Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 513 | New Creation Series — Part 5 | “New Creation - New Picture” | Malcolm Cox

Introduction
A new creation! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on the topic of ‘A new creation’.

New Creation - New Picture

Exploring Our Picture of God: A Journey of Understanding and Healing
What is your picture of God? We're diving into deep stuff today: Our impressions of God and how they affect us. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and see how our views of God have evolved over the years.

Childhood Impressions
Remember when you were a kid? For me, God seemed distant and holy, except when I thought about Jesus. He made God feel closer, more like a friend than a distant deity. As I got older, the hymns and anthems I sang at church started making God seem more majestic, like a huge, powerful, creative force.

Why Does Our Picture of God Matter?

A.W. Tozer said,
"What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us"

It's so true, isn’t it? Our image of God shapes who we are and how we relate to others. If we see God as loving, we're more likely to be loving ourselves. But if we see Him as angry or distant, it can mess with our heads.

Dallas Willard put it this way:
"The single most important thing about us is our idea of God and its associated images."

Challenging Our Assumptions
Think about where your ideas of God came from. Were they from your parents, teachers, or that old guy at church who always preached fire and brimstone? How do we find a better picture of God? Consider the following points.

God is always greater (and better) than we imagine
"Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable." - Psalm 145:3 NASB
Give this verse a few moments of your time. Have you ever thought about how amazing God really is? His greatness, power, love, and light—it's mind-blowing. We’ll need to meditate on God’s greatness if we’re to get anywhere near an accurate picture of Him.

Revealing the True Nature of God
It's easy to get the wrong idea, like thinking God can't be trusted or that He's just waiting to punish us. But Jesus came to set the record straight. He's like God's selfie, showing us exactly what God is like in human form.
"Jesus said to him, 'Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?'" - John 14:9 NASB

God is closer than we imagine
We're not alone; He's always with us, guiding us, and loving us no matter what.
"and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20 NASB
We walk through life with Jesus, accompanied by the Father and Spirit. We’ve got a tribe, we’re safe, we belong, and we know where we’re going.

God is Three-In-One
"'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'" - Matthew 28:19 NASB
His wonderful, complex, relational love is indestructible. He offers us this love to be experienced here, now, and in eternity. God’s loving creative power overflowed in creating us. Now, we get to participate in divine love.

Conclusion: Embracing Healing and Transformation
So, let's invite God to heal and shape our view of Him. When we see God as the loving, compassionate, powerful friend that He is, it changes everything. We're not alone and we’re not vulnerable; He's always with us, guiding us, strengthening us and loving us no matter what.
Let’s journey together as a church in discovery and healing. Let's explore the depths of our faith and deepen our relationship with the divine.

For Reflection
Contemplate this sculpture of the prodigal’s reunion with his father (Luke 15). What do you notice? What does this picture show us about Father God's heart and how he feels about us?


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].

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.

"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Introduction

QUESTION: Smell, touch, hearing, sight, taste - which sense is most important to you and why?

1. Death Smells Bad 

A. Lazarus, Jesus
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11)

Spices needed: 
“Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:39-40 NIV11)

Death smells bad!

B. Living death?
QUESTION: What do we use to distract us from the things we fear?

2. Resurrection Life Smells Good

A. Jesus
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” (Mark 16:1-2)

“[John] bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.” (John 20:3-8 NIV11)

3. Our New Lives Smell Good
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV11)

A. To the world
We smell like Jesus
How maintain?

B. Consciously learning from him
How to smell more like Jesus
Take these as Bible study and prayer focus ideas:
1. Attitude - Philippians 2.5
2. Ready - Luke 12.35
3. Obedient - John 14.23-24
4. Merciful - Hebrews 2:17
5. Amazing - Matthew 8:27

Conclusion
Lord’s Supper
No fear of death

“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV11)

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

Teaching Tip 356 | “Plain Speaking - Be Yourself” | Malcolm Cox 

Introduction
Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot. 

Are you trying to sound like someone else when you speak? Please don’t. You have a personality for a reason. Be yourself.  Reading the public teachings of Jesus and Paul, it is clear they spoke differently. If the book of James is a collection of sermons as many scholars think, they also ‘sound’ very different from Jesus. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel are different in style as well as content.  Imagine if every preacher sounded exactly the same. Not only would we find it hard not to get bored, but something more profound would be lost - authenticity.

