Malcolm Cox

Welcome to the year 2020! This is our first Tuesday teaching tip for the new decade.

Before I get into today’s topic let may explain a change to the teaching tips schedule. This coming year I shall be posting a new tip every other week instead of every week.  I reflected on last year and the lessons learned from frequent posting. I’m glad that I learned how to generate meaningful material so frequently. 

However, thinking about the year ahead I felt God developing a conviction in me to raise the standard. I need more margin in my life for study and reading to take things higher.  I am taking the same approach with the weekly (now every other week) Sunday sample episodes for corporate worship matters.

I hope you won’t be too disappointed by receiving fewer episodes, and that you will find them to be higher quality.  Please pray for me at I am able to do this with God’s strength.

Now on to today’s topic.

I’m continuing to read “Preaching and Preachers” by D Martyn Lloyd-Jones. I’m in the chapter called “The sermon and the preaching”. In this section of the book he is continuing to defend the relevance of preaching in an age where it is being called into question. Nothing different back in his day compared to ours! 

He questions whether our definition of preaching is accurate. Let me give you some of his thoughts about what preaching is, and especially his rather entertaining insights from the philosopher Epictetus.

“Preaching… Is a transaction between the preacher and the listener. It does something for the soul of man, for the whole of the person, the entire man; it deals with him in a vital and radical manner.”

“It is not the mere imparting of knowledge, there is something much bigger. The total person is engaged on both sides; and if we fail to realise this our preaching will be a failure.”

Quoting the philosopher Epictetus: 

“The philosopher's lecture room is a surgery. When you go away you ought to have felt not pleasure but pain, for when you come in something is wrong with you. One man has put his shoulder out, another has an abscess, another a headache. Am I, the surgeon, then to sit down and give you a string of fine sentences that you may praise me and then go away - the man with a dislocated arm, the man with the abscess, the man with the headache - just as you came?"

Reading this reminded me of a book I’ve posted about before called “communicating for a change” by Andy Stanley, a more contemporary voice. 

A couple of quotes from his book:

"Our goal should be to teach people how to live a life that reflects the values, principles, and truths of the Bible. In short, the goal is change... wanting people to do something different instead of just thinking about it." “How would you communicate this message if your eighteen-year-old son had made up his mind to walk away from everything you have taught him, morally, ethically, and theologically, unless he had a compelling reason not to? What would you say this morning if you knew that was at stake? Because for somebody’s son out there this may be his last chance. Now quit worrying about your outline. Go out there and plead your case like your own son’s future was at stake.”

A summary of the book’s principles can be found here (https://www.essentialleadershipapps.com/uploads/5/8/4/4/58449207/communicating_for_a_change.pdf) : https://www.essentialleadershipapps.com/uploads/5/8/4/4/58449207/communicating_for_a_change.pdf 

Both Stanley and Lloyd-Jones are on to the same point. We don’t speak simply to inform. Certainly knowledge is important if we are to avoid encouraging people to make decisions based on the feeling of the moment or even hype. However, the point isn’t knowledge. You can get that from a book. 

The point of preaching is bringing knowledge to people in such a way, in a manner, in a style, with a hope that it will affect positive change for them, then for the people around them, and all for the glory of God. my father preaches regularly and he has a sign in his study which reads something like, “Inform the mind to stir the heart and change lives”. 

 What kind of reaction did Jesus encounter when he preached? Some were annoyed, and some were inspired. No one was bored! Consider these examples:

“Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”” (Matthew 15:12 NIV11)“When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.” (Luke 13:17 NIV11)

Perhaps the most commonly recorded response is summarised by this passage at the end of the Sermon on the Mount:

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” (Matthew 7:28–29 NIV11)

How do we preach for a change? And how do we do it in a way which is healthy?  My observation about Lloyd-Jones' comments would be that his premise is correct, but it seems there is an overemphasis on creating anxiety.  I prefer to use words like ‘stir’, and 'stimulate’, which can include discomfort and disturbance, but also delight and inspiration.  

My own experience is that preaching judgement and condemnation is easier than preaching mercy, grace and good news. It may be said that preaching grace is not disturbing, but just have a look at the reaction of the Pharisees to the parable of the prodigal in Luke 15 and you will see that this is not the case.

