Can You Expect Anything From God?

Good Monday Morning To You!
I hope your Easter was a good one. We had a great day at Friendship Harmony. Due to rain our Sunrise Service had to be held inside, but the LORD blessed and it was a good service. We recorded it for those who could not attend. If you’d like to see it go to www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. Remember, you do not need a facebook account to view the videos. The video should be ready by Tuesday morning, and I thank Jim and Gwen Cook for their tireless labor of love in getting these videos posted for all to see. It is a lengthy, time consuming project, and I am so grateful for their dedication to the Friendship Harmony Baptist Church video ministry.

I want to let you know what happened last week to the blog. I had been having trouble on my phone line, so I called our local phone provider, Century Link, to come and take a look. I was getting heavy static and cross talk. Cross talk is where I can hear other people who I did not call, and they can hear me. If you remember the days of the party line, it is similar to that. The phone man found corroded wires which he fixed. He then asked me who installed my internet DSL connection. I told him that Century Link had installed it, and he told me it had been installed incorrectly. He asked if I had been having trouble with the net and I told him that I could get on, but I couldn’t stay on. He said that he had fixed it when he repaired my phone line and that I should have no more problems. He was right, and I am glad to have dependable service again.

The Easter Morning message was called, “What Did You Expect?” Every year at both Christmas and Easter, preachers attempt to preach the familiar message in a fresh, and uplifting way. We ask ourselves, “How can I say something relevant and fresh, as if it had never been preached before?” Even though I have preached many Easter sermons in my forty two years of service, the Holy Spirit always steps in and gives me the right thing to say, and it’s always like brand new. I marvel at how He works with us preacher boys.

The notes are below, and I hope they are a blessing to you. I trust they are beneficial in your personal Bible study.

What Were You Expecting?? ©
Luke 24:1-9
Easter Sunday 4/20/14
By Victor Cooper

Intro: When you come to Jesus, do you come expecting? What you find might not be what you expected, but Christ always supplies what you need.

I. What they expected.
A. They came expecting to find a sealed tomb.
1. The stone was a large, cylindrical object sitting in a groove. The groove would have had a slight down hill pitch, making it difficult to move.
2. These ladies were on a mission for Jesus, and obstacles were not considered.
Adam Clarke Commentary -- …when persons have strong confidence in God, obstacles do not hinder them from undertaking whatever they have reason to believe he requires; and the removal of them they leave to him: and what is the consequence? They go on their way comfortably, and all difficulties vanish…
.
B. They came expecting a dead Jesus.
1. The angel would remind them of what He had said concerning His death.
2. The world going to His tomb today still expects to find a dead Jesus.
3. Sadly, many church goers feel the same way.
C. They expected to find someone to help move the stone away.
1. Remember, they were serving Jesus and they believed God would provide a way.
II. What they found.
A. The stone was rolled away.
1. Their questions would have been who? And why?
B. They found an empty tomb.
1. They were perplexed and confused.
2. They did not have a printed Bible as. we have. They were living it.
3. What would be your reaction to visiting the grave of a loved one and finding it open and the body gone?
4. Would resurrection be the first thought to come to your mind?
C. They found two angels.
1. In Scriptures, angelic appearance ALWAYS comes withy a message.
2. “Angel” means “messenger.”

III. What they needed.
A. They needed the message of the angels. Vv5-7
B. They needed hope.
C. They needed assurance.
D. They needed courage.

Conclusion: What they expected was not what they found nor was it what they needed. What you can expect from our LORD is that He will, “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:19

As the women had to go to the tomb, you have to
“seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33


Barb and Wayne Ratcliffe want to thank you for your prayers for their son, Mark. His surgery was a success and he is now recovering at home. We are always happy for praise reports. Can we pray for you? Send your prayer request to fhbcsjc@gmail.com. We will post your request here on the blog so others can join with us in prayer.

May the LORD bless your upcoming week, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Easter At Friendship Harmony

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

I trust you had a Happy Easter. Mine was fantastic. It started with a Sunrise service at Church. Due to wind, and chilly temps, at least by our standards, we had our service indoors. Some people were a little disappointed, but several years ago in Cincinnati, we had a sunrise service under similar conditions. Three of my older people caught pneumonia. I want to try to be sensitive to people’s needs. The decision to stay inside was totally mine and was made with the best intentions. Next year Easter is later, so the chances are better that we’ll be outside for the service.

After the sunrise service we had a fellowship breakfast. Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day, and yesterday’s was delicious. Thanks to all who prepared it. It was a job well done!

