Often in life, it seems that we face situations where the numbers are not in our favor. Circumstances, people, statistics, time, etc. can all seem to be working against us. Feeling outnumbered, alone, and isolated can breed all kinds of misery, including hopelessness, self-pity, and despair. In these cases, it is vital to remember that God is the Supreme Difference Maker! Never forget that God + One = A Majority! David wrote Psalm 142 from a cave, not from a palace. He felt trapped and was overwhelmed. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-09-08 19:05:582021-01-17 23:26:47Outnumbered: When the Odds Are Not in Your Favor
Quando John Wooden treinou o time masculino de basquete da Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles (UCLA) – ele liderou o time em dez campeonatos nacionais – ele era um defensor de detalhes e um proponente do trabalho em equipe. Ele até ensinou seus jogadores o preciso modo de colocar as meias e de amarrar os sapatos, para prevenir a formação de bolhas. Wooden insistia que isso ajudaria a manter os jogadores saudáveis e em forma no campo. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-08-06 12:28:252018-08-06 12:28:25Seis Vezes em que Jesus Treinou Seu Time
Jesus said, “…Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12). In Greek, the word “iniquity” actually describes lawlessness. This verse could literally read: “…Because lawlessness shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” The word “lawlessness” is plural in the Greek text, which tells us Jesus was foretelling a time when lawlessness would escalate around the world. In this verse, “lawlessness” refers to the actions of an individual … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-08-05 21:31:232020-10-14 07:17:17Iniquity Will Abound, and the Love of Many Will Grow Cold — How Should We Respond? by Rick Renner
What computer software do you use to assist you in your Bible study and sermon preparation? In addition to software that you might pay for, are there free websites that are helpful to you also?
In the world and even in the church today, there are different thoughts on what real love is. The world usually thinks of love as a strong feeling of affection. Many dictionaries will also agree that love is a warm or strong feeling of affection. Biblical love is quite different. Jesus did not tell the disciples to go and live according to the old Mosaic commandment, but rather he gave them a new commandment. In other words, we will not find the model for this love in the Old Testament. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-08-04 18:24:092020-10-14 11:25:42New Testament Love by Vidar Ligard
The Westminster Shorter Catechism, completed in 1647, states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” To those who love God, this would seem to be a no-brainer. Our flesh, however, seems to have a gravitational pull toward self-aggrandizement, and if unchecked, will tend to seek the admiration of others. Ironically, the root of this desire for fame and social prestige is often insecurity or low self-worth. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2018-08-04 03:15:162023-04-10 14:48:00But He Who Glories, Let Him Glory In the Lord by Lisa Cooke
If a bridge is out, and someone puts up a sign informing me of that, is that a negative thing? Does a person really love me if they see me heading toward catastrophe and neglects to warn me? Jesus said more about hell than any other person in the Bible, and yet he was (and is) the greatest expression of love ever known or revealed to man. Vance Havner relates, “When I pastored a country church, a farmer didn’t like the sermons I preached on hell. He said, ‘Preach about the meek and lowly Jesus.’ I said, ‘That’s where I got my information about hell.’” Was Jesus just “selling fire insurance?” … read more
Vance Havner afirma, “Popularidade matou mais profetas de Deus do que a perseguição jamais fez”. Eu acho que a isso também pode ser aplicado a busca por popularidade. Richard Niebuhr observou que os temas essenciais da fé cristã estavam sendo arrancados do cristianismo, por meio da teologia liberal. Ele resumiu (em 1937) um anêmico e neutralizado “Evangelho” nas seguintes palavras … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-07-03 13:47:502018-07-03 13:47:50Pregação, Popularidade e Ira de Deus
In the eyes of our children, this world can be a scary place. They see and hear news about earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods and school shootings. They have friends whose parents are getting divorced or are dying of cancer. In the rural area of the Rocky Mountains where we live, every summer brings the threat of wildland fires. But our family’s perspective is markedly different than that of our neighbors. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2018-07-03 01:19:382020-10-14 11:21:42Teaching Kids to Trust In God In an Uncertain World by Steve and Denise Olsen
Reading the story of Joseph beginning in Genesis 37 stirs our soul to rise to new possibilities in life! Rising from the humble life of a shepherd’s son to becoming second in command over all of Egypt is something that makes for a “too-good-to-be-true” story! The mention of Joseph’s name lifts our thoughts to new levels and stirs our imagination to see what may be possible for us to attain in our lives. There are a lot of things about Joseph that are very appealing to many of us. When we think of Joseph, we think of him as a dreamer, highly favored, an interpreter of dreams … read more
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
Outnumbered: When the Odds Are Not in Your Favor
Often in life, it seems that we face situations where the numbers are not in our favor. Circumstances, people, statistics, time, etc. can all seem to be working against us. Feeling outnumbered, alone, and isolated can breed all kinds of misery, including hopelessness, self-pity, and despair. In these cases, it is vital to remember that God is the Supreme Difference Maker! Never forget that God + One = A Majority! David wrote Psalm 142 from a cave, not from a palace. He felt trapped and was overwhelmed. … read more
Seis Vezes em que Jesus Treinou Seu Time
Quando John Wooden treinou o time masculino de basquete da Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles (UCLA) – ele liderou o time em dez campeonatos nacionais – ele era um defensor de detalhes e um proponente do trabalho em equipe. Ele até ensinou seus jogadores o preciso modo de colocar as meias e de amarrar os sapatos, para prevenir a formação de bolhas. Wooden insistia que isso ajudaria a manter os jogadores saudáveis e em forma no campo. … read more
Iniquity Will Abound, and the Love of Many Will Grow Cold — How Should We Respond? by Rick Renner
Jesus said, “…Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12). In Greek, the word “iniquity” actually describes lawlessness. This verse could literally read: “…Because lawlessness shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” The word “lawlessness” is plural in the Greek text, which tells us Jesus was foretelling a time when lawlessness would escalate around the world. In this verse, “lawlessness” refers to the actions of an individual … read more
Bible Study Software
What computer software do you use to assist you in your Bible study and sermon preparation? In addition to software that you might pay for, are there free websites that are helpful to you also?
