An audio lesson or sermon from various contributors
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 454 | New Thing Series — Part 9 | “Elijah’s Past” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
For the next few days we are focussed on God doing a new thing in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elijah’s past.
Before God could do a new thing in Elijah, he had to reckon with his past. How does Elijah view his history?
“I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10 NIV11)
Note the phrase - ‘I have been’. Elijah’s previous faith-exploits are the stuff of legend. He
predicted a drought that lasted three and a half years, he helped a widow whose oil didn't run out despite her poverty, he brought a widow's dead son back to life, he called down fire from heaven proving God's power. He has been courageous, faithful and obedient.
Note also - ‘The Israelites have rejected…’. While this had been the case, it was not true any longer. “Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there.” (1 Kings 18:40 NIV11)
Finally note - ‘I am the only one…’. It turns out this was not true either: “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.””, 1 Kings 19:18.) He is lonely.
If Elijah is so zealous, why was he running for life after Jezebel’s threat, and why did he pray, “I have had enough, LORD….Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”” (1 Kings 19:4 NIV11)
For Reflection
Sometimes, before God can do a new thing in us, we need to reflect honestly and courageously on our past defeats. Bear this in mind - there is no faultless Biblical hero (other than Jesus). All have sinned, yet all can learn from sin and move on to a new thing. Could you take some time today to bring your faith failures to God and ask him to forgive, grant you a new perspective, and renew your faith for the future?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 453 | New Thing Series — Part 8 | “Grateful?” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 22-28.
““Yet you have not called on me, Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel.
You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honoured me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with grain offerings nor wearied you with demands for incense.
You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offences.
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence.
Your first father sinned; those I sent to teach you rebelled against me.
So I disgraced the dignitaries of your temple; I consigned Jacob to destruction and Israel to scorn.”
(Isaiah 43:22-28 NIV11)
- The failure of God’s people to live like the redeemed
- The charge
- You have not prayed to, worshipped, or approached God as He prescribed
- Not sought Him with a pure, righteous heart
- Not sought to be cleansed by the blood of the sacrifice
- You have not faithfully brought your special offerings to the Lord
- You have burdened the Lord with your sins
- The appeal of the Lord: He alone blots out your transgressions
- “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:15-17 NIV11)
- “He will not always accuse, nor will he harbour his anger forever; - he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. - For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; - as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:9-12 NIV11)
- The trial of hypocrites
- God’s demand: Prove your case, your innocence
- God’s charge: Your ancestors— even leaders— have always sinned
- God’s judgment: The religious leaders will be disgraced & the people destroyed
For Reflection
- What keeps your gratitude refreshed?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sunday Jan 07, 2024
Sunday Jan 07, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 452 | New Thing Series — Part 7 | “Proclaim” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 18-21.
““Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
The wild animals honour me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen,
the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”
(Isaiah 43:18-21 NIV11)
- He will do great things, even a new thing: Will guide & provide for you as never before
- “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15 NIV11)
- His guidance: Will make a way to return to the promised land
- “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV11)
- His provision: Water & all other necessities of life
- The wild animals will drink & be glad
- The returning exiles will have their thirst quenched
- His purpose: To stir you to proclaim His praise
- “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV11)
For Reflection
- What inspires you to proclaim God’s praise?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Saturday Jan 06, 2024
Saturday Jan 06, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 451 | New Thing Series — Part 6 | “Deliverer” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 14-17.
“This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, in the ships in which they took pride.
I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.”
This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters,
who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:”
(Isaiah 43:14-17 NIV11)
- He will defeat all the enemies who oppress you
- He guarantees deliverance: Because He is your Redeemer, the Holy One
- He guarantees the defeat of Babylon
- The reason: He is the Lord, your Holy One, Creator, King
- The surety of judgment: He will utterly destroy the enemy— just as surely as He destroyed the Egyptian army in the Red Sea, Ex. 14:26–28
““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV11)
For Reflection
- What has God delivered you from, and what further deliverance do you hope for?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Introduction
A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 10-13.
““You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.
I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no Saviour.
I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.
Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?””
(Isaiah 43:10-13 NIV11)
- He will appoint you to be His special witness & servant
- The reason: That you may know, believe, & understand Him
- The facts
- He alone is God
- “For you are great and do marvellous deeds; you alone are God.” (Psalm 86:10 NIV11)
- He alone is the Saviour
- “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 NIV11)
- The witness you are to bear
- He has revealed the truth
- He has saved you
- He alone is God
- He alone possesses eternal power & judgment: No one can stop or reverse His works
For Reflection
- How do you feel about being God’s witness?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Introduction
A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 5-9.
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.
Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.
All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of their gods foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.””
(Isaiah 43:5-9 NIV11)
- He will gather you from the ends of the earth, return you to the promised land (a symbol of heaven)
- The identity of those gathered: Israel (true believers)
- All the children— sons & daughters— of God, Ro. 8:16–17; 2 Cor. 6:17–18; Ga. 4:4–6
- “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:16-17 NIV11)
- “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.”” (Galatians 4:4-6 NIV11)
- All who are believers & created for His glory (see the new creation, 2 Cor. 5:17; Ep. 2:10; 4:24)
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
- and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” - (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; 4:24 NIV11)
- The summons for unbelieving Jews to see & hear: Believe God
- The summons for the unbelieving nations to assemble
- To acknowledge that the Lord foretold the restoration of Israel
- To prove their claim that their gods were real, that they could predict future events
For Reflection
- What does it mean to you that you are a son or daughter of our heavenly father?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Introduction
A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' Malcolm here, and thank you for joining me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring our personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 2 to 4.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”
(Isaiah 43:2-4 NIV11-GK)
The promises of the Redeemer
- He will be with you
- “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:20 NIV11)
- Through all the deep waters (trials, hardships) of life
- Through all the fiery oppressions of life
- “This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:4-7 NIV11)
- He will rescue you, set you free from all oppressors (Egypt, Cush, & Sheba)
- Because He is your God, the Holy One, your Saviour
- Because you are precious to Him, you will be honoured & loved
For Reflection
- Who or what has God rescued you from? Give him some praise and thanks!
