S1 Ep39: Quiet Time Coaching: "The place of penthos in prayer"
Is there a place for tears in prayer? Is crying a sign of indisciplined emotions? Or is it a sign of spiritual health? I bring you a fourth look at the book by Richard Foster, "Prayer: finding the heart's true home". Richard talks about the significance of the "Prayer of tears", or, 'Penthos'. Please leave a comment below and pass the link on. I hope you have a wonderful week of meaningful q...
8m Jun 07, 2018
8m
S1 Ep109: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to talk meaningfully about the communion", Part 3
I have a passion to do my best to make sure that our congregation's members can take a meaningful communion every week. I believe we can avoid dull repetition and boredom. And the opposite problem of going off-topic in such of creativity. The answer, as usual, is to go deeper. I have taught on the atonement a few times, and found this to be tremendously helpful in my thinking about the communio...
8m Jun 05, 2018
8m
S1: Lesson: "How can I help the nearby needy?" Mark 10.45
How can we help the nearby needy? We run through an overview of the Bible's teaching on helping the needy from the Old Testament to Jesus, to the early church, and the Apostle Paul. A discussion followed (not recorded) based on three questions: i. Who are my nearby needy? Spiritual family ii. How can I help my nearby needy? iii. How can my family group help our nearby needy? Please add you...
18m Jun 02, 2018
18m
S1 Ep35: The Sunday Sample: "How to help everyone participate in corporate worship", part 1
We want full participation - what to do when we don’t get it? Here is the first in a mini-series looking at some suggestions. This week: assess the capabilities of your congregation. Please share your ideas here by leaving a comment. And please pass this on to one other person. God bless, Malcolm Psalms, worship, corporate worship, mccx, praise, CWM, distractions, preparation, feedback, Er...
7m Jun 01, 2018
7m
S1 Ep38: Quiet Time Coaching: "How to go deep into your spiritual self without drowning"
I bring you a third look at the book by Richard Foster, "Prayer: finding the heart's true home". Today, we examine the 'examen'. What does it take to know ourselves? How do we get deep without drowning in introspection? "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.' (Psa 139:23–24) Thank ...
7m May 31, 2018
7m
S1 Ep108: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to talk meaningfully about the Communion", part 2
I have a passion to do my best to make sure that our congregation's members can take a meaningful communion every week. I believe we can avoid dull repetition and boredom. And the opposite problem of going off-topic in such of creativity. The answer, as usual, is to go deeper. I have taught on the atonement a few times, and found this to be tremendously helpful in my thinking about the commun...
6m May 29, 2018
6m
S1: "How to have beautiful hands"
We look at what God's hands have made. Then at the power and love coming through the hands of Jesus. Finally we look at what our hands can do. Everyone's hands can be beautiful. Are yours? Thank you for listening to this podcast 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 theolog...
27m May 28, 2018
27m
S1 Ep34: The Sunday Sample: "Making the most of meaningful movement"
How do we make the most of movement in our worship teams? We discuss some pitfalls which can distract our congregations from meaningful corporate worship. I offer three tips for maximising the meaningfulness of our movement up front. Please leave a comment below so that we can learn from each other. We learn best when we learn in community. Also, please pass the link on to one other person ...
7m May 25, 2018
7m
S1 Ep37: Quiet Time Coaching: "Prayer and the Father's Song"
I bring you a second look at the book by Richard Foster, "Prayer: finding the heart's true home". Last week we explored at the three dimensions of prayer: inward, outward and upward. Today, I have a couple of quotes for you and a simple story about the Father's heart for us his children. Let me know what you think of this vision of God's heart for us. Please leave a comment, because we learn ...
5m May 24, 2018
5m
S1 Ep107: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to talk meaningfully about the communion", Part 1
How can we avoid dull repetition or creative confusion when talking about the Lord's supper? I begin a series looking at different views of the atonement as a way of broadening and deepening our appreciation for the cross. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching th...
