Malcolm Cox

Introduction We celebrate Palm Sunday in a few days. It is one of only a few incidents recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19 and John 12). I have mulled over which text to use for the Sunday lesson, finally settling on the account in Luke 19. I have chosen this one because it contains the blend and contrast of extravagant full-voiced praise, and the embracing of the tragic. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. It reflects much of what is going on in the world today, and even in my own life. The Text ““Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embank

This Sunday, we concluded the series on the 1 Thessalonians by summarising its major themes. We began by sharing with one another lessons that God has taught us through the book. I have done my best to turn up the volume, and I hope you can hear the inspiring and insightful comments by members of the Watford church. 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: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  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

Last Sunday we wrapped up our series on 1 Thessalonians. We learned together. How? Do we want to know what people know and are thinking? A preacher and teacher is tasked with creating a learning community - not simply preaching and teaching Ask questions In Matthew 16:13-16, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" and then follows up with the more personal question, "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" This question prompts Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Allow silence  “Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.” (Mark 3:4 NIV11) People need time By remaining silent and allowing others to speak, we create space for them to express themselves fully and to feel heard and understood. People become convinced we want to hear from them Respond positively Takes courage to speak up - honour that Expand where helpful (briefly) Public speaking a

In this lesson on the last few verses of 1 Thessalonians we explore the way in which grace helps the community to function in a way that honours God. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  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 Why do we pray together with other Christians? Let’s take a look at a classic passage about praying together ““Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”” (Matthew 18:18–20 NIV11) In this passage, Jesus teaches about the power of agreement in prayer and the importance of gathering together as believers. Context Jesus is addressing His disciples and teaching them about what it means to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. He starts off by warning them about causing others to stumble and then goes on to talk about the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness. In verses 15-17, Jesus gives instructions on how to handle conflict within the church. Explanation "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on ear

In this podcast, I explore the benefits of praying with others. We start by discussing why we less frequently speak about praying together despite valuing and practicing prayer. Matthew 18:18-20 is our starting point, where Jesus expects us to pray together and offers inspiration as to why it is important. ““Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”” (Matthew 18:18–20 NIV11)Praying with others allows us to come together in a shared experience of faith and connection, which supports us in our spiritual journeys and provides a sense of community. When we pray with others, we can share our burdens and joys and feel a sense of belonging. It can also deepen our own prayer life, as we learn from others' experiences and perspective

Last Sunday: Family bereavement Plenty of study, not enough time for prep on the presentation One of my better lessons - at least in the way it was received. Trust the text: Know it thoroughly. Study well in advance. It has power in itself. Trust God: How much do I trust God? Prayer was more important on Sunday morning than technical preparation. Trust congregation: How much do I trust the congregation in their motivation to learn and ability to do so? Conclusion We are creatives - no creation is ever finished Send it out before ‘ready’ - who gets to decide what that means anyway? If a sermon is fully ‘finished’ it will likely be dead 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.  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

These are my occasional unedited reflections on the death of my mother. Today, I share some thoughts on the recent death of my father-in-law, John, Bartley. I am exceedingly sad over to death, but the abiding feeling in my heart, is one of deep gratitude. 

A few thoughts I shared with the Watford church as a result of attending the Teleios conference in Oklahoma. 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: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  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

1. What will happen to Christians living and dead? 4:14-18  QUESTION: What comes to your mind when we talk about the second coming of Jesus? A. Sequence Jesus comes back victorious The ‘sleepers’ resurrect  They and anyone alive at the time join Jesus in eternal life B. Everyone will notice ‘One word of command, one shout from the archangel, one blast from the trumpet of God and the Lord himself will come down from Heaven!’’ J. B. Phillips translation C. With Lord forever - excellent outcome! 2. What will happen to people without Christ? 5:1-3 Do not know date Do not speculate A. Thief - Unexpected B. Peace and Safety - False confidence C. Labour pains - No way out - inevitable We are called to be awake and sober so as to help these people 3. Who we are & how to respond to who we are. 5:4-8 A. Awake, not asleep / Sober, not drunk Take yourself seriously - you matter in the kingdom of God B. Faith, Love, Hope Do a Bible study on these themes C. What does this mean? Help one another - written

Are we learning from our compliments to help us continue to grow? I share an experience I had this last Sunday. Straight-talking “What did he mean when he said, ‘You will look for me, but you will not find me,’ and ‘Where I am, you cannot come’?”” (John 7:36 NIV11) Questions “When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him.” (Matthew 17:25–26 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, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  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.

