Sunday, July 28, 2013

Let Me Introduce You To Melzar

Good Monday Morning To You!!

I have said it before, but it bears repeating. I count it a real joy to visit with you each week. It seems so unreal that it is nearly August. Surely Christmas could only have been a few weeks ago. Time might be flying, but I rejoice in knowing that I have stability and security in my Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him is true joy and peace. I do not know how people can function without Him. From a theological standpoint it is simple. Satan has their eyes blinded and their senses dulled. That being said, from a practical standpoint, I just do not understand. If you are not a believer, you are not led by God’s Holy Spirit. You are like a piece of driftwood out on the ocean. You have no real direction, and you are tossed about at the whim of the waves. You need to surrender your life to the One who can calm the waves and give you a direction, a purpose, and a meaning to life. You need Jesus. The beauty of it is that while you NEED Christ, Christ WANTS you. For you, trusting Him is a no loose proposition. It is a win – win situation. You receive what you need, and Jesus receives what He wants. How do I know Jesus wants you? Just look at what happened on the cross – it was for those in need; it was for you. Call upon Him today. Confess your sin and your sorrow, and receive Him as your Saviour and Lord. If I can help you with that, contact me at either preachercooper@hotmail.com, or fhbcsjc@gmail.com.

The e-addresses I just provided to you can be used by anybody as a way to contact me. I really enjoy hearing from all of you. I hear from someone each week, but I’d sure enjoy hearing from you. Whether you are a friend I know, or one I have yet to meet, let me hear from you. This blog reaches over 18,000 readers worldwide. Think of the fun I would have if I heard from each of you!

Yesterday was another good day at Friendship Harmony. The service was tremendous, and the attendance was fantastic! What a blessing it was to be there. For those of you who cannot be with us due to distance, you can at least experience the preaching portion of our service. The easiest way to do so is to go to www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. The videos are usually available on Tuesday morning. This week’s message was the conclusion of the three part series called The Making Of The Man. In each message we met three different people from Scriptures, and saw how each was descent, honest, and honorable. Yesterday we met a man from Babylon named Melzar. For more on him, you will find him in Daniel chapter one. The video will be available Tuesday: be sure to watch.

May the LORD bless your upcoming week with peace, comfort, encouragement, or whatever your need might be. Don’t forget to take a few minutes to e-mail a hello back to me. You are also encouraged to send questions or prayer requests. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

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Monday, July 22, 2013

Picnic At Friendship Harmony

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

Let me say how good it is to visit with you this week. Did anything exciting happen to you since we met last? How about writing me and letting me know. You can send me an e-mail to fhbcsjc@gmail.com or preachercooper@hotmail.com. Either way it is always good hearing from you. Recently I heard from a reader in India, and one in Southern California. I also heard from a someone right here on Pine Island that I have not yet had the pleasure to meet. I hope that person comes to Friendship Harmony soon. I love meeting our own local residents.

This past Saturday we had a picnic/concert at the church in honor of the full-time residents who live in the community with the church. As you might know, we are a new church, and we meet at the clubhouse belonging to the Flamingo Bay Association. They very graciously rent their facility to us, and we wanted to give something back. We felt a picnic and concert given in their honor would be in order. As I stated last week, Friendship Harmony is not going to follow the lead of many other Island churches that all but close up shop during the summer. To me, that sends out a wrong message. That tells our full time people that our winter visitors are worth doing things for, but not them. There is a word for that flawed way of thinking. It is pronounced, “Baloney!” Our full timers are most definitely important! They are the back bone of the community, and we at Friendship Harmony appreciate them.

The picnic was absolutely awesome. The food was great, and it was well attended. Our music was provided by Fiddlin’ Bill. Fiddlin Bill, and his wife, Anita, were so gracious to come and help with our picnic. The people at the picnic enjoyed their music. I have already had several ask me when they are coming back. They will be back on March 9, 2014 in our Sunday morning worship service. That will be the day of our fellowship dinner, so if you are here, come and be with us

While I am thinking of it, let me also tell you that Dustin Jenkins from Nashville, Tennessee will be with us on January 12, 2014, and the Majestic Sounds Quartet from Cincinnati, Ohio will be here on February 9, 2014 for our third annual homecoming. We are also working on booking singers for both November and December. We will let you know as soon as these dates are confirmed.

I continued the sermon series called, “The Making Of A Man.” Last week we looked at Solomon, and yesterday we looked at some of the fine traits in the life of Noah. For both messages, and for those coming in the future, we are examining the same three qualities. These people were descent, they were honest, and they were honorable. First, we said he was descent. In Genesis 6: 8-12, we learned that, “Noah found grace in the sight of the LORD. Grace is from the Hebrew word, “chen,” and here it means, “kindness.” What was it that set Noah apart from everyone else? From our passage of Scriptures we see three reasons. Noah was a just man; he was a “perfect man in his generation” (of a consistent character – never departing from the truth); and he walked with God. Interestingly, the same Hebrew word was used to describe Enoch’s walk with God. Noah was a descent man!

