S1 Ep77: Quiet Time Coaching, Episode 77, "God's Remarkable Restraint"
A super-bright moon led me to contemplate the blend of power and compassion as twin aspects of the nature of God. What difference does it make to our devotional times that God has such power and such compassion? “..what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:4 NIV11) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Ins...
12m Feb 28, 2019
12m
S1 Ep79: Tuesday Teaching Tips, "Resurrection Resources"
The Thames Valley churches of Christ want to a study on the resurrection to include in the study series. Increasingly significant in modern age. “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17 NIV11) “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of ...
4m Feb 26, 2019
4m
S1: "The Relentless Love of Jesus", John 21: Malcolm Cox, Thames Valley churches of Christ
I spoke from John chapter 21. My topic: the relentless love of Jesus as shown to Peter. The love of Jesus was displayed by Jesus taking the initiative, reminding Peter of his acceptance and commissioning, and restoring their friendship through a painful but healing conversation. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question abo...
31m Feb 25, 2019
31m
S1: "The Eagle's Eye", John's Gospel Class 8, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 8 - John Chapter 20 1. Mary’s Moment: 20.1-3, 11-18 Luke 8.2-3; John 19.25 “Do not hold on to me” - what does Jesus mean? He is going…. To send the _________ (Jn 16.7, Acts 2). To prepare a ________ for them (Jn 14.1-3). To _________ for us (Rom 8.34). To a place from where he can offer us _________ (Heb 4.14-16). 2. Disciples Redirected: 20.2-9, 19-23, 24-29 ...
31m Feb 23, 2019
31m
S1 Ep71: The Sunday Sample: "Writing a 'farewell' song"
I have been working on writing a congregational voices only “farewell” song for a long time. I’ve been rather stuck. Something came to me last night at the piano. I offer it for feedback. I’d love to know what you think. “‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favour and give you his peace.’” (Numbers 6:24–26 NLT) P...
6m Feb 22, 2019
6m
S1 Ep76: Quiet Time Coaching, Episode 76, "Dadda Delight at the Dunstable Downs"
A Tim Keller sermon refreshed my spirit when contemplating the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019. The focus is on the word “abba”, or, dadda! “He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” (Luke 11:2 NIV11) ““Abba , Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”” (Mark 14:36 N...
9m Feb 21, 2019
9m
S1 Ep144: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Awesome Apollos", Part 6, "Go your own way"
“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11) 1. Learned man 2. Self-motivated 3. Passionate 4....
9m Feb 19, 2019
9m
S1: "Pictures of Pergamum", Revelation 2, Malcolm Cox, Watford Church of Christ
Malcolm brings a report on the recent leadership conference in Turkey. We also take a look at the church in Pergamum. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d like a ...
36m Feb 18, 2019
36m
S1: "The Eagle's Eye", John's Gospel Class 7, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 7 John Chapters 17 & 18 “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:” John 17.1 "Jesus' prayerful waiting for God's instructions freed Him from the tyranny of the urgent. It gave him a sense of direction, set a steady pace, and enabled him to do every task God assigned. And on the last night he could say, 'I have finished the work you gave me to do.'" ...
28m Feb 16, 2019
28m
S1 Ep70: The Sunday Sample Episode 70, "Integrated worship"
I am trying to create a greater connection between the different parts of our services in the Thames Valley churches of Christ this year. I share what we did last Sunday from John 15. I’d love to know your ideas on this. 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, prac...
3m Feb 15, 2019
3m
S1 Ep75: Quiet time coaching, episode 75, "Gratitude in the dentist's chair"
A spell in the dentist’s chair surprisingly led me to a contemplation of gratitude. Let me share with you how this developed. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 NIV11) Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teachin...
6m Feb 14, 2019
6m
S1 Ep143: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Awesome Apollos", Part 5, "How to be a great help"
“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11) 1. Learned man 2. Self-motivated 3. Passionate 4....
7m Feb 12, 2019
7m
S1 Ep74: Quiet time coaching, episode 74, "Your sins shall be white as snow"
A surfeit of snow set me in mind of this scripture: ““Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV11) Let me share with you what I learned while musing on this Scripture and making my way through the snow. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. D...
