Why Does A Good God Allow Suffering?

Good Monday Morning To You!
Welcome to the blog. If this is your first visit, my prayer is that these writings will be a blessing to you. If you have come this far, you can also read blogs from the past. For those of you who stop by for a visit occasionally, or regularly, I thank you for your time. I enjoy our visits together!

Yesterday at Friendship Harmony, I began a series of sermons examining the oldest two questions known to man. The first is, Why would a good God allow suffering? The second is similar; Why would a good God allow an innocent person to be hurt by someone else?

On the surface these are not easy questions to answer, but actually they are. The problem is not the answer. The problem is our acceptance of the answer. Here is where faith enters the picture. I am talking about a mature faith that has been and is being nurtured by diligent study of the Scriptures, and much communication with the Holy Spirit. Does that sound like believers have a lot of work to do? Actually, we should be living like that every day. Do you have the time for Bible study and prayer? If you do not, I’m glad you don’t feel the same way about breathing! I am happy that your heart does not send a message to your brain saying, “I’m tired. I beat constantly day and night. I’m going to take a few days off.” Yet that is the same thinking many believers apply toward their Bible study and prayer. If you want to effectively deal with the reason why God allows suffering, you need to tighten up your Christian life. If it sounds like I’m preaching, you’re right. I am preaching to everyone reading this blog, beginning with the man writing it --- me!

Yesterday I began our series of messages titled, “Why Suffering?” I said that the quick and easy answer to the question is sin. In the message we examined what God had to say to Lucifer, also known as Satan; the devil. Rather than me attempting to re-preach the message in this blog, I’m happy to announce that the entire message was video recorded yesterday. You will see it as did the people at Friendship Harmony. It should be ready to view on Tuesday morning. You can find it at www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. You do not need a Facebook account to see the videos. In the meanwhile, please enjoy the sermon notes used in our study. All message notes will be available to you on this blog.

Why Suffering? ©
Various verses
Suffering Series 1 of ? 8/12-16/14
By Victor Cooper

Intro: The other day I was asked, “Why does God allow suffering? Why does He allow someone to hurt an innocent person?” This is the age old question which was probably asked by Eve when she buried her son, Abel.

. We must start by examining “sin.” Definition> missing the mark

I. The origin of sin.
A. It originated with Lucifer
1. Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
2. Something happened.
3. Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
4. About whom is the Holy Spirit referring; the king of Tyre, Lucifer, or someone else?
5. Three individuals.
6. Point of Theology: In Scriptures there are several kinds of truth.
(a) Immediate truth. It is true at that moment
Example: Genesis 6:7 (KJV)
And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
(b) Eternal truth For evermore
Example: Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
{c} Prophetic truth for the future
Example: Rev. 20:10 (KJV)
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.
(d) Our Scripture in Ezekiel 28 employs all three .
(1) Immediate --- king of Tyre
(2) Eternal --- Lucifer aka Satan
(3) Prophetic --- the antichrist
B. Now lets go back to our Isaiah and Ezekiel Scriptures, and apply it to Satan

II. God is not the originator of sin --- Lucifer is.
A. God created Lucifer perfect.
B. Then sin was found in him. How did it get there.
C. Simple answer; Lucifer chose it.
D. During every age, whenever man, or in this case angels are given a choice, they will eventually choose wrong.
E. Why didn’t God simply eradicate Lucifer along with sin?
Answer Professor Walter J. Vieth wrote, l “If God had chosen Lucifer at that point, some would have served God from fear rather than from love.” “Sin must run its full course for the enormity to be fully abhorred; but it eventually will be eradicated along with its instigator.”

Once again, thank you for reading the blog. I really appreciate you so much. This coming Sunday I will be delivering part two of our series. We will examine the nature of God. In order to answer our questions about suffering, some groundwork must be set. That is what the first two messages in our series will do. Have a good week wherever you are and I’ll see you tomorrow at www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony, and then again next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Can I Live A Holy Life?

Good Monday Morning To You.

My how the time flies. It seems like just a day or so ago that I wrote to you in last week’s blog. Last week I told you about a new feature in this blog; answering your questions. If you have any, please submit them to fhbcsjc@gmail.com. If you want a private answer, just let me know. In any event, I’ll never reveal your name.

