S1: An important question about the future of "Quiet Time Coaching" podcasts
Hi everyone, I'm looking for a bit of help. Should I continue making "Quiet Time Coaching" YouTube videos? Or should I make them audio only? I'm thinking through my priorities for 2019 and looking to find some time-saving opportunities. I enjoy making the "Quiet Time Coaching" videos, but they do take more time than a podcast. I would be grateful if you could let me know your opinion on how ...
5m Dec 05, 2018
5m
S1 Ep135: Tuesday Teaching Tips, "How to assess your preaching year"
What is the best way to assess the development of our preaching and teaching?  I offer four thoughts on this important topic to help prepare us for the year ahead. “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” (Acts 14:1 NIV11) 1. Did you start with any goals? How did it go? SCORRE meth...
8m Dec 04, 2018
8m
S1 Ep61: The Sunday Sample: "Interview with Daniel Smith" Bonus Material
On my recent trip to Israel I made a new friend. His name is Daniel Smith and he leads worship in the San Diego International church of Christ. We sat and chatted about all things worship. Today's recording is bonus material from the end of our conversation. Daniel shares some extra convictions about leading corporate worship. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when w...
6m Nov 30, 2018
6m
S1 Ep64: Quiet Time Coaching, "Sources of spiritual courage" - Part 2
Recently I preached a Sermon (https://youtu.be/YMs6kE3v6xM)  based on Luke 4.19-30 and the visit of Jesus to the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth (synagogue video (https://youtu.be/ZE4zfXLk57k) ). “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw h...
6m Nov 29, 2018
6m
S1 Ep134: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to use your expertise to illustrate"
My friend Alex Clegg spoke last Sunday for the Thames Valley churches of Christ (tvcoc.org). He began his sermon with an illustration claiming that 2=1. He then proceeded to demonstrate how he arrived at that so-called truth, followed by revealing the algebraic mistakes he had made. In doing so he used an illustration which was authentic, personal and effectively introduced his central concept...
9m Nov 27, 2018
9m
S1: "New Year, Newer You!", Ephesians 2.19-22, Malcolm Cox, Watford Church of Christ
Introduction We are all building something Have a choice as to what build And how well we build What kind of building we turn out to be How closely we are building to God’s design - or not 1. New Identity, v19 Nothing more fundamental Identity theft serious Something exciting to explore Still understanding implications of new identity in Christ vv4-22 - what has been done for us by C...
29m Nov 26, 2018
29m
S1 Ep60: The Sunday Sample: "Interview with Daniel Smith" Part 3
On my recent trip to Israel I made a new friend. His name is Daniel Smith and he leads worship in the San Diego International church of Christ. We sat and chatted about all things worship. Today's recording is the third of three. We talk about what God has been teaching him personally about corporate worship. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in communi...
6m Nov 23, 2018
6m
S1 Ep63: Quiet Time Coaching, "Sources of spiritual courage" - Part 1
Recently I preached a Sermon (https://youtu.be/YMs6kE3v6xM)  based on Luke 4.19-30 and the visit of Jesus to the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth (synagogue video (https://youtu.be/ZE4zfXLk57k) ). “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw h...
8m Nov 22, 2018
8m
S1 Ep133: Tuesday Teaching Tips, "Where should the shock come?"
My friend Stefan Wolmerans preached recently using a video illustration with a sizeable shock factor. It made me consider how we decide where to put our surprises in our lessons. At the start, later, at the end? Where would you put it? Croatia's win against Russia in the quarter final on Saturday sent them crashing into the semi-final of the World Cup, but these firefighters had to rush out ...
5m Nov 20, 2018
5m
S1: Questions about Ephesians 2:22
I'm preaching on Ephesians 2:22 this Sunday, 25 November 2018 for the Watford Church of Christ. “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22 NIV11) There is tremendous theological and spiritual depth in this one verse. I'd be grateful for your thoughts, comments or questions. What do you see in this passage? What is its r...
4m Nov 20, 2018
4m
S1 Ep59: The Sunday Sample, "Interview with Daniel Smith" Part 2
On my recent trip to Israel I made a new friend. His name is Daniel Smith and he leads worship in the San Diego International church of Christ. We sat and chatted about all things worship. Today's recording is the second of three. We talk about the corporate worship strengths of the San Diego church. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do y...
5m Nov 16, 2018
5m
S1 Ep62: "A Gethsemane Devotional", Quiet Time Coaching, Malcolm Cox
My wife and I were privileged to be in Israel for two weeks recently. One of the highlights was a communion service in Gethsemane. Douglas Jacoby shared some thoughts before we took communion. I recorded the audio in the hope that it will give you special spiritual fuel for your next devotional time with God. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in communi...