8m May 22, 2018
8m
S1 Ep33: The Sunday Sample: "Inspiring Interviews"
I'm launching an interview series. Please watch/listen and let me know when I could interview you. Three questions are all we're looking at: i. What is a particular strength of your worship team? ii. What have you tried or are trying that is working?  iii. What is your one strongest conviction about leading corporate worship? Please share your ideas here by leaving a comment. And please p...
6m May 18, 2018
6m
S1 Ep36: Quiet Time Coaching: "The best blend for balanced prayer"
A lack of balance is a problem. Just ask any would-be cyclist. But it can be learned - as my children discovered after falling off their bike for the umpteenth time. Balance was eventually achieved. What makes for blessed balance? Not different components working independently - but blending. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best...
8m May 17, 2018
8m
S1 Ep106: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Top teaching tips from teens"
What's the best way to speak to teenagers? How about asking one? I reveal top tips passed on to me by a teenager. He gave me ideas based on a recent sermon by a 20-something who connected much better with our teenagers than most of us. Thank you for listening this podcast. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about t...
6m May 15, 2018
6m
S1 Ep32: The Sunday Sample: "The Spiritual Benefits of Unbroken, Focussed Worship"
We tried something a little different this last Sunday - around 30 minutes of singing, prayer and readings at the beginning of our service. See what you think of what we did. It is warts-and-all, so be kind! Please share your ideas here by leaving a comment. And please pass this on to one other person. God bless, Malcolm
28m May 11, 2018
28m
S1 Ep35: Quiet Time Coaching: "A special prayer"
Do you have prayers that are particularly special for you? I have recorded one of mine that comes from the Celtic daily prayer book: inspirational prayers and readings from the Northumbria community. Please leave a comment, or perhaps a link to one of your favourite prayers. Let me know how your special prayer has enriched your spiritual life. Please pass on the link to this recording. I hop...
3m May 10, 2018
3m
S1 Ep105: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "The One Thing"
How many points do you need? One? Let's talk about getting clear not only for our sake, but the sake of our listeners. Thank you for watching this video. You can find more teaching tips here and on the YouTube teaching tips playlist. 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, tec...
5m May 08, 2018
5m
S1: "How to be safe", Psalm 100
Malcolm Cox tells is what true safety is and how Jesus provides it. 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. Thanks for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm God, tvcoc, Jesus, discipleship,...
30m May 08, 2018
30m
S1 Ep31: The Sunday Sample: "Amen, and Amen"
How often do you say the word, “Amen” in a church service? Not as a response to a prayer or statement from another person, but as a filler word? It’s probably more often than you think. I do it more than what I would like to admit. The frequency has declined, but it still happens from time to time. Why does it matter? Five areas to consider and two recommendations. God bless, Malcolm Psalms...
10m May 04, 2018
10m
S1 Ep34: Quiet Time Coaching: "The Lord is good and his love endures forever." Psalm 100.5
We conclude our exploration of Psalm 100 by moving on to verse 5. As mentioned previously, I am planning a church service focussed on the message of this Psalm. I'm writing these blogs to ask for your feedback and thoughts. "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5 The previous verse gives us an invitation and an exhor...
8m May 03, 2018
8m
S1 Ep104: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to be a human preacher"
How do we keep our 'humanness' as preachers? You don’t have to be perfect, but you can't be a hypocrite. “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” (2 Corinthians 11:29 NIV11) Three tips for today: Share your sins Share your weaknesses Don’t beat yourself up Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more teaching tips here and on t...
6m May 01, 2018
6m
S1 Ep30: The Sunday Sample: "How to teach a new song"
Psalm 33:3, "Sing to him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy." What is the best way to teach a new song? We look at a four-step process: 1. Go through words 2. Play audio track 3. Sing along to backing track 4. Sing with own instruments Please share your ideas here by leaving a comment. And please pass this on to one other person. God bless, Malcolm Psalms, worship, corporate...
