S1 Ep49: The Sunday Sample, "Making the most of the Psalms"
Do you use the Psalms in your corporate worship settings? I bring you a quote from Tom Wright from his book on Psalms, "Finding God in the Psalms: Sing, pray, live": "By all means write new songs. Each generation must do that. But to neglect the church’s original hymnbook is, to put it bluntly, crazy." Thank you for listening to and watching this recording. You can find more Sunday Samples he...
4m Sep 07, 2018
4m
S1 Ep52: Quiet Time Coaching, "How to look in the right place"
Purchasing some binoculars has changed the way I 'look' at things. Spiritual parallels abound. I share some thoughts on the significance of using scripture to help our spiritual sight to be located in the best place to help our prayers. “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” (Psalms 105:3–4 NIV11) W...
5m Sep 06, 2018
5m
S1 Ep122: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "The benefits of discussing your sermon with other people in advance"
Do you discuss your sermon with poeple in advance? At what stage do you draw other people in? I had two experiences of discussing sermons this week and I found it enriching and helpful. Thank you for watching this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in commu...
3m Sep 04, 2018
3m
S1 Ep48: The Sunday Sample: "The focussing power of centring silence"
Do you use intentional silence as part of your corporate worship settings? I bring you a quote from Erickson and an experience from the wartime Navy. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org/. God bless, ...
4m Aug 31, 2018
4m
S1 Ep51: Quiet Time Coaching: "Prayers in the Bible"
I'm very happy to bring you a guest blog post by my friend, Rolan Monje. He has the role of a Teacher in our sister congregation in Manila. Take your time to read it carefully and use it in the way it's intended - not just for interest, but to stimulate our prayer lives. Let me know what stands out from this article, and leave a comment as to how it helped you. God bless, Malcolm Prayers in...
4m Aug 28, 2018
4m
S1 Ep121: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to include songs in your presentation"
Songs can be a powerful part of your presentation, but they can be used well, or less well. What will make the difference? 1. Relevant to your point 2. Lyrics on screen 3. Right length 4. Check lyrics Thank you for watching this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best whe...
5m Aug 28, 2018
5m
S1: "How to steal a dragon's treasure", Watford church of Christ
We take a look at how to steal a dragon's treasure. You can find videos on our YouTube channel. Our web site is www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: t...
24m Aug 26, 2018
24m
S1: "For God Alone", Class 4
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” (Psalms 62:1–2 NRSV) Class Four: “Considering what God has shown us” 24 August 2018 How to process this class series: 1. Consider what God has shown you. What have you learned, or been reminded of? 2. Confirm your biggest convictions. What is yo...
24m Aug 24, 2018
24m
S1 Ep47: The Sunday Sample: "The value of a good hum"
Do you use congregational humming as part of your corporate worship? I share something we tried this last Sunday in Watford and Thames Valley. "God is so good" “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”  (Psa. 84:11 ESVi) “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he s...
4m Aug 24, 2018
4m
S1 Ep50: Quiet Time Coaching: "How to pray for people"
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11 NIV11) 1. Remember - it's a prompt, not a to do list Review every Saturday Put in diary, so don't forget Pray for people at least once a week Helps me kee...
5m Aug 23, 2018
5m
S1 Ep120: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to get off the launch pad"
I got stuck too long in my introduction last Friday. Here are three resolutions for my next lesson. What do you do to make sure you don't get stuck on the launch pad? Thank you for watching this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have ...
5m Aug 21, 2018
5m
S1: "For God Alone", Class 3
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” (Psalms 62:1–2 NRSV) Sometimes the most basic things in the Christian life suffer. Either because we forget their significance, or we lose inspiration. This class series is designed to refresh our desire for a daily focused time with God - something...
30m Aug 18, 2018
30m
S1 Ep46: The Sunday Sample: "Savour the silence"
I give a report on the intentional use of silence in our services this last Sunday in Watford and Thames Valley. Thank you for listening to and watching this recording. You can find more Sunday Samples here and on the YouTube playlist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXHN6A5igxk&list=PLssKYNRlLIE9Rm6u8Vr9152VZwX0uL7Ab) . Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we lea...
4m Aug 17, 2018
4m
S1 Ep49: Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 49 - "Making the most of resources"
Something different today - an article (click here (http://www.malcolmcox.org/making-the-most-of-resources/) for the full blog article and resources) - by my good friend Dr Andy Boakye on making the most of resources in helping us to have enriching quiet times. I hope you enjoy it as much as me. You can purchase Andy's book, "Death and Life: Resurrection, restoration and rectification in Paul'...
