 Cor 15
Messiah honoured - radiant crown
YOU HAVE NO NEED TO FEAR
Conclusion
Solomon wanted the promised blessings without the heart of David
Became distracted by things of this world that do not last
Jesus wanted us to experience the blessings of a relationship with God
Made sacrifices (like David) so we could be brought near to God
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)
Kingdom growing: God’s vision expanding
Crowned“You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honour; …But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:7, 9)
Jesus - crown of thorns, so we can have a crown“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8)
Monday Aug 10, 2020
Monday Aug 10, 2020
“How to be content”, Psalm 131
Introduction, v0
QUESTION: “What does it mean to be content?”
The goal is contentment
NOT proud, BUT content, THEREFORE vision
Hope not possible without contentment
Spurgeon said it “..is one of the shortest psalms to read, but one of the longest to learn.”
1. The Problem, v1
What led to this decision? Presumably he had this problem. “NOT” X 3.
A. Why are we not content?
Comparisons with others - God does not accept me
Anxiety/Fear - God is not enough, cannot be trustedRealisation we are not in control and we cannot manipulate God to get what we want
Some things God does not reveal: (Deut 29:29)
Selfish ambition: (Ecclesiastes 4:8 NIV11)
B. The issue is NOT
Ambition: (Philippians 3:12–14)
2. The Solution, v2
Humility (Matthew 18:2–5). Self-awareness - we need God.
Aware of God’s presence and strength
Bathsheba - aware of her / Goliath - aware of God - 1 Sam 17.37; 45-47
Hebrews 13:5 - Want God more than things
Philippians 4:11–13
QUESTION: “What helps you to be content?”
3. The Vision, v3
Hope not possible without contentment
Living in hope
Blessing others - active, not passive
(Philippians 4:2–9 NIV11)
Conclusion
Jesus’ inspiration - Confident in identity, value, Father’s love
Therefore - courage to serve and sacrifice
True contentment leads to the freedom to serve
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Stefan spoke on 1 John 1.5-7.
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org.
Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD.
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 Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com.
Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.
God bless,
Malcolm
Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,