We hear periodically about how ministers can get discouraged, even overwhelmed at times. And it sure is a good thing for all of us to have friends and people we can turn to in really difficult times. In that sense, we need to be our brother’s keeper!… read more
I recently had a great time teaching (online) third-year students at Rhema Brazil on “The Ministry of the Teacher.” My sessions totaled five hours (which is more than I had ever taught on that specific topic before), so I did some study and research to make sure I had plenty of material. This was not only enjoyable, but it was also challenging to me personally. … read more
Years ago, I received a call from a nurse at a local public elementary school. She was asking if I could help with a situation. When asked for the name of the family physician, the parents of a new student had written “Doctor Jesus” on the form… … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/could-be-used-in-multiple-situations.jpg13332000Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-03-02 09:34:522021-08-03 07:01:16Let’s Not Be a Stumbling Block
As ministers, a constant focus should be to make sure that what we are sharing is genuinely connecting with our listeners. This is more than simply asking, “Is my doctrine solid?” and “Are my points good?” Those have to do with us, but much of effective communication has to do with our hearers, and this brings us to two vital issues: (1) Do we really know our audience? and (2) Are we really connecting with them? … read more
2021 has come and with it, all the unknowns of a new year. The world learned in 2020 that things can change very quickly, sometimes without warning. I learned that there are hidden treasures tucked within difficult times, reminding us that God is faithful. What, of all the things we learned in 2020, will we be bringing with us into 2021? … read more
A mere forty-one days before his assassination, Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address. His speech contained 701 words and took less than five minutes to deliver. Amazingly, it was longer than his Gettysburg address, which had only 272 words and was delivered in less than three minutes. Perhaps there is a great lesson here for public speakers, but I will leave it unsaid lest I indict myself. … read more
One of the Bible teachers that Brother Hagin referenced frequently when he was teaching along the lines of spiritual and ministry gifts was the British minister, Donald Gee (1891-1966). Known for depth, simplicity, and balance, Gee was an important voice for the Pentecostal movement in the Twentieth Century, and what he taught then is still powerful and relevant today. … read more
With the possible exception of 1988 (88 reasons why Jesus was supposed to come back then), I don’t think I’ve seen a season where more emphasis has been placed on “predictive prophecies” than I have this year (2020). The difference is that this year, it is not just the stir from a single person making a prediction, but it seems like a plethora of voices are predicting things in the name of “The Spirit told me.” As a Bible teacher, it concerns me when I seem to see more emphasis on “What does prophet so-and-so say?” as opposed to “What does the Bible say?” … read more
I am no sports analyst, but I’ve seen several games, especially in basketball, where a team gets overly cautious, and instead of playing to win, they simply begin playing not to lose. Usually this happens late in the game and often coincides with a surge of momentum and increased effort from the opposing team. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-01-18 15:51:442021-01-18 15:52:23Going on the Offensive
2020 has been an unsettling and disconcerting year for many, and yet it has also been a time of great grace being poured out by God. There is nothing that this world can throw at us that is more powerful than God’s ability! In the last half of the year, I have shared at several events for leaders, and I have encouraged pastors and other ministers to consider the events this year in three perspectives: global, historical, and eternal. … read more
As you read each of the letters, imagine what it would be like to have been one of the pastors of the seven churches. Jesus Christ, the head of the church, communicates a letter to you through the legendary apostle John. It will be your responsibility to faithfully represent Jesus in stewarding that message and helping the congregation receive and apply all that the Lord has communicated. An ambassador is not assigned to a foreign land to share his or her own opinions, but to accurately represent the commissioning government. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-01-18 15:38:122021-01-18 15:38:12Jesus and His Messengers
Someone just recently asked me if I felt we are living in the age of the Laodicean church. As you probably recall, Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) was one of the seven churches Jesus spoke to through John when the aged apostle was exiled on the island of Patmos. Many people remember that church as one that Jesus described as extremely lukewarm. In short, my answer is “no,” but the topic is worth exploring. I see nothing in Scripture to indicate that there are seven different or distinct church ages. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-01-18 15:28:192021-01-18 15:28:19The Age of Laodicea?
