Tuesday Teaching Tip: "How to speak to young people"
Two incidents this last Sunday from my sermon in Watford, and the sermon preached by Ben Dannett in Lower Earley have inspired today's podcast. What is the best way to speak effectively to people different from us? In particular, I would like some advice on how to speak to young people - preteens, teens and people in their early 20s. We take a leaf from the book "Speaking to Teenagers" by Dou...
6m Jul 11, 2017
6m
A Dementia Prayer
A story today on the BBC website moved me, "How we found a way to cope with my granddad's dementia." Here's a prayer for all who suffer from dementia, and for those caring for them.
2m Jul 11, 2017
2m
Is it selfish to pray for yourself?
Is it good to pray for yourself? Is it spiritually healthy to talk to God about your own needs? Have you ever wondered if you were doing a selfish thing by praying for yourself? If it is a positive practice, what is the healthy balance between praying for ourselves, and other aspects of prayer? I saw a question on Quora that made me think it through. Let me know your views in the comments secti...
8m Jul 06, 2017
8m
Tuesday Teaching Tips - "7 ways to conclude a lesson"
“7 ways to conclude a lesson”1. Question - Lk 18.82. Call Back - Luke 13.16 / 213. Action Challenge - Lk 10.374. Illustration - Matt 19.13-155. Scripture - Lk 20.17-186. Provocative Statement - Lk 4.277. Promise - Lk 11.13Your ideas?malcolm@malcolmcox.orgComment here
11m Jul 04, 2017
11m
PRAYERS THAT MOVE GOD TO ACT – Part 3
We’re having a third bite at this topic: developing a healthy prayer life by praying in such a way as to be confident God will act....Not being specific can have long-term consequences. Prayer is rarely satisfying nor meaningful if we go into our times of prayer without a willingness to be specific in our requests. Jesus was specific many times. For example, when he prayed for Peter: “But I ha...
6m Jul 01, 2017
6m
"Prayers that move God to act" Part 2
6m Jun 29, 2017
6m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to preach outdoors"
Speaking outdoors can be a challenge, but an exciting opportunity. I share five tips to make us as effective as possible:1. Confidence2. Conditions3. Props4. Voice5. One pointWhat are your ideas and questions? Email me at malcolm@malcolmcox.org, or leave a comment here.
8m Jun 27, 2017
8m
Prayers That Move God To Act - Part 1
How to pray so God hears and acts. One way you can develop a healthy prayer life is to pray in such a way as to be confident God will act. Charles Spurgeon said, “Prayer is the slender nerve that moveth the muscles of omnipotence.” Nerves are so tiny, aren’t they? I’ve got some damaged nerves from knee surgery. Hit me on my left knee in just the right place and I won’t feel a thing. I don’t t...
6m Jun 23, 2017
6m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to include God"
Are our lessons really about God? It's easy to emphasise practical application at the expense of a focus on God. I share two practical ways to make sure we keep God the main thing.
6m Jun 20, 2017
6m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to add mystery to your lessons"
My friend Leon preached a super sermon on, Luke 20.20-26, and included some mystery.His points were: T.A.X.Treachery; Authenticity & X…..?1. Significance: Hold attention, but not too much information2. Jesus: Luke 15:11 “There was a man who had two sons.”3. Issues: Must relate to core idea & beware being manipulated4. How? Short & applicable #preaching, #teaching, #wittertainment, #mystery, #mccx
7m Jun 13, 2017
7m
How to pray when you have exams
Exam season is here. GCSE's, 'A'-levels, degree finals and more are part of the landscape. A few years ago I almost had a panic attack in an exam and passed by the skin of my teeth. We need all the help we can get. But can prayer make a difference? And if so, how? We'll take a look at five strategies that will help you be your best when exam time arrives. #exams #stress #panic #peace #prayer
6m Jun 08, 2017
6m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to regain energy in a talk"
What do we do when the energy in our talk evaporates? How can we regain the right energy without becoming 'shouty'? We look at six strategies for reclaiming and reinjecting the energy that will help our talks have greater impact.
6m Jun 06, 2017
6m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to use a lectern"
Lecterns can be a blessing, or a curse depending on how they are used. We look at some practicals for making them our friends instead of our enemies.
5m May 30, 2017
5m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to use questions in a talk"
Why are questions so important? What's the best way to ask a question in a talk?
