Malcolm Cox

One of the characteristics of a refugee is that they are unable to return to  the place from which they escaped. Or, at the very least, it is unsafe to do so. Many refugees are fleeing political, racial or religious persecution. To return might be suicide. The yearn to return is strong, however, no matter how dangerous. Israel struggled with this. Christian have a parallel experience.

Temptation to Return

The Israelites were quick to forget their slave status in Egypt. Fear messed with their thinking. Their pre-Moses memories faded in the face of frightening news. 

“Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” (Numbers 14:3 NAS95)

Leaders are no less prone to this temptation than anyone else. I expect you can think of Kings who violated this command,

“Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’” (Deuteronomy 17:16 NAS95)

Fear or Faith?

The question for the Israelites was whether it was better to risk the life of faith with God, or return to a ‘safer’ existence. Of course, life with God is never guaranteed to be ‘safe’ in worldly terms, but nothing in this world is truly ‘safe’. We are ultimately safe with him because his love never fails, his strength is never inadequate, his power is never exhausted, and his kingdom will never fall. 

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” (Hebrews 12:28 NIV11)

Envy and Perspective

It is true that sometimes the people we left behind in the world look like their lives are easier and more fun than ours.

“For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:3 NAS95)

Leads to….

“Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end.” (Psalm 73:17 NAS95)

Read the rest of the Psalm as a devotional exercise. It will refresh your soul.

Decisively Dead

Jesus died to set us free from the sin-death we deserve. Meditating on that truth can inspire us to remain ‘dead’ to the sin-temptations we feel.

“We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:2 NIV11)

Questions for reflection

We have escaped ‘Egypt’, we are safe, therefore thank 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].

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

Introduction
1605
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King!

Remembering the right things is important
QUESTION: What is vital to remember? What, if you forgot it, would cause severe stress in your life? 
What does/did God remember, and what are we to be remembered for?
God remembers his people (do they remember him?)

“He has raised up a mighty saviour for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” (Luke 1:69-75 NRSV)
God remembers his people, but why?

1. Why God Should Forget

QUESTION: Reasons God should forget us

A. We offend him
B. We forget him
C. But…..
““Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV11)
God cannot forget

2. Why God Chooses to Remember
QUESTION: Reasons God chooses to remember us

A. He promised to remember us (covenant)
B. He loves the people Jesus died for
C. He has a vision for us
He ‘needs’ us?
Luke 12:6-7
Nothing can separate us — Romans 8.37-39
Let that motivate you to act for him and do things that will be remembered….

3. What Will We Be Remembered For? 
Mark 14:3-9
Question: Why was she singled out to be ‘remembered’?

A. Acted generously 
She loved Jesus
Cost did not worry her
Knew he was going to the cross - last chance

B. Acted courageously
Despite skeptics
Including Jesus’ own followers (Mk 14.10-11)

C. Acted beautifully
Anointed Jesus — he was the centre of her attention
Devoted to Jesus
Not about recognition, reward, approval
The way she is remembered points back to Jesus

Application
Small things; Cost something; For Jesus; reaSupported by the Spirit

Conclusion, Matthew 28:18-20
Remember — ‘I am with you always’
‘Do this in remembrance of me’, Luke 22.19

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

Today we look at the ninth chapter of Haddon Robinson’s excellent book. How is our thinking ‘dressed’? Have you ever dressed inappropriately for an event you went to? It sends the wrong signals, confuses the observers, and embarrasses the wearer. Lessons that are badly dressed draw attention to the confused thought that led to this error. What do we mean by dressing a lesson? Haddon Robinson gives us the following subtitles to the chapter: 

I won't comment on all of these because Haddon Robinson does it much better in his book, but I will highlight a couple of points.

Transitions

Why do clear transitions matter? The matter because a listener needs stronger clues about the direction of thinking than a reader. Someone reading a text can see the transition in front of them. They can re-read the document and observe the transition. In a lesson the listener needs clear audible prompting to notice the connection between your points. A strong transition makes a big difference. In the New Testament we often see words like "therefore”. The placing of these words is significant, especially given that these letters were read out and most people would not read them on the scrolls, but hear them spoken.

A good example is found in the book of Romans. After discussing the theological foundation of salvation in the previous chapters, Paul transitions to a practical application of living a transformed life in Romans 12:1-2. He states, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." The use of "therefore" signals a shift from doctrinal exposition to the imperative of a transformed lifestyle, linking the theological understanding with practical implications for Christian living.

Your congregation will keep pace with you if you link your points with transitions. Otherwise, if you jump from one point to another without transition they will be trying to link your points in their own head — thus their attention will be taken away from what you are saying.

