I Told Them

Good Monday Morning To You!!

Have you had a good week since we last visited? I hope so. Last week I told you about the lady at my church in Cincinnati who told me the Bible says communion grape juice has to be purple, and it has to be Welch’s. I jokingly told you that I intended to tell it to the seminary class I teach. I ended by saying I wouldn’t do it though. To those of you who know me, you know that sometime my mouth spouts words before my brain has a chance to stop it. I can’t help it; it’s just my nature. I don’t mean to do it, it’s just that sometime I start talking and I can’t shut up. At Norwood High School I stayed in trouble because most of my teachers failed to understand my sense of humor. I suppose I was just ahead of my time. My English teacher, Mrs. Wilson, finally admitted in front of the class that I was smarter than her. (Yes ending my sentence with “her“ is incorrect, but the proper way sounds goofy.) She said, “Victor Cooper, I just can’t teach you anything.”

I told my class that according to Sister Adam’s Bible, (not her real name) grape juice had to be purple, and it had to be Welch’s. Incredibly, they didn’t believe me. Oh, they believed the good sister had told me, but they rejected the notion about proper grape juice. I guess I have my work cut out for me.

We spent two weeks looking at ancient Egypt. You cannot teach as much as you’d like about Egypt in two classes. Egypt and Babylon are my two favorite ancient civilizations. Actually, I believe I must be part Egyptian. I think it comes through the tribe of Ephraim. I’ll have to check with my good friend, Rabbi Jim Pickens about this.

Yesterday was an awesome day at Friendship Harmony. In Sunday School we looked at the first Passover, and the other plagues. Egypt could have been the most blessed country on the planet if only Pharaoh would have listened. Instead, he decided to reject God and do things his way. As you know from your readings in the Book of Exodus, the results were both devastating and catastrophic. How about you? Is God speaking to your heart about a matter? Take a lesson from Pharaoh and obey the voice of the LORD. Had Pharaoh listened, Egypt might have become an oases of Christian teaching. Instead, look at her today.

Pastor Bob Felber brought our morning message. It was a message I wish thousands could have heard. Perhaps they will. As you know, the preaching part of our services are video recorded and posted to both YouTube, and Facebook. The easiest is through Facebook. Simply go to www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. You do not need a Facebook account to view the video. Bob’s message should be posted by Tuesday.

Some of our winter visitors are returning, so if you’re heading our way, we look forward to seeing you soon. For those of you whom I have never met, let me say how much I appreciate you for being such a loyal reader. Without you, this blog would have no reason to exist. Thank you! Wherever you are, have a good week, and be sure to pray for Pastor Vic and the Friendship Harmony Baptist Church. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Purple Grape Juice

Good Monday Morning To You!

What a busy week it has been! I’ve had something to do nearly every day. I love busy times though. One thing Bess and I was privileged to do was to attend a Pastor’s premier screening of a new movie to be released later this month. Our associate Pastor, Bob Felber, and his wife Wanda accompanied us to see The Christmas Candle. The film is set in a small village in England near the turn of the century. If I go into too much detail, I might spoil it for you. If you would like to see the preview, go to www.christmascandlemovie.com. Be sure your sound is turned on! I highly recommend this film and I heartily endorse it, and I hope to see it again when it is released. The movie is appropriate for all ages, and is very well done with a good story. If you do not see any other picture this Christmas season, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this one. As soon as this movie is available on CD, it will definitely be added to the Cooper collection. Check out the preview and I hope you will enjoy it as much as Bess and I did.

Yesterday was Communion Sunday at Friendship Harmony. That is always a very special day. I had to announce to the congregation that the communion juice was clear. When I went to the store to buy a bottle, clear (they call it white) was all they had. I told the story of a dear little lady in my former church in Cincinnati who scolded me for having the wrong color grape juice. The deacons were supposed to take care of the supplies, and each of the men thought the other had done so. However, Kroger was less than a mile away, so I slipped out during Sunday School to buy a bottle. It never occurred to me that they might be out. “This is Kroger,” I told myself, “they never run out.” They ran out! All they had was white grape juice. I figured since it was 100% pure juice, it would not matter. It mattered! The elderly lady told me in no uncertain terms, “The Bible says the grape juice has to be purple, and it has to be Welch’s!” She was deadly serious and meant every word of it. I thought to myself that the school I had attended had cheated me because they never taught me that. Do you think that perhaps I should inform my students in my class later tonight that communion juice has to be purple and it has to be Welch’s? If I do, it’s likely the Dean of Old Testament Studies and the school’s president will call me into the office for a chit-chat. I think I’ll pass.