Two emotions—fear and anger—have been running rampant across our nation and have now reached a fevered pitch. For some, fear has turned to panic, and anger has turned to rage. Many seem to be at each other’s throats, and the words of some exude venom and vitriol. We witnessed months of rioting in many cities throughout the summer, and now the hatred being expressed in our nation’s capital has brought further angst and agitation to the populace. The purpose of this article is not so much to analyze current happenings in our country but to try and obtain a few lessons from what happened around 2000 years ago in ancient Ephesus. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2021-01-18 15:08:562021-01-18 15:14:15The Anatomy of a Riot
It is quite common for someone to ask for agreement in prayer that they will receive a good report when they visit the doctor for an examination concerning symptoms they have been experiencing. I will not say we can never do this. I will say this is prayer with the wrong focus and it puts faith in a realm where it is not intended to function. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-10-08 23:19:452020-12-05 08:28:15A Good Report from Your Doctor
Na entrada da igreja Good News em Moscou, há uma grande placa que expressa a gratidão aos parceiros que ajudaram a tornar aquele estabelecimento maravilhoso em realidade. Cada vez que entramos e saímos do prédio durante minha visita mais recente, Rick Renner parava e colocava suas mãos sobre aquela placa. Ele fazia um breve agradecimento a Deus por seus parceiros e orava para que Ele que os abençoasse. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-08-06 21:13:462020-12-11 09:16:06Ninguém Consegue Fazer Sozinho de Tony Cooke
As numerous voices began calling for the defunding of police across our nation, I was reminded of a time when soldiers came to John the Baptist (in the light of his preaching of repentance) and asked what they should do. Interestingly, John did not tell them that they belonged to a corrupt profession and that they should all resign. … read more
Did you ever notice that the Bible makes absolutely no attempt to “sanitize” the history of its key figures? The sins of Moses, David, Paul, etc., are on full display in Scripture. It is very clear that Jesus alone is sinless and worthy (Rev 5:1-5). He came into a sin-sick world to bring redemption and forgiveness. … read more
Two decades ago, I preached in a nation that has long been known as a hot spot for animosity, conflict, and violence between two specific people groups. The church that hosted me was made up of people from what I will simply call social group A. It was interesting because the people were born again, and yet culturally … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-08-06 19:48:112020-12-11 09:07:48Thoughts on Human Hatred
Years ago, there was a movie called Pay It Forward where a young boy attempts to change the world with one idea. The idea was not just to pay back a favor to someone who had helped you, but to pay it forward with good deeds done to new people. Jesus’ idea to change the world was to commission his followers to go into the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-08-06 19:42:572020-10-08 23:17:25The Power of Church Planting by Lance Fricke
The Great Shepherd provided pastoral care not only in the temple and in syngogues, but along the dusty streets of Galilee as well. Wherever there was trauma, drama, or unexpected and sudden pain, you would find Jesus. The Master is my motivation and model for Police Chaplain Ministry. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-08-06 19:35:202020-12-11 08:56:26Why We Serve as Police Chaplains: Three Perspectives
Yes, that is a photo of me from the Spring of 2020. Someone is obviously in transition to a new normal! I recently heard a news commentator say, “I’m so tired of hearing the phrase ‘new normal.’” Nearly everyone in the world (the only exception being Antarctica I read) has been challenged with the need to embrace new normals as we endeavor to protect each other from a disease that surprised us. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2020-08-06 18:38:032023-04-10 14:47:42Transitions by Lisa Cooke
If you are a basketball fan, you know exactly what a full court press is. It brings a noticeable intensity to all that is happening on the court. If you are not a basketball afficionado, let me paint a picture for you, because I believe the “full court press” is a powerful analogy to what is happening in many peoples’ lives today. When a team scores in basketball, the other team takes the ball out of bounds and passes it back in so they can bring it to the other side of the court where they will hopefully score also. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-08-06 18:25:182020-12-11 08:50:07How Are You Handling the Full Court Press?
