Graduation Day

Good Monday Morning To You!

I hope this note finds you well, and enjoying all the blessings God has sent your way. Yesterday was a very special day for me. I was asked to speak at this year’s Commencement exercises at the SouthWest Florida Bible Institute. What an honor it was to be part of the joyful celebration. Several of the graduates had been in my classes, and I felt so proud. One woman, who had enjoyed a career in medicine, came to me in the receiving line of instructors and said, “I’m not shaking your hand. I need a hug from you.” I told her I would gladly hug her. I whispered in her ear that she was one of my best students, which she really was. I gave her a 95 on a paper once, and she wanted to know where her other five points were. Marlene studied hard and was proud of her accomplishments. I am proud of her and the others too. Dr. Jim Scafidi, the school’s president, explained why it was called “commencement.” He said when receiving their diplomas, the students were not facing an ending, but a beginning. My prayers are with each of the graduates as they go forward and use their education to assist in the advancement of the Kingdom Of God!

The service at Friendship Harmony was such a blessing. The attendance was good, and it was so good to have been in the house of the LORD. At Friendship Harmony, we sing the old tried and true hymns, and we still use our hymnals. None of us have any fight with the more modern ways, but there is such a comfort in being part of services similar to those like when we were growing up. We consider it a privilege.

The morning message was from the Parable of the Pounds from Luke chapter 19. The notes are not available at this time. I am in the process of learning to use my new laptop. I typed the notes on the old one which uses XP and Microsoft Works. My new one uses Windows 7, and Microsoft Word. I like XP and Works much better, but that is probably because they are all I know. I originally bought a laptop installed with Windows 8, but I quickly took it back. I let my daughter look at it and she said it was too much computer for me. She said Captain Picard could run the Enterprise with that thing. I won’t say it frustrated me, I’ll just say it is times like that when I thank the LORD for eternal security.

After services were over, I had to make a quick exit to get up to the school for the graduation ceremonies. I was unable to tape for the video broadcast, and that really bothered me. I am going to be working on idea which will put some videos “in the can.” That way when I cannot tape, we will have one ready to go and no one will miss the videos.

When I learn how to convert Microsoft Works to Microsoft Word, I’ll post yesterday’s notes. I bought a book called, “Microsoft Office 2013 For Dummies.” I absolutely amazes me that I have enough intelligence to be working toward my second doctorate, yet a computer which most ten year olds can routinely operate throws me into a tail spin. I know everybody has their gifts, but I wish I were just a bit more computer literate. Oh well…..

Have a good week, and stay safe and healthy. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Re-Living The 50's

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

I’ve got to tell you about some new friends Miss Bessie and I met the other day. I’m talking about all the good people at the Starlight Diner on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral, Florida. This new restaurant, which has only been open a week, is a 50’s themed diner where the atmosphere is as fun as the food is delicious. When you walk up to the front door, you are met by a life size statue of Elvis. As you enter, you hear the tunes of the 50’s and early 60’s. I could just imagine dropping my dime into the juke box and selecting Fats Domino, Dion and The Belmonts, and Chuck Berry. I found myself singing along with Little Richard as he sang Long Tall Sally. I would have crooned on, but then came the food. Wow!!! Delicious is not the right word. Not only was the quality of the food 5 star, but the serving sizes were very generous. They offer an extra patty of meat on the burgers, but just a single burger is thick, juicy, and as they said in the fifties, “the cat’s meow.” Their secret to success is simple: all the food is fresh. The burger meat was not pre-pressed and frozen, and the fries and chips were made from fresh cut, real live, honest to goodness potatoes. Along with many different burgers, there are other sandwiches, soups, salads, and of course no 50’s diner would be complete with out the Blue Plate Special. I can’t wait to try the meatloaf, and Miss Bessie has her eye on the liver and onions. They also serve breakfast, and have a nice kid’s menu. They are located at 1141 SW Pine Island Road, in the plaza across the street from the Bonefish Grill. Look for the Fitness Center, and the Starlight is located on the west side of the complex. There is plenty of parking, so if you’re anywhere near Cape Coral/Ft. Myers/ Pine Island, stop in and meet these folks. I promise you a great experience!

