S1 Ep156: Tuesday Teaching Tips 156, "Brilliant Barnabas - Acts 14"
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We move on today to Acts ...
8m May 14, 2019
8m
S1: "Jonah: The story of a prophet who hates God for loving his enemies", Malcolm Cox, TVCoC
Jonah The subversive story of a rebellious prophet who hates God for loving his enemies Why does Jonah run? Why does Jonah tell the sailers to kill him? What was it like for Jonah in the fish’s stomach? Why does he not say sorry? What is odd about Jonah’s message? Why does God provide the shade and then take it away? In what ways is Jesus like Jonah? In what way is Jesus different fro...
31m May 12, 2019
31m
S1: "Three Big Questions", Class One: “Did Jesus Exist?”
(1 Peter 3:15–16 NIV11)   1. Procedure   a. Ask what they think of Jesus   b. Ask what kind of evidence they would need   c. Ask if they would be open to revising their opinion   d. Clearly, something happened or we would not have 2,000 years of Christendom 2. Tacitus - 55/56-c.118 CE   a. Annals: 116-117   • “Neither human effort nor the emperor's generosity nor the placating of the go...
30m May 11, 2019
30m
S1 Ep1: Three big questions", gentleness and respect
Information about the new series in the month of May. We’ll be tackling “Three big questions”. “Did Jesus exist?”; “Did Jesus rise again?”; “If there is a good God, how can he allow suffering?”. 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 question...
3m May 10, 2019
3m
S1 Ep82: The Sunday Sample: Episode 82. "Variety is the spice of worship". Malcolm Cox
How do we avoid the corporate worship rut? How many people are involved in influencing your song selection and arrangement? Today I’m sharing what we’re doing in Watford and Thames Valley, as well as some thoughts from “One Heart, One Voice” by Andrew Maries. 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 Bib...
7m May 10, 2019
7m
S1 Ep87: Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 87. "How to prioritise like Jesus"
We start a new series today based on the book, “Unloading the Overload: Stress management for Christians” by Chris Powell and Graham Barker. (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unloading-Overload-Christian-Managing-Stress/dp/189974617X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=%E2%80%9CUnloading+the+Overload%3A+Stress+management+for+Christians%E2%80%9D+by+Chris+Powell+and+Graham+Barker.&qid=1557228534&s=gateway&sr=8-1-f...
15m May 09, 2019
15m
S1: "Three big questions", what will we be looking at?
Information about the new series in the month of May. We’ll be tackling “Three big questions”. “Did Jesus exist?”; “Did Jesus rise again?”; “If there is a good God, how can he allow suffering?”. 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 question...
1m May 09, 2019
1m
S1: "Three big questions", suitable for friends?
“Three Big Questions” - suitable for friends? Information about the new series in the month of May. We’ll be tackling “Three big questions”. “Did Jesus exist?”; “Did Jesus rise again?”; “If there is a good God, how can he allow suffering?”.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...
1m May 09, 2019
1m
S1: "Three Big Questions" - suitable for teenagers?
Information about the new series in the month of May. We’ll be tackling “Three big questions”. “Did Jesus exist?”; “Did Jesus rise again?”; “If there is a good God, how can he allow suffering?”. 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 question...
1m May 07, 2019
1m
S1 Ep155: Tuesday Teaching Tips 155, "Brilliant Barnabas - Acts 13.13-52"
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We move on today to Acts ...
7m May 07, 2019
7m
S1: “How to find people who want to listen”, Acts 13.3-14, Malcolm Cox, Watford church of Christ
“How to find people who want to listen”, Acts 13.3-14 Introduction, vv3-5 1. Be Active in the Spirit’s Mission, vv3-5 A. Partnership B. Proclaiming 2. Trust God to Connect You with People (who want to hear the Word), vv6-7 A. An unlikely introduction B. Who is God connecting you to? 3. Take Opportunities God Provides to Display His Power, vv8-12 A. To be expected B. Against God, not u...
28m May 06, 2019
28m
S1: "Three big questions", Promo 1
Information about the new series in the month of May. We’ll be tackling “Three big questions”. “Did Jesus exist?”; “Did Jesus rise again?”; “If there is a good God, how can he allow suffering?”. 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 question...
4m May 04, 2019
4m
S1 Ep81: The Sunday Sample: Episode 81. "6 mistakes that keep your church from singing". Part 7 - "With and To"
I take “Worship Musician” magazine. I can thoroughly recommend it. If you would like to subscribe, click here (https://form.jotform.com/83504701766155) . And no, I don’t have any commercial links to the magazine! An article I read in the January 2019 edition (vol 17) was titled, “6 mistakes that keep your church from singing” by Jon Nicol. I was intrigued. The churches I serve sing well by and...