The Holy Spirit appoints pastors to the local church to oversee its operation, and He gives the vision for the church to them. It is then the pastor’s responsibility before God to steer the church in that direction. He has the God-given authority to govern it. The pastor is to maintain control over every ministry of the local church. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-06-25 10:53:532021-06-25 12:44:47Balanced Pastoral Authority by Edwin Anderson
Existem muitas implicações morais, éticas e práticas no que a Bíblia ensina, mas o cerne do envolvimento de Deus em nossas vidas é a presença e o poder do Espírito Santo. Há descrições no Novo Testamento de como o Espírito Santo trabalha na vida de um crente – um trabalho que verdadeiramente se inicia antes mesmo de tomarmos consciência da fé. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-05-13 11:06:112020-05-13 11:06:11Uma vida sobrenatural de Tony Cooke
There has always existed, within the framework of church history, two extreme views regarding the role of tongues in public worship services. Unfortunately, in both their theological positions and practice, churches have tended to swing to either one extreme or the other. My assessment on the matter comes from over three decades of ministry in the capacities of a church planter, pastor, and teacher of biblical languages. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2020-05-13 09:13:132020-10-08 23:28:14The Role of Tongues in the Local Church by Keith Trump
Keeping Your Soul Whole
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWe hear periodically about how ministers can get discouraged, even overwhelmed at times. And it sure is a good thing for all of us to have friends and people we can turn to in really difficult times. In that sense, we need to be our brother’s keeper!… read more
Toward Better Teaching
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI recently had a great time teaching (online) third-year students at Rhema Brazil on “The Ministry of the Teacher.” My sessions totaled five hours (which is more than I had ever taught on that specific topic before), so I did some study and research to make sure I had plenty of material. This was not only enjoyable, but it was also challenging to me personally. … read more
Let’s Not Be a Stumbling Block
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeYears ago, I received a call from a nurse at a local public elementary school. She was asking if I could help with a situation. When asked for the name of the family physician, the parents of a new student had written “Doctor Jesus” on the form… … read more
Improving our Communication Skills
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAs ministers, a constant focus should be to make sure that what we are sharing is genuinely connecting with our listeners. This is more than simply asking, “Is my doctrine solid?” and “Are my points good?” Those have to do with us, but much of effective communication has to do with our hearers, and this brings us to two vital issues: (1) Do we really know our audience? and (2) Are we really connecting with them? … read more
Where Christ Is
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa Cooke2021 has come and with it, all the unknowns of a new year. The world learned in 2020 that things can change very quickly, sometimes without warning. I learned that there are hidden treasures tucked within difficult times, reminding us that God is faithful. What, of all the things we learned in 2020, will we be bringing with us into 2021? … read more
With Malice Toward None
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeA mere forty-one days before his assassination, Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address. His speech contained 701 words and took less than five minutes to deliver. Amazingly, it was longer than his Gettysburg address, which had only 272 words and was delivered in less than three minutes. Perhaps there is a great lesson here for public speakers, but I will leave it unsaid lest I indict myself. … read more
Predictive Prophecy, Part 2
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeOne of the Bible teachers that Brother Hagin referenced frequently when he was teaching along the lines of spiritual and ministry gifts was the British minister, Donald Gee (1891-1966). Known for depth, simplicity, and balance, Gee was an important voice for the Pentecostal movement in the Twentieth Century, and what he taught then is still powerful and relevant today. … read more
Predictive Prophecy, Part 1
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeWith the possible exception of 1988 (88 reasons why Jesus was supposed to come back then), I don’t think I’ve seen a season where more emphasis has been placed on “predictive prophecies” than I have this year (2020). The difference is that this year, it is not just the stir from a single person making a prediction, but it seems like a plethora of voices are predicting things in the name of “The Spirit told me.” As a Bible teacher, it concerns me when I seem to see more emphasis on “What does prophet so-and-so say?” as opposed to “What does the Bible say?” … read more
Going on the Offensive
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeI am no sports analyst, but I’ve seen several games, especially in basketball, where a team gets overly cautious, and instead of playing to win, they simply begin playing not to lose. Usually this happens late in the game and often coincides with a surge of momentum and increased effort from the opposing team. … read more
Unimaginable Grace
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony Cooke2020 has been an unsettling and disconcerting year for many, and yet it has also been a time of great grace being poured out by God. There is nothing that this world can throw at us that is more powerful than God’s ability! In the last half of the year, I have shared at several events for leaders, and I have encouraged pastors and other ministers to consider the events this year in three perspectives: global, historical, and eternal. … read more
Jesus and His Messengers
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAs you read each of the letters, imagine what it would be like to have been one of the pastors of the seven churches. Jesus Christ, the head of the church, communicates a letter to you through the legendary apostle John. It will be your responsibility to faithfully represent Jesus in stewarding that message and helping the congregation receive and apply all that the Lord has communicated. An ambassador is not assigned to a foreign land to share his or her own opinions, but to accurately represent the commissioning government. … read more
