In John 8 we have the woman caught in the act of adultery. The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus, accusing her and stating the punishment for adultery, judging and sentencing her for her “crime.” Jesus cleverly turned the spotlight on them by saying “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” In the end, it was just Jesus and the woman left and Jesus said to her “Woman, where are your accusers? … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2018-07-02 23:34:502023-04-10 14:48:00Has No One Condemned You? by Lisa Cooke
When John Wooden coached men’s basketball at UCLA (he led the team to ten national championships), he was a stickler for details, and he was a very strong proponent of teamwork. He even taught his players the precise way to put on their socks and to tie their shoes to help prevent the formation of blisters. Wooden insisted that this would help keep the players healthy and on the court. Even when it came to putting on their socks and tying their shoes, Wooden was essentially saying, “We don’t do it that way; we do it this way.” … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-07-02 14:53:582021-01-18 11:45:26Six Times Jesus Coached His Team
Is there something you wish people understood about pastors and pastoring? This doesn’t have to be about you personally, but something that would help people better understand, relate to, and receive from their pastor.
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-07-01 15:06:392020-09-26 13:41:49What You Wish People Knew
Durante esse mês de abril, 2018, tive o privilégio de viajar e ministrar em cinco nações – Inglaterra, Suíça, Líbano, Alemanha e Chipre. Durante esse tempo, lecionei 33 vezes e ministrei para líderes de aproximadamente 45 congregações diferentes. Abaixo, seguem algumas fotos e pequenas descrições do que ocorreu em cada país. … read more
Vance Havner asserts, “Popularity has slain more prophets of God than persecution ever did.” I think that could also be applied to the pursuit of popularity as well. Richard Niebuhr noted that essential themes of the Christian faith were being stripped from Christianity through liberal theology. He summarizes (in 1937) an anemic, neutralized “gospel” with these words: “A God without wrath brought men without sin into a Kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a Cross.” I think that Niebuhr encapsulates the four areas … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-06-07 20:05:012021-01-17 23:34:22Preaching, Popularity, and the Wrath of God
Our God is a God who delights in His people. Many may have difficulty with the scripturally verified concept of God the Father’s delight in us, but what a difference it makes in our self-perception whether we do or don’t live our lives under this truth. Isaiah 62:4 says in the English Standard Version “You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is In Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you.” … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2018-06-07 19:28:532023-04-10 14:48:00For the Lord Delights In You by Lisa Cooke
We are considering dropping our mid-week “sanctuary service” and offering small groups instead. I would be very interested in hearing from other pastors who have done this type of thing. Did it work well or not? What is the best way to do it? What potential pitfalls should I be aware of?
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-06-07 19:19:212020-09-26 15:32:38Mid-Week Small Groups
Recentemente, eu e Lisa celebramos o meu aniversário de 59 anos em Warner Robins, Geórgia. Estávamos na companhia de bons amigos, Pastor Dave e Kendall Watrous. Posso dizer que foi um dia muito bom. Na parte da manhã, eu lecionei em um seminário sobre Timóteo (nunca me canso de tais seminários); tive uma celebração com cupcakes após o almoço, e, em seguida, fomos assistir ao novo filme Paulo, Apóstolo de Cristo. Certamente, em todo filme bíblico, os diretores tomam certa liberdade artística e criativa – o que é esperado. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-05-05 13:59:492018-05-05 13:59:49Reflexões sobre o Filme: Paulo, Apóstolo de Cristo
I heard the testimony of a minister who kept a notebook of prophecies—inspired encouragements—that he had received over the years concerning his life and ministry. When he was battling a life threatening health crisis, he read that notebook over and over, reassuring himself of things spoken by the Spirit to him. He made a conscious effort to remember those words and they brought such encouragement to him. He did recover and is continuing strong in ministry, fulfilling God’s will … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2018-05-05 13:28:222023-04-10 14:48:00And They Remembered His Words by Lisa Cooke
If there is one series you have taught that had the most significant impact on your congregation, what was it? What was the topic, and what impact did it have?