5m May 03, 2019
5m
S1 Ep86: Quiet Time Coaching, Episode 86: "Sing When Flat"
Do you ever feel flat when you go out to pray? This happened to me on Wednesday. Let me share with you what I did, and how it helped me. Lyrics of the hymn I sing in the podcast: 1. When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride. 2. Forbid it Lord, that I should boast Save in the death of Christ my God...
15m May 02, 2019
15m
S1: "How to be an Antioch church", Acts 11.19-30, Malcolm Cox, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“How to be an Antioch church”, Acts 11.19-30 Introduction, vv19-21 Third largest city in Roman Empire at the time (after Rome and Alexandria). Pop around 500,000. Centre for admin of Syria. Famous for lax morals At centre of events from here to Acts 14.28. Cosmopolitan city: many Jews and Gentiles. 1. sPeak words of encouragement, vv22-24 Gentiles already converted, but individuals (Et...
34m May 01, 2019
34m
S1 Ep154: Tuesday Teaching Tips 154, "Brilliant Barnabas - Acts 13.4-12"
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We move on today to Acts ...
5m Apr 30, 2019
5m
S1: "Jonah - the prophet who hated the God who loved", Malcolm Cox, sermon for the Watford church of Christ
Jonah The subversive story of a rebellious prophet who hates God for loving his enemies Why does Jonah run? Why does Jonah tell the sailers to kill him? What was it like for Jonah in the fish’s stomach? Why does he not say sorry? What is odd about Jonah’s message? Why does God provide the shade and then take it away? In what ways is Jesus like Jonah? In what way is Jesus different fro...
28m Apr 29, 2019
28m
S1 Ep80: The Sunday Sample: Episode 80. "6 mistakes that keep your church from singing". Part 6 - "Too loud/too soft"
I take “Worship Musician” magazine. I can thoroughly recommend it. If you would like to subscribe, click here (https://form.jotform.com/83504701766155) . And no, I don’t have any commercial links to the magazine! An article I read in the January 2019 edition (vol 17) was titled, “6 mistakes that keep your church from singing” by Jon Nicol. I was intrigued. The churches I serve sing well by and...
4m Apr 26, 2019
4m
S1 Ep85: Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 85. "How to tell the difference between imperfect humility and perfect humility."
Humility is a big deal. Biblically, one falls or rises depending on one’s possession of godly humility: “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:5–6 NIV11) It is, of course, possible to have a false hum...
10m Apr 25, 2019
10m
S1 Ep153: Tuesday Teaching Tips 153, "Brilliant Barnabas - Acts 12.25-13.3"
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We move on today to Acts ...
6m Apr 23, 2019
6m
S1: "Dead or Alive", Easter Sunday 2019, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox
Introduction Early church certainly thought he was alive: Acts references to resurrection/Jesus raised: Acts 1.3, 22; 2.24, 31, 32; 3.15, 26; 4.2, 10, 33; 5.30; 10.40; 13.30, 34, 37; 17.18; 23.6; 24.21; 25.19 Central message of early church. Jesus is alive and victorious Victorious because alive Because God vindicated his sacrifice Christianity stands or falls on the fact of the physica...
34m Apr 22, 2019
34m
S1 Ep79: The Sunday Sample: Episode 79. "6 mistakes that keep your church from singing". Part 5.
I take “Worship Musician” magazine. I can thoroughly recommend it. If you would like to subscribe, click here (https://form.jotform.com/83504701766155) . And no, I don’t have any commercial links to the magazine! An article I read in the January 2019 edition (vol 17) was titled, “6 mistakes that keep your church from singing” by Jon Nicol. I was intrigued. The churches I serve sing well by and...
4m Apr 19, 2019
4m
S1 Ep84: Quiet Time Coaching, Episode 84: "Leaving Yesterday Behind", 2 Samuel 12:15-23
What have cans of dark fruit cider got to do with prayer and the past? Join me today as we explore how to leave yesterday behind. One of the reasons we pray each day is to help us make sense of the previous day’s victories and mistakes. We cannot go faithfully into the day ahead unless we have cleared away the spiritual “rubbish” of the previous 24 hours. We take some inspiration from King Da...
12m Apr 18, 2019
12m
S1: "The Nails of the Cross", Watford church of Christ
Join us as we meditate on the meaning of the nails of the cross. Colossians 2.13-15. 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 spiritua...
38m Apr 17, 2019
38m
S1 Ep152: Tuesday Teaching Tips 152, "Brilliant Barnabas - Acts 11.27-30"
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We move on today to Acts ...