10m Nov 15, 2018
10m
S1 Ep132: "Who is your teaching mentor?" Tuesday Teaching Tips
I have just returned from a trip to Israel. Whilst there I was given reason to be grateful for my teaching mentors in the faith, such as Douglas Jacoby. The church needs more and better equipped teachers. If they did in the first century we also do today: “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been broug...
6m Nov 13, 2018
6m
S1: "The Bravest Person", Luke 4.19-30, Watford Church of Christ
We take a stroll into Nazareth and the synagogue there. Inside we find Jesus reading the scroll of Isaiah. What will happen next? Thank you for listening and watching. 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 suggesti...
29m Nov 13, 2018
29m
S1: "The Bravest Person", Luke 4.19-30, Thames Valley churches of Christ
We take a stroll into Nazareth and the synagogue there. Inside we find Jesus reading the scroll of Isaiah. What will happen next? Thank you for listening and watching. 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 suggesti...
32m Nov 12, 2018
32m
S1 Ep58: The Sunday Sample:, "Interview with Daniel Smith" Part 1"
On my recent trip to Israel I made a new friend. His name is Daniel Smith and he leads worship in the San Diego International church of Christ. We sat and chatted about all things worship. Today's recording is the first of three. We talk about motivation in leading corporate worship. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a questio...
6m Nov 09, 2018
6m
S1 Ep61: Quiet Time Coaching, "How to thrive spiritually", Malcolm Cox
On a recent tour of  Israel, I spent some good time with my old friend Douglas Jacoby (https://www.douglasjacoby.com/) .  We discussed the Psalms and he mentioned the book he's written on them called "Thrive (http://a.co/d/08Z0kfh) !". I bought a copy and started reading it straight away. It's been blessing my spiritual life and I thought I'd bring you a brief description and review of the book...
6m Nov 08, 2018
6m
S1 Ep131: Tuesday Teaching Tips, "Why you should care about neuroscientific narrative consulting"
My wife is a GP. Recently she passed on to me an article from one of the journals she reads, the British Journal of General practice, October 2018. The title of the article is "neuroscientific narrative consulting: how to engage our patients."  It contains a fascinating scientific approach to helping patients both pay attention to and remember advice given to them during a consultation. The ke...
6m Nov 06, 2018
6m
S1 Ep57: The Sunday Sample, "Worship leaders taste what they are serving"
Recently I revisited a book I read a few years ago. It's called "Worship Evangelism" by Sally Morganthaler. In it she quotes Henri Nouwen: "It is not enough for the priests and ministers of the future to be moral people, well trained, eager to help their fellow humans, and able to respond creatively to the burning issues of their time. All of that is very valuable and important, but it is not...
5m Nov 02, 2018
5m
S1 Ep60: Quiet Time Coaching, "Remember to be in awe of God the artist"
I paid a visit to a local art exhibition at the invitation of my friend, Bill.  He was exhibiting four of his paintings. Very impressive. It made me reflect on the amazing gift some people have been given in the area of creating art. And, of course it made me reflect on God as the supreme artist. “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV11) Do we take enough time t...
4m Nov 01, 2018
4m
S1 Ep130: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to make nerves your friend", Part 4
Nerves are the secret sauce in public speaking. They can be your friend, not your enemy. In this fourth of four episodes on the topic we look at how to handle nerves after the speaking is over. 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...
5m Oct 30, 2018
5m
S1 Ep56: The Sunday Sample, "A devotional for worship teams on Psalm 3"
I shared the following devotional with the worship teams of the Watford Church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ recently.  I hope you find it helpful in preparing your heart and mind to leave others in corporate worship. If you use it with your group, please let me know how it is received.  “ A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. LORD, how many are my foes! How...
6m Oct 26, 2018
6m
S1 Ep59: Quiet Time Coaching, "How build healthy spiritual habits", Malcolm Cox
We'd all like to have healthy spiritual habits. But how do we build them? And what we do if we feel guilty about the need for external support? Encountering some dog walkers on my prayer walk this morning reminded me of how helpful it can be to have a friend when trying to establish healthy spiritual habits. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in communi...
5m Oct 25, 2018
5m
S1 Ep129: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to make nerves your friend", Part 3
Nerves are the secret sauce in public speaking. They can be your friend, not your enemy. In this third of four episodes on the topic we look at how to handle nerves in the actual act of speaking. 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 questio...
5m Oct 23, 2018
5m
S1: "The Kingdom" Class 3, Malcolm Cox, Thames Valley churches of Christ
Becoming a kingdom person “The community or people ruled by God and with whom he dwells, to some extent reality now but to be fully consummated in the future” What is reality? Who is well-off or blessed? Who is a truly good person? How do you become a truly good person? Matt 5.1-12 2…………….., Matt 7.13-14 2…………….., Matt 7.16-20 2…………….., Matt 7.24-27 1. How kingdom people live Brighte...
