Special Edition

Good Monday Morning To You.

I’d like to ask all you readers to please remember Irene Bodziak in your prayers. While getting up to get ready for church yesterday, Irene lost her balance and fell, hitting her head against a door. She seemed alright, but her husband, Don, wisely insisted that she let him drive her to Cape Hospital to have it examined. They admitted her, but about 5:00pm she took a very quick turn for the worse and had to be rushed into emergency brain surgery to relieve the pressure. She came through the surgery fine, but the doctor cautioned that the next 24 to 48 hours were the most critical. He is cautiously optimistic. Pray for her recovery, and for Don as well. Also, family members are flying in, so pray for their safe journey.

While visiting the ICU, we met a man whose name I am not free to share at this time. He had sent word that he wanted to see me. Bill and I shared the gospel with him, and he said he was saved, but I wonder. I’ve been doing this for forty years this coming April, and I’ve learned to “read between the lines.” His answers were correct, but the way he said them caused red flags to go up in my mind. I’ll just ask you to pray for “Bud.” Again, that is not his name, but God certainly knows him. I just pray he truly knows God!

For an update on Irene and Bud, I will post a Monday Morning supplemental on Wednesday morning, and again on Friday.

Thanks for your prayers. I know the families appreciate it as well.

Please be sure to stop by our new Facebook Fan Page and click "LIKE." We will be updating the site regularly, so please be sure to stop by and visit and share with your friends and family! It's a great way to stay updated and to keep in touch with us...

Stay well, and have a good Thanksgiving!

Forgiveness

Good Monday Morning To You!!

Can you believe Thanksgiving Day is upon us? As of today, it will be here in only 10 days. Are you ready for it? I hope yours is special, but don’t work so hard on it that it takes away your joy. Let’s think about the meaning of thanksgiving. The best way to think about it is to pause and consider something for which you are genuinely grateful. For me this year is an easy choice. I will be thankful that I will be able to sit with my family at a Thanksgiving table. As some of you may very well remember, back in July it was quite possible that I wouldn’t be here to do that. Even now, I do not take tomorrow for granted. I am feeling much better, and I have more energy than I’ve had in years. My cardiac rehab is progressing very well. I’m up to twelve minutes on the treadmill, which for me is a tremendous improvement. When I first started I was only able to walk it for about one minute, and sometime less. I see all of this as a gift from Almighty God and I’m very thankful. I try to live every moment of each day in a spirit of gratitude. For what are you grateful? I’m sure if you’ll allow yourself to think about it, you can come up with several thoughts.

Yesterday was another delightful day at Friendship Harmony. The music, as always, was uplifting, and the Spirit made His presence known. I preached a message about a thankful woman from Luke 7:36-48. I’m sorry, but there were no notes. It was an expository message, but if you will take time and read the entire seventh chapter of Luke, you will see why this lady would be thankful. In fact, she never intended to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears, or anything else for that matter. How do we know? Two reasons. Number one, it was the custom of the day to provide a guest of the house with water so they could wash their feet. Simon the Pharisee, was the Lord’s host, and although he grossly slighted Jesus, the woman could not have known that in advance. Number two, she did not bring a towel. She was prepared to anoint Him with a costly perfume, but not wash His feet. However, when she arrived in His presence, she was so overcome with joy that a flood of tears ensued. All she had was her hair, which she used to wipe her Lord’s feet. We also see she repeatedly kissed the Savior’s feet and anointed them with the perfume. Normally, the head is anointed, not the feet. Perhaps she did not feel worthy to anoint anything BUT His feet. In verses 41, and 42, just 41 words in your King James Bible, Jesus slams the door on Simon’s arrogance. Actually, He lead Simon into slamming the door himself. He told Simon about a man who was owed by two individuals. One man owed 500 pence, while the other owed only 50. Both men had their debt forgiven. Jesus asked Simon which man would be the most grateful. Simon correctly answered the man who was forgiven most. Jesus, not to subtlety, lets all in that room know that the woman’s expression of love toward Him was brought about by her thanksgiving over her forgiven sin. Her love of Christ did not bring about her forgiveness. Her forgiveness, however, brought about her love of Jesus. She loved much because she had much forgiven.

