Malcolm Cox

Illustrations are an essential part of effective preaching and teaching. Jesus used them all the time. However, sometimes they aren’t received in the way we expect. What do we do in those circumstances?

This happened to me recently. I was preaching for the Thames Valley churches of Christ (http://www.tvcoc.org/) and using one of my “keynote” illustrations (more on the significance of “keynote” illustrations in next week’s teaching tips episode).  The story is about my encounter with an epileptic. Here are the links to the sermon (website (https://www.malcolmcox.org/where-does-your-gate-lead-malcolm-cox-thames-valley-churches-of-christ/) , YouTube (https://youtu.be/xXh1A47YwgA) , podcast (https://audioboom.com/posts/7304430-where-does-your-gate-lead-malcolm-cox-sermon-for-the-thames-valley-churches-of-christ) ).  

Without spoiling the story, there is a twist which usually evokes great surprise and laughter. And I got those this time, but something extra I’d never experienced before. Which was an attitude of sympathy towards someone in the story who the congregation viewed in some sense as a victim, where I had always perceived him to be a perpetrator. This reaction temporarily threw me off balance. I’m experienced enough as a speaker to not let my surprise show, but I was distracted for a moment before pressing on with the conclusion of the story and the application.

The experience was a helpful reminder that I cannot expect to tell the same story to two different groups and expect an identical reaction. Each congregation has its own collective experience, culture and, sometimes, a different blend of values. I reflected afterwards that on most occasions I have used the illustration it’s been to groups of younger Christians and younger people than the group to which I spoke recently. This might have accounted for the difference in reaction. The Thames Valley congregation have recently been receiving many messages and training in caring for the poor and needy. This, I think, also affected their view of the perpetrator as victim.

It’s not to say that any one particular reaction is right or wrong, but speakers must be prepared for the possibility of an unexpected reaction.

Jesus certainly did not always get the reaction he hoped for (see Mark 6.1-7 - not strictly a response to an illustration, but certainly not the hoped-for response to his teaching).  He was flexible enough to respond in a godly manner whatever his audience response might be. When they asked questions as a result of his parables he used their confusion to clarify the point (Matt 13.10, 36). 

Here are three tips to help us with such an eventuality:

Consider THIS audience. In other words, don’t just assume that this group will be the same as every other group, or every other time you have used this particular illustration. Consider the overall culture of the group, and any recent experiences which might colour their view of your illustration. Then decide if this is the right illustration for this group at this time.

Pause.  When things go in a different direction to that which you expected, take a moment to pause and consider whether you need to address the reaction, adjust the next part of your presentation, or simply press on. Most congregations will not notice a short pause. They will assume it is part of your presentation.  Pray in that moment and then decide whether to enquire about the reaction (sometimes interaction can be creatively helpful to your point), or continue with the lesson as planned.

Reflect. When the unexpected happens, take some time afterwards to think through why that might have been, and what the lessons are for your use of this illustration in the future.

In my case, the illustration still worked to make my point, but when I come to use it again I will think more carefully about whether it is the right illustration, and how to use it, than I did on this occasion.

Have you have had this experience of an illustration provoking a response you did not expect? What happened? And what did you do? What lessons did you take from the experience?

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the YouTube teaching tips playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLssKYNRlLIE_A3ckUf7NrtJEqNVbft98J) . 

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/) . 

Thanks again for listening. Have a terrific Tuesday, and a wonderful week.

God bless,

Malcolm 

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We are designed for an adventurous life.

Why settle for a rocking horse when a real one is available? We take a look at why going through life with Jesus is better than doing it alone.

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,

Taking time to pray and plan

I've made it my habit to set aside extra time on the first Monday of each month to pray and plan. I call it a "Sabbath Day" (inspired by the writings of Gordon McDonald (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gordon-MacDonald/e/B001IR1KBM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1562310199&sr=8-1) ).  I have some regular spots like Dunstable Downs. But every now and again I like to go somewhere different. A new experience of an unfamiliar place can lead to fresh thinking. 