I hope you have a really good week, and that the LORD’s blessings come to you and your family abundantly. Pray for me when it goes well with you; I do so appreciate it. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

Another Virus Strikes Pastor Vic

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

I hope you are receiving this blog. Last week I had it written and ready to post when my computer was nailed by yet another virus. I had to make a trip back to the computer shop and spend another $95.00. This makes the second time in less than a month that my laptop has been in the shop. This time Act Computers of Cape Coral, installed a virus protection called Viper. It’s supposed to be reliable, so I’m praying for good results. I have heard many good comments about it. I’ll let you know. This week in the sermon notes part of the blog, I am putting last week’s notes in, and by mid week I will post yesterday’s notes in a special mid week edition.

In some blogs I tell you about my time as a boy growing up in Elmwood Place, and Norwood, both part of Greater Cincinnati. I remember one morning when I was a sixteen year old sophomore at Norwood High School. My homeroom teacher was a very nice lady named Mrs. Kalkbrenner. She taught typing and I only saw her for homeroom as I never (regrettably) took typing. The morning routine was the same at Norwood as it was in most other schools in 1970. First a warning bell would ring. That was the signal to go to your seat and be quiet. A few minutes later another bell would ring. We then stood for the playing of the national anthem, which came through the intercom speaker. The anthem would follow the second bell by less than 5 seconds. Our principal was a gentleman named Albert Gesselbracht. He was a fixture at Norwood High School. He had been there so long it was rumored he owned the place. Mr. Gesselbracht was well loved and respected by students, faculty and staff.

On one particular morning my mouth got me into trouble. (Imagine that!) The second bell had rung and we were waiting for the national anthem to begin. We waited, and waited, and waited. It seemed like we stood there for quite a while. Suddenly, before my brain could tell my mouth to be quiet, I blurted out, “Strike up the band Big Al!” Everyone in the room roared with laughter - except one person sitting right in front of me: Mrs. Kalkbrenner. The otherwise friendly smile left her face and she said, “Vic Cooper, I want to see you right here after school.” While some people do not share my quirky sense of humor, Mrs. Kalkbrenner did, but she could not admit it and remain professional. I know this because when I reported to her room after school, she looked at me , grinned, and told me to go on home.

I wish I could say that this was an isolated incident where my mouth over rode my brain, but alas, it was just one of many. My former marching band director, Mr. Richard White, could tell you some unbelievable tales, but I hope he doesn’t. I do not believe he will because he never once called my parents about my mouthy behavior. If he had, I would not be typing this letter today. Howard Cooper would have had a look of murder in his eyes and would have carried it out. Thank you Mr. White. He is now a friend on Facebook, and may very well be reading this blog. Mr. White was good to me, and I’m happy to still be able to communicate with him from time to time through social media.

A week ago at Friendship Harmony, I preached a message titled, Flexing Egyptian Muscle. From Exodus chapters 1 and 2, we saw where the new Pharaoh decided to oppress God’s people which is tantamount to declaring war on God. Several times God responded by slapping Pharaoh in a way and with words and Egyptian customs that he would understand. The problem was that Pharaoh was so consumed by his desire to eradicate the Hebrews, he did not even know he was being smacked around. The notes are below. I hope they are a blessing to you.

Flexing Egyptian Muscle ©
Selected from Exodus 1 and 2
By Victor Cooper
Oct. 18-19, 2013

Intro: “Not even the Hebrew God can withstand the might of Egypt.” Although this is not an exact known quote spoken by this Pharaoh, it does reflect his attitude. The Hebrews, who had been favored in Egypt, are now under the gun of oppression. Egypt decided to flex its mighty muscle against God’s people, and ultimately God.

I. The Egyptians could not remove God’s promise from His people.
A. Pharaoh declares war. Exodus 1:11
B. God responds. V.12a
1. God is reaffirming His covenant with Abraham. Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
2. Egypt could have received God’s blessing, but in stead they chose God’s curse
3. God’s promise to Abraham is everlasting. It is still relevant today.
Q. Do you pray for Israel and ask God to bless her?
C. The result: v12b

II. The Egyptians could not remove God’s provision from His people.
A. Pharaoh again declares war.. V.16
B. God responds. V.17
1. God’s response is through the faith of these midwives.
2. Pharaoh bought the baloney of the midwives. Exodus 1:19 (NLT)…"the Hebrew women are very strong. They have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time! They are not slow in giving birth like Egyptian women."
3. Hebrew women were no better at childbirth than was any other woman. It was that the midwives were purposely slow at responding to a call upon Hebrew women.
4. The Hebrew mothers had time to hide their boy babies.
5. The verse is a definite slap against the might of Egypt, and God blinded Pharaoh’s eyes to it. (“They are not slow in giving birth like Egyptian women.")

