Malcolm Cox

Introduction
Do you ever wonder if your teaching is effective? Do you sometimes sense your preaching might not have the impact you had hoped? If so, you are like 99% of the speakers I know. The other 1% are deluded. 

“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)While it is not healthy to be paranoid about our effectiveness, nor can we  ever measure it empirically, there is a place for considering whether we have set ourselves and our listeners up for success. How to be ‘effective’ — not just skilled or accurate — is what we will explore in the next 10 episodes of these teaching tips.

The Plan
Our material is based on something my friend, and excellent teacher, Rob Payne sent me. His adapted ‘10 commandments of effective teaching are based on an article from Douglas Jacoby’s site. You can find the original here: https://www.douglasjacoby.com/the-ten-commandments-of-teaching-by-brian-fontaine/

Today’s episode is an introduction to the series. Let me tell you the 10 topics we’ll be covering. There are:

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

The plan is to deliver ‘bite-sized’ recordings that can be used for personal reflection and group discussion. Tell me how you plan to use this material.

Conclusion
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

In the latest of our teaching classes on tricky passages about men and women, we explored 1 Timothy 2 verses 8 to 15.

A PDF of my notes is available on the website.

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

In this sermon for the Thames Valley churches of Christ, we explore the significance of unity to Jesus and our part in 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

Stefan Wolmarans continues a series of men and women in the Bible with an insightful sermon about Jesus and his mother.

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
Studying Anna for a sermon led me to some unexpected insights about her devotional life. It inspired me to put a multi-episode series together.

The Text

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36–38 NIV11)

What do we learn about Anna’s relationship with God?

Her relationship with God was not diminished by her disappointments.

Anna is described as a widow. As far as we know she had no children. There is no hint of bitterness in her life. Instead she takes delight in another mother’s child. How long it took her to get there we’ll never know, but perhaps her devotion was part of her healing.

Someone said, “A widow's journey is one of rebuilding, rediscovering herself, and finding a new purpose in life." - Unknown

Widows are highlighted in Scripture as models of faith and channels for the working of God’s power. For example,

Anna turns her vulnerability into an opportunity for worship. As a result she is in the right place at the right time to recognise God at work in the baby destined to change the world.

Applications

Conclusion
‘Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? (Psalm 44:23-24) It is better to come to God with sharp words than to remain distant from him, never voicing our doubts and disappointments. Better to rage at the Creator than to smoulder in polite devotion.’ Warren, Tish Harrison. Prayer in the Night (p. 48). InterVarsity Press.

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]. 

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, and leave a review. 

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

God bless, Malcolm

Introduction
This is a very Thames Valley specific class series, but the principles will apply elsewhere.
Nothing is broken, but that does not mean we should not strengthen what we have because greater strain is coming in the future. When unity is unattended to, it does become weaker.
These classes will discuss attitudes and actions that can strengthen our unity.
If you have not listened to the sermon from last Sunday I suggest you do so.
Today's class is focussed on building unity in our local group. Next time we will discuss unity between groups.

1. Jesus
Prays for unity
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22–23 NIV11)

Teaches on unity
““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” (John 13:34–35 NIV11)

Works to promote unity.....
Example 1
“They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”” (Mark 9:33–37 NIV11)

See also vv 14,16
The disciples react to Jesus attempting to help them be honest by going quiet. No one has the conviction or purity of heart to confess on behalf of the group.
Timing and location matter

Example 2
“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:35–45 NIV11)

We are one chapter further on and they still need help. Unity is never 'finished'.

2. The Early Church
Example 1
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:1–7 NIV11)

Leadership listened
Involved everyone
Understood limitations
Discussion
Prayer

Example 2 - (Romans 12:3–8 NIV11)
Discover gifts - often more obvious to others than oneself
Use those gifts for the benefit of the body

Conclusion
All about trust
Built by love
Built by respect
Built be honesty

Questions
Any un-dealt with tensions in your group?
What is the next significant decision in your group? How will you approach it to ensure maximum unity?
How can you help each other play their part?

