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
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 507 | New Thing Series — Part 62 | “The Samaritan Woman’s Impact” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. Today we explore her impact.
“Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” They left the city and were on their way to him.” (John 4:28-30 NRSV)
“Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Saviour of the world.”” (John 4:39-42 NRSV)
The Samaritan Woman’s Impact
Her priorities are completely reversed
She does not care what people think of her any longer
She wants as many people as possible to meet Jesus
She inspires people to encounter Jesus
For Reflection
She goes back to the city where people know her, and know her past. These are the people who might well be those who shame her. She references the fact that Jesus knows what she has done and has talked to her about it. These are the very events which must have caused her embarrassment, and probably are the reason she is at the well alone. She has lost all her inhibitions — preferring her sin to be public so that other people would be motivated to meet Jesus. Her testimony takes her to the crowds. The crowds take her at her word and make their way to Jesus. After spending time with Jesus, they develop their own convictions.
Why not take some time today to pray through your testimony, and ask God to show you someone you can share it with?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
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.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 506 | New Thing Series — Part 61 | “The Samaritan Woman’s Past” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. Today we explore her past.
“Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet.” (John 4:16-20 NRSV)
The Samaritan Woman’s Past
Jesus digs into her past by starting with her present situation
She does not bring up her past, Jesus does
Even when he references her current situation she does not want to engage with it
She does not argue with the fact that Jesus presents
The Samaritan woman correctly identifies Jesus as someone with prophetic ability
For Reflection
Jesus goes from spiritual to confrontational. He is not afraid of things getting uncomfortable as he moves the conversation to the personal arena. We do not know the circumstances behind her marital mess. How much of it is to do with her, and how much is of it is to do with the men is unknown. What is clear is that there must be a great deal of pain in her life. And, we notice that Jesus is not condemning. She is talking to Jesus, and moving in the direction of having a new start in life. But, Jesus knows that for the new to renew her, the past must be surfaced. Do you have any sin, regrets, pain or trauma that you've kept hidden away in the dark? Could it be that which is preventing God doing a new thing?
Why not take some time today to ask God to help you surface anything that needs bringing into the light so that it can be transformed and you can enjoy a new thing?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
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.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 505 | New Thing Series — Part 60 | “The Samaritan Woman’s Demand” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. Today we explore her demand.
“Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”” (John 4:10-15 NRSV)
The Samaritan Woman’s Demand
She finds the conversation with Jesus confusing
But she also finds it mesmerising
She discovers something she needs
She takes Jesus at his word
She demands what she needs
For Reflection
The Samaritan woman could be forgiven for being somewhat confused by this conversation with Jesus. It ranges over a number of deep concepts using metaphors, involving ancient history and present day needs. Jesus knows that she is thirsty for something more than physical water. She grasps something of his offer. Yet it cannot be a complete understanding at this point. Nonetheless, she asks — perhaps even demands — that he fulfil his promise. Much like many of the disciples of Jesus, her grasp Jesus’ nature and what he is on Earth to do develops bit by bit. What is especially inspiring about her is that she is willing to state what she needs and ask for it even though not everything is clear. Our lives as disciples are like this. It's often the case that we cannot see how God will work through the things going on in our lives and around us. Yet we can ask for what we currently see and currently understand and currently sense that we need. And in doing so, we can be confident that God hears us.
Why not take some time today to ask God for the things that you know you need, even if you are aware that you don't have the full picture of what he is doing?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
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.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 504 | New Thing Series — Part 59 | “The Samaritan Woman’s Response” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. Today we explore her response.
“A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)” (John 4:7-9 NRSV)
The Samaritan Woman’s Response
She finds it surprising that Jesus wants to talk to her
She is aware of the cultural, religious and historical barrier
She is aware of the gender barrier
She makes a choice to respond to Jesus
She responds in a way that demonstrates curiosity
For Reflection
It seems likely that the woman has come to the well at this time specifically to avoid other people. If she was expecting to be left alone she was mistaken. Jesus deliberately engages her in conversation. She could choose to brush him off with a few words, or ignore him, say nothing, go about her business and return to the village. Yet, she not only responds but does so with curiosity. It appears there is something already stirring in her. Perhaps she senses that God is doing something new. The first step to God doing something new in our lives is to notice what is going on and become curious. Moses approached the burning bush, the official in Acts 8 admitted his ignorance and asked for help, the Bereans discover God’s new message because they are eager to learn.
Why not take some time today to ask God to make you aware of anything he is doing that is new, and to give you the curiosity to investigate?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
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.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
IntroductionDo you like a new start?
- Feels good when we've been stuck
- True for people -- true for groups
The desire for hope leads people to make good choices Making a fresh start involves courage, hope, faith, risk
What can we learn from this story to help us make good choices when a new start opportunity comes our way?
Question: How did Jews and Samaritans feel about one another?
Question: Modern examples?
Point: They were stuck in animosity.
