Trophimus and Our Need for Resilient Faith Tony Cooke If you ask most Christians about the identity of Trophimus, you will probably get a blank stare or a shrug of the shoulders. Some, though, will remember him as Paul’s valued team member who was unable to continue journeying due to illness. We don’t know whether […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:282022-07-22 07:56:44Trophimus and Our Need for Resilient Faith
Application: The Key to Transformational Communication by Tony Cooke At one time, there were two great orators in ancient Greece: Cicero and Demosthenes. It is said that when Cicero finished a speech, people would say, “He speaks so well.” However, when Demosthenes had concluded an oration, the people would say, “Let us march!” One of […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:272022-07-22 07:56:44Application: The Key to Transformational Communication
Reflections from the Tour (Paul’s Journeys – March 1-10, 2006) By Tony Cooke As we toured the sites connected with the ministries of Paul and John, I was deeply impressed with the toughness and tenacity of the early followers of the Lord Jesus. The Church was born and grew in an atmosphere of extreme hostility. […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:262022-07-22 07:56:44Reflections from Paul’s Journey Tour in 2006
Trade-Offs, Pay-Offs, and Rip-Offs Tony Cooke Life is full of trades. When you were a kid in the school lunchroom, you may have traded your peanut butter sandwich for someone else’s bologna and cheese. Maybe you traded your Willie Mays baseball card for someone else’s Hank Aaron card. When a person goes to work, he […]
The Challenge Rev. Tony Cooke Someone once said, “There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.” Many of the extraordinary achievements and accomplishments in history have followed bold challenges that were issued by resolute leaders. Addressing the vastly outnumbered defenders of the Alamo, Colonel William Barrett […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:252022-07-22 07:56:44The Challenge by Tony Cooke
Throwing Out the High and Low Scores by Rev. Tony Cooke When I was young, I remember watching certain Olympic events, such as figure skating and gymnastics, where judges were involved in “scoring” the athletes. There would be a panel of judges from different countries and they would always “throw out” the high and the […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:252022-07-22 07:56:44Throwing Out the High and Low Scores by Rev. Tony Cooke
TCM is Ten Years Old! This month marks the 10-Year Anniversary of Tony Cooke Ministries. On May 18, 2002, I headed to Virginia to preach our first official TCM service. This June will mark 32 years in ministry overall, and Lisa and I are both grateful for God’s goodness over the years. We’ve had the […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:242022-07-22 07:56:43TCM is Ten Years Old!
Teflon or Velcro Tony Cooke “I’m rubber, you’re glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.” Did you ever hear that said on the playground as a kid? Today, we might be more prone to think of teflon and velcro. Teflon is a non-stick coating that’s used on pans and other kinds […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:242022-07-22 07:56:43Teflon or Velcro by Tony Cooke
A Tale of Two Basins Tony Cooke There are two stories in the New Testament that occurred within twenty-four hours of each other, and they create an amazing contrast of two individuals, two life-styles, two attitudes, and two perspectives. About the only common denominator between these two stories is that they each involve a basin […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:232022-07-22 07:56:43A Tale of Two Basins by Tony Cooke
Tact and Diplomacy – Keys to Building (Not Burning) Bridges Rev. Tony Cooke A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 15:1-2 “Never cut what you can untie.” – Joseph Joubert A […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:222022-07-22 07:56:43Tact and Diplomacy by Tony Cooke
Taking Out the Garbage Rev. Tony Cooke Everyone’s trying to make it in life, aren’t they? A Woman’s Morning Prayer: “Dear Lord, so far today I am doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, grumbled, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. I have […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:222022-07-22 07:56:43Taking Out the Garbage
Awakening the Sleeping Giant At the end of two WWII movies, Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) and Pearl Harbor (2001), Isoroku Yamamoto, Admiral of the Japanese fleet, says of the attack, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” History bears out that his concern was […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:212022-07-22 07:56:42Awakening the Sleeping Giant By Tony Cooke
To read Part One of this article, click here. Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity (Part 2) by Rev. Tony Cooke Last month, we introduced the topic of “Shallow Faith” and presented some of the myths about spiritual maturity. In particular, we identified three factors that don’t automatically or necessarily make a person spiritually […]
A Shepherd’s Heart Tony Cooke “A Shepherd’s Heart” is a term you’ll hear used from time to time, and what a beautiful expression it is. One of the most frequently used images in the early church was that of a shepherd with a lamb. I took the above picture at an exhibit that was set […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:202022-07-22 07:56:08A Shepherd’s Heart by Tony Cooke
Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity by Tony Cooke I often hear spiritual leaders express concern about the lack of depth in peoples’ faith. Shallow Christianity is marked by the five C’s. It is CASUAL, not committed. It is based on CONVENIENCE, not on covenant. It knows COMFORT, but not the cross. It is […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:192022-07-22 07:56:08Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity by Tony Cooke
