The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

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The Watford Church of Christ Podcast episodes

  • "Adventures in faith with Abraham " Class 1: Introduction Malcolm Cox

    Introduction

    Why Abraham matters

    Jesus and other NT writers (see all NT refs at foot of notes)

    “the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11)

    “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

    Abraham used as an example of faith most in the bible

    What we hope to achieve by focussing on him

    Inspiration for a life of faith in uncertain times

    Learning how to live an adventurous life of faith
    What we will do in this class

    See him as a person

    Did he exist?

    Should we ask the question? Others do.

    Amount of detail - author sounds like he believes in him; cultural references - accurate, and the ones which appear not to be are either editors helping later readers to understand, or discoveries yet to be made; Jesus references him
    “And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.” (Genesis 21:34 NAS95)
    "My great-grandfather lived in London his entire life, never traveling outside the M25"
    Camels - scepticism and further discoveries
    Did Abraham ride a camel?, Biblical archaeology review, November/December 2018, page 52, Mark W. Chavalas

    See Douglas Jacoby's article:

    https://www.douglasjacoby.com/qa-1544-camels-in-the-bible-anachronistic-bible-contradiction/

    Genesis 24:10-11, 31:34-accounts of camels involving Abraham, Rachel. Dated around 2000-1600 B.C.E.

    10thC Egyptian record

    Place in the Negeb called “The Fortress of Abraham,” listed among places conquered by the 22nd-Dynasty king Sheshonq (Shishak) in his incursion into Palestine during the reign of Rehoboam (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:25-26; 2 Chr. 12:2-12).
    Abraham tradition well established at that time
    Rather like reading a book in 6021, four thousand years’ time, about Admiral Lord Nelson - did he really exist?
    Died 1805
    Imagine archaeologists digging and finding Nelson’s column - dated 1844 (the year it was finished)
    Does not prove he existed, but does prove he was not an invention some two thousand years or more later
    His time and place

    His story as the beginning of hope for humankind

    Gen 1-11

    Creation / Fall
    Curse / Grace
    Sacrifice / Murder
    Wickedness / Salvation - flood
    Pride / Grace - Babel
    God has a long-term plan of reversing the curse, bringing healing - through those who will worship him
    He begins with a relationship and builds from there, a declaration of love

    What does it mean for us?

    1. Open to God directing us
    2. Open to God's timing for his promises to become tangible
    3. Open to the possibility that your life might have a multi-generational impact seen far beyond your lifetime
    4. Open to the adventure of faith!

    Conclusion

    What are you hoping to get out of this series?

    Don't forget the podcast
    “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

    Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

    Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

    Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

    God bless,

    Malcolm

    New Testament references: Matt. 1:1–2, 17; 3:9; 8:11; 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 1:55, 73; 3:8, 34; 13:16, 28; 16:22–25, 29–30; 19:9; 20:37; John 8:33, 37, 39–40, 52–53, 56–58; Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2, 5, 8, 16–17, 32; 13:26; Rom. 4:1–3, 9, 12–13, 16, 18; 9:7–8; 11:1; 2 Cor. 11:22; Gal. 3:6–9, 14, 16, 18, 29; 4:22; Heb. 2:16; 6:13, 15; 7:1–2, 4–6, 9–10; 11:8, 17, 19; James 2:21, 23; 1 Pet. 3:6

    24 min
  • Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 2
    Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

    What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

    Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

    Episode 2
    Most preaching and teaching about Abraham begins in Genesis 12. Understandable, but we are missing something. Abraham first comes on the scene in Genesis chapter 11. Let's take a few minutes today to consider how the story of Abraham is set up.

    “Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. Now these are the records of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran; and Haran became the father of Lot. Haran died in the presence of his father Terah in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldeans. Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah and Iscah. Sarai was barren; she had no child. Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran, and settled there. The days of Terah were two hundred and five years; and Terah died in Haran.” (Genesis 11:26–32 NAS95)
    The writer of Genesis portrays Abraham as an historical figure. The amount of geographical and genealogical data and level of detail makes most sense that way. Some people doubt the actual existence of Abraham, and point to the lack of archaeological evidence. But then, there is very little archaeological data for any individual figure from 4000 years ago. The absence of evidence is not evidence of the absence of Abraham.

    Let's spend a few moments today talking about geography and history.