9m Feb 07, 2019
9m
S1 Ep69: The Sunday Sample Episode 69, "Creativity in Worship"
I value creativity in leading worship. However, how do we protect ourselves from making it about ourselves instead of God? I share a quote from the book “Participating in Worship” by Craig Erickson. I’d love to know your ideas on this. How can we hear the voice of the Spirit helping us with our creativity and avoid ego? Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we lea...
4m Feb 07, 2019
4m
S1 Ep68: The Sunday Sample Episode 68, "Lifting off at the chorus"
A time of worship at a conference I recently attended reminded me of how valuable it can be to remove the instruments between verse and the beginning of the chorus. I share three examples where this can work. I’d love to know your ideas on this. Which other songs could benefit from the “lifting off” treatment? Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in comm...
3m Feb 06, 2019
3m
S1 Ep142: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Awesome Apollos", Part 4, "Heroic Humility"
“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11) 1. Learned man 2. Self-motivated 3. Passionate 4....
8m Feb 05, 2019
8m
S1: "Let Jesus be your friend", John 15, Malcolm Cox, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“Let Jesus be your best friend”, John 15 We are made for friendship Adam needed Eve “The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”” Genesis 2.18 Think about the significance of friends throughout your life None like Jesus Friendship he offers us cannot be earned Friendship he offers cost him dear 1. Jesus defines friendship Only he ...
38m Feb 04, 2019
38m
S1: "The Eagle's Eye", John's Gospel Class 5, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 5 John Chapters 13-14 1. Unique John 13-17 Unique material Unique relationships Unique identity Moses/Jesus Exodus 33-34 / John 13-16 Love, obey, live, know, see - John 14.15-24 “The entire section is controlled by one purpose: Jesus’ preparation of his followers for the immediate future - that is, the trauma and loss resulting from his crucifixion and burial ...
26m Feb 01, 2019
26m
S1 Ep73: "My Tilley hat and the promises of God", Quiet time coaching
My frayed expensive Tilley hat was replaced, much to my surprise and delight. Let me share with you what I learned from this. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d...
8m Jan 31, 2019
8m
S1 Ep141: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Awesome Apollos", Part 3, "Feed the fervour"
“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11) 1. Learned man 2. Self-motivated 3. Passionate ze...
7m Jan 29, 2019
7m
S1: "Heaven-Sent", Luke 10.1-20, Watford Church of Christ
“Heaven-Sent” Luke 10.1-20     “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag...
29m Jan 28, 2019
29m
S1: “The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 4, John Chapters 9-10
“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 4 John Chapters 9-10 1. Water: 7.37-39 John 6:35 “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me, l and let him drink who believes in me. As the scripture said, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 7:37-38 Isaiah 12:3; Numbers 20:11; Ezekiel 47:1; Zechariah 14:8; Joel 3:18 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 Revelation 22:1-2 2. Light: 8.12 Bible study suggestio...
34m Jan 26, 2019
34m
S1 Ep67: The Sunday Sample, "Faith Journey", Worship Team Devotional on Acts 9
““Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.” (Acts 9:5 NIV11) “get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground,” (Acts 9:6–8 NIV11) “In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”” (Acts 9:12 NIV11) “He got...
6m Jan 25, 2019
6m
S1 Ep72: Quiet time coaching, "Early morning golfing madness"
My prayer walk included coming across some early-morning golfers playing a round in what was close to darkness! Let me share with you what I learned from this. 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:...
7m Jan 24, 2019
7m
S1 Ep140: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Awesome Apollos", Part 2, "True Teachers are Self-Motivated"
“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11) 1. Learned man 2. Self-motivated     1. Took initi...
8m Jan 22, 2019
8m
S1: "The Eagle's Eye", John's Gospel Class 3, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 3 John Chapters 5-6 1. “Believe!” ‘pisteuo’ - 100 God: 14:1; God as the one who sent Jesus: 12:44; What the Old Testament says: 2:22; 5:46-47; Jesus as the one sent by God: 6:29; Jesus’ name: 2:23; Jesus himself: 3:18; 4:39; 10:42; 12:42, etc.; Jesus as the son of man: 9:35-38; Jesus’s miracles: 10:38; Jesus as the Messiah:11:27; 20:3; What Jesus says: 8.45-46; 14:1...