32m Oct 20, 2018
32m
S1 Ep55: The Sunday Sample, "Why we should be flexible with song choices"
Last week in my interview with Mwamba Bennett she mentioned an occasion when they changed song during their church service.  As it happened, this coming Sunday gave me reason to do the same thing. TJ  Was preaching on the opening verses of Isaiah chapter 6: “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with si...
5m Oct 19, 2018
5m
S1 Ep58: Quiet Time Coaching, "Sing a song with God"
Do you sing in your times with God?  Is it part of your relationship with him?  In today's podcast and video I reflect on an experience I had last night and connected with something that happened a little while ago in my local woods. Thank you for listening to this recording. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about...
5m Oct 18, 2018
5m
S1 Ep128: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to make nerves your friend", Part 2
Nerves are the secret sauce in public speaking. They can be your friend, not your enemy. In this second of four episodes on the topic we look at how to handle nerves in the pre-speaking phase. 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 ...
5m Oct 16, 2018
5m
S1: “Amazed!", Acts 8.9-25, A sermon for the Watford Church of Christ
“What amazes you?" The possibility of the amazing is what keeps us looking forward The possibility of the amazing is what keeps us optimistic The possibility of the amazing is what keeps us faithful People who lose the possibility of the amazing lose the life for which they were designed What helps and what gets in the way? Some ideas from this passage…..Acts 8:9–25 Question: What is ama...
32m Oct 16, 2018
32m
S1: "The Kingdom" Class 2, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“The kingdom of heaven is like….” (Matt 13.24; 31, 33, 44, 45, 45, 47, 18.23; 20.1; 22.2) “The community or people ruled by God and with whom he dwells, to some extent reality now but to be fully consummated in the future” 1. “Your kingdom come” a. Present with Jesus “..if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28 NIV11) ...
20m Oct 13, 2018
20m
S1 Ep54: The Sunday Sample, "The Mwamba Bennett interview"
Welcome to my interview with worship leader Mwamba Bennett. She is part of the worship team in the Birmingham church of Christ. We discuss the strengths of the team, her own personal motivations in worship and much more. 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, practi...
31m Oct 12, 2018
31m
S1 Ep57: Quiet Time Coaching: "The connection between the kingdom, peace and joy"
What is the connection between the kingdom of the heavens, peace and joy? I'm teaching a three-part series on the kingdom for the Thames Valley churches of Christ. There's no way I will do it justice, but I do hope to make it more relevant to myself and the congregation. One of the kingdom verses which has given me the most pause to think and pray is Romans 14:17-18. Here is Tom Wright's tran...
7m Oct 11, 2018
7m
S1 Ep127: Tuesday Teaching Tips, "How to make nerves your friend", Part 1
Nerves are the secret sauce in public speaking. They can be your friend, not your enemy. In this first of four episodes on the topic we look at how to handle nerves in the preparation phase. 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...
8m Oct 09, 2018
8m
S1: "How to have a harvest of joy", Acts 8.1-8, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Phili...
30m Oct 07, 2018
30m
S1: "The Kingdom" Class 1, Malcolm Cox, Thames Valley churches of Christ
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23 NIV11) What is the Gospel? Matthew 4:23.  If Jesus talked about kingdom, so should we, and we should think about it. 1. What does the OT reveal? Daniel 2:44 Daniel 7:13–14 Matt 28:17–20 2. What did Jesus say? Mark ...
30m Oct 06, 2018
30m
S1 Ep53: The Sunday Sample: "A tasty scripture/song sandwich"
The website I refer to in the podcast is Resound Worship (https://www.resoundworship.org/) . 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:mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org) . I...
4m Oct 05, 2018
4m
S1 Ep56: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 56, "Return to be refreshed", Malcolm Cox
If you are watching the video you will notice that I am not my usual place to record today’s quiet time coaching episode. That’s because I felt called, drawn even, to go back to a place where I prayed regularly five years ago. I have just finished my prayer time there and wanted to share the experience with you. Where did I go? I went to a viewpoint overlooking the Harrow area of north-west Lo...
4m Oct 04, 2018
4m
S1 Ep126: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "How to re-use, repurpose, or recycle a lesson"
How to revise a sermon or lesson to be used on another occasion. Is it even legitimate to do this? Stage One - reflection Will it meet genuine needs? Do you still believe it? Still living it? What would make it better? Stage Two - rewriting Check introduction Relevant illustrations / applications Check slides Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn ...
7m Oct 02, 2018
7m
S1: "Yertle the Turtle and King Jesus", sermon for the Thames Valley churches of Christ
What do you think it would be like to be king or queen? Questions What was the King Turtle’s problem? What did he get wrong? What did he forget? How did the others feel? Was Jesus a king? What kind of king was he? What was he like as a king? What did Jesus say about being “in charge”? “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” (Matthew 20:...
