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Introduction, vv13  1. How to handle suffering, vv13-16  A. Fallen world  B. Some prefer darkness  C. How we grow  2. How to handle it when people we love suffer, vv17-20  A. We feel their pain  B. We make significant efforts  C. We trust God  Conclusion, vv19-20   “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19 NIV11) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2–4 NIV11) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1–3 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

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ 1. What God’s messengers are like inside, internally, their motives - and how you can tell, vv2-7 A. Suffering, v2 Acts 16 - stripped, beaten with rods, severely flogged, prison, feet in stocks. Yet bold in speaking Why do that if likely to receive same treatment? B. Motives, v3 Not tricky If he had tricked them they would know by now C. Flattery, v5 No greed Does not get you beaten up Authority from suffering and sacrifice for no personal gain. Apply to leadership, of course, but also to how we treat one another because this is an issue of Christ-likeness. “The hallmark of well-entrenched greed, then, is a willingness to use people to serve our love for money, rather than the use of money to serve our love for people.” Glittering Vices,  Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung “When we process our leadership by our character, the quality of the outcomes will be measured by a thriving culture where people are valued and not used, where the leader is respected and not feared, where a leader is trusted and not doubted, where the moral authority of the leader’s life makes others glad to cooperate and achieve, where grace underwrites the administration of the employee handbook, and where the leader’s example stimulates those he serves to live and lead as the leader lives and leads.” Redefining Leadership Joseph M. Stowell 2. What God’s messengers are like with people, externally, their actions - and how you can tell, vv7-12 A. Child QUESTION: In what way could an adult like Paul be a ‘child’ among the Thessalonians? Invisible Not a ‘hero’ Dependant B. Nursing mother QUESTION: In what way could an man like Paul be a ‘nursing mother’ among the Thessalonians? Skin-close Bird keeping chicks warm Feeding C. Father QUESTION: In what way could an person like Paul be a ‘father’ among the Thessalonians? Taking initiative by Encouraging Comforting Urging QUESTION: What would these look like? “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Encouraging - put courage in - FAITH Comforting - companionable compassion - LOVE Urging - take action - ENDURANCE "He exhorted them like a sports coach telling his team how to win; he encouraged them like a friend strengthening someone facing a daunting task; he testified to them like a witness in a court of law."  N. T. Wright, The NT for Everyone Conclusion A wonderful model for us to imitate in reaching out to those who do not know God…. ‘The true missionary is not someone specialised in the delivery of the message but someone whose whole being, completely committed to a message which demands all, is communicated to his hearers.’ Best, Tyndale Commentary 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

0:00 Introduction 4:15 Motives Matter 10:42 Loving Actions 16:35 Conclusion 1. What God’s messengers are like inside, internally, their motives - and how you can tell, vv2-7 A. Suffering, v2 Acts 16 - stripped, beaten with rods, severely flogged, prison, feet in stocks. Yet bold in speaking Why do that if likely to receive same treatment? B. Motives, v3 Not tricky If he had tricked them they would know by now C. Flattery, v5 No greed Does not get you beaten up Authority from suffering and sacrifice for no personal gain. Apply to leadership, of course, but also to how we treat one another because this is an issue of Christ-likeness. “The hallmark of well-entrenched greed, then, is a willingness to use people to serve our love for money, rather than the use of money to serve our love for people.” Glittering Vices,  Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung “When we process our leadership by our character, the quality of the outcomes will be measured by a thriving culture where people are valued and not used, where the leader is respected and not feared, where a leader is trusted and not doubted, where the moral authority of the leader’s life makes others glad to cooperate and achieve, where grace underwrites the administration of the employee handbook, and where the leader’s example stimulates those he serves to live and lead as the leader lives and leads.” Redefining Leadership Joseph M. Stowell 2. What God’s messengers are like with people, externally, their actions - and how you can tell, vv7-12 A. Child QUESTION: In what way could an adult like Paul be a ‘child’ among the Thessalonians? Invisible Not a ‘hero’ Dependant B. Nursing mother QUESTION: In what way could an man like Paul be a ‘nursing mother’ among the Thessalonians? Skin-close Bird keeping chicks warm Feeding C. Father QUESTION: In what way could an person like Paul be a ‘father’ among the Thessalonians? Taking initiative by Encouraging Comforting Urging QUESTION: What would these look like? “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Encouraging - put courage in - FAITH Comforting - companionable compassion - LOVE Urging - take action - ENDURANCE "He exhorted them like a sports coach telling his team how to win; he encouraged them like a friend strengthening someone facing a daunting task; he testified to them like a witness in a court of law."  N. T. Wright, The NT for Everyone Conclusion A wonderful model for us to imitate in reaching out to those who do not know God…. ‘The true missionary is not someone specialised in the delivery of the message but someone whose whole being, completely committed to a message which demands all, is communicated to his hearers.’ Best, Tyndale Commentary 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

