Unless you are expert in one of the biblical languages, you may have felt the tension. - How on earth is that word really pronounced? - What if there’s someone in the congregation who really knows the Greek language and my definition of a word isn’t exactly right? - Will people really benefit if I refer to the Greek, or am I secretly trying to impress people? - What are some basic steps I can take to improve my understanding and use of biblical languages?  A long-time friend, Keith Trump is expert in Greek and Hebrew, and in this interview, he shares many practical and helpful tips for those of us who are not students of the biblical languages. Included in this interview is a discussion on typical mistakes preachers make when referring to the Greek and Hebrew.  You can learn more about Keith’s ministry by visiting www.trumpofgod.org and www.gettinggreek.org  You can also check out two of Keith’s articles on Tony’s website by visiting: www.tonycooke.org/articles-by-others/four-methods-mishandling-greek and www.tonycooke.org/articles-by-others/logos-rhema.

Unless you are expert in one of the biblical languages, you may have felt the tension. - How on earth is that word really pronounced? - What if there’s someone in the congregation who really knows the Greek language and my definition of a word isn’t exactly right? - Will people really benefit if I refer to the Greek, or am I secretly trying to impress people? - What are some basic steps I can take to improve my understanding and use of biblical languages? A long-time friend, Keith Trump is expert in Greek and Hebrew, and in this interview, he shares many practical and helpful tips for those of us who are not students of the biblical languages. Included in this interview is a discussion on typical mistakes preachers make when referring to the Greek and Hebrew. You can learn more about Keith’s ministry by visiting <a href="http://www.trumpofgod.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.trumpofgod.org</a> and <a href="https://www.gettinggreek.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.gettinggreek.org</a> You can also check out two of Keith’s articles on Tony’s website by visiting: <a href="http://www.tonycooke.org/articles-by-others/four-methods-mishandling-greek" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tonycooke.org/articles-by-others/four-methods-mishandling-greek</a> and <a href="http://www.tonycooke.org/articles-by-others/logos-rhema" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tonycooke.org/articles-by-others/logos-rhema</a>.

Before You Cite “The Original Greek”|(feat. Keith Trump)|About Biblical Languages

Tim Gilligan

Tim and Alicia Gilligan founded Meadowbrook Church (www.mbcocala.com) of Ocala in 1989, with an urgent desire to minister to the people of Central Florida. Three decades later, they continue to practically and passionately share the truth of God’s word. Tim earned his BA in Theology and Ministry from Sterling College, a Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University, and his Doctor of Ministry from AGTS. In this interview, Tim shares on the topic of “Preaching that Connects.”

Tim and Alicia Gilligan founded Meadowbrook Church (<a href="http://www.mbcocala.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.mbcocala.com</a>) of Ocala in 1989, with an urgent desire to minister to the people of Central Florida. Three decades later, they continue to practically and passionately share the truth of God’s word. Tim earned his BA in Theology and Ministry from Sterling College, a Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University, and his Doctor of Ministry from AGTS. In this interview, Tim shares on the topic of “Preaching that Connects.”

Preaching That Connects - An Interview with Tim Gilligan

Joe Purcell

Joe Purcell (www.joepurcell.org) and his wife Mary, have served as resident missionaries in Asia for more than thirty years, preaching, teaching, pastoring, and planting Bible schools and churches. Before entering ministry, Joe earned a Juris Doctor degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and was involved in a private law practice for fourteen years. He then attended Rhema Bible Training Center and entered full-time, Christian ministry. While continuing in ministry, Joe earned two advanced degrees from Knox Theological Seminary: a Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies (2017) and a Doctor of Ministry Degree (2023). During these decades, Joe has trained ministers and Bible students in numerous countries including Russia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Nepal. More recently, Joe has begun teaching indigenous pastors in Southeast Asia and India how to preach Christ from all Scripture.

Joe Purcell (<a href="https://www.joepurcell.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.joepurcell.org</a>) and his wife Mary, have served as resident missionaries in Asia for more than thirty years, preaching, teaching, pastoring, and planting Bible schools and churches. Before entering ministry, Joe earned a Juris Doctor degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and was involved in a private law practice for fourteen years. He then attended Rhema Bible Training Center and entered full-time, Christian ministry. While continuing in ministry, Joe earned two advanced degrees from Knox Theological Seminary: a Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies (2017) and a Doctor of Ministry Degree (2023). During these decades, Joe has trained ministers and Bible students in numerous countries including Russia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Nepal. More recently, Joe has begun teaching indigenous pastors in Southeast Asia and India how to preach Christ from all Scripture.