The new thing Jesus does with the woman is prophetic of what he will do with and for all people after Pentecost.
Discussion
Q: Her current situation?
Q: What changes as a result of her encounter with Jesus?She sees through His parables and glimpses the truth behind His words when so many others, including Jewish experts and scholars, could not.Nic - 'you are Israel's teacher...'
Q: What are we to learn from this encounter?About Jesus?He makes the uncomfortable comfortableTalks to her as an equalLoves allWhat change in our thinking is required?Believe God can change 'lost causes'? - including ourselvesTrust he loves you and wants personal connection with you?
ConclusionsTestimonies change lives - even whole townsThe 'unlikely' might be the most openJesus wants everyone in his Kingdom
Lord's SupperWe are considering many 'new things' - charity, staff, youth ministryKeep focus on Jesus“Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:13-14 NIV11)Water a significant theme in John (first miracle)“one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” (John 19:34 NIV11)
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 503 | New Thing Series — Part 58 | “Jesus’ Humanity” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. But first we explore Jesus’ humanity.
“…he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.)” (John 4:5-8 NRSV)
Jesus’ Humanity
Jesus is tired
His muscles and joints are tired
He is hot
He is hungry
He is thirsty
He needs help
For Reflection
It is possible to forget that Jesus was both fully divine and fully human. The scene by the well reminds us just how human Jesus was. Do you notice how comfortable he is in expressing his needs? He does not try to hide what he needs. He is not afraid of appearing weak. Not even to a Samaritan woman of questionable morals. What are the instances can you think of in the gospels that displayed the humanity of Jesus? There are quite a few.
Why not prayerfully meditate on this passage from Hebrews today?
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:14-18 NIV11)
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
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.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 502 | New Thing Series — Part 57 | “Peter’s Breakfast - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s breakfast.
“He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:17-19 NRSV)
Peter’s breakfast
The conversation is difficult
Peter repeats himself
Peter feels hurt by the responses of Jesus
Jesus is not afraid to hurt his friend
Jesus expresses faith and hope in Peter
For Reflection
Peter could have continued with the mission without this healing, but it would have been a hollow ministry fuelled by guilt and shame attempting to make up for his mistakes by hard work - a man-centred motivation. But Jesus wanted him to have joy. There is no joy in self-redemption. Or he could have allowed himself to fill up with despair. His Christian life then would be characterised by pessimism and a culture of negativity (disguised as a cross-focussed attitude). Again, no joy. Do you believe that Jesus wants you to experience joy in following him? Self-denial and joy do not cancel each other out. When we are serving Jesus because we love him, the experience of being a Christian is wholeheartedly positive, even though at times punctuated by lament and sorrow.
Why not take some time today to pray about finding the link between self-denial and joy?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
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.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 501 | New Thing Series — Part 56 | “Peter’s Breakfast - Part 1” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s breakfast.
“When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” (John 21:9-14 NRSV)
Peter’s Breakfast
Once again Peter encounters Jesus by a lake
Once again, the night’s fishing is fruitless
Once again, Jesus gives fishing instructions
Once again, in response to the miracle, Peter humbles himself
For Reflection
As someone wrote, “The last time Peter stood over a charcoal fire, he denied Jesus (18:18). Now Jesus makes him stand over another charcoal fire (21:9) and with it, review old memories and remove them.”
How do you suppose Peter was feeling when he saw Jesus cooking breakfast? What about when he handed him the bread and the fish? At the very least, we can be sure that he received a message from Jesus. And that message was, “I want fellowship with you. No matter what you've done in denying me, I want you here around my table as close to me as a man can get.” Do you ever feel there are times when your behaviour merits Jesus withdrawing from you? Read this story and be reassured otherwise.
Why not take some time today to thank God that he always wants you at his table?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
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.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Saturday Feb 24, 2024
Saturday Feb 24, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 500 | New Thing Series — Part 55 | “Peter’s Sifting” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s sifting.
““Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”” (Luke 22:31-34 NRSV)
Peter’s Sifting
Jesus predicts that Peter will be sifted.
The sifting appears inevitable, and thereby necessary.
Peter is not alone, and Satan is not guaranteed the final victory
Peter is reassured by Jesus that his prayers are with him, but not that the sifting can be avoided
Jesus expresses hope for Peter and a purposeful future - post-sifting
For Reflection
What is sifting good for? It separates the useful from the useless in us. Satan wanted to disgrace God through our failures, but our Lord knows that sifting can make us stronger. It helps to remember that, in our struggles, we have God with us:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV11)
Are you being shifted right now? Is it catching you off guard? Remember what Peter himself wrote:
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to pray about any sifting that's going on in your life and ask God to keep you strong?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
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.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
In our series exploring God doing "a new thing" in biblical characters, Stefan took us into Nehemiah's world. What new things is God calling Nehemiah to? How does his faith develop? What can we learn from Nehemiah about allowing God to do a new thing in us and our church?