Those in the USA know all about Santa Claus… North Pole, Reindeer, Chimneys, Gifts, Jolly, etc. But way behind all of the myth and lore, there really was a Saint Nicholas. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-12-06 12:44:362021-12-20 13:49:42The Real Saint Nicholas
The question I receive most frequently about the Seven Churches of Revelation is this: Do the Seven Churches Represent Seven “Ages” of the Church? If so, what age of the church are we in now? … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-12-03 08:45:232021-12-20 13:50:14Do the Seven Churches Represent Seven “Ages” of the Church?
I was recently privileged to minister in Seekonk, MA, and Lisa and I were able to visit some of the historic sites in Boston on the Saturday prior (thank you Pastor John and Anita Pfeffer).… read more
I recently attended a breakfast for Tulsa area ministers hosted by a local Psychiatric clinic and hospital. The presentation that morning was done by Tim Peterson, an outstanding brother who has deep Christian roots and excellent professional training. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-12-02 11:54:262021-12-20 13:51:14Support Resources for Hurting People
Here is a question for every minister to consider: How does a minister operate in boldness and authority without being harsh or abusive? How does a pastor balance being a strong leader and still walking in love toward the flock?… read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-10-19 09:22:452021-10-19 09:27:00Harshness in the Pulpit?
When I attended my first few years of university in Indiana, my faith was not shaken when some professors made certain denigrating statements toward the Bible as God’s word, but I was concerned about other impressionable students who may have been weak or shallow in their faith.… read more
As you have likely heard, David Yonggi Cho, pastor emeritus of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea, passed away just a few days ago (September 14, 2021). The church Cho pastored was frequently referred to as the largest in the world, and at its peak in 2007, had a membership of 800,000 people. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-09-23 08:25:082021-09-23 08:31:10When Yonggi Cho met Kenneth Hagin
Charles Wesley wrote his brother, John, and related that a doctor had told him, “Most people die for fear of dying, but I never met with such people as yours. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-09-23 08:18:382021-09-23 08:23:23Our People Die Well
He had the right idea, but he had the wrong timing and the wrong method.” I made this statement about Moses during a course I taught on Ministerial Excellence beginning in 1983. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-08-28 15:24:242021-11-10 15:34:51Lessons from an Epic Failure
Many of us who have grown up in the United States have never experienced significant persecution first-hand, and it may be hard to relate to the hostile environment in which the early church emerged, or the types of persecution that believers in many other parts of the world experience yet today. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Bonhoeffer.jpg646536Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-08-26 08:36:132021-08-26 08:44:40What About the Martyrs? (Part 2)
Good-hearted people have been grieved and repulsed these last several days about the prospects of what Christians and other groups (women and girls in particular) have already begun facing at the hands of the Taliban and associated groups in Afghanistan. Regrettably, Christians being targeted for torture and death is not entirely new news. In 2015, the world was horrified as they saw pictures of twenty-one Coptic Christians in orange jumpsuits kneeling on a beach in Libya before members of ISIS beheaded them. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Polycarp.jpg520794Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-08-26 08:29:112021-08-26 08:35:06What About the Martyrs?
I recently saw the following post by Christopher Alam (www.dynamisworldministries.com) on social media. Christopher has preached in 75 nations and has been a missionary evangelist since 1983. … read more
George Whitefield (1714-1770) has been rightly called “America’s Spiritual Founding Father.” Born, raised, and educated in England, he made thirteen trips across the Atlantic and had an unparalleled spiritual impact on the American colonies. … read more
I don’t recall a time in my life when I’ve seen more opinions, theories, and speculations swirling around throughout the population with such intensity. It is essential now, of all times, to remember that our assignment is to preach oracles, not opinions. … read more
A pastor friend texted and asked my thoughts on how the original disciples had been changed by what they experienced in the second chapter of Acts. In other words, what were they like before and after that momentous event of being filled with the Holy Spirit? … read more
In my new book, Miracles and the Supernatural Throughout Church History, there is a chapter entitled “The Holy Spirit at Work in Northern Africa.” The vast majority of ancient church history took place around the Mediterranean Sea, and believers and leaders from Northern Africa played a vital role in the development of the church. Here is an excerpt from this chapter. … read more
It is always important for leaders to be focused, but it seems even more vital in the type of year we have been experiencing. I can’t think of a time in recent history when there have been more distractions and upheaval, and it has been challenging for spiritual leaders to help believers stay steady and on course. … read more
One of the Bible teachers that Brother Hagin referenced frequently when he was teaching along the lines of spiritual and ministry gifts was the British minister, Donald Gee (1891-1966). Known for depth, simplicity, and balance, Gee was an important voice for the Pentecostal movement in the Twentieth Century, and what he taught then is still powerful and relevant today. Re-reading his books recently has been tremendously encouraging to me, and I thought you would enjoy some of the following rich quotes. … read more
I recently shared with a number of ministers in the northeastern United States about how profoundly that region had been impacted in the past by such powerful ministers as Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Charles Finney, D. L. Moody, and A. J. Gordon. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DanielNash.jpg537516Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-05-08 11:05:512021-08-03 06:31:40Thoughts on Father Nash and Humble Gospel Helpers
How did the early church pray for those in the authority, including rulers they probably disliked? Paul refers to one of his fellow workers named Clement (Philippians 4:3). It is unknown if this is the same individual who later became a Bishop in the Empire’s capital city, but Clement of Rome prayed the following for “our rulers and governors upon the earth” toward the end of the first century:… read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/praying-hands-on-a-holy-bible.jpg13332000Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-04-25 08:21:202021-08-03 06:58:22Praying for the Emperor Who Exiled John to Patmos
This is such a great question. Initially, I was inclined to say that we should preach on things we have experienced, and that is a good approach much of the time. We don’t want to be overly theoretical or ethereal—always preaching things that seem out of reach for the common person. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/magnifying-glass-with-question-mark-on-yellow.jpg13332000Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-04-10 10:15:252021-08-03 06:59:08Should We Preach Something We Have Not Experienced?
