Malcolm Cox

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV11)

Quotes are from the Celtic Daily Prayer (inspirational prayers and readings from the Northumbria community) published by Collins.

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.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

PPS: 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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You might have heard the advice given to a first time highly nervous speaker, that they should imagine their audience naked and this would remove their sense of being intimidated. This is terrible advice. 

It came to my mind because I heard it again yesterday albeit in a fictional context. One of my favourite television programmes is “Call the midwife". The reasons I like the show I’ll have to reserve for another time. On last night’s show one of the midwives was tasked with giving a talk to new mothers on how to bathe their baby. She declared she was too nervous to do so. Another midwife passed on the old adage that she should imagine her audience naked and that would calm her nerves.

There are many reasons why this advice is not the most helpful. For one, it places our attention on the audience as objects not people. Secondly, imagining people in our audience is as naked is more distracting than helpful! Thirdly, takes our attention off the material, and plays havoc with our ability to focus.

Being nervous is not a sign that you are not cut out for public speaking. I have covered this issue in other recordings, but it seems appropriate to revisit it. It is one of the most common questions I get asked on Quora where I post regularly about public speaking. Here are my top three tips: 

1\. **Clarity**. You will handle your nerves on the day better if you have prepared well in advance. The key issue with preparation, is to be completely confident that your key point is relevant to your audience and clear to yourself. Do not leave the preparation phase until you can state your main point in one sentence. Then, when you are in the middle of your presentation, if the nerves get the better of you, you can always simply state your main point once again. An important point will bear much repetition!

2\. **Rehearsal**. Take some time and find a place where you can rehearse key parts of your talk. This might involve sitting quietly closing your eyes and visualising the venue, your audience and yourself successfully delivering your presentation. It may also involve finding somewhere where you can practice parts of your presentation out loud. In particular, the first few sentences, the conclusion and your main point. It really helps if you verbalise this. Say it out loud. I go to the woods early in the morning to do this.

3\. **Personal**. Keep it personal. You are not giving a presentation, you are having a conversation. You are not talking to a crowd, you are talking to a person. Assume they want to hear what you have to say. In fact, you will find that this is almost always the case. 

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist. 

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. 

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

"A friend once described worship as like a military drill. It is not meant first of all to be personally uplifting in each and every instance, but rather to discipline us and equip us so we can respond immediately and appropriately in battle or a crisis." from "Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies" by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung

http://amzn.eu/fCLMetx

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: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up on coach.me. 

PPS: 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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A super-bright moon led me to contemplate the blend of power and compassion as twin aspects of the nature of God. What difference does it make to our devotional times that God has such power and such compassion?

“..what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:4 NIV11)

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV11)

“it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.” (Luke 10:14 NIV11)

Let me share with you what I learned while musing on these ideas today.

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.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up on coach.me. 

PPS: 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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The Thames Valley churches of Christ want to a study on the resurrection to include in the study series.

Increasingly significant in modern age.

“if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17 NIV11)

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4 NIV11)

Not just looking for resources, but material you have used and found effective.

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist. 

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. 

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

I spoke from John chapter 21\. My topic: the relentless love of Jesus as shown to Peter. The love of Jesus was displayed by Jesus taking the initiative, reminding Peter of his acceptance and commissioning, and restoring their friendship through a painful but healing conversation. 

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: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

PPS: 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,

“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 8 - John Chapter 20  

**1\. Mary’s Moment: 20.1-3, 11-18**

Luke 8.2-3; John 19.25

“Do not hold on to me” - what does Jesus mean?

He is going….

To send the _________ (Jn 16.7, Acts 2).  

To prepare a ________ for them (Jn 14.1-3).  

To _________ for us (Rom 8.34).  

To a place from where he can offer us _________ (Heb 4.14-16).

**2\. Disciples Redirected: 20.2-9, 19-23, 24-29**

Sent by the Spirit

If the Holy Spirit has not yet indwelled them (Act 1.4), what kind of reception of the Spirit is Jesus talking about in v22? 

* Commission for a Mission

* In the Strength of the Spirit

* For the Saving of Souls

Doubter Redirected

What take do you have on how Jesus felt about Thomas’ doubts? Was he understanding? Indignant? Another feeling? (Jn 11.16)

What lessons do we learn from Jesus about how to deal with people’s doubts (see also Chapter 21 and how Jesus helps Peter)?

**3\. Jesus’ Body: 20.19-23, 26**

Lazarus / Jesus

* Wrapping (Jn 11.44 / 20.5-7)

* Stone (Jn 11.41 / Matt 28.2)

* Life (1 Cor 15.42-44, 53-57; Heb 7.24; Rev 1.18)

Us / Jesus

* Bear a cross (Lk 9.23)

* Die to self (Rom 6.6)

* Offer ourselves to death (Rom 8.36)

* Die to be fruitful (Jn 12.24)

* New life (Rom 6.3-10)

* New body (Phil 3.20-21)

Summary

Who do you relate to most in these chapters? Mary, Peter, John, Thomas? Jesus himself? 

What has stood out to you from tonight?

Read John 21 between now and Sunday

Discuss what you’re learning and your questions with your spouse/friends.

Ask God to reveal what aspect of Jesus he would like you to focus on through this 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.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up on coach.me. 

PPS: 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,

I have been working on writing a congregational voices only “farewell” song for a long time. I’ve been rather stuck. Something came to me last night at the piano. I offer it for feedback. I’d love to know what you think.

“‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favour and give you his peace.’” (Numbers 6:24–26 NLT)

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: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up on coach.me. 

PPS: 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,

A Tim Keller sermon refreshed my spirit when contemplating the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019\. The focus is on the word “abba”, or, dadda!

“He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” (Luke 11:2 NIV11)

““Abba , Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”” (Mark 14:36 NIV11)

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”” (Romans 8:15 NIV11)

“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.”” (Galatians 4:6 NIV11)

Let me share with you what I learned while musing on these scriptures today.

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.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up on coach.me. 

PPS: 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, Abba,

“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11)

1\. Learned man

2\. Self-motivated

3\. Passionate

4\. Humble

5\. A great help - effective 

6\. Not afraid to go his own way

* Big personality

“My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”” (1 Corinthians 1:11–12 NIV11)

* Assertive

“Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.” (1 Corinthians 16:12 NIV11)

* Connected

“Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.” (Titus 3:13 NIV11)

How can we be a great help?

1\. You will attract ‘followers'

2\. Have your own mind

3\. Cultivate peer relationship

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist. 

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. 

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

God bless,

Malcolm

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