The Church in Heaven

Good Monday Morning To You!

Yesterday was another fantastic day at Friendship Harmony. The service was so very uplifting, and you could feel the Holy Spirit working. Our newest small group, Extraordinary Women of the Bible begins tomorrow morning. Many have shown interest in this group and I expect to hear great things from it quickly. Our Jewish Roots of Christianity group is continuing to meet and seems to get better week by week. If you are here with us, I hope you can get connected through our small groups. There is no limit to how many you can attend or how few. Also by way of announcement, our ladies luncheon is this Thursday at 1:00 at the Island Grill in the Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza. Any of you ladies in the area is invited to come. The average price of lunch --- ten dollars. The value of the fellowship and fun --- priceless.

Yesterday we continued our prophecy series with events in Heaven after the rapture. Most prophecy teachers, preachers, and conference leaders focus on the beginning of the time of tribulation on earth post rapture. Indeed, to be true to the doctrine of future things, known as Eschatology, one must fully examine the seven year tribulation. However, that time is for unbelievers; what about the Church?

The Church will be in Heaven where two events will take place: the reception of the bride, and the Judgment Seat of Christ. The sermon notes are below. I hope they help in your personal Bible Study.

The Church In Heaven
By: Victor Cooper

I. Our bodies must be changed. Why?
A. To be fit for Heaven. You could no more live in Heaven in your natural body than you could at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico dressed only in jeans and a tee shirt.
Phil. 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
1. vile --- lowly
2. glorious body --- exhalted The opposite of vile is glorious.
B. To be presentable to the Father
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

II. Two events in Heaven for the Church
A. Reception of the bride.
1. Ancient wedding traditions did not mirror modern, western wedding ceremonies.
2. Ancient wedding traditions picture our wedded relationship with Christ. There were three parts to ancient eastern weddings.
a. The legal marriage. The parents of both the bride and the groom made a legal agreement and the dowry was paid. The bride stayed with her parents.
(1) This is a picture of our salvation. We are legally Christ’s bride, but we are not yet in His home.
b. At a point in time, the groom and his friends will go to claim his bride. He takes her home to his house.
(1) This is a picture of the rapture.
c. The marriage feast, lasting several days, is enjoyed by all.
(1) This is a picture of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This supper is held on earth immediately following the Second Coming of Christ.
(a) Prophecy teacher J. D. Pentecost says the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is the Millennial Reign of Christ.
B. The Judgment Seat of Christ.
1. What it is not.
a. Judgment to determine entrance into or rejection from Heaven.
(1) Remember, at this point the Church is already in Heaven.
2. It is a place of rewards Read 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
a. good or bad is useful or useless.
3. Christ will judge using three criteria.
a. Stewardship. Christ’s question will be, “What have you done with what I gave you?” Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
b. The building materials of a life built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 3: 12-15
(1) gold, silver, precious stones --- fireproof
(2) wood, hay, stubble --- flammable and reduced to ashes
(a) wood – strong and looks good, but can be burned
(b) hay – animal food not fit for human consumption, also can be burned
(c) stubble – garbage fit only for burning
(d) gold – in Scriptures gold depicts God’s glory and perfection in His attributes
(e) silver – is often portrayed as the plan of redemption through evangelism
(f) precious stones – not one kind, but many – represent the many good things done in service for the LORD

Next week we will see just what those rewards are. Until then I hope you have a good, safe, and healthy week. I look forward to our time together every Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Oh Glorious Day!!!

Good Day To You! Welcome to Monday Morning With Pastor Vic. I’m excited. We had a tremendous service at Friendship Harmony yesterday! The services are always good, but yesterday’s was vibrant, stirring, and alive! The presence of the LORD was so real. I know He was working in the hearts of several. Satan was there, too. He tried everything he could to derail the service. There is an ice making machine about twenty feet from the pulpit. If you’ve never been to Friendship Harmony, we meet in a clubhouse. It is a large open area resembling many church fellowship halls. That ice machine was dropping ice cubes quickly and noisily. Most folk didn’t hear it, but it was bothering me greatly. Other little annoyances went on, but the LORD prevailed and the service was a true blessing. I wish all of you could have been there! The attendance was super, but there is always room for more. Last month we made over 300 visits between several of us. I believe it is paying off as the neighborhood is beginning to respond. Please pray for our outreach efforts.