Preaching Christ from All the Scripture - An Interview with Joe Purcell

Terry Roberts

I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Pastor Terry Roberts (Warrenton, MO) regarding his visit to the Asbury Revival in Kentucky. Terry is well acquainted with Asbury, having earned a Doctor of Ministry degree there in church planting. Terry and his wife, Becky, visited Asbury on the weekend of February 18-19, 2023, and he shares tremendous insights about what he observed. You will not only benefit from his thoughts on the current events there, but what we discussed about various aspects of revivals throughout history.

I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Pastor Terry Roberts (Warrenton, MO) regarding his visit to the Asbury Revival in Kentucky. Terry is well acquainted with Asbury, having earned a Doctor of Ministry degree there in church planting. Terry and his wife, Becky, visited Asbury on the weekend of February 18-19, 2023, and he shares tremendous insights about what he observed. You will not only benefit from his thoughts on the current events there, but what we discussed about various aspects of revivals throughout history.

Perspectives on the Asbury Revival (feat. Terry Roberts)

Alex McFarland

When I was teaching Church History at Charis recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Alex McFarland. After sharing his testimony and background (which included working for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Focus on the Family), he shares some outstanding information about Christian Apologetics.   Alex McFarland is a Christian apologist, author, evangelist, religion and culture analyst, and advocate for biblical truth. He has preached in over 2,200 churches throughout North America and numerous more internationally. He also speaks at Christian events, conferences, debates, and other venues to teach biblical truths and preach the gospel. https://alexmcfarland.com/

When I was teaching Church History at Charis recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Alex McFarland. After sharing his testimony and background (which included working for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Focus on the Family), he shares some outstanding information about Christian Apologetics.   Alex McFarland is a Christian apologist, author, evangelist, religion and culture analyst, and advocate for biblical truth. He has preached in over 2,200 churches throughout North America and numerous more internationally. He also speaks at Christian events, conferences, debates, and other venues to teach biblical truths and preach the gospel. <a href="https://alexmcfarland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://alexmcfarland.com/</a>

Special Interview with Christian Apologist, Alex McFarland

You know how we have to check our engines every once and a while? To make sure that our vehicles are fine tuned and ready for regular use? Rev. Tony Cooke tells us about how we need to have a peace check. As he teaches us how to do so, we learn that we can walk in peace, even while in the midst of a storm. 

You know how we have to check our engines every once and a while? To make sure that our vehicles are fine tuned and ready for regular use? Rev. Tony Cooke tells us about how we need to have a peace check. As he teaches us how to do so, we learn that we can walk in peace, even while in the midst of a storm.

Peace Check

Tony Cooke

AWMI Conference Session 3 - Tony Cooke

AWMI Conference Session 2 - Tony Cooke

AWMI Conference Session 1 - Tony Cooke

No matter the challenges, troubles, or losses you may face in life, you have a hope that will not be denied summed up in five simple words: The Lord Is My Shepherd. These words from the cherished 23rd Psalm are why you are never alone, never without help, and never without hope! In Because the Lord is My Shepherd…, respected author and teacher Tony Cooke explores the meaning and significance of the 12 powerful blessings of following the Great Shepherd: Provision • Rest • Peace • Restoration • Guidance • Security • Comfort • Sustenance • Anointing • Abundance • Confidence • Union

No matter the challenges, troubles, or losses you may face in life, you have a hope that will not be denied summed up in five simple words: The Lord Is My Shepherd. These words from the cherished 23rd Psalm are why you are never alone, never without help, and never without hope! In Because the Lord is My Shepherd…, respected author and teacher Tony Cooke explores the meaning and significance of the 12 powerful blessings of following the Great Shepherd: Provision • Rest • Peace • Restoration • Guidance • Security • Comfort • Sustenance • Anointing • Abundance • Confidence • Union

Because the Lord is My Shepherd - Part 5

No matter the challenges, troubles, or losses you may face in life, you have a hope that will not be denied summed up in five simple words: The Lord Is My Shepherd. These words from the cherished 23rd Psalm are why you are never alone, never without help, and never without hope! In Because the Lord is My Shepherd…, respected author and teacher Tony Cooke explores the meaning and significance of the 12 powerful blessings of following the Great Shepherd: Provision • Rest • Peace • Restoration • Guidance • Security • Comfort • Sustenance • Anointing • Abundance • Confidence • Union

No matter the challenges, troubles, or losses you may face in life, you have a hope that will not be denied summed up in five simple words: The Lord Is My Shepherd. These words from the cherished 23rd Psalm are why you are never alone, never without help, and never without hope! In Because the Lord is My Shepherd…, respected author and teacher Tony Cooke explores the meaning and significance of the 12 powerful blessings of following the Great Shepherd: Provision • Rest • Peace • Restoration • Guidance • Security • Comfort • Sustenance • Anointing • Abundance • Confidence • Union

