Malcolm Cox

‘A New Thing’ Series Class 1 — Elijah Introduction Theme Scripture: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NRSV) Elijah was a man of God with a hugely impressive spiritual CV. For example, he prays and changes the weather, he miraculously supplies the widow with food and raises her son back to life, he confronted hundreds of sword-wielding false prophets and sees fire rain down from heaven as an answered prayer. Why would he need to do anything ‘new’? He’s seen it and done it all.  Elijah is a case-study in how God prepares us for something new. At the end of his false prophet slaughtering conference at Carmel he receives the equivalent of hate mail. “Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”

Introduction Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 1 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  My first preaching experience: Half a sermon; profound sense of being an imposter; doing the opposite of the advice I was given. I was not asked again for a long time! What God wants is more important than what you want, your peers want, those who evaluate you want, and your listeners want.  Three necessary things according to Bercot: The anointing of the Holy Spirit. More on this next week, but what does it mean to you to rely on the Spirit in your speaking? The desire to learn to preach. Note, desire is not the same as confidence. It is an inner motivation, not about presentation skill or experience.  Some basic training on how to prepare an effective message. Note, it is important to avoid the extremes. God can use the untrained, but why would you want to ignore the resources available to you. Training is hugely valuable, but your confidence should

Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' For the next few days we are focussed on God doing a new thing in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elijah’s past.  Before God could do a new thing in Elijah, he had to reckon with his past. How does Elijah view his history? “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10 NIV11) Note the phrase - ‘I have been’. Elijah’s previous faith-exploits are the stuff of legend. He predicted a drought that lasted three and a half years, he helped a widow whose oil didn't run out despite her poverty, he brought a widow's dead son back to life, he called d

Introduction A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.  In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 22-28. ““Yet you have not called on me, Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel.  You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honoured me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with grain offerings nor wearied you with demands for incense.  You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offences.  “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remember

Introduction A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.  In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 18-21. ““Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  The wild animals honour me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen,  the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” (Isaiah 43:18-21 NIV11) - He will do great things, even a new thing: Will guide & provid

Introduction A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.  In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 14-17. “This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, in the ships in which they took pride.  I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.”  This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters,  who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:” (Isaiah

Tabernacle Building Sunday Exodus 40 Introduction Why are we doing this - ““Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month.” (Exodus 40:2) - first day of the Hebrew calendar month of Nisan.  Nisan: First month of religious year; March-April; Passover falls in this period - celebration of exodus  When was this done - “So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.” (Exodus 40:17) - 1 year after exodus; 9 months after arrival at Sinai 1. “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34) God shows approval by being ‘present’ with them 2. “In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted.” (Exodus 40:36-37) God guides them on their faith journey Final recorded act in Exodus - ready to move on with God to destination Please add your comments on

Introduction A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.  In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 10-13. ““You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.  I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no Saviour.  I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.  Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”” (

Introduction A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God. In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 5-9. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of their gods foretold this and

Introduction A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'  Malcolm here, and thank you for joining me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring our personal times of quiet with God.  In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is verses 2 to 4. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.  Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” (Isaiah

Teaching Tip 343 | “Plain Speaking - Introduction” | Malcolm Cox Introduction How would you like to be more effective in your preaching and teaching? If, like me, you want to grow as a speaker of God's word, then I have a resource for you.  It's a new year, so it's time for a new series of Teaching Tips. In a change from the normal approach I will be recording 2-minute tips based on chapters from the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot.  From the rear cover of the book: “Although many books have been written about preaching and teaching, most of them are addressed to seminary-trained pastors. They're not aimed at the churches that don't use professionally schooled ministers. That's what is different about this book. The New Testament Christians had no seminaries, but they raised up effective preachers and teachers. The Holy Spirit can use ordinary Christian men today to preach and teach just as He did back in the first century. Plain Speaking takes the reader thr

Introduction A new thing! Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' I'm Malcolm Cox. Join me in January and February for a daily devotional podcast aimed at inspiring your personal times of quiet with God.  In the first few podcast episodes we will set the scene by looking at the entirety of Isaiah chapter 43. Today it is simply the first verse. “But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1 NIV11) We are called to remember the source of our redemption — the LORD.  He created & formed you“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV11) He e

God is not static. He is involved in his creation. He is actively healing, redeeming and transforming the world and its people. In other words, he is always doing ‘a new thing’. These daily devotional podcasts accompany the teaching and preaching series of the same title for the Thames Valley churches of Christ and the Watford church of Christ. The title of our series comes from this Scripture in the book of Isaiah: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NRSV) Isaiah reveals God's plan for his people. They will not remain in exile forever. A return to the promised land is prophesied. The people in exile felt a mixture of fear and excitement. For some, living in exile had become comfortable. To uproot and return would be difficult. For others, it was the fulfilment of decades of prayerful expectation. The section of Scripture

