The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

By The Watford Church of ChristReligion & Spirituality
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The Watford Church of Christ Podcast episodes

  • "Know, Love, Live", 1 John 2:3-6, Stefan Wolmarans
    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,
    26 min
  • "There is No Longer Jew nor Greek: Dialogue on Christianity and Race"

    "There is No Longer Jew nor Greek: Dialogue on Christianity and Race"

    Honest dialogue about Christianity and racial identity informed by Scripture and experience of black Christians

    “God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 NIV11

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

    In the verse quoted above, Paul attempted to capture the oneness of the people of God. This oneness emerged from the premise that believing in Jesus made believers spiritual descendants of Abraham and members of the worldwide, multi-ethnic family of God. In this family, all notions of domination and hierarchy were dismantled, and people acknowledged only the loving Lordship of the risen Jesus. This oneness, unprecedented in the ancient world, reflected the counter-cultural love of Jesus himself, who called a Zealot and a tax collector – normally sworn enemies – to live as brothers. 

    As such, in a world whose history is tainted by the effects of domination, imperialism, marginalisation and enforced slavery, Christians and the Christian community ought to be models in reconciliation and healing. However, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin (to name a few) and the resurgence of Black Lives Matter protests have resurfaced deep wounds that have not healed, in the hearts of many of our black brothers and sisters. This combined with weaknesses in the Christian understanding of ethno-racial unity within and outside Christian communities has impacted the faith of many. 

    This session aims to bring the experiences of black Christians into conversation with Christian scripture to help facilitate honest dialogue, promote understanding and navigate the sensitive landscape of Christianity and racial identity.

    Speakers include Dr Andrew Ezeilo and Sandra Ezeilo, Rachael Corson, Elleen Okotie, Mike Desouza and Dr Andy Boakye. 

    The format included a mix of sharing, teaching and 30 minutes for discussion in breakout rooms.

    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,
    57 min
  • "Growing in Lockdown" - Paul in lockdown part 3

    Acts 28:16-31

    ---
    How can we maintain our passion for spreading the good news?
    How can we notice opportunities God is giving us to spread the good news?
    What could we do to capitalise on those opportunities?
    ---
    How can we notice the opportunities God is giving us for spiritual growth?
    What can we do to capitalise on those opportunities?
    ---
     Introduction

    - Could you use some inspiration?

    - Looking at Biblical character in 'lockdown' circumstances
    - Circumstances beyond our control - how react? In faith?

    - House arrest - “When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” (Acts 28:16 NIV11)

    - Two years - “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.” (Acts 28:30 NIV11)
    - Last two weeks - spreading encouragement, and prayer; hospitality
    - This week......

    1. The word of God grows in lockdown

    - Converted Onesimus: “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.” (Philemon 1:10 NIV11)

        - God brought him to Paul - are we noticing who God is bringing to us
    - Impact on the guards: Philippians 1:12–13; 4:22
    - Unique opportunities given to us via lockdown

    Discussion: "What creative ways could we use to spread the Word to more people?"

    - Ideas:

        - Blog 
        - Recorded testimonies
        - Podcast
        - Videos on youtube
        - TikTok
        - Send material to me if not sure what to do with it
    ---
    2. Spiritual growth in lockdown

    - Practicing what he preached: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3–5 NIV11)

        - In what spiritual areas has God got your attention?
    - Rejoicing in sufferings: “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24 NIV11)
    - “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:17–18 NIV11)
        - Might be best opportunity for spiritual growth you've had in years!
    - “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” (Hebrews 12:7–13 NIV11)
    -Renovare Book Club
    -Lectio 365 App

    Discussion:  "What is it about this time that is, or could be, a catalyst for your spiritual growth?"

    ---
    Conclusion

    Key scripture:

    - “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7–10 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

    27 min
  • "Paul's Prison Hospitality" - Paul in Lockdown - Part 2, Acts 28:16-31
    Introduction
    • House arrest - “When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” (Acts 28:16 NIV11)
  • Two years - “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.” (Acts 28:30 NIV11)
  • Last week - spreading encouragement, and prayer
  • This week our topic is hospitality  - believe it or not!
    • QUESTION: "WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?"

    Kindness to strangers; entertain as a stranger; entertain as a guest; to entertain; to lodge with; to place yourself under another.