We had a good service at church yesterday. Fiddlin’ Bill sang for us, and with his easy going, sincere style, not only sang, but led us in worship. We sang, clapped, and sincerely enjoyed being a Christian. Christianity is not supposed to be a sour puss religion. It is to be enjoyed and celebrated. As you think of all the LORD has done for you, and ponder the promises He has made, you cannot help but to have joy in your heart which overflows into everyday life. As I told the congregation, if you ever find yourself down, depressed, or just plain blue, here are some words from the Book of the Revelation which, if you are a believer, should jump start your joy. If you are not saved, or are unsure, please contact me at fhbcsjc@gmail.com. I’d be happy to show you the way.

Rev. 21:1-5
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. [5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

I’m giving final exams at the Seminary tonight, so I guess I’d better head that way. I’ll let you know next week how the finals went, but I have an excellent class of students, so I fully expect to be impressed. Also I’d like to say thanks to all of you who prayed for me, called me, and e-contacted me while I was ill. I feel much better. Thank You!!!

Have a blessed and joyful week, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Busy But Blessed

Good Monday Morning To You!

I had one of those really great days yesterday. It started with a fantastic service at Friendship Harmony. After a good discussion in Sunday School, The Majestic Sounds Quartet from Cincinnati, Ohio sang for us. It was our third anniversary/homecoming and the glory of God rained down upon our service. I gave the group all the time they wanted to sing, then I made a few brief remarks. When the invitation was given, one precious young lady came and received Christ as her Lord and Savior. What a blessing! What a Heaven bought blessing!!

After the service was dismissed, we observed that time honored tradition that most Christians keep: we feasted. I’ll say one thing for Baptist women, they sure can cook. What a meal it was! Later that day I had a luncheon to attend in Ft. Myers, so I decided not to eat too much. What I had decided to do and what I did do was two different things. I put on the feed sack and feasted. Two different ladies made meatloaf, and since that is my favorite food in all the galaxy, I tried a piece of both. They were both magnificent. All the food was good. Next month on March 9, we will do it again. Our featured guest will be Fiddlin’ Bill from right here in our area. Bill is a touring professional, and is always a crowd pleaser. Be sure to mark your calendars now, so that if you are anywhere within driving distance, you can join us. Of course, you are always invited to all FHBC services. They’re all pretty special.

As I said, Bess and I was invited to attend an alumni luncheon from my high school alma mater, Norwood High School. I graduated in 1972 and there were graduates there from as far back as 1962. For me it was an absolute treat. I’ve never been able to attend a class reunion, so this was pretty special. I was even able to reconnect with a couple I went to church with nearly thirty years ago: Paul and Barbara Crosson. Paul was the minister of music at the Tri-County Baptist Church in Cincinnati, and was perhaps the best music director I have ever known. Whether he was leading the choir or the congregation, he pulled better out of you than you thought you could give. Paul's wife, Barbara, is also a Norwood High School graduate.

Today is shaping up to be special as well. Tonight the class I teach at the South West Florida Bible Seminary will be presenting their mid term projects. I do not give a mid term exam, but assign a project that reflects what we are studying. This class is Parabolic Interpretation, so each student is to write their own parable. It can be about anything they wish, religious or secular, but it must follow the interpretive rules. I believe they will do well! I will let you know next week.

By way of an announcement, there will be no video posting tomorrow. With the group singing, we did not tape due to copyright restrictions. You can, however, view past videos if you’d like. You can see them at www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. Remember, you do not have to have a Facebook account to view the videos. I hope you will let me know what you think of our new condensed videos. We no longer tape the entire message, but do a “mini message” using the same notes. We try to keep the length to about 10 minutes. Be sure to let me know what you think.

Stay safe and well, so that I can see you again next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