1 Thessalonians Series  We are making Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians our focus at the start of this year. What will we learn? Only the Spirit knows, but we shall explore the church in Thessalonica, the character and heart of the apostle Paul, and, most importantly, God himself. We are looking at a letter jam-packed with references to God, Father, Jesus, Christ, Lord and Holy Spirit - a total of 97 mentions in 89 verses. While it is true that we will learn practical aids to our Christian lives, we will, more significantly, learn a great deal about our Heavenly Father.  This class is an introduction to the church in Thessalonica with information on its location, founding, economics and archaeology. Subscribe to the Thames Valley podcast feed and YouTube channel to make sure you do not miss the daily devotionals based on 1 Thessalonians as well as the teaching classes. 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

The Lord's Supper at our carol service was my reading of the Bethlehem police report by John Sutherland. I took it from Dan Walker's inspirational book, 'Remarkable People: Extraordinary Stories of Everyday Lives'. 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

“News of Great Joy!” Luke 2.8-20 “How to enjoy Christmas as a Christian” Thoughts based on the ‘Sussex Carol’ v1 Merciful King On Christmas night all Christians sing To hear the news the angels bring On Christmas night all Christians sing To hear the news the angels bring News of great joy, news of great mirth News of our merciful King's birth John 1.14; Rom 12.1; Eph 2.4-5; 1 Tim 1.16; Heb 2.17; 4.16; 1 Pet 1.3; 2.10 v2 Free from sin Then why should men on earth be so sad? Since our Redeemer made us glad Then why should men on earth be so sad? Since our Redeemer made us glad When from our sin he set us free All for to gain our liberty? Acts 13.39; Rom 6.7-22; Rom 8.2; Gal 5.13;  Heb 9.15; Rev 1.5 v3 Life and Health When sin departs before His grace Then life and health come in its place When sin departs before His grace Then life and health come in its place Angels and men with joy may sing All for to see the newborn King Matt 16.25; Mk 10.30;  John 1.4; 3.15; 4.14; 6.35; 10.10; Rom 5.17; 6.4; Heb 9.9/10.22 v4 Darkness to Light All out of darkness we have light Which made the angels sing this night All out of darkness we have light Which made the angels sing this night "Glory to God and peace to men Now and for evermore, amen!" Is 9.2; Matt 4.16; 5.14-16; John 8.12; 12.46; 1 Peter 2.9 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