Sunday School was good, and the morning service was very uplifting. I had planned to preach part two of the four part series, “Coming With His Coming,” but the LORD had other plans. I preached a message titled “Three Crosses On A Hill.” The message came from a track I saw. I used their three main points, then added my own sub-points. The notes are below, and the video will be ready by Tuesday morning. You can view it at www.youtube.com. From their home page, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church, then scroll to the message you wish to view. We are currently working on posting the messages on facebook. We will keep you informed.

Three Crosses On A Hill
Luke 23:32-43
By Victor Cooper
Main points plus A‘s & B’s
copied from a tract.
C’s and other sub-points are mine.

I. The cross of rejection
A. One man died in sin - he was a dying sinner.
1. Sinner. Heb.> Hatta’> one devoted to sin
Gk.> hamartolos> erring one
a. “Sin” literally means missing the mark.
Q. What mark?
A. God’s mark of sinless perfection.
b. Is there anyone here this morning sinlessly perfect?
c. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
i.e. all have missed God’s mark.
2. Remember, in Scriptures, death means separation, not cessation. Cessation would be too easy.
a. He was about to be eternally separated from God.
b. Salvation and forgiveness would become eternally impossible.
B. He died with sin in him.
1. Sin is more deadly than any poison.
Illustration: 11613. The Judas-Tree’s Fatal Appeal
There is a curious tree known as the Judas-tree. Long before its leaves appear, gorgeous blossoms would ornament the branches. Looking like scarlet sunbeams caught among the boughs, and held prisoners by their interlacings, the brilliant beauty of the crimson flowers attracts thousands of tiny insects. The wild bees also seek to draw honey from their exquisitely shaped cups.
But every insect—bee or butterfly—that ventures to rest upon the edge of its blossom is overcome by a fatal, curious sort of opiate, or sleeping-draught, which the flower-juice contains, and drops dead upon the ground beneath!
Thus, walking around Judas-trees, one sees the soft grass strewn with dead and dying bright-winged insects!
The Judas-tree reminds us of sin. Sin may look bright, pleasant and attractive to our eyes; it may appear harmless to indulge in it. But lurking behind “the pleasures of sin” is a fatal poison.
Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations
a. Sin destroys body, soul and spirit
b. Sin brings condemnation.
John 3:18b …he that believeth not is condemned already…
C. The cross for him would not be the end, but simply the doorway to damnation and eternal Hell!

II. The cross of redemption
A. One man died for sin - He was a dying Saviour.
1. He ”…knew no sin…” (2 Cor. 5:21b)
yet
B. He died with sin upon Him. He was covered with it -
yours, mine, and everyone else’s. 2 Cor. 5:21a For he hath made him to be sin for us…
1. God had to turn His back upon the sight of it.
But remember,
you will only ask for salvation from a Saviour; i.e. one who actually can save.
2. Sin covered does not mean sin filled.
a. The only way God could forgive my sin was for Jesus to take my sin.


C. The cross for him would not be the end, but simply the doorway to His resurrection and Satan’s eventual downfall!
III. The cross of reception
A. One man died to sin - he was a dying saint.
1. He too was separated; not from God but to God!
2. Theologians call this, glorification.
B. He died with sin taken from him.
1. God erases them! Isaiah 43:25a I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake…
2. God throws sin away. Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
3. He changes sin’s color. Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
4. God forgets about sin. Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
C. The cross for him would not be the end but simply the doorway to eternal life!

Conclusion: Isaiah 55:6-7/1 John 1:9 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: [7] Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [1:9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I hope you have a good, safe, and healthy week. If you’re traveling, please be careful. Some of our winter visitors have already gone back north, while others will be leaving soon. We miss our winter friends when they are gone. They help to make Friendship Harmony the special place it is. Remember: you can experience at least the preaching portion of our Church by going to www.youtube.com. From their home page, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church, then scroll to the message you wish to view. By the way, as an added bonus, the Sunrise Message is also on youtube. It too will be posted on Tuesday. I’ll meet you on the video, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

My Favirite Holiday: Easter!!

Good Monday Morning To You!
I do hope you had a wonderful week since we last met. My week was pretty much routine; nothing too exciting. For a preacher that is sometime a blessing. I did attend a very informative church planter’s meeting this past Monday. The topic was the internet video ministry. I’ve told you about that before, and I’m really excited about taking Friendship Harmony online. For those of you who have never been to our Church, or for our winter visitors who have returned north, this would give you the opportunity to experience Friendship Harmony. The cost outlay is somewhere in the $300-500 range. We could go cheaper, but the quality would be bad. I will not broadcast anything that would be an embarrassment to the Lord or the Church. We could also spend much more, but that would be overkill. You pray about this, and I’ll let you know as it develops.