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Introduction
A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.
In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is simply the first verse.
“But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1 NIV11)
We are called to remember the source of our redemption — the LORD.
- He created & formed you
- “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV11)
- He encourages you: Fear not
- The Lord has redeemed you
- “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” Galatians 3:13-14 NIV11
- The Lord knows you by name
- “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3 NIV11)
““Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 NIV11)
For Reflection
- What is the greatest fear you have at the moment? Can you pray it to God?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Monday Jan 01, 2024
God is not static. He is involved in his creation. He is actively healing, redeeming and transforming the world and its people. In other words, he is always doing ‘a new thing’. These daily devotional podcasts accompany the teaching and preaching series of the same title for the Thames Valley churches of Christ and the Watford church of Christ.
The title of our series comes from this Scripture in the book of Isaiah:
“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NRSV) Isaiah reveals God's plan for his people. They will not remain in exile forever. A return to the promised land is prophesied. The people in exile felt a mixture of fear and excitement. For some, living in exile had become comfortable. To uproot and return would be difficult. For others, it was the fulfilment of decades of prayerful expectation. The section of Scripture parallels the exodus with the return from exile. Leaving one land for another. Going on a difficult and dangerous journey. Leaving the familiar for the unknown. Having to trust God for provision. Pursued and surrounded by enemies.
Perhaps you can relate to this challenge. The Christian life is one where we are secure in God, but always learning, growing and journeying towards something better. Moving forward and growing is exciting, but disturbing. There is a need to let go of old things, not to say they weren't useful — they taught us things and we should remember those lessons — but we do not live in the past. We are moving forward in time and maturity towards being with God for ever and growing more and more into the likeness of his son, Jesus.
As we enter a new year God surely has plans to do new things in us and among us. What those are we may not yet know. But we can be sure they will be revealed as the year progresses. In this series we are seeking to learn from the great men and women of faith in Scripture who encountered something new, were called to something new, took on something new, and left lessons in faith for us who follow after them.
Why not take a moment to pray and reflect on what you hope to get from his series?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
God bless, Malcolm
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
“Search me…and lead me”, Class 2 | Preparing for 2024 | Thames Valley churches of Christ, December 2023, Malcolm Cox
Introduction
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NRSV)
2024 is round the corner. We have the opportunity to prepare spiritually for the upcoming 12 months. Just as we reflect on the past year, looking forward with faith and intentionality can deepen our relationship with God and guide our journey ahead. In Philippians 3:14, Paul encourages us to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." In this class, we'll explore two ideas to help you and your group prepare spiritually for the next 12 months.
We are going to do this today by looking at two sets of words that come up more than once in Scripture: Grace, mercy and peace; faith, hope and love.
1. Relationship with God
It is healthy to focus on our relationship with God before we attempt to achieve anything for him. Has God been getting your attention in an area of connection with him? Consider the three words grace, mercy and peace. We see them grouped together three times in the New Testament. The references are below:
“To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.”
(1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 John 1:3 NRSV)
Paul and John wish for their readers to experience God’s grace, mercy and peace. These divine gifts come from God and Jesus. The world is in desperate need of grace, mercy and peace these days! Our groups need them, and we need them personally. These qualities are not things we can manufacture ourselves. They are donated to us by a generous God. Are you enjoying God's grace? Are you experiencing his mercy? Are you wrapped up securely in his peace? These questions are relevant because we struggle with fear, guilt and anxiety.
Do you sense that your group could grow in experiencing one of these gifts? What about you yourself? Might it be a good idea to make one of these areas a focus of prayer and Bible study for you and/or your group? Perhaps you could take some special time to pray about God's grace, his mercy and his peace.
2. Areas of Growth
Once we have looked at our relationship with God, we are ready to think about growing in the way that we express that relationship with God in how we live. Let's consider another grouping of three words that comes up three times in the New Testament. These are the words faith, hope and love. The references are below:
“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
“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.” “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 5:8)
These three words connect to our relationship with God as well as our activities in the world. However, I would like to focus on their outward expression as written in 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Once we have a good grasp on the grace, mercy and peace of God in Christ, we have a full fuel tank to supply our life of discipleship. That discipleship is expressed in work, labour and endurance inspired by faith, hope and love.
The questions to discuss in your group could be, “Our works of faith in 2024 could look like…", "Our labours of love in 2024 could look like…", “Our endurance inspired by hope in 2024 could look like…" Take some time to pray and brainstorm together with God as to how you can excel in loving labours, faithful works, and hope-filled endurance. Are these areas worthy of Bible study and focused prayer?
Conclusion
It appears to be rare that God gives an individual or any group specificity of vision and tasks to be undertaken in the year ahead. Instead, what we tend to see is that when people are inspired by the grace, mercy and peace of God, and then, from that firm foundation, they set themselves devotedly to working by faith, labouring by love, and enduring by hope, God reveals his will and his plans at his time and place of choosing.
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).
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm