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 Ep2301: Refresh One Another - Episode 2 - Refreshment in Community | QTC 576
4d ago00:04:11Tap to summarizeRefresh One Another — Episode 2: Refreshed By Community Series: Refresh One AnotherPodcast: Quiet Time CoachingWould you like to learn more about how to be refreshed and how to refresh others? That’s what this new series is all about.I’m Malcolm Cox, and this is Quiet Time Coaching, a devotional podcast. Today we begin a new series called “Refresh One Another”, based on the Bible’s one another commands and promises. This is Episode 2 of our mini-series "Refresh One Another".Episode 2: How It Looks in Community Last time we saw that Jesus is the chief refresher. He invites us to come to him for rest - Matthew 11.28-30. But there's more, and it's wonderful — one of the primary ways he refreshes us is through each other. Take the example we find in Philemon.Paul writes to Philemon in verse 7: "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people." And again in verse 20: "I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ." [1]Paul is asking for refreshment. Yes, even the great apostle, the church planter, the writer of half the New Testament — he needed to be refreshed by someone else. If Paul needed it, how much more do we?So what is it about what other people do that refreshes you? The "one another" passages in scripture point us to practices like listening, hospitality, and encouragement. This afternoon I'm going to be visited by my old friend, Bruce. I am looking forward to it for many reasons, but perhaps the chief one is that I always leave conversations with him feeling refreshed. He has the gift of refreshment and I'm the lucky recipient today. If you follow Christ, you're called to be part of a community of refreshment.Reflection Questions: Who is someone in your life who refreshes you? Have you told them? What is it about what other people do that refreshes you — listening, hospitality, specific encouragement? What gets in the way of you asking for refreshment when you need it? If you have any questions or feedback, please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.Many thanks for listening. Join me next time for Episode 3 — "The Exhortation: Participate, Don't Just Congregate."Take care and God bless, Malcolm
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S2 Ep2300: Refresh One Another Part 1 - Jesus the Chief Refresher | Quiet Time Coaching Ep. 575
2w ago00:04:09Tap to summarizeWould you like to learn more about how to be refreshed and how to refresh others? That’s what this new series is all about.I’m Malcolm Cox, and this is Quiet Time Coaching, a devotional podcast. Today we begin a new series called “Refresh One Another”, based on the Bible’s one another commands and promises. And as we always should, we begin with Jesus.Episode 1: Jesus the Chief RefresherDo you need some refreshment right now? I don’t mean just a good night’s sleep or a break from a busy schedule. I mean the kind of refreshment that reaches into the deepest parts of you and brings relief, renewal, and peace. God knows we need that kind of refreshment. And the good news is this: Jesus is the chief refresher. In Matthew 11.28-30, Jesus says:“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”The word translated “rest” is the Greek word anapauō. It means to bring rest, relief, or renewal after a time of pressure. It’s the same word Paul uses in Philemon when he speaks about being refreshed. See Philemon 7 & 20.I love the NT Wright paraphrase of the Matthew passage:“Are you having a real struggle? Come to me! Are you carrying a big load on your back? Come to me — I’ll give you a rest! Pick up my yoke and put it on; take lessons from me. I’ll be gentle with you. The last thing in my heart is to give you a hard time. You’ll see — rest you need, and rest you shall have.”Jesus doesn’t just acknowledge our burdens. He invites us to bring them to him. And in Mark 6.31, Jesus says to his disciples:“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”Again, it is the same word: anapauō. Jesus cares about the weariness of his people, and he provides what they need.So how do we experience this refreshment? One vital channel is directly through Jesus. Are you carrying a heavy load? Have you brought it to Jesus? Not just mentioned it briefly, but truly come to him and handed it over? Jesus is the chief refresher. He knows what you need, and he offers rest for your soul.Reflection Questions What does refreshment from Jesus look like in your life right now? Not just physical rest, but soul-level relief. When was the last time you truly came to Jesus with your weariness, not just mentioning it but handing it over to him? The Greek word anapauō means to bring rest after pressure. Where do you most need that kind of rest today? ⸻If you have any questions or feedback, please contact me at malcolm@malcolmcox.org.Many thanks for listening. Join me next time for Episode 2 — “Refresh One Another in Community.”I hope this episode has helped you find refreshment in Jesus.God bless,Malcolm
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S2 Ep2299: QTC 574. Celtic Spirituality & Sacred Music. 10 June 2026
Jun 1000:06:46Tap 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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