S2 Ep319: Tuesday Teaching Tip 319 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Malcolm Cox
Tuesday Teaching Tip 319 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Malcolm Cox 4th Commandment: Respect the time Introduction Our preaching and teaching will never be perfect. But can we be effective? That’s a noble aim. “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.” ...
8m Jul 10, 2023
8m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "1 Peter 3:7 and other scriptures" | Malcolm Cox
Today's passages are: 1 Peter 3.1-7; Titus 2.1-5; Ephesians 5.21-33; Colossians 3.18-19; Galatians 3.26-29; Romans 16.1-2; Romans 16.7 For the notes, go to this address for the pdf: https://www.malcolmcox.org/men-and-women-in-christ-1-peter-37-and-other-scriptures-malcolm-cox/ Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question abou...
28m Jul 07, 2023
28m
S2 Ep421: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 421 | “The Value of Taking A Spiritual Retreat” — Part 1 | Malcolm Cox
This time next week I shall be on my annual spiritual retreat. I'm going back to the same place I went for last two years. A tiny cabin in the woods in the county of Hampshire in the south of England. This is the first of three episodes on the value of taking a spiritual retreat and some tips to make such a retreat as meaningful as possible. Some of the following ideas come from my experience...
5m Jul 06, 2023
5m
S2: Complete Unity Class 3 - Unity depends on truthful, grace-filled relationships
Introduction - Healthy unity depends on two things — truthfulness and grace in Christian relationships. An overemphasis on truth leads to a culture of judgment. An overemphasis on grace leads to a culture of sentimentalism. - Jesus came ‘…full of grace and truth.‘ John 1:14. Our congregations will be healthily unified if we imitate him and develop a culture of truth-speaking and grace-giving. -...
15m Jul 05, 2023
15m
S2 Ep318: Teaching Tip 318 The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching Class 4 - Get and Hold Malcolm Cox
Introduction Our preaching and teaching will never be perfect. But can we be effective? That’s a noble aim. “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 clarification These tips are not about becoming an entertainer or performer. They are aids to help your hea...
9m Jul 04, 2023
9m
S2 Ep420: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 420 | “Awesome Anna” — Part 6 | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Studying Anna for a sermon led me to some unexpected insights about her devotional life. It inspired me to put a multi-episode series together. The Text “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the te...
5m Jun 29, 2023
5m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | Ruth and Boaz | Douglas Jacoby
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ Dr Douglas Jacoby was our visiting speaker. He helped us explore the story of Ruth - and unlocked some deeper meanings most may have missed. 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 suggest...
23m Jun 28, 2023
23m
S2 Ep317: Tuesday Teaching Tip 317 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Malcolm Cox
2nd Commandment: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor Performance. Introduction Our preaching and teaching will never be perfect. But can we be effective? That’s a noble aim. “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 conviction Preparation does not...
8m Jun 27, 2023
8m
S2 Ep419: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 419 | “Awesome Anna” — Part 5 | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Studying Anna for a sermon led me to some unexpected insights about her devotional life. It inspired me to put a multi-episode series together. The Text “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the ...
5m Jun 22, 2023
5m
S2: Complete Unity | Class 2 | How churches are unified with one another | Malcolm Cox
This is a very Thames Valley specific class series, but the principles will apply elsewhere. Nothing is broken, but that does not mean we should not strengthen what we have because greater strain is coming in the future. When unity is unattended to, it does become weaker. These classes will discuss attitudes and actions that can strengthen our unity. If you have not listened to the sermon from ...
15m Jun 21, 2023
15m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "Lydia the Leader" | Acts 16 | Malcolm Cox
1. Lydia, 16.13-15, 40 A. Lydia’s Background Geography - Lydia’s origins Murex 10,000 snails = 1.4g dye 1 piece of clothing Restricted who and where could be worn Philippian river B. What do we know about Lydia? 16.13-15, 40 C. Why is Lydia named? Only one in Acts 16 Phil 4.2-3: “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true com...
32m Jun 21, 2023
32m
S2 Ep316: Tuesday Teaching Tip 316 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Malcolm Cox
Introduction We all wish to be like Paul and Barnabas:  “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) This series aims to help us in our effectiveness. Today we tackle the first ‘commandment’. Know thy content, backward and forward, for your students’ respect and atten...
