Malcolm Cox

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “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 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “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 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 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 Bibl

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “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 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “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 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

v1 Greeting - personal; God-focus; grace & peace v2 - thankful for all; prayerful v3 - hard work for God inspired by Jesus v4 - family relationships; 28 times - ‘brothers’ v5 - God changed you dramatically v6 - Accepted suffering; joy from the Spirit ‘If Christ wore a crown of thorns, why should His followers expect only a crown of roses?’ Martin Luther v7 - modelled Christianity to other Christians v8 - their reputation is connected to God’s work v9 - turned to serve God v10 - Trust in God revealed by patient service God We find 15 references to the Godhead in the 10 verses of chapter 1 and 97 mentions in all 89 verse of the letter. He gives grace and peace, and joy despite suffering which inspires their work for Him such that it inspire others. Turn to serve, v9 Repentance is a lifestyle and a radical one at that. Turn from: desire to be comfortable; compromise; fear; laziness; sins, halfheartedness; guilt; shame "It would be like asking people in a modern city to give up using motor cars, computers a

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “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 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

Introduction Studying 1 Thess end 2022. Praying through it. God got my attention focussed on 1 Thess 2:11-12 “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 NIV11) encouraging, comforting and urging were key aspects of Paul’s loving teaching How is my blend and balance? 1. Encouraging παρακαλέω   parakaleō   109x   to call for, invite to come, send for, Acts 28:20; to call upon, exhort, admonish, persuade, Lk. 3:18; Acts 2:40; 11:23; to beg, beseech, entreat, implore, Mt. 8:5, 31; 18:29; Mk. 1:40; to animate, encourage, comfort, console, Mt. 2:18; 5:4; 2 Cor. 1:4, 6; pass. to be cheered, comforted, Lk. 16:25; Acts 20:12; 2 Cor. 7:13 → ask; comfort; exhort; implore; summon. “And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.” (Luke 3:18 NIV11) Inspire courage 2. Comforting  παραμυθέομαι   paramy

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “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 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “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 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “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 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

Who’s advertising strap-line is that?  L’Oreal.  How many of use L’Oreal products? In 1900 a man could divorce his wife for wearing make-up since it was used by prostitutes! £3 billion a year is spent on cosmetics and toiletries every year.  In London £29 million every month is spent on skin care alone! But we’re not talking about cosmetics.  We’re talking about something more than skin-deep.  We’re talking about the awesome love of God! Have you ever thought you weren’t worth much to God? If at no other time of the year, at least at Christmas we should be able to believe we are very, very valuable to God.  Let’s read from Matthew 1.1-17 Most of us, I think, reckon we’re too sinful, messed up and weak to be loved by God.  Yet this seemingly boring list is packed full of evidence we’re all valuable and useful to God. V3 Judah was the father of Perez & Zerah – through Tamar (Genesis 38).  Remember the situation with Tamar? To cut a long story short she was Judah’s daughter-in-law.  She was lied to by Jud

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29 Summary: Use the words of Jesus to the church in Thyatira to help you assess 2022 and gain a vision for 2023 PREPARING FOR 2023     - Not about comparing ourselves with Thyatira. But about using Jesus' approach to help us.     - v18 Note the letter begins with an inspiring picture of Jesus. He is the one able to give us a compelling vision, and carry out out.     - Some questions to ask ourselves personally and in our local groups:  1. What will help you persevere? v25-26         - Hold on, v25         - v26. Does my will to the end: i.e. continue with love, faith, service and repent of immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols         - Where will you get the strength from? 2. Where do you see God's power at work in 2023? v26-27         - May be a shepherd’s staff with an iron tip. Referring to: “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.””

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

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29 Summary: Use the words of Jesus to the church in Thyatira to help you assess 2022 and gain a vision for 2023 Introduction – v18 Note the letter begins with an inspiring picture of Jesus. He is the one able to give us a compelling vision, and carry out out. – Some questions to ask ourselves personally: 1. What will help you persevere? v25-26 – Hold on, v25 – v26. Does my will to the end: i.e. continue with love, faith, service and repent of immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols – Where will you get the strength from to speak with passion and joy? 2. Where do you see God’s power at work in 2023? v26-27 May be a shepherd’s staff with an iron tip. Referring to: “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”” (Psalm 2:8–9 NIV11) A judgment scene. Shepherd’s club for fighting those who threaten the flock. Potters guild in the city. Name of ene

Lesson 2 - Vision for 2023     - Not about comparing ourselves with Thyatira. But about using Jesus' approach to help us.     - v18 Note the letter begins with an inspiring picture of Jesus. He is the one able to give us a compelling vision, and carry out out.     - Some questions to ask ourselves personally and in our local groups:  1. What will help you persevere? v25-26         - Hold on, v25         - v26. Does my will to the end: i.e. continue with love, faith, service and repent of immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols         - Where will you get the strength from? 2. Where do you see God's power at work in 2023? v26-27         - May be a shepherd’s staff with an iron tip. Referring to: “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”” (Psalm 2:8–9 NIV11)             - A judgment scene. Shepherd’s club for fighting those who threaten the flock.         - Potters gu

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29 Summary: Use the words of Jesus to the church in Thyatira to help you assess 2022 and gain a vision for 2023 Review 2022     - Not about comparing ourselves with Thyatira. But about using Jesus' approach to help us.     - v18 - Note the letter begins with an inspiring picture of Jesus. His opinion about us is what matters, not the opinions of others, nor our own feelings.      - Some questions to ask ourselves personally and in our local groups:  1. What has gone well? v19         - They prioritise love          - They are growing         - “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11)         - Their love is not intellectual, but practical - Galatians 5:6; Acts 10:38. 2. What needs improvement? What is being tolerated? What sins are apparent? v20-21         - Jezebel: 1 Kings 16:31, 2 Kings 9:22.  The adultery is likely metaphoric as in

“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

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29 Summary: Use the words of Jesus to the church in Thyatira to help you assess 2022 and gain a vision for 2023 Introduction – v18 – Note the letter begins with an inspiring picture of Jesus. His opinion about us is what matters, not the opinions of others, nor our own feelings. We speakers are all about Jesus – not ourselves, but our conduct, thinking and attitude matter. – Some questions to ask ourselves personally: 1. What has gone well? v19 – They prioritise love and are growing – “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11) – What has gone well in your speaking this year? How have you grown? What do other people say? 2. What needs improvement? What is being tolerated? What sins are apparent? v20-21 – Jezebel: 1 Kings 16:31, 2 Kings 9:22. The adultery is likely metaphoric as in the OT, Jer 3, Ezek 16, Hos 2, but the immorality is also

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