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!
Listen on:
Episodes
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
“Do you know where you are going?”, Psalm 122(“We’re on a road to somewhere”)
Introduction, v0Question: “In what way has this crisis strengthened the UK community?”
1. Where are we going? vv1-2
A. To the ‘house’ of the LORDPs 120 - repentance, Ps 121 - trust, Ps 122 - worship.
B. To ‘Jerusalem’(Ephesians 2:19–21), (1 Peter 2:4–5)Literally, ‘Our feet have actually been standing within your gates!’ (John 14:1–4)(Revelation 3:12) (Revelation 21:1–4)
2. What is it like where we are going? vv3-5
A. Safe/secure, v3
B. UnifiedGen 49, (Deut 33).(Psalm 133:1–3)
C. Wrongs righted(Matthew 18:15)(John 17:20–23)
3. What shall we do on the way? vv6-9
A. Pray for peace - of the kingdom‘Shalom’ - wholenessWhat is it about our community that helps us be ‘secure’?(Matthew 5:9)
B. Seek prosperity - of others‘Shalwah’ - prosperity, tranquillity, ease(Philippians 4:6–7)
Conclusion(Hebrews 12:22–26, 28–29), (Hebrews 13:1–5)What kind of community will be left behind in our congregation after the virus?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
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 Christian 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 Apr 21, 2020
Tuesday Apr 21, 2020
This coming Sunday I am preaching on Psalm 122.
I would like your input on some questions about the text. Let me know what you think.
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 Christian 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 Apr 19, 2020
Sunday Apr 19, 2020
The Watford church had the great privilege of hearing from our old friend Dr Andrew Boakye.
Here is the text on which he spoke:
And they said to him, John’s disciples are always fasting and praying, and the Pharisees do the same, but yours just seem to eat and drink all the time! So Jesus said to them, “it’s hardly possible for the groom’s entourage to fast while the groom is there with them, is it? That day will come; and then, when the groom is removed from their presence they will spend days fasting”. Then he spoke a parable to them, saying: “No one tears a piece of cloth from some new clothes to fix a hole in some old ones! If they do, not only will the new clothes tear, but the old won’t even match the cloth from the new. And no one pours new wine into old leather wine skins. If they do, the new wine will burst the leather wine skins and will itself be poured out, simultaneously destroying the skins. On the contrary, only new leather wine skins are fit for new wine. And no one drinking the old stuff wants the new, for he says the old makes sense” (Luke 5:33-39, Boakye translation).
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 Christian 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 Apr 06, 2020
Monday Apr 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 Christian 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 Mar 29, 2020
Sunday Mar 29, 2020
“Who is looking after you?” - Psalm 121
1. Who is looking after us? vv1-2
Fear
Bandits in the hills
False
Pagan temples, altars and shrines were on the hills - false hope
Fix
God is available to help, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)
He is our ‘helper’ or ‘guardian’, ‘the one who guards’ 8 times in this Psalm.
The Psalmist’s thinking quickly jumps from the hills to what lies beyond them - the Maker of the universe.
Setting our hearts & minds will help us keep the right perspective during the day,Col. 3:1
2Cor. 4:18
Heb. 3:1
Heb. 12:2
2. What is he like? vv3-4
Note move from “my” to “your” - when we are assured of God’s help we can point others to that helper.
‘watches over’ = Heb ‘Shamar’, The basic idea of the root is “to exercise great care over.” ... “take care of,” “guard.”
Awake
Mother watching over a vulnerable child - staying awake to protect
Pagan gods needed waking (1 King 18:27), but not Israel’s God.
Attentive
Guarding against intruders, etc., such as the cherubim guarding the way to the tree of life in Gen 3:24.
Better than a burglar alarm. Satan steps back when he knows God is home!
Personal
God is YHWH five times in this little Psalm.
And his protection is personal - all the ’you’s’ are singular.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NIV11)
We are to help ‘guard’ one another in Christ. Be in touch! Be like God!
3. What will he do for me? vv5-6
Shade you (protection) comprehensively
God is our constant companion and helper in real or imaginary dangers.
Times when it gets hot
Stressed? Does not need to become crippling anxiety.
Stepping into the shade helps you think more clearly. That’s what a QT is for.
Times when it gets scary
It was thought that too much exposure to the moon could cause illness i.e. ‘lunacy’.
We are all scared by things. How do we process that fear, and overcome it?
That’s what a QT is for.
Shade = Heb. ‘tzel’, ‘shadow’, "Yahweh is the shade or the source of protection for his people The Psalmist prays that God may hide him under “the shadow of his wings” (Ps 17:8; cf. Ps 36:7; Ps 91:1).
Remember to step into the shade when it gets too hot or too scary.
Conclusion vv7-8
Our situation is bearable because it is not the final destination.
God is doing good even at this time.
What’s been better since this Covid 19 crisis began?
