A Tale of Two Basins Tony Cooke There are two stories in the New Testament that occurred within twenty-four hours of each other, and they create an amazing contrast of two individuals, two life-styles, two attitudes, and two perspectives. About the only common denominator between these two stories is that they each involve a basin […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:232022-07-22 07:56:43A Tale of Two Basins by Tony Cooke
Humor Section There’s a story about a child psychologist who wanted to observe how different children respond to negative circumstances. They got a room and filled it with horse manure. Putting the pessimistic child in there, they observed how he responded. Predictably, he whined and cried, and despaired that he was in a room full […]
Taking Out the Garbage Rev. Tony Cooke Everyone’s trying to make it in life, aren’t they? A Woman’s Morning Prayer: “Dear Lord, so far today I am doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, grumbled, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. I have […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:222022-07-22 07:56:43Taking Out the Garbage
Tact and Diplomacy – Keys to Building (Not Burning) Bridges Rev. Tony Cooke A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 15:1-2 “Never cut what you can untie.” – Joseph Joubert A […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:222022-07-22 07:56:43Tact and Diplomacy by Tony Cooke
Awakening the Sleeping Giant At the end of two WWII movies, Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) and Pearl Harbor (2001), Isoroku Yamamoto, Admiral of the Japanese fleet, says of the attack, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” History bears out that his concern was […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:212022-07-22 07:56:42Awakening the Sleeping Giant By Tony Cooke
A Shepherd’s Heart Tony Cooke “A Shepherd’s Heart” is a term you’ll hear used from time to time, and what a beautiful expression it is. One of the most frequently used images in the early church was that of a shepherd with a lamb. I took the above picture at an exhibit that was set […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:202022-07-22 07:56:08A Shepherd’s Heart by Tony Cooke
To read Part One of this article, click here. Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity (Part 2) by Rev. Tony Cooke Last month, we introduced the topic of “Shallow Faith” and presented some of the myths about spiritual maturity. In particular, we identified three factors that don’t automatically or necessarily make a person spiritually […]
Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity by Tony Cooke I often hear spiritual leaders express concern about the lack of depth in peoples’ faith. Shallow Christianity is marked by the five C’s. It is CASUAL, not committed. It is based on CONVENIENCE, not on covenant. It knows COMFORT, but not the cross. It is […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:192022-07-22 07:56:08Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity by Tony Cooke
Seven Thoughts on Prayer Tony Cooke This article presents seven simple thoughts on prayer, and then shares insights from different individuals. I didn’t feel that a lot of explanation or amplification was needed on these. 1. Prayer is not a religious ritual. “Real prayer comes not from gritting our teeth, but from falling in love.” […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:182022-07-22 07:56:08Seven Thoughts on Prayer by Tony Cooke
Serving God: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask Tony Cooke One of the most common statements I hear from pastors pertains to the need for workers—for committed, reliable, and consistent volunteers. Every pastor’s dream is to have an overflowing army of eager, joyful volunteers. When I think of this, I am reminded of David’s words: […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:182022-07-22 07:56:08Serving God: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask
Don’t Sell Out Harry! By Tony Cooke A group of friends went deer hunting and paired off in two’s for the day. That night one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under an eight-point buck. “Where’s Harry?” “Harry had a stroke of some kind. He’s a couple of miles back up the trail.” “You left […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:172022-07-22 07:56:08Don’t Sell Out Harry by Tony Cooke
SEASONED OR POISONED? By Tony Cooke Have you ever noticed how many different stories and references there are in the Bible about God’s people encountering situations involving some type of poisoning? * Exodus 15 – God’s people encountered the bitter waters of Marah – The Lord showed Moses a tree – when it was cast […]
Reflections on Scandal Rev. Tony Cooke What happens when scandal hits the church? The following is not meant to be judgmental or condemning of any individual, but is simply meant to remind us of the seriousness of our Christian witness—especially for those in positions of leadership and responsibility in the church. I recently recalled the […]
Samson: Deliverer, Grinder, or Entertainer Tony Cooke Throughout history, God raised up various deliverers to get His people Israel out of bondage and other difficult situations. These deliverers experienced various levels of success, but the effect of their efforts was always limited and temporal. Many times a deliverer would be used by God to get […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:152022-07-22 07:56:07Samson: Deliverer, Grinder, or Entertainer by Tony Cooke
RSVP Tony Cooke We’ve all seen these initials. When you receive an invitation to a wedding or to some other type of formal event, these initials will likely be on the card. RSVP is derived from the French expression répondez s’il vous plaît, which means “Please Respond.” To honor such a request and to let […]
The Four Rivers of Eden Rev. Tony Cooke Like many people, I have a tendency to skim over lists of names in the Bible. Some time ago, though, I began wondering about the names of the rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:10-14 tells us that a river went out of […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:142022-07-22 07:56:07The Four Rivers of Eden
The Right to Think! by Tony Cooke New Testament leaders such as Jesus and Paul wanted believers to be thinkers. Specifically, they wanted them to think through issues scripturally. Paul did not say we were to be transformed by the removing of our minds, but by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)! In Isaiah […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:142022-07-22 07:56:07The Right to Think! by Tony Cooke
Relevance Without Compromise Rev. Tony Cooke These are notes to a message that Tony shared with a group of pastors at a conference in Pittsburgh in February of 2003. To order a copy of the CD, please Click Here. 1. THEY SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES (A Humorous Look at Witnessing) By Bob Cohen “Have you […]
Realistic Optimism Tony Cooke I recently submitted the manuscript of a brand new book – Through the Storms: Help from Heaven When All Hell Breaks Loose – to the publisher. This book will be available in late June. Chapter titles include: 1. Can’t I Just Have a Trouble-Free Life? 2. Jonah’s Storm 3. The Storm […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:122022-07-22 07:56:07Realistic Optimism by Tony Cooke
To Quench or Not to Quench? Tony Cooke There are two particular usages of the word “quench” in Paul’s writings that are very important in our walk with God. …taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:16) Do not quench […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:122022-07-22 07:56:06To Quench or Not to Quench? by Tony Cooke
What Does it Mean to be Qualified? Tony Cooke The following article is excerpted from the upcoming book, “Qualified: Serving God with Integrity and Finishing Your Course with Honor.” It will be released no later than July, but you can order your copy today! It has been said that “God does not call the qualified; […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:112022-07-22 07:56:06What Does it Mean to be Qualified?
