S1: "How to figure out what's really important", Mark 12:38-39, Malcolm Cox
Introduction * Most important thing to do for virus, economy, social well being? * Lot of our malaise when feeling overwhelmed, flat, anxious or overstressed is due to confused priorities, or, what's really important?     * “One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most imp...
41m Nov 22, 2020
41m
S1 Ep252: "How to Ask in Prayer: Contemplative Prayer" - Quiet Time Coaching Episode 252
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 252 I am in my third year of participating in the Renovare (https://renovare.org/) book club. The first book in this season's set of four is "How to pray" by Pete Greig. Quiet time coaching episodes will focus on his book for the next few weeks. You don't need to read it to benefit from these recordings, but you might like to get hold of a copy for yourself. I have...
18m Nov 19, 2020
18m
S1 Ep49: "The Heart of Communication: How to really connect with an audience". What we are reading: Episode 49
This week, let's have a look at a book I've just finished called, "The heart of communication: how to really connect with an audience". The author is Rob Parsons, formerly director at "Executive Chairman of Care for the Family, a charity committed to strengthening family life and helping others who are hurting due to family breakdown." I'm going to be sparing in my comments here about the det...
8m Nov 18, 2020
8m
S1 Ep223: "Remember the 95% Rule", Tuesday Teaching Tips: Episode 223
5 Lesser-Known Public Speaking Rules Every Young Professional Needs To Know - Part 5 Intro "Existing literature (https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C9&q=public+speaking&btnG=) on the art of public speaking is extensive: ranging from preparation (https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-speak-in-public) and confidence (https://www.businessinsider.com/10-strat...
6m Nov 17, 2020
6m
S1 Ep69: "Blending kindness and strength", Newsletter 15 November 2020, Episode 69
"Blending kindness and strength" The competency of leadership is a prominent theme at the moment. Not only it's competency, but it's less defineable qualities. The election in the United States, the handling of the COVID–19 crisis in the UK, and many other topics have highlighted leadership as a conversation thread. At the risk of oversimplifying, it seems to me we tend to empathise either wi...
10m Nov 15, 2020
10m
S1: “How Jesus Heals the World”, Sermon for the Watford church of Christ
15 November 2020 Introduction Hands of Jesus QUESTION: Name some of the things he touched “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” (Matthew 8:3 NIV11) “Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”;” (Matthew 9:29 NIV11) “Then he went up and touched the bier they ...
33m Nov 15, 2020
33m
S1 Ep251: "How to Ask in Prayer: Unanswered Prayer" - Quiet Time Coaching Episode 251
I am in my third year of participating in the Renovare (https://renovare.org/) book club. The first book in this season's set of four is "How to pray" by Pete Greig. Quiet time coaching episodes will focus on his book for the next few weeks. You don't need to read it to benefit from these recordings, but you might like to get hold of a copy for yourself. I have finished the book and can thorou...
15m Nov 12, 2020
15m
S1 Ep48: "We need to talk about race", What we are reading: Episode 48
In the wake of the killing of George Floyd, many of my friends gave me reading recommendations. The book I want to talk about today is one of those. Why this book? I picked this book amongst the many recommended partly because it's about the British black experience. I am also reading a book called "Reconstructing the Gospel: Finding freedom from slaveholder religion" by Jonathan Wilson-Harts...
15m Nov 11, 2020
15m
S1 Ep222: "Be Confidently Vulnerable", Tuesday Teaching Tips: Episode 222
Intro "Existing literature (https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C9&q=public+speaking&btnG=) on the art of public speaking is extensive: ranging from preparation (https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-speak-in-public) and confidence (https://www.businessinsider.com/10-strategies-to-become-a-more-confident-public-speaker-2019-12) to body language (https://www...
5m Nov 10, 2020
5m
S1: "Remember the Heroes", Hebrews 11 and 12
Remembrance Sunday 2020 Sermon for the Watford church of Christ Introduction Good to remember - in order to be grateful I hope today to help us learn how to use our memories to grow in gratitude and have faith for the future Why what we remember matters We are what we remember We become more of what we choose to remember, what memories we dwell on Takes us one direction or another Not ...
