Malcolm Cox

I am in my third year of participating in the Renovare book club. The first book in this season’s set of four is “How to pray” by Pete Greig.

“‘God’s ear hears the heart’s voice’” 

GREIG, PETE. HOW TO PRAY: A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR NORMAL PEOPLE (P. 57). JOHN MURRAY PRESS. KINDLE EDITION.

1. Awakening my soul

2. Praying a Psalm

3. Worshipping with Bach, Beyonce and Bethel

Greig, Pete. How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People (p. 62). John Murray Press. Kindle Edition.

4. Worshipping with others

5. Liturgy: The shape and the shaping of our prayers

6. Worshipping with your own weirdness

Suggestion: Make adoration a part of your daily prayers

A book by Michael Hilton & Gordian Marshall

Date of publication: 1998

Publisher: WIPF and STOCK Publishers

This week I bring you some thoughts from a fascinating book on the gospel and rabbinic Judaism. I came across this book through my wife who knows the rabbi's wife. In fact, we once had dinner with them many years ago.

- Since Christianity has its origins in Judaism, we stand to gain considerable insight by listening to the voices of people looking for the parallels and differences between the faiths.

- I hoped to understand the ways Jewish people think differently to Christians about Biblical texts. The "Jewishness" of Jesus is receiving a welcome emphasis in much of Christendom at the moment. For that to become meaningful, I felt the need to engage with Jewish texts, not just the concept of Jesus as a Jew.

- Christians and Jews think they understand each other, but they do not. The assumptions of understanding prevent learning from one another. At best we miss the opportunity to deepen our faith, and at worst we find reasons for division, mistrust and even hate.

- I found it helpful that the presentation did not an attempt to prove the other side wrong, but to promote understanding. As they say,

    "We cannot advance the dialogue if we try to prove each other wrong. We are required to wipe away the pain of centuries and the assumptions of a past when one of the main reasons for reading each other's text was to prove them wrong." Page 36

   "not syncretism, the mixture of traditions, but the knowledge of difference as a source for deepening our responses to God and each other....The study of the sources is an invitation to friendship. It is a way to deepen our comprehension of our respective traditions as partners in God's Covenant." (pages x-xi from the Preface)

- The point is less the details of the examination of the texts and topics (important as they are), but the thinking and approach to them.

- This work brings together texts from early rabbinic writings and the Gospels. The writers (a Rabbi and a Dominican monk) explore together the common ground, the difference and the insights that accrue to each tradition.

- Jewish and Gospel texts are examined within their contexts, compared and shown how they shed light on one another.

- The book was written as a study guide for Jews and Christians to study together.

As you can see, each topic covers a great deal of Christian scripture and Jewish writings. Due to the quantity of material on each subject I will not dig into most of the chapters in detail here. I will instead focus on the chapter titled, "The Ox and the Pit" and the key concepts contained therein. I will not, of course, do it justice, but I hope the thoughts below will help to illustrate the nature of the book.

- The aims of the chapter are to introduce the reader to the study of Halachic texts, and to show how the concerns of such texts differ from those of the Gospels.

- They  describe Halachic Midrash as:

    "A literature which uses scripture to provide proof texts for rules of behaviour. The 'principles' of Halachic Midrash are the rules by which scripture is to be interpreted." From the glossary, 155

- The Gospels show Jesus concerned with correcting the over-focus of the Pharisees on detailed application of biblical injunctions:

    “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” (Matthew 23:23 NIV11)

- A Pharisee of the day would likely argue that giving their tithes meticulously was the way to live out the more important matters of the law -  justice, mercy and faithfulness.

- The authors illustrate this way of thinking by commenting on the connections between Exodus 21:28-22:5, teachings in the Mishnah (Baba Kamma 1.1; 5.5; 5.6; 6.1), and Matthew 12:11-12 / Luke 14:5.

- I will not go into the scriptures in detail here, but the Exodus passages concerns what happens if an ox or ass gores someone, if they fall into a pit, if one's beast gets loose and eats another's crops, or a fire consumes the produce of someone else's farm. The Exodus texts make it clear that the one who owns the animal, the pit, or was responsible for the fire breaking out is the one who should make recompense.

   "Notice how different this text is from Parliamentary legislation today. Modern laws set out the rules: ancient law codes set out examples. Our text gives a series of cases of accidents which could happen: from this, one is expected to deduce the general principles, which could then be applied to other cases not specifically mentioned." 82-83

- Amongst other issues, the Mishnah attempts to answer the question as to what kind of pit are we talking about? "Does it mean a hole anywhere, even on your own property?" 86 And how deep does it have to be to be defined as a pit? Similarly, what happens if the pit belongs to two people? In what circumstances are they both liable, and in what circumstances is one of them liable rather than the other?

- We might think such discussion misses the point, but they deal with very real life circumstances, and the authors of the Mishnah wanted to discern how scripture could answer practical issues.

- When we recognise the aims of the Mishnah, perhaps we can be more forgiving if it is misapplied. The problem may not be so much in the rabbinic thinking, as in the personal practice. If Judaism had or has a problem with this, it is not alone. Plenty of people of the Christian faith struggle with the same challenge.

- Perhaps I could paraphrase Jesus regarding tithing (Matthew 23.23) and ox-rescuing on the sabbath (Luke 14.5). The locus of his accusations against the Pharisees was not so much that they had codified specific aspects of implementing the Exodus examples, but in allowing them to become their spiritual focus to the extent of neglecting weightier matters.

- How does this help? It gives me a clearer picture of the difference in emphasis of the Gospels compared to the Mishnah.

    "What kind of text, then, is a Gospel? To put it simply, whereas Mishnah deals mainly with *halakhah*, the gospels are virtually all *aggadah*, which teaches a moral direction, not specific rules." 92 (The authors define *halakhah* as "The law or the rules of behaviour on a particular subject, as agreed by the rabbis. From this word is derived an English adjective, *halachic*." From the glossary)

1. Understanding more clearly the rabbinic nature of Jesus and his teaching

2. Grasping more clearly ways in which early Christianity influenced post-temple Judaism

3. Gaining insight into why Jewish leaders and Jesus interpreted scripture differently

- This is not a book for the casual reader. You will need to concentrate and take the time to think about what is being expressed.

- It is also not a book for someone easily annoyed by non-traditional views. The Catholic and Jewish perspectives do not always fit with what might be termed an broadly 'evangelical' approach to faith and scripture.

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I  recommend this book for anybody looking for a better understanding of Jewish scriptural interpretation, and the similarities and differences with Christian interpretation.

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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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: ["An elephant's swimming pool"](https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg), a devotional look at the Gospel of John

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mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

"Existing literature on the art of public speaking is extensive: ranging from preparation and confidence to body language and tonality, the list of ‘golden rules’ is abundant — but mechanical. The following five rules are lesser-known approaches to public speaking and will insert dynamism, nuance, and distinction to your communication toolbox." 

Let's have a look at the first of these 'lesser-known' approaches and see if it might help our preaching and teaching of God's word.

Could use the above as a check-list for your lesson.

Fundamentally a dream, or vision, must originate in your own heart. In that sense, all inspiring preaching and teaching comes from a place of dissatisfaction.

📌 Question: "What is your highest, brightest spiritual dream right now?"

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

Music: Purpose by Jonny Easton; https://youtube.com/channel/UCHJVYelCXpsV8P4EVWBgj0A

Creative Commons Attribution license; Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/al-purpose; Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/TT2PftKt1P4 

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

QUESTION: "WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?"

Kindness to strangers; entertain as a stranger; entertain as a guest; to entertain; to lodge with; to place yourself under another.

“Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”” (Luke 14:12–14 NIV11)“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV11)📌 DISCUSSION: What hospitality can you offer to strangers? At the present time? Considering the restrictions we have?

2. Hospitality to your Friends

With Paul in prison: “My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)” (Colossians 4:10 NIV11)

With Paul in prison: “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” (Colossians 4:14 NIV11)

With Paul in prison: “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” (Colossians 4:14 NIV11)

With Paul in prison: “Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.” (Colossians 4:11 NIV11)

📌QUESTION: What is this time preparing you for?

Conclusion

📌QUIZ: What have we learned today? 

Further scriptures: Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 8.

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

I took the picture at the top of this newsletter with my phone. It has not been filtered or edited in any way. I know – it looks like a painting. It is, in fact, a grasshopper on the other side of the bathroom glass glowing in the light of the sun. Beauty surrounds us. Do we notice?

I’ve been thinking about the beauty of creation and meditating on how good everything is that God (Genesis 1 & 2). 

My latest devotional activity each morning is to sit looking out of the window at a pyracantha bush festooned with resplendent red berries on which sparrows gorge themselves. Whilst this scene is before me I listen to the Lectio 365 devotional for the day. To say that everything God made was good is a gross understatement! Everything he made is magnificent! 

I came across this quote in my research for this week is quite some coaching podcast:

“First of all, my child,

think magnificently of God.

Magnify His providence; adore His power,

pray to Him frequently and incessantly.

