S2 Ep2132: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 439 | Refugee Series — Part 4 | “True refugees cannot go back - and neither should you” | Malcolm Cox
One of the characteristics of a refugee is that they are unable to return to  the place from which they escaped. Or, at the very least, it is unsafe to do so. Many refugees are fleeing political, racial or religious persecution. To return might be suicide. The yearn to return is strong, however, no matter how dangerous. Israel struggled with this. Christian have a parallel experience. Temptati...
5m Nov 16, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2131: What Will We Be Remembered For Remembrance Sunday 2023 Malcolm Cox
Introduction 1605 Remember, remember, the 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow By God's providence he was catch'd With a dark lantern and burning match Holler boys, holler boys, let...
31m Nov 15, 2023
31m
S2 Ep2130: Tuesday Teaching Tip 337 | Biblical Preaching - Part 9 | The Dress of Thought | Malcolm Cox
Today we look at the ninth chapter of Haddon Robinson’s excellent book. How is our thinking ‘dressed’? Have you ever dressed inappropriately for an event you went to? It sends the wrong signals, confuses the observers, and embarrasses the wearer. Lessons that are badly dressed draw attention to the confused thought that led to this error. What do we mean by dressing a lesson? Haddon Robinson gi...
13m Nov 14, 2023
13m
S2 Ep2129: Class 4 - Summary: The 3-step prayer framework series | Class 4 - Putting it all together
In this short series we have been exploring how security in the Father enables our willing submission to him and the difference that makes to our prayers. In the first episode we talked about the way in which we hear our Father’s voice. We considered the example of Jesus, and took inspiration from his ability to hear his Father’s voice in passages like: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I ...
9m Nov 10, 2023
9m
S2 Ep2128: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 438 | Refugee Series — Part 3 | “Israel escaped from danger, and so should you” | Malcolm Cox
Refugees are running from something. Starvation, oppression, persecution, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, forest fires, war — the list is long. More than once God’s people found themselves running away from danger. God’s refugee people became expert escapologist - some of the time. However, at others they suffered from not heeding the warnings. What relevance does this have for our rel...
5m Nov 09, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2127: When God Makes You Go ‘WOW!’, Psalm 65
When God Makes You Go ‘WOW!’, Psalm 65 Introduction What makes you go, “WOW!”? 1. God yearns for our nearness, vv1-4 A. Answers prayer B. Forgives our sins C. Divan’s testimony D. God wants us near, Matthew 11:28 Application: 2. God has the strength you don’t, vv5-8 A. Nature B. Strength The Universe is not stranger than we imagine. It is stranger than we can imagine. British biolog...
40m Nov 09, 2023
40m
S2 Ep2126: Complete Unity | Ephesians 4:1-4 The Bond Of Peace | Stefan Wolmarans
Stefan explored the idea of Christian unity looking at some of the writings of Paul. 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 ...
43m Nov 08, 2023
43m
S2 Ep2125: Tuesday Teaching Tip 336 | Biblical Preaching - Part 8 | Start with a Bang and Quit All Over | Malcolm Cox
Today we look at the eight chapter: Start with a Bang and Quit All Over. Outline of the chapter in Haddon Robinson’s book The introduction: an effective introducing commands attention; uncovers needs; introduces the body of the sermon; may exhibit other characteristics The conclusion: a summary; an illustration; a quotation; a question; a prayer; specific directions; visualisation Introducti...
11m Nov 07, 2023
11m
S2 Ep2124: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 437 | Refugee Series — Part 2 | “Israel was a refugee, and so are you” | Malcolm Cox
Refugees are in the news. I’m sure they wish they weren’t. Around 35 million refugees exist today. That’s the equivalent of the combined populations of Ireland, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Lebanon, Palestine and Liberia. Sadly, refugees are not a modern issue. What relevance does this have for our relationship with God? Israel was a refugee from the promised land In fact, the status of Israel as ...
5m Nov 02, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2123: What Does Jesus Think About War?
Introduction QUESTION: What do you think his answer would be? God’s people involved in war in OT God’s people not involved in war in NT What changed? Scriptures Violence from the start “Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.” (Genesis 4:8 NRSV) Vision OT - time when the lion will lie d...