This Monday I went to "Pulpit Hill (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/pulpit-hill-and-the-grangelands-and-rifle-butts-nature-reserve) ". I didn't know anything about it, but it seemed appropriate for a preacher and teacher! Turns out it's an ancient iron age fort with a network of footpaths criss-crossing several nature reserves with splendid views over the Aylesbury Vale. 

I had a good walk, worked on my suntan, and saw a number of birds including five Red Kite at the same time. There's a special delight in seeing their aerial prowess as they soar and hover - especially because at some points I was on an escarpment and they were below me in the valley.  I was awed by the beauty of the verdant vale before me. But, more than anything, I was refreshed by praying through the Beatitudes and reconfirming my confidence that living in the Kingdom way, inspired by this Kingdom vision of Jesus truly is the "blessed" life. 

If taking "sabbath days" is not part of your spiritual repertoire, I would encourage you to consider it. Perhaps you can't take a full day, or even a complete morning. But, with advance planning, perhaps you could take two hours once a month or so. Jesus "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Lk 5.16) and it some of those times were reasonably lengthy.  If you'd like some inspiration, have a look at a video (https://www.malcolmcox.org/what-were-reading-zeal-without-burnout-we-need-sabbaths-video/) and podcast (https://www.malcolmcox.org/what-were-reading-zeal-without-burnout-we-need-sabbaths/) on the topic I recorded a while ago. 

Prayer request

On a personal note, please pray for me the family as we help our daughter Lydia get ready for her wedding on 17th August.  It's a very exciting time, and there's lots to do! 

I would like your advice

Since you are someone who shares a similar worldview to myself, I'd be interested to know what you think might be a good topic for a "teaching day". I have done a few of these in the past on topics like eldership, 2 Corinthians, Deuteronomy, Hosea and Hebrews.  I enjoyed preparing and presenting them, and the feedback was very positive about their helpfulness. 

Recently members of the Watford church (http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org/) asked me to put on a similar event here in Watford. I'm in the early stages of planning, but I'm unsure which topic or book of the Bible to use. I would like it to be something which appeals to our Watford members, but also friends in our other church fellowships as well as, potentially, friends from the Watford area. 

So here are my two questions: 

1. "If you were able to come to a teaching day put on by myself, what topic or Bible book would be most interesting to you and make you most likely to come?" 

2. "Think of a friend of yours who you would like to introduce to the world of the Bible. What topic or Bible book might be most interesting to them and cause them to consider coming along?" 

Please send me your answers by the end of the coming week, because there's a lot to do regarding planning and advance study. Email me here (mailto:[email protected]) . The anticipated date for the teaching day would be September or October this year. Thanks so much for helping me out. 

I hope and pray that the coming days are truly "blessed" as you live the Kingdom life within the love and competency of God. 

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. 

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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

What is the usefulness and relevance of movement and posture in corporate worship? This is the Eighth in a series on this topic inspired by a chapter in “Participating in Worship” by Craig Douglas Erickson.

Today we look at the issue of  sitting.

We take sitting for granted, of course. But should we consider that there may be some aspects of our Christian worship that benefit most specifically by the fact that we as a congregation and/or those leading worship, singing and preaching might be seated.?

Jesus sat among the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:46;) and he taught while seated (Luke 4:16-20; John 8:2). Mary sat at Jesus feet (Luke 10:39). Sitting was permitted during the delivery of prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:30).

Sitting whilst praying is unknown in the Bible. Instead, the many postures recorded for prayer vary from prostration and kneeling to standing. For some reason, sitting seems to have been avoided. It is, however, our most common posture for prayer. Are we missing something here?

There is, clearly, nothing inherently unspiritual about sitting, but should we consider more carefully how much “sitting” there is in our services? Granted, we must pay attention to the people in our midst who have physical challenges and those who are not strong, but I wonder if we have too much sitting.