10m Jun 20, 2023
10m
S2 Ep418: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 418 | “Awesome Anna” — Part 4 | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Studying Anna for a sermon led me to some unexpected insights about her devotional life. It inspired me to put a multi-episode series together. The Text “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the te...
5m Jun 15, 2023
5m
S2 Ep315: Tuesday Teaching Tip 315 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Class 1 - Introduction
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) While it ...
5m Jun 13, 2023
5m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | 1 Timothy 2vv8-15 | Malcolm Cox
In the latest of our teaching classes on tricky passages about men and women, we explored 1 Timothy 2 verses 8 to 15. A PDF of my notes is available on the website. 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 ...
33m Jun 08, 2023
33m
S2 Ep418: Complete Unity | John 17.22-23 | Malcolm Cox
In this sermon for the Thames Valley churches of Christ, we explore the significance of unity to Jesus and our part in it. 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:malc...
39m Jun 08, 2023
39m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "Jesus and Mary the mother of Jesus" | Stefan Wolmarans
Stefan Wolmarans continues a series of men and women in the Bible with an insightful sermon about Jesus and his mother. 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...
45m Jun 08, 2023
45m
S2 Ep417: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 417 | “Awesome Anna” — Part 3 | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Studying Anna for a sermon led me to some unexpected insights about her devotional life. It inspired me to put a multi-episode series together. The Text “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the t...
5m Jun 08, 2023
5m
S2: 'Complete Unity' Class 1 - Jesus and the early church
Introduction This is a very Thames Valley specific class series, but the principles will apply elsewhere. Nothing is broken, but that does not mean we should not strengthen what we have because greater strain is coming in the future. When unity is unattended to, it does become weaker. These classes will discuss attitudes and actions that can strengthen our unity. If you have not listened to the...
19m Jun 07, 2023
19m
S2 Ep314: Teaching Tip 314 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Class 10 -- Beatitudes series summary
Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we wrap up our series. Let’s start today with this quote from Desmond Tutu: "The Beatitudes offer a transformative vision for humanity. They inspire us to be peacemakers, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and t...
11m Jun 06, 2023
11m
S2 Ep416: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 416 | “Awesome Anna” — Part 2 | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Studying Anna for a sermon led me to some unexpected insights about her devotional life. It inspired me to put a multi-episode series together. The Text “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the t...
5m Jun 01, 2023
5m
S2 Ep313: Teaching Tip 313 The Beatitudes and Effective Communication Class 9 - Blessed are those who are persecuted Malcolm Cox
Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the eighth beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10 NIV11) It's interesting that the warning about persecution fol...
12m May 30, 2023
12m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "Women Following Jesus" | Malcolm Cox
QUESTION: What does it mean to ‘follow’ someone today? 1. Women Following Jesus, Lk 8; Mk 15; Lk 23 “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of...
29m May 25, 2023
29m
S2 Ep415: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 415 | “Awesome Anna” — Part 1 | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Studying Anna for a sermon led me to some unexpected insights about her devotional life. It inspired me to put a multi-episode series together. The Text “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the ...
5m May 25, 2023
5m
S2 Ep312: Teaching Tip 312 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication | Class 8
Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the seventh beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Peacemaking can only be done by the pure in heart, because impartiality is necessary to that ...
13m May 23, 2023
13m
S2 Ep414: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 414 | “How to pray when you don’t want to” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Last week I was away with my father and Penny on holiday in the delightful county of Dorset. We spent one afternoon in Dorchester, and several hours in the Dorset County Museum. I can highly recommend it. It is certainly one of the best regional museums I have ever been to. We got a good feel for the lives of the people of Dorset through the centuries. Among the exhibits were a se...
5m May 18, 2023
5m
S2: Kingdom Class 2 - The Power of God's Kingdom | Simon Dinning
For our teaching classes in May I have asked my friend Simon Dinning (Belfast International church of Christ) to record two classes for us on the topic of the kingdom (to riff on the theme of the coronation). The second class is here.  I hope you find this useful for personal edification, or family group discussions. Please pass it on to your groups. God bless, Malcolm Please add your comment...