We are beginning another small group next week. It will be a study of “Prominent Women of the Bible.” This group will meet on Mondays at the home of Gail Mooney. This will make our fifth functioning small group. It is just so wonderful to see what the LORD is doing here at FHBC! A sixth group is in the works and may start soon. Friendship Harmony reminds me of the little train that could. Even though slightly over a year ago, we were unsure as to if we could plant a successful church, the LORD blessed and next month we celebrate our first year as a constituted, fully functioning Church. If it sounds like I bragging, you’re right --- I am. I’m bragging on Jesus. He is the reason our Church was founded. He alone is our reason for being there. He is the one who is bringing it all to pass, not me, nor anyone else in our group. Yes, we have many dedicated workers at Friendship Harmony, but to God be the glory. Some of our folk might not even consider themselves as Church workers. They simply go about inviting and bringing visitors. How important is that? Try to build a church without it; you cannot. When members get excited about the LORD and their church, wonderful things begin to happen. The LORD starts blessing. I’ve told our people to invite, invite, invite, and never give up on inviting. Those you invite might never come, but God will send someone. Our job is to invite: God’s is to bring the increase. (1 Cor. 3:6)

We are doing a prophecy series at Friendship Harmony. Yesterday we looked at the Rapture. Next week we will examine what happens to the believer after that. I’m sorry that I could not publish any sermon notes this week; there were none. For my text, I preached an expository of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. If you want to study this further, let me know and I will recommend some good material to you.

Have a good and a safe week. If you’re up north, stay warm, if you’re here in Southwest Florida, stay cool. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

3 Peas in a Pod

Good Monday Morning To You!

How did your team do in the playoffs this past weekend? Mine, the Cincinnati Bengals, lost.
However, I’m still proud. We were picked in the pre season to be the worst team in the NFL. Cincinnatians were used to an embarrassing team. We accepted the fact that we were to be disappointed again. However, a funny thing happened on the league’s march through the season --- the Bengals started winning. By playoff time, they had made it. Hope returned to Cincy. Then on Saturday, that hope was gone; no more advancing through the playoffs. No chance of getting to the league championship. No Super Bowl! There is always next year, but will they do well? Maybe yes ---maybe no. That is the hope of sports. However, the believer’s hope through Jesus Christ is a “lively hope.” (1 Peter 1:3) It is not a maybe so, maybe not. It is a living hope. That means the hope will remain alive until the declared end is reached.

Yesterday at Friendship Harmony was a fantastic day! The attendance was good and the service was exciting. There were several visitors whom we were honored to have, and a few more of our winter family safely arrived. We announced the beginning of a new small group concept. It is called, “Three Peas In A Pod.” Here’s how it works. Two people from the congregation decide to meet once a week for coffee, tea, or whatever. They will read a verse or so from Scriptures, share prayer needs, and have a time of prayer. The third pea will be an unchurched friend or neighbor. The hope is that as that person becomes comfortable with the pod, they will soon come into the Church where they can hear the Word preached and make their decision for Christ. If a pod grows to five people, two will split off, form another pod, and invite another friend who needs Christ and His Church. This program can be used by men or women. Guys, perhaps a weekly 3 man fishing trip. Two men from the congregation invites a third who is outside the body. This way, gentlemen, you can go fishing and legitimately tell your wife it is “for the Lord.” The beauty of the program is that each pod is free to adapt to what suits them best. Maybe in the weeks to come I’ll be able to share some exciting results from this campaign. I see greater things ahead for Friendship Harmony than we ever thought possible. As the Christian comedian Jerry Clower used to say, Ain’t God Good!!!