We can only know the true nature of God as Father from the Scriptures. – The Lord’s Prayer teaches prayer, but it also teaches us how to relate to God as Father, and what he is like – This series is designed to help us – Understand our Father better through what is revealed in the Lord’s Prayer – Come to know him better & enjoy our Father-God – Be a more Father-God-like father to our children (if we have them) – Represent Father-God more accurately to the world and thus make him more attractive for people to get to know Introduction, Matthew 6:9-13 – ““This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven Father-God is nearby; hallowed be your name, Father-God is holy; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Father-God is powerful; Give us today our daily bread.Father-God is caring; And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven debtors. Father-God is forgiving; lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – Father-God is our protector. Our Father God is our protector Prevent Devil from taking advantage or our trials 1. What causes us to doubt God’s protection? Harm done to us by authority figures Painful life experiences that we feel are unfair “…the life of faith does not protect us from the pit. Rather, the power of God brings us out of the pit to new life which is not the same as pre-pit existence.” Location 670 Walter Brueggemann, Praying the Psalms “Though we will suffer problems, accidents or trials, God gets the last word. Nothing can happen to us that God cannot redeem.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 61). John Murray Press. Kindle Edition. We cannot protect our children from all harm – does lead us to doubt God’s ability to protect us from harm? 2. What are some of the consequences of not trusting God’s protection and taking matters into our own hands to protect ourselves? We hoard and lack generosity “Living from a condition of scarcity, we learn that we must protect what we have. If we give it away, we might end up in dire straits.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 85). John Murray Press. Kindle Edition. We do not heal from sin, shame, guilt 3. What are some scriptures that assure us of God’s protection? 1. Psalm 23 / Jn 10 2. 1 Cor 13:4-8. ‘Love’ stands for God 3. 1 Cor 10:13 4. Rom 8:26-27 5. Psalm 121 6. 2 Thess 3:3-4 7. Eph 1:13 8. Jn 17:12ff Discussion about God 1. If Father God is our protector, what does this mean? 2. If Father God is our protector, how can we be more aware of this reality? 3. If Father God is our protector, how can we enjoy his protection? Discussion about us as fathers 1. What does it mean to be a protector for our children? 1. Kids feel safe to talk to us – the door is always open 2. My Dad is there for me 3. Guidance 4. Assistance 5. “Use me as an excuse” 2. How can we help our children be more aware of our protection? 3. What can we do so that our children enjoy our protection? Conclusion Protection changes over time as we grow “Father of goodness, look upon us, we who live in this miserable state of woe. We know that children cannot find a better condition than to be with their loving father, who feeds them, gives them drink, clothes them, protects them and shields them from all needs. Gracious Father, take us, your miserable children, to be with you in heaven.” A Short Meditation on the Lord’s Prayer (1526) By Balthasar Hubmaier 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

Dr Douglas Jacoby is our visiting speaker from Scotland. He teaches us on the significance of the second advent when Jesus will come again. We continue the topic of the coming of the Christ next Sunday, the 11th of December. Please feel free to join us then or for our carol service on the 18th of December 10:30 in the morning. 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  

We can only know the true nature of God as Father from the Scriptures. The Lord’s Prayer teaches prayer, but it also teaches us how to relate to God as Father, and what he is like This series is designed to help us Understand our Father better through what is revealed in the Lord’s Prayer Come to know him better & enjoy our Father-God Be a more Father-God-like father to our children (if we have them) Represent Father-God more accurately to the world and thus make him more attractive for people to get to know Introduction, Matthew 6:9-13 ““This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven Father-God is nearby; hallowed be your name, Father-God is holy; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Father-God is powerful; Give us today our daily bread.Father-God is caring; And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven debtors. Father-God is forgiving Our Father God is forgiving: Which Scriptures come to mind that fit the following statements? Forgiveness is not earned by performance “This narrative goes like this: Love and forgiveness are commodities that are exchanged for performance. God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness must be merited by right living. What God most wants is for us not to sin and instead to do good. This narrative is rooted, as all false narratives are, in a half-truth. True, God does not want us to sin, and God does want us to do well. But that is only because sin harms us, and acts of goodness are healing both to us and to the recipients of our goodness.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 77). John Murray Press. “Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”” (Luke 23:42–43 NIV11-GK) “Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”” (Matthew 9:2 NIV11-GK) God enjoys forgiving “God is one who forgives our trespasses. As Richard Foster notes, “At the heart of God is the desire to forgive and to give.” God loves to forgive, even more than we long to be forgiven. In a word, our Father pardons.” (p. 61). God does not have to be persuaded to forgive “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7 NIV11) Sins are not forgotten, but they are not used against us. We forgive our kids, but we bring up their past mistakes too. Do we do the same to ourselves? God does not. ““I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”(Isaiah 43:25 NIV11) Forgiveness is not in short supply “When we offer forgiveness we do not have less of it, nor do we diminish our capacity to forgive each time we forgive.” (p. 84) “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) Forgiveness is an act of love God does not only forgive sinners, he loves them. See Jesus with the tax collectors etc. Parable of the prodigal – father kisses the son – as sign of forgiveness. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV11) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV11) “In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.”” (Numbers 14:19 NIV11) Forgiveness is strength “Forgiving someone makes us appear weak and vulnerable, but it actually reveals strength and power. When victims forgive they become victors—not over others but for others. Our weakness prevents us from being able to forgive. Our fear keeps us from surrender and sacrifice. But people “in whom Christ dwells” learn to live and to give as Jesus did. Jesus is not merely a model to emulate or imitate, he is a source of strength to rely upon. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).”(pp. 144-145) Peter, Brothers, Judas Discussion about God 1. If Father God is forgiving, what does this mean? 2. If Father God is forgiving, how can we be more aware of this reality? 3. If Father God is forgiving, how can we enjoy his forgiveness? Discussion about us as fathers 1. What does it mean to be forgiving for our children? 2. How can we help our children be more aware of our forgiveness? 3. What can we do so that our children enjoy our forgiveness? Conclusion Next Wednesday: Father-God is our protector – lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one 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

