Timely Words By Tony Cooke

Tony Cooke interviews Keith Trump about Biblical Greek and Bible Resources

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

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.”

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.

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.

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/

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. 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.