Thames Valley Churches of Christ

The Thames Valley Week ahead 02 September 2019

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

The Thames Valley Week ahead, 19 August 2019

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

The Thames Valley Week ahead, 12 August 2019

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

What prevents us from asking more questions?

 

1. Religion ought to be a choice not a competition
   • “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV11)
   • CS Lewis: 

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

1. • What is your opinion?
   • Have a free choice, but we must make a choice
   • “Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”” (Acts 13:46–47 NIV11) 
   • They had a choice - to reject or accept; worthy or unworthy
   • Facts are facts and cannot be ignored.
   • We may need guidance so as to find the truth.
   • There are consequences to all choices. Better to face the consequences of going with God’s advice, rather than the consequences of going a different way.
2. What questions do you need answering to bring you peace?
   • Can you ask humble questions, like a child? That is what is necessary to find the peace we need.
   • Acts 22.1-21
   • Paul’s humility is inspirational. He stood to lose everything for the sake of new convictions. He took a courageous decision and carried on with the same bravery in sharing his story with others.
   • Romans 10.17

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

Alex

• Intellectual pride is the core topic
• Strengths can be helpful, but also a challenge
• “At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” Matt 11:25–26
• Our strengths are gifts from God, not from ourselves. Therefore it makes no sense to take pride in our gifts and strengths.
• We need a child-like inquisitiveness in order to learn and retain a soft heart.
• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prov 3:5–6
• We have a need to trust in God’s perspective. Although this is a challenge to our pride it brings security and peace to our souls.
• "I am the LORD, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself, who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense,” Is 44:24–25
• We need our own ‘learning’ to be overturned by God from time to time so that we can find the humility to go his way instead of our own.
• Perhaps this can help our prayers. Where are we trying to manipulate God, rather than trust him?
• In what area of life is God testing your pride?
• What are the areas of life in which you need to trust God?

 

Alice

• Trusting God in transitions and in trials
• “For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Phil 2:21
• “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt 6:33
• When going through transitions we can lose the bigger picture and miss the heart of God.
• What changes are you facing, and are you processing them in a spiritual manner?
• Could you pray more about the transitions in your life?
• Trials are tricky! Many are around relationship challenges.
• Talking things over with a trusted friend can make a big difference.
• Prayer is a wonderful tool for finding strength in trials.
• ““But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” Lk 6:27–30
• Applying this perspective is hard, but ultimately can bring a wonderful transformation to our own hearts.
• Do we have a trial of this kind which can change us deeply to be more like Christ?

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org.

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

Hebrews 5.11-6.12

How to become spiritually mature

1. Constant Use, 5.14

• Psalm 2
• Rebellion against God’s way is futile
• Basic things can make a profound difference if practiced over time consistently. 
• May not be appealing, but will be effective 
• It’s a narrow gate, but it leads to life. 

2. Able to teach/Able to learn, 5.11-12

• Galatians 6.4-6
• Once have learned, then have a responsibility to teach. 
• When teach others gain confidence in what we know. 
• Am I passing on what others have taught me?

3. He will not forget your work, 6.10

• A labour of love
• 1 Thess 1.2, 3

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

The Thames Valley Week ahead, 05 August 2019

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

"Appreciation", Johan Ferreira, Thames Valley churches of Christ

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org.

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”  (Ephesians 4:3 NIV11)

 

1. Pre-Jesus

Phase 1, Oneness Enjoyed: Genesis 1.26; 2.25

Phase 2, Oneness Destroyed: Genesis 11

Phase 3, Oneness Misemployed

 

2. Jesus

Love, John 13.34-35

Oneness, John 17, John 14.17, 23

 

3. Early Church

Acts 8.14, 11.2, 15.1-2ff

 

4. Ephesians

References to unity/oneness

Eph. 1:10; 2:14–16, 18; 3:6; 4:4-6, 13; 5:31

 

References to the Spirit

Eph. 1:13, 17; 2:18, 22; 3:5, 16; 4:3–4, 30; 5:18–19; 6:17–18

 

References to one another / each other / together

Eph. 2:21–22; 3:6; 4:2, 32; 5:19, 21

 

Conclusion

The unity of the Spirit

Initiated

Relational

Strength

Action

 

“until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  (Ephesians 4:13 NIV11)

 

What do each of these points mean for you and your ‘group’?

How will you adjust the way you live to maintain the unity of the Spirit?

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org.

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,