Malcolm Cox

You have found a teaching class for the Thames Valley churches of Christ. This week we take one of Douglas Jacoby's lessons and add some questions to facilitate personal and group reflection on the message of the wonderful little book of Philemon.

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

The more I study the Bible in detail, the more I realise I need a better handle on the big picture. 

Several things have come together recently to help me make a big decision. What is that decision? To read the entire Bible in 12 months. This is part one of a two-parter on the topic. 

Perhaps this decision does not seem such a big deal to you. Indeed, many years of my Christian life I have read the entire Old and New Testaments within 365 days. But I haven't done that for some time. Why? Partly because it got stale. Partly because I found myself needing to study Scripture in more detail. The amount of time involved focusing on a book of the Bible or a topic seemed to get in the way of more voluminous reading. Of course, detailed study and extensive reading or not necessarily mutually exclusive.
However, my perspective has changed. Why? For two primary reasons. The first is spending more time around my good friend, Douglas Jacoby. He has read through the entire Bible almost every year of his Christian life. He has championed this practice and was my first inspiration for doing so. Talking to Douglas about any biblical topic is like talking to a Bible concordance. It's not only that he has an excellent memory (which he does), but it has a lot to do with his familiarity with the whole of the Bible. It has seeped into him verse by verse, year by year. 

The second cause is ironically a consequence of one of the reasons I stopped habitually reading the Bible in 12 months. Let me give you some context. In the Watford church of Christ this year we have been studying 'Men and women: a divine harmony'. We are attempting to explore and discover  God's intention for how men and women are meant to be a mutual blessing to one another, the church and the world. I have drilled down on this topic in my personal Bible study and lesson preparation. Passages such as 1 Timothy 2:11-15 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 have been extensively analysed. Gaining a biblical perspective on these teachings has required me to look at the rest of the Bible's teaching on authority, submission and men and women. We have found ourselves looking at Deborah and Barak, Huldah and Josiah, Adam and Eve, Lydia and Paul, Phoebe, Jesus and a number of women with whom he interacted, David and Abigail, Ruth and Boaz, Esther and Mordecai.... The list goes on. 
Studying this topic has taken me all over the Bible -- often into nooks and crannies I have not visited for some time. It has dawned on me more and more that the issue cannot be understood from one or two passages. Not even a dozen. This topic requires a reasonably good understanding of the entirety of Scripture. Hence my decision to resume reading the Bible in 12 months. 
Is this something you might consider? There are many different ways to do it. I have chosen this time round to use a devotional reading plan in my bible software [Accordance](https://www.accordancebible.com/). Each day I get a selection of Old Testament, New Testament, a Psalm and a Proverb or two. I read these first thing in the morning before going out for my prayer walk. I like using the Accordance bible software because if I hover my mouse over the text reference a drop-down box gives me the full text (see below). It also synchronises nicely with the mobile app. However, the point is not the app, nor the particular plan, but the motivation. 

Conclusion

I hope you find these reflections helpful. Reading the Bible in 12 months is to some degree an artificial aim. However, I cherish the idea of becoming more familiar with *all* of Scripture. It's there for a reason, and interacting with it can only enrich my life. 

Next week I offer seven reasons for reading through the bible in a 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 

https://www.accordancebible.com/ 

6th Commandment: Every Learner is Different so… Differentiate.

Introduction

Our preaching and teaching will never be perfect. But can we be effective? That’s a noble aim. 

“At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” (Acts 14:1 NIV11)

A note from the previous episode 

We were very blessed to have Mike Desouza speak for us in Watford on Sunday as a visiting speaker. He finished in enough time that we could have some discussion after his lesson. We took five or maybe 10 minutes to have some sharing from the congregation about points he had made that touched people’s spirits.

Point of clarification

Unless you are speaking to a small group, you can never know all the differences in your audience. Those differences include cultural, educational and social background, personality, familiarity with Scripture, length of time as a Christian, current circumstances of their work and family life, current state of their walk with Jesus, and how things are going at home with children or spouse. And much more…. However, suppose you speak regularly to the same group. You will become aware of many differences, and can make adjustments to your speaking accordingly. 