6m Aug 16, 2018
6m
S1 Ep119: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "There's no such thing as a dragon", Mark 9.30-37
I tried something this last Sunday I've never tried before. I used a children's story book (http://amzn.eu/fBVO7QC) as part the sermon for adults. 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@malc...
4m Aug 14, 2018
4m
S1: "How to steal a dragon's treasure", Mark 9.30-37
Have you ever fought a dragon? I expect you have. We all have our 'dragons' to battle. But how do we know when a dragon is in our way? And, how do we fight it? Is it worth the effort? Are there any rewards? Oh, yes! Every dragon is hoarding treasure that's rightfully yours. We take a look at an example of Jesus slaying a 'dragon' with his disciples in Mark 9.30-37. The slides are available h...
35m Aug 12, 2018
35m
S1: "For God Alone", Class 2. Thames Valley churches of Christ
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” (Psalms 62:1–2 NRSV) Sometimes the most basic things in the Christian life suffer. Either because we forget their significance, or we lose inspiration. This class series is designed to refresh our desire for a daily focused time with God - something...
25m Aug 11, 2018
25m
S1 Ep45: The Sunday Sample: "Silence is a song"
Do you use silence as part of your corporate worship? Deliberate, creative silence. Not the accidental kind. We take a look at this, prompted by some words of Soren Kierkegaard in the book, "Participating in worship" by Craig Erickson Please leave a comment. Pass this on to someone. Subscribe to the feed. God bless, Malcolm “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs....
7m Aug 10, 2018
7m
S1 Ep48: Quiet Time Coaching: "A 3-minute prayer meditation on Psalm 42"
“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” (Psalms 42:1–2 NRSV) Something different this week. I offer a three-minute prayer meditation on Psalm 42 verses 1-2. Instructions Find a quiet place Settle in a comfortable position Take a deep breath.....hold.....exhale Relax ...
4m Aug 09, 2018
4m
S1 Ep118: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Why slides are your friend"
We look at the usefulness of slides for our teaching. Even though 'death by PowerPoint' is a thing, that does not mean that slides are not helpful. We talk about the way they can help us to clarify our structure, and how they can help an audience relax and listen. Thank you for watching this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist. Pl...
6m Aug 07, 2018
6m
S1: "The antidote to chaos": Psalm 62
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” (Psalms 62:1–2 NRSV) I spoke on what Psalm 62 has to teach us about what to do with the chaos in our lives. We looked at how Jesus has the rest, salvation and hope we need because of the power of his resurrection and the evidence of his love shown u...
31m Aug 06, 2018
31m
S1: "For God Alone". Class 1. Thames Valley churches of Christ
"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.” (Psalms 62:1 NRSV) Friday nights in the month of August are devoted to enriching our personal devotional times with God - sometimes called, ‘quiet times’. Please send me any questions you have about ‘quiet times’, and pray through Psalm 62 as preparation for the course. Your brother, Malcolm www.tvcoc.org
30m Aug 04, 2018
30m
S1 Ep44: The Sunday Sample: "Is presence natural, or can it be learned?"
We're mistaken if we think we can lead a group without paying attention to presence Some have it more naturally Others can learn it 1. Look at the group - take risks - look up. 2. Smile 3. Stand tall 4. Move slowly Remember your goal is to be what they need, not what you feel is comfortable. Question What have you tried to help you grow in presence? Please leave a comment and pass the...
11m Aug 03, 2018
11m
S1 Ep47: Quiet Time Coaching: “What to do when you are stuck with God”
In last week's episode (number 46) we looked at more reasons why we need a specific place for study. Please let me know how you've been getting on with your own study. This week, let's talk about what to do when you are stuck in your relationship with God. We've all been there. I have many times. I will be again, and so will you. What is it that will get us out of our rut? Neither shallow, no...
9m Aug 02, 2018
9m
S1 Ep117: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "You're preaching - who cares?"
"Every single person who sits politely and listens to you on Sunday is one decision away from moral, financial, and marital ruin.” 'Communicating for a change' (http://amzn.eu/dtdWCKw) p88 Does this topic really matter? Does it matter to me? Tips 1. Pray over it - the point, not just the passage 2. Apply it to yourself - how will this benefit your life? What prevent? What enable? 3. App...
8m Jul 31, 2018
8m
S1 Ep43: The Sunday Sample: "How to be bold in leading worship"
A report on singing a song at a slower speed, and a devotional idea for your worship team. “I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise.  I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me;...
8m Jul 27, 2018
8m
S1 Ep46: Quiet Time Coaching: “More reflections on why we need a specific place for study”
In last week's episode (number 45) we looked at why we need a specific place for study. "Thank you" to Johann who found the episode helpful and posted his response on the YouTube (https://youtu.be/-bei3jwXhOc) channel. This week, rather than start a new topic I'd like to give a personal report on my progress and offer some more ideas. I have had a good week of study. Digging into Acts chapter...
