S2 Ep275: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 275 | “Reflections on the Tallinn Teaching Conference”
I am back from Tallinn. The “Learning to teach, teaching to learn” conference was inspiring, collegiate and Biblical. What are my reflections? I will need to keep this report necessarily brief because I'm deep in preparation for the next Athens Institute of Ministry for the UK and Ireland session starting on Saturday 24th September. You can watch the lessons here: https://tmc.krist.ee/. Refl...
9m Sep 22, 2022
9m
S2 Ep333: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 333 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 7 | Malcolm Cox
Today we continue with a series based on Psalm 27. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend listening to the first episode which covers some background thoughts on the context of the Psalm. Now, on to today's verse. “Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.”  (Psalm 27:6 N...
10m Sep 22, 2022
10m
S2: Testimony Sunday | Oge and Osagie
Husband and wife team Osagie and Oge shared testimony and thoughts about the Lord's supper. 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@malcolmcox.org). If you’d ...
32m Sep 20, 2022
32m
S2: Class 2 “The Book of Haggai: The Glory Will Be Greater” Haggai 2:1-9
Chapter 2:1-9 1. The Call to Reflect – Haggai 2:2 – ‘remnant’ – the temple remnants are the setting for the address to the national remnant. Third mention of remnant, 1:12, 14. – We notice all parts of the community are addressed. – Haggai 2:3 – Three questions, all driving at the heart of their discouragement. – ‘Who of you’; ‘How does it’; ‘Does it not’? – Former glory; now; nothing? – What...
17m Sep 16, 2022
17m
S2 Ep332: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 332 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 6 | Malcolm Cox
Safety and Security on the Rock Today we continue with a series based on Psalm 27. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend listening to the first episode which covers some background thoughts on the context of the Psalm. Now, on to today’s verse. “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock....
10m Sep 15, 2022
10m
S2: One thing I do | Phil 3vv13-14 | Malcolm Cox
‘One Thing I Do’ Last week’s lesson was on Philippians 3:13-14. Below are a few extra notes. ‘Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal’ We never get to the point where we have fully obtained all that God has in mind for our growth. Paul does not want his readers to get the impression he has ‘arrived’, nor that he is in despair at the gap between himself and...
31m Sep 14, 2022
31m
S2 Ep274: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 274 | “What’s the point of going to conferences?”
I am off to Tallinn on Thursday. The “Learning to teach, teaching to learn” conference runs from Thursday to Saturday. Do you attend conferences? Let’s consider the example of Jesus. In a sense he created his own conference – at the age of 12. Luke 2:41-50 1. Jesus chooses the best over the good. He ‘should’ be considerate of his parents. But he chooses what is best (or, needed as he will pu...
11m Sep 13, 2022
11m
S2: Class 1 | Father God is Nearby | Finding the Father’s Face Series
The big question – “How can we become like Christ?” What is the way to transformation? We can only know the true nature of God as Father from the Scriptures. When you see and become familiar with someone’s face you know them. We need to ‘see’ our father-God’s face. The challenges is that we have filters. Some helpful, some not so. Jesus’ relationship with Father-God reveals his ‘face’. The Lord...
14m Sep 09, 2022
14m
S2 Ep331: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 331 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 5 | Malcolm Cox
Today we continue with a series based on Psalm 27. I spoke on this Psalm’s theme, and especially verse 4, for the Watford church of Christ. We are part-way through a series based on the “one thing” phrases found in the Scriptures. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend listening to the first episode which covers some background thoughts on the context of the Psalm. Now, on to today's ver...
10m Sep 08, 2022
10m
S2 Ep273: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 273 | “The Lord’s Supper - Celebration or Soberness?”
Today a response to a message from a friend based on one of my recent Teaching Tips about communion. “Thank You” Govinda for your well considered thoughts and questions. I cannot address them all in today’s post, but I will pick out one point for discussion. “It’s been a long time as a church … that we have got onto our knees and focused on the cross… I feel the communion sometimes does not ge...
9m Sep 06, 2022
9m
S2: Class 1, The Book of Haggai: "The Glory Will Be Greater” | Malcolm Cox
You've found an upload from the Thames Valley churches of Christ. If you'd like to know more go to www.thamesvalley.church where you'll find news, information, resources and much more. Who is Haggai? * “His name is one of several in the Old Testament derived from ḥāg, ‘festival’: Haggi (Gen. 46:16; Num. 26:15), Haggith (2 Sam. 3:4), Haggiah (1 Chr. 6:30). He was probably born on a feast day an...
25m Sep 06, 2022
25m
S2: Preview Class | “The Book of Haggai: The Glory Will Be Greater” | Malcolm Cox
Preview Class: Introduction and Background to “The Book of Haggai: The Glory Will Be Greater”. Why this book? Do you and your group need to assess your priorities from time to time? Have you been given a great work for God to do? Do you sometimes get off track and forget that our discipleship is about pleasing God and bringing him glory? Are there occasions when you get tired labouring for the...