We do well to adjust our lessons according to the circumstances. Paul's sermon in Athens was very different to his lessons in other cities (Acts 17:22-34). Aware of the intellectuals and philosophers in Athens, he acknowledged their religious inclinations and quoted from their own poets to connect with them. He also spoke about the "Unknown God" they worshipped and used this as an opportunity to introduce them to the God of Christianity. Jesus communicates very differently to Nicodemus compared to his conversation with the woman at the well (John 3 & 4).

With these thoughts in mind, here are some tips to give you your best opportunity to connect with as wide a variety of people in your audience as possible.

7 Tips 

I would like to know what you think of these ‘commandments’ and tips. What is missing? Which ones interest you the most?

Conclusion

Variety is the spice of life, they say.  God has given you a variety of people to speak to. Therefore, vary your presentation style and content. Above all, keep the focus on God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If all else fails, if you are culturally, insensitive, educationally, patronising, or overly intellectual — if you talk about God with spiritual discernment and passion, you can be sure those listening will find some benefit from your lesson. 

Next week: 7th Commandment: They Won’t Care How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care.

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

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. 

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

At the time of releasing this recording I shall back from my annual spiritual retreat, but on another trip together wit my friend Douglas Jacoby. This is the third of three episodes on the value of taking a spiritual retreat and some tips to make such a retreat as meaningful as possible.

Today I will focus on reviewing a spiritual retreat.

Review Your Experiences
‘Two weeks after your retreat is over, try writing in your journal about the experience. Perhaps more acutely than on the last day of your retreat, you will be able to sense the ways your retreat has changed you. You will see how a closer relationship to God is at work in your day-to-day life." Griffin, 89

- Look at the diary of your trip. What happened and where? What were those experiences like? You might find looking at photographs helps you to remember. I take quite a lot when I go away. The pictures are helpful visual cues to refresh my memory about the experiences.
- If you took a theme scripture with you, review it once again and note how your understanding of that Scripture and what it is saying to you has changed from before you went away.
- Take some specific time to pray about your retreat at some point, not too long after you return. 
- Remind yourself that it was Jesus leading you on your retreat, and he continues to do the same today. He is your companion, your guide, going ahead of you. Therefore you have nothing to fear — even if your retreat revealed some areas of growth and change for which repentance and courage might be necessary.
- Look over the notes you made while on your retreat, and pray for God to guide you to specific convictions and actions which hold greater significance stand arrest. Make a separate list of those and keep them somewhere visible. Review them regularly.
- Share whatever you feel God was revealing to you with a trusted friend, or even better several friends who will help you to process your experiences. 

I hope these tips are helpful. What helps you in reviewing a retreat? 

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

Introduction
This is probably the deepest class on the topic of unity It is the hardest to teach, it might be the hardest to hear
it is tough to teach, because this angle on unity can easily be misunderstood, and I am very conscious of only scratching the surface
It is difficult to hear for some because it may trigger memories of ungodly experiences However, submission is spiritually enriching or we would not see Jesus modelling it. We
might need to be re-educated as to what submission means, but it is something we do not need to fear.
More a devotional than a teaching class
With those thoughts in mind, let's take a look into the Scriptures as to the connection between submission and unity

Submission to the Father
““My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34 NIV11)
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38 NIV11)
“Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”” (John 12:28 NIV11)
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”” (Matthew 26:39 NIV11)
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” (Hebrews 5:7 NIV11)
Note: Submission did not make him weak, a push-over or a doormat. Nor did he submit to unhealthy authority
Note: Jesus and his father were completely united. Jesus submitted himself voluntarily to the will of the father, even though it cost him so much.
How was he able to do this?

Security with the Father
“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.” (John 16:32 NIV11)
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53 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)
Note: From the time in his father's house when he was 12, to his father's acclamation of him when he was baptised, to his prayers as he hung on the cross, Jesus tenaciously trusted in his father.
Note: He was confident of his father's company, his power, and his approval. It was this security with his father that enabled Jesus to live a life of submission to his father's will. Their unity was an outcome of their mutual love.
What does this mean for us?

