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 Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
A New Creation, 2 Co 5.17IntroductionLessons from 'a new thing’ - Isaiah 43.19Abraham: The promises of God (doing things his way) create a legacy far exceeding anything we can achieve by our own effortsRahab: When you get an inkling of God's movements, follow along and fit in, even though it might mean you lose your house!Elijah: Get refreshed by God - don't give upDaniel: Impact in a culture opposed to your faithEsther: Don't underestimate the impact one person can have (with support)Nehemiah: Blessed are those who mournPeter: Jesus has vision for flawed followers Samaritan woman: Jesus transforms our future2 Cor 5.16-17 - what does this mean? Also Galatians 6.15
1. God Recreates Creation, Rev 21:1-5A. God has a master-planCreation-Fall-Covenant-Law-Messiah-New Covenant-New 'Law' (new command, 'but I say')-New Creation (new people)-New Heaven and Earth
B. God has an inspiring vision“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” (Revelation 21:1)“And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” (Revelation 21:5)
2. Jesus Models the New CreationLiving the kingdom life - modelling it to us (inspiration to us)
A. New teaching, (Mark 1:27; Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44)‘But I tell you…’
B. New command (John 13:34-35)‘Love one another as….’
C. New relationships (John 15.15)Friendship with Jesus and abba God - joyful obedienceWith people - marginalised, hurtingIllustration: Jesus at the home of Simon the Leper, Mark 14.3-9Being a new creation means being inappropriate in this creationAn inappropriate location - leper’s houseAn inappropriate person - woman presentAn inappropriate extravagance - alabaster, expensive perfumeAn inappropriate gesture - shatteredAn inappropriate identification - High Priest (like Aaron), King (like David), Prophet (like Elisha)
3. We are a New CreationA. New relationshipsWith God as FatherWith the lost as ambassadorsOC - lepers to priest. Jesus reverses this. Takes cleanness to the leper.OC - go to temple in Jerusalem to seek God. Jesus reverses this. Takes ‘temple’ and presence of God to lepers and others.With one another as familyWe go ‘to’ peopleWe go to those who need usWe pay a high ‘cost’
B. New life,The ‘full’ life, John 10.10 - this is discipleship, a life lived after JesusAIM programme — “Spiritual Life”Our access is the death of Jesus, (Romans 6:1-11)
ConclusionCall to explore the theme of 'a new creation', leading to 'a new thing'Link to Lord's Supper - Prayer
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
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
AIM UK & Ireland Spiritual Life Module
“The spiritual life is not a life of laws and precepts but a life of participation, affection and love, a life mingled and mixing with God.” William Law
Description
The Bible places far more emphasis on who we are inside than how we behave or appear to others. We have all seen too many people we know fall, not rebounding but remaining fallen, due to a weak walk with the Lord–while others continue to go forward to do great things despite formidable obstacles.
Are you looking to strengthen your relationship with God and deepen your understanding of Christian spirituality? Look no further than the AIM Spiritual Life Course, an in-person and online course designed to enhance and guide your spiritual journey. The course covers character, sexual issues, financial responsibility, spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, meditation, scripture, devotional reading, and so much more—the secret of mirroring Christ’s character: the inner spiritual life.
Teachers include Douglas Jacoby, Andy Boakye and Malcolm Cox. At the live session on 23 March we will cover the crucial topics of growing through suffering (Andy Boakye), discipleship as the door to life to the full (Malcolm Cox) and the joys of personal spiritual growth (Douglas Jacoby). Additionally, you will have access to specialised teaching from many others on-line after the event.
Join our worldwide community of learners and experience the transformative power of Christian spirituality.
More Information
AIM UK & Ireland site: https://aimukandireland.com/Spiritual Life Module description: https://aimukandireland.com/enrol/index.php?id=13Details
Location: West Watford Free church, Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 6NUDate & Time: Saturday 23rd March 2024, 9:30AM – 2.45PMRegistration & Payment: https://tvcoc.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/usz20xvrCost: £20 for the day; £75 for the entire moduleRefreshments: Light lunch, hot and cold drinksTransport: Nearest stations — Watford Junction (35 mins walk), Watford High Street (30 mins walk), Watford Metropolitan Line (20 mins walk).Parking: Free parking onsite and adjoining roads
If you have any questions please drop me a line.
God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Andrew Agerbak was our visiting speaker on the 3rd of March. He shared five points from the life of Joseph illustrating the way in which his faith enabled him to continue to grow and be open to God doing a new thing in his life.
Sunday Mar 03, 2024
Sunday Mar 03, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 508 | New Thing Series — Part 63 | “A New Creation” | 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.'
Today we wrap up this series by reviewing the topic of a new thing and looking forward.
In this series we have explored God doing a new thing in the lives of Abraham, Esther, Daniel, Elijah & Elisha, Nehemiah, Peter and the Samaritan woman. We could have picked scores of other men and women in both testaments. Despite all the problems, sins and failings, God always has something new in store for us.
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
The story of God with his people is the story of new beginnings, new life, and new creation.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
As a result, we live in a new way.
Ephesians 4:22-24: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
For Reflection
How lucky we are to have a new life. This life comes to us through our experience of renewal in baptism. As somebody said, “Baptism is a new creation bath with old creation water.”* as we wrap up the series may I ask you what God revealed regarding any new thing he has in mind for you? And, let us set our sights forward to further discover what it means to live a new life as a new creation.
Why not take some time today to ask God to solidify any new convictions about him doing a new thing in your life? And, ask him to help you grow into all that it means to be a new creation?
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/
John Mark Hicks, Bobby Valentine, and Mark Wilson: Embracing Creation
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/