20m Sep 30, 2018
20m
S1 Ep52: The Sunday Sample: "How to be lifted up by God"
Would you like to be "lifted" by God as you lead others in worship? There's a key to such an experience. I was reminded of that key at a recent Sunday service where I was preaching for the North West Region (http://thelondonchurch.org/NorthWest) of the London International church of Christ. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5...
4m Sep 28, 2018
4m
S1 Ep55: Quiet Time Coaching, "An arrow prayer for every day of the week", Malcolm Cox
We lead busy lives. Sometimes we forget God’s presence, and we do not have opportunity for lengthy prayer. What to do? "The Virgin Eye", Robin Daniels. Arrow prayers, pp319-323: These can be a simple word, or a short phrase that is repeated throughout the day bringing remembrance to us that God is with us in all circumstances. “Speak them inwardly and they will speak back to you all through ...
7m Sep 27, 2018
7m
S1 Ep125: Tuesday teaching tips: "Three tips for training the next generation of teachers"
My friend Katie asked me a question about mentoring the next generation of teachers and preachers. She asked if it was hard for me to let go? In truth, it is. Is it for you too? “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become g...
8m Sep 25, 2018
8m
S1: “The source of joy” Acts 8.1-8, Malcolm Cox, Watford church of Christ
Do you have a Joy-filled life, or a joy-less life? Joy is vital in a healthy marriage, family and friendship. Why is it so elusive? We learn in this lesson how to find joy - via courage. Question: what examples of courage do you see in Acts 8.1-8? “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10 NIV1) “So the wom...
29m Sep 24, 2018
29m
S1 Ep51: The Sunday Sample: "Don't get tired of reminders"
Do you realise the importance of your role in reminding other people of God's attributes and what he has done? We mine a couple of pithy sayings from Erickson's book, "Participating in worship" and reflect on our opportunity to remind people of vital truths on which they can base their faith. Thank you for listening to and watching this recording. You can find more Sunday Samples here and on ...
6m Sep 21, 2018
6m
S1 Ep54: Quiet Time Coaching: "A meditation on the Lord's prayer" by Balthasar Hubmaier
Balthasar Hubmaier was an Anabaptist leader who wrote this short meditation in 1526. Soon afterwards he was arrested, tortured and executed for his faith. Our Father. Gracious Father, I am not worthy to be called a child of yours or that I should be able to call you my Father. I have not always done your will. I have often done the will of the Father of Lies. Forgive me, merciful Father, and m...
9m Sep 20, 2018
9m
S1 Ep124: Tuesday Teaching Tip: "How to conduct a healthy preaching post-mortem"
If you are a preacher, you know the scene all-too-well. It's Sunday afternoon/evening, or Monday morning, and you're thinking about how your sermon went. Perhaps it was a cracker, or perhaps it was simply cracked! My most recent one went too long! We need to process our frustrations, but how do we do this in a healthy way? 1. Accept. Your weakness is God’s opportunity to demonstrate his glory...
6m Sep 18, 2018
6m
S1: "The connection between courage and joy", Acts 8.1-8
I'm preaching soon on Acts 8.1-8, and noticing a connection between courage and joy. Could you help me in my sermon preparation by sending me your reflections on the connection between courage and joy? I'd be very grateful. “And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Ju...
2m Sep 15, 2018
2m
S1 Ep50: The Sunday Sample: "The power of a well-placed poem"
Do you use poems in your corporate worship settings? I bring you the results of a poetic experiment from a recent Sunday service in the Thames Valley churches of Christ. Here's the text of the poem I quote in the recording: Lord, I come to you. Let my heart be changed, renewed, Flowing from the grace, That I’ve found in You. And, Lord, I’ve come to know The weaknesses I see in me Will be...
4m Sep 14, 2018
4m
S1 Ep53: Quiet Time Coaching: "Gethsemane - Keep Watch with Jesus"
Today I bring you an introduction to a guest blog post on prayer by my friend Dr Steve Kinnard. The full text is on my website on this page (http://www.malcolmcox.org/?p=10492&preview=true) . For now, I leave you with the poem that concludes Steve's (https://stevekinnard.wordpress.com/2016/11/07/gethsemane-keep-watch-with-jesus/) post. Keep Watch With Jesus Jesus on the Sea of Galilee Jesus...
4m Sep 13, 2018
4m
S1 Ep123: Tuesday Teaching Tips: "Three 'S's for super communions"
1. Presentation Short 1 Scripture 1 point Story - emotionally engaging, but not emotionally overwhelming Avoid jargon 2. Focus - 1 Cor 11, Lk 22 Jesus Proclaim his death Relevant scripture Why taking bread and wine - what is the connection? Conclusion Feedback please Feel free to disagree, but not to be disagreeable! More material on website and playlist (https://www.youtube.co...
11m Sep 11, 2018
11m