Because the Lord is My Shepherd - Part 4

No matter the challenges, troubles, or losses you may face in life, you have a hope that will not be denied summed up in five simple words: The Lord Is My Shepherd. These words from the cherished 23rd Psalm are why you are never alone, never without help, and never without hope! In Because the Lord is My Shepherd…, respected author and teacher Tony Cooke explores the meaning and significance of the 12 powerful blessings of following the Great Shepherd: Provision • Rest • Peace • Restoration • Guidance • Security • Comfort • Sustenance • Anointing • Abundance • Confidence • Union

Because the Lord is My Shepherd - Part 3

Because the Lord is My Shepherd - Part 2

Because the Lord is My Shepherd - Part 1

Tony interviewed Virgil Stokes, Founding Pastor of Faith Christian Fellowship in Tucson, about the pastoral transition that he and his long-time associate, John Smith, went through this past February. Both Virgil and John share great insights and wisdom about how they prepared their church and leadership team for the transition, and how they made it work.

A Story of Pastoral Transition

Rev. Cooke recently had the privilege of ministering at Rhema Bible Church in Broken Arrow, OK. In the evening service he shared an important message on how our relationship with people affects our relationship with God.

Rev. Cooke recently had the privilege of ministering at Rhema Bible Church in Broken Arrow, OK. In the evening service he shared an important message on how our relationship with people affects our relationship with God.

Loving God, Loving People

I recently had the privilege of teaching at Rhema Bible Church, where I served on staff with Pastor Kenneth and Lynette Hagin for more than eighteen years. I shared a message on resurrection life from my book, Lift: Experiencing the Elevated Life.

I recently had the privilege of teaching at Rhema Bible Church, where I served on staff with Pastor Kenneth and Lynette Hagin for more than eighteen years. I shared a message on resurrection life from my book, Lift: Experiencing the Elevated Life.

Experiencing Resurrection Life Today

Mark and his wife, Amy, pastor Life Church in Boise, ID. Tony was recently with them for a Wednesday evening service and for two evenings of their Bible School classes. Tony was so impressed with the vibrancy and dynamic nature of what he saw, that he interviewed Mark about their strategies and approach to doing church.

Mark and his wife, Amy, pastor <a href="http://www.lcboise.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Life Church in Boise, ID</a>. Tony was recently with them for a Wednesday evening service and for two evenings of their Bible School classes. Tony was so impressed with the vibrancy and dynamic nature of what he saw, that he interviewed Mark about their strategies and approach to doing church.

What's Making the Church in Boise Work?

The book, Life After Death – Rediscovering Life After the Loss of a Loved One, has brought help and comfort to thousands of readers. Not only has this book encouraged those grieving the loss of a loved one, but it has also helped believers recognize their own glorious destiny and to stand in awe of the heaven that awaits us. In this 3-part audio series, the author reads three of the most powerful chapters:  Freedom from the Fear of Death Heaven: The Believer’s Hope Scriptures of Comfort and Strength  For this episode, you'll be listening to Heaven: The Believer’s Hope. As you listen to the reading of these chapters, we believe that the comfort of the Holy Spirit will touch your life, your faith will grow, and your hope will abound.

The book, <a href="https://www.tonycooke.org/store/books/life-after-death/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Life After Death – Rediscovering Life After the Loss of a Loved One</a>, has brought help and comfort to thousands of readers. Not only has this book encouraged those grieving the loss of a loved one, but it has also helped believers recognize their own glorious destiny and to stand in awe of the heaven that awaits us. In this 3-part audio series, the author reads three of the most powerful chapters: <ul> <li>Freedom from the Fear of Death</li> <li>Heaven: The Believer’s Hope</li> <li>Scriptures of Comfort and Strength</li> </ul> For this episode, you'll be listening to Heaven: The Believer’s Hope. As you listen to the reading of these chapters, we believe that the comfort of the Holy Spirit will touch your life, your faith will grow, and your hope will abound.

Heaven: The Believer’s Hope 

The book, Life After Death – Rediscovering Life After the Loss of a Loved One, has brought help and comfort to thousands of readers. Not only has this book encouraged those grieving the loss of a loved one, but it has also helped believers recognize their own glorious destiny and to stand in awe of the heaven that awaits us. In this 3-part audio series, the author reads three of the most powerful chapters:  Freedom from the Fear of Death Heaven: The Believer’s Hope Scriptures of Comfort and Strength  For this episode, you'll be listening to Freedom from the Fear of Death. As you listen to the reading of these chapters, we believe that the comfort of the Holy Spirit will touch your life, your faith will grow, and your hope will abound.