I have two suggestions: 

Make it personal. Speak from the heart, not from the page. Harry Fosdick (https://g.co/kgs/xc4eS8) said that preaching was, “Drenching the congregation in one’s life’s blood”. He also said, "Hating people is like burning down your own house to get rid of a rat”, but that’s a point for another day!  Don’t speak like someone detached from the topic, the passage or the congregation. Speak as one who has been affected by the Scriptures, and whose life has been changed.  This presupposes our hearts have been changed. Part of the purpose of sermon preparation is to find what we, the speaker, must repent of.  Preparing well in advance gives the Spirit time to work on our own hearts, and create the opportunity for us to grow.

Ask questions. You don’t have to read far in the Gospels to hear Jesus asking questions. Questions of his disciples, questions of the crowd, questions of individuals, questions of his opponents. There are so many examples that I won’t list them here, but if you would like to read a good book about how Jesus used questions I can recommend “Jesus asked what he wanted to know” (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/031024773X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_BxhfEbMZHBCXR%20) by Conrad Gempf - my old lecturer at London School of Theology.  On page 144 of his book he writes, “Jesus asks lots of questions. But he doesn’t ask primarily because he wants to acquire knowledge, nor does he ask to help people realise they already have the knowledge. He asks to help people realise where they stand; he asks questions in order to give an occasion for a reply, in order to initiate a conversation.”  How are your questions in your sermon, whether they are rhetorical or meant to stimulate actual discussion during the lesson?  Plan your questions well. Some need to be aimed primarily at stimulating thinking, and some need to be aimed primarily at causing surprise or even offence. Balance and blend as necessary.

As usual, we are scratching the surface of this topic. What have I missed out? What would you add?  Do you agree with Lloyd-Jones and Stanley? How do you feel about drenching the congregation in your life’s blood?!

What I’d like to know today is, “What do you consider to be the most important element in preaching which helps people to go away changed?”

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

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] (mailto:[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 (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 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+100%3A2) NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool” (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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,

As of the time of recording the new year is almost upon us. Do you have a big hope for your preaching and teaching in the year ahead?

We cannot predict the ways in which God may refine us, teach us and shape us in our preaching and teaching in 2020. But there’s no harm in settling on at least one main hope for the future 12 months. As someone once said, “If you aim as nothing you are sure to hit it”.

Have you noticed that I have not asked for your main goal? I’ve used the word “hopes” because it’s broader and leaves room for God to work. I have nothing against goals, and you will need to be specific and practical in the application of your hopes, but let’s begin with hopes.

How do we clarify our hopes for the year ahead in preaching and teaching? Let me offer three suggested steps that will take us from imagination to application:

Imagine that your preaching and teaching in 2020 is by far the most effective you’ve ever produced. What does it feel like? What responses are you noticing? What is happening? What’s different in 2020 compared to 2019? Write down what comes to mind.

Bring to mind your first lesson in 2020. For me, that’s Friday 3rd January, the start of the “Sermon on the Mount” series. The lesson is on Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. If you’re not sure when your first lesson will be, simply imagine the most likely scenario for that first class or sermon.  Imagine it has gone in accordance with your hopes. What is one thing, just one thing, even one small thing that would tell you the lesson has been effective?

What is one practical step you can take to build into that next lesson a greater likelihood that the small thing will happen?

Rinse and repeat for each lesson as the year goes by!

What I’d like to know today is, “What is your main hope for your preaching and teaching in 2020?”

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

Reflection on 2019

A short bit of script this week - the details are in the podcast.

Are you taking time to reflect on the lessons God has taught you this year? I heartily recommend you do so. This was my task on Friday. The podcast contains more information about how I conducted this review.

I hope my podcasts and other materials this week will help you to reflect on what God has been teaching you, and to prepare well for the year ahead..

Prayer request

For the lonely at the New Year and all who have lost a loved one this year. For me as I prepare lessons and plans for 2020 for the Watford church (http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org) .

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.

If you know anyone who might enjoy these materials, please send them a link to my website (http://www.malcolmcox.org) and encourage them to sign up for this newsletter.

God bless, Malcolm

Inspired by the beauty around me

As you probably know I'm preparing a teaching and preaching series on the Sermon on the Mount for the Thames Valley churches of Christ (http://www.tvcoc.org) in the first two months of 2020. Getting the lessons written to a good standard and on time is the biggest challenge I'm facing right now. Of course, it's also the greatest privilege! 

