Category Archives: Podcast

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Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 144: “Awesome Apollos”, Part 6, “Go your own way”

“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11)

  1. Learned man
  2. Self-motivated
  3. Passionate
  4. Humble
  5. A great help – effective
  6. Not afraid to go his own way
  • Big personality
    “My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”” (1 Corinthians 1:11–12 NIV11)
  • Assertive
    “Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.” (1 Corinthians 16:12 NIV11)
  • Connected
    “Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.” (Titus 3:13 NIV11)

How can we be a great help?

  1. You will attract ‘followers’
  2. Have your own mind
  3. Cultivate peer relationship

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist.

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.

Thanks again for listening. Have a terrific Tuesday, and a wonderful week.

God bless,

Malcolm

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“Pictures of Pergamum”, Revelation 2

Pergamum Communion SlidesDownload

Malcolm brings a report on the recent leadership conference in Turkey. We also take a look at the church in Pergamum.

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.

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

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

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“The Eagle’s Eye”, John’s Gospel Class 7

John Class 7 SlidesDownload
Handout Class 7Download

“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 7

John Chapters 17 & 18

“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:” John 17.1

“Jesus’ prayerful waiting for God’s instructions freed Him from the tyranny of the urgent. It gave him a sense of direction, set a steady pace, and enabled him to do every task God assigned. And on the last night he could say, ‘I have finished the work you gave me to do.'”

-From “Tyranny of the Urgent”, Hummel.

1. “Oneness”: John 17

  • heis”: one and the same
  • Love – Witness – Unity
  • “Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success.” Henry Ford

2. “Riskiness”: John 18

  1. Devotional Questions
  • Why do you think the arrest party “drew back and fell to the ground”? (v6) 
  • The phrase, “I am he” is repeated three times (vv5, 6, 8). Can you think of a particular reason why John might have recorded these statements of Jesus? 
  • Is there any significance in the fact that Jesus identifies himself three times, and Peter denies he knows Jesus three times? (vv17, 25, 27)? 
  • Apart from the deeper meaning of this phrase, what does the fact that Jesus stepped forward to identify himself and protect his disciples tell you about his heart? 
  • Why do you think Peter attacked Malchus? 
  • And then, why does he become so quick to deny his association with Jesus (v17)? 
  • Peter’s three-fold refusal to be associated with Jesus is tragic, but all-too understandable. What do you think was going through his mind as the cock crowed? (v27) 
  • His is not the only betrayal in this chapter. The Jewish leaders are scrupulous in avoiding ceremonial uncleanness (v28) while at the same time becoming guilty of something far worse – scheming the death of an innocent man. What do you think causes so-called spiritual people to compromise what they say they believe in? 
  • Why would the crowd prefer Barabbas over Jesus?
  1. Pilate Interview
  • Question / question (v34)
  • Provocative statement (v36)
  • Invitation to contemplation (v37)
  1. Conscience Questions
  • In which situations do you feel intimidated?
  • Where is it that people might not know you are a Christian? 
  • In front of which people do you feel heart thumping, mouth going dry, head spinning? 
  • What’s going through your mind at times like that? 
  • How might you react next time in a way that is more like Jesus?

Summary

  • “What has stood out to you from tonight?”
  1. Read John 19 between now and Sunday
  2. Discuss what you’re learning and your questions with your spouse/friends.
  3. Ask God to reveal what aspect of Jesus he would like you to focus on through this series.

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.

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

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

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The Sunday Sample Episode 70: “Integrated worship”

I am trying to create a greater connection between the different parts of our services in the Thames Valley churches of Christ this year.

I share what we did last Sunday from John 15.

I’d love to know your ideas on this.  

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.

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: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

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

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Quiet Time Coaching, episode 75, “Gratitude in the dentist’s chair”

A spell in the dentist’s chair surprisingly led me to a contemplation of gratitude. Let me share with you how this developed.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

(Colossians 3:15 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.

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.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

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

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Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 143: “Awesome Apollos”, Part 5, “How to be a great help”

“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11)

  1. Learned man
  2. Self-motivated
  3. Passionate
  4. Humble
  5. A great help – effective

proving – epideiknymi – to exhibit, to show, to point out, to demonstrate, prove*

“a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11)

  • Did what they needed him to do

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it” (1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV11)

  • Content to be a waterer rather than a planter

How can we be a great help?

  1. Find out what your hearers need
  2. Put all your effort into meeting that need
  3. Be content to play a part

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist.

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.

Thanks again for listening. Have a terrific Tuesday, and a wonderful week.

God bless,

Malcolm

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The Sunday Sample Episode 69: “Creativity in Worship”

I value creativity in leading worship. However, how do we protect ourselves from making it about ourselves instead of God? 

I share a quote from the book “Participating in Worship” by Craig Erickson.

I’d love to know your ideas on this.  How can we hear the voice of the Spirit helping us with our creativity and avoid ego?

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.

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: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

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

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Quiet time coaching, episode 74, “Your sins shall be white as snow”

A surfeit of snow set me in mind of this scripture:

““Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV11)

Let me share with you what I learned while musing on this Scripture and making my way through the snow. 

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.

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

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

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The Sunday Sample Episode 68: “Lifting off at the chorus”

A time of worship at a conference I recently attended reminded me of how valuable it can be to remove the instruments between verse and the beginning of the chorus.

I share three examples where this can work.

I’d love to know your ideas on this. Which other songs could benefit from the “lifting off” treatment?

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.

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: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

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

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Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 142: “Awesome Apollos”, Part 4, “Heroic Humility”

“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11)

  1. Learned man
  2. Self-motivated
  3. Passionate
  4. Humble

“explained” – ektitheœmi – to place outside, put forth; to expose an infant; to set forth, declare, explain,

“adequately” – akriboœs – accurately, diligently, circumspectly, strictly; precisely, distinctly,

Barriers:

  • learned
  • thorough knowledge of the Scriptures
  • He had been instructed in the way of the Lord
  • taught about Jesus accurately

“knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1 NIV11)

  1. His humility led him to listen
  2. His humility led him to listen to ‘lesser’ people
  3. His humility led him to change his opinion, and teaching

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist.

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.

Thanks again for listening. Have a terrific Tuesday, and a wonderful week.

God bless,

Malcolm