Somos chamados! Quer tenhamos sido chamados para sermos pregadores e estarmos atrás do púlpito ou tenhamos sido chamados para cumprir outra tarefa, esses e outros versos indicam que o chamado de todo crente é ser sal, luz, embaixador, testemunha, servo e uma benção. Isso não é somente para aqueles que possuem a “profissão” de ministros, mas todo cristão foi chamado em tempo integral! Um cristão nunca deve falar “eu não sou chamado” como desculpa para evitar responsabilidades que são compatíveis com o chamado de todo crente. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-04-10 15:15:292018-04-10 15:15:29Outro Olhar sobre o “Chamado”
When we are weak, He is strong! The following article is an excerpt from Jim Cobrae’s upcoming book, Followship: Pastoring in His Presence. This book will be released at the Pastors Gathering, hosted by the Rock Church in San Bernardino, CA (May 15-17, 2018). Click here to learn more about the Pastors Gathering, an outstanding conference that will greatly benefit pastors and their staff members. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-04-10 14:48:012020-10-15 21:45:10Falling in Love with Inadequacy by Jim Cobrae
We can’t hide God! If we walk with Him, eventually who He is will flow out from within us. There’s a word in the English language many are not acquainted with, wafting, which means to carry lightly and smoothly through the air or over water. When we walk with God, He smoothly releases Himself through us and over circumstances in people’s lives. God longs to be released. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-04-10 12:52:232020-10-14 17:12:48Love – God Touching Others through You by Melva Henderson
“Jesus told him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (Matthew 19:21-22 NLT). What do you do when Jesus asks more of you than you want to give? We want our response to always be a full-hearted “yes” to our Lord, but sometimes He asks something of us that causes us to hesitate. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2018-04-10 11:54:242023-04-10 14:48:00He Went Away Sad by Lisa Cooke
In every biblical movie I’ve seen, the directors have taken certain artistic creativity and liberties, and that is to be expected. There are always some things I would have presented a bit differently, or statements that I would have re-worded, but that is not what I want to focus on in this review. The great value of this movie is that it graphically presents the intense persecution faced by early believers in the Roman Empire. To be honest, it’s not the most comfortable or cheery movie that you will see. One reviewer refers to it as “gritty,” and that is an honest assessment. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-04-10 11:42:562021-01-17 23:36:21Reflections from the Movie: Paul, Apostle of Christ
How important is it for me to have relationships with other ministers in my community? What about relationships with other ministers who are not in my community, but are friends? Honestly, I stay busy enough with my own staff and my own church that it’s not easy to find time for meaningful relationships with peers in ministry. What is the value, and how much effort do other pastors put into their relationships with other ministers?
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-04-10 03:27:152020-09-26 15:52:14Relationships With Other Ministers
We are called! Whether we have been called to be a preacher and stand behind a pulpit, or something else entirely, many Scriptures indicate the calling of every believer to be salt, to be light, to be ambassadors, to be witnesses, to serve, and to be a blessing. I don’t say this relative to being a “paid” minister, but every Christian has full-time calling! A Christian should never use “I’m not called” as an excuse to avoid accepting responsibilities that are consistent with the calling of every believer. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-03-05 17:01:102021-01-17 23:40:48Another Look at “The Calling”
Durante minha adolescência, eu passei três verões como salva-vidas em uma piscina pública. Refletindo sobre tal experiência, percebi que há diversas similaridades entre o exercício de salvar vidas e o serviço ministerial. Acredito que tais semelhanças possam fornecer percepções importantes. A seguir, seguem algumas lições a serem consideradas… … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-03-05 14:12:032018-03-05 14:12:03Você É um Salva-Vidas Espiritual?