1. Authenticity. Learning from other speakers is valuable, but attempting to be them is not. Your congregation knows you and wants to hear from you - not an AI version of yourself.
2. Distractions. If your ‘natural’ style includes mumbling, shuffling or staring at the ceiling, it is crucial to work on improving your delivery. You can do this without losing the core of who you are. 
3. Nerves. Don’t over-focus on your style. Pay attention to any distracting habits, but avoid self-consciousness by remembering that your lesson is about God, he is with you, and the congregation are eager to learn. 

What are your thoughts on being ourselves when we teach and preach? Someone said that preaching is ‘truth through personality’. Do you agree?

Conclusion
Next time, we will go on to explore how speaking conversationally.

Has today’s tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so.

Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching.

Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life.

Contact us here with enquiries: [email protected]  

The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com  

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, or 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, and leave a review. 

Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching.

God bless, Malcolm

Sense of smell

In terms of the number of distinguishable stimuli, our sense of smell can detect thousands of different odours. Additionally, smell is closely linked to memory and emotion. During the COVID epidemic many sufferers lost their sense of smell, and speaking for myself I’ve occasionally experienced phantom smells - quite often dog poo! What do smells have to do with Easter?

Death smells bad

Perhaps you remember Martha’s comment when Jesus ordered that the stone blocking Lazarus’ tomb be removed:

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11)

It’s not surprising Martha was reluctant to open the tomb. After four days of death, she knew her brother’s body would smell bad. Spices were used to reduce the bad smell. Consider what happened when Jesus was buried:

“Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:39-40 NIV11)

The women who followed Jesus planned to finish the work Nicodemus had started:

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” (Mark 16:1-2)

Death smells bad. There is no way around it. It smells bad to human noses and to human hearts. The finality of it, the emptiness of it, the uselessness of it frustrates us. What is it for? No one knows — except Jesus.

Resurrection life smells good

When Peter and John reached the tomb they noticed something. The wrappings were there, but the body was not.

“[John] bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.” (John 20:3-8 NIV11)

Soon afterwards, Mary sees Jesus. She does not recognise him, thinking he is the gardener. Then he speaks, and she realises it is him. What does she not see? What did the Apostles not see? Spices. There is no mention of spices. The angels in the tomb don’t mention them, nor do the Apostles or any of the witnesses. Why no spices? Because there is no bad smell! 

God smells the good 

The writers of Scripture often mix literal and metaphorical ideas. Themes like ‘light and darkness’, ‘water’, ‘wilderness’, ‘the shepherd and his flock’ and ‘the garden’ have both physical and spiritual meanings. The same is true of good and bad smells. Noah’s sacrifice after exiting the ark is described like this:

“The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood…” (Gen. 8:21)

Our prayers smell like incense to God:

“…the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” (Revelation 5:8)

Our sacrifices and prayers create a pleasant aroma to God. But how do we smell to our neighbours?

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV11)

We smell like Jesus 

Our lives remind people of the Son of God so much that it is as if we smell like him.We are the aroma of death for those who wish for no change. In other words, we do not smell like hope to them because it is not the kind of hope they want. However, to those who want change, desire to be different and who are looking for meaning, purpose and healing, we smell like life. What kind of life? Resurrection life. Eternal life. New creation life. Christ’s life. 

Here’s an unusual definition of a disciple of Jesus - ‘Someone who smells like Jesus.’ What do you think? Is that a reasonable claim? If so, what does it mean? Let me offer some words and Scriptures for reflection, discussion and prayer.

Attitude - Philippians 2.5

Ready - Luke 12.35

Obedient - John 14.23-24

Merciful - Hebrews 2:17

Amazing - Matthew 8:27

The perceptive among us will notice that the first letters spell ‘AROMA’. Will meditating on the Scriptures above help you be the aroma of resurrection life to the world? Let’s pray to grow into the likeness of Jesus so that the world can smell him through us and find new life.

Your brother, Malcolm

Sense of smell
In terms of the number of distinguishable stimuli, our sense of smell can detect thousands of different odours. Additionally, smell is closely linked to memory and emotion. During the COVID epidemic many sufferers lost their sense of smell, and speaking for myself I’ve occasionally experienced phantom smells - quite often dog poo! What do smells have to do with Easter?

Death smells bad
Perhaps you remember Martha’s comment when Jesus ordered that the stone blocking Lazarus’ tomb be removed:
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11)
It’s not surprising Martha was reluctant to open the tomb. After four days of death, she knew her brother’s body would smell bad. Spices were used to reduce the bad smell. Consider what happened when Jesus was buried:
“Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:39-40 NIV11)
The women who followed Jesus planned to finish the work Nicodemus had started:
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” (Mark 16:1-2)
Death smells bad. There is no way around it. It smells bad to human noses and to human hearts. The finality of it, the emptiness of it, the uselessness of it frustrates us. What is it for? No one knows — except Jesus.

