Many of you have asked about my mom, Alene Cooper. Several weeks ago we almost lost her to a rupturing gall bladder. She came through the surgery fine, but spent a week in the i.c.u. Physically she has progressed well, but she stayed in a mental fog for her entire hospital stay. She was released to a convalescence hospital in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati, and since that time she has made remarkable progress. Yes, we are grateful for the wonderful care she is getting there, but we give God all the glory for both her physical and her mental healing. Just before I started writing this blog, I called and spoke to her. She sounded good, and her mind appeared clear. She says she’d love a good cold drink of water, or a glass of Pepsi. At this time, her water has to be thickened because she chokes on thin liquids. Beginning today, she will begin therapy that will help with the swallowing. I told her that when she was able, I’d come up and we would drink a Pepsi together. She promptly told me that Pepsi Colas were fattening and I didn’t need one. I think her mind is more clear than we imagined! Thank you for praying for her. The prayers of God’s people have made all the difference. I’ll keep you posted both here, and on the church facebook page which is www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony.
The services yesterday at Friendship Harmony were absolutely fantastic. The congregational singing was tremendous. Two of our ladies, Penny Johnson and Karen Fain, sang a special. They sang “Amazing Grace.” As they sang, you could tell it was coming from their hearts, and that they believed what they were singing. As some of you know, I traveled with several gospel groups some years ago including The Anchormen and The Maranatha Singers. I can tell you that I personally knew several people who were unsaved, yet singing about Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, these were very talented people, but they could not sing from their hearts. I’d rather hear a fellow believer sing about my Lord than a sinner any day of the week.
Once again the attendance was nothing short of phenomenal. We had many returning visitors, plus quite a few first time folk. We are so honored when visitors come and share their time with us. We were especially encouraged to have several young people with us. One little boy came for Sunday School, so we went off together and I told him the story of Noah. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done! I have taught the Scriptures for years including lecturing at the seminary level. That I can do with no problem, but I must confess teaching a six year old with a terrific imagination was something I hadn’t done since I taught a primary Vacation Bible School class back in 1972. I have gained a new respect for the fine men and women who teach Children’s Sunday School classes every Lord‘s day.. Give me a class full of “would be” theologians any day of the week. There was something the boy, Will, asked me before we dismissed. He said, “Next week can we talk about Jesus?” Yes my new little friend, next week we’ll talk about Jesus.
In yesterday’s message, I preached part two of our three part “Going Forward” series. As you might recall, in part one we looked at Going Forward By Stand Still. If you did not get the notes, you can scroll down to the Monday Morning blog dated 2/12/12 and review them. Today the message title was Going Forward By Walking. The notes are below and I hope they are a blessing to you.
Going Forward By Walking
Luke 24:13-27
Going Forward Series 1 of 3 By Victor Cooper
2/13,16,24,25/12
Intro: In our series opening message, we examined the paradox of going forward while standing still. Today we look at the topic Going Forward By Walking. Just as the two men on the Emmaus Road walked with Jesus, we too have that opportunity every day.
I. We walk in the light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
A. Jesus is the light. No other light can outshine Him.
1. In the New Jerusalem, Christ will be the light of the city.
2. In the New Jerusalem the light of the sun will pale in comparison to the light of Christ.
B. Believers are no longer in darkness, but light.
1. Darkness def. The absence of light.
2. Light def. Illumination
C. Our Light is also our truth and our Life.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
II. We walk in a new life. Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
A. The Bible declares that in Jesus our lives are new.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
B. New> Gk kainos> fresh This verb is in the perfect tense. It means constantly fresh.
III. We walk after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
A. walk> Gk> peripateo> to walk about to prove you can.
B. after> Gk> meta> to accompany
C. We walk uncondemned.
D. Walking after the Spirit is the antidote to carnality.
1. Carnal def pertaining to the flesh; given to the ways of man, not God; the opposite of spiritual.
2. 1 Cor. 3:1/ 2 Cor. 10:4 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
IV. We walk by faith. 2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
A. Faith is expected. Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Cf. (Habakkuk 2:4)
B. Faith pleases God. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
V. We walk in obedience to God’s commands.
2 John 1:6 (Living Bible) If we love God, we will do whatever he tells us to. And he has told us from the very first to love each other.
A. Learning His commands comes from prayer, Bible study, and church attendance.
B. Command> Gk> en-tol-ay‘> prescription
C. Obedient walking is rewarded. Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
[11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Conclusion: The song says, “Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?” Are you? We’ve discussed standing with the Lord and walking with the Lord. You cannot walk if you are not standing.. You can do neither if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A believer cannot walk with the Lord if the light has been dimmed due to sin in one’s life. Are you going forward by walking?
Have a good, safe, and healthy week. If you are in the area I hope to see you at Friendship Harmony this coming Lord’s day. If youb are far from us, please rememberr us in your prayers. Thank you for being a loyal reader, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!
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