6m Sep 02, 2022
6m
S2: AIM UK & Ireland Christian Doctrine Module - Short announcement
AIM UK & Ireland Christian Doctrine Module Christian doctrine is an exploration of the way God intends us to relate to him, one another and the world. It isn’t a dry or difficult topic but an exciting and dynamic one. What could be more important? Not only that, but the consequences of teaching and living by erroneous doctrine are serious, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in t...
5m Sep 02, 2022
5m
S2: AIM UK & Ireland Christian Doctrine Module - Full Announcement
Christian doctrine is an exploration of the way God intends us to relate to him, one another and the world. It isn’t a dry or difficult topic but an exciting and dynamic one. What could be more important? Not only that, but the consequences of teaching and living by erroneous doctrine are serious, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both y...
11m Sep 02, 2022
11m
S2: "One Thing I Know" | John 9 | Malcolm Cox
We continue our series on the "one thing" sayings in the Scriptures. Today we encounter the blind man and the consequences of his healing. “One Thing I Know”, John 9 1. Jesus on sin and suffering, vv1-5 2. Jesus heals, vv6-7 3. Jesus creates a stir, vv8-34 A. Neighbours B. Pharisees C. Parents & Man 4. Jesus creates faith, vv35-38 A. About choice 4 B. About discipleship 4 C. About Lordship...
22m Sep 02, 2022
22m
S2 Ep330: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 330 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 4 | Malcolm Cox
Today we continue with a series based on Psalm 27. I spoke on this Psalm’s theme, and especially verse 4, for the Watford church of Christ. We are part-way through a series based on the “one thing” phrases found in the Scriptures. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend listening to the first episode which covers some background thoughts on the context of the Psalm. Now, on to today's ver...
11m Sep 02, 2022
11m
S2 Ep272: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 272 | “The Myth About Non Verbal Communication” | Malcolm Cox
Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 272 | “The Myth About Non-Verbal Communication” The oft-repeated claim is that communication is 7 percent verbal, 38 percent vocal, and 55 percent facial. Is this true? Those statistics come from two studies conducted in 1967. Their conclusions have become accepted orthodoxy, but there are serious methodological limitations to those studies. The author of Commu...
10m Aug 31, 2022
10m
S2 Ep329: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 329 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 3 | Malcolm Cox
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 329 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 3 | Malcolm Cox Today we continue with a series based on Psalm 27. I spoke on this Psalm’s theme, and especially verse 4, for the Watford church of Christ. We are part-way through a series based on the “one thing” phrases found in the Scriptures. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend listening to the first episo...
10m Aug 25, 2022
10m
S2: ”One Thing You Need” | Luke 10:38-42 | Malcolm Cox
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”...
24m Aug 24, 2022
24m
S2 Ep271: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 271 | “Why reflecting is essential to teaching” | Malcolm Cox
This coming Sunday I am preaching on John 9. The man born blind. Part of my prayer this morning was asking God to show me the meaning of this passage for my own life so that I can live it this week before preaching it on Sunday. Reflecting on a passage is part of preparation. Certainly, there is a place to pull apart the text, to analyse, to exegete and to research content and context. However...
10m Aug 23, 2022
10m
S2 Ep328: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 328 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 2 | Malcolm Cox
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 328 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 2 | Malcolm Cox Today we continue with a series based on Psalm 27. I spoke on this Psalm’s theme, and especially verse 4, for the Watford church of Christ. We are part-way through a series based on the “one thing” phrases found in the Scriptures. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend listening to the first episo...
12m Aug 18, 2022
12m
S2: "One Thing You Lack" | Mark 10:17-31 | Malcolm Cox
Our focus today is the man who runs up to Jesus and falls on his knees in front of him. However, it must be noted that this incident comes hard on the heels of the previous scene. Children were brought to Jesus - only for the disciples to rebuke them. Jesus in turn rebukes his disciples and declares that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (v14). Mark is showing us the ideal kingdom...
30m Aug 17, 2022
30m
S2 Ep270: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 270 | “The Benefits of Closing Sermons with the Lord’s Supper” | Malcolm Cox
For the last two years I have been combining the sermon and communion. Or more accurately, concluding my sermons with reflections on the Lord's supper.  Why have I done this? What are the benefits and drawbacks? Perhaps you have heard of or seen the so-called ‘sermunion’. On occasion it has been employed to save time. I have heard this approach despised and denigrated as not being a real sermo...