I finished the introductory message on why the study of prophecy is so important. In it we spoke of hope. In the opening paragraph of this blog, I said the hope of the believer is a living hope. It is not a maybe so, it’s a fact. The Bible tells us in many places that Jesus is coming again. God said it. He will come again --- end of discussion! Peter uses the Greek word “zao.” The word means alive. Our hope is alive. It will remain alive until Jesus comes to claim His bride; His Church. I told the people yesterday that if you wanted to take a cruise ship to some exotic and fascinating places, make sure you have passage booked on “The Old Ship of Zion.” Jesus Himself is her Captain, and He will take her to places where no ocean liner can go. Jesus is coming again. Are you ready for it? Below are the sermon notes for part two of why we study prophecy. If you missed part one, they were posted last week; just pull up that blog.


The Eschatological Question:
Its Meaning, Importance, and Properties
Part 2 of 2

C. It is the hope of the Church.
1. Paul --- Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
2. Peter --- 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
3. John --- 1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. [3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
D. It is the incentive to Biblical Christianity.
1. Believers who accept the second coming of Christ never:
a. deny the deity of Christ.
b. dispute the infallibility of the Bible.
2. Believers who accept the Doctrine of last things:
a. see self purification. 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
b. are watchful. Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
c. warn the unsaved. 2 Thess. 2:7-10. And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; [10] When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
d. are comforted in times of mourning.
1 Thes. 4:15-18
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
E. Eschatology has a marked effect on our service.
Quote: “The coming of our Lord is a theme which came to me like a second conversion. It changed the whole current of my life, and made the Bible a new book to me. I believe it was the anchor to my faith in a day of much criticism and drifting from old channels.” Lectures in Systematic Theology p. 445
1. Paul wrote, 2 Cor. 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

In closing, I’d like to ask your help with something. Friendship Harmony would like to own land and build a building one day in the future. We have a CD in the bank that matures in March. We have $1585 in a savings account and plan to add it to the CD when it renews. We would like to bring that total to $2000, but we are $415 short of our goal. Would you consider helping us reach this figure? If you could send a donation, it would be gratefully appreciated and wisely used. Please consider sending your check of any amount to Friendship Harmony Baptist Church; 2296 Date Street; St. James City, Florida; 33956. On your check memo line, write “building fund.” Of course if we exceed the goal, that simply means more can be added to the CD. If you are here with us, bring your check to Church this coming Lord’s day. I thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Have a good and safe week these next seven days, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Happy New Year

Good Monday Morning To You! Happy New Year. I hope your celebration was joyful. Ours was exciting; we watched the ball fall in Times Square. We had great seats and a fantastic view. The weather was super and we were very comfortable. O K, we watched from our living room and were quite content. Did you think Pastor Vic was in New York City for New Year’s Eve? No way! Not when I can see it up close and in my own living room. I have only been to New York City once and that was in a jet flying over. I did, however, get to look out my window and see the Statue of Liberty. That was pretty cool.

Sunday was a tremendous day at Friendship Harmony. The attendance was awesome, but we had several out sick. We are praying the LORD raises them from their bed of illness soon. We were blessed to have visitors, and were honored they were there to worship with us. My dear friend Rabbi Jim Pickens and his wife and guest were with us as well. Rabbi Jim is one of the kindest, most dedicated Believers I have ever known. Also many of our snowbirds have migrated to our sunny, warm southern shores. Welcome back!

Yesterday I began a prophecy series by introducing the reasons for studying Eschatology; the teaching of last things. I did not get into any actual prophecy as I had to lay some ground work. I preached part one of the introduction yesterday, and will finish this coming Sunday, the LORD willing. Below are the notes I used for this lesson. I’ll post the notes for part two next week. I hope you enjoy the notes and that it aids in your personal Bible study.


The Eschatological Question:
Its Meaning, Importance, and Properties


Intro: - The early Church believed in the immanent return of Jesus Christ.
- By the third century the Doctrine of the return of Christ was ignored.
- From Constantine until about 100 years ago the doctrine was totally set aside.

I. Four reasons for the bad reputation unfairly given to the doctrine.
A. The setting of dates. Example: The followers of Wm. Miller, aka the Millerites set a date in 1843 and waited on a mountain top for Christ’s return.
1. Another prominent group set the date in 1914.
2. I received a book in 1989 setting a date along with the reasons why. I later received another book claiming a mistake in arithmetic as the error, and a new date was set.
B. The teaching of other heresies by groups makes their teaching of the Second Coming suspect. Ex. Probationism, annihilation, restitution of all things.
C. Preconceived notions i.e. spiritual interpretations
D. The unsaved heart. Theologian Henry Thiessen said, “Only a Christian can say, ‘Amen – Come Lord Jesus.’”