We hear periodically about how ministers can get discouraged, even overwhelmed at times. And it sure is a good thing for all of us to have friends and people we can turn to in really difficult times. In that sense, we need to be our brother’s keeper!… read more
I recently had a great time teaching (online) third-year students at Rhema Brazil on “The Ministry of the Teacher.” My sessions totaled five hours (which is more than I had ever taught on that specific topic before), so I did some study and research to make sure I had plenty of material. This was not only enjoyable, but it was also challenging to me personally. … read more
Years ago, I received a call from a nurse at a local public elementary school. She was asking if I could help with a situation. When asked for the name of the family physician, the parents of a new student had written “Doctor Jesus” on the form… … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/could-be-used-in-multiple-situations.jpg13332000Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-03-02 09:34:522021-08-03 07:01:16Let’s Not Be a Stumbling Block
As ministers, a constant focus should be to make sure that what we are sharing is genuinely connecting with our listeners. This is more than simply asking, “Is my doctrine solid?” and “Are my points good?” Those have to do with us, but much of effective communication has to do with our hearers, and this brings us to two vital issues: (1) Do we really know our audience? and (2) Are we really connecting with them? … read more
The Real Saint Nicholas
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThose in the USA know all about Santa Claus… North Pole, Reindeer, Chimneys, Gifts, Jolly, etc. But way behind all of the myth and lore, there really was a Saint Nicholas. … read more
Do the Seven Churches Represent Seven “Ages” of the Church?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe question I receive most frequently about the Seven Churches of Revelation is this: Do the Seven Churches Represent Seven “Ages” of the Church? If so, what age of the church are we in now? … read more
Visiting D.L. Moody Sites in Massachusetts
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI was recently privileged to minister in Seekonk, MA, and Lisa and I were able to visit some of the historic sites in Boston on the Saturday prior (thank you Pastor John and Anita Pfeffer).… read more
Support Resources for Hurting People
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI recently attended a breakfast for Tulsa area ministers hosted by a local Psychiatric clinic and hospital. The presentation that morning was done by Tim Peterson, an outstanding brother who has deep Christian roots and excellent professional training. … read more
Harshness in the Pulpit?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeHere is a question for every minister to consider: How does a minister operate in boldness and authority without being harsh or abusive? How does a pastor balance being a strong leader and still walking in love toward the flock?… read more
When Worldviews Collide
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWhen I attended my first few years of university in Indiana, my faith was not shaken when some professors made certain denigrating statements toward the Bible as God’s word, but I was concerned about other impressionable students who may have been weak or shallow in their faith.… read more
When Yonggi Cho met Kenneth Hagin
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAs you have likely heard, David Yonggi Cho, pastor emeritus of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea, passed away just a few days ago (September 14, 2021). The church Cho pastored was frequently referred to as the largest in the world, and at its peak in 2007, had a membership of 800,000 people. … read more
Our People Die Well
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeCharles Wesley wrote his brother, John, and related that a doctor had told him, “Most people die for fear of dying, but I never met with such people as yours. … read more
Lessons from an Epic Failure
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeHe had the right idea, but he had the wrong timing and the wrong method.” I made this statement about Moses during a course I taught on Ministerial Excellence beginning in 1983. … read more
What About the Martyrs? (Part 2)
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeMany of us who have grown up in the United States have never experienced significant persecution first-hand, and it may be hard to relate to the hostile environment in which the early church emerged, or the types of persecution that believers in many other parts of the world experience yet today. … read more
What About the Martyrs?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeGood-hearted people have been grieved and repulsed these last several days about the prospects of what Christians and other groups (women and girls in particular) have already begun facing at the hands of the Taliban and associated groups in Afghanistan. Regrettably, Christians being targeted for torture and death is not entirely new news. In 2015, the world was horrified as they saw pictures of twenty-one Coptic Christians in orange jumpsuits kneeling on a beach in Libya before members of ISIS beheaded them. … read more
Thoughts on Miracles
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI recently saw the following post by Christopher Alam (www.dynamisworldministries.com) on social media. Christopher has preached in 75 nations and has been a missionary evangelist since 1983. … read more