My question to you is this: is your outward expressions of love for Jesus a good indicator of how much you have been forgiven? At this Thanksgiving season, you think about that.

For those of you who are here with us, don’t forget the announcements for the week. On Wednesday at 2:00, our small group, “The Jewish Roots of Christianity” meets at the home of Ken and Margaret Birdsong. On Thursday our ladies meet for their monthly luncheon at 1:00 at Captain Con’s in Bokeelia. Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. our men meet for their monthly breakfast. It’s a busy week at Friendship Harmony, but we are so blessed to have these groups meeting. Have yourself a good, safe and healthy week and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Un

Good Monday Morning to you. I Hope your had a good week. Last week for me was extremely busy. I had several people each in different hospitals. One man, Ken Long, sure needs your prayers. He has had a tough recovery since his accident. Please pray for both him and Lois.

Some of you have asked about my wife, Miss Bessie. She is doing much better. As you know, she had been experiencing terrible pain in her stomach. The doctors ran many tests and finally her gastro doctor found her problem. He did a procedure called an ERCP. It was cut – cut, snip – snip, and he felt confident that her pain should go away. Indeed it has! She spent two nights in the hospital, and says it feels good not to wake up every morning with that pain. If you're in our area and ever need a gastro doctor, I highly recommend Dr. James Penuel. He is an awesome doctor and a fine human being. Bess and I really like him both professionally and personally. Miss Bessie is mending now and is a bit sore, but she sure appreciates the prayers.

Yesterday was an awesome day at Friendship Harmony. I thought we had a fine service. The music was tremendous, but it always is. Ken and Margaret Birdsong, our music leaders have been doing a private Bible study at home on the fruit of the Spirit. He picks songs to reflect that. Last week was love, while this week was joy. Next week will be peace. Maybe you could join in too. The fruit of the Spirit can be found in Galatians 5:22,23 and Ephesians 5:9.

Yesterday's sermon was called “Un.” I know that is an unusual title, but we looked at words that begin with the prefix “un.” These words concern our salvation. Our salvation is undeserved, unearned, and unaffordable. The notes, which you are welcome to use for your private Bible study, are below.

“Un”
Various
By Victor Cooper
11/1-5/11

Intro: When it comes to salvation, there are some “un” words we kneed to know; words with the prefix “u-n.” Our final word, which I shall introduce in my conclusion is unnecessary.

I. Your salvation is unmerited i.e. undeserved.
Ephes. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
A. If you deserved it, it would be a right, not a gift.
B. You were not born saved. John 8:44a Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.
C. Believers are adopted.
Romans 8:14-15 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. [15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
D. If it was your right, God would not have had to choose you. 2 Thes. 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: [14] Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

II. Your salvation is unearned. 2 Tim. 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
A. If it was according to works, it would be salary i.e. earned.
B. It was according to His pleasure. Ephes. 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
C. You cannot be good enough or work hard enough to earn it. Titus 3:5a Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;


III. Your salvation is unaffordable.
1 Cor. 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
A. Price yes, but at what cost?
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1. Quote: Matthew Henry Commentary
Our bodies have been redeemed from deserved condemnation and hopeless slavery by the atoning sacrifice of Christ. We are to be clean, as vessels fitted for our Master’s use. Being united to Christ as one spirit, and bought with a price of unspeakable value, the believer should consider himself as wholly the Lord’s, by the strongest ties. May we make it our business, to the latest day and hour of our lives, to glorify God with our bodies, and with our spirits which are His.


Conclusion: Our final word, as I mentioned in the introduction is unforgiven, and as we have discovered is unnecessary.
Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations2352. Gravestone: “Forgiven” (Only)
Not far from New York, there is a cemetery with a grave, which has inscribed upon its headstone just one word—“Forgiven.”
There is no name, no date of birth or death. The stone is unembellished by the sculptor’s art. There is no epitaph, no fulsome eulogy—just that one word, “Forgiven.”
But that is the greatest thing that can be said of any man, or written upon his grave, “Forgiven.”
Have you been forgiven, or are you yet Unforgiven?



