S1 Ep213: "How to prepare yourself to speak." Tuesday Teaching Tip 213
Class 10 of the series: "“They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11) Introduction - You have chosen your text - You have explored it - You have mined other resources - You have found the point - You have chosen a structure - You have planned how to start your lesson - You have planned how to end your lesson - You have added your illustrations - You have pla...
25m Aug 25, 2020
25m
S1: "How to be unified", Psalm 133
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ Introduction, v0 "What is and is not unity?” yahad: together, along with, in close proximity or concord either in space or time; by extension: close association in relationships, unity. 1. God’s vision, v1 Jesus: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (John 17:22 NIV11) Jesus used the word "one", more th...
28m Aug 23, 2020
28m
S1 Ep59: "What is Unity?", Newsletter 21 August 2020, Episode 59
The harmonious life We had the privilege of celebrating our daughter and son-in-law's first wedding anniversary on Wednesday. Lydia and Bintesh have had 12 months of married life together. A special "thank you" must go to my wonderful mother-in-law who paid for the lunch at "The Florist (https://theflorist.uk.com/locations/watford) " in Watford. Getting family together has proven to be somewh...
11m Aug 21, 2020
11m
S1 Ep239: “How to pray the Lord’s prayer” Part 3 - Your kingdom come, your will be done: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 239
1. The Kingdom The Kingdom did come, has come and is coming.  The king is here, the king's power is here, the king will return. What does this mean for how we live God's will?  Have a look at the beatitudes as translated by N. T. Wright: "3‘Wonderful news for the poor in spirit! The kingdom of heaven is yours.     4‘Wonderful news for the mourners! You’re going to be comforted.     5‘Wonderf...
24m Aug 20, 2020
24m
S1 Ep212: “How to make the most of congregational involvement”, Tuesday Teaching Tip 212
“How to make the most of congregational involvement”, Tuesday Teaching Tip 212 Do you want your audience to listen - or learn? Then make your messages interactive. This is the ninth class in the series: “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11) Introduction You have chosen your text You have explored it You have mined other resources You have found t...
31m Aug 18, 2020
31m
S1 Ep38: "Cut a channel from your reading to your audience" - Introduction to the revised "What we are reading" series. Episode 38
Today I am re-launching a series last seen on my channel in 2016.  It's called "What we are reading". I love to read, or, perhaps more accurately, I love to learn. And reading is one of those channels to learning. However, as my good friend Douglas Jacoby (https://www.douglasjacoby.com) said to me many years ago, it's important to cut a channel from our reading to our audience. In other words,...
4m Aug 17, 2020
4m
S1: “What happens when God chooses us”, Psalm 132
“What happens when we choose the one who chooses us”, Psalm 132 Introduction, vv1-5 Solomon ‘speaking’ David’s sacrifices Great cost - death of Uzzah, 2 Sam 6;  sacrifices - 2 Sam 6 - 6 steps bull & calf,  dancing David's purpose:  God's honour - Mighty one of Jacob (avir) (stone);  God’s presence - worth the effort Ephrathah - Bethlehem, David, Messiah Jarr - ark housed when lost, l...
32m Aug 16, 2020
32m
S1 Ep58: "It's not what you know...", Newsletter 14 August 2020, Episode 58
…it's who you know God gave me a delightful and unexpected experience this week. Through a set of unlikely circumstances I found myself connected with a group of men based in Canada and the USA. Wednesday evening saw me chatting to Edi, Jeff, Steve, John and Kit. A collection of spiritual wild men! They asked me to discuss the issue of how the Holy Spirit leads us. I'm not sure how much I cont...
12m Aug 14, 2020
12m
S1 Ep238: “How to pray the Lord’s prayer” Part 2 – Hallowed be your name, Quiet Time Coaching Episode 238
In this series we are taking the Lord’s prayer phrase by phrase, teasing out its meaning, and then exploring what it means for our times are quiet with God. Hallowed The word can be translated, make holy, treat as holy, reverence, to sanctify, to consider holy. ” The same word can be found in the first Epistle of Peter: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make ...
14m Aug 13, 2020
14m
S1 Ep211: "How to make your lesson memorable": Tuesday Teaching Tip 211
Class 8 of the series, “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11) Do you want your audience to remember what you spoke about? Then make your message memorable Introduction You have chosen your text You have explored it You have mined other resources You have found the point You have chosen a structure You have planned how to start your lesson You ha...
