Thames Valley Churches of Christ

The Thames Valley Week ahead, 08 April 2019

The Thames Valley Week ahead

 

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

"Straight to the Heart of the Matter", Mark 5, Roger Packham, Thames Valley churches of Christ

Matt 9.10-13

Q: What is the difference between mercy and sacrifice?

 

1. Person-Centred Christianity

Mk 5.21-43

 

2. A Heart-Centred faith

Mark 5.35-36

2 Corinthians 12.9

 

3. A Grace-Centred Church

Mark 5: 37-43

1 Corinthians 4.1-9

 

If we are going to get to the Heart of the matter, we need to:

i.Practice person-centred Christianity, where we really get alongside people in the pain, suffering, and walk with them as they grow and are transformed by God’s grace

ii.Have a heart-centred faith, where we choose to live in the light, and not hide in our sin, warts and all, so that God’s grace in us may be evident to all

iii.Build a grace-centred Church, a community of Grace where all people can find healing, and hope, and mercy in Christ Jesus

 

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tv coc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

"The Church United by Love", Class 1, "Rebellion and Reconciliation": Chris Birtles

See this site for more details and a pdf of the slides: http://tvcoc.org/tvcoc-sermons/the-church-united-by-love-class-1-rebellion-and-reconciliation-chris-birtles/

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tv coc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

Mothering Sunday 2019, Thames Valley churches of Christ

Introduction

• Celebration
• • But also a hard time for some
• God as mother
• • “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV11)
• Paul as mother
• • “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 NIV11)
• 345 refs

Bible Example: The Canaanite woman, Matthew 15.22-28

• What is significant about the fact she is a Canaanite woman?
• How is she feeling?
• What is behind Jesus’s statement:
• • ““It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”” (Matthew 15:26 NIV11)
  • “First let the children eat all they want,” Mk 7.27
• Why does Jesus commend her for her faith?
• • Impressive humility
  • • She is satisfied with being under the table.
    • She is satisfied with crumbs.
    • She is satisfied with simply being in the house.
  • Humility driven by concern.
• Her pain drove her to Jesus
• He has what she needs

My Mother’s Example

• Have always felt my mother had my best interests at heart.
• Her life…….
• • Early days, morning routine in Luton.
• Praying with me every night.
• • “Come into my heart Lord Jesus”
  • God sings over us - Zeph 3
• Realness with God, but not giving up
• Perseverance - a sign of faith and humility
• Her pain drove her to Jesus
• He has what she needs

Application

• Everyone is welcome at Jesus’s table.
• Be real
• Ask for what you need
• Trust him
• Be happy with the crumbs - you are in the house!

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tv coc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley, 

The Thames Valley Week ahead 1 April 2019

The Thames Valley Week ahead

 

Chris Birtles shared some thoughts on John's Gospel in this sixth class in the series.

 

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tv coc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

"The Friendship Factor", Tim Dannatt, Thames Valley churches of Christ

Being a Christian is about our relationships with people and God .

1. Seeing Jesus as our trusted friend

• Jesus describes us as friends, John 15.15. How do we see this in scripture?
• He takes the initiative
• • "Tell Peter”, Mark 16.6.
  • He washes their feet in John 13.
  • He asks Peter, “Do you love me?”, John 21.15-17.
  • Might be healthier to see Jesus more as a friend than an authority figure
  • Makes him more approachable in prayer
  • Jesus took the initiative with us
• Introducing people to our friend Jesus is more attractive, than introducing friends to him as an authority figure.
• Invite people into our homes as well as church (Acts 18:24ff)
• • Befriend people to help them have a more accurate picture of God.

2. Making friendships (Luke 16:9-12)

• Important to be good stewards of our time and other resources so that people can be helped to know God.
• What can we do to help people know our friend Jesus?
• • Bring friends to church
  • Invite them into our homes
  • Study the Bible with our friends
  • Help them to mature in Christ
• Let us aspire to be excellent at building new friendships, not just old ones.
• What barriers do we have to building friendships?
• • Can discover other people’s needs which may be overwhelming!
  • Jesus is described as, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” (Matt. 11:19 NIV11) 
• Jesus saw needy people as his friends, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” (John 11:11 NIV11) 
• Let’s think about how we can be friends to those God has placed around us and in our path
• Perhaps we don’t need to overthink making friends. It could be as simple as saying “hello” to a new person once in a while.
• Lack of time might appear to be our enemy, but God will make a way if we have a loving attitude of faith. We still have a choice as to how we prioritise our time. Are we being intentional about the allotting of our time?

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tv coc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley, 

The Thames Valley Week ahead 25 March 2019

The Thames Valley Week ahead

 

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tv coc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

"Sincerity", 1 Timothy 1:3-7. Francois Koorts. Thames Valley churches of Christ

François helped us to examine the sincerity of our faith. Why do we come to church? Why do we do what we do as Christians?

Are we consciously building a healthy spiritual culture, or swimming unconsciously in a religious culture?

The sincerity of Jesus meant he lived “free”.

Pharisees could not accept this:

• Matthew 12:9-13
• Matthew 12:1-8
• Mark 7:6-7

He hung out with all the “wrong” people. How do we do this without overstepping healthy boundaries? He had a strong connection with God and discernment.

1. Listen. Proverbs 12:15; Matthew 5:43-47
2. Challenge your fear. Acts 7:30-36.
3. Live by what you have attained.  Philippines 3:10-16.

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tv coc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley, 

"Jonty on Joseph"

Genesis 45.17 - Joseph reveals himself to his brothers

 

Genesis 50.15-21

• Joseph’s integrity is complete. He has the power to take control, but he relinquishes control to God. 
• It’s impressive that he refuses to control his outcomes in case it compromises the work of God in his life.
• How can we leave space for God to work even in difficult times?
• Genesis 42.36 - Jacob lacks the faith Joseph has.
• Decide not to overthink what God is doing. Let him do his work in his time.
• Ask ourselves whether we are doing what we are doing for the glory of God rather than ourselves.
• The more Bible we know and the more of the nature of God we know, the more we will be able to trust Him when we cannot fathom what he is doing, or why, or how things are going to resolve in a positive way.

 

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tv coc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley, 

"Who is my neighbour?" Workshop. Rob Payne, Thames Valley churches of Christ

Rob Payne, coordinator for the two-step programme of HOPE worldwide UK, came to speak to us on the topic of the good Samaritan and how we can discover our own calling to have an impact on the needy around us.

 

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, Winchester, High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Amesbury, Sunday School, Reading University, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Shevvy Dannatt, Mark Abril, Rachel Abril, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, tvcoc, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,