You Need To Hide Your Scriptures

Good Monday Morning To You1

I hope your past week was one where you felt blessed and some good memories were made to be re-lived again at some point in the future. I had an experience last Monday evening that I have got to share with you. As most of you know I am teaching a class on ancient civilizations at a Bible College in Southwest Florida. This semester we have studied Egypt, Israel, and Rome. Unlike some professors, I do not give a mid-term exam. I assigned a mid-term project. The project has the weight of an exam which is 40%. On the first night of class I told the students they could choose from any civilization we would be studying and to do a project of their choosing depicting life in that country. I told them if they could draw, a picture would do, or if they could sculpt, a sculpture would be great. I told them if they could sew, a garment would be acceptable, or if they cooked, an ancient dish could be brought in to share with the class. I told them to let themselves be guided by their imaginations. Last Monday night must have been a welcome to Egypt night because that is what they each choose. It would be too lengthy to tell what each student did, but I can tell you food ruled the night. One lady did her report on pyramids and even came dressed in headgear similar to what would have been worn by Cleopatra, Egypt’s last Pharaoh. One man found a 4000 year old recipe for nut covered dates. I do not like dates, but this Egyptian sweet treat was delicious. We are having snacks after our Christmas Eve service, and Miss Bessie and I might bring some. Two ladies joined forces and brought in an Egyptian bean dip and pita bread. It was a bit spicy, but very good. This dish is still enjoyed in Egypt today. One young lady, however, did a science experiment as her project. She performed the mummification on an apple. She cut the apple in half, and using the same ingredients and processes used in ancient Egypt, she performed that ancient embalming on the apple. When she unwrapped it, she too was seeing the the end result for the first time. The only word I can use to describe it is “phenomenal.” The highest grade I could give her was a 100, but believe me I would have given her a 1000 if I could! Each student learned more than I could teach by researching for their own project, then seeing others show and explain theirs. To me, it’s all about education - even the tests. I do not care as much about grades as I do about learning. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had in a long time. It is definitely a memory I hope to re-live for years to come. A good friend of mine was a long time professor of geography at Central Michigan University, and he wanted me to let him know how the project/exam idea worked out. Burt, it was fantastic!!

Yesterday at Friendship Harmony was awesome. We always have a good service, but yesterday was a notch up from most. The attendance was good and everybody really got into the singing. This was one service that will definitely get me through the remainder of the week. Along with a Sunday Morning service, we have a small group Bible study on Tuesday evenings at 6:30p.m. We are looking into the Book of Romans. It is a tremendous treat to pastor a church where people love God, love each other, and keep to the Scriptures!

The message title was “Honor The Word By Hiding The Word.” It was taken from Psalm 119:11 which says, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” The message was to celebrate Bible Sunday. The notes are below and you can see the video on Tuesday morning at www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony. Remember, you do not have to have a Facebook account to see the video. Let me know what you think of the videos. I hope these notes are beneficial to you.

Honor The Word By Hiding The Word ©
Psalm 119:11
By Victor Cooper
11/20-23/13

Intro: My calendar calls today “Bible Sunday.” It seems appropriate to have a day to honor God’s word, although the day would be better served as the day we celebrate the fact that we have honored the Bible all year.
Hiding God’s word is to shield and protect it, hence to us it is something of great value; something we can honor.

I. We honor God’s word by letting it comfort us.
A. The Psalmist asks a question.
Psalm 119:82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
B. The Apostle Paul gives him his answer.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
C. The Bible tells us of a better life in Heaven.
Revelation 21:1-6 {lengthy, read from Scriptures}

II. We honor God’s word by letting it condemn us.
John 15:2-4a Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
A. “Bearing fruit” is living a live that gives evidence of conversion.
B. Our text verse says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Psalm 119:11
!. The logic is that when we do sin, the word brings it to light.
C. Condemnation is good. Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
1. The Biblical admonition is our way of life because it shines the light on the safe path.
(a) For the sinner because it shows him his need of Jesus and…
(b) … because it lights the safe path to Christ.
(1) It is the safe path because the world offers many paths to God, but Scriptures only point to one: Jesus

III. We honor God’s word by letting us consume us.
Illustration: What if we treated our Bible the way we treat our cell phone? What if we …

… carried it with us everywhere?
… turned back to get it if we forget it?
… checked it for messages thorough out the day?
… used it in case of an emergency?
… spent an hour or more using it everyday?
… refused to go to sleep unless it is checked one more time?
A. Psalm 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
1. If you are consumed by the word, sin will have no dominion over you.

On behalf of the entire Cooper family, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be sure to be thankful for all God has blessed you with. I know you will. 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!!!

Danny's Revenge

Good Monday Morning To You!

For the past several weeks I have been telling you about my seminary days. I guess I have been thinking back to that time because in August I’ll be a freshman again: a brand new, freshman professor of Geography at the South West Florida Bible Institute in Port Charlotte, Florida. Last week I told you about the time I caught my buddy sleeping and told him the professor had just called on him to dismiss in prayer. I promised that this week I would tell you how he got even.

