BAPTIZED!!!

Good Monday Morning To You!!

As I find myself inching closer and closer to another birthday, I can’t help thinking back to younger days. For some reason, I have been thinking about the time I fell into a pond in a park in Cincinnati. The pond had a brick wall surrounding it about 24 inches high. People would sit on the wall and enjoy the beauty of the park. I was about five years old at the time, and I was on the wall running on top of it. I remember hearing my mom tell me to get down because I might fall, when suddenly she was right --- splash! I fell in. The pond was probably only about three feet deep, but to a skinny little kid (yes Bill Wolfe, I was skinny once) it was as deep as an ocean. It was a man made pond with a concrete bottom. There were large goldfish swimming around me, and I remember the quiet. There was not a sound - it was so peaceful. My entire time in the water probably only lasted a few seconds, but I can recall looking up where I noticed a man sticking his hand into the water. The man pulled me out and put me on dry ground. Although I remembered the underwater excursion to be pleasant, it left me with a fear of the water which I carry with me to this day. I cannot stand the thought of my head being under water. I am not bothered by a shower, but being in any body of water where I can go under terrifies me.

Remember, I am a Baptist. I have been a Baptist since birth, so I knew how they planned to baptize me. Believe me, it almost made a Presbyterian out of me! I believe God has a purpose in all things, and I always wondered what good could ever come from being so afraid of the water. In 1977 I learned the answer. I was serving as pastor at a church in Grant County, Kentucky where three boys, all brothers, were saved. Two of the three were anxious to be baptized, but the middle brother wanted nothing to do with it. I called him aside and asked him why. He told me he was afraid of the water and didn’t want his head to go under. I told him I knew exactly what he was talking about, and that I too shared his fear. I asked him if he would trust me. I told him it would be very fast and that I would not let him go. He looked up at me and said, “I trust you. You understand.” The boy was baptized along with his brothers, and he was glad he was. I’m glad the LORD used me to help that young man work his way through his fear. I do not know if the young man, now in his late 40’s, ever got over his fear of the water, but I imagine he has not. He was, however, able to honor God, just as I was, and follow the Lord in baptism.

What an awesome day we had at Friendship Harmony yesterday! Our attendance was terrific with the addition of many of our winter visitors. More will be arriving within the next few weeks, and it is always good to see them. One lady, Eleanor McDonnel, has graciously agreed to lead our congregational singing. She is a wonderful singer, and we are so blessed to have her and Alan with us. These fine folks are from Canada.

Speaking of singers, this coming Sunday, January 12, Dustin Jenkins, from Nashville, Tennessee will be singing for us. Dustin will be singing in the 10:00 a.m. service. If you are anywhere in the area, be sure to come by and join us. After the service, we will enjoy a carry in fellowship meal. The church will provide pulled pork bar-b-que, and each of us will carry in something to make for a great meal. I hope you can be with us.

The sermon notes are below, and you can view the video on Tuesday. To watch it, go to www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. The video should be posted by Tuesday morning. Remember, you do not need a Facebook account to see the video. Here are the notes.

Compared With The Tabernacle ©
Numbers 9:15,16
01/04/14
By Victor Cooper

Intro: From the tabernacle, Israel’s house of worship in their wilderness journey, we see a picture of believers as tabernacles. The question becomes, in what condition is the tabernacle?

I. The tabernacle was completed. Exodus 39:32 Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they.
A. God doesn’t half do anything; He completes!
Philip. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
B. Salvation was the beginning.
1. This first step cannot be avoided. God will absolutely not live in the heart of an unsaved individual.
Numbers 1:51b …And when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
C. Salvation is the first part of the sanctification process. Salvation says an individual has been saved from sin’s penalty.

II. The tabernacle was dedicated.
Numbers 7:88b-89 …This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed. [89] And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
A. This life is a believer’s dedication.
Numbers chapter 7 has 89 verses which describe in detail the process of the dedication of the tabernacle It was explicate.
B. This is the second part of sanctification. Dedication says a saved individual is being saved by God’s power.
C. The amount of power sin has over a believer speaks volumes about his/her level of dedication.
1. Sin has all the power it’s given.

III. The tabernacle was filled by God’s presence.
Exodus 40:34-35 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. [35] And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
A. God’s presence was so real that Moses could not enter the tabernacle.
B. In your flesh, you could never stand in God’s presence. 2 Corinthians 5:21
1. On the cross, Jesus was, “made to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
2. When Jesus was made to be sin, God turned His back on the sight. In God’s holiness, He cannot look upon sin.
C. The third and final part of sanctification is called, “glorification.” It says a believer will be saved from sin’s presence.
1. Glorification comes when the believer enters into Heaven
2. This final part cannot be achieved without parts one and two are accomplished in the proper order.

