Malcolm Cox Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 518 | New Creation Series — Part 10 | “New Creation - New Learning” | Malcolm Cox

Introduction 

A new creation! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on ‘A new creation’. Today, the connection between being a new creation and learning. 

Learning to Learn 

I was very impatient when learning to drive. I wanted to take as few lessons as possible. Partly because I wanted to drive without somebody else in the car (in my space!), and partly because I was an impoverished student at the time. After I passed my test I enjoyed driving solo. However, I had no conception of how much more there still was to learn about driving. The first evidence of that was when I ran out of petrol on the M20 while driving my then girlfriend to Dover Castle (Penny eventually forgave me!).

To follow Jesus is to take on the identity of a life-long learner. However much we learn about him this side of glory, we have only touched the edge of all that we could learn. A disciple - the word mathetes means student - is someone who grows more and more into the likeness of Jesus (2 Cor 3.18). Our current church theme is ‘a new creation’ (2 Cor 5.17), and part of being a new creation is learning all of what that means. How does this happen and why is it important?




The right goal
What is the goal of the Christian life? The goal is not to get to heaven. That might sound strange, so let me explain. The goal is to know God. Last Sunday I saw an advertising board alongside the M25 which asked the question, “Where will you spend eternity?”. I appreciate that someone is trying to help people make a decision to seek God, but it's the wrong question. The right question is, "Who will you spend eternity with?” God is about relationship, not destination.

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

2. The right person

Therefore, we want to learn about God so that we can be love and enjoy him. “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”

How do we do this? By learning as much as possible about our hero, Jesus. 

“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9

A passionate desire to know Jesus is what motivated the Apostle Paul to write,

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:10-14 NIV11)

Paul most certainly wanted to be ‘in heaven’, but it's because of who will be there. What is your goal as a Christian, as a disciple? Is it to stay in God's good books? Is it hoping that he will keep you  healthy and all the people you care about will be saved? Or is it to be like Jesus and spend eternity with him? Our goal has a big influence on our learning because it shapes what kind of learning we embrace or reject.

3. The right attitude

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Phil 4.11-12

Was Jesus discontent while on this earth? Not at all — unless you count the discontent he felt about the spiritual pride of some of the Pharisees!  Jesus exhibited remarkable contentment despite being tired, hungry, thirsty and homeless (Luke 9.58). Paul learne

Matthew 6.26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Life makes us question whether God cares

1. Jesus Needed God's Care

Luke 3.21-22
“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.””

Luke 9.34-36
“While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.”

Wilderness angels Mark 1.13
“and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”

Gethsemane angel Luke 22.43
“An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Point: If Jesus needed it...

2. Jesus Showed us God Cares
QUESTION: How did Jesus show people God cares?

Matthew 10.26-31
““So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Point: God has gone out of his way to let us know he cares. Jesus shows us that sometimes God caring does not mean our lives are easy. Gethsemane! He understands us.
 
Conclusion
1 Peter 5.6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Convinced God cares?

His Eye Is On the Sparrow (1905) SM Mrs. C. D. Martin
1. Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, 
Why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav'n and home, 
When Jesus is my portion? 
My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

2. "Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, 
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears: 
Though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: 
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; 
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
    
3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever doubts arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, 
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me.
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

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.or

Teaching Tip 361 | “Plain Speaking - Speak With an Interesting and Clear Voice” | Malcolm Cox 


Introduction

Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot. 



It is crucial to know what we are talking about and present it with confidence and conviction.  However, what difference does the quality of our voice make? Bercot makes this observation:


“In daily conversation, we seem naturally to know how to make our voice pleasant and interesting. We rarely speak in a monotone when talking to friends. but somehow when we’re in front of a congregation we forget to do what comes naturally. That’s why every speaker needs to consciously speak with modulation.” 85


What does this look like?