13m Aug 16, 2022
13m
S2 Ep327: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 327 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 1 | Malcolm Cox
Today we start a new series based on Psalm 27. I spoke on this Psalm’s theme, and especially verse 4, for the Watford church of Christ. We are part-way through a series based on the “one thing” phrases found in the Scriptures. I am dedicating this series to my friend Akin who told me that Psalm 27 was his father’s favourite Psalm. I was so taken by the Psalm that I thought it would be worth t...
11m Aug 11, 2022
11m
S2 Ep327: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 327 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 1 | Malcolm Cox
Today we start a new series based on Psalm 27. I spoke on this Psalm’s theme, and especially verse 4, for the Watford church of Christ. We are part-way through a series based on the “one thing” phrases found in the Scriptures. I am dedicating this series to my friend Akin who told me that Psalm 27 was his father’s favourite Psalm. I was so taken by the Psalm that I thought it would be worth t...
11m Aug 11, 2022
11m
S2 Ep269: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 269 | “A Creative Approach to Bible Study” | Malcolm Cox
In the AIM UK&I community (https://www.aimukandireland.com/) we have been discussing how we approach our study of a passage and prepare it for teaching or preaching. Here is one technique I use. It involves mind mapping. It is the first or second step in my process. The other is well described by Mike Poole, one of our AIM students, “I really liked letting the Bible wash over me that we learne...
19m Aug 09, 2022
19m
S2 Ep326: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 326 | “Hearing God Series” | Part 11 | Malcolm Cox
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at the epilogue of the book, “The way of the burning heart”. “They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”” Luke 24:32 The material world shouts at us, but the spiritual world whispers at us. Scepticism regarding t...
9m Aug 04, 2022
9m
S2 Ep268: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 268 | “How to build unity by teaching”
How do we make sure we teach in such a way as to build unity not weaken it? “Thank you” to Tina Poole for your post in the AIM UK & Ireland forum as well as the comments from Geordan, Mike, Charlie, Madalena and Andy B. You have inspired me to make this recording. https://www.aimukandireland.com/ First let us have a look at one of the classic unity passages, then I will offer a few tips. “S...
16m Aug 02, 2022
16m
S2 Ep325: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 325 | “Hearing God Series” | Part 10 | Malcolm Cox
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at chapter 9 of the book which is titled “A life more than guidance”. The more we understand, the better our relationship with God will be "Faith is not opposed to knowledge; it is opposed to sight." 194 The framework for our answers God is capable of accurate speech, we are not always capable of a...
12m Jul 28, 2022
12m
S2: "One Thing I Ask" | Psalm 27 | Malcolm Cox
The Pressures We Feel A. What is pressurising David? When was King David under pressure? David: Own son trying to kill him! 2 Samuel 15 B. What is pressurising us? The Hopes We Have A. What is David hoping for? B. What are our hopes for the summer? A. Ask Looking to God Dwell Married couple Stream, not a pool B. Seek…Seek…Gaze Acting on own initiative Study Meditate C. Beauty What is ‘b...
29m Jul 27, 2022
29m
S2: "Thirsty!" | John 4 | Malcolm Cox
We took ourselves off to Cassiobury Park for an outdoor service. On an exceptionally hot day it seemed only appropriate to discuss the topic of thirst from John 4. 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 e...
18m Jul 27, 2022
18m
S2: "Victor Mukasa's Testimony" | Victor Mukasa and Malcolm Cox
Victor shared his inspiring testimony with us today. 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@malcolmcox.org).  If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiri...
43m Jul 27, 2022
43m
S2: "Uncertainty and the Mist" | James 4v14 | Malcolm Cox
The annual outdoor service at Wellington Country Park was a delightfully hot day. I spoke on the topic of uncertainty. I also broke my wife's plant spray.  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: [m...
17m Jul 27, 2022
17m
S2 Ep267: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 267 | “Should we serve where we are not gifted?”
This week I answer a question from my friend Chen. He is wondering what light Acts 6 sheds on the issue of serving where we are not gifted. 1. Churches always have problems Internal – 5.1ff; External 5:17ff; Internal 6:1ff; External 6:8ff Luke is telling Theophilus, and the Spirit is reminding us that church is messy, but God is at work in it all. 2. Healthy leaders know their limitations Loo...
20m Jul 26, 2022
20m
S2 Ep324: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 324a | “Why I Take Personal Spiritual Retreats” | Malcolm Cox
Why do I take personal spiritual retreats? Today is a brief reflection on the most recent of my retreats taken in the beautiful county of Hampshire. I spent three nights away in a tiny hut walking, praying, reading, thinking, reflecting and planning. I used the book of Haggai as the focus of my study and allowed it to form the theme of my retreat. My main prayer scripture from the book was, ““...
