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.

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!!!

Let Me Introduce You To Melzar

Good Monday Morning To You!!

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

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

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

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