22m May 18, 2023
22m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | David and Abigail | Malcolm Cox
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ Dates: 11thC BC - 'a festive time' Geography: Maon and Perez - Wilderness David's situation in context Samuel dead - his key supporter - King-in-waiting - like Charles Chased by Saul - Wife given away. - Could have killed him (has another opportunity later) - Remaining priest Opening scenes David's men and Nabal, vv4-13 Nabal's servant and Abigail...
33m May 16, 2023
33m
S2 Ep311: Tuesday Teaching Tip 311 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Lessons for Preachers and Teachers | “Blessed are the pure in heart” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the sixth beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NIV11) Mercy is connected to purity.  Showing mercy needs a pure heart because it must be done altruistically...
10m May 16, 2023
10m
S2 Ep413: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 413 | “God The Gracious Listener” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction Penny gave me a wonderful birthday present. She bought me tickets to something called the Fully Charged Live Show (https://fullycharged.live/) . It's an exhibition all about electric vehicles, sustainable living, alternative energy sources, and the like. It's something I'm interested in out of curiosity, but also because I believe these issues are vital to our responsibility to st...
5m May 11, 2023
5m
S2 Ep310: Teaching Tip 310 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Class 6 - Blessed are the merciful
Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the fifth beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NIV11) The fifth beatitude follows naturally from the first four: ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for thei...
9m May 09, 2023
9m
S2: Kingdom Class 1 - God is Sovereign | Simon Dinning
For our teaching classes in May I have asked my friend Simon Dinning (Belfast International church of Christ) to record two classes for us on the topic of the kingdom (to riff on the theme of the coronation). The first class is here.  I hope you find this useful for personal edification, or family group discussions. Please pass it on to your groups. God bless, Malcolm Please add your comments...
22m May 05, 2023
22m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "1 Corinthians 11 and 14" | Malcolm Cox
Introduction 2 Peter 3:15–16 Some of this material can be triggering because of abuses that happened in our past. This can be the case for both men and for women. Context Corinth: Entrepreneurial; Progressive; Cult of Aphrodite (Goddess of war and fertility); Port city (vice and visitors); Honour/shame; Diverse; Patron/client system. Las Vegas/New York. Aristophanes (c. 450–385 BC.) coined the...
30m May 04, 2023
30m
S2 Ep412: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 412 | “God The Constant Bird Feeder” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction My father gave me a birdfeeder for my birthday. It's one of those that you stick on to a window using suction cups. That way the birds come up close and you can eyeball them. I was warned that it might take some time for the birds to get used to the feeder. However, I was not prepared for the fact that it has taken two months before the first bird appeared. Every few days I change...
5m May 04, 2023
5m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | Esther and Mordecai | Malcolm Cox
Introduction What do we learn about Esther’s relationship with Mordecai? Obedient to him B. Concerned for him C. Protective of him D. Generous to him What do we learn about Mordecai’s relationship with Esther? B. By challenging her to accept responsibility C. Obedient - Accepts her instructions D. Cooperative - Worked with her What do we learn about men and women working together? A. Different...
33m May 02, 2023
33m
S2 Ep309: Tuesday Teaching Tip 309 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Lessons for Preachers and Teachers | “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the fourth beatitude: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”(Matthew 5:6 NIV11) The fourth beatitude follows naturally from the first three: ““Blessed ar...
7m May 02, 2023
7m
S2 Ep411: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 411 | “Christianity isn’t tennis. It’s rugby.” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction I recently returned from a teaching weekend for our sister congregation in Tallinn, Estonia. The theme was spiritual growth as seen through the lens of 1 Thessalonians. One of the sub-themes was growing together in community. The Text “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them ...
6m Apr 27, 2023
6m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "Deborah and Barak" | Stefan Wolmarans
We hope you enjoy this exciting and thorough treatment of the relationship between Deborah and the Barak. Stefan Wolmarans gives us a fascinating insight into Israel's history, and the relevance for our own times -- as revealed in Judges chapters 4 and 5. 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? I...
