A purpose is a reason for being. Everything God does has a purpose. Everything God has made has a reason for existing. There are specific purposes Jesus intended for His church to accomplish. Knowing those purposes is important for every believer. The law of purpose states that unless you know the purpose of a thing, you will be likely to either neglect, misuse, or abuse it. The reason some Christians neglect the local church is because they really don’t understand its purpose in their lives. … read more
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 19:03:142020-10-20 21:33:4710 Reasons Every Believer Needs the Local Church by John R. Carter
Being called to serve the people Jesus died for is a great privilege that carries with it tremendous responsibility. Knowing this, Paul in his letters to Timothy, provided instruction to guide him in fulfilling his ministry and living an exemplary life before God and man. A major point of emphasis was for Timothy to be an example of believers in six areas of concern. … read more
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 19:03:132020-10-20 15:45:31Be An Example by Pastor Bill Anzevino
One of the most provocative, profound and heart-hitting statements used in Scripture about the Holy Spirit is “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 11:15-17 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. … read more
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 19:03:122020-10-20 15:37:22What Is the Baptism With the Holy Spirit? By Patrick Norris
When Tony first asked us to write a few things about the friendship/accountability Mike, Dan and myself have enjoyed over three decades, it really made me think about the difference this relationship has made in my life. John Ruskin once wrote, “When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package.” … read more
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 19:03:112020-10-20 15:20:39Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters Pastor Monte Knudsen
Note from Tony: I’ve known these three men for many years, and I’ve known of their close friendship which has brought much strength and support into each of their lives. I asked Pastor Mike if he would write an overview about the whole issue of “accountability,” and then asked each of them if they’d write about what this group means to each of them personally. … read more
Like many of you, when my wife and I began preparations for ministry in Bible school, we had no idea of the challenges and pitfalls that awaited us in our attempt to fulfill the call upon our lives. The value and importance of close relationships with other ministers really wasn’t a matter of concern or ‘recognized need’ as we sought to have meaningful and fruitful ministry in the world Jesus was sending us to. We soon found out how important those relationships were about to be. … read more
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 19:03:102020-10-20 21:20:19Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters By Pastor Mike Kalstrup
The spiritual principle of authority is God’s plan to protect our lives…everyone needs to be accountable to someone. The human element tends to isolate us, cause us to hide our issues, our attitudes, let alone our sins. Everyone needs someone in their lives, someone close to them that has the freedom to ask us about what’s going on behind the scene of our life. … read more
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 19:03:092020-10-20 15:22:14Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters Pastor Dan Berry
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian Church in holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain (Philippians 2:16. NKJV). Notice that Paul told them to “hold” fast; not to “run” fast. … read more
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 19:03:082020-10-20 14:36:058 Guidelines to Avoid a “Fast and Furious” Crisis Marvin Yoder
One of my personal goals is to stay in shape physically, and over the years I’ve tried several workout routines. But I will never forget when my son asked me to try a program called Insanity. It’s a workout where you perform long bursts of maximum-intensity exercises with short periods of rest. … read more
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 19:03:072020-10-20 13:33:26What’s at Your Core? by Steve Smothermon
Did your Mom ever tell you that your needed an attitude adjustment? There have been so many times in my life that I needed to do just that. I used to be a negative person. I could tell you what’s wrong with many things and many people. I have to fight being critical and judgmental. I hated winter, tax preparation, slow moving traffic, standing in lines, etc. How about you? … read more
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 19:03:072020-10-20 13:16:44Attitude Adjustment By Pastor Stan Saunders
God has made a lot of promises to mankind. He’s made a lot of promises to you and me, and one of the primary ways God keeps His promises and delivers the help mankind needs is through the avenue of angelic activity. Angels are here to help heaven help us. … read more
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 19:03:062020-10-20 13:15:42Angelic Bodyguards: Protecting and Helping Us by Mark Brazee
I’ve noticed a reoccurring issue in many churches including my own. It’s as if there is this invisible revolving door located somewhere in our church that apparently only new people are able to see. If your church is anything like mine, we didn’t have a problem getting first time guests to show up, but we definitely had problems getting them to come back. … read more
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 19:03:062020-10-20 13:22:06Assimilation: Turning Guests Into Family by Joshua Huffman
Some people think organization is of the devil. God help them. I read in verse one, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” That’s when the trouble happened, “when the number of the disciples were multiplied.” You can’t run a thing the same way when it is multiplied as you did when it was beginning. … read more
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 19:03:052020-10-20 13:20:52After Pentecost By Donald Gee
As ministers across the country fall into moral sins and have to step down from their pulpits by personal decision or board mandates, the cry of many seems to be, “where was the accountability?”Organizations are set up for accountability and many join. Yet, the problems still persist. Where do we as ministers go for accountability? … read more
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 19:03:042020-10-20 13:20:43Accountability and the Minister by Bob Yandian
Ignorance of any subject is a guarantee of ineffective action. The most basic and necessary way to address a problem is to become informed. In our day it is almost criminal to be ignorant in the area of drug and alcohol addiction, yet much of the church labors in the dark. There are many sources of information available with a minimum of effort and expense. … read more
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 19:03:042020-10-20 13:20:31Addiction is an Opportunity by Virgil Stokes
At our Bible Training Institute, annually we have over 200 graduates in ministry and leadership. Hundreds of pastors from various denominations have attended our ministry school in Lansing, Michigan or our church planter’s school in St. Pete Beach, Florida. We currently enjoy 216 credentialed ministers in our Mount Hope Church network. … read more
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 19:03:032020-10-20 04:19:39The Absalom Spirit by Pastor Dave Williams, D.Min, D.D.