7m Apr 27, 2018
7m
S1 Ep33: Quiet Time Coaching: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving", Psalm 100.4
We continue exploring Psalm 100 by moving on to verse 4. As mentioned previously, I am planning a church service with a difference based on this Psalm. I'm writing these blogs to solicit your feedback and thoughts. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4 NIV11) The previous verse reminds us we belong to God and that...
11m Apr 26, 2018
11m
S1 Ep103: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to be ready for anything."
What do we do when the circumstances into which we are to speak change unexpectedly? I have four suggestions - all starting with "A". I hope you find these thoughts helpful. What have I missed? What else is important? Please leave a comment and pass the link on to one other person .... God bless, Malcolm Teaching, preaching, lessons, mccx, malcolmcox.org, sermons, sermon preparation, Thames...
7m Apr 24, 2018
7m
S1 Ep29: The Sunday Sample: "How to keep the worship flow going"
How do we keep the worship flow going? What prevents the songs from being separate items? I share something we tried at church last Sunday. Please share your ideas here by leaving a comment. And please pass this on to one other person. God bless, Malcolm Psalms, worship, corporate worship, mccx, scripture, praise, tvcoc, Watford
6m Apr 20, 2018
6m
S1 Ep32: Quiet Time Coaching: "Know that the LORD is God", Psalm 100.3
We continue our exploration of Psalm 100 by moving on to verse 3. As mentioned in previous blogs, I am planning a very special service based on the Psalm. To make sure that it's focused in the right way, I'm devoting time and energy to studying, praying through and meditating on Psalm 100. I'm writing these blogs to help me with this, but also to get your feedback and thoughts. “"Know that th...
8m Apr 19, 2018
8m
S1 Ep102: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to be kind to kinesthetic learners"
We look at how to help not only those with a preference to auditory or visual learning, but those whose preferred learnign style is kinesthetic. Are they the most neglected of all? I hope you find these thoughts helpful. What have I missed? What else is important? Please leave a comment and pass the link on to one other person .... God bless, Malcolm Teaching, preaching, lessons, mccx, malc...
10m Apr 17, 2018
10m
S1 Ep28: The Sunday Sample: "To dance or not to dance?"
I received a question recently. It asked whether we, as worship leaders, should be leading the congregation in dancing? Here is my answer.... Please share your ideas here by leaving a comment. And please pass this on to one other person. God bless, Malcolm Psalms,worship,corporate worship,mccx,scripture,praise,dancing,King David,First Epistle to the Corinthia,1 Chronicles,tvcoc,Watford
11m Apr 13, 2018
11m
S1 Ep31: Quiet Time Coaching - "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs", Psalm 100.2
We continue our exploration of Psalm 100 by moving on to verse 2. As mentioned previously, I am planning a very special service based on the Psalm. To make sure that it's focused in the right way, I'm devoting time and energy to studying, praying through and meditating on Psalm 100. I'm writing these blogs to help me with this, but also to get your feedback and thoughts. “Worship the Lord with...
10m Apr 12, 2018
10m
S1 Ep101: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to structure a class"
I reveal the template (https://www.dropbox.com/s/haxhla9s509a806/Lesson%20Planning.pdf?dl=0) I use to prepare most of my teaching classes. We discuss the significance of our learning objective, and how to think through what each class will need in terms of resources and variety of teaching methods. I hope you find these thoughts helpful. What have I missed? What else is important? Please leav...
6m Apr 10, 2018
6m
S1: "How God transforms lives", Acts 3, Thames Valley churches of Christ
We survey the first part of Acts 3 looking at the Spirit's work in bringing grace-poor and grace-rich people together. We learn lessons about noticing people and expecting the unexpected. Thank you for listening. You can find more podcasts on this channel. 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 Ch...