27m Aug 11, 2020
27m
S1: “How to be content”, Psalm 131
“How to be content”, Psalm 131 Introduction, v0 QUESTION: “What does it mean to be content?” The goal is contentment NOT proud, BUT content, THEREFORE vision Hope not possible without contentment Spurgeon said it “..is one of the shortest psalms to read, but one of the longest to learn.”  1. The Problem, v1 What led to this decision? Presumably he had this problem. “NOT” X 3. A. Why ar...
26m Aug 09, 2020
26m
S1 Ep57: "Living with hope", Newsletter 07 August 2020, Episode 57
What's better? Last week I mentioned that I have completed training as a solution focused coach. Indeed, I can say that I am a “Certified Solution Focused Practitioner” (IASTI). I learned many things, but one which stuck with me is how we began each training session. The first question asked was, "What is better?". After reflection even those of us with a tough week could think of something t...
14m Aug 07, 2020
14m
S1 Ep237: "How to pray the Lord's prayer", Part 1 - Our Father in heaven, Quiet Time Coaching Episode 237
Do you pray the Lord's prayer? What does it mean to you? Why do you think Jesus gave it to us? Today we are beginning an eight-part series for the months of August and September examining the Lord's prayer and what it means for our times of quiet with God. We begin with that first phrase, "Our Father in heaven". Intimacy Inheritance Identity Key Scriptures include: Matthew 6: 9-13 Galat...
24m Aug 06, 2020
24m
S1 Ep210: Class 7: How to end your lesson, Tuesday Teaching Tip 210
Class 7 of the series: “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11) Do you want your audience to be changed? Then prepare conclusion well. Introduction Tuesday Teaching Tip 10: "Cracking Conclusions (https://youtu.be/nkV1fLsKceI) " Tuesday Teaching Tips: "7 ways to conclude a lesson (https://youtu.be/dYK_hTqJllM) " The conclusion is usually written before t...
23m Aug 04, 2020
23m
S1: "How you should pray", Class 1
"This, then, is how you should pray"  Class 1: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Structure "Opening address:  Our Father in heaven Three clauses about God and his worship:  May your name be held in reverence; May your kingdom come; May your will be done, as in heaven so also on the earth. Three petitions for our own needs:     Give us today the bread we need for tomorrow....
20m Aug 03, 2020
20m
S1 Ep56: "Celebrate!" Newsletter podcast, Episode 56, 01 August 2020
Celebrate! My parents celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary last weekend. We were unable to celebrate their 60th and 61st anniversaries due to illnesses in the family. We were determined to do it this year, even though social distancing made the event a little awkward! As my parents said, we must celebrate while we can because we do not know about tomorrow. So true. Let's take time to cele...
10m Aug 01, 2020
10m
S1 Ep236: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 236: "The meaning of the omnipresence of God"
Do you believe that God is present with you all the time? I am listening to the Audible version of A. W. Tozer’s book, "The knowledge of the holy”. Once or twice a week I listen to a chapter before going out to pray and use the theme as the foundation to my devotional time with God. This morning’s chapter was on the omnipresence of God. Today I will bring you some reflections on this theme. I...
16m Jul 30, 2020
16m
S1 Ep209: "How to start your lesson". Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 209
Introduction “There are three types of preachers: those to whom you cannot listen; those to whom you can listen; and those to whom you must listen. During the introduction the congregation usually decides the kind of speaker addressing them that morning.” Expository Preaching, Haddon W Robinson, page 167 Tuesday Teaching Tip 9 - "Interesting Introductions (https://youtu.be/kEbnbivR4xI) "  Usu...
20m Jul 28, 2020
20m
S1 Ep235: "Prepared by Prayer": Quiet Time Coaching Episode 235
Jesus prepared his followers by praying for them. They remained weak, but not under-prepared. How convinced are you that you are fully prepared for God’s work? “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any mor...
16m Jul 23, 2020
16m
S1 Ep208: "How to choose a structure for your lesson". Tuesday Teaching Tip 208, Class 5
Class 5: How to choose a structure for your lesson. TTT 208 Introduction You have chosen your text You have explored it You have mined other resources You have found the point Now you need to choose a structure See also TTT 101 (https://youtu.be/MO_BFHRrYXM) - How to choose a structure for a class See also TTT 97 (https://youtu.be/WHifTeZMDso) - How to Find Your Sermon Structure See al...