All I can say about our service yesterday is, “Wow!” It was a very formal service, but extremely dignified and beautiful. We departed from our “normal routine.” We had two specials from two different soloists: Wen Anderson singing “The Old Rugged Cross,” and Eleanor McDonnel singing “He Has Surely Borne Our Sorrow.” Both specials were fantastic! Normally there are two hymns that I cringe whenever our music director announces them: “Silent Night,” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” I have nothing against the words in either; they are terrific. It is the tempo. Most people drag those songs to the point of boredom. Wen sang the song at the perfect tempo; not too slow nor too hurried. It flowed smoothly, yet sounded like a victory song, not a funeral dirge. Thank you Wen and you too Margaret for your accompaniment. After a responsive reading which was the words to a song in our book, Eleanor sang a song from which I adapted the message. Normally a song is adapted from a message the writer has heard. This time the message was built around the title of the song. The hymn writer, Mosie Lister, is still living. I have sent him a message on Facebook asking what led to the writing of this lovely song. If he responds, I’ll share it with you in a future Monday Morning blog. Eleanor’s rendition of the song was tremendous. Thank you Eleanor for doing such a super job. It led into the message perfectly. The sermon notes are below. Please feel free to use them for your own Bible study. Preachers and teachers may also use them in preparation for a class or a message. I must warn you though. The message is in the Catechistic Style. Most Baptists and other evangelicals are unfamiliar with catechism. They connect it to the “high church.” Catechism is nothing more than declaring a topic, then defining it by asking a question, then answering it citing Scriptural references. Many preachers use this style in their sermonizing, but do not name it as such. I have been preaching forty years this month, and this is only the second time I have preached catechistically. Charles Haddon Spurgeon preached this way occasionally, so if it was good enough for him, then I guess it will not hurt us.

He Has Surely Borne Our Sorrow
Various in the Catechistic Style
By Victor Cooper
3/29-31/12

Intro: This message was taken from the hymn of the same name written by Mosie Lister in 1963. In the Catechistic Style, which is foreign in name to most Baptists, we look at our sorrow bearing Lord.

I. Why was a sinless Christ sorrowful.?
A. Because by Adam’s sin, God’s entire creation fell under the curse. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
B. Because Christ knew that all mankind would be born in sin, not the original righteousness He intended.
Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
1. The verse is not implying that David was born as a result of an adulteress affair.
2. The verse teaches us that David was a sinner because his parents were sinners, because their parents were sinners etc... linking back to Adam and Eve who were placed under the curse for their sin and rebellion.


II. What did this curse cause?
A. Many things, the worst of which was man’s separation from God.
Read Genesis 3:16-19; 23-24.
1. Note they were cast out of the garden to till the ground. The best place to till the ground is in the garden.
B. God always met them in the garden. Now they had no more access to face to face walks with God. This was to man’s shame and man’s sorrow.

III. How does this make Christ sorrowful?
A. Because the sinless Christ became sin on our behalf. He became the very thing that brought about the curse in the garden encounter with Adam.
2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1. Christ bore the sorrow to fulfill Isaiah 35:10 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (italics mine)
2. Isaiah predicted He would bare our sorrow.
Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

IV. If sorrow is so prominent, should it then abound?
A. No! Because Christ was victorious and as He bore our sorrow, so to He bears our victory.
1 Cor. 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Before I say good bye for this week, let me make a few announcements about Easter week at Friendship Harmony. On Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. we will be distributing flyers in several neighborhoods. These flyers will promote our Easter services. We really need help, so if you can spare an hour or so, please meet at the Church. Our Good Friday service will be held jointly with the Sovereign Grace Church of the Brethren in North Ft. Myers. The service will be at their Church beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Church is located at 1691 Pacific Avenue, and is two blocks from the Wal Mart on Pine Island Road. Incidentally, my Good Friday message is, “Tried And Convicted On Trumped-Up Charges.” We begin Easter services with a traditional Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m. The service will be outside, weather permitting. After that service is concluded, we will come back into the Church for a fellowship breakfast. If you’d like to attend the breakfast but did not sign up yesterday, you may call me at 239.283.8331 and I’ll forward that on to our kitchen committee. I hope you will be there. Our Easter morning service will begin at 10:00 a.m. The message is titled, “What The Donkey Saw.” I hope you can enjoy all of the Easter week services. A Happy Easter to each of you and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Easter 2011

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

Did you have a happy Easter? I did. It was an absolutely awesome day at Friendship Harmony Baptist Church. The day started with Miss Bessie and me arriving at the Church a few minutes before six. Bill and Patty Wolfe arrived just a few minutes later and we began setting up for the fellowship breakfast and the sunrise service. What a beautiful sunrise service it was! Wow!! We started the service at 5:45 and saw the sun as it rose over the tree-line in the field across the street from the Church. We were able to sit outside in the parking lot. God provided not only a gorgeous sunrise, but perfect weather as well. I challenged those present to always view a sunrise with resurrection in mind. A sunrise is a reminder of God bringing light out of darkness; a resurrection of a new day out from the darkest death of night. I issue that challenge to you, as well. The notes for the sunrise message are below. Originally I was only going to post the morning message notes, but the sunrise service was a real blessing to me too. I’m normally very critical of my preaching, but this message was one that I really enjoyed preaching. As always, the notes here there for your use.