7m Jul 26, 2018
7m
S1 Ep116: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Why your tone matters"
Why does our tone matter? And what can we do about it? Steve Sramek: https://churchinmyarea.com (https://churchinmyarea.com/tag/tone) Video referenced: https://churchinmyarea.com/tag/tone Considerations - three “T”s Triggers Tyrant Tune out "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received fr...
13m Jul 24, 2018
13m
S1 Ep42: The Sunday Sample, "Sing a song at a slower speed"
Last time: what to do when a song doesn’t stick Time before - pre-service and post-service music - went well in Watford Today : "Sing a song at a slower speed" Have you tried singing songs at a significantly slower speed? Thank you for watching this recording. You can find more recordings on this topic here and on the YouTube Sunday Sample playlist. Please add your comments on this week’s ...
6m Jul 20, 2018
6m
S1 Ep45: Quiet Time Coaching: "Why you need a specific place for study"
Where do you go to engage in the spiritual discipline of study? I've been thinking about this recently because of a podcast I listened to the other day. I like the Renovare podcasts, and enjoyed the recent one entitled, "Spiritual director and author Fil Anderson and lawyer Justin Campbell talk with Nathan Foster about how to study for transformation instead of just information." If you would ...
9m Jul 19, 2018
9m
S1 Ep115: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to deliver an extemporary communion"
You might have heard of the ‘sermunion’. Have you tried an extemporary communion talk? Ben May preached on the parable of the wedding banquet, Matt 22.1-14 ““But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘T...
7m Jul 17, 2018
7m
S1 Ep41: The Sunday Sample: "What to do when a song doesn't stick"
Things to consider: 1. Did we teach it well? 2. If there are men and women's parts were they clear? 3. Is the theology really important? 4. Is it a type of song we don't have many of? 5. Is it beyond the musical abilities of their congregation / worship team? Possible solutions: Re-teach Persevere Ask people what they think of the song Play in background Perform it as a solo or group...
5m Jul 13, 2018
5m
S1 Ep44: Quiet Time Coaching: “What happens when you grab for the wrong support”
My morning prayer walk was messier than expected. It was all caused by a casual grab at the wrong support. One of my favourite prayer walks takes me to the edge of a canal. There is no bridge at this point, but you can cross by walking along the top of the lock gates. It's narrow, but there are handrails. This particular morning I stepped up onto the top of the gates. I reached out towards the...
7m Jul 12, 2018
7m
S1 Ep114: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Why preaching is a positive nuisance"
Gustav Holst: "Never compose anything unless the not composing of it becomes a positive nuisance to you." The same holds for preaching. Why 'preach' if you have not felt the imperative? Why speak if the holding in is not more painful than the letting go? Jeremiah felt the pain we are talking about here: “Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the L...
6m Jul 10, 2018
6m
S1: "How to turn any problem into a springboard for success", Acts 6: Thames Valley churches of Christ
We explore Acts 6.1-7 which describes one of the earliest internal church problems. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Thanks again for watching. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm God,tvcoc,J...
34m Jul 09, 2018
34m
S1 Ep40: The Sunday Sample: "Pre and post-service music"
Today I respond to Funlola‘s comment on last week's post: "I think starting music so people are walking in to it is good also - not walking into a warm up but walking into a worshipful atmosphere." I explain what we're going to experiment with in Watford this coming Sunday. Let me know what you do. Please leave a comment. Pass the link on to anyone who might benefit. God bless, Malcolm “Wo...
4m Jul 06, 2018
4m
S1 Ep43: "What difference would it make if your enemy was anointed?”, Quiet Time Coaching
One Bible verse had a profound effect on my prayers this morning. As I often do, I turned to the Psalms before going out to pray. I have been working through the Psalms of Ascent and have reached Psalm 133. “A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on A...
6m Jul 05, 2018
6m
S1 Ep113: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to give your listeners time to turn to the right scripture"
Summary Gaining attention is the first goal of preaching Understanding is the second goal of preaching "Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand.” (Matthew 15:10 NIV11) Give people time to turn to the scripture Non-Christians might not know where to start Makes it look like what you are going to say about the passage is more important than the passage itself How ...
6m Jul 03, 2018
6m
S1: "How to win the cup" - making Jesus our mentor
Malcolm asked us to make Jesus our mentor for life. This life and the next. 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 copy of my free eBook on spiritual discipl...
19m Jul 02, 2018
19m
S1 Ep39: The Sunday Sample: "What should we sing at the start?"