C. The result vv 20-21
1. The Hebrew population continued to grow.
2. God blessed the midwives with families.

III. The Egyptians could not remove God’s plan.
A. A third time Pharaoh declares war. V.22
1. Now Pharaoh makes his decree known publicly. What the midwives would not do, all of Egypt was ordered to do.
B. God responds. Exodus 2:1,2 The birth of Moses.
1. God’s plan was to use an adult Moses to deliver His people. This birth, which slipped through Pharaoh’s cracks, would one day devastate Egypt.
C. The result. vv6-10
1. Pharaoh’s daughter takes pity on the child, knowing the baby was Hebrew.
(a) How did she know the child was Hebrew? Egyptian parents did not circumcise. Hebrew parents did.
2. This was in direct defiance of her father’s decree. However, if anybody could get away with it, it was her.
3. Moses mother was asked to take care of him - with pay! (A slap on Pharaoh’s face.)
4. Moses was eventually moved into the palace and given an Egyptian name and raised as Egyptian royalty.
5. This passage is another slap at the might of Egypt.

Conclusion: God is still sovereign in this world today. Do you trust Him as such?



Pharaoh could have witnessed Egypt being blessed exponentially by God. Had he only blessed the people of God instead of cursing them, Egypt would have been mightier than even Pharaoh had dreamed possible. How about you? Are you seeking God’s blessings, or you at war with Him? Think about that. Contact me if I can be of spiritual guidance to you. E-mail me at fhbcsjc@gmail.com. I’m here for you.

Have a good and a safe week, and I’ll see you sometime this mid week with the notes from yesterday, and again next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Wisdom And Understanding

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

Let’s visit and chat for a while. I wish it could be possible to visit with each of you personally, but distance makes that impossible. We have readers all over the globe, and I would dearly love to visit your state or country. I’ll bet where you live is beautiful. God certainly made a wonderful planet we are all privileged to call home. I enjoy where He has put me, and I hope the same is true for you.

Before I go any further, several of you asked about the class I teach and what two questions I gave for a final. For those of you who might not remember, I gave my students three questions a week prior to the test. I directed them to study all three, because they would see two of those questions on the exam. They would not know which two, so it was imperative they study all three. On exam night, they would choose from one of those two and write an essay on it. Low and behold I had a student who studied only one question, and it was not the one I selected for the exam. Fortunately this is a good student who remembered the prior lessons and did well. The question I eliminated was the one about Alexander The Great. The other two, Assyria, and Babylon, were on the test. About half wrote on Assyria, and half wrote on Babylon. All of my students passed the class, the large majority with A’s. Those people really made the class enjoyable. This past semester was my rookie semester, and they made it so easy. It is truly an honor to have had people work so hard. Only once did I have to answer a, “But how do you know…?” with a, “Because I’m a professor, that’s how I know.” I still have one question to answer. The question came from my own daughter, Amanda, who is a psychology student through Liberty University in Virginia. Her question was a theological humdinger, so I’m looking into it.

Yesterday at Friendship Harmony was fantastic, but before I go any further, I want to say “Thank you” to our ladies. On the second Sunday of each month we have a carry in fellowship meal at the conclusion of our morning service. This month we had a soup, salad, and dessert supper. Wow!!! I believe the ladies of Friendship Harmony are some of the finest cooks around! The word “delicious” does not come close to describing the meals they fix and bring in. At Friendship Harmony you can feast both spiritually and physically. If you are ever in the area, stop by on a second Sunday of the month and see for yourself. Thank you to all of those who contribute to our monthly meals. Just so I don’t leave anyone out, somtime our men fix something as well. Thanks to everybody involved.

The message was on wisdom. I really enjoyed preaching this one. The notes are below, and the video should be available sometime on Tuesday. For those who might not know, it actually takes longer to upload the video than it does to preach. I am indebted to Jim and Gwen Cook for taking the time to see to it that you can watch the videos. This is their ministry and they do it so very well. You can see the videos at www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. You you do NOT have to have a Facebook account to see the video. If you know of someone who cannot get to church, invite them to watch. Better yet, why not watch it with them. I’m sure they would enjoy your fellowship. Here is yesterday’s notes.

The Gift Of Wisdom ©
Proverbs 4:7
By Victor Cooper
10/11,12/13

Intro: A teacher once asked the assembled students, “Who can untie the gold bell under the neck of a tiger?”
None could answer. At this point ask the congregation.
Another teacher came into the class, and the first repeated the same question.
The visitor replied, “Let the one who tied the bell undo it.”