32m Apr 09, 2018
32m
S1: "How God transforms lives", Acts 3: Watford church of Christ
We survey the first part of Acts 3 looking at the Spirit's work in bringing grace-poor and grace-rich people together. We learn lessons about noticing people and expecting the unexpected. Thank you for listening. You can find more podcasts on this channel. 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 Ch...
36m Apr 09, 2018
36m
S1 Ep27: The Sunday Sample: "A new 'sending' song"
Here's a new 'sending' song we're learned recently in Thames Valley. Have a look at www.resoundworship.org/song/sendusout (https://www.resoundworship.org/song/send_us_out)  for more resources. Do you have a favourite 'sending' song for concluding your service? Please share your ideas here by leaving a comment. And please pass this on to one other person. God bless, Malcolm
7m Apr 06, 2018
7m
S1 Ep30: Quiet Time Coaching: "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth." Psalm 100v1
We continue our exploration of Psalm 100. Today we focus on the first verse: "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth." Thank you for watching to this video. You can find more episodes on the topic of spiritual disciplines here. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about personal spiritual growth? Is it theological,...
13m Apr 05, 2018
13m
S1 Ep100: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How an egg-timer could be your secret weapon to prepare a super sermon"
We collect information, funnel it and add applications, personal sharing and illustrations. Rather like an egg-timer. Really? Yes - listen on.... I hope you find these two thoughts helpful. What have I missed? What else is important? Please leave a comment and pass the link on to one other person .... God bless, Malcolm
8m Apr 03, 2018
8m
S1: "The joy of the resurrection"
What caused the joy of the resurrection? Why were the witnesses afraid, yet filled with joy? We examine Matthew 28 this Easter Sunday and find confirmation of our faith, and motivation to spread it. You can find more recordings on my website: www.malcolmcox.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 t...
37m Apr 01, 2018
37m
S1 Ep26: The Sunday Sample: "BARAK - kneeling in surrender"
Another Hebrew word for praise - BARAK. What does it mean to focus on God as we worship? This word helps us do so with thanksgiving. Please leave a comment and pass this on… God bless, Malcolm Psalms,worship,corporate worship,mccx,scripture,praise,Chris Tomlin,Holy Roar,I Surrender,kneeling,Matt Crocker
7m Mar 30, 2018
7m
S1 Ep29: Quiet Time Coaching, "How to yield to God with joy", Psalm 100
Yielding does not have a good image in contemporary society. It is associated with helplessly surrendering one's liberty, possessions and even one's life. But is there a more positive way to view yielding, especially when it pertains to our relationship with God? We take a look at Psalm 100 for inspiration. Don't forget to leave a comment as to what stands out to you the most. God bless, Ma...
10m Mar 29, 2018
10m
S1 Ep99: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Two tips for first-time preachers"
In some ways there’s no significant difference between your first sermon and your thousandth. However, we all have to start somewhere.  An entire book could be written on this topic. But, I will focus on presentation issues rather than preparation. 1. Practice 2. Minimum Tech I hope you find these two thoughts helpful. What have I missed? What else is important? Please leave a comment and p...
8m Mar 27, 2018
8m
S1 Ep25: The Sunday Sample: "A Song, A Scripture, A Violin"
We're trying something with the song, "Above All". Will it come off? Please leave a comment, and pass the link on .... God bless, Malcolm Psalms,worship,corporate worship,mccx,scripture,Michael Smith,Violin,Singing
4m Mar 23, 2018
4m
S1 Ep28: Quiet Time Coaching: "How To Use Slow Singing as a Spiritual Exercise"
Try singing, "Happy birthday to you…" really slowly. Feels weird, doesn't it? Most songs have a narrow range of speeds within which they can be sung and still make sense. But is there a case for singing ridiculously slowly? Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes on the topic of spiritual disciplines here. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn bes...
12m Mar 22, 2018
12m
S1 Ep98: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Three-word slogans"
I've been frustrated with my own difficulty in summarising the speaking parts of the service. More words can make things more unclear. How would you summarise these parts of the service in three words? Welcome Prayer Communion HOPE talk Sermon Close Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the...
