Malcolm Cox

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 questionable heritage. 

Let’s look back into her ancestral past. Penuel (Phanuel) was her father. His name indicates his origins as Peniel where Jacob saw God ‘face to face’, Genesis 32:30.

‘A town was afterwards built there (Judg. 8:8; 1 Kings 12:25). The men of this place refused to succour Gideon and his little army when they were in pursuit of the Midianites (Judg. 8:1-21). On his return, Gideon slew the men of this city and razed its lofty watch-tower to the ground.’ Easton’s Bible Dictionary

Not a place to shout about. A little like my origins. I was born in Luton — a town that regularly comes in the top 10 in polls for the worst place to live in the UK. 

After Israel split into two, Jeroboam established the northern kingdom (Israel) and built up Peniel as one of several  alternative capitals.
“Then Jeroboam fortified Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. From there he went out and built up Peniel.”(1 Kings 12:25 NIV11)

By and large, the northern kingdom was historically the less spiritual of the two and the first to go into exile. Not only that, but her tribe — Asher — was affectively dissolved as a result of the exile. She was a tribe-orphan from an unspiritual nation and a town devoted to false worship. Not the best heritage. 

Applications

For all that this does not sound promising, it is a typical example of the way that God defies expectations, and turns things on their head. Perhaps part of what is going on here is the message that if someone like Anna with her heritage could recognise Messiah, then anyone could! Is God paving the way for the Samaritans and even the Gentiles to recognise Jesus?

Do you sense your background makes you a less impressive Christian? Have you limited the vision for what God can do with your life because you struggle with vision for yourself? Anna had further limitations on top of the ones we’ve touched on today. We will look at those in a following recording, but it must be an inspiration to you and I that she did not allow her questionable heritage to diminish her devotion to God.

Conclusion

I will conclude today by reading this passage from 1 Corinthians. Why not take it and use it as an inspiration for your prayer today?

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”” (1 Corinthians 1:26–31 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

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 seventh beatitude:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

Peacemaking can only be done by the pure in heart, because impartiality is necessary to that endeavour. So this beatitude follows on from the former. 

1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel
    - Peacemakers are children of God because “What they do is to repeat what God has done.”   
    - Jesus was prophesied to be the “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6)
    - Christ is our peace
       
 - Eph. 2:14 ‘For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall…’
     
   - Col. 1:20 ‘…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.’
    - All Christians are called to be peacemakers by nature. Speakers have an opportunity to demonstrate this in what they say and how they say it.

2. The Meaning for a preacher/teacher
    - A preacher or teacher fully invested in being a peacemaker will look for opportunities to reveal the God of peace, explain how we can be at peace with him, and show how this peace inspires our discipleship.
    - In preparation
        - Is there a lack of peace between you and anyone in your congregation? What can you do to improve the situation?
            - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
        - Process any irritations you are experiencing before you get up to speak. A peacemaker is one who removes irritations, rather than causing them. If you are irritated at something, or someone (including yourself) you will not be speaking from from a position of peace and will therefore find it hard to preach as a peacemaker. Sort that out in prayer and conversations with a safe person before you speak. If it happens during the service, pray and ask God for help.
        - What is there in your lesson that will promote peace between human beings and God and between people?
    - In presentation
        - There is a place for teaching that disturbs — Jer. 6:14 ‘They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.’ However, when this is warranted make sure it is the word doing the disturbing, rather than you.
        - Develop discernment as to when God is saying, ‘Hold back’! On occasion I feel ready to say something especially challenging. When it is right I know it. When it is not, I also know, but only if I am paying attention. This is hard to explain, but I know it is not the right time when I feel a burning sensation in my head.
        - If you are delivering a challenging message watch your tone. A loving tone is possible even when making a challenging point.

