A Treat From Our Kitchen To Yours

Good Monday Morning To You!

I have to share a treat with you. I took a bit of a nap yesterday and was sleeping just fine. I awoke to smells that I thought were coming from the shores of Heaven. As I came back to full consciousness, I knew exactly what I was smelling: my daughter Michele was making her cheese-steak wraps. Oh my, what a treat! Michele, we call her Shelly, knows how much we all love them, so yesterday was our day. I told her I wanted the recipe so that I could share it with each of you. It is really easy to make, and believe it or not, if you use low sodium low fat deli roast beef, it works on a heart smart diet. I also recommend low fat mayo. She gave me her recipe, so here it is for you to enjoy as well.

WARNING: SLIGHTLY ADDICTIVE!!! Ingredients: Extra large flour tortilla shells; Swiss cheese; Roast Beef; Green Peppers; Onions; Mayonnaise; Horseradish Sauce; Butter. Caramelize the onions and green peppers in a bit of butter. Set oven to 375 (degrees) and lay wraps out. Spread mayonnaise and horseradish sauce out on half the wrap. Add roast beef and layer onions and peppers over roast beef. Cover with Swiss cheese and wrap up. It is easiest to flip the edge of the wrap over then grab both sides and fold them. Keep rolling until closed. Warm in oven for 10-13 minutes or until slightly crisp and golden. Be careful they are extremely hot to eat!
By: Michele Cooper

In mine, she either leaves out the green peppers, or uses very few. I like peppers, but they do not like me. Try these for lunch or supper soon then let me know how you liked them. I’ll be sure to tell her. Michele is revamping her online business. Her shop is called bebe chat and features vintage accessories and jewelry that women seem to enjoy. Her shop can be visited online by going to www.bebechat.etsy.com. Her mother wore a yellow rose necklace to church today that Shelly made. Maybe I’m bragging, but it looked nice, and several ladies commented to her about it. In Etsy it is very difficult to open a shop with an original name. Shelly is a cat lover, so she wanted to name her shop Cat Baby. That name was taken, so I told her cat baby was pronounced bebe chat in French. She looked it up and discovered the name was available, so her web site was opened. All her things are painstakingly hand crafted, so if you’re interested in those things, or even just curious, go to her site and check it out.

Yesterday was an ultra super day at Friendship Harmony. We were privileged to baptize four fine people. We had two sets of husband and wife families that followed the LORD in believer’s baptism. What a blessing it was! The sermon title was “Jesus Our Savior.” I talked about Christ being either a savior, the Savior, or your Savior. I asked which is He to you? My four points were Jesus was a prophesied Savior, Jesus was a needed Savior, Jesus was/is a sufficient Savior, and Jesus is a coming Savior. Point four did not deal with Christ’s coming in a prophetic way, known as eschatological, but in the sense of for the sake of our salvation, known as soteriological. Below are the notes which you are free to use for your personal Bible studies. Other clergy are free to use them as well.

Jesus Our Savior
Various
Jesus Our….. Series By Victor Cooper
April 16, 2011

Intro: Today we continue with a series of messages focusing on what Jesus is to us, or could be to you if you have not yet received His love and pardon. We have examined the topics Jesus Our Shepherd, Jesus Our Preacher, and Jesus Our Teacher. Today we will see Jesus Our Savior. Next week we conclude with Jesus Our LORD.

I. Jesus was a prophesied Savior.
A. Zechariah foretold it. Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
B. Mark verifies it. Mark 11:7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
C. Joseph had been told. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

II. Jesus was a needed Savior.
` A. All humanity from Adam forward has sinned.
1. Paul told the Romans, “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:…”
Romans 5:12
2. King David knew it. Psalm 51:1-5 (Read)
3. Isaiah had declared it. Isaiah 41:26 Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

III. Jesus was/is a sufficient Savior.
A. The Father declared his sufficiency.
Matthew 3:17 & Matthew 17:5 …This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
B. Paul testified to it. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

IV. Jesus is a coming Savior.
A. `He promised! John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
B. Our Salvation depends on it
1. A believer’s current condition:
A. I have been saved.
B. I are being saved.
2. A believer’s future condition:
A. I will be saved.
C. Our Savior will complete what He starts.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Conclusion: Jesus is to everyone on earth one of three kinds of Savior. He is either a Savior, the Savior, or your Savior. Which is He to You? Which do you want Him to be?

