Malcolm Cox

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”” (1 Peter 1:22–25 NIV11) QUESTION: What is the difference between love and deep love? “Our church is not the group of people who show up Sunday morning to attend a weekly religious event. The real church is the people who are emotionally connected by their mutual and stated love for Christ and by their commitment to each other because of Christ.”  In this interactive lesson, we explored how we deepen our fellowship in a way modelled after the way Christ loved his disciples (John 13:34-35). What do you think are the most significant issues that help us to love one another deepl

Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at Chapter 4. Our communicating Cosmos How do we know whether the voice we are hearing from God or not? The limits of signs Jesus could not be forced into doing ‘religious stunts’. Even something directly done by God does not necessarily convince, Luke 16:31. ““He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”” (Luke 16:31 NIV11)  ‘If a man (says Jesus) cannot be humane with the Old Testament in his hand and Lazarus on his doorstep, nothing - neither a visitant from the other world nor a revelation of the horrors of hell – will teach him otherwise. Such requests for signs are pure invasions." Hunter ‘Interpreting the parables’, 84 Necessity of a general understanding of God Knowing God helps us to recognise his word, but also what is congruent with his nature. This comes about largely through knowing his teachings. Four neg

I enjoy finding connections between the Old and New Covenants. Today I want to try one out on you. You can tell me if I am seeing something that is not there, or whether it is legitimate. Fellowship is under pressure     * COVID         * 2 years of our lives have been spent largely not in one another’s company         * Allows for reduced vulnerability         * We are truly viscerally vulnerable when together in a way that is not mirrored online.          * One of the beauties of in-person fellowship is the inability of the fellowshipers to control their fellowship. Someone will interrupt, someone will want to talk to us that we'd rather avoid, a topic will be broached we'd rather not discuss.      * Social Media         * The Separation of Church and Status, Brett McCracken, Princeton Theological Review, Vol XVII, No 2, (2010) pp. 21-34.             * McCracken is pretty scathing about the ability of social media to generate meaningful connections. He says, 'What else can this be but a performance, an exer

The latest in my occasional series as I process my feelings and thinking since the death of my mother last year. Today I reflect on why I visit the grave. The reason? Of course it’s love. Obvious? I guess so. But meaningful and refreshing. Remember, “Weeping may remain for a night, but joy cometh in the morning“ Psalm 30 Apologies for the wind noise by the way, but I didn’t have my fancy microphone with me.

Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at Chapter 3. Never alone     * Loneliness a great curse         * Loneliness is "the leprosy of the modern world." 45     * Rom 8:35-39 God's great commitment to us never being alone “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35–39 NIV11) * Immanuel - God with us - fully committed         * ““The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Imma

The song: Jesus is gonna fix it – Matt Genese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAy0RR4D0YA The book: Christian Worship and Technological Change: Susan J. White Media Saturation * How is media influencing our congregational worship, teaching and preaching? * Competing ‘authorities’ have multiplied in advertising and compete for our trust. * What is ‘good’, ‘healthy’, ‘effective’? * Broadcast services have led to greater predictability in worship. Standardisation is what viewers like – a formula that works for them and they know to expect and trust. * Megachurches have much in common: ‘strong authoritarian leadership, a predictable (if not invariable) pattern…’ 117 * High technical standards, predictability, easy to follow, clear strong leadership. * Nothing new, but now more pervasive than ever because of media saturation. * Media has tried to convince us there is a ‘fix’ for every problem. * Has this influenced how people, and leaders think about worship? Fixing it * Is our worship attempting to solve a pr

Mike Desouza was our visiting speaker today. He spoke movingly on the significance of God's remembering of us. 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

Hearing from God Two weeks ago we considered the topic of what it means to develop a ‘conversational relationship with God’. How is that going for you? Is it something you cherish, find confusing - or even a little scary?! Below I pen a few more thoughts - based on, “Hearing God” by Dallas Willard. God is not looking for robots Your relationship with God is yours. It is unique. Our relationship with God as it develops is meant to be characterised by a deep and meaningful love. It is more a way of being with him than talking to him and hearing from him as such. In that way it is similar to any mature human relationship that has stood the test of time. A relationship with God most certainly is not about getting the latest information or commands, but instead getting to know God so that you understand his wishes - even if he is not telling you exactly what to do. God is no taskmaster God is not harsh. He takes no joy in judging even the ‘wicked, lazy servant’ of Mat 25:26. What kind of relationship does Go

In this sermon for the Watford Church of Christ we asked the question as to why God gave us so many letters. Having explored that, we go on to investigate the reason why evangelism is hardly mentioned in the epistles. 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

It seems pretty much given these days that when we preach and teach we should use images. There's been a lot of talk over the last few years about visual learners. We know the impact that an arresting image can have.  As a simple illustration, and if you're listening to the podcast you'll have to use your imagination, let me make a statement, followed by an image. You tell me which one has the most significant effect on you. First the statement: "the man was shocked"  Now I will put the image on screen: …….. So, which had more impact on you? What is the relevance here for our preaching and teaching? Well, yesterday as part of my Masters in Theological Studies I was reading this book, “The hidden power of electronic culture" by Shane Hipps. In it he makes the point that since the invention of photography the use of images in communication has come to dominate communication to the downgrading of the significance of written and spoken communication. Is this a good thing, a bad thing, or is it neutral?

Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Recently God has made me listen more as a result of losing my voice after an allergic reaction to something I ate. Today we look at Chapter 1. - 1. A paradox about hearing God - Learning to hear God's voice makes us more than someone who has knowledge.17 - The ongoing conversation  - He references Adam & Eve, Enoch and Moses as examples of people with an ongoing conversation with God. However, I'm not sure that is precisely true. That might be an over literal understanding of Enoch's relationship with God. In any case, we have very little detail.  - The UFO syndrome  - We might sound a bit wacky if we start talking about hearing God.  - "Why is it", comedian Lily Tomlin asks, "that when we speak to God we are said to be praying but when God speaks to us we are said to be schizophrenic?" Is. 58:9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke o

Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Recently God has made me listen more as a result of losing my voice after an allergic reaction to something I ate. Today we look at Chapter 1. - 1. A paradox about hearing God - Learning to hear God's voice makes us more than someone who has knowledge.17 - The ongoing conversation         - He references Adam & Eve, Enoch and Moses as examples of people with an ongoing conversation with God. However, I'm not sure that is precisely true. That might be an over literal understanding of Enoch's relationship with God. In any case, we have very little detail.  - The UFO syndrome    - We might sound a bit wacky if we start talking about hearing God.    - "Why is it", comedian Lily Tomlin asks, "that when we speak to God we are said to be praying but when God speaks to us we are said to be schizophrenic?" Is. 58:9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ In preparation for today’s lesson I re-read the Dallas Willard book “Hearing God: developing a conversational relationship with God". As with all of Willard’s books, it is about much more than the actual title or theme. It's really about what it means to know Christ and to live for him in this world. He sets up the book by noting that God wants a friendship with us. He references the Scriptures below. Take some time to read them and, as you do so, ask yourself what they are telling you about God's desire for the kind of relationship he wants to have with you. Ex. 29:43-46 “…there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory. “So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their Go

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ In preparation for today’s lesson I re-read the Dallas Willard book “Hearing God: developing a conversational relationship with God". As with all of Willard’s books, it is about much more than the actual title or theme. It's really about what it means to know Christ and to live for him in this world. He sets up the book by noting that God wants a friendship with us. He references the Scriptures below. Take some time to read them and, as you do so, ask yourself what they are telling you about God's desire for the kind of relationship he wants to have with you. Ex. 29:43-46 “…there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory. “So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their Go

Today a response to a question from a friend, which was promoted by a previous teaching tip on ‘personal fruitfulness’. “I had a question. In the NT and especially Paul’s letters. There’s little emphasis on Evangelism. However we see the Lord added to their number. Firstly, I wanted to ask why you think there was no emphasis? Secondly, what were they doing then that allowed that growth to happen?” This also struck me as a young Christian. I remember a teaching weekend on Philippians and how little there was about evangelism and how much there was about Christ, love, peace, unity. How did they have an impact? They stood out! 1. In their DNA Acts 8:4: “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” 2. Not participating in pagan worship due to idolatry: “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.” Rev

Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Last two weeks have struck a chord with you and me. Therefore I decided to re-read the book “Hearing God: developing a conversational relationship with God" this week. Made notes and decided to do a multipart series - one for each chapter of the book. As with all of Willard’s themed books, it is about much more than the actual title or theme in the title. In truth, it's really about what it means to know Christ and to live for him in this world. Today we look at the introduction, or technically the preface. He sets up the book by noting that God wants an intimate friendship with us. He references the following Scriptures: Exodus 29:43-46; 33:11; Psalm 23; Isaiah 41:8; John 15:14; Hebrews 13:5-6. He could have chosen many more. Let me read some of these to us today. As I do so, ask yourself what is telling you about God's desire for the kind of relationship he wants to have with you and me. Ex. 29:43-46 there also I wil

In this second sermon in a series about why we sing when we are gathered on a Sunday, we look at the passage in Colossians 3. 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

Tuesday Teaching Tips | Episode 257 | “The Connection between the Spirit, Unity and Singing” Part 3 Why do we sing? We have been answering the question, "Why do we sing?”. In the last two Teaching Tips I made some comments on Eph 5:18-21 and Col 3:16. Today let’s explore a few more thoughts on singing based in 1 Corinthians 14. “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” 1 Corinthians 14:26 Background The church in Corinth had a lot of problems. They struggled with divisiveness, looseness regarding sin, attempts to put leaders on pedestals, drunkenness during communion, chaotic church services and, overall, a lack of love.  As Paul gets towards the end of his letter he focuses on helping them to change the way they think about their church services.  He hopes that God will be glorified and visitors would have, “the secrets o

Why do we sing? There is not a great deal of instruction in the New Testament about church singing. But what the Scriptures lack in volume they make up for in depth. This week and next week we will take a look at two of the key passages about congregational singing. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:18-21 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 A Casual Comment? At first glance these instructions to sing seem almost like a throw-away comment. It is as if Paul has heard that the churches don't like singing

Last week's quiet time coaching episode struck a chord with several people. Amongst those was my friend from Denver, Matt Anjilivelil. He sent me a copy of a study he has put together to help people to learn how to hear God. He makes the point that God spoke to his people in the Bible. For example, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, Elijah, Jeremiah, Mary, Jesus and Paul.  Even if we may not hear God in the same way they did, it is clear that God loves to communicate with his people. The rest of his study is on the relevant page on my website. However, it set me to thinking about a couple of things. Let's take Samuel for example. Perhaps we don’t hear because we are not listening to obey. “So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.””