The plan has been to devote Monday mornings to writing. I get up early, go somewhere special to pray, and then sit, crucially, somewhere not in my house and write all morning. Aided, of course, by cake and coffee! 

One of my favourite places is Dunstable Downs (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate) . But this week I felt I needed to go somewhere different. What a good choice I made. I went to Rickmansworth and walked round the Aquadrome (https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/rickmansworth-aquadrome) including the nature area known as "Stockers Lake (https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/stockers-lake?gclid=CjwKCAiAlajvBRB_EiwA4vAqiGhKJNmJEmV4tOID0n00crJKRO7UZPw4yDGFRKdFzzCSlozBwbC_TxoCMHoQAvD_BwE) ". The picture above shows you the beauty of that frosty, fresh December morning. Herons, ducks and geese, goldfinches and more singing and parading themselves. 

By the time I got to the Café in the Park (https://thecafeinthepark.com/) my fingers were frozen, but my spirit was alive, refreshed and inspired. I wrote four lessons and stayed on track to complete them in two weeks time. 

Do you have a big project on the go? Perhaps it's time to go somewhere beautiful to help you to think on a more grand scale. 

 

Prayer request 

Please pray for our friends Charlie and Jeanette Hynes. Many of you will know them. Jeanette lost her mother a few days ago. Ask God to provide the comfort only he can (2 Cor 1.3-5).

Also, please be praying for our election here in the UK. Remember, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2 NIV11). 

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.

If you know anyone who might enjoy these materials, please send them a link to my website (http://www.malcolmcox.org) and encourage them to sign up for this newsletter.

God bless, Malcolm

“Let’s lead worship in such a way as to edify the church.” Have you heard that phrase, or something similar? Sounds noble. It’s got a nice Biblical ring to it. But what does it mean? And how does it inform the way we lead corporate worship?

Let’s have a look today at what it means to lead worship to edify the church.

First, what does the word mean?

The Greek word translated ‘edification' is, “oikodomeœ”, as in, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19 NIV11)

Here are all uses of the word in the New Testament: Matthew 24:1; Mark 13:1–2; Romans 14:19; 15:2; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 14:3, 5, 12, 26; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 10:8; 12:19; 13:10; Ephesians 2:21; 4:12, 16, 29.

You’ll notice that the word is variously translated, 'build' = 2; 'building' = 6; 'buildings' = 3; 'builds' = 1; 'built' = 2; 'edification' = 1; 'edified' = 2; 'strengthening' = 2; 'up' = 8.

Second, what might this look like?

The IVP "Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/085110651X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_.3r4DbN48JWTP) " puts it like this, 

"When NT believers met with one another and shared a whole range of ministries of the word in the congregation, so that the body of Christ was edified, they met with Christ himself. As the members sang psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in their hearts, and thus fulfilled the apostolic injunction to let the word of Christ dwell among them richly (Col 3:16; cf. Eph 5:19–20), so Christ himself was present in their midst...The model of the NT assembly was the congregation (ekkleœsia) of Israel gathered at Mt. Sinai to hear the word of the Lord. Now, however, under the new covenant there is a significant difference. The Lord himself meets with his people wherever they gather in his name and under his authority.” 

"We learn from [1 Corinthians] chapter 14 that the purpose of this direction by the Spirit is for Christians to be “edified” (1 Cor 14:1–5, 26)—a term which literally means “built up,” as in the construction of a house. “To edify” pictures the Christians as those who learn, mature and are strengthened."

Third, how can we lead corporate worship to this end?

Let’s take the two main thoughts above and ask how songs and the way we sing them might create the best possible conditions for their actioning:

To meet with Christ. 

It’s not about you. It’s about Jesus. Have a time of quiet with God in the morning.

Pray with the worship team before the service asking God to help you be Christ-focussed during the service. 

Ensure a good number of the songs point to Christ or are about him.

Reference Jesus in scripture reading, prayer or other means of introducing or linking songs

To grow in Christ - i.e. to learn, become more mature and strengthened in the faith

Include songs which teach unbelievers about the gospel

Include songs which challenge our faith - i.e. not just safe, comforting songs (though these have their place too)

Include songs which remind us that God cares and has a reward prepared for us

Include songs about God, about our response and about the vision God has for the salvation of humankind

What does it mean to lead worship for edification? 