Delivered to The Friendship Harmony Baptist Church Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011.

I hope you have a nice week ahead of you. I am always honored when someone tells me how this blog has been a blessing to them. That is exactly the reason why I write it. I also enjoy when you write back and tell me about what is going on with you. My E-mail address is
preachercooper@hotmail.com if you ever want to write. Enjoy this Easter week and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Vic and Bess In Gainesville

Good Monday Morning To You!

I hope your week was as good as mine. Miss Bessie and I traveled to Gainesville, Florida to attend a Church Planter’s Meeting sponsored by the Florida Baptist Convention. Florida Baptists are renowned throughout the entire Southern Baptist Convention for their efforts, abilities, and successes in church planting. The course is recognized by the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and continuing education credits are given by that institution. It was an intense learning time, but such a blessing. As a side benefit, we met many people and made some new friends. The LORD was good, we learned much, and getting away for a few nights was just the right prescriptive for us.

When the conference ended, we stayed an extra day because Bess was attending the Son Shine ladies conference at Lake Yale the next two days. We had some free time and someone from Gainesville had recommended the Museum of Natural History to us. We went and all I can say is Wow!!! The museum is on the campus of the University of Florida and it is indeed a first class place. The admission is free, but donations are accepted. Some exhibits have a small fee, but those costs are low and well worth it. One exhibit we saw was the butterflies. You walked out a door into a replica of a rain forest. Inside were many species of butterflies, finches, and turtles. There were plants and waterfalls as well. As you walked along the trail, there were places you could sit and just enjoy the tranquility of the place. As you were sitting, a butterfly might very well come and land on you. It was such a treat to have these colorful little creatures come and sit with you. I thought when God created these little guys, He was aiming for gentle beauty; the butterflies certainly fill the bill. We would like to go back one day and finish our tour of this museum. Right next door to it is the Art Museum. Bess and I would like to visit there as well. Is there a museum of natural history near to where you live? Have you ever visited? If you have never, or if it has been a while, let me encourage you to go. If you are ever in the Gainesville, Florida area, do yourself a favor and plan on visiting this museum. Tell the butterflies Pastor Vic said hello; I met quite a few of them up close and personal.

Yesterday was another great day at Friendship Harmony. The Holy Spirit seemed to fill the room with His presence. It was such an honor to be there and to meet with the LORD. My message continued our Jesus Our… series. I preached Jesus our Teacher. Past topics included Jesus Our Shepherd, and Jesus Our Preacher. If you did not get any of those notes, simply scroll down to the blogs from the past two weeks. The notes from yesterday’s message can be found below.

Jesus Our Teacher
Acts 1:1
Jesus Our….. Series By Victor Cooper
April 8,9 2011

Intro: Today we continue with a series of messages focusing on what Jesus is to us, or could be to you if you have not yet received His love and pardon. We have examined the topics Jesus Our Shepherd and Jesus our Preacher. Today we will see Jesus as our Teacher. In the future we will examine Jesus our Savior and Jesus our LORD.

I. He taught men the reality of their sin.
A. The thief realized it. Luke 23: 39-43
B. The man sick with palsey. Matthew 9: 1-8
C Jesus stated it. Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. ///
Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

II. He taught men the way to God.
A. Jesus said He was the way to the Father.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
B. Twice God the Father agreed.
Matthew 3:17 &Matthew 17:5 17This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
C. Jesus taught He is…
1. … the bread of life. John 6:35
2. … the door. John 10:7
3. … the Son of God. John 10:36

III. Jesus taught men of Himself.
A. Jesus challenged men to learn of Him.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
B. His mother told the people to listen to Jesus.
John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
C. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach Him. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
D. Paul believed in preaching and teaching Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
E. The early church taught Jesus. Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Delivered to The Friendship Harmony Baptist Church 4/10/11/a.m. service.