32m Nov 08, 2020
32m
S1 Ep68: "He who kneels rules", Newsletter 06 November 2020 : Episode 68
Trump or Biden? As I write it's not clear who has won. Whoever prevails may find victory a poisoned chalice. Don't worry, no politics here, but the events have made me reflect on the nature of ambition. Am I as pure-hearted in my ambitions as I would like to think? Are you? Christians face a tricky but creative dilemma. We are magnificent - and - we are deeply flawed. How do we handle this dic...
13m Nov 06, 2020
13m
S1 Ep250: "How to Ask in Prayer: Intercession" - Quiet Time Coaching Episode 250
I am in my third year of participating in the Renovare (https://renovare.org/) book club. The first book in this season's set of four is "How to pray" by Pete Greig.  https://read.amazon.co.uk/kp/card?asin=B07NCZP5FK&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_6xBDFbDK658CK Quiet time coaching episodes will focus on his book for the next few weeks. You don't need to read it to benefit from...
15m Nov 05, 2020
15m
S1 Ep47: "Marvellous Magazines", What we are reading: Episode 47
In amongst the books, physical, kindle and audio, one should not forget magazines. Which magazines are you reading, and why? Let me share with you today my current magazine reading. Currently I have four on the go - subscriptions to publications I find useful and interesting. In the past I've had more, but these days I'm limiting myself to four because then I get through them rather than allow...
20m Nov 04, 2020
20m
S1 Ep221: "Use tactical silence": Tuesday Teaching Tip 221
5 Lesser-Known Public Speaking Rules Every Young Professional Needs To Know - Part 3 Intro "Existing literature (https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C9&q=public+speaking&btnG=) on the art of public speaking is extensive: ranging from preparation (https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-speak-in-public) and confidence (https://www.businessinsider.com/10-strat...
7m Nov 03, 2020
7m
S1 Ep67: "Cherish Your Friends", Newsletter Episode 67
"You are my friends...." It's been a joy this week to connect with family and friends. It seems to have been a thread through the last few days. I popped down to Kent on Sunday evening to spend two days with my parents helping them out with some practical matters. We discussed their financial affairs and worked through their power of attorney forms. My sister and I, who will be attorneys and t...
15m Oct 31, 2020
15m
S1 Ep249: "How to Ask in Prayer: Petition" - Quiet Time Coaching Episode 249
- I am in my third year of participating in the [Renovare](https://renovare.org) book club. The first book in this season's set of four is "How to pray" by Pete Greig. - Quiet time coaching episodes will focus on his book for the next few weeks. You don't need to read it to benefit from these recordings, but you might like to get hold of a copy for yourself. I have finished the book and can th...
14m Oct 29, 2020
14m
S1: "There is No Longer Jew nor Greek: Dialogue on Christianity and Race"
Honest dialogue about Christianity and racial identity informed by Scripture and experience of black Christians Link to the video is here (https://youtu.be/Ylk0lZe5msg) : https://youtu.be/Ylk0lZe5msg “God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If...
57m Oct 28, 2020
57m
S1 Ep46: "Finding God in the Psalms", What we are reading Episode 46
Basic Premise     > "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." (p. 5).  - Perhaps too often we try to short-cut our way from the world of the Psalmist to our own world. Maybe we impoverish the Psalms by only looking for those which address directly our current needs. Instead, perhaps the Psalms woul...
15m Oct 28, 2020
15m
S1 Ep220: "Surprise, Not Shock", Tuesday Teaching Tips: Episode 220
Introduction "Existing literature (https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C9&q=public+speaking&btnG=) on the art of public speaking is extensive: ranging from preparation (https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-speak-in-public) and confidence (https://www.businessinsider.com/10-strategies-to-become-a-more-confident-public-speaker-2019-12) to body language (http...
12m Oct 27, 2020
12m
S1: "Growing in Lockdown" - Paul in lockdown part 3
A sermon for the Watford and Wokingham ministries  Acts 28:16-31 --- How can we maintain our passion for spreading the good news? How can we notice opportunities God is giving us to spread the good news? What could we do to capitalise on those opportunities? --- How can we notice the opportunities God is giving us for spiritual growth? What can we do to capitalise on those opportunities? ---  ...