Serving God: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask Tony Cooke One of the most common statements I hear from pastors pertains to the need for workers—for committed, reliable, and consistent volunteers. Every pastor’s dream is to have an overflowing army of eager, joyful volunteers. When I think of this, I am reminded of David’s words: […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:182022-07-22 07:56:08Serving God: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask
Seven Thoughts on Prayer Tony Cooke This article presents seven simple thoughts on prayer, and then shares insights from different individuals. I didn’t feel that a lot of explanation or amplification was needed on these. 1. Prayer is not a religious ritual. “Real prayer comes not from gritting our teeth, but from falling in love.” […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:182022-07-22 07:56:08Seven Thoughts on Prayer by Tony Cooke
SEASONED OR POISONED? By Tony Cooke Have you ever noticed how many different stories and references there are in the Bible about God’s people encountering situations involving some type of poisoning? * Exodus 15 – God’s people encountered the bitter waters of Marah – The Lord showed Moses a tree – when it was cast […]
Don’t Sell Out Harry! By Tony Cooke A group of friends went deer hunting and paired off in two’s for the day. That night one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under an eight-point buck. “Where’s Harry?” “Harry had a stroke of some kind. He’s a couple of miles back up the trail.” “You left […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:172022-07-22 07:56:08Don’t Sell Out Harry by Tony Cooke
Reflections on Scandal Rev. Tony Cooke What happens when scandal hits the church? The following is not meant to be judgmental or condemning of any individual, but is simply meant to remind us of the seriousness of our Christian witness—especially for those in positions of leadership and responsibility in the church. I recently recalled the […]
RSVP Tony Cooke We’ve all seen these initials. When you receive an invitation to a wedding or to some other type of formal event, these initials will likely be on the card. RSVP is derived from the French expression répondez s’il vous plaît, which means “Please Respond.” To honor such a request and to let […]
Samson: Deliverer, Grinder, or Entertainer Tony Cooke Throughout history, God raised up various deliverers to get His people Israel out of bondage and other difficult situations. These deliverers experienced various levels of success, but the effect of their efforts was always limited and temporal. Many times a deliverer would be used by God to get […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:152022-07-22 07:56:07Samson: Deliverer, Grinder, or Entertainer by Tony Cooke
The Right to Think! by Tony Cooke New Testament leaders such as Jesus and Paul wanted believers to be thinkers. Specifically, they wanted them to think through issues scripturally. Paul did not say we were to be transformed by the removing of our minds, but by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)! In Isaiah […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:142022-07-22 07:56:07The Right to Think! by Tony Cooke
The Four Rivers of Eden Rev. Tony Cooke Like many people, I have a tendency to skim over lists of names in the Bible. Some time ago, though, I began wondering about the names of the rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:10-14 tells us that a river went out of […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:142022-07-22 07:56:07The Four Rivers of Eden
Relevance Without Compromise Rev. Tony Cooke These are notes to a message that Tony shared with a group of pastors at a conference in Pittsburgh in February of 2003. To order a copy of the CD, please Click Here. 1. THEY SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES (A Humorous Look at Witnessing) By Bob Cohen “Have you […]
Trophimus and Our Need for Resilient Faith
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTrophimus and Our Need for Resilient Faith Tony Cooke If you ask most Christians about the identity of Trophimus, you will probably get a blank stare or a shrug of the shoulders. Some, though, will remember him as Paul’s valued team member who was unable to continue journeying due to illness. We don’t know whether […]
Application: The Key to Transformational Communication
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeApplication: The Key to Transformational Communication by Tony Cooke At one time, there were two great orators in ancient Greece: Cicero and Demosthenes. It is said that when Cicero finished a speech, people would say, “He speaks so well.” However, when Demosthenes had concluded an oration, the people would say, “Let us march!” One of […]
Reflections from Paul’s Journey Tour in 2006
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeReflections from the Tour (Paul’s Journeys – March 1-10, 2006) By Tony Cooke As we toured the sites connected with the ministries of Paul and John, I was deeply impressed with the toughness and tenacity of the early followers of the Lord Jesus. The Church was born and grew in an atmosphere of extreme hostility. […]
Trade-Offs, Pay-Offs, and Rip-Offs
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTrade-Offs, Pay-Offs, and Rip-Offs Tony Cooke Life is full of trades. When you were a kid in the school lunchroom, you may have traded your peanut butter sandwich for someone else’s bologna and cheese. Maybe you traded your Willie Mays baseball card for someone else’s Hank Aaron card. When a person goes to work, he […]
The Challenge by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe Challenge Rev. Tony Cooke Someone once said, “There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.” Many of the extraordinary achievements and accomplishments in history have followed bold challenges that were issued by resolute leaders. Addressing the vastly outnumbered defenders of the Alamo, Colonel William Barrett […]
Throwing Out the High and Low Scores by Rev. Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThrowing Out the High and Low Scores by Rev. Tony Cooke When I was young, I remember watching certain Olympic events, such as figure skating and gymnastics, where judges were involved in “scoring” the athletes. There would be a panel of judges from different countries and they would always “throw out” the high and the […]
TCM is Ten Years Old!