Have a good and a safe week. If you will be traveling the roads to get here to southwest, Florida, please be careful. The interstates will be loaded with other like minded people. If you are one of our faithful readers who are staying put this winter, thank you for being a part of Friendship Harmony through this blog and the video ministry. If the blog and video is a blessing to you, be sure to tell others about us. Take care of yourself, and I pray 2014 holds nothing but good things for you and your family.

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

A Treat From Our Kitchen To Yours

Good Monday Morning To You!

I have to share a treat with you. I took a bit of a nap yesterday and was sleeping just fine. I awoke to smells that I thought were coming from the shores of Heaven. As I came back to full consciousness, I knew exactly what I was smelling: my daughter Michele was making her cheese-steak wraps. Oh my, what a treat! Michele, we call her Shelly, knows how much we all love them, so yesterday was our day. I told her I wanted the recipe so that I could share it with each of you. It is really easy to make, and believe it or not, if you use low sodium low fat deli roast beef, it works on a heart smart diet. I also recommend low fat mayo. She gave me her recipe, so here it is for you to enjoy as well.

WARNING: SLIGHTLY ADDICTIVE!!! Ingredients: Extra large flour tortilla shells; Swiss cheese; Roast Beef; Green Peppers; Onions; Mayonnaise; Horseradish Sauce; Butter. Caramelize the onions and green peppers in a bit of butter. Set oven to 375 (degrees) and lay wraps out. Spread mayonnaise and horseradish sauce out on half the wrap. Add roast beef and layer onions and peppers over roast beef. Cover with Swiss cheese and wrap up. It is easiest to flip the edge of the wrap over then grab both sides and fold them. Keep rolling until closed. Warm in oven for 10-13 minutes or until slightly crisp and golden. Be careful they are extremely hot to eat!
By: Michele Cooper

In mine, she either leaves out the green peppers, or uses very few. I like peppers, but they do not like me. Try these for lunch or supper soon then let me know how you liked them. I’ll be sure to tell her. Michele is revamping her online business. Her shop is called bebe chat and features vintage accessories and jewelry that women seem to enjoy. Her shop can be visited online by going to www.bebechat.etsy.com. Her mother wore a yellow rose necklace to church today that Shelly made. Maybe I’m bragging, but it looked nice, and several ladies commented to her about it. In Etsy it is very difficult to open a shop with an original name. Shelly is a cat lover, so she wanted to name her shop Cat Baby. That name was taken, so I told her cat baby was pronounced bebe chat in French. She looked it up and discovered the name was available, so her web site was opened. All her things are painstakingly hand crafted, so if you’re interested in those things, or even just curious, go to her site and check it out.

Yesterday was an ultra super day at Friendship Harmony. We were privileged to baptize four fine people. We had two sets of husband and wife families that followed the LORD in believer’s baptism. What a blessing it was! The sermon title was “Jesus Our Savior.” I talked about Christ being either a savior, the Savior, or your Savior. I asked which is He to you? My four points were Jesus was a prophesied Savior, Jesus was a needed Savior, Jesus was/is a sufficient Savior, and Jesus is a coming Savior. Point four did not deal with Christ’s coming in a prophetic way, known as eschatological, but in the sense of for the sake of our salvation, known as soteriological. Below are the notes which you are free to use for your personal Bible studies. Other clergy are free to use them as well.

Jesus Our Savior
Various
Jesus Our….. Series By Victor Cooper
April 16, 2011

Intro: Today we continue with a series of messages focusing on what Jesus is to us, or could be to you if you have not yet received His love and pardon. We have examined the topics Jesus Our Shepherd, Jesus Our Preacher, and Jesus Our Teacher. Today we will see Jesus Our Savior. Next week we conclude with Jesus Our LORD.

I. Jesus was a prophesied Savior.
A. Zechariah foretold it. Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
B. Mark verifies it. Mark 11:7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
C. Joseph had been told. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

II. Jesus was a needed Savior.
` A. All humanity from Adam forward has sinned.
1. Paul told the Romans, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:…”
Romans 5:12
2. King David knew it. Psalm 51:1-5 (Read)
3. Isaiah had declared it. Isaiah 41:26 Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

III. Jesus was/is a sufficient Savior.
A. The Father declared his sufficiency.
Matthew 3:17 & Matthew 17:5 …This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
B. Paul testified to it. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

IV. Jesus is a coming Savior.
A. `He promised! John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
B. Our Salvation depends on it
1. A believer’s current condition:
A. I have been saved.
B. I are being saved.
2. A believer’s future condition:
A. I will be saved.
C. Our Savior will complete what He starts.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Conclusion: Jesus is to everyone on earth one of three kinds of Savior. He is either a Savior, the Savior, or your Savior. Which is He to You? Which do you want Him to be?

Delivered to The Friendship Harmony Baptist Church Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011.

I hope you have a nice week ahead of you. I am always honored when someone tells me how this blog has been a blessing to them. That is exactly the reason why I write it. I also enjoy when you write back and tell me about what is going on with you. My E-mail address is
preachercooper@hotmail.com if you ever want to write. Enjoy this Easter week and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

It's Here! It's Here!!

