The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

Douglas and Vicki Jacoby joined me for a discussion about God's Chesed and other matters. You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

When Jesus announced himself in Luke 4 he revealed a God who cares. What is our part individually and congregationally in showing the world that God cares? That's what we explore in this lesson. God bless, Malcolm

Lessons in Faith and Fun From Mother Mary John 2.1-12 QUESTION: What do you notice about Mary? 1. She notices: Observant 2. She wants to bless others 3. She has prophetic insight - Since Gabriel 30 + years previously. Mums hold on to vision for their children when others lose it. 4. She trusts Jesus' heart and power 5. She exercises audacious confidence in commanding people, and, by implication, Jesus God bless, Malcolm

Key Takeaways   - Service reflects God's heart.   - Service opens doors for the gospel. Challenge for the Week   - Pray daily: "Lord, show me someone I can serve today."   - Take one intentional step: A meal for a neighbour, volunteering, or mentoring. You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

If evangelism is sowing seeds, pre-evangelism is ploughing the ground.

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

Objectives   - Understand the biblical foundation for outreach.   - Explore Jesus' outreach and how it applies to us today.   - Develop a heart of compassion for the lost. Notes: https://www.malcolmcox.org/class-1-the-heart-of-outreach-malcolm-cox/  God bless, Malcolm

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

If evangelism is sowing seeds, pre-evangelism is ploughing the ground. Watch This Next: https://youtu.be/vxFYR3Iih5A Get 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/).  God bless, Malcolm

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where you wanted to share your faith, but the words just wouldn't come out? Maybe you weren't sure where to start or how to make it relatable. Today, we're going to learn from the apostle Paul—how he shared his faith story in different settings and how YOU can confidently do the same. By the end of this video, you'll have a clear, simple framework to tell your story in a way that truly connects. Notes: https://www.malcolmcox.org/class-3-sharing-your-faith-story-malcolm-cox/ Watch This Next: https://youtu.be/vxFYR3Iih5A God bless, Malcolm

You will find us at the following address on Sundays, 10:30AM:  West Watford Free Church (Baptist), The Church-by-the-Crossing, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NU  Classes for children every Sunday 10:30 AM Drop us a line for more information: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/

The world tells us we are worthless unless we measure up to body type, income level, educational achievement, etc. What is our antidote to that? Show notes here: https://www.malcolmcox.org/you-are-a-wonder-psalm-139-malcolm-cox-11-aug-2024/ Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.org Subscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rss Get 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/).  Connect with me! Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips) Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/) Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org) Question - What is David celebrating about God in Psalm 139? About: God is wonderful, he only makes wonders, you are a wonder, we are wonders, isn't that wonderful! God bless, Malcolm

Lance Owen brought us a thought-provoking lesson on two of the beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5.   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

You can find the sermon notes here: https://www.malcolmcox.org/?p=33620   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

You can find more notes on this lesson here: https://www.malcolmcox.org/who-is-rich-luke-16-19-31-malcolm-cox-09-june-2024/   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