New Testament Love by Vidar Ligard
In the world and even in the church today, there are different thoughts on what real love is. The world usually thinks of love as a strong feeling of affection. Many dictionaries will also agree that love is a warm or strong feeling of affection. Biblical love is quite different. Jesus did not tell the disciples to go and live according to the old Mosaic commandment, but rather he gave them a new commandment. In other words, we will not find the model for this love in the Old Testament. … read more
But He Who Glories, Let Him Glory In the Lord by Lisa Cooke
The Westminster Shorter Catechism, completed in 1647, states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” To those who love God, this would seem to be a no-brainer. Our flesh, however, seems to have a gravitational pull toward self-aggrandizement, and if unchecked, will tend to seek the admiration of others. Ironically, the root of this desire for fame and social prestige is often insecurity or low self-worth. … read more
A Duty to Warn?
If a bridge is out, and someone puts up a sign informing me of that, is that a negative thing? Does a person really love me if they see me heading toward catastrophe and neglects to warn me? Jesus said more about hell than any other person in the Bible, and yet he was (and is) the greatest expression of love ever known or revealed to man. Vance Havner relates, “When I pastored a country church, a farmer didn’t like the sermons I preached on hell. He said, ‘Preach about the meek and lowly Jesus.’ I said, ‘That’s where I got my information about hell.’” Was Jesus just “selling fire insurance?” … read more
Pregação, Popularidade e Ira de Deus
Vance Havner afirma, “Popularidade matou mais profetas de Deus do que a perseguição jamais fez”. Eu acho que a isso também pode ser aplicado a busca por popularidade. Richard Niebuhr observou que os temas essenciais da fé cristã estavam sendo arrancados do cristianismo, por meio da teologia liberal. Ele resumiu (em 1937) um anêmico e neutralizado “Evangelho” nas seguintes palavras … read more
Teaching Kids to Trust In God In an Uncertain World by Steve and Denise Olsen
In the eyes of our children, this world can be a scary place. They see and hear news about earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods and school shootings. They have friends whose parents are getting divorced or are dying of cancer. In the rural area of the Rocky Mountains where we live, every summer brings the threat of wildland fires. But our family’s perspective is markedly different than that of our neighbors. … read more
Joseph: A Visionary Leader by Marvin Yoder
Reading the story of Joseph beginning in Genesis 37 stirs our soul to rise to new possibilities in life! Rising from the humble life of a shepherd’s son to becoming second in command over all of Egypt is something that makes for a “too-good-to-be-true” story! The mention of Joseph’s name lifts our thoughts to new levels and stirs our imagination to see what may be possible for us to attain in our lives. There are a lot of things about Joseph that are very appealing to many of us. When we think of Joseph, we think of him as a dreamer, highly favored, an interpreter of dreams … read more
Has No One Condemned You? by Lisa Cooke
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
Six Times Jesus Coached His Team
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
What You Wish People Knew
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.
Cinco Nações: Fotos e Notícias
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
Preaching, Popularity, and the Wrath of God
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
For the Lord Delights In You by Lisa Cooke
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
Mid-Week Small Groups
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?
Reflexões sobre o Filme: Paulo, Apóstolo de Cristo
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
And They Remembered His Words by Lisa Cooke
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
Most Impacting Series
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?
Outro Olhar sobre o “Chamado”
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
Falling in Love with Inadequacy by Jim Cobrae
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
Love – God Touching Others through You by Melva Henderson
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
He Went Away Sad 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 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