Pure Religion Tony Cooke According to today’s politically correct and tolerant society, the last thing in the world a Christian should ever do is to state or imply that one person’s religion is better than another’s. We are supposed to embrace the idea that all religious expressions are equal and that all roads ultimately lead […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:112022-07-22 07:56:06Pure Religion by Tony Cooke
Pride and Spiritual Leadership Tony Cooke Spiritual leaders must be aware of and guard themselves against the intoxicating and devastating influence of pride, especially when experiencing success. Pride is insidious. It deceives the one infected, causing him to think "more" of himself, and "less" of God. • Pride was a major factor in Lucifer’s downfall. […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:102022-07-22 07:56:06Pride and Spiritual Leadership by Tony Cooke
Practical Lessons from the Trinity by Tony Cooke Having grown up in a mainline denominational church, I was used to hearing about the Trinity. Every Sunday as church was being dismissed, we sang the Doxology, which ended with the admonition, "Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." After decades of studying the Scripture, I am 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 19:01:092022-07-22 07:56:06Practical Lessons from the Trinity by Tony Cooke
The Power of Talking to Yourself Rev. Tony Cooke One of the reasons that Lisa and I love sharing the Word of God around the world is because it is the truth of His Word that changes lives. When people come to the knowledge of His Word, they are acquiring the tools and skills necessary […]
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2014-10-15 19:01:092022-07-22 07:56:05The Power of Talking To Yourself
A Tale of Two Basins by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA Tale of Two Basins Tony Cooke There are two stories in the New Testament that occurred within twenty-four hours of each other, and they create an amazing contrast of two individuals, two life-styles, two attitudes, and two perspectives. About the only common denominator between these two stories is that they each involve a basin […]
Humor Section
/in Humor Section /by Tony CookeHumor Section There’s a story about a child psychologist who wanted to observe how different children respond to negative circumstances. They got a room and filled it with horse manure. Putting the pessimistic child in there, they observed how he responded. Predictably, he whined and cried, and despaired that he was in a room full […]
Taking Out the Garbage
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTaking Out the Garbage Rev. Tony Cooke Everyone’s trying to make it in life, aren’t they? A Woman’s Morning Prayer: “Dear Lord, so far today I am doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, grumbled, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. I have […]
Tact and Diplomacy by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTact and Diplomacy – Keys to Building (Not Burning) Bridges Rev. Tony Cooke A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 15:1-2 “Never cut what you can untie.” – Joseph Joubert A […]
Awakening the Sleeping Giant By Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAwakening the Sleeping Giant At the end of two WWII movies, Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) and Pearl Harbor (2001), Isoroku Yamamoto, Admiral of the Japanese fleet, says of the attack, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” History bears out that his concern was […]
A Shepherd’s Heart by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA Shepherd’s Heart Tony Cooke “A Shepherd’s Heart” is a term you’ll hear used from time to time, and what a beautiful expression it is. One of the most frequently used images in the early church was that of a shepherd with a lamb. I took the above picture at an exhibit that was set […]
Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity (Part 2) by Rev. Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTo read Part One of this article, click here. Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity (Part 2) by Rev. Tony Cooke Last month, we introduced the topic of “Shallow Faith” and presented some of the myths about spiritual maturity. In particular, we identified three factors that don’t automatically or necessarily make a person spiritually […]
Shallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeShallow Faith – Myths About Spiritual Maturity by Tony Cooke I often hear spiritual leaders express concern about the lack of depth in peoples’ faith. Shallow Christianity is marked by the five C’s. It is CASUAL, not committed. It is based on CONVENIENCE, not on covenant. It knows COMFORT, but not the cross. It is […]
Seven Thoughts on Prayer by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSeven Thoughts on Prayer Tony Cooke This article presents seven simple thoughts on prayer, and then shares insights from different individuals. I didn’t feel that a lot of explanation or amplification was needed on these. 1. Prayer is not a religious ritual. “Real prayer comes not from gritting our teeth, but from falling in love.” […]
Serving God: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeServing God: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask Tony Cooke One of the most common statements I hear from pastors pertains to the need for workers—for committed, reliable, and consistent volunteers. Every pastor’s dream is to have an overflowing army of eager, joyful volunteers. When I think of this, I am reminded of David’s words: […]