27m Oct 25, 2020
27m
S1 Ep66: "Refresh my soul!" Newsletter 23 October 2020: Episode 66
I am lucky to have friends who refresh my spirit. One such is Douglas Jacoby (https://www.douglasjacoby.com/) . We've known each other for 36 years. I first met Doug at a Wednesday night meeting of the, then, Central London church of Christ. It was at the Methodist Mission, Lambeth North, and the topic was the Old Testament. To this day I remember the blend of shock and delight as I heard Doug...
12m Oct 23, 2020
12m
S1 Ep248: “How to worship God: Adoration”: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 248
I am in my third year of participating in the Renovare (https://renovare.org/) book club. The first book in this season’s set of four is “How to pray” by Pete Greig. Quiet time coaching episodes will focus on his book for the next few weeks. You don’t need to read it to benefit from these recordings, but you might like to get hold of a copy for yourself. I have finished the book and can thorou...
14m Oct 22, 2020
14m
S1 Ep45: "The Gospels and Rabbinic Judaism": What we are reading, episode 45
A book by Michael Hilton & Gordian Marshall Date of publication: 1998 Publisher: WIPF and STOCK Publishers This week I bring you some thoughts from a fascinating book on the gospel and rabbinic Judaism. I came across this book through my wife who knows the rabbi's wife. In fact, we once had dinner with them many years ago. My motivation in reading the book - Since Christianity has its origi...
18m Oct 21, 2020
18m
S1 Ep219: "Make people dream": Tuesday Teaching Tip 219
5 Lesser-Known Public Speaking Rules Every Young Professional Needs To Know - Part 1 Intro "Existing literature on the art of public speaking is extensive: ranging from preparation and confidence to body language and tonality, the list of ‘golden rules’ is abundant — but mechanical. The following five rules are lesser-known approaches to public speaking and will insert dynamism, nuance, and d...
8m Oct 20, 2020
8m
S1: "Paul's Prison Hospitality" - Paul in Lockdown - Part 2, Acts 28:16-31
Introduction House arrest - “When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” (Acts 28:16 NIV11) Two years - “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.” (Acts 28:30 NIV11) Last week - spreading encouragement, and prayer This week our topic is hospitality  - believe it or not! QUESTION: "WHAT IS...
29m Oct 18, 2020
29m
S1 Ep65: "The magnificence of a glowing grasshopper": Newsletter 16 October 2020 – Episode 65
I took the picture at the top of this newsletter with my phone. It has not been filtered or edited in any way. I know – it looks like a painting. It is, in fact, a grasshopper on the other side of the bathroom glass glowing in the light of the sun. Beauty surrounds us. Do we notice? I’ve been thinking about the beauty of creation and meditating on how good everything is that God (Genesis 1 & 2...
10m Oct 16, 2020
10m
S1 Ep247: "Start with a Pause" - Quiet Time Coaching Episode 247
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 247 I am in my third year of participating in the Renovare (https://renovare.org/) book club. The first book in this season's set of four is "How to pray (https://read.amazon.co.uk/kp/card?asin=B07NCZP5FK&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_6xBDFbDK658CK) " by Pete Greig. Quiet time coaching episodes will focus on his book for the next few weeks. You don...
14m Oct 15, 2020
14m
S1 Ep44: “The Journal of John Woolman, Quaker”: What we are reading – Episode 44
What we are reading, episode 44 This week I bring you some thoughts from an interesting book – the journal of an 18th century Quaker, John Woolman. I forget how I heard about the book, other than it was recommended in some other reading I’ve been doing. The issue that drew me to it was that he wrote about slavery. I thought it might be insightful to be exposed to the thinking of someone who d...
17m Oct 14, 2020
17m
S1 Ep218: “How to make history inspiring”, Tuesday Teaching Tip, Episode 218
Intro - Edwin Young sent me a question. Here it is:     - "My worry is that my hermeneutical point that I derive from the text will be received as a history or Bible lesson as opposed to a life-changing message. Would you recommend one of your videos for my concern?" --- 1. Allow the history to inspire - The history and the background might be what helps people find their way to the life-cha...