Some people tend to sit and watch as achievers reach out to do the impossible. But if you are going to join the ranks of those achievers, you’ll have to do more than just sit around and talk about it. You’ll need to say yes to what the Lord is urging you to do. You cannot accomplish what God has called you to do all alone! Look around you! Look at the people God has placed around you to help you fulfill your dream. Don’t ignore them, thinking you can do it alone. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-03-05 06:05:372020-10-14 19:40:59Take Your Seat in the Ship by Rick Renner
The Lord put it on my heart to share this testimony of my survival against all odds and how living by God’s principles for life has made all the difference. Little did I know that Wendy and so many were praying for me. By this time, less than eighteen hours after I crashed my jet ski and went facedown in the lake, intercession was going up for me all over the world. Word had spread so fast. But as Wendy drove to the hospital that morning, she had no idea in what condition she would find me. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-03-05 05:40:442020-10-14 19:47:422% Chance to Live: From Tragedy to Triumph by John Galinetti
Last night a young man was carried to our Gospel Festival. He was totally paralyzed and unable to walk. As I prayed for the sick en masse from the platform, our Lord Jesus touched this young man. He stood up and began to walk, completely healed. Now to understand this, here are the reasons and dynamics as to why and how such miracles take place. 1. Our Lord Jesus is risen from the dead, and He is alive today. That is why He does the same things today that He did 2000 years ago. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-03-05 04:39:572020-10-14 19:52:44The Dynamics of Miracles by Christopher Alam
I’d like to share a few tools you can have in your marriage tool box to help with those issues that inevitably come up in every life shared by two people trying to be one flesh. I think a common feeling among married couples that tries to rear its ugly head is self-pity. The thought that “I am doing more in this marriage than he or she is” comes to us all and it’s a thought that we should dissect and dismantle when it comes. Self-pity is an enemy to our souls and to our relationships. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2018-03-05 04:14:302023-04-10 14:48:00Tools For Your Marriage Tool Box by Lisa Cooke
As a teacher/preacher, I believe that my content is solid, but I’m not always satisfied with how well I feel I am connecting with the people. What advice can other pastors give me on how I can be a better communicator, and more specifically, how I can truly connect better with those who hear me?
Yogi Berra foi o autor da famosa afirmação: “O jogo só acaba quando termina”. Como um jogador e treinador de baseball, ele, sem dúvidas, viu minhas reviravoltas ao longo de sua carreira. Ele deve ter visto times que estiveram na liderança, mas que, por relaxarem muito cedo, se deixaram ser alcançados por outra equipe. Ele também deve ter testemunhado times que estavam para trás na competição, mas que, por se recusarem a desistir, lutaram para dar a “volta por cima” com uma vitória inesperada. Um versículo que, recentemente, tem falado ao meu coração envolve o sucessor de Moisés. … read more
Jesus made an amazing statement in Matthew 4:19 when speaking to a couple of fishermen. He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Notice He didn’t say, “I will make you holier, more spiritual, or bless you exceedingly.” He gave them a purpose for living and a new occupation. Many times as believers, we talk about the blessings of God. Don’t take me wrong; the blessings are important. However, it is more important to be “used by God than to be blessed by God.” … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-02-07 17:29:462020-10-14 19:55:01Let’s Go Fishing by Marcus Whitman
Has No One Condemned You? by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeIn John 8 we have the woman caught in the act of adultery. The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus, accusing her and stating the punishment for adultery, judging and sentencing her for her “crime.” Jesus cleverly turned the spotlight on them by saying “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” In the end, it was just Jesus and the woman left and Jesus said to her “Woman, where are your accusers? … read more
Six Times Jesus Coached His Team
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWhen John Wooden coached men’s basketball at UCLA (he led the team to ten national championships), he was a stickler for details, and he was a very strong proponent of teamwork. He even taught his players the precise way to put on their socks and to tie their shoes to help prevent the formation of blisters. Wooden insisted that this would help keep the players healthy and on the court. Even when it came to putting on their socks and tying their shoes, Wooden was essentially saying, “We don’t do it that way; we do it this way.” … read more
What You Wish People Knew
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeIs there something you wish people understood about pastors and pastoring? This doesn’t have to be about you personally, but something that would help people better understand, relate to, and receive from their pastor.
Cinco Nações: Fotos e Notícias
/in Articles in Portuguese /by Tony CookeDurante esse mês de abril, 2018, tive o privilégio de viajar e ministrar em cinco nações – Inglaterra, Suíça, Líbano, Alemanha e Chipre. Durante esse tempo, lecionei 33 vezes e ministrei para líderes de aproximadamente 45 congregações diferentes. Abaixo, seguem algumas fotos e pequenas descrições do que ocorreu em cada país. … read more
Preaching, Popularity, and the Wrath of God
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeVance Havner asserts, “Popularity has slain more prophets of God than persecution ever did.” I think that could also be applied to the pursuit of popularity as well. Richard Niebuhr noted that essential themes of the Christian faith were being stripped from Christianity through liberal theology. He summarizes (in 1937) an anemic, neutralized “gospel” with these words: “A God without wrath brought men without sin into a Kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a Cross.” I think that Niebuhr encapsulates the four areas … read more
For the Lord Delights In You by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeOur God is a God who delights in His people. Many may have difficulty with the scripturally verified concept of God the Father’s delight in us, but what a difference it makes in our self-perception whether we do or don’t live our lives under this truth. Isaiah 62:4 says in the English Standard Version “You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is In Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you.” … read more
Mid-Week Small Groups
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeWe are considering dropping our mid-week “sanctuary service” and offering small groups instead. I would be very interested in hearing from other pastors who have done this type of thing. Did it work well or not? What is the best way to do it? What potential pitfalls should I be aware of?