Intro: King Solomon is considered one of the wisest men who ever lived. In I Kings 3, and II Chronicles 1, we read that Solomon asked God for wisdom and understanding. God granted his request. That same wisdom is just as available to us today as it was to Solomon many centuries ago.

I. Our text verse teaches that wisdom and understanding can be achieved.
Note: Wisdom and understanding are often linked.
A. To get it one must see its worth and desire it.
Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
B. Getting wisdom brings its own rewards.
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.


II. You can get wisdom by asking God for it.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
1. God gives it liberally. Bountifully; generously
“There is absolutely no reason for a Christian to not have wisdom and understanding.” Pastor Victor Cooper, 10/13/13



III. There is a wisdom to avoid. Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
A. Note what Solomon din NOT say. “Depart from evil. then fear the LORD.
1. That would be a works approach
2. You cannot depart from evil without first having a holy, reverential respect for the LORD!
B. Any wisdom which does not honor Christ must be avoided.
Col. 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Conclusion: Wisdom is not to be hoarded, wisdom is to be used.
Illustration: Best Leave Rock On Snake’s Back
A large rock fell on the back of a snake one day, says an old fable. The snake called to a calf who was passing to remove it, but he refused. “If I take it off, you will bite me,” he said. “No,” replied the snake, “I will promise not to bite.”
The poor calf removed the rock and they went on together. “Now I am going to bite you,” said the snake. “But you promised not to,” the poor calf said. “I know, but it is my nature to bite and I cannot help it.”
They met a fox just then and the calf asked him to settle the dispute. He would not, unless he could see how the rock was placed on the snake.
Then the fox turned to the calf and said, “Now that the rock is on his back I think it is safest to leave it there.”

That little illustration definitely shows both wisdom and un derstanding. Understanding is using the wisdom you have. A wise man or woman will use it well.

Have a good upcoming week. Some of our winter friends are starting to filter back in, so if you plan to travel to Florida to see us, please be careful out on those roads. I want to see you arrive safely, and I hope to see all of you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Time For Finals!

Good Monday Morning To You!

I hope your past week was healthy and happy. As I told you a few months ago, I was asked to join the faculty at the Southwest Florida Bible Seminary in Port Charlotte, Florida. Our first semester ends today, and tonight my students will take their final exam. It is a one question exam, but it is an essay test. Last week I gave the class three questions to study. They were told that on exam night they would see two of them, and they were to pick one and answer it as thoroughly as possible. I told them that a short paragraph would not suffice, and that giving me too much information was better than handing in too little. I have good students, so I am expecting great answers from them. So that you can see what I am teaching, I have included the three questions. I cannot at this time divulge which two questions will be on the test, but this gives you an idea of what I taught this past semester.

1. Why did Philip and Alexander attack Persia? What led to Alexander’s success? Give 5 reasons for Persia’s fall. Discuss the make-up of Alexander’s army.

2. Was the Babylonian king supreme throughout the entire kingdom? If not, where was he, and where was he not. How did Babylonian government work. Why was it this way?.

3. What contributed to the apparent invincibility of the Assyrians? What made them so effective? What was capture and life like under Assyrian authority?

For semester two we will be looking at Egypt, Israel, and the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3 of The Book Of The Revelation.

Yesterday was a good day at Friendship Harmony. The message was from Matthew 15:21-28. As I sometime do, I used no notes, so I have none to share. You can, however, view the video at www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. It should be ready by late Monday or Tuesday morning. In the message we saw the proper way to approach Jesus. He is to be approached with faith, with humility, with perseverance, and with respect. Exercising these four things allowed Jesus to tell the woman, “Great is thy faith.” Would Jesus say that of you? If not, ask Him to help you --- He gladly will!

May God bless you this week, Have a good and a safe week. I want to see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Have You Made God Any Promises Lately?

Good Monday Morning To You!

Let’s visit for a while. Would you like a nice hot cup of apple cider? I love good cider --- hot or cold. My Kurig Vue not only makes the best cup of coffee I have ever tasted, but the hot cider is tremendous! I’d love to share a cup with each of you, but my house is a bit small if you all should decide to show up at once. There are so many, and I’m grateful for each of you. I wish more of you would send me a e-mail from time to time. You readers can be found all over the world, so send me a note and let me know where you are. In the meanwhile, I’ll pour myself another cup cider and wait.

This past Saturday, Friendship Harmony hosted a free picnic/ concert. The attendance was a bit disappointing, but visitors did come, and I believe we had the people the LORD wanted us to have. Several of the readers of this blog came to join us and I was so honored to meet them. I’d dearly love to meet more of you someday.