Conclusion
Benefits for us and our hearers:

1. In promoting peace we inspire people to live that peace and call others into that peace
2. We reveal the heart of Christ to our hearers
3. We inspire and motivate our hearers to Christ-likeness

Next week we will get into the eighth Beatitude, 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 seventh 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

Introduction

Last week I was away with my father and Penny on holiday in the delightful county of Dorset. We spent one afternoon in Dorchester, and several hours in the Dorset County Museum. I can highly recommend it. It is certainly one of the best regional museums I have ever been to. We got a good feel for the lives of the people of Dorset through the centuries. Among the exhibits were a set of stocks. I was not quite sure what to make of them and the description in the pictures accompanying this recording. The board reads thus:

Hugh Baker, Currier, of this Borough, was complaynd of to Mr. Maior that he went out of church yesterday at Morning Prayer before prayers were ended, and confesseth the same, and is censured to sit in the stocks two houres for his misdemeanour.
Dorchester Offenders' Book, 1629-1630Poor Hugh Baker was stuck in those stocks for two hours simply because he left church early. We don't know the circumstances. Perhaps he was ill. Perhaps the person praying was boring! But let's face it, sometimes we don't feel like praying. What do we do when that happens? The answer is surely not to be forced to pray. Consider these two connected Scriptures.

The Text

““The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV11)

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.” (Hosea 11:4 NIV11)


What do we learn about God?
God has been loving you and me and still does. He has never not loved us, or treated us with kindness. He never could and he never will. When we do not feel like praying, or continuing in prayer, one of the best things to do is to think back on gods, love, kindness, and provision.

Applications
What helps you to be aware of God’s kindness? I have heard of people keeping a kindness journal in which they write all the instances they notice of God being kind to them. I sometimes look back through my photo album, and record the blessings from God they represent. Meaningful Scriptures or favourite hymns can also be a way of reconnecting with God’s kindness.

Conclusion
Although we would wish it to be otherwise, there are times when we don't feel like continuing in prayer. Sometimes we just need to take a break. God understands. But other times, we need a refresher. A refresher of remembering God's love and kindness.

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

For our teaching classes in May I have asked my friend Simon Dinning (Belfast International church of Christ) to record two classes for us on the topic of the kingdom (to riff on the theme of the coronation). 

The second class is here.  I hope you find this useful for personal edification, or family group discussions. Please pass it on to your groups. 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]](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

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ

Dates: 11thC BC - 'a festive time'

Geography: Maon and Perez - Wilderness

David's situation in context

Opening scenes

2. David's Repentance, vv32-35
QUESTION: What do you see in his character?

Recognises God at work

Decisive - Instant change in his perspective

Humble - it is a woman! Accepts her instruction/teaching and offer.

Affirming -- Praises her - credit where due; blesses her;

Closing scenes

Conclusion

Summarise

What do we learn about God?

Apply

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

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 sixth beatitude:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NIV11)

Mercy is connected to purity.  Showing mercy needs a pure heart because it must be done altruistically.  Although the merciful will be shown mercy, the reward is not something that a merciful person thinks about.  

The Meaning in the context of the Gospel
 

Conclusion
Benefits for us and our hearers:

Next week we will get into the seventh Beatitude, 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 sixth 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

Introduction

Penny gave me a wonderful birthday present. She bought me tickets to something called the Fully Charged Live Show. It's an exhibition all about electric vehicles, sustainable living, alternative energy sources, and the like. It's something I'm interested in out of curiosity, but also because I believe these issues are vital to our responsibility to steward the creation in the way God intended us to. But that's a topic for another day. 

A feature of the exhibition was a series of panel discussions focused on topics such as, “Low carbon food, and how to create converts"; How much better can batteries become?; “How to drive and charge as efficiently as possible?" All the talks were excellent, except the final one. That's not because the topic wasn't interesting, nor that the people on the panel were not experts. If it was because one person on the panel had an agenda, and they were going to get it across, whether anybody liked it or not, or whether it connected with the topic or not. This panellist, who shall remain nameless, twisted every question to fit with his agenda, and berated two of his fellow panellists, demeaning them, insulting them, and behaving basically like a bully. It was a great shame, not only because it spoiled the talk, but because it left a nasty taste in my mouth. Overall, the day was wonderful, but this indisciplined bully annoyed me.

What is my spiritual takeaway? Well, I wonder how often I come to God with my agenda, and how often I am not paying attention to what he's trying to communicate to me? How does he feel when I stray from what is important? What is his reaction when I talk and talk and do not listen?

The Text

“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8 NIV11)

What do we learn about God?

It is not in God’s nature to treat us as we deserve. Indeed, it seems he delights in doing the opposite. His nature is merciful, loving and gracious. He is capable of becoming angry, and indeed he should when righteousness is compromised. But he is not impetuous, nor hasty in his anger.