Reflexões sobre o Filme: Paulo, Apóstolo de Cristo
/in Articles in Portuguese /by Tony CookeRecentemente, eu e Lisa celebramos o meu aniversário de 59 anos em Warner Robins, Geórgia. Estávamos na companhia de bons amigos, Pastor Dave e Kendall Watrous. Posso dizer que foi um dia muito bom. Na parte da manhã, eu lecionei em um seminário sobre Timóteo (nunca me canso de tais seminários); tive uma celebração com cupcakes após o almoço, e, em seguida, fomos assistir ao novo filme Paulo, Apóstolo de Cristo. Certamente, em todo filme bíblico, os diretores tomam certa liberdade artística e criativa – o que é esperado. … read more
And They Remembered His Words by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeI heard the testimony of a minister who kept a notebook of prophecies—inspired encouragements—that he had received over the years concerning his life and ministry. When he was battling a life threatening health crisis, he read that notebook over and over, reassuring himself of things spoken by the Spirit to him. He made a conscious effort to remember those words and they brought such encouragement to him. He did recover and is continuing strong in ministry, fulfilling God’s will … read more
Most Impacting Series
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeIf there is one series you have taught that had the most significant impact on your congregation, what was it? What was the topic, and what impact did it have?
Outro Olhar sobre o “Chamado”
/in Articles in Portuguese /by Tony CookeSomos chamados! Quer tenhamos sido chamados para sermos pregadores e estarmos atrás do púlpito ou tenhamos sido chamados para cumprir outra tarefa, esses e outros versos indicam que o chamado de todo crente é ser sal, luz, embaixador, testemunha, servo e uma benção. Isso não é somente para aqueles que possuem a “profissão” de ministros, mas todo cristão foi chamado em tempo integral! Um cristão nunca deve falar “eu não sou chamado” como desculpa para evitar responsabilidades que são compatíveis com o chamado de todo crente. … read more
Falling in Love with Inadequacy by Jim Cobrae
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWhen we are weak, He is strong! The following article is an excerpt from Jim Cobrae’s upcoming book, Followship: Pastoring in His Presence. This book will be released at the Pastors Gathering, hosted by the Rock Church in San Bernardino, CA (May 15-17, 2018). Click here to learn more about the Pastors Gathering, an outstanding conference that will greatly benefit pastors and their staff members. … read more
Love – God Touching Others through You by Melva Henderson
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWe can’t hide God! If we walk with Him, eventually who He is will flow out from within us. There’s a word in the English language many are not acquainted with, wafting, which means to carry lightly and smoothly through the air or over water. When we walk with God, He smoothly releases Himself through us and over circumstances in people’s lives. God longs to be released. … read more
He Went Away Sad by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa Cooke“Jesus told him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (Matthew 19:21-22 NLT). What do you do when Jesus asks more of you than you want to give? We want our response to always be a full-hearted “yes” to our Lord, but sometimes He asks something of us that causes us to hesitate. … read more
Reflections from the Movie: Paul, Apostle of Christ
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIn every biblical movie I’ve seen, the directors have taken certain artistic creativity and liberties, and that is to be expected. There are always some things I would have presented a bit differently, or statements that I would have re-worded, but that is not what I want to focus on in this review. The great value of this movie is that it graphically presents the intense persecution faced by early believers in the Roman Empire. To be honest, it’s not the most comfortable or cheery movie that you will see. One reviewer refers to it as “gritty,” and that is an honest assessment. … read more
Relationships With Other Ministers
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeHow important is it for me to have relationships with other ministers in my community? What about relationships with other ministers who are not in my community, but are friends? Honestly, I stay busy enough with my own staff and my own church that it’s not easy to find time for meaningful relationships with peers in ministry. What is the value, and how much effort do other pastors put into their relationships with other ministers?