29m Nov 01, 2023
29m
S2 Ep2122: Tuesday Teaching Tip 335 | Biblical Preaching - Part 7 | Making Dry Bones Live | Malcolm Cox
Today we look at the seventh chapter — ‘Making Dry Bones Live’. We have a point, it is relevant to our audience and the outline makes sense. Now what? It is time to make dry bones live! A skeleton is necessary for life, but it is inadequate on its own. Below I give you the outline of the chapter in Haddon Robinson's book. I won't repeat what he says for more eloquently and powerfully than myse...
7m Oct 31, 2023
7m
S2 Ep2122: Class 3 - Supplication: How to Convince God to hear Your Prayers
Class 3 - Supplication: How to Convince God to hear Your Prayers In this short series we are exploring how our security in the Father enables our willing submission to him and what difference that makes to our prayers. In the first episode we talked about the way in which we hear our Father’s voice. We considered the example of Jesus, and took inspiration from his ability to hear his Father’s ...
10m Oct 31, 2023
10m
S2 Ep2121: Tuesday Teaching Tip 334 | Biblical Preaching - Part 6 | The Shapes Sermons Take | Malcolm Cox
Today we look at the sixth chapter. But first, where are we? So far we have found the key idea that we believe the writer was writing about. We have then asked ourselves what it means, if it is really true, I want difference it makes two people today.  We have considered what that biblical concept means to us and our audience, and the precise purpose of the sermon. In other words, why am I tell...
7m Oct 24, 2023
7m
S2 Ep2120: "What would Jesus do with refugees?" | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Not making any points about the rights and wrongs of the conflict What are we to do? What are we to learn? Scriptures How does God think about refugees? What does he feel towards them? OT: Deuteronomy 10:18-19 "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigne...
23m Oct 20, 2023
23m
S2 Ep2119: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 436 | Refugee Series — Part 1 | “Jesus was a refugee, and so are you” | Malcolm Cox
I have been thinking about refugees a lot recently. Partly because we had some Ukrainians in our church community for a year, and partly because of the current events going on in the Middle East. I spoke on the subject last Sunday in Watford on the topic "what would Jesus do with refugees?" You can find out on my YouTube channel. But what's the relevance for our times of quiet with God? Let's ...
5m Oct 19, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2118: Tuesday Teaching Tip 333 | Biblical Preaching - Part 5 | The Arrow and the Target | Malcolm Cox
Today we look at the fifth chapter - The Arrow and the Target 🎯 1. In light of the audience's knowledge and experience, think through your exegetical idea and stated in the most exact, memorable sentence possible     - The summary statement for the parable of the prodigal could be that it tells us that God wants both the ‘sinner’ and the ‘righteous’ at his banquet.     - That statement might b...
9m Oct 17, 2023
9m
S2 Ep2117: Class 2 - Submission: How to Find the Will to do God’s Will even When it is Not Your Will
Class 2 - Submission: How to Find the Will to do God’s Will even When it is Not Your Will In this short series we are exploring how our security in the Father enables our willing submission to him. Last time we talked about the way in which we hear Father’s voice. We considered the example of Jesus, and, I hope, took inspiration from his ability to hear his Father’s voice in passages like: “T...
10m Oct 17, 2023
10m
S2 Ep2116: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 435 | “Can you tell God How You Feel?” Psalm 22
How do you feel about telling God what’s going on in your life and how you feel about it? Does it seem indulgent? Or perhaps redundant. Doesn’t he already know what’s going on and how you are feel about it? I searched the internet using the phrase ‘justifications for telling God your feelings’. Almost every link was negative. The articles focussed on not following your feelings or emotions, bu...
5m Oct 12, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2115: When God Makes Us Go "WOW!" | Psalm 19 | Malcolm Cox
When God Makes Us Go “Wow!” Psalm 24:1-2; Genesis 1:22, 28-30; Psalm 19; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1; Colossians 1:15-20 Introduction State of creation. Does God care? Ps 24:1-2 - belongs to him! Is it our problem?  Do we care? God blessed the earth (water creatures and birds), Gen 1:22 God blessed us, Gen 1:28-30 We have been gifted this earth, Gen 1:29ff To ‘rule’ it (1:28) - but like God ...