Have a good week. Stay safe and healthy. Pray for Vic and Bess as we get back into the swing of things this upcoming week. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

Will The Real Victor Cooper Please Stand Up!

Good Monday Morning To You!

It’s always good to see you and visit with you. Thank you for inviting me into your home, office, or wherever we happen to meet. Some people have asked since my last two blogs, “Are you really adopted?” Others, knowing my inability to play it straight said, “Print the real truth about who you are.” The real me is pretty boring, but I’ve decided today to play it straight and tell you some about the real me. First of all, I am definitely not adopted. I was born to Howard and Alene Cooper in Cincinnati, Ohio in the mid-fifties. I grew up in several Cincinnati neighborhoods, but all within walking distance of city limits. Until I was five years old, we did live inside the city. In the late fifties we moved to a little independent village totally surrounded by Cincinnati called Elmwood Place. We stayed there until I finished the sixth grade. If the school had not bought the property, we might be there still. My parents then bought a home in Norwood in which my mom still resides. Norwood, also, is an independent city surrounded by Cincinnati. In fact, I read somewhere that Norwood, Ohio is the largest city in the world to be totally surrounded by another city. That’s pretty cool if its true! The best four years of my life were spent at Norwood High School. In fact, it was one of my teachers, Mr. J. R. Phillips, who instilled in me the confidence that I carry around to this day. As you probably already know I am a Cincinnati Reds fan. Whenever I’m in Cincy, I try to take in a game or two. Often I plan my vacation with the home schedule in mind

As I type these words, Bess and I are in Gainesville, Florida for a four day Bible Conference sponsored by the Florida Baptist Convention. This conference centers around church planting, i.e. starting churches. They will share with us things others have successfully done in the past, as well as ideas that have been tried and that have failed. They gave us some pre-conference materials to study in order to be ready for this intense conference. I am prepared and very excited about these classes. I’m quite tired, though. We left after Church yesterday morning and had a nice trip. We stopped at a rest area and had a picnic lunch with our son Kevin and his student. He is teaching a friend how to drive a semi. Kevin had been home, and was driving to Atlanta to get back to his truck. We used to stop and picnic alongside the road often with the kids when they were little and we were on family vacations. We did it when I was a kid, too.

Yesterday I continued a series of sermons dealing with our relationship with Jesus. The series is titled Jesus Our …. Today we examined the topic, Jesus Our Preacher. Did you ever think of Jesus as a preacher? Yet, He was! The notes are enclosed for your personal Bible study. I do hope they help.

Jesus Our Preacher

Jesus Our….. Series By Victor Cooper
03/30,31-4/1-3/11

Intro: Today we continue with a series of messages focusing on what Jesus is to us, or could be to you if you have not yet received His love and pardon. We have examined the topic Jesus Our Shepherd. Today we will see Jesus as our Preacher. In the future we will examine Jesus our Teacher, Jesus our Savior and Jesus our LORD.

I. A preacher is…
A. In the OT an assembler; a lecturer.
1. It is used 7 times, all in the Book of Ecclesiastes.
B. In the NT it is used 4 times in four books and means a herald; a proclaimed of Gospel truth.
C. Paul claimed to be a preacher.

II. A preacher warns.
A. Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (John)
B. Matthew 24:1-2 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
C. Mark 14:27-30 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

III. A preacher proclaims the Good News.
A. Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
B. John 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
C. John 14:6 / John 15:9 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

Conclusion: The Preacher, Jesus’ message is still the same today. Listen as He proclaims the Good News to you.
John 3:16-19 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.


Delivered 4/3/11 to The Friendship Harmony Baptist Church

Have a good week. Maybe in the future I will tell you a little more about Pastor Vic. Maybe you can write and share some of your experiences with me. I enjoy when you write or call. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

ALENE COOPER REFUSES TO ANSWER ADOPTION QUESTION!

Good Monday Morning To You!