    The ancient city of Ur is equated with today's Tell al-Muqayyar, situated on the Euphrates in southern Mesopotamia. It may have had a population of around 25,000 at the time Abraham lived there. Many buildings, a ziggurat and Royal tombs have been unearthed.

    Take a trip to the British Museum, or to its online gallery, and you will find what is called, "The Royal game of Ur". It is not too fanciful to imagine Abraham and his brothers playing this game as they grew up.

    The Royal Game of Ur, 2600BC-2400BC Use this image 1460257001 | British Museum
    Devotional thought for today
    The Bible is not a book of fantasy stories, neither is it a theological treatise. At times it uses poetic (e.g. Psalms) and apocalyptic language (e.g. Ezekiel, Daniel, Revelation), but most of the time it tells us about people to whom we can relate.

    Take some time to imagine Abraham playing a board game with his father Terah. Perhaps it was his dad who taught him how to play. Maybe he had a competition with his brothers Nahor and Haran. If they were anything like siblings I know, they will have argued over the game, possibly even fought over it, scattering the pieces and overturning the board.

    Picture playing the game with them - picking up a counter and placing it on the board. Of course, for this particular game the instructions have been long lost (!), but our imagination can supply the reality of the scene.

    Prayer point for today
    Ask God to help you see the humanity in Abraham and his contemporaries. Pray to approach their stories as people like you and I.

    If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

    The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

    Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

    Take care and God bless, Malcolm
    5 min
  • Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 1
    Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. I'm Malcolm Cox and this is a daily devotional podcast called "Adventures in faith with Abraham".

    "... went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

    Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

    Episode 1
    How important is Abraham to you? He is mentioned by name 317 times in 286 verses of the Bible. More than most.

    On a visit to India I was requested to preach. When I asked what to preach on I was told "Abraham". "No problem", I said, "but why Abraham?" The reply surprised me, "Because many Indian Christians have never heard of him."

    On reflection, it made sense. So many come from a Hindu background and have never read the Bible. And of course, as was pointed out to me, we don't have to know about Abraham to become a Christian. I preached on Abraham that visit, and I hope I left a good impression of this amazing man of faith.

    Whilst it's not necessary to know about Abraham to become a Christian, I would suggest it is necessary to know about him to fully grow into all that we can become as Christians.

    Matthew includes Abraham in his genealogy of Jesus:

    “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:” (Matthew 1:1 NIV11)
    Luke records the prayer-song of Mary:

    “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”” (Luke 1:54–55 NIV11)
    Mark references Jesus mentioning Abraham in his debates with the Sadducees:

    “Have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?” (Mark 12:26 NIV11)
    John captures a significant moment in the ministry of Jesus when he mentions Abraham 10 times in a few verses: John 8:33-58.

    If Jesus thought Abraham was important, shouldn't we? And we've not even touched on the preaching in Acts, the epistles of Paul and Peter, the letter to the Hebrews and others. We will get to those in the series.

    So, a simple question for today.

    Will you commit to taking Abraham seriously? More seriously than ever before? Pray and ask God to help you.
    That's my commitment to you in this podcast series, and I hope you will join me.

    If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

    “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me.

    Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

    Take care and God bless, Malcolm
    5 min
  • "Mary's Prayer", Malcolm Cox

    A reading for the communion at today's service for the Watford Church of Christ.

    It comes from Max Lucado's book, "God came near". 

    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

    Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 

    “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

    God bless, Malcolm

    10 min
  • "Finding the awesome in the awkward", Luke 2:8-20, Malcolm Cox

    (The Miracle in the Manger)

    “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 

    “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 
    Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” 
    When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 
    So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
    The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:8–20 NIV11)
    ---

    Introduction: vv1-8

    QUESTION: Something nice you stumbled across in an unlikely place?

    - Searching for a vaccine!

    - Most searched-for terms on Google this year: [https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-55245304]

    QUESTION: Manger X 3 - why?

    - Not the point, but the pointer

    - Whoever heard of a king in a manger?! An animal’s feeding trough.
    - Imagine the shepherds… “Did the angel say ‘manger’ (v12)?” “They couldn’t mean ‘manger’, could they?”