27m Oct 11, 2023
27m
S2 Ep2114: Tuesday Teaching Tip 332 | Biblical Preaching - Part 4 | The Road from Text to Sermon | Malcolm Cox
Today we look at the fourth chapter: The road from text to sermon Point to consider At this point we have achieved something significant. We have clarified what we believe the text is saying. We can state it in one sentence. We are confident we have the big idea of the passage. However, this a good sermon does not make. There are further steps to take before the text can become a sermon. Befo...
12m Oct 10, 2023
12m
S2 Ep2113: Complete Unity | Colossians 1:18 - Head and Body | Stefan Wolmarans
In this sermon for the Watford Church of Christ Stefan Wolmarans explores the significance of Jesus as head of the church and what this means for unity within a congregation and between congregations. “He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.” (Colossians 1:18 NRSV) Please add your commen...
31m Oct 06, 2023
31m
S2 Ep2112: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 434 | "The heavens declare"
A meditation on Psalm 19 Last week we took a look at the first two verses of Psalm 24 — The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” (Psalm 24:1-2 NIV11) This week let's conduct a meditation on Psalm 19, another Psalm containing the theme of honouring creation and the God who made it. “The h...
5m Oct 05, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2111: Hearing the Father’s Voice Class 1 - Security | Malcolm Cox
A teaching class for the Thames Valley churches of Christ. Class 1 - Security: Finding Strength From Hearing the Father’s Voice In this short series we will explore how our security in the Father enables our willing submission to him. The critical issue before us today is the way in which we hear Father’s voice. We may intellectually understand many things with our mind, but it is the voice i...
11m Oct 04, 2023
11m
S2 Ep2110: Tuesday Teaching Tip 331 | Biblical Preaching - Part 3 | Tools of the Trade | Malcolm Cox
Tuesday Teaching Tip 331 | Biblical Preaching - Part 3 | Tools of the Trade | Malcolm Cox Point to consider When we talk about tools, we are not talking about engineering a sermon, nor producing a formula. My wife is a doctor, and once she described practising medicine as being part science and part art. She meant to convey that although the science needs to be robust, if that is your primary...
11m Oct 03, 2023
11m
S2 Ep2109: Complete Unity | "Mark 9:38-41 -- Jesus and 'difference'" | Malcolm Cox
Introduction QUESTION: Why is unity/connection/cooperation between churches important? Why is it difficult? How Jesus approach difference between his followers? What does that mean for us and other churches today? “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that...
36m Sep 29, 2023
36m
S2 Ep2108: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 433 | "When was the last time you were in awe of God?"
A meditation on Psalm 24 “The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” (Psalm 24:1-2 NIV11) 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 question...
5m Sep 28, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2107: Tuesday Teaching Tip 330 | Biblical Preaching Part 2 | What’s the Big Idea? | Malcolm Cox
Have you ever heard someone talk eloquently, even entertainingly and not had the first idea what their point was? You are not alone. Sometimes I’ve finished a lesson and not know my point. It happens to us all, but it never happened to Jesus, nor God’s prophets. Today we investigate the significance of every lesson having a ‘Big Idea’. The inspiration for our material comes from the second cha...
8m Sep 26, 2023
8m
S2 Ep2106: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 431 | "Was Jesus an Empath?"
What is Jesus an empath? I was speaking on Hebrews four recently, and it struck me that the NIV translates one of the qualities about Jesus being that he can empathise with us. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weakness...
5m Sep 21, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2105: Hearing the Father's Voice | 17 September 2023 | Malcolm Cox
Question: When you are flagging, what lifts your spirit? It depends on the voice in your head. What voice did Jesus have in his head? “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”” (Matthew 3:17 NIV11) “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased...
25m Sep 20, 2023
25m
S2 Ep2104: Tuesday Teaching Tip 329 | Biblical Preaching - Part 1 | The case for expository preaching
The first time I read Haddon Robinson‘s book it thrilled me. It is not a novel with a stimulating plot. Nor is it poetry of sublime imagination. Instead it is an eminently practical book about Biblical preaching. But it is more than that. I am reading it again (for the fourth or fifth time), because it is one of the required reading texts for the current Homiletics Module in AIM UK&Ireland. Gi...