Bear Him always in your mind.

Teach your thoughts to reverence Him in every place

for there is no place where He is not.

Therefore, my child, fear and worship and love God;

first and last,

think magnificently of Him!”

—PATERNUS, ADVICE TO A SON

The focus in this week’s podcast is adoring God. How do we adore him healthily? I hope this week’s podcast will give you some insight, but more than that, I hope you are convinced of the magnificence of God. And the magnificence of everything he has made. Including you. Yes – you. You are magnificent. Are you weak? Yes. Do you struggle? Yes. Do you sin? Yes. Does that make you any less magnificent? No. No, no and yet no. 

How much might your times of quiet with God change if you were willing to accept that you are a magnificent creation of a magnificent God?

Over 60 people registered so far…..Together with some friends I am working on an event called, ‘There is No Longer Jew or Greek: Navigating the Dialogue on Christianity and Race’. Andy and Sandra Ezeilo will be speaking as well as Mike Desouza, Elleen Okotie and Rachael Corson. Dr Andy Boakye will be teaching from the Scriptures.  

Details can be found on eventbrite. The event will take place on zoom with an opportunity for breakout rooms and feedback from the discussions. The format will be similar to the “message in the mayhem” event. Sign up to register and receive updates as we approach the day in question.

The week ahead

If you’d like to pray for me I’d be very grateful. Here are some of my plans that you could include.

Until the next time, 

God bless, Malcolm

“My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” (Psalm 131:1–2 NIV11)

Questions for discussion:

Suggestion: Pause before praying, and record your experiences.

Resources mentioned in the book:

Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer, by David G. Benner.

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

What we are reading, episode 44

This week I bring you some thoughts from an interesting book – the journal of an 18th century Quaker, John Woolman.

I forget how I heard about the book, other than it was recommended in some other reading I’ve been doing. The issue that drew me to it was that he wrote about slavery. I thought it might be insightful to be exposed to the thinking of someone who developed a settled opposition to the slave trade at a time before it was a mainstream movement.

If I had know him, I doubt I would have liked him. But I’m sure I would have admired him. We need people like that in every community. As an example of his independent thinking, take his convictions regarding the purchase of dyes. The editor to this edition writes:

“It was difficult to disregard a man who wore conspicuous white clothes rather than use dyes which had to be produced by slave labor. John Woolman was the gentle conscience of Quakerism.” From the introduction

For this review, I will pick out two issues which spoke to me. The first is his attitude towards slavery, and the second is his approach to confronting his fellow Quakers on that issue.

1. On slavery

It is clear that he reflected carefully on his feelings and thinking all through his adult life. In particular on the issue of slavery. He paid careful attention to his feelings, his spirit and his conscience. Consider this quote from the second chapter of his journal:

“When I ate, drank, and lodged free-cost with people who lived in ease on the hard labor of their slaves I felt uneasy; and as my mind was inward to the Lord, I found this uneasiness return upon me, at times, through the whole visit.” Chapter 2

His concern was not simply for himself, but for the future. Of those who embraced the ownership of slaves he wrote this:

“…though now many willingly run into it, yet in future the consequence will be grievous to posterity.” Chapter 2

He has been proven right on this count time and time again.

Of the many motivations for the ownership of slaves, he observed that greed was one of them:

“The love of ease and gain are the motives in general of keeping slaves, and men are wont to take hold of weak arguments to support a cause which is unreasonable.” Chapter 4He was deeply troubled by the acquisition of luxury for the tiny minority produced at the expense of slaves:

“These are the people by whose labor the other inhabitants are in a great measure supported, and many of them in the luxuries of life. These are the people who have made no agreement to serve us, and who have not forfeited their liberty that we know of. These are the souls for whom Christ died, and for our conduct towards them we must answer before Him who is no respecter of persons.” Chapter 4

What impressed me about his perspective is that it was the minority view at the time. He was blazing a trail for others who came after him. There was no abolitionist movement to speak of where he lived. His convictions came from his own heart, mind and reading of scripture.

2. On speaking truth to one’s fellow-believers

John Woolman was realistic about the challenges he faced in attempting to convince his fellow-believing Quaker slaveowners of changing their perspective and practices. However, he was determined to pursue what he saw as his duty:

“Deep-rooted customs, though wrong, are not easily altered; but it is the duty of all to be firm in that which they certainly know is right for them.” Chapter 3.

He was also clear that he could not please everyone. He certainly made some enemies along the way:

“I saw at this time that if I was honest in declaring that which truth opened in me, I could not please all men; and I labored to be content in the way of my duty, however disagreeable to my own inclination.” Chapter 3.