    1. Hospitality to Strangers
    • First meeting: Acts 28:17-20
    • Got them to come back
  • Second meeting: Acts 28:23-29
    • Got them thinking
  • Like God
    • Gen 2 & 3
  • Ps 23
  • Jesus
    • 4,000; 5,000
  • Last Supper 
  • Who should we host?
    • “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”” (Luke 14:12–14 NIV11)“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV11)
    📌 DISCUSSION: What hospitality can you offer to strangers? At the present time? Considering the restrictions we have?

    2. Hospitality to your Friends
    • At one time or another Paul had many companions living with him:
  • Timothy
    • Went to Philippi - “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.” (Philippians 2:19 NIV11)
  • Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,” (Philemon 1:1 NIV11)
  • “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,” (Colossians 1:1 NIV11-GK); “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi,” (Philippians 1:1 NIV11)
  • Epaphras
    • In Rome with Paul - 
  • “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” (Colossians 4:12 NIV11)
  • Paul established a 'prayer ministry' in lockdown 
  • “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.” (Philemon 1:23 NIV11)
  • Praying for Colossians (started church there, “You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,” (Colossians 1:7 NIV11)
  • Onesimus
    • Converted while with Paul in his house arrest: “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.” (Philemon 1:10 NIV11)
  • Visited the church in Colossae: “He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.” (Colossians 4:9 NIV11)
  • Went back to Philemon: “I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.” (Philemon 1:12–13 NIV11)
  • Tychicus
    • With Paul: 
  • “Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.” (Ephesians 6:21 NIV11)
  • “Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:7 NIV11)
  • Sent to Ephesus and Colossae
  • Marcus (John Mark)
    • With Paul: “My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)” (Colossians 4:10 NIV11)
  • Likely to go to Colossae: as above
  • Aristarchus
    • With Paul in prison: “My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)” (Colossians 4:10 NIV11)
  • Demas
    • With Paul in prison: “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” (Colossians 4:14 NIV11)
  • Fell: 2 Tim 4:10
  • Luke
    • With Paul in prison: “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” (Colossians 4:14 NIV11)
  • Jesus (Justus)
    • With Paul in prison: “Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.” (Colossians 4:11 NIV11)
  • Epaphroditus
    • With Paul in prison: 
  • “But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.” (Philippians 2:25 NIV11)
  • “I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.” (Philippians 4:18 NIV11)
  • The way he expresses himself about these people, and they way they were a team together indicates that their enforced lockdown together strengthened their bonds rather than weakened them.
  • Their time with Paul prepared them for God work through them
    •  
    📌QUESTION: What is this time preparing you for?

    Conclusion
     
    📌QUIZ: What have we learned today? 
    1. List the names of all the people who shared Paul's house arrest
  • Tell me some scriptures that demonstrate Biblical hospitality
  • Which scripture did we look at earlier that revealed the kinds of people we might invite in to enjoy some hospitality?
    • Going back to Jesus as host at the last supper.....Jn 13.2ff - host
    Further scriptures: Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 8.

    Summary of References to Paul's housemates:
    • Timothy: Phil 1:1, 2:19; Philemon 1:1
  • Epaphras: Col 1:7, 4:12; Philemon 1:23
  • Onesimus: Philemon 1:10, 12-13; Col 4:9
  • Tychicus: Eph 6:21; Col 4:7
  • Marcus (John Mark): Col 4:10
  • Demas: Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:10
  • Luke: Col 4:14
  • Jesus (Justus): Col 4:11
  • Epaphroditus: Phil 2:25, 4:18
    •  
    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
    30 min
  • Paul in 'lockdown': 1 'His impact beyond the home', Acts 28:16-31

    Paul in 'lockdown': 1

    His impact beyond the home

    Acts 28:16-31

    Introduction

    • Could you use some inspiration?
  • Looking at Biblical character in 'lockdown' circumstances
  • Circumstances beyond our control - how react? In faith?
  • House arrest - Acts 28:16
  • Two years - Acts 28:30
  • His movement was restricted, but his impact for Jesus was not

    •  

    1. Encouraging Fellow-Believers

    • Letters written
      • Philemon 1:1
  • Colossians 4:3; 4:10
  • Ephesians 1:1; 4:1; 6:19–20
  • Philippians 1:1; 13-14
  • Could you write a blog, record a podcast....?
  • Could you communicate more with other Watford people?
  • Find out what is meaningful

    • Question: What kind of communication do we prefer? Frequency; Method; etc

     

    2. Praying for People

      • Colossians 1:9–12
      • Ephesians 1:15–21; 3:14–19
  • Philippians 1:9–11
  • More people praying now than before lockdown
  • How might you be able to grow in your prayer life as a result?