What happened in your life last week? I hope everything was good. I told you last time we met that I thought I was adopted. Mom usually comments to me by phone about what I’ve written. Whenever I’m mistaken, she tells me. However, this time she is being mysteriously quiet. She hasn’t denied my adoption theory. Hmmm! That’s frightening!! I know my brother Greg is adopted. On his shelf at home is a …. I can’t say it. I’m embarrassed and ashamed. I cannot believe it. It’s a black mark on our family name. No Cooper has ever been guilty of such an atrocity. It is so hideous and vulgar that whenever I’m in Cincy and borrowing his room, I have to hide it. I cannot believe it and I hope my laptop does not explode for what I’m gonna have to type. I’m surprised that Mom allows it. Here goes! He actually has a Los Angles Dodgers baseball cap on display. Please forgive this blasphemy. Greg is a Reds fan first and foremost as is the right thing to do, but to display a Dodgers cap within 5 miles of Great American Ballpark - OOOoooohhhhh! I offered to buy it for twice what he paid for it. I wanted to take it down to the Ohio River and toss it in. If I ever go home and find a Philadelphia Phillies cap on his shelf, you’ll be reading about me in the papers! (Yes, he used to have one as a kid, but somehow it disappeared. No mom, I didn’t do it!)

Yesterday was another super day at Friendship Harmony Baptist. Burt Nelson pointed out verses in Scriptures that spoke of correct medical procedures taught thousands of years before man “discovered” them. What an awesome God we serve! Our minister of music, Ken Birdsong and his wife Margaret, out keyboardist, did a piano - trumpet duet of selected hymns that made your hair stand on end! I whispered to Pastor Felber when he came to preach, “You get to follow that!” He followed it well as he preached to us from Psalm 22. He preached about how the history of mankind was affected one particular Friday. That event, the crucifixion of Christ, is still effecting man today. The crucifixion demands a response from every individual who ever lived, lives, or will live in the future. You must either believe it and confess Christ, or dismiss it and reject Him. What have you done? What will you do? If I can answer any questions, let me know.

Pray for Pastors Felber and Cooper as together we attempt to lead Friendship Harmony into the paths God has provided for us. This is an awesome group of dedicated Christians whose main desire is to follow Christ. It’s an honor to Pastor such fine people. I know I speak for Bobby when I tell you that we will keep Christ first in our lives and that we will do our best on behalf of the Friendship Harmony Baptist Church. The LORD and each of you deserves nothing less.

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

I Must Be Adopted!

Good Monday Morning to you,

My how the week flew by. It seem like just moments ago that I told you how much I liked Daylight Savings Time and how much my Dad, Howard Cooper, did not. My mom, Alene, it turns out, doesn’t like it either. I always thought I was adopted. Both my parents like seafood - I do not. They like to eat greens - me, no way. They even like liver! Oh mercy!!! We do have some similarities though. The three of us like a bowl of soup beans (pinto beans just so the city folk know) a hunk of cornbread, and a tall glass of buttermilk. I’ve even seen my dad pour a little bit of dill pickle juice in his beans. I’ve tried this and still do it from time to time. It’s good.

Yesterday I began a new sermon series called Jesus Our … The topic was Jesus our Shepherd. We talked about how there are only two sheepfolds: Christ’s and satan’s. I tried to point out how the benefits of belonging to Jesus far exceeded anything satan had to offer and that the eternal benefits are beyond compare. Some of you English scholars may be wondering how come I am not capitalizing the proper name “satan.” There are two reasons: first, there is nothing proper about him. Next, he does not deserve to have his name capitalized, rules of grammar or not. I’m part of Christ’s sheepfold; I owe satan nothing, least of all respect. The sermon notes are below; feel free to use them for your personal Bible study. You preachers and teachers may feel free to use them as well if they suit your needs.

Jesus Our Shepherd
John 15:13
Jesus Our….. Series By Victor Cooper
03/15,16/11
Intro: Today we begin a series of messages focusing on what Jesus is to us, or could be to you if you have not yet received His love and pardon. We will examine such topics as Jesus Our Shepherd, Jesus our Preacher, Jesus our Teacher, Jesus our Savior and Jesus our LORD.