A hearty 'thank 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: 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

I am a fan of the creativity and music of Carolyn Arends. The material for today's communion is taken from one of her advent reflections called, ‘Probably Not a Silent Night’. Her song on the same topic can be found here: https://youtu.be/I2zuPp0hiaA    I think he cried the way that babies do  I think his mama might have cried a little too  I bet you Joseph didn’t have a clue  What to do—he was new at fatherhood  So I don't think it was a silent night  I kinda doubt that all was calm that night  But there were those who heard about a light  They saw the sight and they understood:  It was a holy, it was a holy, it was holy night  Perhaps you have participated with your children in holding a lit candle at a church service while singing “Silent Night.” We did this many times at my Father’s church during their carol service. When our children were young we tried to keep them quiet during the song. We did not want to disturb the peace. “Silent Night” is a beautiful carol with a wonderful history, but a crying ba

Introduction Where is God taking your preaching and teaching in 2024? Last week we talked about assessing our learnings from this year in the areas by using personal reflection, friendly feedback and taking action. Today we look ahead…….. We will take the apostle Paul as our inspiration in this area. Consider what happened immediately after his conversion. “Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 9:19-22 NIV11) Note, he ‘grew more and more powerful’. His speaking increased in effectiveness. Granted this resulted in people wanting to kill him (!), and that’s not the desired result of our preac

Introduction “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NRSV) 2024 is round the corner. We have the opportunity to prepare spiritually for the upcoming 12 months. Just as we reflect on the past year, looking forward with faith and intentionality can deepen our relationship with God and guide our journey ahead. In Philippians 3:14, Paul encourages us to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." In this class, we'll explore two ideas to help you and your group prepare spiritually for the next 12 months. We are going to do this today by looking at two sets of words that come up more than once in Scripture: Grace, mercy and peace; faith, hope and love. 1. Relationship with God It is healthy to focus on our relationship with God before we attempt to achieve anything for him. Has God been getting your attention in an area of connection with him? Conside

Last Sunday we welcomed my good friend Dr Andy Boakye as a visiting speaker to the Watford church of Christ. He spoke on "The Advent of Jesus in Matthew's genealogy” from Matthew 1:2-6.  Andy observed that four women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and ‘the wife of Uriah’. All are questionable as to dignity. The theme of dignity restored to those who have lost it is a theme in Matthew’s Gospel. Especially when it pertains to women.  ‘Jesus affirmed the dignity of women by accepting them as disciples and treating them with a respect that was considered scandalous in his patriarchal culture.’ Four views on women in ministry  Jesus came to restore the dignity of the disregarded and the forgotten. We see that in his treatment of any who are marginalised including by race — Matthew 15.22, the Canaanite woman. 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, pract

Last Sunday we welcomed my good friend Dr Andy Boakye as a visiting speaker to the Watford church of Christ. He spoke on "The Advent of Jesus in Matthew's genealogy” from Matthew 1:2-6. Something has stayed with me since Sunday so I thought I would share it with you today.  Andy observed that four women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and ‘the wife of Uriah’. All are questionable as to dignity. The theme of dignity restored to those who have lost it is a theme in Matthew’s Gospel. Especially when it pertains to women.  ‘Jesus affirmed the dignity of women by accepting them as disciples and treating them with a respect that was considered scandalous in his patriarchal culture.’ Four views on women in ministry  Jesus came to restore the dignity of the disregarded and the forgotten. We see that in his treatment of any who are marginalised including by race — Matthew 15.22, the Canaanite woman.  ‘We have endured traumatic histories and the almost daily assaults on our dignity, lik

Introduction What has God taught you this year about preaching and teaching? Today, we're going to discuss three valuable tips for reviewing the lessons God has taught us in 2023, so that we can celebrate our growth and prepare for new lessons in 2024. Tip 1: Personal Reflection Whenever anyone asks for my feedback on their lesson my response is to ask them a question, “What do you think?” It’s not a test to see if they produce the ‘right’ answer. Rather, it is an opportunity for them to grow in their ability to assess their own teaching and preaching. Why is this important? Because they hear their own preaching and teaching more than any member of their congregation ever will. We can become our best sources for feedback if we train ourselves to think this way.  How do we do this? We take time to pause and think deeply about our experiences, successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. By reflecting on our personal experiences, we can identify what has worked well and what needs adjustment. We can a