This week’s question comes from someone who heard a message I preached several years ago. “You said there was only one archangel. All my life I have been taught there are several. Why do you claim there is only one, and which one is it?”

To answer, let me begin by naming the angel, and by defining the term, archangel. Michael is declared to be the archangel. The word archangel means “chief angel,” and comes from the Greek, “archaggelos.” I would direct your attention to the following two passages of Scripture.
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Rev. 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels…

You will notice in Jude’s passage Michael is called “the archangel.” not “an archangel.” The idea of multiple archangels comes from writings known as “The Apocrypha.” These writings, while providing excellent historical and cultural information, are not part of the 66 books which make up our Holy Bible.

The passage in The Revelation says Michael and his angels fought the dragon and his angels. The dragon is Lucifer, the fallen angel, better known as Satan, or the devil. Some have even suggested that Lucifer was an archangel. This, however is Scripturally impossible as Ezekiel chapter 28 twice refers to him as a cherub, not an archangel. It has also been suggested that Gabriel is also an archangel, but the Bible is silent on this. Let your rule for Biblical interpretation be this: Where the Bible is silent, we must be silent.

Yesterday was another awesome day at Friendship Harmony. Some of our winter visitors are beginning to leave, and our church prays for their safe travel and for a healthy summer, but the attendance was still very good.

The message was called, “Holy Living.” The notes are below and the video will be posted on youtube possibly later today. I encourage you to watch the video. You can see it at www.youtube.com. From their homepage type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church, then scroll to the message you’d like to see. If you find the videos useful, please tell your friends and family. If you have any suggestions as to how we can make our video ministry better, please feel free to share your ideas with me. You can send me a e-mail at fhbcsjc@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Holy Living
2 Corinthians 6:17
By Victor Cooper
03/13-16/13

Intro: In today’s world it seems that it is getting harder to tell believers and non believers apart. Christians must get back to holy living if the Church is to be relevant in our day.

I. Holy living begins with holy thinking.
A. Philip. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1. Keep focused.
2. When your mind wonders, return to your focus.
a. Choose from the list in Philip 4:8 and concentrate on that.
3. Exercise your mind.
4. Dr. Cooper’s Rx for holy thinking:
a. Upon awaking, read a devotion in a quiet place, maybe with your morning coffee or juice.
b. At some point in the day, take 5-10 minutes `with some soothing music and think about one or some of the things in Paul’s list.
c. At bedtime read a few passages of Scripture. Let yourself drift off to sleep meditating on the verses you have read.
d. Don’t give up at any point if your mind wanders; just get back to your focus.
B. Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13 both say, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Quote: “Many believers want to live a holy life until it’s time to live it.” Pastor Victor Cooper 3/17/13
1. Jesus said it is a choice - one that must be made!
2. Some believers do not want make the sacrifices needed in order to live a holy life. Jesus says they are neither hot nor cold. (Rev 3:15)
a. They full well understand the concept of a , “living sacrifice.” A living sacrifice wants off the altar when it starts getting hot.
3. Some believers do not know how to make the sacrifices needed in order to live a holy life.
a. It is usually due to some misconceptions.
Examples: You can’t laugh or joke; you can’t go to a sporting event; you can’t have non Christian friends; etc…

II. The result of holy thinking is holy living. Evidence of it is holy speaking. Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
A. Isaiah wanted clean speech.
Isaiah 6:5-8 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. [6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: [7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. [8] Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
B. Jesus taught that what was in a person’s heart would be reflected in his/her speech.
1. holiness
2. un-holiness
3. fence straddling

Conclusion: Holy living is a choice. What will you do. Not what do you want to do, but what will you do?

I hope it is your heart’s desire to live a holy life before the Lord. Study the notes. Watch the video. In both you will find some easy and practical suggestions you can use in order to live a life that pleases our LORD. Have a good and a safe week. Contact me if I can ever be of service to you.

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

A Dismal Failure

Good Monday Morning To You!!

If you read the mid week edition last week, you know we survived the storm very well. What a difference a week makes. It has been hot and dry for the last several days! I’d like to see it stay this way for a while, but God knows what’s best.