Let's take an example from Jesus. After teaching on the impossibility of serving two masters in Matthew 6:24, he gives his audience a "therefore", and goes on to explain more about his point. See Matthew 6:25 and following.

Style

Style should be personal, but also vary according to context. While all my sermons are ‘Malcolm’ sermons, they vary in style. For example, my sermons in Thames Valley have less interactivity than my sermons in Watford. The reason is the size of the group as well as the shape of the rooms in which we meet. Do you have a style? When you're starting, it's not so important. But as time goes by, there should be something distinctive about your style. Not for the sake of it, but because it reflects your personality and your context. Consider the difference between the majestic style of Isaiah and the more emotionally charged style of Jeremiah — appropriate to who they were, but also to their circumstances.

Clarity

Whatever your style, it is important that it enhances clarity in your message.  Does your message flow in a clear direction? Do your sub-points make your overall point clearer? Do your transitions link your points to create clarity? What about your illustrations? 

How do we develop clarity? The first step is to write out your outline. The next step is to pray through that outline. In the week before a sermon I go for a walk in the woods and speak the outline out loud. It soon becomes clear whether it makes sense or not. I also rehearse the illustrations. This is not so that I speak them the same way word for word when I deliver the lesson, but to reveal whether the illustration itself creates clarity, and whether the way I am sharing it will be clear or not. These exercises show me how to refine the points and the illustrations for more vivid impact. 

Conclusion

Why not consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our current module is Homiletics (the preparation and delivery of lessons).

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

In this short series we have been exploring how security in the Father enables our willing submission to him and the difference that makes to our prayers. In the first episode we talked about the way in which we hear our Father’s voice. We considered the example of Jesus, and took inspiration from his ability to hear his Father’s voice in passages like: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 NIV11)

In the second episode we tackled the topic of submission. Although submission is challenging to practice, it is so much easier when we are convinced of our heavenly Father’s unconditional love for us. Jesus was the ultimate super-submissive son, setting us an example by wrestling in Gethsemane and going to the cross — not because he felt like it, but because it was the will of his Father. Jesus humbly surrendered to the Father’s plan, saying, “not as I will, but as you will.” His submission demonstrated the depth of His trust in God’s wisdom and divine purpose.

In the third episode we examined the purpose and meaning of supplication. When we are confident in God’s love and committed to submission to his will, we find our prayers transformed.

In this final episode we put it all together and reflect on what God has been teaching us.

Point of clarification

As I did in the first episode, I should mention that this framework is not meant to be a formula. Nor do I consider it superior to any other framework. It is simply one of many. 

Security; Submission; Supplication

I used this framework every day for several months. It does not cover the totality of my prayers, but I have used it to a greater or lesser extent every day. I have also enjoyed set prayers from a prayer book connected to Lindisfarne, a Church of England prayer app, and other extemporaneous times of praying. However, I have discovered that using the same framework day after day has deepened my understanding of the connection between security, submission and supplication. Additionally, focusing on these three areas has reminded me of examples in Scripture of people enjoying security with God, the struggle to be submissive to the will of God, and the discipline to make requests by faith. 

The surprise

Meditating in prayer on my security with God has led me into some times of wonderful praise. How can I ever thank God enough or praise him adequately for adopting me as his child despite my rebellion and weakness? Asking my heavenly father to help me want to be submissive has created a greater awareness of the struggle to be submissive throughout the day. It’s on my mind more. Now and again, I ask myself, “Am I being submissive to God’s will?” Sometimes the answer is not clear, but the question is still a healthy one. Bringing more requests to God has connected me more strongly to those I pray for and revealed to me ways in which I could be part of the answer to the prayers I am offering to God.

Conclusion

Awareness of God’s love for us is not something we should stress over. Father-God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit of with us at all times, but not necessarily noticed. That is not a sign of spiritual inadequacy. I am not always aware of my wife’s love while I am sitting at my laptop doing work, but her love for me comes back into focus at times. I live within the security of my wife’s love even though I am not thinking about it all the time. Similarly for us as Christians. Therefore, the question is not so much whether we are aware of Jesus at any particular moment, but whether we live generally within a sense of the security of his love for us, and whether we turn to him as a matter of habit when something comes up which is either worthy of praise or of prayer because it is difficult

Have you tried this framework? Have you persevered with it? What have you discovered? 

Questions for reflection

Next month we will have two classes on reviewing the year and preparing for next year.

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

Refugees are running from something. Starvation, oppression, persecution, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, forest fires, war — the list is long. More than once God’s people found themselves running away from danger. God’s refugee people became expert escapologist - some of the time. However, at others they suffered from not heeding the warnings. What relevance does this have for our relationship with God?