5m Apr 16, 2019
5m
S1 Ep78: The Sunday Sample: Episode 78. "6 mistakes that keep your church from singing". Part 4 - "Singing from the screen"
I take “Worship Musician” magazine. I can thoroughly recommend it. If you would like to subscribe, click here (https://form.jotform.com/83504701766155) . And no, I don’t have any commercial links to the magazine! An article I read in the January 2019 edition (vol 17) was titled, “6 mistakes that keep your church from singing” by Jon Nicol. I was intrigued. The churches I serve sing well by and...
5m Apr 12, 2019
5m
S1 Ep83: "Psalm 5.2", Quiet Time Coaching, Episode 83
“Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:1–3 NIV11) Hear His expectation that God will hear presupposes he has been done an injustice. My Personal connection with God, “my King… My God”. Cry Cries for help a...
12m Apr 11, 2019
12m
S1: "Three Big Questions" (3BQs) Class Series
Later this year we have a short three-lesson series called, “3 Big Questions” (“3BQ”). We will tackle three common objections to the Christian faith. In doing so, I hope that we will be better equipped to talk about our faith in a way that reveals it to be “true and reasonable” (Acts 26:25). “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that yo...
3m Apr 10, 2019
3m
S1 Ep151: Tuesday Teaching Tips 151, "Brilliant Barnabas - Acts 11.25-26"
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We move on today to Acts ...
5m Apr 09, 2019
5m
S1: "Sent by the Spirit", Acts 13.1-5, Malcolm Cox, Watford Church of Christ
 “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on th...
26m Apr 08, 2019
26m
S1: "Mothering Sunday", Malcolm Cox, Watford Church of Christ
Introduction Celebration     * But also a hard time for some God as mother     * “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV11) Paul as mother     * “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 NIV11) 345 refs Bible Example...
30m Apr 06, 2019
30m
S1 Ep77: The Sunday Sample: Episode 77. "6 mistakes that keep your church from singing". Part 3 - "How does that go again?"
I take “Worship Musician” magazine. I can thoroughly recommend it. If you would like to subscribe, click here (https://form.jotform.com/83504701766155) . And no, I don’t have any commercial links to the magazine! An article I read in the January 2019 edition (vol 17) was titled, “6 mistakes that keep your church from singing” by Jon Nicol. I was intrigued. The churches I serve sing well by and...
4m Apr 05, 2019
4m
S1 Ep82: "For the audience of one", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 82
My friend Stefan Wolmarans was slimming down his book collection this week and found two books with which to bless me. Thanks, Stefan! One of them was called, “for the audience of one”, by Mike Pilavachi and Craig Borlase. I bring you a thought or two from the introduction and first chapter of the book. As Mike says in the preface, “this book is written because I believe the Bible says that w...
12m Apr 04, 2019
12m
S1: "Mothering Sunday 2019", Sermon for the Thames Valley churches of Christ
Introduction Celebration     * But also a hard time for some God as mother     * “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV11) Paul as mother     * “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 NIV11) 345 refs Bible Example...
28m Apr 03, 2019
28m
S1 Ep150: Tuesday Teaching Tips 150, "Brilliant Barnabas" - Acts 11.22-24
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We move on today to Acts ...
6m Apr 02, 2019
6m
S1 Ep76: The Sunday Sample, Episode 76. "6 mistakes that keep your church from singing". Part 2.mp3
I take “Worship Musician” magazine. I can thoroughly recommend it. If you would like to subscribe, click here (https://form.jotform.com/83504701766155) . And no, I don’t have any commercial links to the magazine! An article I read in the January 2019 edition (vol 17) was titled, “6 mistakes that keep your church from singing” by Jon Nicol. I was intrigued. The churches I serve sing well by and...
5m Mar 29, 2019
5m
S1 Ep81: Quite time coaching episode 81: "A mystery memorial"
On this morning’s prayer walk I came across an unusual sight. A bunch of roses off the main path propped against a tree. How did they get here? What are they memorialising? I don’t know, but it reminded me of Biblical examples of people memorialising acts of God. The most profound of those for a Christian is the Lord’s Supper. Do you memorialise the acts of God in your life? If so, how do you ...
8m Mar 28, 2019
8m
S1 Ep149: Tuesday Teaching Tips 149, "Brilliant Barnabas Series - Acts 9"
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We move on today to Acts ...
6m Mar 26, 2019
6m
S1 Ep75: The Sunday Sample: Episode 75. "6 mistakes that keep your church from singing". Part 1 - "Stand Gazers"
I take “Worship Musician” magazine. I can thoroughly recommend it. If you would like to subscribe, click here (https://form.jotform.com/83504701766155) . And no, I don’t have any commercial links to the magazine! An article I read in the January 2019 edition (vol 17) was titled, “6 mistakes that keep your church from singing” by Jon Nicol. I was intrigued. The churches I serve sing well by and...