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTCM is Ten Years Old! This month marks the 10-Year Anniversary of Tony Cooke Ministries. On May 18, 2002, I headed to Virginia to preach our first official TCM service. This June will mark 32 years in ministry overall, and Lisa and I are both grateful for God’s goodness over the years. We’ve had the […]
Teflon or Velcro by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTeflon or Velcro Tony Cooke “I’m rubber, you’re glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.” Did you ever hear that said on the playground as a kid? Today, we might be more prone to think of teflon and velcro. Teflon is a non-stick coating that’s used on pans and other kinds […]
A Tale of Two Basins by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA Tale of Two Basins Tony Cooke There are two stories in the New Testament that occurred within twenty-four hours of each other, and they create an amazing contrast of two individuals, two life-styles, two attitudes, and two perspectives. About the only common denominator between these two stories is that they each involve a basin […]
Tact and Diplomacy by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTact and Diplomacy – Keys to Building (Not Burning) Bridges Rev. Tony Cooke A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 15:1-2 “Never cut what you can untie.” – Joseph Joubert A […]
Taking Out the Garbage
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTaking Out the Garbage Rev. Tony Cooke Everyone’s trying to make it in life, aren’t they? A Woman’s Morning Prayer: “Dear Lord, so far today I am doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, grumbled, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. I have […]
Awakening the Sleeping Giant By Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAwakening the Sleeping Giant At the end of two WWII movies, Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) and Pearl Harbor (2001), Isoroku Yamamoto, Admiral of the Japanese fleet, says of the attack, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” History bears out that his concern was […]
Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity (Part 2) by Rev. Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTo read Part One of this article, click here. Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity (Part 2) by Rev. Tony Cooke Last month, we introduced the topic of “Shallow Faith” and presented some of the myths about spiritual maturity. In particular, we identified three factors that don’t automatically or necessarily make a person spiritually […]
A Shepherd’s Heart by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA Shepherd’s Heart Tony Cooke “A Shepherd’s Heart” is a term you’ll hear used from time to time, and what a beautiful expression it is. One of the most frequently used images in the early church was that of a shepherd with a lamb. I took the above picture at an exhibit that was set […]
Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeShallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity by Tony Cooke I often hear spiritual leaders express concern about the lack of depth in peoples’ faith. Shallow Christianity is marked by the five C’s. It is CASUAL, not committed. It is based on CONVENIENCE, not on covenant. It knows COMFORT, but not the cross. It is […]
Serving God: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeServing God: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask Tony Cooke One of the most common statements I hear from pastors pertains to the need for workers—for committed, reliable, and consistent volunteers. Every pastor’s dream is to have an overflowing army of eager, joyful volunteers. When I think of this, I am reminded of David’s words: […]
Seven Thoughts on Prayer by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSeven Thoughts on Prayer Tony Cooke This article presents seven simple thoughts on prayer, and then shares insights from different individuals. I didn’t feel that a lot of explanation or amplification was needed on these. 1. Prayer is not a religious ritual. “Real prayer comes not from gritting our teeth, but from falling in love.” […]
Seasoned or Poisoned?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSEASONED OR POISONED? By Tony Cooke Have you ever noticed how many different stories and references there are in the Bible about God’s people encountering situations involving some type of poisoning? * Exodus 15 – God’s people encountered the bitter waters of Marah – The Lord showed Moses a tree – when it was cast […]
Don’t Sell Out Harry by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeDon’t Sell Out Harry! By Tony Cooke A group of friends went deer hunting and paired off in two’s for the day. That night one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under an eight-point buck. “Where’s Harry?” “Harry had a stroke of some kind. He’s a couple of miles back up the trail.” “You left […]
Reflections on Scandal
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeReflections on Scandal Rev. Tony Cooke What happens when scandal hits the church? The following is not meant to be judgmental or condemning of any individual, but is simply meant to remind us of the seriousness of our Christian witness—especially for those in positions of leadership and responsibility in the church. I recently recalled the […]
RSVP
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeRSVP Tony Cooke We’ve all seen these initials. When you receive an invitation to a wedding or to some other type of formal event, these initials will likely be on the card. RSVP is derived from the French expression répondez s’il vous plaît, which means “Please Respond.” To honor such a request and to let […]
Samson: Deliverer, Grinder, or Entertainer by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSamson: Deliverer, Grinder, or Entertainer Tony Cooke Throughout history, God raised up various deliverers to get His people Israel out of bondage and other difficult situations. These deliverers experienced various levels of success, but the effect of their efforts was always limited and temporal. Many times a deliverer would be used by God to get […]
The Right to Think! by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe Right to Think! by Tony Cooke New Testament leaders such as Jesus and Paul wanted believers to be thinkers. Specifically, they wanted them to think through issues scripturally. Paul did not say we were to be transformed by the removing of our minds, but by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)! In Isaiah […]
The Four Rivers of Eden
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe Four Rivers of Eden Rev. Tony Cooke Like many people, I have a tendency to skim over lists of names in the Bible. Some time ago, though, I began wondering about the names of the rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:10-14 tells us that a river went out of […]
Relevance Without Compromise
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeRelevance Without Compromise Rev. Tony Cooke These are notes to a message that Tony shared with a group of pastors at a conference in Pittsburgh in February of 2003. To order a copy of the CD, please Click Here. 1. THEY SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES (A Humorous Look at Witnessing) By Bob Cohen “Have you […]