God’s Greatest Plan
Various
By Victor W. Cooper
4/23/11

Intro: On what we know as Easter week, everything leading up to and including the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ was neither accidental, nor the result of situations out of control. Our LORD Jesus Christ was in command of it all, and the plan happened just as God had intended.

I. Jesus said it would happen. Matthew 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

II. The people said it would happen. Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

III. Pilate said it would happen. Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

IV. The chief priest thought he was strong. 2 Corinthians 13:4a For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God.

V. It was the strength of God that raised Jesus! Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

VI. It was the strength of God that through the resurrection, Jesus is LORD and Christ i.e. Messiah. Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that name Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Conclusion: To be right with God, one must be right with Jesus Christ.

After the sunrise service, we went back inside and enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by Sister Patty Wolfe. The food and fellowship was as good as the service we had just attended. From all of us, Thank You Patty for the scrumptious meal.

During our morning worship service, I concluded our current sermon series with the message, Jesus Our LORD. I have also included these notes for your study.

Jesus Our LORD
1 Corinthians 15:57
Jesus Our….. Series By Victor Cooper
4/23/11

Intro: On this Easter Sunday morning, we conclude our series with “Jesus Our Lord.” We have looked at Jesus Our Shepherd, Jesus Our Preacher, Jesus Our Teacher, and Jesus Our Savior.

I. In order to be your LORD, he must be all these other things first.
A. He must be your Preacher.
1. He must tell you you are a sinner in need of His forgiveness.
2. You must believe His message, confess your sin, and repent.
3. Is He your Preacher?
B. He must be your Savior.
1. If He is not your Savior, you are on a downhill spiral into damnation.
2. Is He your Savior?
C. He must be your Teacher.
1. Christ sends the Comforter, ie one like Him to guide and teach you.
2. Is He your Teacher? Have you read your textbook lately?
D. He must be your Shepherd.
1. Jesus said in John 10:14,27 “ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: “
2. Is He your Shepherd? Are you following Him?

II. The meaning of Lord.
A. — Easton's Illustrated Dictionary There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.
(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form "Jehovah" is retained only in Ex 6:3; Ps 83:18; Isa 12:2; Isa 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.
(2.) Heb. 'adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (Gen 45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (Gen 18:12).
The old plural form of this Hebrew word is 'adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name "Jehovah," the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name occurred, always pronounced it 'Adonai.
(3.) Greek kurios, a supreme master, etc. In the LXX. this is invariably used for "Jehovah" and "'Adonai."
B. — Teacher's Commentary Jesus as Lord (Luke 5:33-6:11). Jesus had demonstrated clearly who He is. How did those around Him respond?
Many hesitated. Jesus recognized the natural hesitation of men to try the new. In the illustration of the new wine (Luke 5:33-39), He noted that one who has been drinking an old wine will hesitate to turn to the new. That person will say, "The old is good." But after a time old wine turns sour. When it is time for the new, even the wineskins (which in Jesus' time served as bottles) must be fresh and new.
Jesus had come to bring in the new. Men must choose Him, or would find the old turning sour and worthless.

III. Jesus’ right to be LORD.
A. He is the Creator. John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
B. He is The Son of God.
— AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
It occurs thirty-seven times in the New Testament as the distinctive title of our Savior. He does not bear this title because of his miraculous birth, or because of his incarnation, his resurrection, and exaltation to the Father’s right hand. This is a title of nature and not of office. The sonship of Christ denotes his equality with the Father. To call Christ the Son of God is to assert his true and proper divinity.
C. He is the sinless One. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
D. He is the crucified One. Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
E. He is the risen One! Matthew 28:6-7 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
` F. He is the coming One. Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Conclusion: Jesus is LORD! The question is, “Is He your LORD?

In closing, let me say Happy Birthday today to my brother Greg, and to his grand daughter Isabella who is one year old on her papaw’s birthday. How cool is that!? I can’t believe Greg is old enough to be a grandpa; I vividly remember the day he was born. I remember when mom and dad brought him home from the hospital. I was down playing in the sewer…. Well, I guess I’d better save that story for another time. Believe it or not, that is actually true.

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