Another Look at “The Calling”
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWe are called! Whether we have been called to be a preacher and stand behind a pulpit, or something else entirely, many Scriptures indicate the calling of every believer to be salt, to be light, to be ambassadors, to be witnesses, to serve, and to be a blessing. I don’t say this relative to being a “paid” minister, but every Christian has full-time calling! A Christian should never use “I’m not called” as an excuse to avoid accepting responsibilities that are consistent with the calling of every believer. … read more
Você É um Salva-Vidas Espiritual?
/in Articles in Portuguese /by Tony CookeDurante minha adolescência, eu passei três verões como salva-vidas em uma piscina pública. Refletindo sobre tal experiência, percebi que há diversas similaridades entre o exercício de salvar vidas e o serviço ministerial. Acredito que tais semelhanças possam fornecer percepções importantes. A seguir, seguem algumas lições a serem consideradas… … read more
Take Your Seat in the Ship by Rick Renner
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeSome people tend to sit and watch as achievers reach out to do the impossible. But if you are going to join the ranks of those achievers, you’ll have to do more than just sit around and talk about it. You’ll need to say yes to what the Lord is urging you to do. You cannot accomplish what God has called you to do all alone! Look around you! Look at the people God has placed around you to help you fulfill your dream. Don’t ignore them, thinking you can do it alone. … read more
2% Chance to Live: From Tragedy to Triumph by John Galinetti
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe Lord put it on my heart to share this testimony of my survival against all odds and how living by God’s principles for life has made all the difference. Little did I know that Wendy and so many were praying for me. By this time, less than eighteen hours after I crashed my jet ski and went facedown in the lake, intercession was going up for me all over the world. Word had spread so fast. But as Wendy drove to the hospital that morning, she had no idea in what condition she would find me. … read more
The Dynamics of Miracles by Christopher Alam
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeLast night a young man was carried to our Gospel Festival. He was totally paralyzed and unable to walk. As I prayed for the sick en masse from the platform, our Lord Jesus touched this young man. He stood up and began to walk, completely healed. Now to understand this, here are the reasons and dynamics as to why and how such miracles take place. 1. Our Lord Jesus is risen from the dead, and He is alive today. That is why He does the same things today that He did 2000 years ago. … read more
Tools For Your Marriage Tool Box by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeI’d like to share a few tools you can have in your marriage tool box to help with those issues that inevitably come up in every life shared by two people trying to be one flesh. I think a common feeling among married couples that tries to rear its ugly head is self-pity. The thought that “I am doing more in this marriage than he or she is” comes to us all and it’s a thought that we should dissect and dismantle when it comes. Self-pity is an enemy to our souls and to our relationships. … read more
Keys to Connecting
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeAs a teacher/preacher, I believe that my content is solid, but I’m not always satisfied with how well I feel I am connecting with the people. What advice can other pastors give me on how I can be a better communicator, and more specifically, how I can truly connect better with those who hear me?
Só Acaba Quando Termina
/in Articles in Portuguese /by Tony CookeYogi Berra foi o autor da famosa afirmação: “O jogo só acaba quando termina”. Como um jogador e treinador de baseball, ele, sem dúvidas, viu minhas reviravoltas ao longo de sua carreira. Ele deve ter visto times que estiveram na liderança, mas que, por relaxarem muito cedo, se deixaram ser alcançados por outra equipe. Ele também deve ter testemunhado times que estavam para trás na competição, mas que, por se recusarem a desistir, lutaram para dar a “volta por cima” com uma vitória inesperada. Um versículo que, recentemente, tem falado ao meu coração envolve o sucessor de Moisés. … read more
Let’s Go Fishing by Marcus Whitman
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeJesus made an amazing statement in Matthew 4:19 when speaking to a couple of fishermen. He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Notice He didn’t say, “I will make you holier, more spiritual, or bless you exceedingly.” He gave them a purpose for living and a new occupation. Many times as believers, we talk about the blessings of God. Don’t take me wrong; the blessings are important. However, it is more important to be “used by God than to be blessed by God.” … read more