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

Embracing the Lord's Supper as a Joyful and Communal Event   Luke 15.23 “Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.” This is why we come here—to celebrate! Part of that celebration is what we call ‘the Lord's Supper'. Another part is prayer - what can we celebrate in prayer this morning? Let's pray together... Part 2: Let's have a feast and celebrate Hand out capsules at start Introduction Today, we will focus more deeply on the Lord's Supper / Communion. We will take more time over it after some teaching and discussion. QUESTION: What is the Lord's Supper? QUESTION: Why do we do it? What is it for? 1. What Did Jesus Do and Expect His Followers to Do, and Why?   Luke 22.19-20 “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.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” ‘do this' - what is the ‘this'? Why - in remembrance of me What remembering? His servant, sacrificial heart. His acceptance. His love. Leads to - fresh inspiration out of gratitude 2. What Did the Early Church Do and Why? They gathered on the first day of the week to break bread Acts 2.46 “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,”-   Acts 20.7 “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.”. . Proclaimed Christ 1 Corinthians 11.26 “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” Demonstrated and strengthened their unity 1 Corinthians 11.27 “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” Context - eating together as Lord's Supper while being selfish and mean to one another About not respecting Christ's body by treating one another in a Christ-like way Easy to have a smouldering resentment towards someone at church when taking communion while looking at the back of their head, or in a large church where you can easily avoid them Different when sitting around a table next to them or opposite them. Resurrection day Probably weekly Involved a meal Not restricted to that? 3. Traditions Around the Lord's Supper Traditions and further theological understanding Transubstantiation, the idea that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, based on one scripture. Preserving mysticism developed into a kind of magical-ism Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, had different interpretations. One cup or many? One prayer or several? Silence, music, prayer.... Wine or not? Who can serve it? Priests? New Testament tells us that we are all priests 1 Peter 2.9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Who can take it? Sometimes, children or laypeople were denied the elements, but is that what Jesus intended? 4. Conclusions for Us Here and Now Five key issues It is about Jesus: Remembering Him is the primary purpose. It is a community meal: We gather together as a family of faith. We feast on Christ—together: It strengthens our community unity. ‘Unworthy' is not about sin per se: It's about treating each other with Christ-like love. Strictly speaking, no one is 'worthy'! Not about the elements or the rituals: Focus on Jesus and community. Conclusion We eat together, with Jesus, as sinners Luke 5.29 “Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.” Luke 14.13 “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,” Jesus ate with anyone who would eat with him. He would come to your place for dinner - only problem- he would bring all his friends! Last supper: Apostles would desert him, Peter deny him; Judas betrayed him Any questions or brief comments? Discussion with neighbour about anything God revealed to you today Open prayer I pray after 10 minutes Break bread and give out - what difference does it make that I do this? As we conclude, let's take time to pray, reflect, and sing. Let's prepare our hearts before we take the bread and wine, remembering the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the unity we share in Him. 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

Our annual international Sunday was a blast! Wonderful international food, singing in different languages and much more. As part of the service we heard Joshua tell us his testimony and Malcolm spoke on how we find freedom in the peace of Christ.   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

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

Lance brought us an overview of the sermon on the mount and in particular the beatitudes. He showed us how these simple but profound instructions are also promises that change the world. 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

Matthew 6.26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Life makes us question whether God cares 1. Jesus Needed God's Care  Luke 3.21-22 “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”” Luke 9.34-36 “While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.” Wilderness angels Mark 1.13 “and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” Gethsemane angel Luke 22.43 “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Point: If Jesus needed it... 2. Jesus Showed us God Cares  QUESTION: How did Jesus show people God cares? Matthew 10.26-31 ““So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Point: God has gone out of his way to let us know he cares. Jesus shows us that sometimes God caring does not mean our lives are easy. Gethsemane! He understands us.    Conclusion 1 Peter 5.6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Convinced God cares? His Eye Is On the Sparrow (1905) SM Mrs. C. D. Martin 1. Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,  Why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav'n and home,  When Jesus is my portion?  My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. 2. "Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,  And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears:  Though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see:  His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;  His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.       3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever doubts arise, When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,  I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. 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

Charl speaks honestly about the confusions of the Christian life and how we can find hope in God.   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

Sean St. Jean brought us a deeply moving and assuring lesson based on: Matthew 6.27 ““And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” As he said, "Life is fragile. Anxiety is inevitable. Worry is not." 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

Stefan gives us the reasons behind why it's important that we are a new creation. 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

Introduction QUESTION: Smell, touch, hearing, sight, taste - which sense is most important to you and why? 1. Death Smells Bad  A. Lazarus, Jesus “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11) Spices needed:  “Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:39-40 NIV11) Death smells bad! B. Living death? QUESTION: What do we use to distract us from the things we fear? 2. Resurrection Life Smells Good A. Jesus “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.” (Mark 16:1-2) “[John] bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.” (John 20:3-8 NIV11) 3. Our New Lives Smell Good “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV11) A. To the world We smell like Jesus How maintain? B. Consciously learning from him How to smell more like Jesus Take these as Bible study and prayer focus ideas: 1. Attitude - Philippians 2.5 2. Ready - Luke 12.35 3. Obedient - John 14.23-24 4. Merciful - Hebrews 2:17 5. Amazing - Matthew 8:27 Conclusion Lord's Supper No fear of death “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.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 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: [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