We had just had our English class, and it was two hours before supper. We all decided to crawl into our bunks for a brief nap. Our dorm room was full with four boys. We took our nap and Danny tapped me to awaken me. He said, “Wake up Coop, it’s supper time.” I got out of bed, put on my shirt and shoes and we walked across the campus to the cafeteria. While my friends and I were heading to eat, people gave me some very dirty looks. I was totally bewildered at their strange behavior. I said, “Hello” to several, but they quickly turned away like I had some exotic disease. As I went into the line inside the cafeteria, people literally shunned me. Even the cafeteria lady looked at me and shook her head, grinning all the while. We found an empty table and I got nothing but the evil eye. I could not figure out what was happening. All the while my room mates seemed totally oblivious to what was occurring. All I knew was people I considered friends glared at me in wide eyed disbelief. When we returned to our room, it was dark and time to get ready for bed. I gathered my shaving kit and went into the shower room. When I looked into the mirror, I saw what all the scorn was about. While I had been asleep, my “buddies” had taken a black magic marker and had put 666 on my forehead. That’s right! I was walking the halls and sidewalks of a Baptist Seminary with the “mark of the beast” plastered all over my forehead. For those of you who do not understand, to a Baptist, this is the worst act of blasphemy one can perform. It is unthinkable for someone to accept the mark of the Anti-Christ. Danny and the roomies were standing behind me laughing so hard I thought they would pass out. I laughed too. I might be a practical joker, but I can take it, and enjoy it as much as I can dish it out.

Yesterday was a good day at Friendship Harmony. We honored the dads present by giving them a small gift, and the singing was roof lifting. I continued our Sermon Series, “What Were You Thinking?” This week we asked Moses, who had just disobeyed a direct order from God, “What Were You Thinking?” Moses had been told by God to speak to the rock, but instead he hit the rock. What was he thinking? The notes are below, and the video should be ready by Tuesday morning. To view it, go to www.youtube.com. From their home page, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Then simply scroll down to the video you’d like to see.

Moses, What Were You Thinking
Numbers 20:1-13
By: Victor Cooper
11/04/06

Moses, after all your experiences with the LORD, when He explicitly told you to speak to the rock, you disobeyed and hit it. What were you thinking?

I. “It was a very hard time for me.”
A. My sister Miriam died. We were very close. Num. 20:1
B. We had been lost forty years. The people and animals
needed water and they looked to me for it. It turned into
a mob scene. 20:2,3
C. This was how this outfit had behaved in the past. They
were rebels. 20:10”

II. “But, you’re right. I had such a close relationship with the
LORD. He had shown Himself faithful throughout my life.
A. By Divine providence after Pharaoh Seti had ordered
all Hebrew boy babies under age three to be killed,
my mother put me in the Nile in a little reed-boat.
Exodus 2:3
B. My sister Miriam “arranged” for Pharaoh’s daughter to
adopt me, and pay a Hebrew mother to care for me --
it was to be my own mother! 2:8,9
C. I was then to be raised in Pharaoh’s home and raised
and educated as Egyptian royalty. Acts 7:22
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.”

III. “I remember one of my meetings with the LORD. It was
certainly memorable. Exodus 3:2
A. I was literally in God’s presence! 3:4-6
B. He told me He was going to deliver Israel from Egypt.
3:7-8
C. Then He dropped a bomb-shell on me. He told me I was
to be His instrument in that deliverance. 3:10
D. Interestingly enough, He told me He was going to lead
the people out of Egypt and into the Promised land, but
I was only to be involved with the Exodus - not the
entrance.”

IV. “I well remember our travels through the wilderness, and
God’s presence with us.
A. He led us by day and night with His pillars. Ex. 13:21-22
B. The LORD told me Pharaoh was coming after us, but that
He would protect us. Exodus 14:1-4
C. When they were chasing us, He hid us from them with
that pillar of cloud. 14:19-20
D. By the way, lest I forget to mention it, that yammering
outfit I was leading was murmuring all the way.
14:11-12”

V. “What was I thinking? I was thinking I needed to let these
people know who was in charge. I had forgotten that God,
not me, was in charge.
A. BKC The Lord told Moses only to speak to the rock for its flow must not be attributed to his own efforts but to the Lord’s miraculous provision. Moses, however, at the breaking point of his endurance and patience (he called the people rebels), drew attention to his own authority as covenant mediator by striking the rock twice with his staff. The water came because of God’s beneficent grace, but because Moses and Aaron had drawn attention to themselves rather than trusting in the LORD they were denied entrance to the Promised Land. The principle here is clear: “…For unto whomsoever much has been given, much shall be required…” (Luke 12:48).

Have a good rest of your week. Next week I’ll tell you why lately I have become the duckman. We’ll discuss that when I see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!