28m Jan 19, 2019
28m
S1 Ep66: The Sunday Sample, "Come and see", Worship Team Devotional on John 1
   ““Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.” (John 1:46 NIV11-GK) Scepticism is a natural perspective     * Why should this year be any different from any other?     * Why should this church have anything to offer me?     * Why should this service matter? People need leading into faith People need help to ’see’ things clearly To see Je...
5m Jan 18, 2019
5m
S1 Ep71: Quiet time coaching, "Spiritual lessons from the hooting of a tawny owl"
My prayer walk was pleasantly interrupted by the loud calls of a male and female tawny owl. Let me share with you what I learned from this. 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....
9m Jan 17, 2019
9m
S1 Ep139: Tuesday Teaching Tips, "Awesome Apollos", Part 1, "Love learning"
Thanks to my friend Rob Payne for these observations about awesome Apollos.     “When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Mess...
9m Jan 15, 2019
9m
S1: "The Road to Joy", Acts 8.26-40, Malcolm Cox, Watford Church of Christ
“The Road to Joy” A multi-cultural evangelistic encounter  “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and...
36m Jan 14, 2019
36m
S1: "How to Ask", John 4.43-54, Thames Valley churches of Christ
Jesus wants us to ask him for things. But, what should we ask for, and how should we ask? In this lesson we do not cover everything to do with the topic, but we learn a valuable lesson from a royal official who asked Jesus for something.  Our key point today: "Requests are heard when we take Jesus at his word” 1. Go 2. Asking 3. Trusting When we go to the right source, ask and do not give ...
31m Jan 14, 2019
31m
S1: "The Eagle's Eye", John's Gospel, Class 2. Thames Valley churches of Christ
“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 2 John Chapter 3 1. Two ‘Books’ Prologue 01. Book of ___________ 02. Book of ____________ Epilogue 2. Seven Signs (semeia) Changing water into wine 2:1-11 Healing official’s son 4:46-54 Healing the lame man 5:1-15 Feeding the multitude 6:1-15 Walking on water 6:16-21 Healing the blind man 9:1-41 Raising Lazarus 11:1-44 3. Jesus’ Humanity Grief: 11...
32m Jan 12, 2019
32m
S1 Ep65: The Sunday Sample: "A communion with a difference"
I find writing songs very hard. And rather nerve-wracking. I feel more vulnerable when I am performing a song I have written than pretty much any other circumstance I experience. However, if I don’t do it why should I expect anybody else to do so? I’ve been challenging myself to write more music, even if on a limited scale. This last Sunday in the Thames Valley churches of Christ I experimente...
15m Jan 11, 2019
15m
S1 Ep70: Quiet time coaching: "The Blend of Grace and Truth"
Let’s reflect today on the perfect blend of the fullness of grace and truth which came in Jesus the Christ. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 NIV11) Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a...
12m Jan 10, 2019
12m
S1 Ep138: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "What are your teaching goals for 2019?"
I sense that God is calling me to greater collaboration with fellow-teachers in 2019. It’s been on my heart and mind for a few months now, and I’m getting to a place of concrete action. I need more stimulation in my own teaching from personal interaction with people. I read, I do online courses, watch videos, and again a lot of exposure from many sources. However, the area I’m lacking is in ong...
7m Jan 08, 2019
7m
S1: The Eagle's Eye John's Gospel Class 1, Thames Valley churches of Christ.mp3
“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 1 Background to John’s Gospel Introduction “John, oh John, Thou honourable bird, Sun-peering eagle. Taking a bird’s-eye view, Even of Calvary and Resurrection.” D H Laurance - “St John” "In the other gospels, Jesus’ story takes place in the horizontal dimensions of the geography and history of Israel; John brings in the vertical – Jesus is above and beyond all ...
29m Jan 05, 2019
29m
S1 Ep69: Quiet Time Coaching, "A key to spiritual growth in 2019"
Are you ready spiritually for the year ahead? I share some thoughts prompted by a book I've just started reading. Introduction to "Glittering Vices" Rebecca DeYoung The New Testament uses both active and passive voice “Make every effort” (2 Peter 1) but also “Be transformed” (Romans 12). Studying our sinful disorder and deformation should lead us to spiritual disciplines (our efforts) that o...
6m Jan 03, 2019
6m
S1 Ep68: Quiet Time Coaching bonus episode 68a: "Spending New Year's Eve with 'Dadda'"
Are you ready for 2019? I spent some time on New Year's Eve reflecting on my birthplace, and my relationship with my heavenly Father - "Dadda". 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@malcolm...