Next, Noah was honest. From Genesis 7:5 we learn that, “Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.” God gave the command, Noah wisely agreed to it, and then he kept his word and carried it out. A man’s or a woman’s character is only as good as their word. Are you honest with your word? Can you be counted on to follow through with the commitments you have made? Noah could. It took him 120 years, but he was faithful to it, and he finished the task he told God he would complete. His word and his promise meant something. He was honest!

Finally, he was honorable. The writer of Hebrews 11:7 tells us, Noah, “… condemned the world…” Exactly what did he do? He preached! He proclaimed the message of Salvation to his countrymen while he labored. Peter called him, “a preacher of righteousness.” (2 Peter 2:5) So how is this honorable? It is honorable in that he did the right thing in warning his neighbors of their impending doom, even in the face of their rejection and ridicule. Sometime the honorable thing to do is stand for what is right, even in the face of opposition. Noah was an honorable man!

For you ladies that are here on Pine Island, don’t forget the ladies’ luncheon this coming Thursday at 1:00 pm. It will be at the Island Grill in the Winn Dixie plaza.

Thanks for being such a faithful reader of this blog. You are what makes it all worthwhile. I hope you have a good, healthy, and pleasant week.

I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

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Monday, July 15, 2013

In Appreciation For Our Fulltime Residents!!!

Good Monday Morning To You!!

How have you, been since we last met? Are you staying busy? I hope it is doing the things you love. Our associate pastor, Bob Felber stays busy in his garden in Kentucky. With much of his harvest, he and Wanda can what they grow, and then bring it with them to Florida. Bess and I really enjoy the beans, kraut, corn, and other things they bring. I’m especially partial to Bob’s sour kraut. It is really good when Wanda fries it. Have you ever had fried kraut? It is delicious! If you would like to try some let me hear from you and the next time she fixes it, I’ll get you an invitation to supper.

Yesterday was a good day at Friendship Harmony, although the attendance was slightly down due to rainy weather. My former pastor, B. J. Thomas, used to say that it only took nineteen raindrops to keep twenty Baptist at home. Even so it was a good service and the LORD really blessed.

I began a new series called, “The Making Of A Man.” We looked at Ezra and saw that he was descent, honest, and honorable. It should be the desire of every Christian to have these three character traits. There were no sermon notes, but you can view the message on YouTube, or on the church facebook page. Most people are viewing by facebook. To find it go to www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. I hope you will help our video ministry to grow. Would you consider sharing the videos on your facebook page?

As some of you know, here in Florida we are honored to have many winter visitors when the north is blanketed by snow, ice, and cold. After Easter our “snowbirds” return home, and church attendance naturally drops. Sadly, many churches go into hibernation mode during the summer. Many cease, or greatly curtail ministry events. To me this is wrong. It sends a wrong message. It tells our full-time residents that they do not matter. They DO matter. They are the backbone of the church. To honor the full time residents of the Flamingo Bay community where Friendship Harmony is located, we are hosting a picnic/gospel music concert this Saturday at Noon. If you are in the area feel free to come and join us. We will be serving hamburgers, hotdogs, and other picnic foods, and Fiddlin Bill will provide the music. It is going to be a great day and we hope our fulltime residents know that they are appreciated. We are also using the occasion to introduce ourselves to those that might not know us. If you cannot be with us, please pray for the success of this event.

Wherever you are, please have a safe and healthy week. For some of you who might not know, the church has a new mailing address. It is P. O. Box 583; St. James City, Florida 33956. Our e-mail address is fhbcsjc@gmail.com. Don’t forget if you have a Bible question that you would like to have answered, please e-mail it to me, and I’ll attempt to get you an answer. Stay well and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

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Monday, July 8, 2013

The Duck - Man!

Good Monday Morning To You!

I hope you have had a great week since our last visit. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of juice, and let’s spend some time together. I’ll have a cup of coffee from my new Kurig Vue. I received it as a gift, and it makes the finest cup of coffee I’ve ever tasted. My good friend and colleague Tommy Simmons shared a cup from his Kurig K-cup, and it was delicious. My Mr.Coffee maker makes a minimum of 4 cups, and I usually waste two. For me, making just one cup at a time makes perfect sense. If you are looking for a one cup coffee maker, I highly recommend a Kurig system. You can get the K-cup models, or the newer Vue styles. With the Vue you can brew coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. My wife, Miss Bessie loves the iced tea. I hope this doesn’t sound like a commercial, but I am pleased with a product and I wanted to share it with you.