Submission to one another
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 NIV11)
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you” (Hebrews 13:17 NIV11)
“Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” (1 Peter 2:18 NIV11) “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behaviour of their wives,” (1 Peter 3:1 NIV11)
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”” (1 Peter 5:5 NIV11)
Note: No follower of Jesus is exempt from submitting to other followers of Jesus. Some members of households are specifically reminded to submit because of local church circumstances and cultural pressures of the time. But even those were not specifically called to submit, like husbands to wives, must do so because all Christians are called to submit to one another.
Note: The submission called for is based on a trust of God – "in the Lord".
Note: Richard Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline sums up his position with this statement, “Revolutionary submission commands us to live in submission to human authority until it becomes destructive.”
Note: Biblical submission is not about who is in charge, who has the power, who makes the decisions. It is about modelling Christlike submission to one another. The kind of submission we are talking about is laid out most powerfully and poetically at the beginning of Philippians chapter 2.

Meditation
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:1–11 NIV11)
Paul loves the Philippian church and has vision for them - 1.3-6
The church has problems with unity, 'stand firm in the one Spirit' (1.27), 'being like-minded'
(2.2), 'selfish ambition' (2.3), 'your own interests' (2.4), 'grumbling or arguing' (2.14), 'everyone looks out for their own interests' (2.21), 'I plead...be of the same mind' (4.2).
Timothy and Epaphroditus are on their way to follow up on the letter and make sure the Philippians make progress
Jesus is the focus of the letter: Jesus, Christ, Lord, Saviour -- 76 mentions in 104 verses Unity with Christ leads to a concern for each other's well-being that creates unity among us - his brothers and sisters, his family.

Questions
What is Biblical submission, and what is it not?
What helps us submit to one another and what makes it difficult?
How can you personally, and the members of your group, grow in healthy submission to one another?
How will this help your unity in Christ?

Conclusion
Instead of, ’We are not going to have unity until we agree with one another’, how about, ‘We are not going to have unity until we submit to one another.’?

Malcolm Cox

5th Commandment: Great learning is more important than great teaching.

Introduction
Our preaching and teaching will never be perfect. But can we be effective? That’s a noble aim.

“At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” (Acts 14:1 NIV11)

Point of clarification
Jesus was a master-teacher. His listeners learned, not simply heard what he was teaching. How do we know? We know this because people wrote down what he taught - even though it was delivered in an oral-learning culture. We also know this because lives were transformed. People gained the courage to live his teachings even though it got them beaten up imprisoned and killed. That is some powerful and effective teaching. His audience did not just hear what he said, they were taught, learned and changed.

4 Tips to give you the best possible chance to help your listeners learn

1. Use a variety of teaching styles. Some people seem to react better to stories, others to images, some to video, others to learning through discussion, question-and-answer, and more tactile forms of learning. The science on learning styles has been called into question. However, keeping your teaching style varied will help some people absorb what you are saying better than if you use only one style.
2. Give handouts. Some people find it easier to learn when they have something in their hands. It could be the outline of your talk. You don't have to put all your material on there, perhaps only bullet points. It gives some people a sense of peace. They are able to relax and listen better when they know where we are going.
3. Ask questions. Whether this is in the entire group you are teaching, or questions which can be used in small group discussion, getting people to verbalise what they are thinking helps them to clarify their understanding.
4. Do some follow-up. Ask people to send you a paragraph of what they have learned via text message, WhatsApp or email in the coming days. After some reflection people are often more able to articulate what they learned. You may be interested to know what they learned, but the more important point is that they write. There is something about writing which solidifies the learning.

I would like to know what you think of these ‘commandments’ and tips. What is missing? Which ones interest you the most?

Conclusion
Next week: 6th Commandment: Every Learner is Different so… Differentiate.

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

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. 

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

At the time of releasing this recording I shall be on my annual spiritual retreat. This is the second of three episodes on the value of taking a spiritual retreat and some tips to make such a retreat as meaningful as possible.

Some of the following ideas come from my experience, and also a book called ‘Wilderness Time: A guide for spiritual retreat’ by Emily Griffin.