The book, <a href="https://www.tonycooke.org/store/books/life-after-death/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Life After Death – Rediscovering Life After the Loss of a Loved One</a>, has brought help and comfort to thousands of readers. Not only has this book encouraged those grieving the loss of a loved one, but it has also helped believers recognize their own glorious destiny and to stand in awe of the heaven that awaits us. In this 3-part audio series, the author reads three of the most powerful chapters: <ul> <li>Freedom from the Fear of Death</li> <li>Heaven: The Believer’s Hope</li> <li>Scriptures of Comfort and Strength</li> </ul> For this episode, you'll be listening to Freedom from the Fear of Death. As you listen to the reading of these chapters, we believe that the comfort of the Holy Spirit will touch your life, your faith will grow, and your hope will abound.

Freedom from the Fear of Death

Rev Cooke is a great inspiration and blessing to my life and that of my family. This Podcast is a tremendous treasure to our life personally and that of our organization.

So Thankful for these great resources

Timely Words by Tony Cooke

Are pastors preparing for or ready for retirement financially? Indications are that most are not. This audio interview is a “must-listen” for pastors of all ages as well as church board members. How can churches and pastors prepare for the pastor’s retirement, and what can be done if adequate preparation has not occurred?

Are pastors preparing for or ready for retirement financially? Indications are that most are not. This audio interview is a “must-listen” for pastors of all ages as well as church board members. How can churches and pastors prepare for the pastor’s retirement, and what can be done if adequate preparation has not occurred?

The Big-T (Transition)

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.

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.

A Duty to Warn?

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.” One year, his star center, Bill Walton, decided that he did not want to observe Coach Wooden’s guidelines regarding hair. “You don’t have the right to tell me I have to wear my hair shorter and not have facial hair,” Walton told him. Coach Wooden responded, “You’re correct, Bill, I don’t have that right. I just have the right to determine who’s going to play. We’re going to miss you, Bill.” Walton immediately got a hair cut, shaved, and came directly back to practice. Today, many would consider John Wooden old-fashioned and out of date, but he believed that the game was bigger than any one player, and he believed that each player represented more than just himself. Read this article by Tony 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.” One year, his star center, Bill Walton, decided that he did not want to observe Coach Wooden’s guidelines regarding hair. “You don’t have the right to tell me I have to wear my hair shorter and not have facial hair,” Walton told him. Coach Wooden responded, “You’re correct, Bill, I don’t have that right. I just have the right to determine who’s going to play. We’re going to miss you, Bill.” Walton immediately got a hair cut, shaved, and came directly back to practice. Today, many would consider John Wooden old-fashioned and out of date, but he believed that the game was bigger than any one player, and he believed that each player represented more than just himself. <a href="https://www.tonycooke.org/articles-by-tony-cooke/six-times-jesus-coached/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Read this article by Tony Cooke</a>

Six Times Jesus Coached His Team

In recent months, there has been an absolute explosion of allegations of sexual harassment and improper sexual conduct in the government, in media, and entertainment industries. What are we to make of all this? Two seasoned professional Christian counselors weigh in about what is happening in society at large, and what Christian leaders need to know to promote godly and ethical standards of conduct. Listen to the interview.

In recent months, there has been an absolute explosion of allegations of sexual harassment and improper sexual conduct in the government, in media, and entertainment industries. What are we to make of all this? Two seasoned professional Christian counselors weigh in about what is happening in society at large, and what Christian leaders need to know to promote godly and ethical standards of conduct. Listen to the interview.

Sex, Power, and Abuse

Becky Pickett

I recently had the privilege of sitting down and visiting with Grady and Becky Pickett who reside in Irbil, Iraq. The work they are doing helping Syrian refugees and other people displaced by the war there is nothing short of amazing! You will enjoy hearing how they are serving, helping, and caring for people there.

I recently had the privilege of sitting down and visiting with Grady and Becky Pickett who reside in Irbil, Iraq. The work they are doing helping Syrian refugees and other people displaced by the war there is nothing short of amazing! You will enjoy hearing how they are serving, helping, and caring for people there.

Interview with Grady and Becky Pickett, Workers in Iraq

Tony recently had the privilege of sitting down with Rick Renner, Bible teacher and pastor of Good News Church in Moscow, Russia, to discuss the current spiritual climate of the Church. In addition, they discussed how various aspects of a person’s culture can affect the way they hear and process Scripture.

Tony recently had the privilege of sitting down with <a href="http://www.renner.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rick Renner</a>, Bible teacher and pastor of Good News Church in Moscow, Russia, to discuss the current spiritual climate of the Church. In addition, they discussed how various aspects of a person’s culture can affect the way they hear and process Scripture.

Apathy and Complacency in the Church

Works: What We Do Matters to God.

Enjoy this brief update of what’s been happening with Tony Cooke Ministries.

Enjoy this brief update of what’s been happening with Tony Cooke Ministries.

TCM Update  August 2016

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Practical Philosophy & How To Live

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!