Now let’s discuss why Jesus came and what this means for us…. Jn 1:14 - ‘enfleshing’ ‘dwelling’ Question: What is the point of the incarnation? 1. Show the church how to live “The pattern for the church is not the narrative descriptions in Acts, but the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus.” Hicks, Pattern Community, leadership,  2. Affirm goodness of creation  “The incarnation affirmed the goodness of creation, since God cannot participate in moral inferiority, much less something evil.” Embracing creation,  3. Reveal God as wanting to hear from us “Of course he would speak to us ordinary people. The Incarnation of Jesus proves that.” Willard, Hearing God Question: What advantages do we have since Jesus is still incarnate? Mediation. The Son was incarnate in order to become the "one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5).  2. Grace: Glorified, he remains all that he was, with sympathy for strugglers undiminished. Heb 4:15-16. He is our helper.  3. Hope: we will be like he is. Divine and human. Col 3:4 Questions for discussion: What stands out to you about the Mighty One’s ultimate reign?  What hope and comfort does it bring?  How do you desire to respond to Jesus?  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

1. Paul the ideal representative of Jesus - a regenerate life v3: Snake: symbol of evil. Eden. Snake tried to kill Paul - a 'risen' man. Symbolic of the message of resurrection post-baptism (shipwreck)? v5: Shook off the snake - Jesus shook off death's curse snake and sea (two evils) have no effect on Paul. This new life is powerful v9: So many parallels with Jesus. see Luke 4:38-41 “Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.” (Luke 4:38–41 NIV11) vv15-16: Paul escorted like an Emperor arriving victorious “The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” (Acts 28:15–16 NIV11) Fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus that the Gospel will go to the ends of the earth “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” (Acts 1:8 NIV11) v17: Opposed by the very people who should have been helping him ‘he’ - end of ‘we’ section. Is it significant? Had Luke left, or was he putting the spotlight more on Paul. ‘I’ is the first word in Paul’s sentence. This is a personal apologia. But not self-focussed. Only to get a hearing. v23: All about the Gospel ‘witnessed to them’ - he was not interested in defending himself, but taking the opportunity to share the Gospel with them. vv25-27: Stubborn Jews Is 6 used by Jesus - recorded in all four Gospels - and with the same result So like Jesus - but human and weak Undignified landing on Malta ‘Encouraged’ by the people who came to greet him Chained to a soldier Did not decide most of his itinerary, route or timing Unable to persuade all the Jewish leaders who came to see him What is discipleship? Walking in the power of a Christ-given new life Our discipleship goal? Remind people of Jesus. 2. The Gospel is unhindered All we say about Paul is true and important, but the most important thing is to demonstrate that nothing can hinder the Gospel v31: Literally: “Proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and unhindered.” Last word is ‘unhindered’ - only time used in NT Acts ends with no resolution to Paul’s personal problems, but instead on the real point of the narrative, the continued strength and spread of the gospel.  The focus must remain on the gospel and not on the personal. What hindrances do you think Paul and the early church had to contend with? What are some of ours? Job - Gospel still unhindered Health - Gospel still unhindered Children - Gospel still unhindered All areas for the Gospel - perhaps the main area for the Gospel. Are we aware of how God can do this? The opportunities he is giving us? If you are there, that’s where the Gospel is.  What is the essential nature of those hindrances? Temporary; Human; “All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” Philippians 4:22 Probably written from Rome What is our vision for an unhindered gospel in 2023? Conclusion “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” Is. 6:6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” We are unworthy to take this message, to live this life - but we are made ‘worthy’ because we have been touched 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