I have been telling you about me being called duck – man. Here is why. Back in May, Miss Bessie and I made a trip to Orlando and visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park. While we were there, I bought a funnel cake and sat down to eat it. While I was eating, these two ducks came over to me and I could tell they wanted some funnel cake. I pulled off a small piece and held it out. One of the ducks came to me and took his piece right out of my hand. Not to be denied, the other duck came for a bite also. I fed him, and by the time I was finished with my funnel cake, my two new friends had eaten most of it. Sharing with those two little guys was the highlight of my day. It rained us out and we had to leave early, but those two stayed close to me the rest of my time in the park. I asked an employee if those were Disney’s ducks and she said they were wild. She said Disney did not feed them, but if one was injured, they would see to its injuries.

Fast forward about three weeks. We had been rained out in May, so we went back to Disney to continue our trip: this time we visited EPCOT. We had been in the park for about two hours, and my hip was really hurting, so I went to a bench and sat down. When I sat down, guess who appeared? My two ducks! I had nothing to eat, but there they were, and they did not go over to others who had food. They stayed with me. Now, I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, “How do you know these were the same two ducks you had met previously?” You just know these things. A man knows his own ducks! What was I to do? I walked over to the concession cart and bought “myself” a treat. The ducks ate most of it. I didn’t mind – I really enjoyed the experience.

Fast forward two more days: we went to The Magic Kingdom. We had been there most of the day, and went into a Mexican establishment to eat. This particular restaurant featured a Mexican Salad Bar. We fixed our salads, found an outdoor table, sat down, and guess what? My ducks came to join us! I knew they would not eat a taco salad. They loved it, at least the crispy part. Do you see now why I am the duck – man?

To prove it, I made a visit to the Cape Coral Hospital, where they have a nice pond with ducks. When I parked, they came running. There were other people there too, but they came to me and followed me right to the front door. I told them I didn’t have anything for them, but that when I came back out, they would receive a treat. True to my word, I brought them a dinner roll that a patient didn’t want. True to their word, they were waiting by my car. I fed them, out of my hand of course, and they were thrilled. Were these the same ducks I had met in Orlando? No of course not. That’s silly to even think it. They were cousins, though!

Yesterday was another great day at Friendship Harmony. It was a double ordinance day. We celebrated the Lord’s Supper, and Baptism. We baptized two, with one, possibly two more to follow. Of all the things I do in ministry, baptism is my favorite. I wish the LORD would let me do it frequently! I wish I was in the Baptismal waters so much that my skin would shrivel. What a joy that would be!

The sermon notes are below. We concluded the series, “What Were You Thinking?” by asking that question of King Solomon. With all God had given him, and with the great start he had, where did it all go wrong, and why?

Enjoy the notes. I hope they are useful to you. The video should ready for viewing tomorrow. You can access it easiest by going to www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. You can also go to www.youtube.com. From their home page type into the banner Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Then simply scroll to the message you’d like to see. If you are pleased with the videos, would you be willing to share them with others? We would surely appreciated it. If you are not pleased, would you write us and tell us why? We are always open for suggestions. Here are the notes.

Solomon, What Were You Thinking? ©
1Kings 3:1-10
By: Victor Cooper

On two occasions God made a covenant with Solomon. Solomon, who like Adam had it all, violated the covenant. All he had to do was to remain faithful to the LORD. He didn’t. We would ask him, “With all the LORD had done for you, what were you thinking?”

I. Solomon’s faith. 3:3
A. He worshipped in an unauthorized place. (Lev. 17:3,4)
B. He did love the LORD.

II. Better than a Jeannie granting three wishes. :5
A. Wouldn’t it be great if God would extend such a deal
to individuals today?
1. James 4:2b,3 …yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

III. Solomon’s request. :6-9
A. Solomon worships. v6
B. Solomon expresses his need of the LORD. v7,8
C. Solomon’s petition. v9
D. This follows the exact pattern Jesus taught in the
model prayer. a.k.a. The Lord’s prayer

IV. The LORD responds. :10-15
A. The LORD was pleased. v10
1. I’ll give you an understanding heart because you
have shown me you already have a good heart.
v.11,12

B. The LORD extends grace. v. 13,14
1. Riches and honor would be useful to Solomon to
assist him as he ruled.
2. They weren’t given as “the prize” for the correct
answer.

V. The conditional covenant. {a.k.a. a bi-lateral covenant}
A. Notice - now Solomon is worshipping at the approved
place.