Highlights from Whitefield’s Journal (1740-1745)
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeGeorge Whitefield (1714-1770) has been rightly called “America’s Spiritual Founding Father.” Born, raised, and educated in England, he made thirteen trips across the Atlantic and had an unparalleled spiritual impact on the American colonies. … read more
Opinions or Oracles?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI don’t recall a time in my life when I’ve seen more opinions, theories, and speculations swirling around throughout the population with such intensity. It is essential now, of all times, to remember that our assignment is to preach oracles, not opinions. … read more
Pentecost Changed Everything
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA pastor friend texted and asked my thoughts on how the original disciples had been changed by what they experienced in the second chapter of Acts. In other words, what were they like before and after that momentous event of being filled with the Holy Spirit? … read more
Remembering Our North African Brothers
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIn my new book, Miracles and the Supernatural Throughout Church History, there is a chapter entitled “The Holy Spirit at Work in Northern Africa.” The vast majority of ancient church history took place around the Mediterranean Sea, and believers and leaders from Northern Africa played a vital role in the development of the church. Here is an excerpt from this chapter. … read more
Vision vs. Forecast
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIt is always important for leaders to be focused, but it seems even more vital in the type of year we have been experiencing. I can’t think of a time in recent history when there have been more distractions and upheaval, and it has been challenging for spiritual leaders to help believers stay steady and on course. … read more
Donald Gee on Prophets, Ministry Gifts, etc.
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeOne of the Bible teachers that Brother Hagin referenced frequently when he was teaching along the lines of spiritual and ministry gifts was the British minister, Donald Gee (1891-1966). Known for depth, simplicity, and balance, Gee was an important voice for the Pentecostal movement in the Twentieth Century, and what he taught then is still powerful and relevant today. Re-reading his books recently has been tremendously encouraging to me, and I thought you would enjoy some of the following rich quotes. … read more
Thoughts on Father Nash and Humble Gospel Helpers
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI recently shared with a number of ministers in the northeastern United States about how profoundly that region had been impacted in the past by such powerful ministers as Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Charles Finney, D. L. Moody, and A. J. Gordon. … read more
Praying for the Emperor Who Exiled John to Patmos
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeHow did the early church pray for those in the authority, including rulers they probably disliked? Paul refers to one of his fellow workers named Clement (Philippians 4:3). It is unknown if this is the same individual who later became a Bishop in the Empire’s capital city, but Clement of Rome prayed the following for “our rulers and governors upon the earth” toward the end of the first century:… read more
Should We Preach Something We Have Not Experienced?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThis is such a great question. Initially, I was inclined to say that we should preach on things we have experienced, and that is a good approach much of the time. We don’t want to be overly theoretical or ethereal—always preaching things that seem out of reach for the common person. … read more
Keeping Your Soul Whole
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWe hear periodically about how ministers can get discouraged, even overwhelmed at times. And it sure is a good thing for all of us to have friends and people we can turn to in really difficult times. In that sense, we need to be our brother’s keeper!… read more
Toward Better Teaching
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI recently had a great time teaching (online) third-year students at Rhema Brazil on “The Ministry of the Teacher.” My sessions totaled five hours (which is more than I had ever taught on that specific topic before), so I did some study and research to make sure I had plenty of material. This was not only enjoyable, but it was also challenging to me personally. … read more
Let’s Not Be a Stumbling Block
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeYears ago, I received a call from a nurse at a local public elementary school. She was asking if I could help with a situation. When asked for the name of the family physician, the parents of a new student had written “Doctor Jesus” on the form… … read more
Improving our Communication Skills
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAs ministers, a constant focus should be to make sure that what we are sharing is genuinely connecting with our listeners. This is more than simply asking, “Is my doctrine solid?” and “Are my points good?” Those have to do with us, but much of effective communication has to do with our hearers, and this brings us to two vital issues: (1) Do we really know our audience? and (2) Are we really connecting with them? … read more