Our winter visitors are starting to return. It is so good to see them. If you are getting ready to head south, be careful as you travel. For those of you who live up north full time, stay safe, healthy and warm No matter who you are, I'll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!

The Strong Tower

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

Yesterday at Friendship Harmony, I gave a sermon illustration telling about an incident when my son's dog, Bubba, ran off. We were watching him while Kevin was in north Florida on business. I was using him as an illustration of the words from Hebrews 11:6 (see notes below) concerning “diligently seeking.” I mentioned that in looking for him, I drove up and down the streets in our neighborhood calling out his name. I told about how when “diligently seeking”, you keep at it until what you are seeking is found. What I failed to tell them was, as Paul Harvey used to say, “the rest of the story.” I just preached the finest sermon of my long and illustrious career, with points of theology worthy of Charles Haddon Spurgeon or maybe even Paul himself, and when it's over what did they ask? “Did you ever find Bubba?” Alright, you've got me on this one. Yes, I found Bubba in a neighbor's yard two blocks away. I don't know who was happier to see who, Bubba or me. Anyway, I didn't scold him. I put him into the backseat of the car and delivered him safely home. (I can see another sermon illustration here.) Now whenever either of our miniature schnauzers go out, it is never without the leash. If one tries to run off now, the best they can hope for is 16 feet. One more episode like the other day, and my heart will surely fail!

Yesterday's message was called, “That Strong Tower' from Proverbs 18:10; “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Note, the righteous, those right with God, run into it, not simply to it. There is a big difference in running into something verses running to something. The sermon notes below will go into more detail concerning the difference. Some translation speak of running to His name, but the correct rendering is running into His name --- big difference. The goal of the message was to guide us as to how we can run into His name. It is a three point sermon with each point beginning with the letter “C.” Hopefully, that will help us remember better. Below are those notes. Feel free to use them in your personal Bible study. Other preachers and teachers are free to use them as well, I'd be honored.

That Name Of Strength
Proverbs 18:10
By Victor Cooper
10/23-29/11

Intro: Solomon tells us the name of the LORD is a place of strength and safety. Those who are right with God are advised to run into it. The question is, “How?”
Note: run into it; i.e. you run to where it encompasses you.
1. You run into it, not to it as some translations suggest.
Example: You are running to catch your bus. You get right up to it as it pulls away. That’s running to it. OR, you are running to catch your bus and you get in just before the driver closes the door. That’s running into it.

You run into the name of the LORD by:

I. calling upon the name of the LORD.
1 Cor. 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

A. To call upon the name of the LORD you must believe He is interested in you.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
B. Calling on His name is not a magical incantation.
1. That’s called religion; i.e. man’s way to God. Remember: God is not religious; He is that strong tower!

2. You are a child of God, not Merlin the magician.

II. confessing His name. 2 Chron. 6:24 And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;
Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
A. Confess > Heb yadah’> to hold out the hand
example: (allow congregation to stand and demonstrate)
B. Confess> Gk homolog’eo> to acknowledge
C. Both are similar.
1. Yadah is physical, but it must begin with homologeo; acknowledging with the heart and mind.

III. citing the name of the LORD; ie to publishing His name. Genesis 4:26 (YLT) And to Seth, to him also a son hath been born, and he calleth his name Enos; then a beginning was made of preaching in the name of Jehovah.
A. Men made His name known.
B. Men called themselves by the name of the LORD. By faith, they identified themselves with Him.
C. The sons of men (Cain) proclaimed that since God had created the stars and celestial bodies, and had set them in their place, it was right to honor and worship them.
1. This was the birth of idolatry.
D. The sons of God (Seth) proclaimed the worship of the Creator exclusively, not the

creation.