The Age of Laodicea?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSomeone just recently asked me if I felt we are living in the age of the Laodicean church. As you probably recall, Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) was one of the seven churches Jesus spoke to through John when the aged apostle was exiled on the island of Patmos. Many people remember that church as one that Jesus described as extremely lukewarm. In short, my answer is “no,” but the topic is worth exploring. I see nothing in Scripture to indicate that there are seven different or distinct church ages. … read more
The Anatomy of a Riot
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTwo emotions—fear and anger—have been running rampant across our nation and have now reached a fevered pitch. For some, fear has turned to panic, and anger has turned to rage. Many seem to be at each other’s throats, and the words of some exude venom and vitriol. We witnessed months of rioting in many cities throughout the summer, and now the hatred being expressed in our nation’s capital has brought further angst and agitation to the populace. The purpose of this article is not so much to analyze current happenings in our country but to try and obtain a few lessons from what happened around 2000 years ago in ancient Ephesus. … read more
A Good Report from Your Doctor
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeIt is quite common for someone to ask for agreement in prayer that they will receive a good report when they visit the doctor for an examination concerning symptoms they have been experiencing. I will not say we can never do this. I will say this is prayer with the wrong focus and it puts faith in a realm where it is not intended to function. … read more
Ninguém Consegue Fazer Sozinho de Tony Cooke
/in Articles in Portuguese /by Tony CookeNa entrada da igreja Good News em Moscou, há uma grande placa que expressa a gratidão aos parceiros que ajudaram a tornar aquele estabelecimento maravilhoso em realidade. Cada vez que entramos e saímos do prédio durante minha visita mais recente, Rick Renner parava e colocava suas mãos sobre aquela placa. Ele fazia um breve agradecimento a Deus por seus parceiros e orava para que Ele que os abençoasse. … read more
Defund the Police?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAs numerous voices began calling for the defunding of police across our nation, I was reminded of a time when soldiers came to John the Baptist (in the light of his preaching of repentance) and asked what they should do. Interestingly, John did not tell them that they belonged to a corrupt profession and that they should all resign. … read more
Erasing Sinners?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeDid you ever notice that the Bible makes absolutely no attempt to “sanitize” the history of its key figures? The sins of Moses, David, Paul, etc., are on full display in Scripture. It is very clear that Jesus alone is sinless and worthy (Rev 5:1-5). He came into a sin-sick world to bring redemption and forgiveness. … read more
Thoughts on Human Hatred
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeTwo decades ago, I preached in a nation that has long been known as a hot spot for animosity, conflict, and violence between two specific people groups. The church that hosted me was made up of people from what I will simply call social group A. It was interesting because the people were born again, and yet culturally … read more
The Power of Church Planting by Lance Fricke
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeYears ago, there was a movie called Pay It Forward where a young boy attempts to change the world with one idea. The idea was not just to pay back a favor to someone who had helped you, but to pay it forward with good deeds done to new people. Jesus’ idea to change the world was to commission his followers to go into the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). … read more
Why We Serve as Police Chaplains: Three Perspectives
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe Great Shepherd provided pastoral care not only in the temple and in syngogues, but along the dusty streets of Galilee as well. Wherever there was trauma, drama, or unexpected and sudden pain, you would find Jesus. The Master is my motivation and model for Police Chaplain Ministry. … read more
Transitions by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeYes, that is a photo of me from the Spring of 2020. Someone is obviously in transition to a new normal! I recently heard a news commentator say, “I’m so tired of hearing the phrase ‘new normal.’” Nearly everyone in the world (the only exception being Antarctica I read) has been challenged with the need to embrace new normals as we endeavor to protect each other from a disease that surprised us. … read more
How Are You Handling the Full Court Press?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIf you are a basketball fan, you know exactly what a full court press is. It brings a noticeable intensity to all that is happening on the court. If you are not a basketball afficionado, let me paint a picture for you, because I believe the “full court press” is a powerful analogy to what is happening in many peoples’ lives today. When a team scores in basketball, the other team takes the ball out of bounds and passes it back in so they can bring it to the other side of the court where they will hopefully score also. … read more
Balanced Pastoral Authority by Edwin Anderson
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe Holy Spirit appoints pastors to the local church to oversee its operation, and He gives the vision for the church to them. It is then the pastor’s responsibility before God to steer the church in that direction. He has the God-given authority to govern it. The pastor is to maintain control over every ministry of the local church. … read more
Uma vida sobrenatural de Tony Cooke
/in Articles in Portuguese /by Tony CookeExistem muitas implicações morais, éticas e práticas no que a Bíblia ensina, mas o cerne do envolvimento de Deus em nossas vidas é a presença e o poder do Espírito Santo. Há descrições no Novo Testamento de como o Espírito Santo trabalha na vida de um crente – um trabalho que verdadeiramente se inicia antes mesmo de tomarmos consciência da fé. … read more
The Role of Tongues in the Local Church by Keith Trump
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThere has always existed, within the framework of church history, two extreme views regarding the role of tongues in public worship services. Unfortunately, in both their theological positions and practice, churches have tended to swing to either one extreme or the other. My assessment on the matter comes from over three decades of ministry in the capacities of a church planter, pastor, and teacher of biblical languages. … read more