10m Sep 19, 2023
10m
S2 Ep2103: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 431 | "Finding Redemption: Lessons from a Reunion Weekend"
Two weekends ago, I spent a memorable time with some dear old friends—friends I hadn't seen for several decades. The occasion was a reunion of my fellow music students who graduated with me from the University of Birmingham 40 years ago. We reconvened in Birmingham for a weekend filled with walking, talking, eating, and sharing stories. We reminisced about the good old days, told tall tales, co...
5m Sep 14, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2101: Ephesians | Maturity | Andy Boakye
What does Ephesians tell us about Christian maturity? Read Ephesians before watching the class — or at least skim the book. 1. How might maturity be understood as the ability to deal with uncertainty? 2. How can maturity protect the community from splits and schisms? 3. In what sense might maturity help us negotiate fear? 4. If you had to relate three traits of a mature church, what would the...
19m Sep 13, 2023
19m
S2 Ep2101: Tuesday Teaching Tip 328 | Happy Homiletics | Malcolm Cox
Today’s Teaching Tip is a shameless plug to join me and my friends for a day of happy homiletics. On Saturday, the 16th of September, I will be having fun learning how to move from text through context into content and application. Our format will include teaching, discussion, Q&A and small-group work. The event will be in person and online simultaneously. We start at 10 am and finish at 3 pm...
3m Sep 11, 2023
3m
S2 Ep2102: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 430 | "Singing Over Talaya: A Grandparent's Reflection on God's Love"
Perhaps it is inevitable, but our granddaughter’s arrival gave me a refreshed perspective on one of my favourite descriptions of God. Let me set the scene. Two days had passed since our granddaughter, Talaya, came into this world, and I was about to meet her for the first time. I confess I was tingling as I stood outside the hospital ward, waiting for my chance to hold her. I knew that this mo...
5m Sep 07, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2101: Ephesians | Unity | Andy Boakye
What does Ephesians tell us about Christian unity? Read Ephesians before watching the class — or at least skim the book. 1. How might we use our gifts to nurture the unity that God has created? 2. What is the place of honesty in unity? 3. How might we navigate the causes of disunity in our communities? https://www.thamesvalley.church/ Admin@thamesvalley.church (mailto:Admin@thamesvalley.chur...
17m Sep 06, 2023
17m
S2 Ep2101: Tuesday Teaching Tip 327 | An ancient preaching framework with modern relevance
Do you have a framework to help you with the practical side of your preaching and teaching? In today's short tip, I offer you one from of old. It comes from a book given to me by my friend Harry Hardy, written by a church of Christ minister over 100 years ago. Do you think it is still relevant? The book is Christian ministry by Joseph Rotherham and contains the following framework taken from D...
8m Sep 05, 2023
8m
S2 Ep2096: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 429 | The 3-step prayer framework series | Class 4 - Putting it all together
Would you like to freshen up your approach to prayer? I want to share something I have developed that has done just that. It’s a three-step prayer framework I’ve been experimenting with for the last few weeks. Those three steps are 1. Security, 2. Submission, 3. Supplication. We conclude the series this week by putting it all together. First, however, a point of clarification. Point of clarifi...
5m Aug 31, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2100: Homiletics | What is it? Why should I care? | AIMUK&I | Malcolm Cox
The link you need is: https://www.aimukandireland.com Email: courses@aimukandireland.com Homiletics You might well ask, “What on earth is homiletics, and why does it matter?” Homiletics comes from a Greek word meaning to converse, or talk with someone. In the Christian context, it refers to preparing and presenting God’s Word to other people. “Ah, you mean sermons.” Well, it includes sermons, ...
7m Aug 30, 2023
7m
S2 Ep2099: Tuesday Teaching Tip 326 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Class 12 - Series Summary | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Do you ever wonder if your teaching is effective? Do you sometimes sense your preaching might not have the impact you had hoped? If so, you are like 99% of the speakers I know. The other 1% are deluded. “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” (Acts 14:1 NIV11) Today, w...
6m Aug 29, 2023
6m
S2 Ep2095: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 428 | The 3-step prayer framework series | Class 3 - Supplication
Would you like to freshen up your approach to prayer? I want to share something I have developed that has done just that. It’s a three-step prayer framework I’ve been experimenting with for the last four weeks. Those three steps are 1. Security, 2. Submission, 3. Supplication. In the previous two weeks we have explored security and submission. We continue this week with supplication. First, how...