5m Mar 22, 2019
5m
S1 Ep80: Quiet Time Coaching 80, "I have seen the Lord"
I find great spiritual benefit in the writings of David Adam. One of his books, “Tides and seasons” is a collection of modern prayers in the Celtic tradition. Today I bring you my musical setting of the prayer “I have seen the Lord”. You might like to find yourself quiet spot, close your eyes and meditate on the words of this song. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best ...
6m Mar 21, 2019
6m
S1 Ep148: Tuesday Teaching Tips 148, "Brilliant Barnabas - Acts 4"
Barnabas is brilliant. But what is it that makes him so “effective” as a speaker (Acts 14:1)? We don’t know much about his technique, but we know a lot about his character and his spirituality. In this series we will investigate brilliant Barnabas in the book of Acts and beyond. In doing so I hope we will all gain insights which will help us to be as effective as him. We start today in Acts ch...
5m Mar 19, 2019
5m
S1: "Awesome Antioch", Acts 11.19-30, Sermon for Watford Church of Christ
1. sPeak words of encouragement, vv22-24 A. Notice what God is doing B. Speak words of encouragement C. God brings the increase 2. Partner with a friend, vv25-26 A. Find a partner not a problem B. Someone different from you C. Active in service together 3. Provide practical help vv27-30 A. Listen to needs B. Respond C. Sacrifice “What this means for me is……………………………….……” Please add...
23m Mar 18, 2019
23m
S1 Ep74: The Sunday Sample: Episode 74. Another new song: "I have seen the Lord"
Buying a new keyboard seems to have brought out more creativity from within me. I love the poems of David Adam. Here’s one from his book, "Tides and seasons: modern prayers in the Celtic tradition”. I’ve set it to music as a meditative quiet time experience. I’d love your feedback. How could it be improved? Do you have any projects of your own you'd be willing to share with me and this communi...
6m Mar 15, 2019
6m
S1 Ep79: "Who are you?" Quiet Time Coaching 79
Who do you think you are? Who do you think God thinks you are? How do you reconcile those two views when they differ? I read an article today in Premier Christianity Magazine which shed some light on these questions. It was written by Claire Musters. Check her out at www.ficm.org.uk. She offers a number of phrases taken from Scripture that can help us to believe that we are accepted, secure a...
10m Mar 14, 2019
10m
S1 Ep147: Tuesday Teaching Tips 147, "You're not trying to win"
I was listening one of my favourite podcast recently (Kermode and Mayo’s film review). They were discussing a film called “Fighting with my family". The true story involves a family from Britain whose daughter broke into WWE wrestling in the United States. You might not think there are many parallels between WWE and preaching, but I beg to differ. Since the results of wrestling bouts are fixed...
4m Mar 12, 2019
4m
S1: "How to be a Barnabas", Malcolm Cox. Sermon for the Watford Church of Christ
I led a discussion on the fascinating New Testament character of Barnabas. 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 discipli...
40m Mar 11, 2019
40m
S1 Ep73: The Sunday Sample: "How to persuade people to participate in corporate worship"
I read a section from Craig Douglas Erickson’s book “Participating in worship" today. He was considering the significance of the whole body of Christians coming together to worship - even when they don’t want to. It created in me some interesting conflicting emotions. Let me share why that was with you. Then I have two questions for which I would love your answers. Please add your comments on ...
7m Mar 08, 2019
7m
S1 Ep78: Quiet Time Coaching: "Call and answer", Jeremiah 33.3
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV11) Quotes are from the Celtic Daily Prayer (inspirational prayers and readings from the Northumbria community) published by Collins. 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 th...
4m Mar 07, 2019
4m
S1 Ep146: Tuesday Teaching Tips 146, "What to do when your nerves get the upper hand"
You might have heard the advice given to a first time highly nervous speaker, that they should imagine their audience naked and this would remove their sense of being intimidated. This is terrible advice. It came to my mind because I heard it again yesterday albeit in a fictional context. One of my favourite television programmes is “Call the midwife". The reasons I like the show I’ll have to ...
9m Mar 05, 2019
9m
S1 Ep72: The Sunday Sample: "Worship as a military drill"
"A friend once described worship as like a military drill. It is not meant first of all to be personally uplifting in each and every instance, but rather to discipline us and equip us so we can respond immediately and appropriately in battle or a crisis." from "Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies" by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung http://amzn.eu/fCLMetx Please a...
4m Mar 01, 2019
4m