Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 514 | New Creation Series — Part 6 | “New Creation - New Picture of Self” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new creation! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on ‘A new creation’.  Introduction: Reflecting on Our Inner Image Have you ever seen yourself on video? I first saw myself on film during a preaching training session.  Questions flooded my mind: Did I really stand like that? Was my face contorting in such a way? Why was I staring at the floor while speaking? It was an eye-opening experience. However, our internal view of ourselves is more significant than physical behaviour.   1. The Critical Importance of Self-Perception Often, we carry unhealthy scripts in our minds, oscillating between "I'm not good enough" and "I'm the centre of the universe." As Christians, it's vital to develop a healthy view of ourselves because our growth into a new creation hinges on cooperating with God's transformative process (2 Corinthians 3:18): “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seein

What is my picture of myself? Introduction - Do you like how you look? Have you ever seen yourself on video? How did you react. I'll never forget the first time I saw myself on film. We had a preaching training session. Each of us gave a short presentation while being videoed. We received immediate feedback from the people present, but were asked to watch ourselves on the video later. I was shocked. Did I really stand like that? Was my face actually contorting in that way? Why was I staring at the floor while speaking?! It was an eye-opening experience. - However, our inner view of ourselves matters much more than wether we have an accurate picture of our physical behaviour. - Our picture of ourselves is shaped by our picture of God. Correcting the latter is vital before attempting to heal the former. - Common to have unhealthy scripts in our heads - either "I'm not good enough" and/or "I'm the centre of the universe". Most of have both, but at different times in different circumstances. Why is my pictu

Teaching Tip 357 | “Plain Speaking - Speak Conversationally” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  In the previous episode we explored being ourselves when speaking. As Bercot says, ’The ultimate expression of being yourself is speaking conversationally.’ Why does this matter, and how do we do it? Domination is deadly. Have you ever been at a party where you’ve been cornered by a bore? You know the kind of person. The one who speaks at you, does not recognise social cues, tells you everything they want you to hear, but shows no interest in you or your interests. Perhaps you’ve even been that person! No one enjoys that experience. Inconsiderate preaching can be like that - but it doesn’t have to be and should not be. Congregations that are talked at switch off. What a tragedy! Conversation is connection. Good conversation connects people. ‘We’ are talking, not one person. Most blocks  of Jesus’

Exploring Our Picture of God What is your picture of God? We're diving into deep stuff today: Our impressions of God and how they affect us. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and see how our views of God have evolved over the years. Childhood Impressions Remember when you were a kid? For me, God seemed distant and holy, except when I thought about Jesus. He made God feel closer, more like a friend than a distant deity. As I got older, the hymns and anthems I sang at church started making God seem more majestic, like a huge, powerful, creative force. Why Does Our Picture of God Matter? A.W. Tozer said, "What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us" It's so true, isn’t it? Our image of God shapes who we are and how we relate to others. If we see God as loving, we're more likely to be loving ourselves. But if we see Him as angry or distant, it can mess with our heads. Dallas Willard put it this way: "The single most important thing about us is our idea of Go

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 513 | New Creation Series — Part 5 | “New Creation - New Picture” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new creation! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on the topic of ‘A new creation’. New Creation - New Picture Exploring Our Picture of God: A Journey of Understanding and Healing What is your picture of God? We're diving into deep stuff today: Our impressions of God and how they affect us. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and see how our views of God have evolved over the years. Childhood Impressions Remember when you were a kid? For me, God seemed distant and holy, except when I thought about Jesus. He made God feel closer, more like a friend than a distant deity. As I got older, the hymns and anthems I sang at church started making God seem more majestic, like a huge, powerful, creative force. Why Does Our Picture of God Matter? A.W. Tozer said, "What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us" It's so true, isn’t it? Our image of Go