It means to lead people into a collective awareness of the presence of Jesus, and to sing/speak of him in such a way as to create awe, reverence, and love for him. In this way our hearts will be opened to learn from him, to be matured by him and to be strengthened by him.

Could there be any greater privilege?

Question for today: “How do you know when the way you are leading worship is edifying the congregation?"

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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,

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10–12 NIV11)

What does it mean that persecuted people receive a reward? And how is this connected to the kingdom of heaven?

In this series we are immersing ourselves in the beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-12.  We're trying to figure out what each beatitude means for us practically and how that affects our relationship with God, and in particular, our times of quiet with God.

The reason this is on my mind is because I am preparing a teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley churches of Christ (http://www.tvcoc.org/) , and a teaching day for the Watford Church of Christ (http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org/) based on the sermon on the mount.

Join me today as I examine why the persecuted receive a reward in heaven.

Before wading in on the topic of persecution I should add that, although I have some first-hand experience of persecution, there are so many people in other parts of the world how have it tougher than me. I share what I share here today with due regard to my limited understanding of harsh persecution.

First, it's interesting that this follows the beatitude about peacemaking.  Perhaps this is to remind us that our efforts will often not be appreciated.

This beatitude serves as a test for all the beatitudes - like the first one.  The implication is that if there is no persecution, there is no righteousness.

Persecuted

This issue is so important that Jesus now expands on this issue when he did not do so for any of the other beatitudes. 

Persecution comes because those who follow Jesus are determined to live as he lived. Persecution because of righteousness & not obnoxiousness is in view here! 

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:14–17 NIV11)

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:15–16 NIV11)

The cause of persecution is righteousness.  Persecution that's the result of folly, lack of wisdom, over-zealous behaviour, self-righteousness etc. should not be justified by use of this verse.

This is not the same as being 'good' or 'noble'.  The world does not persecute the good and noble because they feel that they would like to be like them and/or could be like them.  The world persecutes the righteous person because they do not want to be like them and/or sense they cannot be like them. 

Jesus taught the same thing later:

““If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” (John 15:18–20 NIV11)

As did Paul (he knew what he was talking about!) 

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12–13 NIV11)

“In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:4 NIV11)

Jesus was persecuted and murdered for his message.  We should expect nothing less. 

Reward in heaven

Why rejoice?  Because means we are counted worthy:

“They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.     The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:40–41 NIV11)

Our faith is being purified:

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6–7 NIV11)

But mostly because our reward is in heaven:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NIV11)

Our rejoicing is not because we are glad to be persecuted (that would lead to or signify self-righteousness), but because we know we have an identity connected with that of the prophets and Jesus himself.  

Persecution, in the right sense, is a badge of honour.

It is our perspective on life, eternity and destiny that means we can rejoice, rather than a macabre delight in the experience of persecution. The reward, of course, is not earned by enduring the persecution.  Our reward is by grace just as much as our initial salvation.  This means that we rejoice all the more for we are looking forward to something that we do not deserve but that is promised.

What does this mean for our times of quiet with God? At least the following two things:

Pray to be strong when experiencing persecution. Pray for a spirit like that of Stephen:     “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59–60 NIV11)

Rejoice in prayer when you are persecuted, even when in the midst of it, since you never know how God may use it:     “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”     The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”     They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.” (Acts 16:25–34 NIV11).

What have I missed? What helps you to rejoice when suffering persecution?

Retreat update

There are still a few places left for the spiritual disciplines retreat, “Wait for the LORD”.  You can find details on the dedicated page of my website (https://www.malcolmcox.org/wait-for-the-lord-retreat-march-2019/) .  If you have any questions, please drop me a line: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .  I’m working on the booklet which I will send out in advance. This will contain information about the area, the details of the schedule, some tips on how to make the most of the retreat and an exposition of Psalm 130.

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] (mailto:[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 (http://www.malcolmcox.org/) .

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

The 'sermunion’ has become more and more popular. In case you are unfamiliar with the phenomenon, it involves combining the sermon and communion. Most commonly ending with a prayer before taking bread and wine.