5m May 23, 2017
5m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Apply it to yourself first"
How can we avoid hypocrisy? What will help us to apply a lesson to ourselves before we apply it to others? Hear my embarrassing story.
6m May 16, 2017
6m
Lamenting the Lack of Lament
Where are all the 'lament' songs? Defining lament: “Coming to the LORD, expressing sorrow, being honest with God – but coming with expectation, not despair. Lament has hope as the backdrop. Lament is the place where doubt is welcome. God will show up.”
4m May 15, 2017
4m
Tuesday Teaching Tip: "Prayer Before Preaching"
Why should we pray before preaching - and when? We look at three ideas to help us with insight, submission and authenticity. Bible,Teaching,Presentations,Preaching,speaking,Church,Scripture,Prayer
4m May 09, 2017
4m
Tuesday Teaching Tip: "Painting a Picture"
How do we use words to paint a picture? We take three tips from my friend Richard Bailey. Props; Power Words; and Actions. #Bible, #Teaching, #Presentations, #Preaching, #speaking, #Church, #Scripture, #Congregation, #Pictures, #Memory, #Richard Bailey
5m May 02, 2017
5m
"Solitude is golden" - A review of "Thoughts in solitude" by Thomas Merton
The world is populated by too many mindless men and women. Merton shows us how solitude can help us to have clarity and faith.
5m Mar 24, 2017
5m
Thames Valley This Week
What's coming up this week in Thames Valley? Albert May....
1m Mar 07, 2017
1m
Prayer and Pride, Luke 18.9-17
What is Jesus trying to tell us about prayer, and pride?
2m Mar 07, 2017
2m
Bruce Miller comes to Thames Valley
Bruce Miller (ODAAT, Hope worldwide, UK) is coming to Bracknell on Sunday to speak on God's promises and give an update on the ODAAT work in London.
2m Mar 02, 2017
2m
Deuteronomy Summary Lesson
The final Friday class is this week - here is an advance peak....
2m Feb 27, 2017
2m
Prayer and Faith from Luke 18
What is the message of the prayer parable involving the widow and the judge?
2m Feb 27, 2017
2m
Egypt: "The good, the bad, and the ugly"
Weapons, women and wealth - what are the real issues for the people of God?
1m Feb 16, 2017
1m
Deuteronomy in the New Testament
Luke chapter 4 / Deuteronomy 6 and 8.
1m Feb 10, 2017
1m
Parable of the Unjust Manager, Luke 16.1-9
What is this unusual parable about? Why does Jesus appear to approve of shady behaviour? Or does he? We're looking at this on Sunday in the Watford Church of Christ. Let me know your thoughts.
4m Jan 19, 2017
4m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Connection Crisis"
What do we do when we lose the crowd? Bible,Teaching,Presentations,Preaching,speaking,Church,Scripture,Congregation,lullaby,Acts 20
7m Jan 17, 2017
7m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to interprete a passage: 4 tips"
How do we interprete a passage we are preparing to preach? We take a look at four tips inspired by chapter six of the book, "Preaching with Humanity".
9m Dec 20, 2016
9m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to find the structure"
How do we find the right structure for a passage we are preaching? We take a look at some ideas inspired by chapter six of the book, "Preaching with Humanity". Bible,Teaching,Presentations,Preaching,speaking,Church,Scripture,Congregation,structure,points
9m Dec 13, 2016
9m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to interpret a passage"
How can we be accurate and effective in interpretating a passage for the congregation? We take a look at some ideas inspired by chapter five of the book, "Preaching with Humanity".
9m Dec 06, 2016
9m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How much should I disclose?"
What is the right level of self-disclosure when preaching and teaching? How much is too much, and how much is too little? We take a look at some ideas inspired by chapter four of the book, "Preaching with Humanity". Bible,Teaching,Presentations,Preaching,speaking,Jesus,Church,Scripture,Congregation,humanity,openess,honesty,personality
8m Nov 29, 2016
8m
Preaching the Prodigal(s)
For you, what's the stand-out point of the parable of the prodigal(s) in Luke 15?
2m Nov 28, 2016
2m
Luke 15.8-10 - Father, Son and Spirit
Is there any connection between the woman in this passage and the Holy Spirit?