I. Jesus is our Good Shepherd.
A. Does Jesus refute that claim? Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
1. Good >agathos> intrinsically good; good from within
2. Jesus is good from within as only God is. Therefore, He is God.
3. He was waiting for the rich young ruler to acknowledge that He was God.
4. The young ruler had his hand on the doorknob of Heaven’s gate, but would not turn it and go in.
B. In John chapter 10, twice Jesus did claim to be the Good Shepherd. Here “good” is kalos; valuable, virtuous.
1. How good? The 23rd Psalm answers that question.

II. He is our Gentle Shepherd.
A. “Gentle,” speaking of God, is ep-ee-I kace’. It means mild, patient.
B. Our Patient Shepherd in Romans 15:5 is called “… the God of patience…”
1. One adjective concerning God is longsuffering, ie long patience. “patience with joy”
example: When I taught my son to ride a bike. It took many attempts, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

III. He is our Gracious Shepherd.
A. The word “grace” is used 168 times in the KJV.
B. Grace is receiving from God that which you do not deserve.
1. Mercy is not receiving from God that which you do deserve.
C. Our salvation came through grace. Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

D. Our Christianity is lived through grace.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

IV. He is our Glorified Shepherd.
A. He is with the Father.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
B. He is coming again. 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: Is He your Shepherd or do you belong to another sheep fold? Make sure you know for sure before you leave this building this morning!

Delivered to The Friendship Harmony Baptist Church 3/20/11/ 10:00a.m. service

I do hope the notes are of benefit to you. If you would ever like to discuss them, or have any questions, I’d be most happy to talk with you. Feel free to phone me, or use E-mail if you’d like. My e-mail is
preacher cooper@hotmail.com. Today is the first full day of spring. I hope your springtime is all you want it to be. Don’t forget to enjoy every day God gives you. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

It's Here! It's Here!!

Good Monday Morning To You!

At long last it is here again. We’ve patiently waited and endured the long cold winter. I can’t believe its here --- I’m like a kid at a carnival. I’m overwhelmed, overjoyed, and possibly overacting. What is here? Daylight Savings Time! O.K. Maybe its not worth all the hype I just gave it, but actually I do like it. I like having all those daylight hours. I’m not a morning person. During the morning hours I essentially function on auto-pilot. I’m at my best between the hours of 3:00pm and 10:00pm, so having that extra daylight time makes life a bit sweeter.

I remember as a kid, though, when DST first came out, it kept my Dad’s sleeping cycle really messed up. I don’t know whether it was the extra daylight, or what it was, but it messed with him big time. As the years progressed, I do not know whether Howard Cooper got used to it, or just quit complaining, but he sure hated it. I like it, so I guess that is one place where we differed.

Yesterday was another super day at Friendship Harmony. I hope you do not get tired of me saying that all the time, but I’ve got to report the truth to you. Our day started with another fine class with Bro. Burt Nelson. He is teaching obscure verses of Scripture. The morning service was very uplifting. Our pianist, Sister Birdsong, sang the song “When They Ring Those Golden Bells” as well as I have ever heard it sung. Her husband Ken is our music director. He typically leads us in the first verse of a song, then while we sing verse two, he plays his trumpet. Wow! Today he did something a little different. He accompanied us by playing the melody on verse 2, then on verse 3, he harmonized. I wish you could be here for a Friendship Harmony Baptist service. Tremendous!!! After the service we performed the most sacred of all Baptist religious acts --- the carry in meal. Our ladies (and some of the men) out did themselves. We’ve got cooks that would make Mr. Food sit up and drool. The meal was good and the fellowship was awesome. After the meal, we were not finished. We caravanned to the home of two of our members for a baptismal service. We congratulate Sister Gert on her baptism, and thank Gwen and Jim for the use of their pool. They made sure the water temperature was perfect. It was a fine service. Of all the things I do as a Pastor serving in an official capacity, baptizing someone is my favorite. It would suit me just fine if the LORD would allow me to baptize every week. There are still four more awaiting their baptism. Both gentlemen have had recent surgeries and are not yet cleared by their doctors. Their wives want to wait and be baptized with their husbands. What a blessing!