VI. The covenant broken. 11:1-7
A. Twice God made the promise to him. 3:5; 9:2
B. BKC Solomon did not abandon Yahweh but he worshiped other gods as well. His heart was not fully devoted to the LORD; he compromised his affections. Apparently he concluded that since he was a great king he should live like the other great kings of the world even though it meant disobeying God’s Word.
C. Solomon violated Deut. 6:5, and 17:16
1. 6:5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 17:16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.
a. Multiplying horses was doing things in one’s
own strength. God wanted Israel to depend on
Him alone.
D. What was Solomon thinking? BKC Solomon’s life ended in tragedy. Solomon was greatly blessed by God but he allowed God’s gifts to dominate his affections. The fault lay not with God for giving Solomon so much, but with Solomon who, though he had the wisdom to deal with such temptations, chose to set his affections on the gifts and not on the Giver. The man best qualified to live life successfully chose not to do so. Success in life in the eyes of God does not come automatically with the possession of wisdom but with the application of wisdom to one’s life. Spiritual success depends not only on insight but also on choices. As is often the case, an abundance of material benefits leads people to think they have no needs when in reality their need for God never diminishes.

Conclusion: What about what God has done for and given you. What are you doing with it. What are you thinking?

I hope you have a good week. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and see us. Thanks for allowing me to come into your home or office, or wherever you are reading this blog. You cannot know how much I appreciate you. Stay safe, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

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Monday, July 1, 2013

The Call To Fall

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

Welcome to July! This year is half over, but it seems like it has just begun. How is the weather where you are? Are you experiencing any of the oppressive heat? Not too long ago we were talking about it being so cold. In this life, things change. We change. As I approach my sixtieth birthday, I look back on my life and see nothing but change. Health, family, friends, career – they have all changed. However, in the midst of all that change, God remains the same. He said in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed”. Because He is stable and does not change, we can cling to Him and not be consumed, i.e. brought to an end. There is a song that says, “Hold to God’s unchanging hand.” While I am happy to be able to hold to His hand, I am even happier to have Him hold to mine. Psalm 73:23 says, “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.” God promises to do that. The LORD told Isaiah, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

Today I had planned to tell you why I am being called the duck-man. However, the events of this past week with our Supreme Court opening the flood gates of sin by making possible same sex marriage, I feel compelled to address this most serious issue. In the paragraph above I spoke about change. I was born in 1954, and grew up in the fifties, sixties, and seventies. Back then homosexual marriage would never have even come up for consideration. When I was a child, I never even knew what the word meant. Today it is an accepted practice called an “alternative lifestyle.” You can give sin a bath, put the finest cologne on it, dress it in a fine Taylor made suit, and call it handsome and debonair, but it is still sin with all its filth, degradation, and ugliness.

Anybody who knows me knows I get angry when I listen to talk radio. I have quit listening. Caller after caller, guest after guest all talk about problems. Rarely do you ever hear anyone offering a solution. In the paragraph above I cited a problem; one that has more deadly potential than a direct hit from a nuclear missile. As a matter of fact, Satan is hitting us with his evil bombs continually. The Apostle Paul called them “fiery darts.”

The cure for our country can be found in 2 Chron. 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Notice to whom The LORD is speaking: “My people.” We are trying to clean up Washington and straighten up the politicians, but God says, “If MY people…” The Bible tells us that judgment begins at the house of God. We will not straighten out the mess the country is in until we first straighten up the Church. That cannot, nor will not happen until we, as born again believers, gets our individual hearts right with God. Child of God, I’m speaking to you. I am also speaking to me. It is time for revival in the hearts of God’s people.

Yesterday Friendship Harmony, along with many other churches observed a time called “The Call To Fall.” It is a time for believers to fall on their knees before Almighty God and heed the teaching of 2 Chronicles 7:14. The LORD wants to enter into a covenant with His people to heal America. For those of you reading outside the United States, your country can be healed too by following the same pattern.. For a more in depth look at this topic, on Tuesday, go to our video at www.youtube.com. From their home page, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Then, simply scroll to the sermon title, The Call To Fall. Feel free to share the information about the video with others. I wish everyone could hear this message. The information is timely because America is running out of time. The last thing we need is for God to, “…give them over to a reprobate mind…” When God does this, He abandons, or walks away from a people. This we do not need. President Ronald Reagan was right when he said, “If we ever cease to be one nation under God, we’ll be one nation gone under.” Please view the video and heed the words of promise.

I hope you enjoy your July 4th holiday. As you celebrate our freedoms, please be sure to thank God for the blessings of liberty, and ask Him to bless our land. Do it by the Scripture I spoke of today; 2 Chronicles 7:14. A happy holiday to you, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

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