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
What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we wrap up our series.

Let’s start today with this quote from Desmond Tutu:

"The Beatitudes offer a transformative vision for humanity. They inspire us to be peacemakers, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and to cultivate a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others."

With this in mind, let me offer two thoughts about preaching and teaching the beatitudes.

1. Preaching through the filter of the Beatitudes should leave our listeners feeling blessed

The beatitudes are challenging, but they are a blessing. Even those opposed because of living the beatitudes are to “Rejoice and be glad” (Matthew 5:12). Why and how is this possible? “because great is your reward in heaven,” (Matthew 5:12 NIV11). When persecuted we are counted worthy (see the Apostles in Acts 5:41), and our faith is being purified (1 Peter 1:6ff), but mostly because our reward is in heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17).

The reward, of course, is not earned by enduring the persecution. Our reward is by grace just as much as our initial salvation. This means that we rejoice all the more for we are looking forward to something that we do not deserve but that is promised. Moses looked forward (Heb 11:26) and so should we (Col 3:1-2).

"The Beatitudes remind us that the pursuit of happiness is not rooted in personal gain but in a life of selflessness and service. They encourage us to lift up the marginalised, care for the brokenhearted, and strive for justice." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Our preaching and teaching, when infected by the beatitudes, will lead to the selfless service and the blessing of the weak.

2. Preaching through the filter of the Beatitudes will mature our congregation

The first four beatitudes see the godly person on their knees in humility before God. As a result they are close to the heart of God. This being the case they are deeply changed by God.

The second four see the godly person as a citizen of the kingdom transformed in relations with the other members of the kingdom and those beyond its borders.

These qualities are seen as 'soft' by the sceptical and worldly-minded, but they are anything but. Their practice is the toughest thing to which a man or woman can commit him or herself. Christ-like character is built by living the beatitudes.

Embracing the beatitudes takes a heart and mind change (repentance). “As Thielicke puts it, 'Anybody who enters into fellowship with Jesus must undergo a transvaluation of values.'”

“The Beatitudes challenge us to examine our priorities and embrace a countercultural way of living. They invite us to find joy and fulfilment by seeking God's kingdom above all else.” C. S. Lewis

Teaching Tip 314 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Class 10   Beatitudes series summary
“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 be shown 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 because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:3–10 NIV11)

If this is kingdom living, then it must be kingdom preaching and kingdom teaching.

Next week we will move on from our series on the Beatitudes, but for today I'd like to know what you think. How can we preach and teach in a way that is informed by the beatitudes?

What kinds of questions does this bring to your mind regarding preaching and teaching? Why not pray over the beatitudes, asking God to reveal how they can flavour your speaking? If God reveals anything to you, please drop me a line.

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].

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, and leave a review.

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

God bless, Malcolm

Why not sign up for AIM: https://www.aimukandireland.com. Send me an email expressing interest if you cannot find what you need on the site.

Introduction
Studying Anna for a sermon led me to some unexpected insights about her devotional life. It inspired me to put a multi-episode series together.

The Text

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36–38 NIV11)

What do we learn about Anna’s relationship with God?

Her relationship with God was not affected by her age.

Anna is described as ‘very old’. It is not fashionable to comment on a woman's age. Indeed, it is considered downright rude. "There are three things you don't ask a woman: her age, her weight, and how many shoes she owns." - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

However, Luke's comment is intended as a compliment. Her dedication to the worship of God has not been dimmed by the passing years — and there are a lot of those years. How many?

It is possible she lived 84 years as a widow. If Anna married at 14, was widowed at 21, she then encounters Joseph, Mary and Jesus 84 years later when she is 105. That would make her the same age as the apocryphal figure Judith when she died (Judith 16:28).*

Nonetheless, whatever her precise age, she kept a disciplined schedule of corporate and personal worship. She did not use age as an excuse to reduce her devotion.