Yesterday I preached the concluding message in my “What If”… series. The title was, “What If … There Really Is A Devil?” I confessed to my group that while prepping for this message, I suffered a bout of horrible depression. Each time the LORD calls upon me to talk about that slimy ol’ serpent, it depresses me. Some of it is fighting a spiritual battle with him as I’m sure he’d rather I just say nothing. Some of it likely stems from concentrating on his evil schemes and watching people fall victim to his prey every day. I hope if you were there, the sermon was an encouragement to you. If you were or were not, below are the notes. Feel free to use them for your personal Bible study. Call me if you have any questions or send an E-mail; I’ll assist you wherever I can. Do keep in mind this is not an exhaustive study on this topic. If you want to study deeper, contact me and I can recommend some useful material to you.

What If… There Really Is A Devil?
Various Scripture
What If Series ABy Victor Cooper
3/10-12/11

If there really is a devil, then…

I. you have an enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
A. adversary = opponent, one who opposes; his very name means adversary
B. The enemy is out to destroy.
C. Job was opposed. Read Job 1:6-11
D. Paul was opposed. 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

II. You have a formidable opponent. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
A. You must be properly outfitted in order to fight satan.
B. You must be trained in order to fight the devil.
C. You must realize who he really is. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
D. You are in a wrestling match, want it or not!
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
E. Some theologians believe that satan wrecked God’s
original creation.
Quote: Genesis 1:2 the earth was without form and void -- or in "confusion and emptiness," as the words are rendered in
Isa 34:11. This globe, at some undescribed period, having been convulsed and broken up, was a dark and watery waste for ages perhaps, till out of this chaotic state, the present fabric of the world was made to arise
— Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary


III. you have a champion. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

A. Jesus is the over comer. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
B. Be cautious not cocky. Though believers should place their confidence in God, they should not be careless. Christians in conflict are to be on the alert, made strong and steadfast by Christ Himself.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.

IV. You clearly see a defeated foe. Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
A. Are you a born again, forgiven child of God?
1. If not Jesus says you are, “… of your father the devil.”
John 8:44a

Remember: If Satan is not your enemy, he is your father. If Jesus is not your Savior, He is your enemy. Please do not take that with you to your grave! Turn your life over to Christ today. It will make satan your enemy, but his days are numbered and he is destined to lose. Do not lose with him!

Have a terrific week. Be sure to enjoy the extra daylight tacked on to the end of our days. Stay well and happy. I look forward to seeing you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

Good Bible Study

Good Monday Morning To You!

How was your week? Mine was good. I’m finishing some distance education courses, so last week was a “nose to the books” week. For me, there is nothing more enjoyable than deep study of the word. Some guys like to fish, while others enjoy a game of golf. These things are fine, but aren’t for Pastor Vic. I’ve tried golf. When I am playing, the safest place to stand is right in front of me. It’s almost a sure thing the ball is not going there. I’ve also tried fishing. I’m terrible at it! They could drain the Gulf dry and allow me to scoop them off the bottom and I still couldn’t get one. Ask my good friend Gene Middleton; he will tell you. Gene used to be a pretty fair fisherman until he got tangled up with me. Now, he’s ruined too! Yes, I’ve tried hunting as well. To me it’s like fishing with a gun on dry ground. Fishing with a gun? Hmmm! Perhaps I should try that. Let me sit under some good sound teaching any day of the week!

Yesterday was one of those very kinds of day at Friendship Harmony. Burt Nelson is our Adult Sunday School teacher and he is teaching “Obscure Verses of the Bible.” His session yesterday was the finest Sunday School lesson I have ever had the honor to hear. I’ve been in Sunday School since before I can remember and I’ve sat under some mighty fine teaching. I mean no disrespect to any teacher I have ever listened to, but Burt teaches me something every time he speaks. He is a retired professor of Geography at Central Michigan University, and brings with him a wealth of Biblical and secular knowledge. He dealt with two “obscure” topics yesterday. The first was why the Children of Israel did not use horses. I was not aware that they didn’t. However, up until the time of Solomon, they didn’t. The reason: God told them not to. That passage can be found in Deuteronomy 17:16 - “But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.” An army with horses had a huge advantage over an army that did not. God wanted Israel to know they were victorious because of Him, not themselves or their horses.