12m Jul 21, 2022
12m
S2 Ep266: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 266 | “Are verses missing from the Bible?” | Malcolm Cox
This week I respond to a message from Selena… Hello Brother Malcolm, I was just reading Romans chapter 16 NIV. It’s missing verse 24 . Do you think this is on purpose or a misprint? Kindly, YLSIC, Selena “At this point, as RSV margin says, ‘Other ancient authorities insert verse 24, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.’ The western text, which lacked the doxology (verse...
10m Jul 19, 2022
10m
S2 Ep324: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 324 | “Hearing God Series” | Part 9 | Malcolm Cox
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at chapter 8 of the book which is titled “Recognising the voice of God”. “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he go...
12m Jul 07, 2022
12m
S2 Ep265: Teaching Tips 265 | "Unswayable Jesus” | Teaching with Integrity - Part 3 | Malcolm Cox
Jesus “They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are.” (Matthew 22:16 NIV11) - Teaching despite how people respond Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when ...
9m Jul 05, 2022
9m
S2 Ep323: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 323 | “Hearing God Series” | Part 8 | Malcolm Cox
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at chapter 7 of the book which is titled “Redemption through the word of God”. We are the intercessors, connected with God and with the world. How do we get there? An additional birth by the word of God Birth through the spirit and the word of God “For you have been born again, not of perishable se...
11m Jun 30, 2022
11m
S2 Ep264: Teaching Tips 264 | "Awesome Apollos” | Teaching with Integrity - Part 2 | Malcolm Cox
“Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervour and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to th...
11m Jun 28, 2022
11m
S2: "Fathers' Day" | Luke 15 | Malcolm Cox
Father’s Day 2022, Luke 15 1. What hurt the father about the younger son’s behaviour? A. Community shame  B. Wish the Father was dead  C. Harm he would get into  2. What hurt the father about the older son’s behaviour?  A. Community shame  B. Ingratitude, acting as if the father was not generous ““Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom ...
37m Jun 23, 2022
37m
S2 Ep322: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 322 | “Hearing God Series” | Part 7 | Malcolm Cox
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at Chapter 6: The word of God and the rule of God     - Astonishing faith in the power of words         - Centurion, “say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Luke 7:7 NIV11)         - "Most of what we think we see as the struggle of faith is really the struggle to act as if we had faith but i...
11m Jun 23, 2022
11m
S2 Ep263: Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 263 | “Excellent Ezra” | Teaching with Integrity - Part 1
Introduction: Attitude is more important than education. We need integrity. Ezra “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10 NIV11) Always learning Time  Resources - how much money have you spent on commentaries and Bible dictionaries compared to your television package? Devoted to observanc...
12m Jun 21, 2022
12m
S2: "The Healing of the Nations" | Revelation 22:1-5 | Malcolm Cox
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ Our special International Sunday service was marked with singing and praying in different languages as well as some fun involving food colouring, blowup globes and empty pill casings. 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,...
29m Jun 16, 2022
29m
S2 Ep321: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 321 | “Hearing God Series” | Part 6 | Malcolm Cox
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at Chapter 5: The still small voice and its rivals, 86 “A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, fo...
10m Jun 16, 2022
10m
S2 Ep262: Teaching Tips 262 | "How Important is Unity?" | Malcolm Cox
Introduction: - A never-solved challenge from the first century till now - In our family of churches unity was simple - Now it is much more complex 1. The Significance (of Unity) Jesus - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35 NIV11) “I have giv...
22m Jun 14, 2022
22m
S2: "Love One Another Deeply" | Fellowship Sunday | 1 Peter 1:22 | Malcolm Cox
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but...
33m Jun 10, 2022
33m
S2 Ep320: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 320 | “Hearing God Series” | Part 5 | Malcolm Cox
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at Chapter 4. Our communicating Cosmos How do we know whether the voice we are hearing from God or not? The limits of signs Jesus could not be forced into doing ‘religious stunts’. Even something directly done by God does not necessarily convince, Luke 16:31. ““He said to him, ‘If they do not list...
11m Jun 09, 2022
11m
S2 Ep261: Teaching Tips 261 | "Does the Old Testament shed light on New Testament Fellowship?" | Malcolm Cox
I enjoy finding connections between the Old and New Covenants. Today I want to try one out on you. You can tell me if I am seeing something that is not there, or whether it is legitimate. Fellowship is under pressure     * COVID         * 2 years of our lives have been spent largely not in one another’s company         * Allows for reduced vulnerability         * We are truly viscerally vulnera...
20m Jun 07, 2022
20m
S2 Ep17: Joy in the mourning: Episode 17
The latest in my occasional series as I process my feelings and thinking since the death of my mother last year. Today I reflect on why I visit the grave. The reason? Of course it’s love. Obvious? I guess so. But meaningful and refreshing. Remember, “Weeping may remain for a night, but joy cometh in the morning“ Psalm 30 Apologies for the wind noise by the way, but I didn’t have my fancy micr...
5m Jun 03, 2022
5m