Dave Eastman: "When people come together on a Sunday morning, they have been beaten up by the world. As much as we might encourage them to come spiritually prepared, they are not necessarily in a spiritual state when they arrive. It is primarily the job of the worship team to take these people by the hand and walk them into the presence of God.” * "Building Worship Flow"; Dave Eastman, 2014 ...
6m Jun 29, 2018
6m
S1 Ep42: Quiet Time Coaching: “What a drowning deer taught me about the heart of God”
It was about 6:30 AM this morning. My customary prayer walk was taking me through Cassiobury Park and into the conservation area close to where I live. My mind and my prayers were centred on Psalm 130. All was well. Until a lady interrupted me with her declaration, "There's a deer drowning in the canal." That's when God started to teach me something about himself. “Let me live that I may prai...
8m Jun 28, 2018
8m
S1 Ep112: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Interview with podcaster Simon Dinning"
My first interview is with old friend Simon Dinning.  He hosts the podcast, "Prepared to answer".  You can find him there, or on his blog, or YouTube channel. The reason I chose to interview him was because, although he has a busy life, he carves out a little bit of time to record podcasts helping us answer common questions that people ask about the Christian faith. He is a man of conviction a...
29m Jun 26, 2018
29m
S1: "Jealous or curious?", Acts chapter 5
Malcolm spoke on the topic of curiosity. We explored some of the obstacles to curiosity such as guilt, regret, distraction, comfortability and jealousy by looking at what happened in Acts 5. We also considered the advantages of curiosity, especially when it come to our purpose, mission and destiny. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you...
37m Jun 25, 2018
37m
S1 Ep38: The Sunday Sample: "How to plan spontaneity in corporate worship"
Today: the place for spontaneity as a worship leader New Testament Evidence for spontaneity in worship, 1 Corinthians 14:25-26 However, need for orderliness, 1 Corinthians 14:40 Erickson: “the spirit moves through spontaneity. The spirit also moves through form and structure. Obviously, for Paul both dimensions are vital to the dynamics of worship.” Erickson: “...a balance between structu...
10m Jun 22, 2018
10m
S1 Ep41: "Why the prayer of relinquishment matters", Quiet Time Coaching
Is it possible to be surrendered to God's will without feeling like a pawn? I bring you a sixth look at the book by Richard Foster, "Prayer: finding the heart's true home (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prayer-Finding-Hearts-True-Home-ebook/dp/B00713L1SO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529573185&sr=8-1&keywords=%22Prayer%3A+finding+the+heart%27s+true+home) ". In the most recent chapter I've been reading, Ri...
9m Jun 21, 2018
9m
S1 Ep111: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to talk meaningfully about the communion", Part 5
How can we avoid dull repetition or creative confusion when talking about the Lord's supper? This is the fifth in a series looking at different views of the atonement as a way of broadening and deepening our appreciation for the cross. Today we study Paul's teaching on the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11 to help us understand the meaning of the communion. We explore some tips on how meanin...
12m Jun 19, 2018
12m
S1: "Jealous or Curious?" Acts 5 - a sermon
Are you jealous or curious? Guilty or curious? Is anything stopping you from living life with curiosity? What gets in the way of being curious about spiritual matters? We explore this topic with the help of an incident recorded in Acts chapter 5. You can find more videos on our YouTube channel. Our web site is www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We le...
32m Jun 18, 2018
32m
S1 Ep37: The Sunday Sample: "How to help everyone participate in corporate worship", part 3
We want full participation - what to do when we don’t get it? This is the third episode in a mini-series looking at some suggestions. This week: What’s wrong with ritual? Please leave a comment and pass the link on. God bless, Malcolm “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
9m Jun 15, 2018
9m
S1 Ep40: Quiet Time Coaching: "How and why to pray the prayer of penthos"
Is there a place for tears in prayer? Is crying a sign of indisciplined emotions? Or is it a sign of spiritual health? I bring you a fifth look at the book by Richard Foster, "Prayer: finding the heart's true home (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prayer-Finding-Hearts-True-Home-ebook/dp/B00713L1SO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528973231&sr=8-1&keywords=finding+the+heart%27s+true) ". In the most recent chap...
8m Jun 14, 2018
8m
S1 Ep110: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to talk meaningfully about the communion: Part 4"
I have a passion to do my best to make sure that our congregation's members can take a meaningful communion every week. I believe we can avoid dull repetition and boredom. And the opposite problem of going off-topic in such of creativity. The answer, as usual, is to go deeper. I have taught on the atonement a few times, and found this to be tremendously helpful in my thinking about the commun...
8m Jun 12, 2018
8m