John saw speaking the truth in love as part of genuine friendship and brotherhood. He was concerned for true unity and the prayer of Jesus in John 17:

“To see the failings of our friends, and think hard of them without opening that which we ought to open, and still carry a face of friendship, tends to undermine the foundation of true unity.” Chapter 7

I found my spirit being refreshed not only by his courage, but also by the deep and lengthy periods of prayer and reflection he engaged in before talking to his fellow believers. It was not uncommon for him to approach someone, decide it was not the right time, and go away for a day, a week, or even several months before coming back when he believed the Spirit had set the right time for the conversation.

Whenever he had a difficult decision to make, he spent considerable time in prayer – often all night.

There is much to admire and learn in these journals. However, I’m not sure I want to recommend it to you. Mostly because the language is very 18th century and obscure at times. It’s a hard slog. Personally, I’m glad I made the effort. You will have to decide for yourself if it could be beneficial for you.

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John

- Edwin Young sent me a question. Here it is:

    - "My worry is that my hermeneutical point that I derive from the text will be received as a history or Bible lesson as opposed to a life-changing message. Would you recommend one of your videos for my concern?"

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- The history and the background might be what helps people find their way to the life-changing message.

- Jesus gave history lessons: “The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the [Sabbath. So](http://sabbath.so/) the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”” (Mark 2:24–28 NIV11)

- Stephen's lesson was full of history! Acts 7.

    - Mentions God or synonyms 30 times.

- The key lies in using the history to point to your God, not your research.

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- “For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has [come. So](http://come.so/), if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:1–13 NIV11)

- Paul uses a selected portion of Israel's history to make a point his audience needed to hear addressed.

- There was much more he could have added, but he summarises much of the Exodus history and highlights certain points.

- He speaks of God, His people, their actions, the consequences and, then, specifically addresses overindulgence, immorality, testing and grumbling. Finally he encourages them to learn the lessons so that they can be confident in their faith, and their ability to handle challenges as they arise.

- Use the history of God's work amongst humankind as a way of strengthening the people to whom you are speaking.

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- The problem is not history, but the way it is taught

- You have the opportunity to give history a good name.

Question: "What can you do in your next lesson to include history in a way that inspires?"

- Next week we begin a new 5-part series of presentation tips

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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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: ["An elephant's swimming pool"](https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg), a devotional look at the Gospel of John

Music: Purpose by Jonny Easton

https://youtube.com/channel/UCHJVYelCXpsV8P4EVWBgj0A

Creative Commons Attribution license

Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/al-purpose

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/TT2PftKt1P4

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

I have been thinking a lot this week about the difference our faith can make to a sense of isolation - or even desperation - at times like this. I spoke to someone this week who said that their mental health had been suffering because of isolation. They are not the only one.

Did you notice that it was "World Mental Health Day" this week? For too long the subject of mental health has been a taboo for people of the Christian faith. If there is a sense of shame regarding mental health for non-believers, it might be even stronger for believers. Aren't we meant to have the "mind of Christ"? And if we do, shouldn't that be enough?

What can be forgotten is that the consequences of what happened in Eden affect every part of human life. The emotional, mental, physical and the spiritual.

What can we do to help ourselves and one another? Are you feeling especially isolated right now, or know someone how is? You might find the resources of the website "mind and soul" helpful. Whatever your situation, be assured that God is right there in the midst of the situation with you.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NIV11)

"Even when the way goes through Death Valley,

I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.” (Psalm 23:4 MESSAGE)

Take some time to pray, ask God for courage, and reach out - to him and a friend or two.

I hope you find some of the resources I have uploaded this week to be useful. In particular, although today's sermon is not about mental health, it is about the difference our faith makes when we remember we are in our situation with God.

Together with some friends I am working on an event called, 'There is No Longer Jew or Greek: Navigating the Dialogue on Christianity and Race'. Andy and Sandra Ezeilo will be speaking as well as Mike Desouza, Elleen Okotie and Rachael Corson. Dr Andy Boakye will be teaching from the Scriptures. 

Details can be found on eventbrite. The event will take place on zoom with an opportunity for breakout rooms and feedback from the discussions. The format will be similar to the "message in the mayhem" event. Sign up to register and receive updates as we approach the day in question.

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ

If you'd like to pray for me I'd be very grateful. Here are some of my plans that you could include.

Until the next time, 

God bless, Malcolm

Question: What kind of communication do we prefer? Frequency; Method; etc

Question: What is helping or could help your prayer life deepen/develop at the moment?

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,