9m Dec 31, 2018
9m
S1 Ep68: Quiet Time Coaching: "What to do when you're hurried and worried"
Have you been feeling the Dec/Jan pressure like me? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil 4:6) I developed the following arrow prayer to help me get through this busy period: "Busy, not hurried; busy, not worried." Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in...
5m Dec 27, 2018
5m
S1 Ep64: The Sunday Sample: "Simple is beautiful"
As worship leaders our goal is good communication.  This communication has many layers. Ours with God; ours with the worship team; the worship team and the congregation; the worship team and the rest of the congregation with God … and so on. For this to be effective and healthy, simplicity is crucial.  In search of creativity and variety it is tempting to make services overly complex. At least...
5m Dec 21, 2018
5m
S1 Ep67: Quiet Time Coaching: "Dealing with distractions"
How do we stay spiritually focused when distractions are dominant? I bring you a slice of my own experience from a recent prayer walk through my neighbourhood. If Paul and Silas managed to stay connected to God whilst in prison (Acts 16:25), and Daniel found the discipline to pray despite his life being in danger (Daniel 6:10), it must be possible to remain close to God no matter what else is ...
8m Dec 20, 2018
8m
S1 Ep66: Quiet Time Coaching Bonus Episode 66a: "The value of 'Pause/Pray'"
Sometimes it's hard to switch off the noise in your head. I've had a challenging week with this, and found the following resource to be a tremendous help. Here's the link (https://www.engageworship.org/pausepray) to the podcasts I mention in the recording. 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? ...
8m Dec 19, 2018
8m
S1 Ep137: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to be a wonderful speaker"
"Our job as mothers and fathers, artists and writers, pastors and teachers and worship leaders is to help others see reality—to behold the beauty of God. We’re tour guides. We drive people out to the Grand Canyon of God and stare breathless over the abyss and say Will you look at that? And our wonder inspires their wonder."  Brian Morykon How to have an impact with what we are saying? Starts ...
4m Dec 18, 2018
4m
S1: "Jesus' Christmas party", a story for the Watford church of Christ
Malcolm read a story for the children (and, perhaps, for the adults) about the innkeeper and his part in the Christmas story. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you’d...
5m Dec 18, 2018
5m
S1 Ep63: The Sunday Sample: "From the heart to the Lord", Worship Team Devotional
Our theme verse for 2019 for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ is: “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22 NIV11) I fell to thinking what relevance this had to at times of corporate worship, and the significance of this theme for our worship teams. A couple of verses later on in the...
4m Dec 14, 2018
4m
S1 Ep66: Quiet Time Coaching, "Sources of spiritual courage", Part 4
Recently I preached a Sermon (https://youtu.be/YMs6kE3v6xM)  based on Luke 4.19-30 and the visit of Jesus to the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth (synagogue video (https://youtu.be/ZE4zfXLk57k) ). “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw h...
6m Dec 13, 2018
6m
S1 Ep136: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Are you listening to Classic FM, or Radio 3?"
Who inspires your thinking about teaching and preaching? Someone who challenges your thinking in a way that raises your vision. I share some lessons from today’s visit to see an old friend of mine, Laurence Roman, who left me wanting to hear more of Radio 3 instead of Classic FM. Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching ...
5m Dec 11, 2018
5m
S1: "New Year, Newer You!" Eph 2.19-22, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in...
31m Dec 09, 2018
31m
S1 Ep62: The Sunday Sample, "Are we sensitive to the congregation's need for fellowship?"
What is the buildup to your church service like?  Is it conducive to the congregation having fellowship?  I recently received some feedback on our services in Watford.  I learned that some people were coming late to church because the hall is too noisy with worship team rehearsing. We’ve done some experimenting to reduce the “rehearsal racket”! What is your situation? Please add your comments...
5m Dec 07, 2018
5m
S1 Ep65: Quiet Time Coaching, "Sources of spiritual courage" - Part 3
Recently I preached a Sermon (https://youtu.be/YMs6kE3v6xM)  based on Luke 4.19-30 and the visit of Jesus to the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth (synagogue video (https://youtu.be/ZE4zfXLk57k) ). “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw h...
5m Dec 06, 2018
5m