Podcast
Malcolm Cox
Hosted by Malcolm Cox · EN
Malcolm Cox. Enjoying communicating the depth & relevance of the Bible to life today. Author of 'An Elephant's Swimming Pool' about John's gospel. For theology and spirituality see: www.malcolmcox.org. For expert coaching, see https://malcolmcoxcoaching.com/
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Episodes
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S2 Ep2299: QTC 574. Celtic Spirituality & Sacred Music. 10 June 2026
3w ago00:06:46Tap to summarizeWelcome to Quiet Time Coaching, episode 574. Today we’re talking about Celtic spirituality and sacred music.The reason this is on my mind is that I’m preparing a session on this topic for the contemplative Christian retreat we’ll be holding in Glendalough, Ireland. I’ll put details below.As I’ve been preparing, I’ve been reflecting on the role music plays in our relationship with God. Most of us have experienced moments when a song, a hymn, or even a piece of instrumental music has touched something deep inside us. Sometimes music seems to help us connect with God in a way that words alone cannot.That’s certainly something the Celtic tradition appreciated. Celtic Christians had a strong awareness of God’s presence in everyday life and in the created world. Music was one of the ways they responded to that presence.Core Teaching Paul wrote in Colossians 3:16:“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.”Notice that music is not an optional extra. It’s one of the ways God’s word lives among his people. Music teaches, encourages and helps us express our gratitude to God.Recently I listened to a podcast featuring the musician and theologian Noël Tredinnick. He made a comment that caught my attention. Here is the quote:"Is music itself per se holy? Is music the language of the spheres, the language of harmony and harmonic series, and the scientific atoms that make up sound? The whole concept of melody, the long line of melody, linear music, harmonic music, vertical music? Is that an accident? No, that's God given. Maybe I'm a weirdo, but I have an obsession that music is a gift from God. It's more than just having to be attached to words. It can be attached to words and it speaks wonderfully when it's attached to Christian words, the Bible or whatever. But I think it also speaks wonderfully when you just play instrumental music."From Music, Theology and Worship with LST: Orchestral Mission: Noël Tredinnick, 23 Apr 2026https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/music-theology-and-worship-with-lst/id1847574466?i=1000763258409&r=862He notes that music is a gift from God and that it speaks powerfully not only when joined to words, but also when it stands on its own as instrumental music.I think that’s an interesting thought.We readily understand how a hymn or worship song can move us spiritually. But what about a melody with no words? Why can a simple piece of music sometimes calm our hearts, lift our spirits, or help us sense God’s presence?Perhaps it’s because music is part of God’s good creation. Like beauty in nature, music can point beyond itself to the One who created it.This connects with a well-known Celtic idea, the concept of “thin places”. These are moments or places where we become especially aware of God’s presence. While the phrase is often associated with particular locations, I wonder whether music can create those moments too.Have you ever been listening to a piece of music and suddenly become more aware of God? More aware of gratitude? More aware of peace? If so, perhaps you’ve experienced something of a thin place.Practical Application So how might we make use of music in our times with God?One idea is to spend a few minutes listening prayerfully to a piece of music. It might be a hymn, a worship song, a piece of sacred choral music, or simply an instrumental piece that helps you focus on God.Another idea is to pay attention to your response. What emotions does the music stir? What thoughts come to mind? Does it lead you towards gratitude, trust, repentance, or worship?And don’t rush. Allow space for silence as well. Sometimes it’s not only the music that helps us hear God, but the quietness that follows.I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. Has music played an important role in your spiritual life? Are there particular pieces of music that help you connect with God? Let me know. I’d love to hear about your experience.Closing As I continue preparing for the retreat, I’m becoming increasingly grateful for the gift of music.Whether through singing, listening, or simply sitting quietly after the final note has faded, music can help us turn our attention towards God.Perhaps this week you could set aside a few minutes to listen carefully, prayerfully, and attentively.You may find that God has something to say.Your brother,MalcolmRetreat information: https://shop.thewayministry.global/2026-csr/homeMusic by Paul Winter from Pixabay
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S2 Ep2298: Hoping on Jesus never disappoints | Romans 5 | Malcolm Cox | 18 January 2026
Jan 2100:33:31Tap to summarizeTherefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)https://watfordchurchofchrist.org/Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.org Subscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rss Get a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Connect with me!Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/)Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org) God bless, Malcolm