17m Jul 21, 2020
17m
S1: "How to have spiritual conversations with your muslim friends" Malcolm Cox & Andy Boakye I 3 Big Questions
How to talk to Islamic friends about spiritual matters Introduction Not a class on Islam, but how to talk ‘faith’ with a muslim friend “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope tha...
29m Jul 20, 2020
29m
S1: "How God moves us from despair to hope", Psalm 130
Sermon for the Watford church of Christ “How God moves us from despair to hope”, Psalm 130 Introduction Hope comes from God - 8 times in Psalm 1. God can handle our despair, vv1-4 A. Express Despair “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand....
20m Jul 19, 2020
20m
S1 Ep55: "Why you need to retreat", Newsletter 18 July 2020, Episode 55
Why you need to retreat I was very privileged this week to have the time and space to go away for two nights on spiritual retreat. I found some very quiet accommodation outside a tiny village somewhere south of Salisbury. Near Stonehenge for those of you don't know that part of the world. Wherever I can and to whomever I can I unashamedly bang the drum for the significance of spiritual discipl...
20m Jul 18, 2020
20m
S1: "Antioch, Barnabas and the Spirit", Acts 11.19-26, Malcolm Cox, East London Version
“Antioch, Barnabas and the Spirit” Acts 11.19-26 1. The Spirit moves the church, Acts 2-11 A. Uncomfortable, Unexpected, Unprecedented experiences Review the Spirit’s work so far in Acts. What he caused or allowed. Messiness not neatness is the more likely evidence of the Spirit at work. B. Initiative, 11.20 The men of Cyprus and Cyrene did not ask for permission. They were not maverick, but...
31m Jul 17, 2020
31m
S1 Ep234: "Retreat Reflections July 2020", Quiet Time Coaching Episode 234
“The LORD’S word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”  (PSALM 18:30) I have just returned from my most recent personal spiritual retreat. In this week’s podcast I share some thoughts about the benefits of solo retreats. I also reflect on a phrase from Psalm 18. God is our perfect shield. In this time of COVID-19 and the fact that many people are either shielding or being shiel...
13m Jul 16, 2020
13m
S1 Ep207: Class 4: "How to select your point." Tuesday Teaching Tips Episode 207
“They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11) Basic preaching and teaching course for men and women In this course we will cover some of the basics of the preparation and presentation of biblical lessons. The aim is to provide helpful examples and teaching for both the older and younger Christian. Extra class: An introduction to the privilege of speaking Go...
13m Jul 14, 2020
13m
S1 Ep54: "How to find renewal": Newsletter 11 July 2020, Episode 54
Refreshment and renewal Last weekend some of the lockdown restrictions were relaxed. It meant that I could go and visit my parents for the first time since March. It was a wonderful time although  tinged with awkwardness. It was delightful to see them, but painful not to be able to hug them. At least my father I could shake hands - swiftly followed by a good hand washing! I will confess that I...
12m Jul 11, 2020
12m
S1 Ep233: "Nothing too small, nothing too big" - Quiet Time Coaching Episode 233
My morning devotional reading from, "The virgin eye" by Robin Daniels, included this prayer by St Ignatius. I have updated the language: "Fill me, I ask you, with your light and life that I may shine for your wondrous glory. Grant that your love may so fill my life that I may count nothing too small to do for you, and nothing too big to bear." Page 336 I spent a good proportion of my prayer t...
13m Jul 09, 2020
13m
S1 Ep206: Class 3: “How to use other resources” Tuesday Teaching Tips - Episode 206
Class 3: “How to use other resources” Tuesday Teaching Tips - Episode 206 Introduction You have chosen your text You have explored it What other insights can you use? These are important, but bonus Books etc.  Bible software set up Alternative translations  Formal equivalent - more literal  NASB / RSV Mediating versions  NIV  Functional equivalents, Free  Message  Commentaries  ...
17m Jul 07, 2020
17m
S1 Ep53: "Wait for the Lord" retreat reimagined: Newsletter 04 July 2020, Episode 53
"Wait for the Lord" retreat reborn As most of you will know a group of us planned a spiritual retreat in March. COVID-19 put an end to all that! I am hoping to reorganise a similar event in the future. However, in a dream last night (no, I'm not joking I really did dream this), it came to me that we could do something online. Not a full-blown weekend retreat, but an experimental one-off spirit...
14m Jul 04, 2020
14m
S1 Ep232: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 232, Psalms of Ascent overview
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 232, Psalms of Ascent overview  You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the rig...