Handout Class 4 | “Finding the Father’s Face” Series | Watford Men 2022  Matthew 6:9-13 ““This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven - Father-God is nearby - hallowed be your name, - Father-God is holy - your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.- Father-God is powerful, He is King of Kings and cannot be thwarted - Give us today our daily bread - Father-God is caring Our Father God is caring     - He provides - Psalm 23     - “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV11)     - Care about our bodies         - “…in the 1850s the average American slept 9.5 hours a night. By 1950 that number dropped to eight hours a night. Today the average American sleeps under seven hours a night.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 33). John Murray Press.         - In what ways do we take care of our bodies?     - Care about our emotional/mental health         - In what ways do we take care of our emotional and mental health?     - Care about our spiritual health         - In what ways do we take care of our spiritual state? Discussion about God     1. If Father God is caring, what does this mean?     2. If Father God is caring, how can we be more aware of this reality?     3. If Father God is caring, how can we enjoy his care? Discussion about us as fathers     1. What does it mean to be ‘caring’ for our children?     2. How can we help our children be more aware that we care?     3. What can we do so that our children enjoy our care for them?

1. Inherited Flaws A. ‘Son of Shealtiel’ B. You are someone’s son/daughter 2. Circumstantial Flaws A. Zerubbabel  B. You are influenced by society, this world and people around you  3. Created Flaws  A. “I will take you”  B. You are responsible for your decisions  “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:7–10 NIV11) Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [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

Tunde takes us into the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. 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 brought us the next in his series on 1 John. 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

1. How does coming into my blessings (relationship with me) work? vv 10-13  A. Israel needed reminding that they did not make themselves holy B. God chose them, redeemed them, stuck with them through ups and downs  C. How did God first make you aware that the blessing of being a relationship with him was possible?  2. What has been your experience of my holiness? vv14-19a  A. You did not respect it.  B. I brought/allowed you trouble, but you ignored it to pursue your own priorities  C.What influences/tempts us to forget to respect God’s holiness?  3. What does your future look like now you have repented? vv19b  A. Currently no better than before!  B. But the future is promised to be better.  C. What does trusting God look like, here in Watford, practically, today?  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

Handout Class 3 | “Finding the Father’s Face” Series | Watford Men 2022 “What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us…. Were we able to extract from any man a complete answer to the question, “What comes into your mind when you think about God?” we might predict with certainty the spiritual future of that man.” A. W. Tozer Matthew 6:9-13 - “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Father-God is powerful. He is King of Kings and cannot be thwarted. Our Father God is Powerful Defining ‘powerful’. “When the Bible seeks to explain God’s holiness, it says that God is a “consuming fire”—a dangerous and terrible presence.” ‘The Possibility of Prayer’, John Starke “To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”…“For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.“…“..for our “God is a consuming fire.” Exodus 24:17; Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29  Why does this matter? Isn't he already powerful? Why pray for that?  What does it do for us that his kingdom come and his will be done? Do we sense God’s powerful nature is a good thing or a bad thing - in the way it affects our relationship with Father God? Is there a way of understanding Father God’s power that can help us have a healthy, close personal relationship with him? ‘So terrifying and attractive, so immense and wonderful is God.’ ‘The Possibility of Prayer’, John Starke Discussion about God If Father God is powerful, what does this mean? If Father God is powerful, how can we be more aware of this reality? If Father God is powerful, how can we enjoy his power? Discussion about us as fathers What does it mean to be ‘powerful’ for our children? How can we help our children be more aware of our power? What can we do so that our children enjoy our power? 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

“HAPPY HARVEST!” | Lev 23:33-43   1. Sukkot: Lev 23:33ff (Soocoat) 2. Jesus, Jn 7:37-39  A. Water from Siloam B. Light of the world, Jn 8:12  C. Vision  3. Transformation  A. Transformation was Jesus’ vision  B. How is our transformation going?  C. Decisions  Conclusion, Jn 19:31-37  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 continues his occasional series in the first epistle of John. 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