Good Monday Morning To You!

At long last it is here again. We’ve patiently waited and endured the long cold winter. I can’t believe its here --- I’m like a kid at a carnival. I’m overwhelmed, overjoyed, and possibly overacting. What is here? Daylight Savings Time! O.K. Maybe its not worth all the hype I just gave it, but actually I do like it. I like having all those daylight hours. I’m not a morning person. During the morning hours I essentially function on auto-pilot. I’m at my best between the hours of 3:00pm and 10:00pm, so having that extra daylight time makes life a bit sweeter.

I remember as a kid, though, when DST first came out, it kept my Dad’s sleeping cycle really messed up. I don’t know whether it was the extra daylight, or what it was, but it messed with him big time. As the years progressed, I do not know whether Howard Cooper got used to it, or just quit complaining, but he sure hated it. I like it, so I guess that is one place where we differed.

Yesterday was another super day at Friendship Harmony. I hope you do not get tired of me saying that all the time, but I’ve got to report the truth to you. Our day started with another fine class with Bro. Burt Nelson. He is teaching obscure verses of Scripture. The morning service was very uplifting. Our pianist, Sister Birdsong, sang the song “When They Ring Those Golden Bells” as well as I have ever heard it sung. Her husband Ken is our music director. He typically leads us in the first verse of a song, then while we sing verse two, he plays his trumpet. Wow! Today he did something a little different. He accompanied us by playing the melody on verse 2, then on verse 3, he harmonized. I wish you could be here for a Friendship Harmony Baptist service. Tremendous!!! After the service we performed the most sacred of all Baptist religious acts --- the carry in meal. Our ladies (and some of the men) out did themselves. We’ve got cooks that would make Mr. Food sit up and drool. The meal was good and the fellowship was awesome. After the meal, we were not finished. We caravanned to the home of two of our members for a baptismal service. We congratulate Sister Gert on her baptism, and thank Gwen and Jim for the use of their pool. They made sure the water temperature was perfect. It was a fine service. Of all the things I do as a Pastor serving in an official capacity, baptizing someone is my favorite. It would suit me just fine if the LORD would allow me to baptize every week. There are still four more awaiting their baptism. Both gentlemen have had recent surgeries and are not yet cleared by their doctors. Their wives want to wait and be baptized with their husbands. What a blessing!

Yesterday I preached the concluding message in my “What If”… series. The title was, “What If … There Really Is A Devil?” I confessed to my group that while prepping for this message, I suffered a bout of horrible depression. Each time the LORD calls upon me to talk about that slimy ol’ serpent, it depresses me. Some of it is fighting a spiritual battle with him as I’m sure he’d rather I just say nothing. Some of it likely stems from concentrating on his evil schemes and watching people fall victim to his prey every day. I hope if you were there, the sermon was an encouragement to you. If you were or were not, below are the notes. Feel free to use them for your personal Bible study. Call me if you have any questions or send an E-mail; I’ll assist you wherever I can. Do keep in mind this is not an exhaustive study on this topic. If you want to study deeper, contact me and I can recommend some useful material to you.

What If… There Really Is A Devil?
Various Scripture
What If Series ABy Victor Cooper
3/10-12/11

If there really is a devil, then…

I. you have an enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
A. adversary = opponent, one who opposes; his very name means adversary
B. The enemy is out to destroy.
C. Job was opposed. Read Job 1:6-11
D. Paul was opposed. 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

II. You have a formidable opponent. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
A. You must be properly outfitted in order to fight satan.
B. You must be trained in order to fight the devil.
C. You must realize who he really is. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
D. You are in a wrestling match, want it or not!
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
E. Some theologians believe that satan wrecked God’s
original creation.
Quote: Genesis 1:2 the earth was without form and void -- or in "confusion and emptiness," as the words are rendered in
Isa 34:11. This globe, at some undescribed period, having been convulsed and broken up, was a dark and watery waste for ages perhaps, till out of this chaotic state, the present fabric of the world was made to arise
— Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary


III. you have a champion. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

A. Jesus is the over comer. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
B. Be cautious not cocky. Though believers should place their confidence in God, they should not be careless. Christians in conflict are to be on the alert, made strong and steadfast by Christ Himself.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.

IV. You clearly see a defeated foe. Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
A. Are you a born again, forgiven child of God?
1. If not Jesus says you are, “… of your father the devil.”
John 8:44a

Remember: If Satan is not your enemy, he is your father. If Jesus is not your Savior, He is your enemy. Please do not take that with you to your grave! Turn your life over to Christ today. It will make satan your enemy, but his days are numbered and he is destined to lose. Do not lose with him!

Have a terrific week. Be sure to enjoy the extra daylight tacked on to the end of our days. Stay well and happy. I look forward to seeing you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!