We all like to hear a powerful and moving message—one that touches our heart and challenges us to reach new heights and greater goals. However, we have all been the unfortunate victims of a poorly planned and executed message. This can be a mind-numbing and torturous event. In order to prevent unnecessary suffering on the part of our future listeners, I submit the seven major public speaking mistakes that people make. … read more
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 19:03:022020-10-20 03:54:09Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins of Public Speaking by Pastor Jim Herring
As a pastor, have you ever been so worn out in your work, that as my quick-witted grandfather used to say, “I am too pooped to pot? ?’ You are probably saying I have been there, done that and don’t want any more of those tee shirts! Ministry can make ministers bone weary and dog-tired! The spiritual/emotional drain on pastors is never ending. … read more
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 19:03:022020-10-20 03:48:49Four Things Pastors Should Know About Restoration
When I think of ministry and the fivefold ministry gifts, the concept of honor immediately comes to mind. However, in our day and age, society seems to have lost the heart of honor. Sadly, even many of our churches have pushed honor to the wayside, treating ministers without reverence and respect. … read more
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 19:03:012020-10-20 00:25:35Five Things I’ve Learned About Transition by Dennis Cummins
Many variations of “How to Ride a Dead Horse” have appeared, especially on the internet, and I don’t know who the original author is. We’ve rewritten and adapted this slightly for churches, but every organization (whether it’s business, government, educational institutions, etc.) can have a tendency to hold on to old forms long after their effectiveness has diminished or ceased entirely. … read more
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 19:03:002020-10-20 13:21:3125 Ways to Ride a Dead Horse
I asked the most beautiful woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no!” So I asked the most intelligent woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no.” So I decided to ask the most spiritual woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no.” … read more
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 19:03:002020-10-20 13:19:31Five Things No One Tells You About Marriage by Steve Hutchinson
I am now in the final half of my life; perhaps final third. This past February I turned over the church I had pastored for 30+ years to my young protégé and assumed “bishop” duties in helping guide and oversee our 43 daughter churches in the United States and hundreds in Africa and Asia. So, I speak like a Father today. … read more
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 19:02:592020-10-20 13:19:2320 Important Things I’ve Learned in 60 years about Being Fruitful Dr. Dave Williams
I know it is hard to believe, but we are only a month away from the end of 2011 which means that the Christmas will be here before we know it. While shopping for Christmas gifts and all the other festivities of the season are at the top of everyone’s mind during this time of year, it is also a great time to take some proactive steps to reduce your income tax liability. … read more
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 19:02:592020-10-20 13:19:152011 Tax Saving Ideas for Pastors By Mark Helland, CPA
Pastor David Emigh writes, “The Scriptures below are taken from the Word of God and they are designed to help you get the Word of God into your heart to strengthen you and to help you receive what God has provided for you. So open your heart today and receive what God has said and you will find that His blessings will flow forth in your life. … read more
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 19:02:582020-10-20 01:52:43100 Things God Said About Healing Compiled by Pastor David Emigh
Christians have tried to explain why bad things happen, why they happen to good people, and why they happen in our own lives. In a message on the storms of life, Tony shares three biblical examples of why Jonah, the disciples, and Paul all encountered a terrible storm. Simply stated, Jonah’s storm was encountered because of disobedience, The Disciples’ in the midst of Jesus’ mandate to go to the other side (Mark 4:35-41), and Paul’s because of the decisions other people made that affected his life while on his way to trial in Rome (Acts 27). …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2014-10-15 19:02:562023-04-10 14:48:40Seated in the Seat of the Learner by Lisa Cooke
10 Reasons Every Believer Needs the Local Church by John R. Carter
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeA purpose is a reason for being. Everything God does has a purpose. Everything God has made has a reason for existing. There are specific purposes Jesus intended for His church to accomplish. Knowing those purposes is important for every believer. The law of purpose states that unless you know the purpose of a thing, you will be likely to either neglect, misuse, or abuse it. The reason some Christians neglect the local church is because they really don’t understand its purpose in their lives. … read more
Be An Example by Pastor Bill Anzevino
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeBeing called to serve the people Jesus died for is a great privilege that carries with it tremendous responsibility. Knowing this, Paul in his letters to Timothy, provided instruction to guide him in fulfilling his ministry and living an exemplary life before God and man. A major point of emphasis was for Timothy to be an example of believers in six areas of concern. … read more