Our friend Douglas Jacoby was the visiting Speaker on the 5th of March 2023. He spoke on the Lord's prayer from Matthew 6:9–13. We hope you find this recording to be a blessing. You can find more materials on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj9Qa8D9zumJZdoAtARDUww) and website (https://watfordchurchofchrist.org). Most Sundays we gather at the West Watford Free church, 10:30AM.  The address is: Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 6NU You can contact us on: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  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 r

Why do we pray together with other Christians? This week, I recorded the first of two classes on praying together. We looked at the praying church and the expectation that Jesus had of his disciples praying together. You can find it here (https://youtu.be/20-iUjHSlMw) and here (https://audioboom.com/posts/8259191). So today, I ask, what prevents us from praying together more often? Is it pride, Satan, practical challenges, fear, or not knowing how…? This week I prayed with two members of my congregation over the phone. Unfortunately, they both live in places that make it difficult for us to physically meet to pray, but why should that be a barrier? Of course, it wasn't what they or I would prefer, but it was much better than not doing it. On both occasions, praying with Simon and Gbemi lifted my spirits. Part of the reason was that we were praying together and talking for a few minutes before we prayed, catching up, sharing our hearts, our needs and what was going on in our lives. I am reminded that before

Class 1: Praying Together Introduction In this class and the one to follow, we will examine what the Scriptures teach about praying together. Why not make this month of March one where you focus on praying with other believers? 1. The early church prayed together.     * “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.     * When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” (Acts 1:14; 4:24 NIV11)     * “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:23 NIV11)     * “When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.” (Acts 20:36 NIV11)     * “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head un

Introduction I posted a poll on my Youtube channel. Here are the results:From what we can tell in New Testament times, church services did not have a uniform structure. However, they shared some characteristics.  Sing/Pray together (verbally expressed worship) Eat together (Lord’s Supper) Learn together (God’s Word) Fellowship together Many other things are legitimate in our congregational gatherings, such as announcements, testimonies, and more, but the four above seem like the essentials. If you disagree with me, that’s fine. Just let me know your thoughts. However, if I’m even close to the mark, a secondary question arises: “What is the best balance of these four elements?” Hence the question I posted on my YouTube channel. The traditions I grew up in put less emphasis on the lesson and fellowship and more on singing, prayer, and the Lord’s supper. I vividly remember one evensong service where an enthusiastic young curate spoke for 20 minutes. It was a scandal!  However, it doesn’t look like Paul’

A summary of my five main convictions on returning from the conference in Oklahoma. 1. Culture 2. Trauma 3. Jesus 4. Mentoring 5. Leadership You can watch live and recorded sessions of the conference by registering here: https://www.teleiosconference.com Leave a message with your response to my thoughts. Why not sign up for the Old Testament Survey module: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/old-testament-survey-aim-uk-ireland-tickets-531954449077 More information about AIM can be found here: https://www.aimukandireland.com. Send me an email expressing interest if you cannot find what you need on the site. 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: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. 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. Pleas

A Watford church of Christ lesson on God's love for the vulnerable and our part in loving those who need his care. 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: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  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

My thoughts on the second day of the Teleios conference.  The sessions I attended were: David Kinnaman: “The Open Generation” Nadine Templer: “Gen Z and their view of the Gospel” Hannah Desouza; “Gen Z: the Next Forty Years” Kyle Spears: “Gen Z and the The Role of Community” You can watch live and recorded sessions by registering here: https://www.teleiosconference.com Leave a message with your response to my thoughts. God bless, Malcolm

My thoughts on the excellent opening speech at the Teleios conference. Dr. Dan Rodrigues was the speaker, and his topic was, “Gen Z and Cultural Intelligence”.  You can watch live and recorded sessions by registering here: https://www.teleiosconference.com Leave a message with your response to my thoughts. God bless, Malcolm

My thoughts on the final day of the Teleios conference.  The main talk was by Dr. Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby, and her theme was, “Picking up the pieces: Cultivating hope in a traumatized age” You can watch live and recorded sessions by registering here: https://www.teleiosconference.com Leave a message with your response to my thoughts. God bless, Malcolm