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

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We continue our series today based on the book, “Unloading the Overload: Stress management for Christians” (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unloading-Overload-Christian-Managing-Stress/dp/189974617X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=%E2%80%9CUnloading+the+Overload%3A+Stress+management+for+Christians%E2%80%9D+by+Chris+Powell+and+Graham+Barker.&qid=1557228534&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0) by Chris Powell and Graham Barker. 

Today we explore the issue of friends. What can we learn from Jesus? How does friendship effect our relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? 

Humankind is not designed to be alone, Genesis 2:18. Indeed, a problem shared is a problem halved. We need friends and we know it. However, for some of us developing deep friendships can be tricky. Early formative experiences and family background play a part in us developing healthy soil in which to form friendships or creating barriers to mature adult friendships, and a friendship with God. 

Fortunately, we have Jesus as our model. When he appointed the 12 (Mark 3:14-15) he not only commissioned them for a mission, but to “be with him”. To quote from the book,  

“His calling of them to 'be with him' was not just to have their man-power, but also their friend-power! His call to them so that they could 'be with him' was a separate, distinct and primary purpose. He recognised the need for a network of emotional support for himself as he confronted the opposition and challenges ahead. There would be times when their human presence would make the emotional difference he needed.” 

It’s a wonderful thing to contemplate the fact that Jesus’s underlying desire for his followers was that they would become his friends (John 15:12-15). Indeed, his relationship with us is so intimate as to actually live within us (John 14:24; Romans 8:9). The Holy Spirit operates like a friend. He advises, supports, is a constant companion, with us through ups and downs, reassuring us of God’s unconditional love when we doubt it, is our defender and tells us the truth. Fundamentally, our relationship with God is one characterised by friendship. 

When we are feeling the overload, what will help us to develop our friendship with Jesus? At least three things are suggested in the book. 

Honesty.  “We cannot expect friendships to grow if we cannot be open with the other person.” Be honest with God in prayer. 

Flexibility.  We change and thus our relationship with God must change. Don’t hang on to an outdated immature version of a relationship with God. 

Empathy.  Developing friendship with God means developing understanding of how he feels about you, other people and the state of the world. His Word helps us greatly with this. 

My friends keep me focused, help me not to overreact, clarify my thinking, give me strength, and share my joy. Doesn’t God do all the same things? 

In what ways do friends help you to unload the overload? What does your friendship with the Spirit do for your challenges when overloaded?

Scriptures referred to or you might find useful: Genesis 2.18, John 14.23; 15.12-15, Romans 8.9.

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,

It should be taken for granted that God is visionary, and speaking about him should inspire vision. Before saying anything else - we need to have this in our own hearts! That’s the reason we have times of quiet with God - even on a Sunday morning!

It is possible to speak on love, prayer and even the cross without really talking about God. One of the most frequent pieces of advice I give young speakers is to talk more about Jesus. 

I have benefited recently from reading the short booklet, “Living in the vision of God” (http://www.dwillard.org/articles/individual/living-in-the-vision-of-god) by Dallas Willard. This teaching tip is too short to do justice to his brief but masterful exposition of how vision goes astray. However, I would quote him about the significance of a God vision:

“The love of God, and only the love of God, secures the vision of God: keeps God constantly before our mind.”

 Why is this so important? Willard again:

“Vision of God secures humility. Seeing God for who he is enables us to see ourselves for who we are. This makes us bold, for we see clearly what great good and evil are at issue, and we see that it is not up to us to accomplish it, but up to God - who is more than able. We are delivered from pretending, being presumptuous about ourselves, and from pushing as if the outcome depended on us. We persist without frustration, and we practice calm and joyful non-compliance with evil of any kind.”

Perhaps the key Scripture in this regard is from Proverbs:

    “Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’S voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to GOD! Run from evil!” (Proverbs 3:5–7 MESSAGE)

How do we prepare a lesson with a healthy focus on God? Consider asking these questions, or at least some of them as you prepare your lesson, and as you review it.

Questions:

What does this passage reveal above God’s character / heart?

What inspiring aspect of God is highlighted by this lesson?

What am I saying about God that is unique to him?