         "Augustus was the adopted son of Julius Caesar. He became sole ruler of the Roman world after a bloody civil war in which he overpowered all rival claimants. The last to be destroyed was the famous Mark Antony, who committed suicide not long after his defeat at the battle of Actium in 31 BC. Augustus turned the great Roman republic into an empire, with himself at the head; he proclaimed that he had brought justice and peace to the whole world; and, declaring his dead adoptive father to be divine, styled himself as ‘son of god’. Poets wrote songs about the new era that had begun; historians told the long story of Rome’s rise to greatness, reaching its climax (obviously) with Augustus himself. Augustus, people said, was the ‘saviour’ of the world. He was its king, its ‘lord’. Increasingly, in the eastern part of his empire, people worshipped him, too, as a god."  Wright, N. T. Luke for Everyone.  4. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.2. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011.

    - Different from Augustus

    - The awesome was in an awkward place at an awkward time
    - Two responses to finding the awesome in the awkward

    ---

    1. Fear Turns Into Joy, vv9-14, 20

    - Could say, surprise turns into joy

    QUESTION: Biggest or loudest concert you’ve ever attended?

    - Fear and joy.

        - Are they thinking about what happened in **Exodus 19**?
        - The angels correct the shepherds’ fear and tell them that a better response is joy.
        - Is this the difference between the Old and New Covenants?
    - Joy prompts worship.
    - Growing as a Christian is helped by enlarging the ways in which our awe is inspired
    - Spiritual disciplines make a huge difference
    - What places/experiences enlarge your joy?

    - How has your ‘devotional’ year been? Time to assess?

    Suggestion: use the ‘examen’ explained in my QTC podcast going out on 24 Jan. If you want it earlier I’ll send you a copy.

    ---

    2. Confusion Turns Into Talking, vv15-19

    - v17 - spread the word

    - What made them so talkative?
    - Sometimes it’s hard to talk about Jesus
    - Sometimes it’s easy

    - How can we make it good news for all people? Make it good news for one person.

    - Social justice issues are personal issues
    - Who might God be sending you to this Christmas?
        - Family, neighbour, stranger?
    ---

    Discussion Section

    Three options:

    1. Pick one question for your group to discuss

    2. Attempt to answer both questions
    3. Give each person the choice as to which question they want to answer

    Question 1 : Share about something in your Christian life which at first provoked fear in you, but led to joy. What have you been afraid of which turned out to be a blessing

    Question 2 : Share about a time when talking about Jesus came naturally to you

    ---

    Conclusion: v20

    - The God of glory in a manger

    - The God of glory on a cross
    - The God of glory in us…..
    - Pray before taking bread and wine

    30 min
  • "What makes us thankful", Luke 17:11-19, Malcolm Cox

    A sermon for the Watford church of Christ

    ---

    Intro, Luke 17:11

    QUESTION: "Share one thing you've been grateful for this week - or even today"

    - Today we talk about gratitude, thankfulness. We are commanded to be thankful:
    “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 NIV11)
    - Commanding thankfulness is right, but problematic - if we do not understand why
    ---

    1. The compassion of Jesus makes us thankful - Luke 17:12-13

    QUESTION: "Why do you think the ten men stood at a distance? Was Jesus unwilling to go to them? Were they afraid?" "What does it tell you about the way they viewed Jesus?" Respect? Not wanting to bother him or get him in trouble?

            - Jesus told to make audacious requests:
    “Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
            as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
            but deliver us from the evil one. ’” (Matthew 6:11–13 NIV11)
    “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15–16 NAS95)
    QUESTION: "How has the compassion of Jesus showed up in your life?"
    ---

    2. The power of Jesus makes us thankful - Luke 17:14

    - Trust in Jesus
    - Thankfulness follows obedience
    - “As they went” - i.e. healing after obedience. Faith always sees fruit after obedience. See Noah, Hebrews 11:7f.
    - Thankful for the command - leads to obedience - leads to fruit
    - That power is linked to our practice of what Jesus taught - in advance of seeing it bear fruit
    QUESTION: "How has the power of Jesus showed up in your life?"
    ---

    The Heart of Thankfulness - Luke 17:15-16

    - Response; praise & thanks

        QUESTION: What motivated the Samaritan to come back to Jesus? Why didn’t the other nine return?
        QUESTION: What does this passage teach you about gratitude?
    ---

    Conclusion - Luke 17:17-19

    - All about God

    - All included
    - Positive future
    - Faith/salvation
    - What do we learn about faith from what Jesus says here?
    ---

    Communion:

    “After taking the cup, he gave **thanks** and said, “Take this and divide it among you. And he took bread, gave **thanks** and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave **thanks**, broke it and began to give it to them.” Luke 22:17, 19; 24:30 NIV11

    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

    Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

    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

    32 min
  • "How to figure out what's really important", Mark 12.38-39

    Sermon for the Watford and Dublin churches

    22 November 2020

    Introduction
    • Most important thing to do for virus, economy, social well being?
  • Used to have one priority, now have several!
  • Lot of our malaise when feeling overwhelmed, flat, anxious or overstressed is due to confused priorities, or, what's really important?
  • Near end 2020
  • Review and reset
  • This question has been asked since time immemorial
    • “One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Mark 12:28–29 NIV11)
  • So, we know loving God and neighbours is primary
  • But, how do we figure out what that means for our lives, personally?
  • That's what today's lesson is about......
    • PART 1: Unhealthy ways to decide what's important
    a. Guilt
    b. Fear
    c. Makes us feel better
    • Imagine if you made decisions about our children our marriage or our friends on these bases.
    • I will do what you want because I am feeling guilty about mistakes I've made in the past.
  • I will do what you want because I'm afraid otherwise you might hate me or leave me.
  • I will do what you want not because it makes you happy with because it makes me feel better.
  • That would not be a healthy relationship with a human
  • It certainly is not a healthy relationship with God.

    • Questions for the groups: What was the important thing they knew or learned? Why was and is this important? How would the importance of this manifest itself in your life?

    PART 2: Healthy ways to figure out what's important
    Five characters to show us the way
    1. David

    “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4 NIV11)

    • It's easier to teach a Christian the bible than it is to teach them how to worship.
  • David - a man after God's own heart.
  • ‘Beauty’ = favour, pleasantness
  • A good quiet time could be to meditate on what is ‘beautiful’ about the LORD. Would that include His holiness, mercy, long-suffering nature, loving-kindness, integrity, justice, completeness, perfection, wisdom, .....? Interesting that in Ps 50.1-6, His/Zion’s beauty is expressed in terms of fire, speaking, tempest, judgment etc.
  • His desire to be close to God is very active - ‘ask’, ‘seek’ X2, ‘dwell’, ‘gaze’
  • ‘dwell’ used of a married couple who have set up house together
    • 2. Rich young ruler

    “Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”” (Mark 10:21 NIV11)

    • Do you have any barriers to full surrender to Jesus?
  • He starts on his knees, but turns his back on Jesus
  • This man has no material needs and no law-needs. He knows he has other needs, but what are those needs. Jesus is about to tell him - and it is clearly not what he man expected.
  • response, however, moves beyond command to an abondonment and trust that involve the losing of self in yielding, trustful communion....The move is from willing duty to utter delight.” Brueggemann, Psalms, 196
    • 3. Mary

    ““Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:41–42 NIV11)

    • Sometimes good things are why we miss out on the best thing.
  • The better priorities, chosen consistently over time, yield a lasting legacy of godliness
    • 4. The blind man

    “He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”” (John 9:25 NIV11)

    • Important to remember the transforming power of Jesus in our lives.
  • It's never doctrine that converts anyone, it's always the evidence of the power of Jesus in peoples' lives.
  • Perhaps especially true for our children
  • Have your testimony ready.
    • 5. Paul

    “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13–14 NIV11)

    • Baggage from the past will obscure what is important for the present and the future.
  • Paul did not deny his baggage, but he did not let it get in the way of being ambitious for God.
  • We never fully ‘arrive’ on earth, but progress can be a delight
    • Conclusion
    What have our characters taught us about what is important?
    • David: knowing that God is at the heart of prayer
  • Rich young ruler: knowing God is at the heart of surrender
  • Martha: knowing God is at the heart of service
  • Blind man: knowing God is at the heart of witness
  • Paul: knowing God is at the heart of ambition

    • Centring on Jesus makes what's important clear

    Suggestion:

    • Use these five characters as a way of assessing what's important to you going into 2021
  • As a filter to help you assess where you are and want to be in 2021

    • Scriptures used in or related to today’s lesson:

    Psalm 27:4; Matthew 23:23; Mark 10:21; 12:28-29, 33, 39; Luke 10:41-42; 16:15; John 9:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Philippians 3:13-14

    Questions for the breakout rooms:

    • What was the important thing they knew or learned?
  • Why is this important?
  • If this was important to you, how would it show up in your life?
    • Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. 
     