Applications
1. Different stages of life present challenges, but also opportunities. She was past menstruation so that meant she could be more devoted than earlier in her life. She became more flexible as she got older which led to her spending more time in worship than before.
2. Her vulnerability was an opportunity to live by faith. Old age makes the strongest of us weak. She remained devoted despite that vulnerability. In this she symbolises the marginalised and vulnerable — a theme in Luke.

Conclusion
I will conclude today by reading this account of another faithful older person, Caleb.

“So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” (Joshua 14:10–12 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, 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

*(https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/judith-a-remarkable-heroine/)

Introduction
What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the eighth beatitude:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10 NIV11)

It's interesting that the warning about persecution follows the beatitude about peacemaking.  Perhaps this is to remind us that our efforts will often not be appreciated. The issue is so important to Jesus that he does what he did not do for any of the previous beatitudes — he expands on this one:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11–12 NIV11)

1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel
    - The kingdom. The first beatitude in verse 3 promises the same reward.  
        - “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 NIV11)
        - What we have here is called an ‘inclusio’. 
        - Kingdom people are marked by persecution
    - Being righteous is not the same as being 'good' or 'noble'.  The world does not persecute the good and noble, because they would like to be like them and/or could be like them.  The world persecutes the righteous person because they do not want to be like them and/or sense they cannot be like them.  The righteous are different because they are…..different. Different by nature, not just by speech or actions. 1Pet. 3:13-14
    - Jesus anticipated persecution for his followers, and experienced it himself.
 John 15:18-20
    - Persecution may not come from the world, but from Christian-type people.  No only was Jesus persecuted by religious leaders of his day, but Paul also suffered from false brothers
, 2 Cor. 11:26
    - Why is this beatitude here? Because persecution is both inevitable and necessary.
        - ‘Yahweh scattered humanity at Babel, Israel through exile, and the church through persecution.’  Embracing Creation, John Mark Hicks, Bobby Valentine, and Mark Wilson

2. The Meaning for a preacher/teacher 
    - A preacher or teacher fully invested in this beatitude will not be afraid to live righteously even if it brings them persecution - from inside or outside the church. 
    - In preparation
        - Check your motives. Persecution because of righteousness and not obnoxiousness is in view here! The cause of persecution is righteousness.  Persecution that is the result of folly, lack of wisdom, over-zealous behaviour, self-righteousness etc. should not be justified by use of this verse.
        - Pray to live the righteousness. It is the life as much as the teaching that should get a preacher persecuted. For example, Jesus eating with the ‘wrong’ people caused people to turn against him.
    - In presentation
        - We serve our hearers best not when we teach them how to avoid persecution, but how to see God in that persecution.
        - Point people to Christ, Hebrews 12:3
        - Teach people to lean on God, 2 Cor 12:10
        - Remind people of the rewards, Mark 10:29–30

Conclusion
Don't mistake feedback for persecution. Speaking makes us vulnerable, and sometimes even constructive feedback can feel like persecution. However, most of the time the feedback is simply that — feedback and nothing more.
“It is moving and significant that the suffering church in lands where it is oppressed does not want to be like the church in the West.  It looks for our prayers, not that it may have an easy time, but that it may be faithful unto death, and know the joy of utter faithfulness to Jesus.  There is no joy like that.” 

Next week we will wrap up our series on the Beatitudes with an overview, but for today I'd like to know what you think. How can we preach and teach in a way that is informed by the eighth beatitude? 

What kinds of questions does this bring to your mind regarding preaching and teaching? Why not pray over the beatitudes, asking God to reveal how they can flavour your speaking? If God reveals anything to you, please drop me a line.

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

QUESTION: What does it mean to ‘follow’ someone today?

1. Women Following Jesus, Lk 8; Mk 15; Lk 23

QUESTION: What did it mean for these women to ‘follow’ Jesus?

QUESTION: What examples can you think of in the Gospels?

QUESTION: What did it mean for these women to learn from Jesus? 

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