Romans 8:35–39
Faith is taking hold of this and moving into confusion without being controlled by fearBecause we know, by faith, God will make something good from it
That is why Jesus went to the cross
He, by faith, looked forward to it with joyNot so much the cross, but it’s outcome
““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 NIV11)
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 Christian 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 Mar 23, 2020
Monday Mar 23, 2020
“How to begin a tough new journey with God”, Psalm 120
Psa. 120:0 A song of ascents.
Psa. 120:1 I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.
2 Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.
3 What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue?
4 He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush.
5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
1. Call on God, vv1-2
A. With honesty
“my distress”
tsarah - first child; terror of approaching rapacious army
Specific about the need - slander
B. With faith
“He answers me” implies past answers
Reflect on past answered prayer and God coming through for you
answer may also be one another -
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV11)
C. With relationship
From “the LORD”, to, “save me” - personal address
From propositional to personal
2. Trust God, vv3-4
For wisdom
Satan is the liar
“If we are to know the abundant provision of God’s unlimited resources, we must also understand how Satan works to rob us of that experience. He does so by deceit. You may have heard the saying that the way to know if certain people are lying is if their lips are moving. This is absolutely true of Satan. Jesus referred to him as “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NRSV). Indeed, his whole kingdom is based on lies; he works by deceiving. Why? Because he does not have direct power over our will. Therefore, if he is to get us to do his bidding, he has to fool us. He cannot make us do anything we do not want to do. If it is true that a person can be the devil’s puppet, the strings are Satan’s lies.” Willard, Dallas. Life Without Lack (p. 75). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
Be careful what you believe from the media
Be careful what you believe form your own mind!
B. For strength
tongue - sharp arrows
lies - burning coals
Sin & death - empty grave; risen living Jesus
3. Turn to God, vv5-6
Meshek/Kedar - far north, far east - far from God
Wants to move closer to God
Homesick
Fed up of being around the pagans!
Times like this help us reassess our loyalty (Matt 5) to king Jesus
Opportunity to grow closer
But must move
Repentance!
B. Peace available
Shalom
Peace, prosperity, well, health, completeness, safety.
In Christ
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11)
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV11)
Conclusion, Eph 2.12
“….remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:12–18 NIV11)
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 Christian 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 Mar 17, 2020
Tuesday Mar 17, 2020
A Christian Response
We are called to:
Prayer in place of anxiety (James 5:13-15; Philippians 4:6).
No panic / conspiracy theory
Opportunity to grow in prayer
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” (Psalm 112:6–7)
Wash your heart and mind with God’s word as you wash your hands
Empathy and compassion for those suffering (Matthew 9:36; Mark 5:34).
No judgment
Don’t put others at risk
Action to comfort where we can (2 Corinthians 1:4; Matthew 14:14).
Make the most of extra time if you have it
To comfort others and read/pray
No hoarding, but generous“And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”” (Luke 12:16–21 NIV11)
Making the most of every opportunity - sharing about the comfort Jesus can bring for those who don't yet know him (Acts 16:22-36).
Sin is the greater virus
Salvation is the greater healing
Look for the Holy Spirit to open doors for conversation
Offer to pray for people
What we don't know about the virus is not as important as what we do know about Jesus.
We know that the ultimate victory is his:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We also know that nothing in this world can separate us from the love of Christ:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35 NIV)
It is sobering to see what is going on around the world as a reaction to the virus.
Not only the deaths, illnesses and physical pain, but also the emotional anxiety and even panic.
Let's do our best to be people who are alert to the realities of the consequences of the virus, and connected with people in their pain.
Yet, also, to be those people who have a genuine hope and do not live in fear.
Time of prayer:
What are the prayer needs?
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 Christian 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 Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
““You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13–16 NIV11-GK)
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 Christian 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 Mar 02, 2020
Monday Mar 02, 2020
"Walking in truth - what is truth?" 2 John 1.1-4, Stefan Wolmarans, Watford churches of Christ
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 Christian 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 Feb 24, 2020
Monday Feb 24, 2020
“Jesus at his core - Part 2”, Matt 4.23-25
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralysed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” (Matthew 4:23–25 NIV11)
1. Jesus the Proclaimer, v23
Acts 10.38
A. Teaching
B. Proclaiming
“God’s kingdom — God’s sovereign, saving rule — was at last being unleashed upon Israel and the world, through him. How could this not bring healing in its wake?" Wright, N. T. Matthew for Everyone Part 1
C. Healing: Isaiah 35.5-6.
This is what it looks like when Jesus takes over the world.
2. Jesus the Healer, v24
A. News spreads
B. People bring those in need to Jesus
QUESTION: “How can we bring ‘healing’ to people today?”What opportunities can we see?
What methods can we use?
What authenticates us?
Activities of Jesus and his followers:
Preached (engaging the will, disturbed the status quo)
Called (engaging the life, disturbing priorities)
Taught (engaging the mind, disturbed preconceived ideas)
Healed (engaging the need, disturbing the hold of the devil over creation)
Pray to be alert to when you can engage in these……
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 Christian 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,