I would guess that we do something like this once a month or so in the Watford Church of Christ. The topic came up in conversation last week with my friend, Rudie and I thought it would be timely to record some thoughts on it.

Today I will not argue for the merits or otherwise of the 'sermunion’. There is no scriptural command concerning the form of sermons and communions in detail, hence we cannot be definitive.

Instead, I’d like to touch on a few principles and practicals to consider when planning a ‘sermunion’ (more detail is contained in the video/podcast version).

Text - how appropriate is it? 

Hybrid - consider a separate person for the sermon and post-sermon communion thought.

Length - tendency to make the lesson longer. May find it harder to keep listeners engaged.

Motive - not to save time. Highlight Jesus. 

What I’d like to know today is, “What are your experiences with combining the lesson with communion?”

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

“Should Christians be involved in Politics?” 

SCRIPTURES 

(1 Timothy 2:1–8 NIV11)

(Romans 13:1–5 NIV11)

(Luke 20:21–26 NIV11)

(Titus 3:1–2 NIV11)

(1 Peter 2:12–17 NIV11)

(Matthew 28:18 NIV11)

(Colossians 2:9–10 NIV11)

 Discussion 

“Christians should be involved in politics”

“Christians should not be involved in politics”

 Politicians of christian faith 

William Wilberforce: 

“Never, never will we desist till we have wiped away this scandal from the Christian name, released ourselves from the load of guilt, under which we at present labour, and extinguished every trace of this bloody traffic, of which our posterity, looking back to the history of these enlightened times, will scarce believe that it has been suffered to exist so long a disgrace and dishonour to this country.”

Lord Shaftesbury: 

“My religious views are not very popular but they are the views that have sustained and comforted me all though my life. I think a man's religion, if it is worth anything, should enter into every sphere of life, and rule his conduct in every relation.”

 Personal reflection 

Consider whether God is calling you to influence the political sphere.

Whatever channel God provides for you to influence society for the better, use it to the utmost to advance the cause of Christ. 

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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,

When to cut and run

Not long ago it rained heavily during the night.  I went out for my morning prayer walk as usual. The ground was sodden. I decided to take one of my less commonly used routes through the conservation area on my way back to the house.

I like it because it's particularly quiet. It's rare to come across another human being. However, I was aware that it often floods after heavy rain. Mind you, I was wearing good waterproof clothing and a proper stout pair of walking boots. Undaunted, I walked through the meadow as the water on the ground became deeper and deeper.

At one point an inner voice said, "This is not going to end well. Turn back and go home by another route."  My stubbornness got the better of me. I pressed on,my feet getting wetter and wetter.

Finally, I came to the scene in the photograph above. I probed the shoreline trying to find a path through or across the deeper water to the path just beyond. None presented itself. Again the voice said, "Turn back. There is no shame in admitting your error."

Once again, stubbornness won out and I thought I could get across the deep water by balancing on some logs. Bear in mind, this was a very cold autumn morning and it was barely light at the time.

You know how this is going to end, don't you?

I started across on the logs, slipped, and landed in the deeper water completely soaking my feet and lower legs. It was cold! I trudged home duly chastened. As someone once said, "There is nothing so uncommon as common sense". I had just proved that maxim.

Has your path in life taken you somewhere messy? Is it perhaps your own fault?  As you look back, can you see, with hindsight, you would have done well to turn back earlier. No matter. 

“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” (Luke 15:18 NIV11) 

You can always turn back now. Don't press on moving ever deeper into the quagmire. Stop soon as you realise where this is leading and take a different route. It matters not how embarrassing, humiliating or humbling it is to admit a mistake. 

It's far worse having to walk home with muddy water pouring out of your boots!

I offer my recordings this week in the hope that they will help you take the right path through life.

The podcast summary contains a reminder of what’s been posted on my site this week. I.e. the usual TTT, SS & QTC. To watch/listen to any posts, just head over the the website (https://malcolmcox.org) .

Prayer request

Please pray for me as I continue to put the lessons together for the new "Sermon on the Mount" teaching series in January and February next year. I have outlined all 15 lessons, and put detail into four of those 15 so far. My goal is to do four more each Monday between now and the end of the year.

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.

If you know anyone who might enjoy these materials, please send them a link to my website (http://www.malcolmcox.org) and encourage them to sign up for this newsletter.

God bless, Malcolm