5m Aug 24, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2098: Tuesday Teaching Tip 325 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Malcolm Cox
10th Commandment: Tests aren’t just for students. Introduction Do you ever wonder if your teaching is effective? Do you sometimes sense your preaching might not have the impact you had hoped? If so, you are like 99% of the speakers I know. The other 1% are deluded. “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Je...
9m Aug 22, 2023
9m
S2 Ep2097: Complete Unity | "Jesus and the early church" | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Unity is always a vital topic, but even more so now than usual. The church continues to spread, expand and develop. This is all good but it means we must pay more careful attention to our unity. These lessons will discuss attitudes and actions that can strengthen our unity. Today's lesson is focussed on examining one example of how Jesus built unity, and one example of how the earl...
34m Aug 18, 2023
34m
S2 Ep2094: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 427 | The 3-step prayer framework series | Class 2 - Submission
Would you like to freshen up your prayer life? I want to share something I have developed that has done just that. It’s a three-step prayer framework I’ve been experimenting with for the last three weeks. Those three steps are 1. Security, 2. Submission, 3. Supplication. Last week we discussed security. This week we continue with submission. First, however, a point of clarification. Point of c...
5m Aug 17, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2093: Tuesday Teaching Tip 324 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Retention | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Do you ever wonder if your teaching is effective? Do you sometimes sense your preaching might not have the impact you had hoped? If so, you are like 99% of the speakers I know. The other 1% are deluded. “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” (Acts 14:1 NIV11) Point of...
7m Aug 15, 2023
7m
S2 Ep2090: Jude -- 'Blown, uprooted, wandering' | Malcolm Cox & Douglas Jacoby
You have found a teaching class for the Thames Valley churches of Christ. This week we take one of Douglas Jacoby's lessons and add some questions to facilitate personal and group reflection on the message of the challenging book of Jude. 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,...
17m Aug 12, 2023
17m
S2 Ep2092: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 426 | The 3-step prayer framework series | Class 1 - Security
Would you like to freshen up your approach to prayer? I want to share something I have developed that has done just that. It’s a three-step prayer framework I’ve been experimenting with for the last two weeks. Those three steps are 1. Security, 2. Submission, 3. Supplication. We start this week with security. First, however, a point of clarification. Point of clarification Dangers exist regar...
5m Aug 10, 2023
5m
S2 Ep2091: Tuesday Teaching Tip 323 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Part 9 - Enthusiasm is infectious! | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Do you ever wonder if your teaching is effective? Do you sometimes sense your preaching might not have the impact you had hoped? If so, you are like 99% of the speakers I know. The other 1% are deluded. “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” (Acts 14:1 NIV11) Point o...
9m Aug 08, 2023
9m
S2 Ep425: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 425 | Cover to Cover: Unveiling the Bible's Rich Tapestry in a Year — Part 2 | Malcolm Cox
The more I study the Bible in detail, the more I realise I need a better handle on the big picture. As I mentioned in last week’s episode, several things have come together recently to help me make the decision to read the entire Bible in 12 months. The two sources of inspiration for this decision are my good friend Douglas Jacoby who has been doing this for years, and the fact that studying t...
5m Aug 03, 2023
5m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "Huldah and Josiah" | Malcolm Cox
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ. 1. Huldah, vv14-20 A. What was an Old Testament prophet? QUESTION: Definition? A ‘covenant enforcer’ B. One of a few female prophets The others: Miriam, Deborah, and Isaiah’s wife (Exod 15:20; Judg 4:4; 2 Kgs 22:14; Isa 8:3). No sense this wrong No sense should be a man Contemporaries: Jeremiah; Nahum; Zephaniah; Habakkuk C. Knew the Bible Knew the...
36m Aug 01, 2023
36m
S2 Ep322: Teaching Tip 322 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Class 8 - Caring
7th Commandment: They won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Introduction Do you ever wonder if your teaching is effective? Do you sometimes sense your preaching might not have the impact you had hoped? If so, you are like 99% of the speakers I know. The other 1% are deluded. “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so ef...
11m Aug 01, 2023
11m