Modulation. We’re talking about variety in pitch, volume, tone and emphasis. Read one of the parables. Can you imagine Jesus sharing it with no variation in his voice? A monotone? I hardly think so. Where do you think he might have placed emphasis—speaking louder, more softly or slowly? Take the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18. I’m pretty sure he relayed the Pharisee’s prayer at high volume (“‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’” (Luke 18:11-12 NIV11), and the tax collector’s at low volume (“‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” (Luke 18:13 NIV11)

Volume, Tempo, and Pausing.  Can you be heard by everyone in the room? Look at the back as you start speaking and take note if it looks as if they are straining to hear you. The bigger the group and the larger the room, the slower we need to speak. Sound tends to get garbled the further it travels. Pauses help your audience ‘breathe’ as they listen. A small gap here and there in your lesson will help them to grasp your point. Use dramatic pauses sparingly but meaningfully.  See the example of Jesus in Mark 3:1-6 and imagine the effect of the silence.

Enunciation.  I vividly remember the person who preached on the text, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV11) His accent was strong. It sounded like he was saying, “Blessed are those who moan”. Once would not have been too bothersome, but it was the main phrase of the lesson and repeated multiple times. The congregation did not know whether to ask him to speak more clearly, try to ignore it, or laugh. It was embarrassing, distracting and avoidable. 



What are your thoughts on cultivating an interesting and clear voice? 


Conclusion

Next time, we will go on to look at five things that can spoil an otherwise good sermon.


Has today’s tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so.


Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching.


Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life.


Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com  


The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.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, or 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, and leave a review. 


Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching.


God bless, Malcolm

Introduction





What is your picture of the gospel? Doubtless it is affected by your personal spiritual biography and formative spiritual experiences.
Is it possible that your view could contain an incomplete or even distorted view of the gospel?
For many, the gospel is mostly about forgiveness, going to heaven, and avoiding hell. Is that all?
Today is part 1 of two classes designed to refresh and expand our view of what the gospel is, and what it means for us today.


1. Good News





The gospel is not 'the gospels' which are the first four books of the New Testament detailing the life of Jesus as recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The English word gospel comes from Old English 'godspel' meaning 'good news'.
The ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’ (from the Greek, euangelion). The Scriptural idea is encapsulated in this verse:
 Isaiah 52.7
 “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” 


The image is someone running from the battlefront, bringing good news of a military victory. Watchmen were trained to notice how these specialist runners ran. If they were doing the survival shuffle it was bad news. If their legs were pumping, and the dust was flying, it was good news. 
In essence, this is the gospel. God has won the victory; we are part of his victorious people and we share in his celebration.



2. How did Jesus define the good news?





Jesus connected the good news with the coming of the kingdom. They are one and the same.
 Mark 1.14-15
 “Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””





Why did he see the gospel as the coming of God's kingdom? Because the kingdom is where God reigns and gets his stuff done. Because his stuff is good (love, mercy, justice, forgiveness, healing, wholeness), it is good news that the kingdom is here. It is an attractive place!
That is why we pray:Matthew 6.10
 “‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”When you pray this prayer, what image do you have in mind? What are you hoping for and expecting will happen?


A completely different kind of life is now available:Romans 14.17
 “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”



Ephesians 6.14-15
 “Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;”

We are in God's kingdom and share in the practices and promises of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. How are these manifested in your life? What about in your local group?





Conclusion: Cultivating a Healthy view of the Gospel





Questions and suggestions for reflection and discussion
 Write a one sentence description of the gospel that you could share with anyone 


How would you explain the gospel to someone who has never heard it before? 
How does Jesus embody the gospel message? 
What key biblical passages define or illustrate the gospel message? 
What are the most common misconceptions about the gospel you have heard - or you used to believe? 
What aspect of the gospel is most meaningful to you? 
How could your local group grow in understanding and living the gospel? 
Read one of the gospels and make notes on anything you notice that reveals the gospel
I hope you found these thoughts helpful. Drop me a line if you have any questions or feedback: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
Next time we will proceed to explore what Jesus' gospel means for mission and life.
God bless, Malcolm

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 517 | New Creation Series — Part 9 | “New Creation - New Spirit” | Malcolm Cox 
 
Introduction: Reflecting on Our view of the Spirit 

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 11:19 NIV11)

Ezekiel made this remarkable prophecy many centuries before the time of Jesus. On the day of Pentecost, Peter sees a connection between these prophecies, the words of Joel and what is taking place in his time: 

‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17 NIV11) 

Transformed people who look like Jesus don't develop out of sheer willpower. They grow because God's Spirit is in them and at work. We might start in the right place, but where are we right now? 

“Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” Galatians 3.3 

Here is your question for the week - who is doing the work to make you more like Jesus? You, or the Spirit? 




Aren’t I supposed to work for Jesus?
Isn't discipleship hard work? Jesus was often hungry and thirsty, as were his disciples. Am I saying following Jesus is a piece of cake?

Not at all. Loving people the way Jesus did is demanding. Cooperating with Jesus for our spiritual growth requires conscious self-sacrifice. However, the point here is where our confidence lies.

Paul put it well when writing to the Philippians. If you're talking about talent, skills and gifts, Paul had them to the max. But those, he understood, were all matters of the flesh, not the Spirit.

“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” Philippians 3.3-6
 
He put no confidence in the flesh because it has no divine power to change him. 
 

Is the Spirit at the core of my Christian life?
Jesus said it was better for us that he went away so that the Spirit could come.
 
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16.7

Let's face it Paul was a very busy man. He worked hard. However, in his 14 letters, he references the Spirit 160 times. Seems like it was a big deal to him. Where does transformation come from? Where is the power? It is in the Lord who is the Spirit:

“…we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV11)
 

Signs we may not be in tune with the Spirit

Talking, when praying would be a better activity. Prayers can be spoken or listening.
Distracting ourselves with social media etc. when we could be serving, reading the Scriptures or praying (speaking or listening).
Paying too much attention to the voices of our critics.
Busyness. Hyperactivity can be a sign of attempting to prove our worth instead of accepting the worth given to us by God’s grace. 

Some ways to live in the power of the Spirit

Work enough margin into your life to create the space for God to speak to you.
Eliminate distractions by turning off notifications and unsubscribing from newsletters, apps and media feeds.
Turn up the volume of helpful voices and turn down the volume of unhelpful voices.
Practice consistent times of silence and solitude.
Ask G

Teaching Tip 360 | “Plain Speaking - Speak With Life” | Malcolm Cox 


Introduction

Here is your 2-minute tip based on the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot. 



What does it mean to ‘speak with life’? Well, does your lesson have ‘life’ in it? Does it contain a spark? If so, it will fly from your mouth to your listener’s heart and set it aflame. What does life look like in a speaker? Enthusiasm.  Bercot shares three healthy expressions of enthusiasm in a preacher.







Gestures. Our bodies naturally move when we are excited about something and talking about it with a friend. As such, we should not really concern ourselves too deliberately as to our gestures. A lack of movement is likely a sign that we lack enthusiasm for our subject. No artificial use of gestures will fix that. However, pay attention to distracting movement (watching yourself on camera will reveal any problems in that area), and consider any points in your lesson that would be helpfully highlighted by movement.

Confidence. Arrogance and confidence are poles apart. I’m guessing you wouldn’t be engaging with this material if you were arrogant anyway, therefore let’s focus on confidence. The right kind of confidence comes from good preparation, making your main point a personal conviction, avoiding hypocrisy, and trusting that God is with you—working through his Word by the power of the Spirit.

Conviction.  Speak your mind. Jesus was gentle, merciful, and kind, but he was clear. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don’t be like the preacher who “almost said something.” Bear in mind that conviction can come across as overbearing, pompous, and harsh. Ask someone you consider safe as to how you come across when sharing your convictions. 



What are your thoughts on speaking with life? 


Conclusion

Next time, we will go on to explore how to speak with an interesting and clear voice’.


Has today’s tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so.


Remember to keep calm and carry on teaching.


Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life.


Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com  


The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.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, or 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, and leave a review. 


Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching.


God bless, Malcolm