Introduction QUESTION: Smell, touch, hearing, sight, taste - which sense is most important to you and why? 1. Death Smells Bad  A. Lazarus, Jesus “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11) Spices needed:  “Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:39-40 NIV11) Death smells bad! B. Living death? QUESTION: What do we use to distract us from the things we fear? 2. Resurrection Life Smells Good A. Jesus “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” (Mark 16:1-2) “[John] bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips o

Teaching Tip 356 | “Plain Speaking - Be Yourself” | Malcolm Cox  Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Are you trying to sound like someone else when you speak? Please don’t. You have a personality for a reason. Be yourself.  Reading the public teachings of Jesus and Paul, it is clear they spoke differently. If the book of James is a collection of sermons as many scholars think, they also ‘sound’ very different from Jesus. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel are different in style as well as content.  Imagine if every preacher sounded exactly the same. Not only would we find it hard not to get bored, but something more profound would be lost - authenticity. 1. Authenticity. Learning from other speakers is valuable, but attempting to be them is not. Your congregation knows you and wants to hear from you - not an AI version of yourself. 2. Distractions. If your ‘natural’ style includes mumbling, shuffling or staring at the c

Sense of smell In terms of the number of distinguishable stimuli, our sense of smell can detect thousands of different odours. Additionally, smell is closely linked to memory and emotion. During the COVID epidemic many sufferers lost their sense of smell, and speaking for myself I’ve occasionally experienced phantom smells - quite often dog poo! What do smells have to do with Easter? Death smells bad Perhaps you remember Martha’s comment when Jesus ordered that the stone blocking Lazarus’ tomb be removed: “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11) It’s not surprising Martha was reluctant to open the tomb. After four days of death, she knew her brother’s body would smell bad. Spices were used to reduce the bad smell. Consider what happened when Jesus was buried: “Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in

Sense of smell In terms of the number of distinguishable stimuli, our sense of smell can detect thousands of different odours. Additionally, smell is closely linked to memory and emotion. During the COVID epidemic many sufferers lost their sense of smell, and speaking for myself I’ve occasionally experienced phantom smells - quite often dog poo! What do smells have to do with Easter? Death smells bad Perhaps you remember Martha’s comment when Jesus ordered that the stone blocking Lazarus’ tomb be removed: “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11) It’s not surprising Martha was reluctant to open the tomb. After four days of death, she knew her brother’s body would smell bad. Spices were used to reduce the bad smell. Consider what happened when Jesus was buried: “Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strip

Paul Smith was our visiting speaker in Watford for Palm Sunday. He gave a fascinating insight into the triumphal entry to Jerusalem made by Jesus the week before he died. 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.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

Teaching Tip 355 | “Plain Speaking - your speaking notes” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  Different philosophies exist about the value or otherwise of using notes when you speak. What does Bercot think? He follows this process: Type up a detailed sermon outline Print it off and read it through making sure it makes sense Highlight key points (words) of the message Type a new version of the message using only the highlighted points His goal is to get to the point where he doesn't need his notes. This is called extemporaneous speaking. Advantages of this approach include: Better engagement with the congregation because we are not tied to our notes Better connection with the congregation because it's more like a conversation Better conviction in speaking because the points have been embedded in our mind and heart What are your thoughts on his approach? What is your me

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 511 | New Creation Series — Part 3 | “What is a Spiritual Life” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new creation! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on the topic of ‘A new creation’. QUESTION: What is a 'spiritual life'? A 'with-God' life that effects an on-going transformation towards Christ-likeness through the power of the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3.18 “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” How do we live this? God's vision - Jesus' example and inspiration - the Spirit's strength. God's vision Genesis 3.8-9 “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”” Revelation 21.2-3 “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming

A New Creation, Matthew 20.29-37 —  New Sight Introduction What is the question? Who does God accept? Rich law-keepers? Ethnic Israel? Leaders? Associates? What is revealed? About God? About Jesus? About following Jesus? “As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.”  Matt 20.29-34 Ch20 overview and themes 1-16: parable of the labourers -- the last shall be first and the first shall be last 17-19: prediction of his death and resurrection 20-23: Mother of James and John requests special treatment (one

