I’ve got to tell you what I saw the other day. It confirms what Paul said in Romans 3:10, “… for there is none righteous, no not one.” I saw humanity at its worst; man in a state of total depravity. I was eating in a fast food restaurant this past Friday, and was sitting across from the Coke station. A woman was getting out of her chair to go up to the counter when something happened and she took a nasty fall. I got up to help her, as did several other people, when this man approached to refill his Coke glass. This lady who had fallen was blocking his path to the refill station, so he stepped right over her and proceeded to fill his cup. I could not believe my eyes. He walked over her like she wasn’t even there. He didn’t even look at her! I have seen some cold, callous, insensitive people before, but I never thought I’d see something like that. I am 58 years old and have been in the ministry for the past 40 years, and never have I ever witnessed something so cruel. I’ve seen people at their worst, but this guy is at the bottom of the barrel. What would you have done? I’m sure the vast majority of you would have offered to help. One man, sitting on the other side of the establishment, came over and asked if he could be of assistance. What a contrast! One man was concerned, while the other was simply hard core mean. I hope if that man ever falls, there is someone there to help. You do not repay an unkind act with an unkind act. That is not what Jesus taught. Jesus taught that we should turn the other cheek when slapped. That goes against our human nature. We want to repay a slap with a right hook to the face. There again, that is not what Jesus taught. Jesus taught that how we treat others is the same as treating Him in like manner. Some of you reading this might be thinking, “but that rude, hateful, little man deserves some sort of retribution for his vile deed.” Don’t worry about him nor anyone like him. God said, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.” (Romans 12:19b) Believe me when I tell you, God can dish out a lot more judgment than you or I can. Let me throw in a warning here. Don’t ask God to take vengeance. Just leave it in His hands. He will deal with it, you just go on loving Him and living the life He has given you.
Now that I have concluded my rant, let me give you some exciting news. The video ministry is one step closer to being ready to launch. Last Monday, some of us traveled to central Florida to meet with a colleague that is very tech savvy. We learned much, and yesterday in church, we used the video equipment for the first time. The idea was to record it, then look at things like lighting, angles, etc. We will keep you posted on this blog and in the Church bulletins as to when we have uploaded to the net, and how to see us. Hopefully soon --- very soon.
Our service at Friendship Harmony yesterday was glorious! We all went home saying how good it had been to be in the house of the LORD. I preached a very Baptist message. It was extremely narrow minded. I preached that there was no other way to Heaven except through Jesus Christ. Imagine that!!! Some would say, “What a narrow minded preacher.” Don’t fuss at me: I didn’t say it, God said it. If it’s good enough for Him, it’s good enough for me. The notes are below. I hope they are a blessing to you.
The One And Only ©
Various
09/26/09
updated 11/10/11
By Victor Cooper
Do you have any spiritual needs? All people do in varying degrees through out their lives. How are you trying to satisfy those needs. There is an answer: Jesus Christ. He is the One and Only answer for whatever your needs might be. Forget that other stuff --- Jesus in your answer.
I. The Only Intercessor Isaiah 59:15-16 Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. [16] And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
Def. intercessor’s prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another
A. God knew an intercessor was needed.
B. We needed someone praying for us who could get access to God.
C. Jesus has instant and continual access to the Father.
D. Christians also have access to the Father by the Spirit through the blood of Christ. Ephes. 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
II. The Only Remedy John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
A. Salvation is exclusive. John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
B. Sin is inclusive. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
C. The remedy of salvation can only be provided by one who can bridge the gap between the inclusiveness of sin, and the exclusiveness of salvation.
1. Christ and Christ alone is able to be that bridge.
III. The only Savior Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved.
A. The fact of the only intercessor proves He is the only Savior.
B. The fact of the only remedy proves He is the only Saviour.
C. Quote: “You will only ask for salvation from a Saviour; i.e. one who actually can save.”
Pastor Vic Cooper 2009 Sermon notes Triumphal Entry? You Decide
IV. The Only Source of Truth John 6:67-68 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? [68] Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
A. Jesus said He was truth. John 1:14,17 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotton of the Father,) full of grace and truth. [17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
B. Pilate ask about truth. John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?
C. Jesus said He was truth. cf. John 14:6
Conclusion: Whatever your need might be, the answer is Jesus. Do you remember in school when you took a multiple choice exam? Wouldn’t it have been nice if there had been only one answer to choose from? That is exactly what Christ offers. Your answer is Jesus. Don’t settle for anything else.
Thanks for being a loyal reader of this blog. You cannot know how much I appreciate you. If you enjoy this blog, I hope you’ll tell others about it. Word of mouth is the best advertising possible. Maybe that’s why God calls us to speak a word for Him. Stay safe and well and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
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