Is God’s love for me/the world clear in this lesson?

Is God the core of this lesson?

How does this lesson inspire a God-vision?

What do you think about these questions? What helps you to keep God at the centre of your lessons? Do you think I’m over-egging the point here?

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the YouTube teaching tips playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLssKYNRlLIE_A3ckUf7NrtJEqNVbft98J) . 

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/) . 

Thanks again for listening. Have a terrific Tuesday, and a wonderful week.

God bless,

Malcolm 

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, saviour, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, vision, Dallas Willard,

Looking at two ‘gates’ today and what they mean for us and the world…. 

1. Gate of Confusion, Gen 11.1-9

    “Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”     But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.” 

A. What are they trying to do?

“one language / common speech” about outlook, not just words 

East - away from Eden, away from God 

Desire to control destiny 

Idolatry / Pride 

Our world devastated by human pride, selfish ambition and attempt to control destiny 

B. Why does God do what he does?

God’s mercy in action 

For humanity’s protection - rushing headlong to destruction 

Imagine it had not just been Nazis in WW2; or Stalin, or ISIL? But whole world united against the Jews, the intellectuals, those of free thought, the Christians….. 

They did their worst, but it could have been much worse. 

How much evil can you do if you can't understand each other? 

One united voice without respect for God will lead to terrible things. 

Bab-El - “gate”; Babel - “confusion” 

2. Gate of Satisfaction, Jn 10.7-10

“Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” 

Voice: “Enter my gate and you’ll experience love, meaning and safety.” 

Safety: "I have a place of safety in a world of savagery." 

Sustenance: In, out, find pasture - what you need 

Salvation: Because close to the shepherd. He considers my salvation more important than his safety….. 

““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” (John 10:11–13 NIV11) 

Jesus came down

To gather 

To open the gate 

For all nations 

To be brought together under his protection and love 

If we are united in Christ we are united in love and truth and thus united under the sovereignty of our maker who knows best how we are to function and his life can then be experienced, and shared with others. 

This unity is not dangerous because it is a humble unity. 

Partly seen in this life in the kingdom, through the church, fully expressed in the next life as revealed in revelation. 

Conclusion…., Rev 21.22-27 

“I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honour of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” 

CHOOSE YOUR GATE 

Choose carefully 

Your future depends on it 

The world’s future depends on it 

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,

This last Wednesday was Penny's birthday. We both had a day off and went out for a nice long stroll at the Dunstable Downs (plus cake!). We parked and began our walk near something called the "Tree Cathedral (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/whipsnade-tree-cathedral-awarded-grade-ii-listing) ".  Here is the description from the National trust website:

"Whipsnade Tree Cathedral was the vision of Edmund Blyth, who served in the infantry in World War I and suffered the loss of dear friends Arthur Bailey and John Bennett, who died in the March retreat of 1918. Edmund wanted to create a lasting legacy for his comrades-in-arms who were no longer with him and so began the idea of a unique First World War commemoration. Situated on the edge of Whipsnade Village green, the Tree Cathedral is composed of different varieties of trees and shrubs laid out to the plan of a cathedral, with a nave, transepts, chancel, cloisters and chapels. The idea of a Cathedral constructed with trees and plants is original and it's one of Bedfordshire's unique hidden gems."

I've been there many times for special extended prayers. On this occasion, Penny and I sat on a bench in the 'nave' of the cathedral and prayed for a while thanking God for another year together and the beauty of nature all around us.  Edmund Blyth had the vision to construct this 'cathedral' out of trees, hedges and shrubs. It is beautiful, and a fitting memorial to his friends. But we don't need something manufactured to catch a vision of the goodness of God. We just need to open our eyes to his goodness all around us. Genesis reminds us that God is all about making what is good:

“The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:12 NIV11)

Has this been a "good" week for you? I think it has. Perhaps it's been difficult, even tragic. But, God is working something good in our lives if we could only but see it. Occasionally the darkness, the mist, the confusion hides God's purposes for us for a time. But, he is all about what is good, and can only do what is good for us - and we will see it as such eventually.