46m Apr 26, 2023
46m
S2 Ep308: Teaching Tip 308 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Class 4 - Blessed are the meek | Malcolm Cox
Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the third beatitude: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 NIV11) The third beatitude follows naturally from the first two: ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs...
12m Apr 25, 2023
12m
S2 Ep410: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 410 | “Genesis Generosity” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction God has been focusing my mind and heart on the theme of generosity and gratitude. Today, let me bring you the fruits of the reflection on the funeral of my father-in-law on Monday, combined with teaching about Adam and Eve on Sunday. My father-in-law had many good characteristics, but what stood out to me was his generosity. It seems this was something everyone who knew him notice...
7m Apr 20, 2023
7m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "Adam & Eve" | Malcolm Cox
Our world fractured on many lines: wealth, class, race and ethnicity, religion, age, education 1. It Was Very Good! Gen 1:31 A. Good Creation Humankind made good - not a mistake We have a role B. Role Responsible - jointly Fruitful Rule together No hierarchy C. Generosity of God Creation Fruitfulness/stewardship Purpose After the ‘big picture’ view of Gen 1, now let’s zoom in on the detail ...
36m Apr 19, 2023
36m
S2 Ep307: Tuesday Teaching Tip 307 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Lessons for Preachers and Teachers | Class 3: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” | Malcolm Cox
Tuesday Teaching Tip 307 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Lessons for Preachers and Teachers | “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” | Malcolm Cox Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the second beatitude:...
9m Apr 18, 2023
9m
S2: Easter Class 2: Witnesses to the resurrection
Introduction This is the second of two classes reflecting on the significance of the witnesses to the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This week's class will focus on the witnesses to the resurrection. Who was at the tomb? The Text “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ b...
13m Apr 14, 2023
13m
S2 Ep409: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 409 | “Resurrection Reflection: The Gentleness of Jesus” | Malcolm Cox
The Text “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, bu...
7m Apr 13, 2023
7m
S2: MEN AND WOMEN IN CHRIST | “THE BRAVERY OF THE LOVED – RESURRECTION WITNESSES” | MALCOLM COX
John 20:1-18 1. Daring Discipleship A. Cross Dangerous Love - loyalty Mary M - Luke 8.1-3 Only women in all four accounts Mary mother of Jesus Did not believe - came to faith “When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”” (Mark 3:21 NIV11) “Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath d...
31m Apr 12, 2023
31m
S2 Ep306: Tuesday Teaching Tip 306 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Lessons for Preachers and Teachers | “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the first of the beatitudes: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3 NIV11) 1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel     - The kingdom is a key theme in M...
13m Apr 11, 2023
13m
S2: Men and Women in Christ | "Exegesis and Hermeneutics" | Malcolm Cox
Men and Women in Christ: A Divine Harmony I am excited to announce that we are embarking on a new teaching series exploring the stories of men and women in the Bible. Through this series, we will delve into the lives, roles, and contributions of these Biblical figures and examine the relationships between men and women as portrayed in the Scriptures. Throughout the series, we will explore a w...
29m Apr 06, 2023
29m
S2 Ep408: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 408 | “Bravery Inspired by Jesus” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction In preparing material for Easter Sunday, I've been inspired by the conspicuous courage of the women at the cross and the empty tomb. Why did they remain in place at the cross when others fled? Why did they go to the grave when others stayed away? What does this tell us about Jesus and discipleship? The Texts "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the...
8m Apr 06, 2023
8m
S2: Easter Witnesses: Class 1 | The witnesses to the cross and burial | Malcolm Cox
Introduction This is the first of two classes reflecting on the significance of the witnesses to the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This week's class will focus on the witnesses to the crucifixion and burial. Who was at the cross? * Women: Mary Magdalene; Mary the mother of James and Joseph; the mother of the sons of Zebedee; Salome; 'many other Galilean women'; the sist...
15m Apr 04, 2023
15m
S2 Ep305: Tuesday Teaching Tip 305 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Lessons for Preachers and Teachers | “Class 1: An Introduction” | Malcolm Cox
Tuesday Teaching Tip 305 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Lessons for Preachers and Teachers | “Class 1: An Introduction” | Malcolm Cox Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? My father runs a Bible study group during Lent. This year, it was focused...
6m Apr 04, 2023
6m