11m Oct 13, 2020
11m
S1 Ep64: "Inspiration in Isolation", Newsletter - Episode 64, 11 October 2020
Inspiration in isolation I have been thinking a lot this week about the difference our faith can make to a sense of isolation - or even desperation - at times like this. I spoke to someone this week who said that their mental health had been suffering because of isolation. They are not the only one. Did you notice that it was "World Mental Health Day (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-menta...
9m Oct 11, 2020
9m
S1: Paul in 'lockdown': 1 - His impact beyond the home, Acts 28:16-31
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ Introduction Could you use some inspiration? Looking at Biblical character in 'lockdown' circumstances Circumstances beyond our control - how react? In faith? House arrest - Acts 28:16 Two years - Acts 28:30 His movement was restricted, but his impact for Jesus was not 1. Encouraging Fellow-Believers Letters written Philemon 1:1 Colossians 4:...
35m Oct 11, 2020
35m
S1: "Paul in Lockdown"; Class 1 "Inspiration in lockdown"
Inspiration from Biblical 'lockdown' people Oct/Nov 2020 Teaching Series Class 1 : Paul in Lockdown - Acts 28:16-31 Introduction Series looking at Biblical characters in 'lockdown' circumstances Circumstances beyond our control - how react? In faith? House arrest - “When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” (Acts 28:16 NIV11) Two years - “For...
25m Oct 09, 2020
25m
S1 Ep246: “Keep it simple”, Quiet Time Coaching Episode 246
I am in my third year of participating in the Renovare book club. The first book in this season’s set of four is “How to pray” (https://www.notion.so/Keep-it-simple-7eef51d4fa2d49ac8b3b1022dc0aa724#6da9fa9de3894ed18a838cffd0bca027) by Pete Greig. Quiet time coaching episodes will focus on his book for the next few weeks. You don’t need to read it to benefit from these recordings, but you might...
15m Oct 08, 2020
15m
S1 Ep43: "Fearfully and Wonderfully": Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancey. What we are reading, episode 43
This week I bring you some thoughts from the wonderful book, "Fearfully and Wonderfully" by Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancey.  Dr Brand was a pioneering surgeon working with leprosy patients. He draws many parallels between his work and the nature of the body of Christ, the church. The book is a mixture of thoughtful reflections on these parallels, and stories from his work - especially in Indi...
14m Oct 07, 2020
14m
S1 Ep217: "How to help your audience remember" Part 3 - Tuesday Teaching Tips: Episode 217
““And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 11:16 NAS95) Intro - Responsibility to teach in a way to help people remember - Jesus effective at this - Reading on this topic - how to learn and help others learn - "Make it Stick" "Trying to come up with an answer rather than having it presented to ...
13m Oct 06, 2020
13m
S1 Ep63: "Listening is Loving". Newsletter 02 October 2020, Episode 63.
Hearing and listening are not the same thing The topic of listening has been on my mind recently. Penny and I were away for two weeks to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. Much more time than usual in each other's company. More talking, and more listening. We walked in mountains, around lakes and quaint old towns. Each place brought unique sounds to our listening ears. The change of sound...
10m Oct 02, 2020
10m
S1 Ep245: "How to listen to God" - Quiet Time Coaching Episode 245
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 245 I am in my third year of participating in the Renovare book club. The first book in this season's set of four is "How to pray" by Pete Greig. Quiet time coaching episodes will focus on his book for the next few weeks. You don't need to read it to benefit from these recordings, but you might like to get hold of a copy for yourself. I'm halfway through the book a...
14m Oct 01, 2020
14m
S1 Ep42: "Faith for exiles", What we are reading Episode 42
This week I bring you some thoughts from the fascinating book, "Faith for exiles" by the Barna organisation. David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock blend statistics, stories and theology with practical suggestions to help young men and women become resilient disciples. They describe the four kinds of exiles: prodigals; nomads; habitual churchgoers; resilient disciples. Then give five practices which ...
17m Sep 30, 2020
17m
S1 Ep216: "How to help your audience remember" - Part 2. Tuesday Teaching Tips: Episode 216
"To learn, retrieve" ““And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 11:16 NAS95) Intro - Responsibility to teach in a way to help people remember - Jesus effective at this - "Make it Stick" 1. Tie the knot - "Retrieval ties the knot for memory. Repeated retrieval snugs it up and adds a loop to...