5m Mar 20, 2018
5m
S1 Ep24: The Sunday Sample, "TOWDAH"
Here's a Hebrew word for praise and a song of hope. References to the Hebrew word, 'TOWDAH' Lev 7:12–13, 15; 22:29; Josh 7:19; 2 Chr 29:31; 33:16; Ezra 10:11; Neh 12:27, 31, 38, 40; Psa 26:7; 42:4; 50:14, 23; 56:12; 69:30; 95:2; 100:0, 4; 107:22; 116:17; 147:7; Is 51:3; Jer 17:26; 30:19; 33:11; Amos 4:5; Jonah 2:9 Please leave a comment so that we can all learn from one another. Pass this on...
7m Mar 16, 2018
7m
S1 Ep27: Quiet Time Coaching: "How To Be Humble, Hungry and Smart - Part 3"
What does it mean to be spiritually 'smart'? And how does it affect our prayer-life? 1. Ask questions 2. Listen 3. Stay engaged What do you think is the best way to develop 'smarts' in your relationship with God? Please leave a comment here so that we can all learn from one another. We learn best when we learn in community. I hope you have a wonderful week of fulfilling quiet times. God ...
13m Mar 15, 2018
13m
S1 Ep97: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to Find Your Sermon Structure"
How do we discover the structure for a sermon? One that already exists within the passage? I revise and demonstrate a technique I first developed in 2013 using Acts chapter 1. Please leave a comment. We learn best when we learn in community. Pass the link on to one other person. God bless, Malcolm Teaching, preaching, lessons, mccx, malcolmcox.org, sermons, sermon preparation,Watford churc...
9m Mar 13, 2018
9m
S1: "How the Spirit Prepared the Church to Act", Acts 1
The Spirit prepared the church for the actions he had in mind. How did he do this? We look at Acts chapter 1 and discover insights about needs, power and decision-making. Please leave a comment or question below. We learn best when we learn in community. God bless, Malcolm You can find more videos on our YouTube channel. Our web site is www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Do you have a question ...
31m Mar 12, 2018
31m
S1 Ep23: The Sunday Sample, "Verse-Chorus Mash-Up"
We're putting together a verse from one song and the chorus of another. Will it work? Please leave a comment and pass the link on... God bless, Malcolm Psalms, worship, corporate worship, mccx
3m Mar 09, 2018
3m
S1 Ep26: Quiet Time Coaching: "How To Be Humble, Hungry and Smart" - Part 2
What are the most essential spiritual qualities for a disciple? How about these three: humble, hungry and smart? Matthew 5.6. 1. Pray for Hunger 2. Pray to Remember 3. Pray for Vision Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes on the topic of spiritual disciplines here. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you...
11m Mar 08, 2018
11m
S1 Ep96: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to re-enact a story"
Bethany and her mother inspired me to record this teaching tip on how to re-enact a story. Such a technique can illustrate a point far better than words alone (Luke 20.24, Romans 6.23) 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. Please leave a comment, and pass it on ...
5m Mar 06, 2018
5m
S1: "How to reap the rewards", Hebrew 12 & Acts 8
It is easy to grow weary and lose heart in the Christian race. Hebrews chapter 12 provides us with the inspiration of Jesus, and Acts chapter 8 provides us with the inspiration of the early Christians. In this lesson, I examine how their examples help us to not give in to the temptation to become weary and lose heart. Thank you for listening to this recording. Please leave a comment on anyt...
35m Mar 05, 2018
35m
S1 Ep22: The Sunday Sample: "How Great Thou Art"
Sometimes familiarity breeds contempt. Here are two tips for freshening up an old song. Please leave a comment. And pass the link on.... God bless, Malcolm Psalms, worship, corporate worship, mccx, scripture
5m Mar 02, 2018
5m