The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

Anchor Scripture 1 Corinthians 3.6–9 This passage connects: Personal growth → God grows the individual Christian. Congregational growth → the church is “God's field” and “God's building.” Kingdom growth → God's power multiplies faithful planting and watering into something far greater. 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/

This week's lesson focuses on "Forgive"! “Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.' Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”” (Matthew 18:21-35 NRSV)

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/

Visiting speaker Dr Rolan Monje encouraged the Watford church to enjoy the journey. 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/

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