The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

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

AIM UK & Ireland Spiritual Life Module “The spiritual life is not a life of laws and precepts but a life of participation, affection and love, a life mingled and mixing with God.” William Law Description The Bible places far more emphasis on who we are inside than how we behave or appear to others. We have all seen too many people we know fall, not rebounding but remaining fallen, due to a weak walk with the Lord–while others continue to go forward to do great things despite formidable obstacles. Are you looking to strengthen your relationship with God and deepen your understanding of Christian spirituality? Look no further than the AIM Spiritual Life Course, an in-person and online course designed to enhance and guide your spiritual journey. The course covers character, sexual issues, financial responsibility, spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, meditation, scripture, devotional reading, and so much more—the secret of mirroring Christ’s character: the inner spiritual life. Teachers include Douglas Jacoby, Andy Boakye and Malcolm Cox. At the live session on 23 March we will cover the crucial topics of growing through suffering (Andy Boakye), discipleship as the door to life to the full (Malcolm Cox) and the joys of personal spiritual growth (Douglas Jacoby). Additionally, you will have access to specialised teaching from many others on-line after the event. Join our worldwide community of learners and experience the transformative power of Christian spirituality. More Information AIM UK & Ireland site: https://aimukandireland.com/ Spiritual Life Module description: https://aimukandireland.com/enrol/index.php?id=13 Details Location: West Watford Free church, Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 6NU Date & Time: Saturday 23rd March 2024, 9:30AM – 2.45PM Registration & Payment: https://tvcoc.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/usz20xvr Cost: £20 for the day; £75 for the entire module Refreshments: Light lunch, hot and cold drinks Transport: Nearest stations — Watford Junction (35 mins walk), Watford High Street (30 mins walk), Watford Metropolitan Line (20 mins walk). Parking: Free parking onsite and adjoining roads If you have any questions please drop me a line. God bless, Malcolm

Andrew Agerbak was our visiting speaker on the 3rd of March. He shared five points from the life of Joseph illustrating the way in which his faith enabled him to continue to grow and be open to God doing a new thing in his life.

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 508 | New Thing Series — Part 63 | “A New Creation” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' Today we wrap up this series by reviewing the topic of a new thing and looking forward. In this series we have explored God doing a new thing in the lives of Abraham, Esther, Daniel, Elijah & Elisha, Nehemiah, Peter and the Samaritan woman. We could have picked scores of other men and women in both testaments. Despite all the problems, sins and failings, God always has something new in store for us. "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 The story of God with his people is the story of new beginnings, new life, and new creation. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 As a result, we live in a new way. Ephesians 4:22-24: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." For Reflection How lucky we are to have a new life. This life comes to us through our experience of renewal in baptism. As somebody said, “Baptism is a new creation bath with old creation water.”* as we wrap up the series may I ask you what God revealed regarding any new thing he has in mind for you? And, let us set our sights forward to further discover what it means to live a new life as a new creation. Why not take some time today to ask God to solidify any new convictions about him doing a new thing in your life? And, ask him to help you grow into all that it means to be a new creation? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 507 | New Thing Series — Part 62 | “The Samaritan Woman’s Impact” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. Today we explore her impact. “Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” They left the city and were on their way to him.” (John 4:28-30 NRSV) “Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Saviour of the world.”” (John 4:39-42 NRSV) The Samaritan Woman’s Impact For Reflection She goes back to the city where people know her, and know her past. These are the people who might well be those who shame her. She references the fact that Jesus knows what she has done and has talked to her about it. These are the very events which must have caused her embarrassment, and probably are the reason she is at the well alone. She has lost all her inhibitions — preferring her sin to be public so that other people would be motivated to meet Jesus. Her testimony takes her to the crowds. The crowds take her at her word and make their way to Jesus. After spending time with Jesus, they develop their own convictions. Why not take some time today to pray through your testimony, and ask God to show you someone you can share it with? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 506 | New Thing Series — Part 61 | “The Samaritan Woman’s Past” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. Today we explore her past. “Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet.” (John 4:16-20 NRSV) The Samaritan Woman’s Past For Reflection Jesus goes from spiritual to confrontational. He is not afraid of things getting uncomfortable as he moves the conversation to the personal arena. We do not know the circumstances behind her marital mess. How much of it is to do with her, and how much is of it is to do with the men is unknown. What is clear is that there must be a great deal of pain in her life. And, we notice that Jesus is not condemning. She is talking to Jesus, and moving in the direction of having a new start in life. But, Jesus knows that for the new to renew her, the past must be surfaced. Do you have any sin, regrets, pain or trauma that you've kept hidden away in the dark? Could it be that which is preventing God doing a new thing? Why not take some time today to ask God to help you surface anything that needs bringing into the light so that it can be transformed and you can enjoy a new thing? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 505 | New Thing Series — Part 60 | “The Samaritan Woman’s Demand” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. Today we explore her demand. “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”” (John 4:10-15 NRSV) The Samaritan Woman’s Demand For Reflection The Samaritan woman could be forgiven for being somewhat confused by this conversation with Jesus. It ranges over a number of deep concepts using metaphors, involving ancient history and present day needs. Jesus knows that she is thirsty for something more than physical water. She grasps something of his offer. Yet it cannot be a complete understanding at this point. Nonetheless, she asks — perhaps even demands — that he fulfil his promise. Much like many of the disciples of Jesus, her grasp Jesus’ nature and what he is on Earth to do develops bit by bit. What is especially inspiring about her is that she is willing to state what she needs and ask for it even though not everything is clear. Our lives as disciples are like this. It's often the case that we cannot see how God will work through the things going on in our lives and around us. Yet we can ask for what we currently see and currently understand and currently sense that we need. And in doing so, we can be confident that God hears us. Why not take some time today to ask God for the things that you know you need, even if you are aware that you don't have the full picture of what he is doing? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 504 | New Thing Series — Part 59 | “The Samaritan Woman’s Response” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. Today we explore her response. “A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)” (John 4:7-9 NRSV) The Samaritan Woman’s Response For Reflection It seems likely that the woman has come to the well at this time specifically to avoid other people. If she was expecting to be left alone she was mistaken. Jesus deliberately engages her in conversation. She could choose to brush him off with a few words, or ignore him, say nothing, go about her business and return to the village. Yet, she not only responds but does so with curiosity. It appears there is something already stirring in her. Perhaps she senses that God is doing something new. The first step to God doing something new in our lives is to notice what is going on and become curious. Moses approached the burning bush, the official in Acts 8 admitted his ignorance and asked for help, the Bereans discover God’s new message because they are eager to learn. Why not take some time today to ask God to make you aware of anything he is doing that is new, and to give you the curiosity to investigate? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Introduction Do you like a new start? - Feels good when we've been stuck - True for people -- true for groups The desire for hope leads people to make good choices Making a fresh start involves courage, hope, faith, risk What can we learn from this story to help us make good choices when a new start opportunity comes our way? Question: How did Jews and Samaritans feel about one another? Question: Modern examples? Point: They were stuck in animosity. The new thing Jesus does with the woman is prophetic of what he will do with and for all people after Pentecost. Discussion Q: Her current situation? Q: What changes as a result of her encounter with Jesus? She sees through His parables and glimpses the truth behind His words when so many others, including Jewish experts and scholars, could not. Nic - 'you are Israel's teacher...' Q: What are we to learn from this encounter? About Jesus? He makes the uncomfortable comfortable Talks to her as an equal Loves all What change in our thinking is required? Believe God can change 'lost causes'? - including ourselves Trust he loves you and wants personal connection with you? Conclusions Testimonies change lives - even whole towns The 'unlikely' might be the most open Jesus wants everyone in his Kingdom Lord's Supper We are considering many 'new things' - charity, staff, youth ministry Keep focus on Jesus “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:13-14 NIV11) Water a significant theme in John (first miracle) “one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” (John 19:34 NIV11)