Do you like to cook? Occasionally I like to venture into the kitchen and try new recipes. I get most of mine from Mr. Food because his are not too difficult. Two weeks ago I made Alfredo sauce. It was every bit as good as Olive Garden’s. Yesterday, I made it again. Did you ever have one of those experiences in the kitchen when you did everything as you had before and it miserably failed? Today you would have thought I was trying to invent Alfredo flavored wall paper paste. Did you ever have one of those experiences in the kitchen where you were hungry for something, but once it was made you didn’t want it? My answer to both questions is a resounding yes. When I finished cooking my Alfredo glue, and put it on my angel hair spaghetti, it literally nauseated me. How about some of you cooks letting me know if you have ever experienced this. I take a daily injection called Victoza, which totally zaps my appetite, but usually I can still eat. Maybe that was the culprit, but I doubt it. Let me hear from some of you.

Yesterday we started a new sermon series at Friendship Harmony called “Victorious People.” The four messages are victorious over Satan, sin, self, and sorrow. I had planned a single sermon with four main points, but it seemed to expand to the point where doing that would not adequately do justice to the topic, or Scriptures, so it turned into a four part series rather than a four point message. This week we looked at “Victorious Over Satan.” The notes are below --- I hope they are of benefit to you.

Victorious Over Satan ©
2 Cor. 2:14; Various
Victorious People Series 1 of 4 By Victor Cooper
8/27-31/12

Intro: In the next four weeks we are going to see how believers are victorious over Satan, sin, self, and sorrow. No believer needs to live a defeated life. We are a victorious people so lets start believing it and living it.

I. Our victory over Satan was prophesied long ago.
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
A. This world became Satan’s domain at man’s fall.
1. Three times John calls him the prince of this world.
John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11
2. The Ephesians were told he is the prince of darkness.
Eph. 6:12
3. Paul told the Corinthians that Satan is the god of this world. 2 Cor. 4:4

II. Satan’s defeat was prophesied in Genesis (3:15) and confirmed in the New Testament. Romans 16:20a And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.
A. The one to bruise his head is Christ.
1. A head wound is fatal; a heel wound is only crippling.
(a) A snake’s venom is in its head. A crushing head wound would release venom into the snake.
2. A bruised heel is believed by some theologians to mean that Christ‘s greatest creation, humanity, would be crippled by sin.
3. Others believe that Christ’s death would be temporary (like a heel injury), while Satan’s would be permanently terminal.
4. While both positions are theologically true, Pastor Vic believes the better of the two explanations is the second. The explanation follows.
B. Paul’s use of the word “bruise” indicates a complete crushing.
1. Note: Nothing is said here concerning a wound, even superficial, to God’s people.
2. JFB Commentary …as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, they are "shortly" to receive their discharge, and have the satisfaction of "putting their feet upon the neck" of that formidable enemy—symbol familiar, probably, in all languages to express not only the completeness of the defeat, but the abject humiliation of the conquered foe.
3. This is why Pastor Vic believes Satan has dealt a wound to Christ ( the cross) while Christ has dealt him a mortal blow, (the resurrection).

III. We can be victorious over Satan’s temptations.
Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
A. I can hear it now: “Of course he was defeated, he tangled with Christ.”
But --
B. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. “
John 14:12
C. If Jesus defeated him, we can defeat him because, “ 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. “ 1 John 4:4

Conclusion: As believers we are victorious over Satan because he is a defeated foe.
11098. Devil’s Viewpoint
A modernistic preacher announced in defending his liberal theological position, “I’m not afraid of the Devil.”
“That is not what matters so much,” one of his acquaintances replied. “Let me ask you a more important question: Is the Devil afraid of you?”
Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations

My dear friend, as you make your way along life’s highways, do stop and realize that Satan travels those roads too. If you’re stuck in a rut or bogged down in the mud, the devil will be only to happy to assist you. Resist him! Reject him! Rebuff him! Remove him! (I see a future four point sermon here.) Believe me when I tell you, its better to drown in life’s seas than to ride in Satan’s boat.

Have a good and a safe week. I’m going to try a new recipe tomorrow. Its called onion casserole. With the exception of my daughter Amanda who lives in Arizona, all of us Coopers love onions, so this could be the find of the century for us. I’ll let you know when I 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!