God’s people ran away from danger
We could explore Noah running from the flood or Abraham running from famine, but we will concentrate on the flight from Egypt. The exodus was an escape. In a hurry. Even their captors urged them to get on with it, “The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!”” (Exodus 12:33 NIV11)

God rescued his people from slavery, idolatry and a context in which they were in danger of being assimilated by the prevailing culture. He carried them to safety, “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” (Exodus 19:4 NIV11)

We have been redeemed, restored and rescued. We have been carried from darkness to light. It is worth reflecting on the urgency of that escape to help us with conviction for today.

Run away — as fast as possible
Israel’s track-record of avoiding spiritual danger is patchy. The exile proves that. A Christian is no less vulnerable. The price of freedom can be forgotten. Freedom can be abused, “…do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NIV11)

One of the reasons we have regular devotional times with God is to keep our spiritual early-warning systems on alert. We need to heed what Paul said to the Corinthians, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NIV11)

Lot dawdled when he should have been running, “Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.”” (Genesis 19:20 NIV11)

Why not spend some time in prayer asking God to make you alert for the moments when you need to flee? 

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

Application:

Application: 

Application:

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

Stefan explored the idea of Christian unity looking at some of the writings of Paul.

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

Today we look at the eight chapter: Start with a Bang and Quit All Over. 

Outline of the chapter in Haddon Robinson’s book

A Jesus Introduction

We don't see Jesus adding an introduction to many of his parables, but that's not because they did not have an introduction. It is because the context in which they were told was the introduction. They were an immediate response to something said or done by someone nearby. In other words they were already contextualised. The audience already knew why they were listening to his teaching.

“Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:1-3 NIV11)

Conclusions

A Jesus Conclusion

The Parable of the Tenants, Matthew 25:33-44

““Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”” (Matthew 21:43-44 NIV11)

Next week the topic is, ‘The Dress of Thought’.

Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our current module is Homiletics (the preparation and delivery of lessons).

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

Refugees are in the news. I’m sure they wish they weren’t. Around 35 million refugees exist today. That’s the equivalent of the combined populations of Ireland, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Lebanon, Palestine and Liberia. Sadly, refugees are not a modern issue. What relevance does this have for our relationship with God?

Israel was a refugee from the promised land
In fact, the status of Israel as a refugee goes back all the way to Abraham. He was driven to Egypt by famine. It was move — or die.

“Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.” (Genesis 12:10 NIV11)

The situation is repeated for his grandson Jacob (Israel).

“We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”” (Genesis 47:3-4 NIV11)

Israel — as Abraham’s grandson and as the people of God — were shaped by movement, displacement and longing. Would they ever find a home? The promise of a land was made to Abraham and specifically reiterated to Jacob,

“The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.”” (Genesis 35:12 NIV11)

Yet they were denied settled, ongoing residence for hundreds of years. This was a people characterised by longing.

We are refugees who long for a land
We live in the already-but-not-yet land. We already have a taste of the eternal, but not yet the full meal. Perhaps thinking of ourselves as refugees rather than owners is a better place to be spiritually. A settled people are more likely to be a complacent people, a materialistic people, a distracted people. Refugees know they are not yet home, do not worry about permanence, and accept the temporary. Not to say this is easy. It is not. 

“Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,” (2 Corinthians 5:2 NIV11)

“Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16 NIV11)

Why not spend some time contemplating what advantages your refugee status brings you? 

Next time we will go on to talk about what can strengthen us in our flight from danger.

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

Introduction
QUESTION: What do you think his answer would be?
God’s people involved in war in OT
God’s people not involved in war in NT
What changed?

Scriptures
Violence from the start
“Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.” (Genesis 4:8 NRSV)
Vision
OT - time when the lion will lie down the lamb; peace-bringer will come; peace between humans and God - “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them…. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25 NIV11)
Jesus
Matthew 5:9 (NIV):** "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44 NIV11)
Matthew 26:52 (NIV):** "Put your sword back in its place,' Jesus said to him, 'for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”

Later NT
Romans 12:18 (NIV):** "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV):** "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world."
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV):** "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
1 Peter 3:9 (NIV):** "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Revelation 21:4 (NIV):** "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Jesus can ‘use’ war to open up hearts, but he does not desire it
Jesus wants peace, and we can be his peace-bringers

Questions and Issues
Is self-defence, or national defence the same as going to war?
What would we say to the argument that there is a greater good when we resist evil?
What would we say if we were Jewish?
What would we say if we were Ukrainian?

Conclusion
What this means for us…..
“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. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.” (1 Timothy 2:1-7 NIV11)
Pray for authorities
Live peaceful life
Invite others into the peace we have

Lord’s Supper
Jesus gave himself to violence to spare us the violence we deserve

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