1. The Call to Reflect - Haggai 2:2     - We notice all parts of the community are addressed. Secular leadership, spiritual leadership and the ‘remnant of the people’.      - No group will achieve much for God unless all parts are determined to please God and bring him honour.      - Are we all aligned in this way? - Haggai 2:3 “‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory?      - Now 520, destruction 586 - 66 years previously     - Three questions, all driving at the heart of their discouragement.         - ‘Who of you’; ‘How does it’; ‘Does it not’?     - Not all were old enough to remember, but some were, and may have been the most influential. If, when comparing the old temple with the smaller new one they were dejected, it is understandable.      - Perhaps he was one of those who was old enough to remember. It would lend weight to his question. Jewish tradition makes him old (1 Rabbi Eli Cashdan, The Twelve Prophets (Soncino Press, 1948), p. 254.).     - Had the work begun to lose momentum?      - We can be similarly effected. The new ‘glory’ of the church may not look as ‘glorious’ to the older members.      - But it does not have to. It needs to glorify God, not transport us back to a former time of glory now gone, precious, but part of the past.      - How hopeful (faithful) are you about the future of the church? How much doubt and discouragement are you sensing, or how much excitement and anticipation? Can you be honest about any doubts and fears you are experiencing? God can handle whatever you are feeling. 2. The Call to Courage - Haggai 2:4 “But now be strong,       - ‘but now’ - implies the ability to make a decision, as well as the need to do so.          - ‘but’ is a statement of faith. It does not matter what the past was like, how you feel about it, what you think it all signifies - what matters is what decision you make here and now as confronted with the word from God.     - ‘be strong’ - Joshua 1:5-9. A time of a new beginning         - Used 3 times - all parts of the community need to make the same decision. Implies that if one or two segments get on board, the other or others will derail the situation.         - Implies strength is a decision         - Implies they knew what it would look like to be ‘strong’ in their context. I.e. the actions that would follow from the decision to ‘be strong’.          - If God were to say to us ‘be strong’, would we know what that meant?     - ‘work. For I am with you’ - ties together tightly the activity and the support.  - Haggai 2:5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you...Do not fear.’”     - ‘Spirit remains’ - as in ‘abides’, or as in ‘you might have thought I had abandoned you, but I am still with you despite your rebellion and apparent realities’?     - ‘do not fear’ - fear of the king reversing his decisions? Fear of standing out by finishing the temple?          - They were presumably a minority in the land.          - Fear of compromising personal comfort if prioritise building temple?         - Fear of God not reversing the economic curses if they take him at his word?          - God believes in us when we do not believe in ourselves.          - Point of Grace [song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA3jPIHnsIc )         - How much more we can trust God’s presence with us as we work for him, Jn 14:23 3. The Call to Trust - Haggai 2:7 I will shake all nations     - ‘what is desired’ - is this Messianic?      - ‘fill this house’ - with the treasures of the Gentiles. Is this an indication of the inclusion of the Gentiles, or of the triumph of Israel over the Gentiles?     - God is saying he will rearrange the old order of things. Ultimately that come when Jesus entered the temple, cleansed it and brought the living water and powerful truth that would change the world. - Haggai 2:9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’"     - ‘glory’ here and v7 sandwich the mention that God owns the silver and gold.      - ‘greater’ - in God’s definition of greater.          - If we keep working for God the future will be better than the present.     - ‘grant peace’ - Could it be the fear of reprisals has frightened the people? Maybe they are also afraid that their delays in rebuilding the temple have angered God. They know how God dealt with the desert rebellions and the idolatry of their past. Are they worried he will not forgive? The promise of peace could be a relational peace more than a political or social one.  Conclusion - Reflect; Courage; Trust - God always has a vision - It becoming reality does not depend on our talent level, but on our willingness to act courageously in full trust of God Questions: 1. Could you take some time to reflect on how the work for God is going where you are?  2. Are there any areas where fear is holding you or your group back from building something that would glorify God? 3. Do you truly believe that the future will be more glorious than the past?