Don’t Sell Out Harry by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeDon’t Sell Out Harry! By Tony Cooke A group of friends went deer hunting and paired off in two’s for the day. That night one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under an eight-point buck. “Where’s Harry?” “Harry had a stroke of some kind. He’s a couple of miles back up the trail.” “You left […]
Seasoned or Poisoned?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSEASONED OR POISONED? By Tony Cooke Have you ever noticed how many different stories and references there are in the Bible about God’s people encountering situations involving some type of poisoning? * Exodus 15 – God’s people encountered the bitter waters of Marah – The Lord showed Moses a tree – when it was cast […]
Reflections on Scandal
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeReflections on Scandal Rev. Tony Cooke What happens when scandal hits the church? The following is not meant to be judgmental or condemning of any individual, but is simply meant to remind us of the seriousness of our Christian witness—especially for those in positions of leadership and responsibility in the church. I recently recalled the […]
Samson: Deliverer, Grinder, or Entertainer by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSamson: Deliverer, Grinder, or Entertainer Tony Cooke Throughout history, God raised up various deliverers to get His people Israel out of bondage and other difficult situations. These deliverers experienced various levels of success, but the effect of their efforts was always limited and temporal. Many times a deliverer would be used by God to get […]
RSVP
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeRSVP Tony Cooke We’ve all seen these initials. When you receive an invitation to a wedding or to some other type of formal event, these initials will likely be on the card. RSVP is derived from the French expression répondez s’il vous plaît, which means “Please Respond.” To honor such a request and to let […]
The Four Rivers of Eden
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe Four Rivers of Eden Rev. Tony Cooke Like many people, I have a tendency to skim over lists of names in the Bible. Some time ago, though, I began wondering about the names of the rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:10-14 tells us that a river went out of […]
The Right to Think! by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe Right to Think! by Tony Cooke New Testament leaders such as Jesus and Paul wanted believers to be thinkers. Specifically, they wanted them to think through issues scripturally. Paul did not say we were to be transformed by the removing of our minds, but by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)! In Isaiah […]
Relevance Without Compromise
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeRelevance Without Compromise Rev. Tony Cooke These are notes to a message that Tony shared with a group of pastors at a conference in Pittsburgh in February of 2003. To order a copy of the CD, please Click Here. 1. THEY SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES (A Humorous Look at Witnessing) By Bob Cohen “Have you […]
Realistic Optimism by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeRealistic Optimism Tony Cooke I recently submitted the manuscript of a brand new book – Through the Storms: Help from Heaven When All Hell Breaks Loose – to the publisher. This book will be available in late June. Chapter titles include: 1. Can’t I Just Have a Trouble-Free Life? 2. Jonah’s Storm 3. The Storm […]
To Quench or Not to Quench? by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTo Quench or Not to Quench? Tony Cooke There are two particular usages of the word “quench” in Paul’s writings that are very important in our walk with God. …taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:16) Do not quench […]
What Does it Mean to be Qualified?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWhat Does it Mean to be Qualified? Tony Cooke The following article is excerpted from the upcoming book, “Qualified: Serving God with Integrity and Finishing Your Course with Honor.” It will be released no later than July, but you can order your copy today! It has been said that “God does not call the qualified; […]
Pure Religion by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookePure Religion Tony Cooke According to today’s politically correct and tolerant society, the last thing in the world a Christian should ever do is to state or imply that one person’s religion is better than another’s. We are supposed to embrace the idea that all religious expressions are equal and that all roads ultimately lead […]
Pride and Spiritual Leadership by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookePride and Spiritual Leadership Tony Cooke Spiritual leaders must be aware of and guard themselves against the intoxicating and devastating influence of pride, especially when experiencing success. Pride is insidious. It deceives the one infected, causing him to think "more" of himself, and "less" of God. • Pride was a major factor in Lucifer’s downfall. […]
Practical Lessons from the Trinity by Tony Cooke
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookePractical Lessons from the Trinity by Tony Cooke Having grown up in a mainline denominational church, I was used to hearing about the Trinity. Every Sunday as church was being dismissed, we sang the Doxology, which ended with the admonition, "Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." After decades of studying the Scripture, I am more […]
The Power of Talking To Yourself
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe Power of Talking to Yourself Rev. Tony Cooke One of the reasons that Lisa and I love sharing the Word of God around the world is because it is the truth of His Word that changes lives. When people come to the knowledge of His Word, they are acquiring the tools and skills necessary […]