Resurrection life smells good
When Peter and John reached the tomb they noticed something. The wrappings were there, but the body was not.
“[John] bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.” (John 20:3-8 NIV11)
Soon afterwards, Mary sees Jesus. She does not recognise him, thinking he is the gardener. Then he speaks, and she realises it is him. What does she not see? What did the Apostles not see? Spices. There is no mention of spices. The angels in the tomb don’t mention them, nor do the Apostles or any of the witnesses. Why no spices? Because there is no bad smell!

God smells the good
The writers of Scripture often mix literal and metaphorical ideas. Themes like ‘light and darkness’, ‘water’, ‘wilderness’, ‘the shepherd and his flock’ and ‘the garden’ have both physical and spiritual meanings. The same is true of good and bad smells. Noah’s sacrifice after exiting the ark is described like this:
“The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood…” (Gen. 8:21)

Our prayers smell like incense to God:
“…the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” (Revelation 5:8)
Our sacrifices and prayers create a pleasant aroma to God. But how do we smell to our neighbours?

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV11)

We smell like Jesus
Our lives remind people of the Son of God so much that it is as if we smell like him.We are the aroma of death for those who wish for no change. In other words, we do not smell like hope to them because it is not the kind of hope they want. However, to those who want change, desire to be different and who are looking for meaning, purpose and healing, we smell like life. What kind of life? Resurrection life. Eternal life. New creation life. Christ’s life. 
Here’s an unusual definition of a disciple of Jesus - ‘Someone who smells like Jesus.’ What do you think? Is that a reasonable claim? If so, what does it mean? Let me offer some words and Scriptures for reflection, discussion and prayer.

Attitude - Philippians 2.5
Ready - Luke 12.35
Obedient - John 14.23-24
Merciful - Hebrews 2:17
Amazing - Matthew 8:27

The perceptive among us will notice that the first letters spell ‘AROMA’. Will meditating on the Scriptures above help you be the aroma of resurrection life to the world? Let’s pray to grow into the likeness of Jesus so that the world can smell him through us and find new life.

Your brother, Malcolm

Paul Smith was our visiting speaker in Watford for Palm Sunday. He gave a fascinating insight into the triumphal entry to Jerusalem made by Jesus the week before he died.

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

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [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

Teaching Tip 355 | “Plain Speaking - your speaking notes” | Malcolm Cox


Introduction

Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot. 



Different philosophies exist about the value or otherwise of using notes when you speak. What does Bercot think? He follows this process:

His goal is to get to the point where he doesn't need his notes. This is called extemporaneous speaking. Advantages of this approach include:

What are your thoughts on his approach? What is your method, and why do you do it that way?


Conclusion

Next time we will go on to explore how our speaking can be authentically our own.


Has today’s tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so.


Next week: rousing introductions and conclusions


Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life.


Contact us here with enquiries: [email protected]  


The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com  


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, or 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, and leave a review. 


Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching.


God bless, Malcolm

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 511 | New Creation Series — Part 3 | “What is a Spiritual Life” | Malcolm Cox

Introduction
A new creation! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on the topic of ‘A new creation’.

QUESTION: What is a 'spiritual life'?
A 'with-God' life that effects an on-going transformation towards Christ-likeness through the power of the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3.18
“And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”

How do we live this? God's vision - Jesus' example and inspiration - the Spirit's strength.

God's vision
Genesis 3.8-9
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?””

Revelation 21.2-3
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

God chose a people - father and son
Deuteronomy 1.31
“and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.””

Glimpses - David, “The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.” (Psalm 23:1 HCSB)

What kind of life did (does) Jesus offer his followers?
Fitting yoke
Matthew 11.28-30
““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””

Full life 
John 10.10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Friendship 
John 15.13-17
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

Relationship with abba father 
Mark 14.36
““Abba , Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.””
See Galatians 4.6
“And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!””

Overall - blessed
Matthew 5.3-10
““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

"These ‘blessings’, the ‘wonderful news’ that he’s announcing, are not saying ‘try hard to live like this.’ They are saying that people who already are like that are in good shape. They should be happy and celebrate." – Wright, N. T. Matthew for Everyone Part 1 Chapters 1–15.

This is the good life. Do we believe this?
How can we find a way to believe this when life is so hard?