II. The importance of studying last things.
A. It has a place of prominence in Scripture.
1. The OT often linked the first and second coming.
2. Some OT Scriptures are devoted only to the second coming. Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Zech. 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
3. In the NT the second coming is mentioned over 300 times --- 1 in every 25 verses.
a. Whole chapters deal with it.
Ex. Matthew 24, 25; Mark 13; Luke 21
b. Some entire books are nearly given to it. Ex. 1 and 2 Thessalonians; Revelation
4. Every New Testament writers speaks of it.
5. Prophecy is spoken of more than “faith,” “the blood of Christ,” and “love.”
B. It is the key to Scriptures.
1. Many doctrines are better understood in light of prophecy.
a. The office of Christ; prophet, priest, and king. You cannot properly understand Christ’s kingly role without understanding the Second Coming.
b. Salvation’s completeness: I have been saved, I am being saved, I will be saved. One needs an adequate view of the future to completely understand the salvation process --- all three parts.
c. Enoch’s translation is better understood in light of Scripture. Genesis 5:21-24
d. The ordinances rely heavily on prophecy.
(1) Baptism --- shows the resurrection to new life when Christ appears. Col. 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
(2) The Lord’s Supper. 1 Cor. 11:26
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
Matthew 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

I do hope you have a good week. The weather is starting to turn cold for many of you, so bundle up and stay warm. If it’s any consolation to you, it is predicted to get cold here too. By Wednesday we are supposed to see temperatures in the upper 50’s during the day and the mid 30’s at night. Brrr, that’s cold for us.

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

One Last Hoorah

Good Monday Morning To You!

One final time in 2011, let me, wish you a merry Christmas. How was your Christmas? As I sit writing this, it is still Christmas at about 8:30 pm. Officially there is less than four hours of Christmas remaining. Next week is New Year’s Day --- 2012 will begin. When I was a boy, 2012 was so far into the future, that it was never even considered. Now, it is six days away, and suddenly it takes up a lot of space in my thinking.

2011 has been a good year for me personally, and professionally. On the personal side, even though there was a bump in the road, I’ve come out of it better. I’m better physically, and spiritually. Physically, my heart is good and strong. My doctors are using such phrases as, “doing much better than expected,” and “this report is very good.” The dieting and exercising are tough, and quite frankly some days I don’t want to do them, but hearing the good words from the physicians and the cardiac rehab team at Cape Coral Hospital make it all worthwhile. Plus, I feel great!

Professionally, Friendship Harmony Baptist Church has been a real blessing in my life. I told the crowd at our Christmas Eve Service, that I wish I would have started our Church twenty years ago. God had perfect timing, though, and this Church came along at the right time in the right place. Our Church is farther along at just a little over a year old than is many churches that have been around much longer. To God be the glory! If an interviewer were to ask me what has the Church and I done to bring about such phenomenal blessings, I’d have to honestly say that our Lord has done it all, we’ve just been along for the ride. I believe that as long as Friendship Harmony follows the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg --- even greater days lie ahead in the not too distant future.

Last Wednesday, seven of us from FHBC visited the Sovereign Grace Church of the Brethren in North Fort Myers. I have known the Pastor, Bob Chapman, for nearly twenty years. I was invited to lead in the Communion part of the service. It was a real joy to be part of that service. Bro. Chapman’s congregation was so gracious to us, and made us all feel right at home. I hope we as a Church can fellowship with these good people again in the future.