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 503 | New Thing Series — Part 58 | “Jesus’ Humanity” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Samaritan woman. But first we explore Jesus’ humanity. “…he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.)” (John 4:5-8 NRSV) Jesus’ Humanity For Reflection It is possible to forget that Jesus was both fully divine and fully human. The scene by the well reminds us just how human Jesus was. Do you notice how comfortable he is in expressing his needs? He does not try to hide what he needs. He is not afraid of appearing weak. Not even to a Samaritan woman of questionable morals. What are the instances can you think of in the gospels that displayed the humanity of Jesus? There are quite a few. Why not prayerfully meditate on this passage from Hebrews today? “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:14-18 NIV11) Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 502 | New Thing Series — Part 57 | “Peter’s Breakfast - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s breakfast. “He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:17-19 NRSV) Peter’s breakfast For Reflection Peter could have continued with the mission without this healing, but it would have been a hollow ministry fuelled by guilt and shame attempting to make up for his mistakes by hard work - a man-centred motivation. But Jesus wanted him to have joy. There is no joy in self-redemption. Or he could have allowed himself to fill up with despair. His Christian life then would be characterised by pessimism and a culture of negativity (disguised as a cross-focussed attitude). Again, no joy. Do you believe that Jesus wants you to experience joy in following him? Self-denial and joy do not cancel each other out. When we are serving Jesus because we love him, the experience of being a Christian is wholeheartedly positive, even though at times punctuated by lament and sorrow. Why not take some time today to pray about finding the link between self-denial and joy? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 501 | New Thing Series — Part 56 | “Peter’s Breakfast - Part 1” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s breakfast. “When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” (John 21:9-14 NRSV) Peter’s Breakfast For Reflection As someone wrote, “The last time Peter stood over a charcoal fire, he denied Jesus (18:18). Now Jesus makes him stand over another charcoal fire (21:9) and with it, review old memories and remove them.” How do you suppose Peter was feeling when he saw Jesus cooking breakfast? What about when he handed him the bread and the fish? At the very least, we can be sure that he received a message from Jesus. And that message was, “I want fellowship with you. No matter what you've done in denying me, I want you here around my table as close to me as a man can get.” Do you ever feel there are times when your behaviour merits Jesus withdrawing from you? Read this story and be reassured otherwise. Why not take some time today to thank God that he always wants you at his table? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 500 | New Thing Series — Part 55 | “Peter’s Sifting” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s sifting. ““Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”” (Luke 22:31-34 NRSV) Peter’s Sifting For Reflection What is sifting good for? It separates the useful from the useless in us. Satan wanted to disgrace God through our failures, but our Lord knows that sifting can make us stronger. It helps to remember that, in our struggles, we have God with us: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV11) Are you being shifted right now? Is it catching you off guard? Remember what Peter himself wrote: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 NIV11) Why not take some time today to pray about any sifting that's going on in your life and ask God to keep you strong? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In our series exploring God doing "a new thing" in biblical characters, Stefan took us into Nehemiah's world. What new things is God calling Nehemiah to? How does his faith develop? What can we learn from Nehemiah about allowing God to do a new thing in us and our church?