Are you looking to strengthen your relationship with God and deepen your understanding of Christian spirituality? Look no further than the AIM Spiritual Life Course, an in-person and online course designed to enhance and guide your spiritual journey. The course covers character, sexual issues, financial responsibility, spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, meditation, scripture, devotional reading, and so much more—the secret of mirroring Christ’s character: the inner spiritual life.

Teachers include Douglas Jacoby, Andy Boakye and Malcolm Cox. At the live session on 23 March we will cover the crucial topics of growing through suffering (Andy Boakye), discipleship as the door to life to the full (Malcolm Cox) and the joys of personal spiritual growth (Douglas Jacoby). Additionally, you will have access to specialised teaching from many others on-line after the event.

Join our worldwide community of learners and experience the transformative power of Christian spirituality.

More Information
AIM UK & Ireland site: https://aimukandireland.com/
Spiritual Life Module description: https://aimukandireland.com/enrol/index.php?id=13
Details
Location: West Watford Free church, Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 6NU
Date & Time: Saturday 23rd March 2024, 9:30AM – 2.45PM
Registration & Payment: https://tvcoc.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/usz20xvr
Cost: £20 for the day; £75 for the entire module
Refreshments: Light lunch, hot and cold drinks
Transport: Nearest stations — Watford Junction (35 mins walk), Watford High Street (30 mins walk), Watford Metropolitan Line (20 mins walk).
Parking: Free parking onsite and adjoining roads

If you have any questions please drop me a line.

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].

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.

"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A New Creation, Matthew 20.29-37 —  New Sight

Introduction
What is the question?
Who does God accept?
Rich law-keepers?
Ethnic Israel?
Leaders?
Associates?
What is revealed? About God? About Jesus? About following Jesus?

“As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.”  Matt 20.29-34

Ch20 overview and themes
1-16: parable of the labourers -- the last shall be first and the first shall be last
17-19: prediction of his death and resurrection
20-23: Mother of James and John requests special treatment (one of very few women to get it wrong)
24-28: Teaching on servanthood
29-34: Jesus heals two blind men

Why this matters to us....

1. Why Jesus Stops, vv29-37
Question: What is happening?
Someone asks
He sees/hears
He came for this reason
His compassion - desire to help

2. Who Jesus Stops For
Question: What are we meant to notice?
The blind - some end up seeing
The blind - some do not end up seeing

3. What we learn about Jesus
Question: What do we learn about Jesus?
He is interruptible - for you, for us
He hears the cries of the needy - out there and in here.
He is moved, by our needs - that feeling in the gut….

Conclusion
Who are we?
Blindly blind?
Grumblers; Selfishly ambitious; Jealous; Restrictors; Blind?
Are we the grumblers if people get into heaven we don’t think deserve to get there?
Are we the mother of Zebedee who wants special treatment from Jesus for those we love?
Are we the disciples angry because someone might be ‘greater’ than them?
Are we the crowd who’s discipleship is restricting who has access to Jesus?
Seeing blind?
People who seek Jesus’ help despite opposition and embarrassment

Jesus
Interruptible
Attentive
Generous
Compassionate
Are we Jesus - interruptible, generous, attentive, compassionate?
On Monday - will you be interruptible for the sake of people feeling the compassion of Jesus?

Lord's Supper
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” (Luke 14:13 NRSV)
The Lord’s Supper is that kind of banquet
Anger at sin (not sinners) led to Jesus' courageous compassionate sacrifice
Easter is on the horizon
Let's stop right now to remember and honour Jesus stopping for us

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

Teaching Tip 354 | “Plain Speaking - rousing introductions and conclusions” | Malcolm Cox


Introduction

Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot. 



"The introduction and conclusion of your sermon are like the appetiser and dessert of a meal.” Although a starter and a pudding are optional, they certainly add something special to a meal!


A good introduction needs to accomplish two purposes according to Bercot:

“The introduction should provide listeners with a reason to listen. Your introduction should raise the question you are going to answer, create the tension you are going to resolve, or point to the mystery you are going to solve.” Andy Stanley, ‘Communicating for a change’


A helpful conclusion accomplishes two things according to Bercot:

“You should conclude, and the conclusion should produce a feeling of finality. Like an able lawyer, a minister asks for a verdict.” W. Robinson, Haddon. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages (p. 223). Baker Academic. 


Now put everything together — your introduction, main points, sub points and conclusion. How is it looking? Do all the parts connect to one another logically and make sense?


Conclusion

Next time we will go on to look at the topic of speaking notes.


Has today’s tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so.


Next week: rousing introductions and conclusions


Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life.


Contact us here with enquiries: [email protected]  


The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com  


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, or 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, and leave a review. 


Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching.


God bless, Malcolm