13m Sep 29, 2020
13m
S1: "Hedges and heaven" - we need each other. Luke 7:33-39.
1. Inclusivity is built person to person Loving the one who is different Luke 7.33-39 Jesus too ‘ordinary’ - a friend to ordinary people Anointing him as king A political as well as a theological act Asking for justice and mercy ‘Religionists’ not in tune with the Spirit Church: Who am I learning from? Benefitting from spiritually?  Churches should become more and more diverse in every...
29m Sep 29, 2020
29m
S1 Ep244: "deliver us from evil" - Quiet Time Coaching Episode 244
"deliver us from evil" NIV11 “Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil!” (Matthew 6:13 MESSAGE) Deliver us What are we praying for, when we pray asking to be delivered from evil? Perhaps stress is on vulnerability of a disciple. We are dependent on God for help because we are weak. Just as we need to depend on God for physical needs (Mat 6:11), we need to remember to be actively dependent...
11m Sep 24, 2020
11m
S1 Ep243: "Lead us not into temptation", Quiet Time Coaching Episode 243
"How to pray the Lord's prayer" - Part 7 "lead us not into temptation" NIV “Keep us safe from ourselves” (Matthew 6:13 MESSAGE) First half of prayer all about God and his priorities Second half about us and our needs 1. Lead us not What are we praying for, when we pray asking "lead us not..."? God does not tempt: "When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be t...
8m Sep 17, 2020
8m
S1: "How you should pray", Class 4 "Forgive us..lead us..deliver us"
"This, then, is how you should pray"  Class 4: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” (Matthew 6:12–13 NIV11) Introduction  “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8 NIV11) Note: This is how you should pray, not, this is what you should say. Looki...
25m Sep 14, 2020
25m
S1: “The Two Rooms That Changed My Life”, Acts 2.42
Sermon for the Watford church of Christ, 13 September 2020 1. The Desk of Devotion Devoted to God: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 NIV11) - modelled after the culture Jesus established.  “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 NIV11) A Christian is professionally cu...
20m Sep 13, 2020
20m
S1 Ep62: "Beauty and the beast", Newsletter 11 September 2020, Episode 62
Beauty, memories and challenges Once again, I must say a hearty "thank you" to all of you who have been praying for my family. As you might know, my father fractured his femur. He came home on Wednesday evening. My mother went to A&E on Thursday morning. We joked that they were swapping places. As of the time of writing, my mother is still in hospital. It does not look as if it's a life-threat...
14m Sep 11, 2020
14m
S1 Ep242: "Forgive us our sins as we forgive the sins of those who sin against us", Quiet Time Coaching Episode 242
Thames Valley teaching series: more theology First half of prayer all about God and his priorities Second half about us and our needs Looking back to beatitudes - “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NIV11) Debts Jewish teaching regarded sins as “debts” before God; the same Aramaic word could be used for both. What are we praying for, when we pray asking ...
20m Sep 10, 2020
20m
S1 Ep41: "Evidence for Conviction", Randal Porter. What we are reading, Episode 41
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 disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmc...
31m Sep 09, 2020
31m
S1 Ep215: "How to help your audience remember" - Part 1. "Create a learning culture". Tuesday Teaching Tip 215
““And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 11:16 NAS95) Introduction Responsibility to teach in a way to help people remember You are not so much a preacher or teacher, but a communicator and educator Jesus effective at this Reading on this topic - how to learn and help others learn: "Make i...
17m Sep 08, 2020
17m
S1 Ep61: "How to handle holy disruption" Newsletter 06 September 2020, Episode 61
Letting God's Disruption Do It's Work First, a huge "thank you" for praying for my father. His operation to put a plate and pins in his fractured femur has gone well. I am still in Kent helping my mother (hence the late newsletter). It has been a challenge and a joy to be available to them both. Like much of life. A challenge and a joy! I took the picture above while on a morning prayer walk ...
11m Sep 06, 2020
11m
S1 Ep241: "Give us this day our daily bread": Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 241
Part 5 of the series on the Lord's Prayer Thames Valley teaching series: more theology First half of prayer all about God and his priorities Second half about us and our needs 1. Give What are we praying for, when we pray asking for our daily bread? Looking to God for provision without anxiety ““Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your...
18m Sep 03, 2020
18m