What Is the Baptism With the Holy Spirit? By Patrick Norris
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeOne of the most provocative, profound and heart-hitting statements used in Scripture about the Holy Spirit is “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 11:15-17 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. … read more
Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters Pastor Monte Knudsen
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWhen Tony first asked us to write a few things about the friendship/accountability Mike, Dan and myself have enjoyed over three decades, it really made me think about the difference this relationship has made in my life. John Ruskin once wrote, “When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package.” … read more
Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeNote from Tony: I’ve known these three men for many years, and I’ve known of their close friendship which has brought much strength and support into each of their lives. I asked Pastor Mike if he would write an overview about the whole issue of “accountability,” and then asked each of them if they’d write about what this group means to each of them personally. … read more
Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters By Pastor Mike Kalstrup
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeLike many of you, when my wife and I began preparations for ministry in Bible school, we had no idea of the challenges and pitfalls that awaited us in our attempt to fulfill the call upon our lives. The value and importance of close relationships with other ministers really wasn’t a matter of concern or ‘recognized need’ as we sought to have meaningful and fruitful ministry in the world Jesus was sending us to. We soon found out how important those relationships were about to be. … read more
Band of Brothers: Why Accountability Matters Pastor Dan Berry
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe spiritual principle of authority is God’s plan to protect our lives…everyone needs to be accountable to someone. The human element tends to isolate us, cause us to hide our issues, our attitudes, let alone our sins. Everyone needs someone in their lives, someone close to them that has the freedom to ask us about what’s going on behind the scene of our life. … read more
8 Guidelines to Avoid a “Fast and Furious” Crisis Marvin Yoder
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian Church in holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain (Philippians 2:16. NKJV). Notice that Paul told them to “hold” fast; not to “run” fast. … read more
What’s at Your Core? by Steve Smothermon
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeOne of my personal goals is to stay in shape physically, and over the years I’ve tried several workout routines. But I will never forget when my son asked me to try a program called Insanity. It’s a workout where you perform long bursts of maximum-intensity exercises with short periods of rest. … read more
Attitude Adjustment By Pastor Stan Saunders
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeDid your Mom ever tell you that your needed an attitude adjustment? There have been so many times in my life that I needed to do just that. I used to be a negative person. I could tell you what’s wrong with many things and many people. I have to fight being critical and judgmental. I hated winter, tax preparation, slow moving traffic, standing in lines, etc. How about you? … read more
Angelic Bodyguards: Protecting and Helping Us by Mark Brazee
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeGod has made a lot of promises to mankind. He’s made a lot of promises to you and me, and one of the primary ways God keeps His promises and delivers the help mankind needs is through the avenue of angelic activity. Angels are here to help heaven help us. … read more
Assimilation: Turning Guests Into Family by Joshua Huffman
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeI’ve noticed a reoccurring issue in many churches including my own. It’s as if there is this invisible revolving door located somewhere in our church that apparently only new people are able to see. If your church is anything like mine, we didn’t have a problem getting first time guests to show up, but we definitely had problems getting them to come back. … read more
After Pentecost By Donald Gee
/in Articles by Others, Riches from History /by Tony CookeSome people think organization is of the devil. God help them. I read in verse one, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” That’s when the trouble happened, “when the number of the disciples were multiplied.” You can’t run a thing the same way when it is multiplied as you did when it was beginning. … read more
Accountability and the Minister by Bob Yandian
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeAs ministers across the country fall into moral sins and have to step down from their pulpits by personal decision or board mandates, the cry of many seems to be, “where was the accountability?”Organizations are set up for accountability and many join. Yet, the problems still persist. Where do we as ministers go for accountability? … read more
Addiction is an Opportunity by Virgil Stokes
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeIgnorance of any subject is a guarantee of ineffective action. The most basic and necessary way to address a problem is to become informed. In our day it is almost criminal to be ignorant in the area of drug and alcohol addiction, yet much of the church labors in the dark. There are many sources of information available with a minimum of effort and expense. … read more
The Absalom Spirit by Pastor Dave Williams, D.Min, D.D.