6m Jul 01, 2020
6m
S1 Ep205: Tuesday Teaching Tips: Episode 205. "How to explore the passage for yourself"
Class 2: How to explore the passage for yourself Introduction You have chosen your text Where do you start? Soak yourself in the text Before reading commentaries and other resources Print it out Mark it up Pray it through  What is emerging? Use voice memo app or drafts if out “Next sermon” folder in Evernote Conclusion Print it out Mark it up Pray it through Question: What tools...
21m Jun 30, 2020
21m
S1 Ep231: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 231, Psalm 134 v3
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 231, Psalm 134 v3 You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...
6m Jun 30, 2020
6m
S1 Ep230: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 230, Psalm 134v2
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 230, Psalm 134v2  You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...
6m Jun 30, 2020
6m
S1 Ep229: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 229, Psalm 134v1
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 229, Psalm 134v1  You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...
6m Jun 29, 2020
6m
S1: "What victory means for a Christian", Psalm 129
Sermon for the Watford church of Christ. Psalm 129 - “What victory means to a Christian” Introduction    Question: Examples of personal victory? Question: How does victory feel? 1. “The Victory of Survival”, vv1-2 Most nations look back to their victories - but Israel looks back at their survival!  Question: victorious survivors in life or Bible? Sometimes survival is the victory for a ...
34m Jun 28, 2020
34m
S1 Ep228: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 228, Psalm 134 overview
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 228, Psalm 134 overview You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand ...
6m Jun 28, 2020
6m
S1 Ep227: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 227, Psalm 133v3
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 227, Psalm 133v3 You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God....
6m Jun 27, 2020
6m
S1 Ep52: Newsletter Podcast Episode 52: "What to do when faith hurts"
Today, the day of writing, is my wife, Penny's birthday.  "Thank you" to all of you who have sent her your best wishes. We had a delightful morning including a special breakfast and the opening of presents. I'm just taking a moment to tell you what I expect you already know, which is that I consider myself the luckiest guy alive. How on earth did I manage to land her?  Please do keep her in yo...
10m Jun 26, 2020
10m
S1 Ep226: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 226, Psalm 133v2
You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and yo...
6m Jun 26, 2020
6m
S1 Ep225: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 225, Psalm 133v1
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 225, Psalm 133v1  You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...
6m Jun 25, 2020
6m
S1 Ep224: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 224, Psalm 133 overview
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 224, Psalm 133 overview You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand ...
6m Jun 24, 2020
6m
S1 Ep204: Tuesday Teaching Tips - Episode 204. Class 1: “How to choose what to speak on”
“They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11) Introduction What happens when you have the opportunity, but do not know what to speak about? 1.Circumstances World Church Heart Diary Conversations Feelings Answered prayers Photos Quiet Time & devotional focus If still stuck – pick a self-contained passage like a story, Psalm or parable, study it, live its mess...
12m Jun 23, 2020
12m
S1 Ep223: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 223, Psalm 132v18
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 223, Psalm 132v18 You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...
6m Jun 23, 2020
6m
S1 Ep222: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 222, Psalm 132v17
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 222, Psalm 132v17 You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...
6m Jun 22, 2020
6m
S1 Ep51: "Initiative does not need permission", Newsletter, Episode 51
Several events happened this week to remind me that initiative does not need permission. The success of the "Is there a message in the mayhem?" series astonished me. Certainly I had high hopes. However, the global reach, the larger than expected numbers and the grateful feedback took me by surprise. The full session can be found here (https://www.malcolmcox.org/is-there-a-message-in-the-mayhem...
12m Jun 21, 2020
12m
S1: “The connection between fear and peace”, Psalm 128
Sermon for the Watford church of Christ, 21 June 2020 Introduction, v1 Question: Who or what is it good to fear? Blessings galore! vv2-4 Fruit - security, vineyards Vine - sexual charm Olive shoots - vitality A pre-vision of God’s great plan The reanimation of the original blessing “God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule o...
35m Jun 21, 2020
35m
S1 Ep221: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 221, Psalm 132v16
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 221, Psalm 132v16 You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...
6m Jun 21, 2020
6m
S1 Ep220: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 220, Psalm 132v14-15
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 220, Psalm 132v14-15 You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of ...
6m Jun 20, 2020
6m
S1 Ep219: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 219, Psalm 132v13
"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 219, Psalm 132v13  You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of Go...
6m Jun 19, 2020
6m