Applications

Do you worry that you are not on God's wavelength? Do you feel guilty about the times you have prayed, but not listened? The very fact that you are concerned about it is a good sign. God understands your weakness, and he delights to hear from you anyway. Bring God your agenda, just do it lightly.

Abraham was not just exercising “blind faith.” He was not saying, “This is crazy, this is murder, but I’m going to do it anyway.” Instead he was saying, “I know God is both holy and gracious. I don’t know how he is going to be both—but I know he will.” Counterfeit Gods, Timothy Keller

Conclusion

When I listened to the person on the panel, I felt my blood pressure rising. I wanted to go and have a stern word with him. In fact, although I didn't speak to him, I did talk to one of the other panellists and congratulated them on keeping their cool. They seemed grateful for my encouragement. God is listening to all of our communication – healthy or not. He is a loving spiritual parent who delights to hear from his children, even when they are not quite on point.

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

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 fifth beatitude:

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NIV11)

The fifth beatitude follows naturally from the first four: ““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.” (Matthew 5:3–5 NIV11). “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”(Matthew 5:6 NIV11)

Meekness precedes mercy.  Only the meek are aware of their sinfulness and fully grasp the wonder of the mercy of God and are therefore able to show mercy to show mercy to others. Indeed, they will delight in showing mercy.

1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel
    - Mercy is  an emphasis in Matthew: Matt 6:12, 14–15; 9:13; 12:7; 18:21–35; 23:23. If you want more teaching on mercy you might want to study the book of Romans in particular.
    - God is merciful and enjoys showing mercy. “God, who is rich in mercy,” (Ephesians 2:4 NIV11)
    - Our example is Jesus – merciful on the cross (see also Stephen, Acts 7). Onesiphorus is held up as a person of compassion who can look forward to God’s mercy (2 Tim 1:16).  Other examples of merciful people in the Bible include:  Abraham rescuing Lot, Joseph forgiving his family, Moses with Miriam’s leprosy, David sparing Saul.

1. The Meaning for a preacher/teacher 
    - A preacher or teacher fully invested in mercy will not use the pulpit as an opportunity for revenge. 
    - An unmerciful preacher or teacher cannot see themselves as in need of mercy so cannot receive it – see Pharisee / tax collector (Luke 18:10ff). The tight-fisted have a closed fist and are unable to receive anything from another. 
    - A merciful person recognises their own need for mercy and so shows it to others. In showing it to others we become more aware of our own need for mercy – and so the virtuous spiral continues. It’s a spiral and not a circle because the more mercy we show the more mercy we receive and the more Christ-like we become.
    - A merciful preacher/teacher will not stand above their audience. They will stand alongside to assist. Speaking in community makes us merciful, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2 NIV11)
    - In preparation
        - Ask yourself these questions
            - In what way does this text reveal the mercy of God?
            - In what way does this text show us how to be merciful to other people?
            - Pray about your conclusions, asking God to help you live out the fruit of your study this week.
            - Look for opportunities to be merciful to people
    - In presentation
        - Remember you are a Christian preacher and teacher talking about Christ. He is merciful. Make sure you convey his love of being merciful.
            - “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17 NIV11)
            - “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV11)
        - Do you enjoy showing mercy or are you reluctant to do so? It is easier to preach judgment, than mercy.
        - During his lifetime, needy person after needy person cried out to Jesus for mercy. When they saw him they trusted that he had the capacity and the willingness to be merciful. Reveal this Jesus to your hearers. 
        - “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory.” (Matthew 12:20 NIV11)

Conclusion
Benefits for us and our hearers:

1. We speak with humanity and humility
2. We reveal the heart of Christ to our hearers

3. We inspire and motivate our hearers to Christ-likeness

Next week we will get into the sixth Beatitude, 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 fifth beatitude? 

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. 

God bless, Malcolm

For our teaching classes in May I have asked my friend Simon Dinning (Belfast International church of Christ) to record two classes for us on the topic of the kingdom (to riff on the theme of the coronation). 

The first class is here.  I hope you find this useful for personal edification, or family group discussions. Please pass it on to your groups. 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]](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
2 Peter 3:15–16
Some of this material can be triggering because of abuses that happened in our past. This can be the case for both men and for women.