2m Nov 23, 2016
2m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "The Players in Preaching"
Who is involved in the act of preaching? We take a look at five suggestions from the book, "Preaching with Humanity".
10m Nov 22, 2016
10m
"The Lost Coin" - Luke 15vv8-10
What's the parable of the lost coin all about? #WatfordChurch #parables #GospelofLuke #lost #repentance #joy #Pharisees
2m Nov 21, 2016
2m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Speaking the Text"
How do we read the text on which we are speaking in an engaging way? In this episode we look at some tips to help us. The exercises might surprise you, but I gauarantee they will make a difference.
9m Nov 16, 2016
9m
The Sheep-Seeking Shepherd, Luke 15.1-7
We're looking at the parable of the sheep and the shepherd this Sunday. What do you think of this story?
2m Nov 14, 2016
2m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Preaching the Parables"
How do we preach and teach the parables effectively? In this episode we look at some vital resources to help us with this privileged task. #Bible, #Teaching, #Presentations, #Preaching, #speaking, #Jesus, #Parables, #Kenneth Bailey, #Craig Blomberg, #Kingdom of God, #Kingdom of Heaven
8m Nov 08, 2016
8m
What we're reading: "God First Loved Us"
A review of “God first loved us: the challenge of accepting unconditional love”, by Antony F. Campbell, S. J.Which is primary? God as lover or God as judge? What does the Bible reveal, and how do we see it? The way we answer these questions has profound ramifications personally and collectively. #Grace, #Judge, #Love, #1 John 4, #Atonement, #Antony Campbell, #God, #Jesus, #Redemption
10m Nov 04, 2016
10m
"How fast should I speak?" Tuesday Teaching Tips
Speaking too slowly for too long is weird, and speaking too fast too long is exhausting. What is the right speed? We look at 2 circumstances and give 2 recommendations to help us assess this for ourselves. #Bible, #Teaching, #Presentations, #Preaching, #speaking, #Jesus, #Parables, #pauses, #monotone
10m Nov 01, 2016
10m
Tuesday Teaching Tip: "Where do I look?"
Are you a sprayer, a spacer, a starer, a sinker or a snubber? What do we do with our eyes? Jesus looked at people, and so should we when we speak - but, how? Bible,Teaching,Presentations,Preaching,Eyes,Looking,Jesus,Gospel of Mark
8m Oct 25, 2016
8m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "When does a speech begin?"
We look at the four-step process of starting a speech. The moment a lesson actually begins might surprise you.... #Bible #Teaching #Presentations #Preaching #Preparation
9m Oct 18, 2016
9m
"Writing Wizards' Wisdom"
A review of "Like shaking hands with God", Kurt Vonnegut & Lee Stringer, a conversation about writing
4m Oct 15, 2016
4m
"Unexpected Fall", Matthew 10.29-31
What do we do when things don't fall into place as we expect?
4m Oct 13, 2016
4m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Meaningful Movement"
When is it appropriate to move away from the lectern? What about wandering? We look at the do's and don'ts of meaningful movement. Bible,Teaching,Presentations,Preaching,Movement
6m Oct 11, 2016
6m
The wedding feast of faith
Johnson and Cicely are my heroes. Find out why.
4m Oct 10, 2016
4m
What we're reading: "Zeal Without Burnout": "What is Burnout?"
Burnout happens when helpful pressure goes on too long, or is allowed to rise to an unhealthy level. Where burnout leads to a loss of a role or the experience of "failure", it may produce guilt or shame or low self esteem, which get bound up in the experience of low mood and depression.There are connections with chronic fatigue, exhaustion, lethargy and depression.Warning signs include: sleeple...
5m Oct 08, 2016
5m
What we're reading: "Zeal Without Burnout: Conclusion"
Conclusion: I will serve the Lord. Don't be soft! Luke 9. 23–24. Don't despair! There may be scars, and some of those scars may be unavoidable; but always there is grace in our weakness. Do a self-check. Am I giving myself enough time for sleep? Am I taking care with regular days off? Am I investing in godly friendships? Am I self aware about how God gives me inward renewal? How much do I care ...
4m Oct 06, 2016
4m
Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Vital Visuals" - AUDIO
What is the significance of movement and the use of visuals by a speaker? How can we help the visual learners in our congregations? Bible,Teaching,Presentations,Preaching,Visual learning
4m Oct 04, 2016
4m