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeAt our Bible Training Institute, annually we have over 200 graduates in ministry and leadership. Hundreds of pastors from various denominations have attended our ministry school in Lansing, Michigan or our church planter’s school in St. Pete Beach, Florida. We currently enjoy 216 credentialed ministers in our Mount Hope Church network. … read more
Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins of Public Speaking by Pastor Jim Herring
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWe all like to hear a powerful and moving message—one that touches our heart and challenges us to reach new heights and greater goals. However, we have all been the unfortunate victims of a poorly planned and executed message. This can be a mind-numbing and torturous event. In order to prevent unnecessary suffering on the part of our future listeners, I submit the seven major public speaking mistakes that people make. … read more
Four Things Pastors Should Know About Restoration
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeAs a pastor, have you ever been so worn out in your work, that as my quick-witted grandfather used to say, “I am too pooped to pot? ?’ You are probably saying I have been there, done that and don’t want any more of those tee shirts! Ministry can make ministers bone weary and dog-tired! The spiritual/emotional drain on pastors is never ending. … read more
Five Things I’ve Learned About Transition by Dennis Cummins
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeWhen I think of ministry and the fivefold ministry gifts, the concept of honor immediately comes to mind. However, in our day and age, society seems to have lost the heart of honor. Sadly, even many of our churches have pushed honor to the wayside, treating ministers without reverence and respect. … read more
25 Ways to Ride a Dead Horse
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeMany variations of “How to Ride a Dead Horse” have appeared, especially on the internet, and I don’t know who the original author is. We’ve rewritten and adapted this slightly for churches, but every organization (whether it’s business, government, educational institutions, etc.) can have a tendency to hold on to old forms long after their effectiveness has diminished or ceased entirely. … read more
Five Things No One Tells You About Marriage by Steve Hutchinson
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeI asked the most beautiful woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no!” So I asked the most intelligent woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no.” So I decided to ask the most spiritual woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no.” … read more
20 Important Things I’ve Learned in 60 years about Being Fruitful Dr. Dave Williams
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeI am now in the final half of my life; perhaps final third. This past February I turned over the church I had pastored for 30+ years to my young protégé and assumed “bishop” duties in helping guide and oversee our 43 daughter churches in the United States and hundreds in Africa and Asia. So, I speak like a Father today. … read more
2011 Tax Saving Ideas for Pastors By Mark Helland, CPA
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeI know it is hard to believe, but we are only a month away from the end of 2011 which means that the Christmas will be here before we know it. While shopping for Christmas gifts and all the other festivities of the season are at the top of everyone’s mind during this time of year, it is also a great time to take some proactive steps to reduce your income tax liability. … read more
100 Things God Said About Healing Compiled by Pastor David Emigh
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookePastor David Emigh writes, “The Scriptures below are taken from the Word of God and they are designed to help you get the Word of God into your heart to strengthen you and to help you receive what God has provided for you. So open your heart today and receive what God has said and you will find that His blessings will flow forth in your life. … read more
Seated in the Seat of the Learner by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeChristians have tried to explain why bad things happen, why they happen to good people, and why they happen in our own lives. In a message on the storms of life, Tony shares three biblical examples of why Jonah, the disciples, and Paul all encountered a terrible storm. Simply stated, Jonah’s storm was encountered because of disobedience, The Disciples’ in the midst of Jesus’ mandate to go to the other side (Mark 4:35-41), and Paul’s because of the decisions other people made that affected his life while on his way to trial in Rome (Acts 27). …read more