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S2 Ep2297: 10th Anniversary Service. 1 Samuel 7 | Malcolm Cox | 11 January 2026
Jan 1700:41:46Tap to summarizeJoin us for the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Watford church of Christ!Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.orgSubscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rssGet 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/). Connect with me!Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/)Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org)God bless, Malcolm
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S2 Ep2296: Abraham's Faith - the LORD will provide. Genesis 22 | Malcolm Cox | 04 January 2026
Jan 1600:33:14Tap to summarizeSo Abraham called that place “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.” (Genesis 22:14 NRSV)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
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S2 Ep2295: Mary - God's love for the ordinary. Luke 1.26–38 | Malcolm Cox | 07 December 2025
Dec 900:33:02Tap to summarizeDiscover how God works through seemingly insignificant people in this sermon on Luke 1:26–38. Mary, an ordinary young woman from an obscure town, becomes the model of humble, courageous faith. Explore how God’s favour, vision, and power transform ordinary lives—and how He can use your everyday faithfulness to bless others this Christmas.Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.orgSubscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rssGet 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/). Connect with me!Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/)Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org)God bless, Malcolm
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S2 Ep2294: "Awe and Wonder" - Psalm 8 | Malcolm Cox | 09 November 2025
Nov 1200:32:16Tap to summarize“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Vicki CoronaLast week we talked about humility — looking at Moses in Numbers 12, “the most humble man on earth.” We saw that humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself, but seeing God as great, and trusting him instead of taking control. In the weeks to come we will explore timelessness, playfulness and having a not-knowing stance.Today, we focus on a readiness toward awe and wonder.
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S2 Ep2293: "Humility" - Numbers 12 | Malcolm Cox | 02 November 2025
Nov 500:29:44Tap to summarize“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” Numbers 12.3But that statement doesn’t come during his triumphs. It comes during one of the most painful moments of his life — when those closest to him turned against him.Today, we’ll step into Numbers chapter 12 and see what humility really looks like in the fire of misunderstanding.Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.orgSubscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rssGet a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.Connect with me!Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/)Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org)I am a qualified solutions-focused coach. You can book a session with me either via the email above or at the website: https://malcolmcoxcoaching.com/God bless, Malcolm
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S2 Ep2292: Christ's U Turn - Philippians 1.27-2.11 | Malcolm Cox | 19 October 2025
Oct 2200:33:47Tap to summarizeChrist’s humility unites us — as we live worthy of His gospel, we preserve that unity through humble service to one another.1. Unity in living for the gospel - 1.27-302. Unity through humility - 2.1-43. Unity inspired by Jesus - 2.5-11Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.orgSubscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rssGet a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.Connect with me!Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/)Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org)I am a qualified solutions-focused coach. You can book a session with me either via the email above or at the website: https://malcolmcoxcoaching.com/God bless, Malcolm
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S2 Ep2291: Leadership In The New Testament | Malcolm Cox | 15 October 2025
Oct 1600:22:59Tap to summarizeThis is the second of two classes on the basics of leadership. The Watford church is refreshing its leadership team and using these classes to frame what we are doing with a scriptural foundation.
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S2 Ep2290: God's Strange Strategy | Philippians 1.12-26 | Malcolm Cox | 28 September 2025
Oct 700:26:55Tap to summarizeGod's strategy often looks wrong, feels wrong and, yet, turns out to be the best possible way through life. 1. The Prison is the Pulpit, Philippians 1.12-142. God uses bad motives - Philippians 1.15-183. Joy comes within the struggle, Philippians 1.19-23Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.orgSubscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rssGet 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/). Connect with me!Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/)Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org)I am a qualified solutions-focused coach. You can book a session with me either via the email above or at the website: https://malcolmcoxcoaching.com/God bless, Malcolm
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