As I mentioned earlier, we had a Christmas Eve service this past Saturday night. It was a traditional service with the singing of carols, a sermon preached in two parts by two different preachers, and an offering collected for foreign missions. For those of you who might not know how we as Southern Baptists support missions, let me introduce you to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Lottie Moon was an American missionary to China, long before the Communist take over. She dearly loved and cared for the people of China. Her example of warmth, grace, compassion, and a zeal for sharing Christ is what Southern Baptists try to emulate today. Part of how that is done is through this special offering. Every cent collected goes to the support of international missions; no administrative fees are received. If you would like to be a part of this outstanding and most efficient missions offering, you can mail a check made payable to Friendship Harmony Baptist Church. On the memo line, write “Lottie Moon.” Do it quickly though, we will only be collecting the offering through January 8th. Offerings can be mailed to FHBC; 2296 Date Street; St. James City, Florida; 33956

Next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic will see each of us in the year 2012. Have a good, safe, and joyous week. I hope that as you look back on 2011, you will forget the bad and focus on the blessings and the good. My prayer for your 2012 is that it is exciting, joyous, and filled with many blessings from above. Seek it! You’ll find it! (Matthew 7:7)

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

Life's Purpose: Conclusion

Good Monday Morning to You!

Are you ready for Christmas? Ready or not in just six days we celebrate the birth of Christ. Now I realize His birthday is probably not December 25. It is more likely a spring time event. Shepherds were not in the fields in December. However, whenever it was, I do not think Jesus minds when we celebrate it, just so it is done with grateful hearts. He came to our world as one of us to be our Redeemer and Lord, so go on and celebrate it. Enjoy your time with family and friends, just don’t get so wrapped up in the festivities that you forget about Him. I know you know all of this. I know I’m, “preachin’ to the choir.” However, I also believe a gentle reminder is good for all of us, Pastor Vic included, from time to time.

I wish you could have been with us at Friendship Harmony Baptist Church yesterday. Our day started with sister Brenda Conley teaching one of the best lessons I’ve ever heard on Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac. What a blessing it was to hear her comments and the ensuing discussion. The worship service was tremendous. It is always joyous when we sing the Christmas carols. They are some of the most uplifting and Scriptural songs in the hymnal. One song we sang, “O come, Emmanuel,” is actually sung in the style of a Georgian chant. That was fun.

For the message, I concluded the two part series, “Life’s Purpose,” looking at the life and ministry of John the Baptist. John was a unique man and was a link between the Old and New Testaments. Jesus declared him to be a prophet –that’s Old Testament – yet he preached Jesus – that’s New Testament. Did you also realize that John the Baptist was the first person to be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb? In Old Testament times the Holy Spirit did not indwell. He came upon people to aid them as they accomplished something for the LORD, then departed. Old Testament – New Testament! As believers we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at the moment of our salvation, and He remains until we are ushered into the presence of the Father at the time of our glorification, ie: our death.

The notes are included below. I hope they help in your study of God’s word.

Life’s Purpose, By Victor Cooper

From Luke 3:1, Various

Intro: In part one in Luke 1 we saw John’s lineage (v 5), upbringing (v 6), history (v 11, 12), and purpose (v 13, 14.) That put John into a good position to fulfill his purpose. As he fulfilled it, we note he had the right message, the right motive, the right moment, the right method, and the right movement.

I. John had the right message v 2 – “…the word of God.”
a. V 3 – He was not preaching baptismal regeneration – ie: salvation by baptism.
i. He was preaching be immersed in repentance.
ii. Repentance is a turning “from – to.”
iii. To be immersed in it means to be totally sold on it. You accept no other way. Example –

Grant Smith: Topic Repentance 10409 – Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations.

British detective Grant Smith was sentenced to a three year prison term after confessing to Scotland Yard he had planted drugs and other evidence on four men in order to brighten his promotion chances. All four had been convicted. As a result of Smith’s confession, all four were given pardons to clear their names. Smith turned himself in shortly after becoming an elder in our evangelical congregation. “I want to be totally committed to Christ,” he told authorities. “I feel I cannot do that until I have come to terms with my fellow man.”

b. V 4 – “Prepare” –key word
i. In that day if a king was coming, the roads were smoothed and curves taken out. (v 5)

II. John had the right motive. V 15-17
a. He could have grabbed the glory and claimed to be the Messiah.
b. He could have said, “Christ is my cousin. Our family has come to save you. Come follow us.”
c. He displayed humility and grace.
d. He let them know it was not about him, it was about Jesus. Read John 3:28,30

III. John had the right moment. John 1:6, 7
a. He had the call and he responded – then; not later. John 3:38
i. John could not afford to delay – the timing was impeccable.
b. Jabez prayed for the right moment.
1 Chronicles 4:10 “….enlarge my coat…” includes give me the right moment.

IV. John had the right method. V 4 (back to Luke 3)
a. (v 4-6) He preached, ie: proclaimed.
b. (v 8a) He challenged
c. (v 9) He warned
d. (v 10-14) He taught
e. He was following a pattern later recorded by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:1-5
1. preach
2. be instant (right moment) – From a Greek word meaning, to be present.
3. reprove
4. rebuke –forbid.
5. exhort – to invite; to call near; to encourage.

V. John’s reward was the right movement. Matt 3:5,6
a. It was the planned result.
b. It was the expected result.
c. It was the honored result.
i. Jesus said, Luke 7:28 A
For I say unto you, among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist:
ii. Your reward – Luke 7:28 B
but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

We’ll meet again the day after Christmas so from the entire Cooper family, all fifteen of us, Merry Christmas to all of you and your families. I’ll see you next week on Monday Morning with Pastor Vic.

Bless the Lord, O My Soul!

Good Monday Morning To You.

I hope you have been well since we met last. I am doing tremendously well, also. I set a goal for myself to be up to twenty minutes on the treadmill bu Christmas. This past Friday I made it! I did 21 minutes. For some of you, that is nothing, but for me it is a milestone. My former Pastor and good friend, B. J. Thomas, said success is not reaching a goal, but setting another one once the old one is reached. He was right. As we see 2011 quickly winding down, are there goals you have yet to reach? If you have reached them, have you considered what's next? Not preachin' --- just askin'!

What a fantastic day it was at Friendship Harmony! We had a guest speaker this morning; Dr. Tommy Simmons from Arcadia, Florida. Dr. Simmons and his wife Sandy came and shared their ministry and goals for their work, Community Christian Fellowship. These folk are our ministry partners, and Friendship Harmony is honored to serve with them. Our Church recommended them, and supports them as they are in the process of entering the Royal Palm Association. Community Christian Fellowship will be a fine addition to our local association of Southern Baptist Churches.

Tommy preached from Psalm 103:1-5 which says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. [2] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: [3] Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; [4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; [5] Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” He reminded us that we can bless the name of the Lord in times of prosperity, and discouragement. This is possible because our iniquity (sins) has been forgiven. We have been shown mercy, not judgment. All sins must be judged, yours and mine alike. The difference between a believer and a sinner is that the believer's sin has been judged on the cross. The sinner's sin is judged by living eternally in the lake of fire. The benefit is that as a believer, I will never experience that place of eternal torment. I can know about it from a Theological standpoint, but never shall I experience it. Wow! Talk about a benefit; God's mercy. Do you stand in need of God's mercy? Is there any un-confessed sin in your life? You do not have to wait until Sunday at Church to find the benefit of forgiveness. Take God's offer of mercy now while He is speaking to you. The devil won't tell you not to, but he will try to convince you to wait. When it comes to your relationship, or lack of one with God, wait is the most dangerous word in the dictionary.

Next Sunday, the Lord willing, I'll preach the second and concluding message in our series titled “Life's Purpose.” On Saturday evening, December 24, at 6:00 pm, our annual Christmas eve service will be held. The order of service is tentative, but I possibly will be joined in the pulpit by my long time friend and minister, Bro. Bob Chapman. I'll give you more details next week. On Sunday January 1, at the request of several of our folk, I will begin a prophecy series. If you are in the area, I hope you can be here for all the services I mentioned.

Have a good week, and keep yourself safe if you are doing any Christmas shopping. Park in well lit areas if you go out at night, and go in a group if you can. Start your car as soon as you get into it and pull away. You can put on your seat belt at the first light or stop sign... Ladies hang on to your purses. I witnessed as one woman left her purse in the seat of her shopping cart, then wondered off down the aisle. She made herself an easy target. Men, consider putting your wallet in your front shirt pocket. I heard a reformed pick pocket say that spot is unable to be picked without notice. I know it all sounds foreboding, but Pastor Vic wants you to enjoy this Christmas season.

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