Once again our ladies shined with their culinary offerings. The food was awesome and plenteous. If anyone went away hungry, it was their fault. The music was provided by the Gulf State Quartet from Bowling Green, Florida. They did a tremendous job, and hopefully they will be back on Sunday, April 13. Keep reading the blog and we will let you know when we know for sure.

Not only was Saturday good, but yesterday was as well. The songs are currently being selected by members of the congregation. Our people choose so well, and our music is a joyful expression of our love for Christ. If you’re ever in the area, stop by on a Sunday Morning at 10:00 and experience Friendship Harmony.

The message was from Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. The question was, “Have you made God any promises lately?” The text was from verse 4 which says,
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.” Have you, in the past, made God any promises? If you have, you need to get started in fulfilling them. God has been faithful to you and He expects, no He requires the same from those who have given their word to Him. If you need help with that, make an appointment to see your local pastor or rabbi. He would be honored to assist you in this. If I can help you, contact me at preachercooper@hotmail.com. You can view the video at www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. A facebook membership is not required to see the video.

Have a blessed, healthy, and safe week. Don’t for get the video; it should be posted by Tuesday evening. Remember, I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

The Pot of Gold

Good Monday Morning To You!

I trust you had a good week since we last visited. Yesterday in Sunday School we looked at God’s sign that He would never again destroy this world with water: the rainbow. As I was studying the lesson, I couldn’t help but recall a time when my best friend Johnny Miller and I saw a rainbow and decided to find the pot of gold we believed was at its end. Johnny and I were next door neighbors and had quite a few adventures together. We wanted to find that pot of gold, so off we went on our bikes. We lived in a village near Cincinnati called Elmwood Place. Elmwood Place, we simplified it and called it Elmwood, was surrounded by Cincinnati on three sides. Johnny and I could ride our bikes anywhere we wanted, but we had to stay in Elmwood. Occasionally we ventured into Carthage, which was inside Cincinnati city limits, but it was only two blocks away and was allowed. Johnny and I are still friends after 55 years, and I can tell you that neither of us ever found it. I was always told you could not find the end of a rainbow. I believed it until about a year ago when my son, Jason, said he happened upon a rainbow that touched the ground in front of him. Sadly, he also reported that apparently someone else had been there before him - the pot of gold was gone! Jason has my luck; a day late and a dollar short. However, at least he found what Johnny and I couldn’t.

Yesterday was a super day at Friendship Harmony. We had an excellent service and the attendance was good. If there was one word that could be used to describe Friendship Harmony it would be “excited.” Our people are excited about their church. What a blessing! This upcoming Saturday at Noon we are having a picnic/concert. We have invited all of Pine Island to join us. We want them to get acquainted with our church. It is our prayer that once they experience Friendship Harmony, they will want to be a part of us. As I’ve said many times before, you do not attend Friendship Harmony, you experience Friendship Harmony. If you’re in the area this week-end, come see us this Saturday at 12 noon. There will be good food and a concert with the Gulf State Quartet from Bowling Green, Florida. If you are anywhere close by, you’ll be glad you did!

Yesterday I preached a sermon called, “The Great Love Story.” It was taken from The Song of Solomon 7:10-13. In this passage we see a beautiful story unfold about a bride who is greatly in love with her husband. She loves him because she knows he loves her too - beyond measure. This is a picture of the church and her bride-groom the Lord Jesus Christ. The notes are below and the video should be ready by tomorrow. To see it go to www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. I believe you can see it even if you do not have a facebook account.

The Great Love Story
Song of Solomon 7:10-13

v. 10a. not a feeling of ownership, but relationship
1. This is not a unique human trait ex.. My wife, my children, my church etc…
b. The reason for the feeling expressed.
1. From a Hebrew word pronounced
tesh-oo-kaw’ meaning “stretching out”

V11-12 We want to go where He wants to go:
In the field - John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Christ commissioned us to go into the fields, because He came to “seek and to save that which was lost.

Lodge in the villages --- Be around others, including sinners The Bible says Christ was a friend of sinners and publicans.
Too many believers stay locked in the church.

Go to the vineyards -- the vineyard can refer to Israel. Isaiah 5:7 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
They are in the field where sinners are, the villages where all kinds of people are, and the vineyards where believers are.

V13 The results of our love for Christ.
We offer Him pleasant fruits -- souls!
Psalm 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Conclusion: Do you have a love relationship with Jesus? To have it, all you have to do is want it?

I do hope the notes are a blessing to you. If you will print them, then follow on the video, you will receive so much more from them. Summer is past and autumn is here, so enjoy this new season the LORD has given to us. Stay well, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!