Today I will focus on planning and enjoying a spiritual retreat.

Planning the retreat

I hope these tips are helpful. What helps you in planning a retreat? What helps you to enjoy 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

Tuesday Teaching Tip 319 | The Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching and Preaching | Malcolm Cox

4th Commandment: Respect the time

Introduction

Our preaching and teaching will never be perfect. But can we be effective? That’s a noble aim. 

“At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” (Acts 14:1 NIV11)

Point of clarification

Jesus spoke briefly on occasion, and at length on others (sermon on the mount; 3 days of teaching leading up to the feeding of the four thousand in Mark 8). Paul spoke for several hours in Acts 20:7. There is no such thing as a universally ideal length for a lesson. It all depends on the context and the skills of the speaker. Some people can be captivating for an hour. Some most certainly cannot. However, a wise speaker will have a sober estimate of their ability to hold an audience’s attention, and a healthy respect for the occasion and what is appropriate. 

These tips will focus on helping us to speak, shorter rather than longer. Not because longer is worse than shorter, but because the tendency of my speakers is to go too long, rather than too short.

10 Tips to help you respect the time

I would like to know what you think of these ‘commandments’ and tips. What is missing? Which ones interest you the most?

Conclusion

Next week: 5th Commandment: Great learning is more important than great teaching.

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

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. 

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

Today's passages are: 1 Peter 3.1-7; Titus 2.1-5; Ephesians 5.21-33; Colossians 3.18-19; Galatians 3.26-29; Romans 16.1-2; Romans 16.7

For the notes, go to this address for the pdf: https://www.malcolmcox.org/men-and-women-in-christ-1-peter-37-and-other-scriptures-malcolm-cox/

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

This time next week I shall be on my annual spiritual retreat. I'm going back to the same place I went for last two years. A tiny cabin in the woods in the county of Hampshire in the south of England.

This is the first of three episodes on the value of taking a spiritual retreat and some tips to make such a retreat as meaningful as possible.

Some of the following ideas come from my experience, and also a book called ‘Wilderness Time: A guide for spiritual retreat’ by Emily Griffin.

Today I will focus on what a spiritual retreat is, and some reasons to take one.

Firstly, it should be said that not everyone can take extended time away like I can. I will be away for three nights. The significance of taking a retreat is not about the length, but about creating space to listen to God. Even if you can only take a morning, an afternoon or one day for this spiritual practice it will be valuable. God can make a lot out of a little, can't he?

A spiritual retreat is a deliberate move into the wilderness and away from distractions — the issues which currently crowd our mind, our heart and our spirit.

““Therefore, behold, I will allure her,

Bring her into the wilderness

And speak kindly to her. “Then I will give her her vineyards from there,

And the valley of Achor as a door of hope.

And she will sing there as in the days of her youth,

As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.” (Hosea 2:14–15 NAS95)

God took individual people and the whole nation of Israel into times of wilderness so they could grow, hear his voice, and find themselves once again in him. Sometimes God does this to us today. But we don't have to wait for him. We can move into the wilderness with him requesting his disciplining and comforting presence.

Spiritual practices like taking a retreat, open us up to God’s work in our lives. When we take time away to listen to God it becomes a dialogue and develops our friendship with him. So much of our regular prayer times are short (and there's no shame in that), but longer times of walking, talking and listening to God lead to talking things over with him, to feeling things together with him, and enabling us to see ourselves from his perspective.

Going on retreat with God, just God, just him, reminds us of who we are — ‘On retreat we may discover our true identity not from any self analysis but by God’s gift of enlightenment.’ Griffin p7 Getting a better handle on our identity helps us understand what God's vision is for us. To paraphrase CS Lewis, we might tend to think that God is making us into a decent little cottage, but in fact, he is building a palace. A palace he intends to come and live in himself (John 14.23).

What are your thoughts on this spiritual practice? Have you ever taken a spiritual retreat? Do you do it regularly? What have you learned along the way? Could you share some practices that have made these events meaningful to you? If you've never tried taking a personal spiritual retreat, what gets in your way? Who could you enlist to help you figure out a plan?

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