Teaching Tip 354 | “Plain Speaking - rousing introductions and conclusions” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  "The introduction and conclusion of your sermon are like the appetiser and dessert of a meal.” Although a starter and a pudding are optional, they certainly add something special to a meal! A good introduction needs to accomplish two purposes according to Bercot: Capture your hearer’s interest -  Let your hearers know the subject of your message -  “The introduction should provide listeners with a reason to listen. Your introduction should raise the question you are going to answer, create the tension you are going to resolve, or point to the mystery you are going to solve.” Andy Stanley, ‘Communicating for a change’ A helpful conclusion accomplishes two things according to Bercot: Provide a brief summary of what has been said -  Stir your listeners to acti

In this class we explore the way Jesus models the new creation life. He is interruptible for the sake of those who need his help. Matthew 20. 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 spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

A New Creation, 2 Co 5.17 Introduction Lessons from 'a new thing’ - Isaiah 43.19 Abraham: The promises of God (doing things his way) create a legacy far exceeding anything we can achieve by our own efforts Rahab: When you get an inkling of God's movements, follow along and fit in, even though it might mean you lose your house! Elijah: Get refreshed by God - don't give up Daniel: Impact in a culture opposed to your faith Esther: Don't underestimate the impact one person can have (with support) Nehemiah: Blessed are those who mourn Peter: Jesus has vision for flawed followers  Samaritan woman: Jesus transforms our future 2 Cor 5.16-17 - what does this mean? Also Galatians 6.15 1. God Recreates Creation, Rev 21:1-5 A. God has a master-plan Creation-Fall-Covenant-Law-Messiah-New Covenant-New 'Law' (new command, 'but I say')-New Creation (new people)-New Heaven and Earth B. God has an inspiring vision “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea

AIM UK & Ireland Spiritual Life Module “The spiritual life is not a life of laws and precepts but a life of participation, affection and love, a life mingled and mixing with God.” William Law Description The Bible places far more emphasis on who we are inside than how we behave or appear to others. We have all seen too many people we know fall, not rebounding but remaining fallen, due to a weak walk with the Lord–while others continue to go forward to do great things despite formidable obstacles.  Are you looking to strengthen your relationship with God and deepen your understanding of Christian spirituality? Look no further than the AIM Spiritual Life Course, an in-person and online course designed to enhance and guide your spiritual journey. The course covers character, sexual issues, financial responsibility, spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, meditation, scripture, devotional reading, and so much more—the secret of mirroring Christ’s character: the inner spiritual life. Teachers inc

 Teaching Tip 353 | “Plain Speaking - organising and sculpturing your material” | Malcolm Cox Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  “If you want to be an effective speaker, you have to organise your material. Otherwise, your listeners won't be able to follow where you're going... If it isn't organised it will…sound to the congregation as if you're just rambling.” 52 Two steps are necessary according to Bercot: Organise your material into three parts: An introduction, a middle and an end.  Review your material and divide into main points and minor points that support the main ones: Throw away anything that is not relevant. It's what writers call, "killing your darlings". Can you insert ‘therefore’, or, ‘and’ between your points and it make sense? The diamond shape can be a useful model. Bercot uses the illustration of making a sculpture. At the beginning a sculptor has a block of material and hi

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 509 | New Creation Series — Part 1 | “Jesus is the Firstborn” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new creation! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this new series on the topic of ‘A new creation’ following our previous focus on ‘A new thing’.  We are moving from the Old Testament to the New and exploring what it means that there is a new creation. Our key text is:  “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSV) How did this new creation come into being?  “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come

 Andrew Agerbak was our visiting speaker on the 3rd of March. He shared five points from the life of Joseph illustrating the way in which his faith enabled him to continue to grow and be open to God doing a new thing in his life. 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 spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm