Malcolm Cox

Caring for Creation

We have seen what I would call "proper weather" this last week. Flights cancelled, trees felled, rivers overflowing their banks. It puts me in awe of God. 

How are we to respond to the needs of the creation? I attended a lecture this week titled "Can a Christian be an environmentalist?". The speaker was Dr Sandra Richter.  I don't have the time or space to go into the details of the lecture here, but, it re-affirmed in me the significance of children of God loving what God loves.  Without doubt he loves his creation (“God saw that it was good”, Genesis 1:10). We are here to be good stewards of what God has made. To serve and to guard it. Not to destroy it. Certainly to enjoy what God has made. To make the most of it. But that's not the same as exploiting it to the point of exhaustion.

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 2:15 NIV11)

My part in directly affecting issues such as climate change may be small. Even infinitesimally small. But the bigger issue is one of the heart. Do I love what God loves? Do the people around me see that I cherish and take care of the world in which we all live? I would suggest that is part of how we let our light shine.

Recently Penny recorded a podcast on this issue which will be going up online hopefully in the near future. If you have any thoughts about ways to approach this topic I'd be very interested.

I have the handout from the lecture. If you'd like a copy, drop me an email and I will forward the PDF to you.

I hope that this week's podcasts, videos and other materials may help you to find joy in what God has made.

Thank you for reading this far, and encouraging me in my endeavours to support our times of quiet with God, our corporate worship experiences, and the effectiveness of our preaching and teaching. I hope my uploads will help you to have beatitude-infused conversations this week.

If you know anyone who might enjoy these materials, please send them a link to my website and encourage them to sign up for this newsletter.

God bless, Malcolm

“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:19–20 NIV11)Would you like to know more about the heart of Jesus? If so, you’ve come to the right place.   

Welcome to the “Kingdom Come” podcast of the Thames Valley churches of Christ. For two months we are diving deep into the “Sermon on the Mount”, found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.  

These podcasts are designed to help us take these amazing words of Jesus and apply them to our devotional 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: [email protected]. 

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

We are going to take a look at how worship helps develop the heart. These thoughts are inspired by a section from the book, “For the audience of one” by Mike Pilavachi and Craig Borlase.
Who we spend time with has a big impact on us. My wife is from the north of England. Her accent, having lived in the south so long now and being married to a southerner, is not so strong. However, when she gets off the phone from talking to her mother, father or brother her accent becomes decidedly more northern for a while. It rubs off after a time, but the influence is real.
Paul wrote this about how God develops our hearts:
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:17–18 NIV11)Quoting from the book:
“Paul had just been writing about Moses, pointing out how, after he had been up the mountain and seen God face-to-face, he had to cover his face with a veil as it shone so much. Paul tells of how, after that, the radiance that was covered by the vail began to fade away. You can imagine that, for Moses, simply being in God’s presence was enough for him to come away from the meeting with something of God stuck on him. How much more, then, should we expect to be transformed by the time we spend with the Lord?”  Page 51
Part of that is our personal devotional times with God. But part of that is our collective, corporate congregational gatherings.  In other words, worshipping together is not simply to express something we believe to be true and to enjoy it (although that’s part of it), but it’s also about connecting with the Spirit who transforms us as individuals and as congregations.
Let’s think about that word “contemplate” from 2 Corinthians. It can mean contemplate, and it can also mean “reflect”. From the book again:
“When looking in a mirror, we both reflect and contemplate what we see before us: we perform the passive act of looking, as well being involved in the physical act of providing the mirror with an image to reflect. The original carries the idea that as we look at the Lord we will both understand more of him, and take on more of his qualities.” Page 52
What does this mean for us worship leaders? I would suggest the following three things:

Check that the songs you select tell us something valuable about Jesus (and God, Father, Spirit). Not every song has to be explicitly about Jesus and the heart of God, but at least some should. Here we might be talking about a song like, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty”. Sung too fast it becomes simply a song with a lot of words. Sung at a reasonably sedate pace it becomes a meditative, faith-deepening song of reflection.

Teach the congregation to value the words of the songs - not simply as expressions of truth, but also as ways to reflect on the heart of God.  Remind the congregation that just as life and doctrine need to be blended (1 Timothy 4:16), so stated truth and reflection need to be blended in worship.

Sprinkle your congregational singing set with songs that are more conducive to reflection. Not every song needs to have this quality, but perhaps at least one or two in a set should. Now, by reflection I don’t mean that the songs have to be slow, but more that the style is one that aids reflection. For example, some members enjoy the repetitive songs, others quite frankly loathe them! That’s OK, we’ve all got our preferences. However, some of the more repetitive songs with limited lyrics might provide an opportunity for reflecting on an aspect of the character of God. Let’s make sure we’ve got some of them in our services.  Here I’m thinking of, for example, “Let your living water”. 

Question for today: "What is your take on these principles? How can we help congregations to so contemplate the heart of God that it helps them to develop His heart?" "What songs do you feel help us with this reflecting development of Christ-like character?"
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: [email protected].
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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

“By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:16–18 NIV11)

“Kingdom Come” podcast, episode 47

Would you like to know more about the heart of Jesus? If so, you’ve come to the right place.   

Welcome to the “Kingdom Come” podcast of the Thames Valley churches of Christ. For two months we are diving deep into the “Sermon on the Mount”, found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.  

These podcasts are designed to help us take these amazing words of Jesus and apply them to our devotional 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: [email protected]. 

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

Matthew 7.12

“Kingdom Come” podcast, episode 44
Would you like to know more about the heart of Jesus? If so, you’ve come to the right place.   
Welcome to the “Kingdom Come” podcast of the Thames Valley churches of Christ. For two months we are diving deep into the “Sermon on the Mount”, found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.  
These podcasts are designed to help us take these amazing words of Jesus and apply them to our devotional life. 
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our website is http://www.tvcoc.org.  
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 suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected]. 
Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. 
God bless, 
Malcolm 
Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Wokingham, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley, 

““Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15 NIV11)Would you like to know more about the heart of Jesus? If so, you’ve come to the right place.   

Welcome to the “Kingdom Come” podcast of the Thames Valley churches of Christ. For two months we are diving deep into the “Sermon on the Mount”, found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.  

These podcasts are designed to help us take these amazing words of Jesus and apply them to our devotional 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: [email protected]. 

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

Would you like to know more about the heart of Jesus? If so, you’ve come to the right place.   

Welcome to the “Kingdom Come” podcast of the Thames Valley churches of Christ. For two months we are diving deep into the “Sermon on the Mount”, found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.  

These podcasts are designed to help us take these amazing words of Jesus and apply them to our devotional 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: [email protected]. 

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

It’s a bonus recording on a paragraph of the Sermon on the Mount not covered in the class series.

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

It’s a bonus recording on a paragraph of the Sermon on the Mount not covered in the class series.

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

“Testing, Testing…”, Matthew 4.1-11
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” (Matthew 4:1–11)

 Bread, vv3-4; Temple, vv5-7; Mountain, vv8-10
A. Lie
B. Test
C. Result
D. Parallels
Conclusion, v11

QUESTION: In what ways are their situations and the way they respond similar/different?

QUESTION FOR TODAY: “What test is going on in your life today that might be God preparing you for greater Christ-likeness and preparedness for him to use you to help others in the future?”

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: [email protected].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
PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,