Paul Smith was our visiting speaker in Watford for Palm Sunday. He gave a fascinating insight into the triumphal entry to Jerusalem made by Jesus the week before he died. 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. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

A New Creation, Matthew 20.29-37 —  New Sight Introduction What is the question? Who does God accept? Rich law-keepers? Ethnic Israel? Leaders? Associates? What is revealed? About God? About Jesus? About following Jesus? “As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.”  Matt 20.29-34 Ch20 overview and themes 1-16: parable of the labourers -- the last shall be first and the first shall be last 17-19: prediction of his death and resurrection  20-23: Mother of James and John requests special treatment (one of very few women to get it wrong) 24-28: Teaching on servanthood 29-34: Jesus heals two blind men Why this matters to us.... 1. Why Jesus Stops, vv29-37 Question: What is happening? Someone asks He sees/hears He came for this reason His compassion - desire to help 2. Who Jesus Stops For Question: What are we meant to notice? The blind - some end up seeing The blind - some do not end up seeing 3. What we learn about Jesus Question: What do we learn about Jesus? He is interruptible - for you, for us He hears the cries of the needy - out there and in here. He is moved, by our needs - that feeling in the gut…. Conclusion Who are we? Blindly blind? Grumblers; Selfishly ambitious; Jealous; Restrictors; Blind? Are we the grumblers if people get into heaven we don't think deserve to get there? Are we the mother of Zebedee who wants special treatment from Jesus for those we love? Are we the disciples angry because someone might be ‘greater' than them? Are we the crowd who's discipleship is restricting who has access to Jesus? Seeing blind? People who seek Jesus' help despite opposition and embarrassment Jesus Interruptible Attentive Generous Compassionate Are we Jesus - interruptible, generous, attentive, compassionate? On Monday - will you be interruptible for the sake of people feeling the compassion of Jesus? Lord's Supper “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” (Luke 14:13 NRSV) The Lord's Supper is that kind of banquet Anger at sin (not sinners) led to Jesus' courageous compassionate sacrifice Easter is on the horizon Let's stop right now to remember and honour Jesus stopping for us 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

A New Creation, 2 Co 5.17 Introduction Lessons from 'a new thing' - Isaiah 43.19 Abraham: The promises of God (doing things his way) create a legacy far exceeding anything we can achieve by our own efforts Rahab: 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 up Daniel: Impact in a culture opposed to your faith Esther: Don't underestimate the impact one person can have (with support) Nehemiah: Blessed are those who mourn Peter: Jesus has vision for flawed followers  Samaritan woman: Jesus transforms our future 2 Cor 5.16-17 - what does this mean? Also Galatians 6.15 1. God Recreates Creation, Rev 21:1-5 A. God has a master-plan Creation-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 Creation Living 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 obedience With people - marginalised, hurting Illustration: Jesus at the home of Simon the Leper, Mark 14.3-9 Being a new creation means being inappropriate in this creation An inappropriate location - leper's house An inappropriate person - woman present An inappropriate extravagance - alabaster, expensive perfume An inappropriate gesture - shattered An inappropriate identification - High Priest (like Aaron), King (like David), Prophet (like Elisha) 3. We are a New Creation A. New relationships With God as Father With the lost as ambassadors OC - 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 family We go ‘to' people We go to those who need us We pay a high ‘cost' B. New life, The ‘full' life, John 10.10 - this is discipleship, a life lived after Jesus AIM programme — “Spiritual Life” Our access is the death of Jesus, (Romans 6:1-11) Conclusion Call 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