That was fascinating, but Burt also taught why one of David’s chief advisors and trusted friends would so easily and quickly turn on David and promise Absalom that he would kill David for him. Why would a man who personally knew David, a man who had undoubtedly socialized in the palace, a man who was very close in age to David turn on him so quickly? Why too would he advise Absalom to go upon the roof of the palace, in plain sight of all Israel and have relations with David’s concubines? I honestly must confess at this point I never thought about it. I just always accepted that he did turn on David but never considered the matter any further. The answer is simple: Ahithophel was carrying an old grudge against King David for the murder of Uriah and for watching Bathsheba bathe from the roof of the palace. Why would he care? 2 Samuel 23:34 says Ahithophel had a son named Eliam. 2 Samuel 11:3 says Eliam had a daughter named Bathsheba. Bathsheba was Ahithophel’s grandchild! Ahithophel carried a grudge due to David’s part in disgracing his family. The Bible is not just some ancient book of mysticism. It is real stories about real people. Page after page contains real human drama and how the LORD works with that and with us as we live our everyday lives.

Do you see why I enjoy good Bible study? I encourage those of you who are here with us to set your alarms an hour earlier and attend Burt’s class next week. I promise you will be blessed if you do. For those elsewhere, do you attend Sunday School or perhaps mid-week Bible study? Perhaps your church provides small group settings where Scriptures are taught. Take advantage of these opportunities. Sunday School is not just for kids; attend! Why? My Sunday sermon was titled, “What If The Bible Is Really True?” The notes are below for your private study. Call me or send an E-mail if you have any questions.

What If … The Bible Is True?
2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21
What If Series By Victor Cooper
3/3-5/11

Intro: What if the Bible as we know it really is the true word of God? The answer as to would that be a good thing or a bad thing would depend upon if you are sinner or saint.

If the Bible is true…

I. …we have access to the truth.
A. Science attests to the validity of Scriptures.
1. Isaiah 40:22 says the earth is a sphere 2000 years before Christopher Columbus.
2. Job 26:7 teaches that the earth is suspended in space. The oldest book of the Bible declared the fact it took man several thousand years to verify as true.
3. If the Bible’s sanitation principles had been followed, many of the earth’s pestilences and plagues could have been avoided.
A. During Europe’s black plague, the Jewish community was spared.
4. Job 28:25 mentions that air has weight.
5. The science of Hydrology, ie the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:7.
6. The first two laws of thermodynamics are to be found in Scriptures.
A. energy conservation -- Ecc. 1:10
B. energy deterioration -- Romans 8

II. …we have no excuse for:
A. unbelief. This is why there can be an unforgivable sin. (Matthew 12:31)
B. sin. This is why God can demand the death penalty.
(Ezekiel 18:4,20)
C. disobedience. Obeying God is the most important “religious act” we can perform. (1 Sam. 15:22.)
D. remaining ignorant. Our text verse from 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches us concerning:
1. Doctrine --- telling us what is right.
Example: Moses had been educated as an Egyptian. As such he was taught the Egyptian view of creation which said that man came from worms slithering out of ooze. No doubt for many years he believed it.
A. It was Moses, however who wrote the creation account in Genesis as he was moved by the Holy Spirit.
2. reproof --- telling us what is not right.
3. correction --- telling us how to get it right.
4. instruction in righteousness --- telling us how to keep it right.

III. …we cannot claim ignorance.
A. In America, Bibles are too readily available.
B. God has written His word upon the tables of man’s heart.
2 Corinthians 3:3.
C. God’s word will never fall nor fail.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Stay well and safe this week, and do remember what I said about finding a good Bible study class to attend. You might have to try a few before you find a good fit, but the effort will be worth it. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!