    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: [email protected].
     
    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,
    41 min
  • "How Jesus Heals The World", Malcolm Cox
    15 November 2020
     
    Introduction
    Hands of Jesus
    QUESTION: Name some of the things he touched
    • “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” (Matthew 8:3 NIV11)
  • “Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”;” (Matthew 9:29 NIV11)
  • “Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”” (Luke 7:14 NIV11)
  • “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”” (John 20:27–28 NIV11)

    • Read Chapter 23 - Book: "Fearfully and wonderfully" - Brand, Yancey

     
    Conclusion
    • What can we do with our hands to bring the healing of Christ to the world?
  • “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NRSV) - not like his body, but we are his body
  • Prayer of Theresa of Aliva
    • Christ has no body now, but yours. 
    No hands, no feet on earth, but yours. 
    Yours are the eyes through which Christ looks with compassion into the world. 
    Yours are the feet with which Christ walks to do good. 
    Yours are the hands with which Christ blesses the world.
    • “Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46 NIV11)
  • How does Jesus heal the world?
  • He offers his hands to be nailed to the cross for our healing
  • He sends our hands to heal others 
    • 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 Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].
     
    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,
    34 min
  • "Remember the Heroes", Hebrews 11 and 12
    Remembrance Sunday 2020
    Introduction
    • Good to remember - in order to be grateful
    • I hope today to help us learn how to use our memories to grow in gratitude and have faith for the future
  • Why what we remember matters
    • We are what we remember
  • We become more of what we choose to remember, what memories we dwell on
    • Takes us one direction or another
  • Not about suppressing memories, but selecting what we focus on
  • Must acknowledge the influence our memories have on us
  • I hope today to help us find a way to nurture our memories in a healthy way to find gratitude underpinning our past and hope inspiring our future
    • 1. Remember What God Has Already Done
    Introduction

    QUESTION: Earliest meaningful memory? Often not first, but connected to strong emotion

    God knows we need to remember

    Remembering built into Israel's history

    • e.g. Deuteronomy
    • “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” (Deuteronomy 32:7 NIV11-GK)https://accordance.bible/link/read/NIV11-GK#Deut._32:7

  • Remembering built into church/Christian life

    • Lord's supper
    • “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”” (Luke 22:19 NIV11-GK)https://accordance.bible/link/read/NIV11-GK#Luke_22:19
  • Peter's letters
    • “Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you” (2 Peter 1:12; 3:1 NRSV) https://accordance.bible/link/read/NRSVS#2Pet._1:12

  • Remembering aided by thinking about the heroes of faith

    QUESTION: who can you remember as mentioned in Heb 11?

    • Able, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Israel passing through Red sea, Israel marching round Jericho, Rahab.....
  • “And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.” (Hebrews 11:32–38 NRSV)https://accordance.bible/link/read/NRSVS#Heb._11:32
  • Lived in caves - lockdown!
  • They inspire us

  • What do you remember as to how God has been with you, helped you, his kindness etc.?

  • What helps us to remember what God has ALREADY done?
    • 2. Remember Who Inspired the Heroes of Faith
    • Past heroes to us and Biblical heroes essential as an aid to gratitude and example to us
  • But need inspiration for today and tomorrow that is more than simply human
  • For this we needs Jesus
  • “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2 NRSV)https://accordance.bible/link/read/NRSVS#Heb._12:1

    • QUESTION: What helps us to REGULARLY remember Jesus?

    • "Therefore...."
  • Our turn to run the race
  • And you can do it
  • 'looking to': aphorontes the runner realises distractions are before him, so he deliberatly looks away from these things to the thing that will keep him focussed.
  • Not a casual glance nor a simple noticing of Jesus, but a steady, deliberate fixing of the eyes to the end that the mind, heart and energy are all fully engaged on following Jesus.
  • What is it about Jesus that inspires you most to continue in the race?
  • This focus helps our ambition to be purified so as to remain spiritual
    • Conclusion
    • Remember your heroes of faith
  • Remember Biblical heroes of faith
  • Above all....
  • Remember Jesus
  • Communion
    • Prayer: bread and wine
  • “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”” (Luke 22:19 NIV11-GK) https://accordance.bible/link/read/NIV11-GK#Luke_22:19
    • 32 min

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