What's important is that we hold onto a vision of God as good, even when it doesn't feel like it or look like it. This week I read a challenging and inspiring small book. Here's a quote from it:

"The vision that really matters is the vision of how good God is and how blessed I am to be his child. This vision, of an already existing reality, sees the goodness and competence of God. Then out of the goodness of that vision grows a desire to do something for God, to make his kingdom real.... All human work is meant to be rooted in what God is doing....The only safe way to lead a team is to be rooted in this God vision. It's not a vision of what might happen someday. It's a vision of what already is. It's a vision of God and the goodness of God. If I can live in that vision, then I will seek to do good things with God, and I won't be clutching onto outcomes in a life-or-death manner." Ortberg, John. Overcoming Your Shadow Mission (Leadership Library) (pp. 91-93). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

One of the reasons we engage in the spiritual disciplines, including prayer and reading God's word, is to help us hold onto the conviction of God's goodness in the present, not just the hereafter. The joy is not only in knowing where we're going, but in knowing that we have a companion on the journey. And that companion is our great God who only has the best in mind for us.

I wish you a wonderful week of walking in God's goodness.

God bless, Malcolm

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.

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,

What is the usefulness and relevance of movement and posture in corporate worship? This is the Seventh in a series on this topic inspired by a chapter in “Participating in Worship” by Craig Douglas Erickson.

Today we look at the issue of prostration. 

We might have reached the most challenging of all postures! As uncomfortable as I feel about raising hands, the idea of prostration is on a whole different level. However, the Bible mentions prostration as a posture of prayer more than any other! Here are some Old Testament references:

Deuteronomy 9:8; Psalm 37:6; 43:25; Genesis 18:2; 19:1; Judges 13:20; Daniel 8:17; Genesis 17:3; Joshua 5:14; Ezequiel 1:28; Isaiah 49:23; Psalm 94:6; 2 Chronicles 7:3; Numbers 22:31; Genesis 23:7; 42:6; 43:26; 1 Samuel 20:41; 24:8).

The New Testament tends to translate the word for prostration as “worship”. We see that as Jesus prays in Gethsemane he is worshipping/prostrating himself in Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:35.

After his resurrection the followers of Jesus “worship/prostrate" themselves at the feet of Jesus, Matthew 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52. 

Paul mentions prostration as part of Christian worship in 1 Corinthians 14:25. 

In Revelation the saints in glory are prostrating themselves before the throne of God, Revelation 4:10; 5:14; 7:11; 11:16; 19:4.

It is appropriate in our corporate worship settings? If so, for what purpose?

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

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We continue our series today based on the book, “Unloading the Overload: Stress management for Christians” (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unloading-Overload-Christian-Managing-Stress/dp/189974617X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=%E2%80%9CUnloading+the+Overload%3A+Stress+management+for+Christians%E2%80%9D+by+Chris+Powell+and+Graham+Barker.&qid=1557228534&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0) by Chris Powell and Graham Barker. 

Today we explore the issue of sharing the load. What can we learn from Moses, Nehemiah and Elijah? How does delegation effect our relationship with God? 

To quote from the book: “Somehow on the solitary path that he has followed, Elijah has come to believe that everything depends on him. He has been living as though he is the Managing Director of the universe. He should have known that there were others still faithful to Yahweh, because he had met one loyal follower, Obadiah, just prior to the contest on Mount Carmel. But no, he carries the weight of, “I’m the only one left”. There’s a fair bit of “poor me” in Elijah at this point!”

What stops you from sharing the load? Do you overrate your importance? Do you believe you are the only one who can do the job well? 

“All these are simply ego-driven enticements to overload, even though we often try to justify them to ourselves. At our worst, we even affirm that we are sure God wants it this way.”

What do you do to unload the overload? What helps you to delegate?

Scriptures referred to or you might find useful: Numbers 11.1-25; Exodus 18.13-27; Deuteronomy 1.9-18; Nehemiah 3.1-12; 1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19.9-10.

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,