Context
Corinth: Entrepreneurial; Progressive; Cult of Aphrodite (Goddess of war and fertility); Port city (vice and visitors); Honour/shame; Diverse; Patron/client system. Las Vegas/New York.
Aristophanes (c. 450–385 BC.) coined the term korinthiazesthai (“to act like a Corinthian,” i.e., “to commit fornication”) in view of the city’s reputation. Plato used the term “Corinthian girl” as an euphemism for a prostitute.
The church: Divided (rich/poor); disorderly - Patron house churches
- Chapters 12 and 13 between these instructions
- Emphasis on everyone needing one another (12:27-31)
- Love one another — be like God. The way we use our gifts is more important than the gifts themselves. The gifts are temporary. Love is permanent.
- Gifts are things from God. Love is God’s nature.

 1 Cor 11 Summary
‘Head’: Kephale — ‘source’, ‘leader’, or, ‘authority’.
Paul does not criticise women praying and prophesying. He accepted it.
Wealthy women tended to be less strict about head coverings. If they were in their own home, they may have not been wearing a head covering, while the poorer visiting Christians would do so. This would lead to tension between the groups. Tension between the rich and poor is also seen in the selfish behaviour of the rich around the Lord’s supper (1 Cor 11:20-22).
Everyone who prays and prophesies needs some 'authority' over their head. For women is it a covered head (hair tied up) and/or a veil. For men it is short hair.
His main point is that in worship men should follow the dress codes (including hair styles) which proclaim them to be male, and women the codes which proclaim them to be female. The headship/glory issue
Married women are exclusively dedicated to their husbands. A veil (head covering) communicates this. They thus enable men’s glory to become ‘visible’. Or, at least, they do not obscure it.
Men are exclusively dedicated to Christ. Short hair (lack of covering) communicates this. They thus enable God’s glory to become ‘visible’. Or, at least, they do not obscure it.
The angels are in attendance at times of collective worship (similar to ‘where two or three are gathered’?). Via decorum appropriate to their culture (veil for women, short hair for men), men and women show respect to the presence of beings inhabiting the heavenlies.
“You Corinthian Christians are having a hard time understanding the significance of following social etiquette while praying and prophesying. You think your freedom in Christ allows you to disregard cultural customs. The trouble with that is that it is dividing you, and bringing the gospel into disrepute. You are right that wearing a veil or not, and the length of your hair is not something significant to God, but you are wrong if you think it is immaterial to healthy worship and revealing God’s glory to people. In your culture women are subordinate to men. You are just going to have to accept that. Men are subordinate to Christ, in any case, and Christ is subordinate to God as Father. That works well, and so can your (women’s) subordination to men. It might not be God’s ideal (like slavery, 1 Cor 7.21-24), but it is no barrier to harmonious and meaningful worship.”

1 Cor 14 Summary
Tongues needed interpretation. i.e. were not in a language the locals understood. Whether angelic language or human foreign languages, interpretation was needed.
Prophecy needed to be 'weighed', v29.
No New Testament nor Apostle left early churches with a vacuum of instruction filled by the Spirit working through prophets.
False prophets existed (Matt 7.15; 2 Cor 11.13; 1 John 4.1) meaning prophecies had to be 'tested' (Rev 2.2).
Perhaps the Women were less educated, and thus had more questions than the men. This would lead them to ask more questions, which might, in a packed room, prevent the prophets from communicating their message and/or those able to weigh the message from doing so.
Silent can mean in effect - 'wait your turn'. Either at the meeting, or at home.
To speak up in a way that causes disorder (which is presumably what is happening) is disgraceful. But it cannot be disgraceful for women to speak as such, because how else will they prophesy (1 Cor 11.5. See also Acts 2.17-18; Acts 21.9)?
The Corinthian women must be in submission - in this context.

Conclusions
Decorum in worship is important because we want God to shine (his glory), and visitors to see his glory.
Decorum is not the same as ’controlled’ (early Christian worship has spontaneity built-in — “each of you has a...” 1 Corinthians 14.26).
Decorum is culturally conditioned.
Decorum looks different for men and women
There is something significant about the differences between men and women that connect to headship and authority, but this headship and authority does not compromise the interdependence of men and women.

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