    • Question: What is helping or could help your prayer life deepen/develop at the moment?

     

    Conclusion

    • Rejoicing in sufferings: 
      • Colossians 1:24
  • Magnified Christ: 
    • Philippians 1:20

    •  

     

    Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. 
     
    Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD.
     
    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
     
    Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [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,
    35 min
  • "Jesus, my advocate", 1 John 2:1-2. Stefan Wolmarans
    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,
    36 min
  • "Hedges and heaven" - we need each other. Luke 7:33-39.

    1. Inclusivity is built person to person

    Loving the one who is different

    Luke 7.33-39

    Jesus too ‘ordinary’ - a friend to ordinary people

    Anointing him as king

    A political as well as a theological act

    Asking for justice and mercy

    ‘Religionists’ not in tune with the Spirit

     

    Church: Who am I learning from? Benefitting from spiritually? 

    Churches should become more and more diverse in every sense the ‘older’ they are.

    One sign of personal spiritual maturity is the ability to connect with more and more different kinds of people

    Same for a church - that this can be home to more and more different kinds of people

     

    Question to ponder: Have you noticed God bringing new people into your life?

     

    Conclusion

    Jesus died that all would know his Father: 

    “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.” (1 Timothy 2:1–7 NIV11)

     

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

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

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

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

    God bless, Malcolm

     

    PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

    30 min
  • "Two rooms that changed my life", Acts 2.42
    Sermon for the Watford church of Christ, 13 September 2020

    1. The Desk of Devotion
    • Devoted to God:
    • “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 NIV11) - modelled after the culture Jesus established. 
  • “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 NIV11)
  • A Christian is professionally curious
  • Not a burdening curiosity, but a liberating one, an exciting one, a stimulating one.
  • What does devotion to God mean to you?
    • But, how does this devotion develop, mature, spread……?

    2. The Piano Room of Perseverance
    • Perseverance: Acts 2.42
    proskartereo: to persevere in; to be close at hand 
  • Sometimes not fun
  • Devoted to one another - “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10 NIV11)
  • philostorgos - devoted, loving, good-natured 
    • Conclusion
    • Is God getting your attention in an area that needs perseverance?
  • Is God getting your attention regarding devotion?
    • Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
     
    Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [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.
     
    Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
     
    God bless, Malcolm

    mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,
    20 min
  • "Would I Lie To You?", 1 John 1.8-10, Stefan Wolmarans
    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,
    51 min
  • “What happens when you arrive”, Psalm 134
    A sermon for the Watford church of Christ 

    “A song of ascents.   Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD  who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 134:0–3 NIV11)

    “What happens when you arrive”, Psalm 134

    Introduction, v0-1a
    Have you ever had the experience of seeing something that took your breath away or made you cry out loud something like “Wow!”?
    End of pilgrimage - from Kedar to Jerusalem - (Psalm 120:5–6 NIV11)
    As if pilgrims overwhelmed by very real presence of God as finally arrive at destination
    The destination is not the goal - a relationship is the goal
    We have ‘arrived’, therefore:

    1. We enjoy giving praise to God, vv1b-2
    Put aside whatever has been going on during the journey & celebrate!

    A. Minister/stand = same word
    Accepted, secure; have a place, a role; we are servants of the Lord (Revelation 1:5–6)

    B. Night/mundane
    Levites on night duty - could be mundane security job

    C. Safe and accepted - in God's presence
    In Christ “house”:  “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,” (Eph 2:19 )

    Question: “How do we know we are safe in God?” (Ephesians 1:11–14)

    2. How to enjoy receiving blessings from God, v3a
    We have arrived, therefore we receive blessings from God…
    “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”
    “bless” in every verse (bless=praise, give thanks, extol) - barakh

    A. Blessings go both ways
    "When he ‘blesses’ us he reviews our needs and meets them; when we bless him we review his excellencies and worship him.”
    Relationship is the point, not arrival, or the distractions of being a tourist in Jerusalem.
    e.g. Not “going to heaven”, but getting to know the one we will be with in eternity

    B. Enjoy God’s blessings
    Do you fundamentally believe God wants to bless you?

    Questions: What stimulates you to praise God? What helps you to ‘enjoy’ God?

    Conclusion, v3b
    Maker: Who we were made for.
    He is not far off: (Deuteronomy 30:11–14)
    Come near through the blood of Jesus: (Hebrews 12:22–24)

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

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

    Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
     
    “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
     
    God bless, Malcolm
     
    PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John
    32 min

About The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

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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!