Conclusion: To run into the name of the Lord, you must call upon His name, confess His name, and cite His name. That guarantees you entrance into that Strong Tower.


Some of our winter visitors have returned, while others will be here shortly. For those of you who have just arrived, “Welcome Back.” For those who will soon be joining us, have a safe trip down and we look forward to seeing you soon. Let me also express my gratitude to our full timers. Without you, Friendship Harmony Baptist Church could not exist. Your dedication and loyalty to this young Church is deeply appreciated. Be safe and healthy this week, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

"What Were You Thinking?"

Good Monday Morning To You.

I trust you have had a good week since we last visited. Our snowbirds are beginning their southerly migration. We are always glad to see them return because we miss the fellowship with them during the summer. If there could really be a Jeanie in a bottle that could grant wishes, mine would be for year round fellowship with all our winter friends. I suppose that is selfish of me, but I really enjoy the time spent with them. Any of you folk that are getting ready to head south, have a safe trip and we'll see you soon!

Yesterday's service at Friendship Harmony was very good. Our people really enjoy being together and worshiping as a group. Our Sunday School is a blessing, our small groups are an absolute gift from God, and our services are always uplifting. We currently have four small groups meeting. They are our ladies group which meets monthly, our men's group which also meets monthly, our group dedicated to studying the Hebrew roots of Christianity, which meets weekly, and our fellowship and recreation group which meets in season. Hopefully, our Tuesday Morning Ladies Bible Study group can resume soon. This group is led by Sister Brenda Conley who is currently experiencing some medical issues. Brenda is unable to conduct the group, but with a return to good health could conceivably resume in the future.

Yesterday's message was one I had preached back in 2006. It is very rare when I reprise a message, but I felt the leadership of the LORD to do so. This message answers a question I want to ask Adam when I meet him in Heaven. I will ask him, “Adam, what were you thinking?” We saw from Scripture that Adam had it all. The earth was his home. God had given him dominion over it as well as the creatures inhabiting it with him. God gave him all the provisions he would ever need and a companion to share it with. Adam enjoyed fellowship with God, yet he wanted more. He wanted to be like God. He wanted to please his mate. He believed God was withholding good from him. Basically, he was selfish. It had come down to what he wanted verses what God wanted. The end result of his selfishness was rebellion. Selfishness always leads to sin. It is said that multi-billionaire J. Paul Getty was asked what possibly could a man of his immense wealth want. His purported answer was, “One dollar more.” Selfishness says, “I can never be satisfied.” Christian obedience says, “Jesus is enough for me.”

Next week, the LORD willing, I'll be preaching “That Glorious Name.” It is a new message that is even now in the early phases of the sermonizing process. Pray for that message, and if you're in the area, try to be with us. We'd be pleased if you would.

I'll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Headed For Heaven

Good Monday Morning To You,

Some of you are wondering where your Pastor Vic blog was last week. Bess and I along with Bill and Patty Wolfe left after church last Sunday morning to attend a two day Celebration for mature and senior adults at the First Baptist Church of Central Florida. We heard outstanding preaching by Junior Hill and Clayton Clorer, and superb music. Dino Kartsanakis played piano, and he is literally a concert master. If you like good piano music, go and purchase some of his cd's. Also, please add Dino and his family to your prayer list. They lost their home in last years tornado that ripped through Missouri. If you remember the movie, Chariots Of Fire, the theme song was played by Dino. He is a great showman, and a very nice man. The Taylor Family sang as well as Ernie Haas and his group, Signature Sound. I also promised Ernie we would be praying for him as his knee is going to have to be replaced. I received a tremendous blessing from our worship leader for the conference, David Crain. He had us singing, laughing, and crying. What a blessing! If you ever get the chance to see him in person, do so. Pastor Vic promises you will receive a blessing. Next year's event will be on October 8 & 9. I hope Bess and I can go, and I'd like to take as many of you as I can. As time gets closer, I'll share the information with you.

Yesterday, our associate Pastor, Bob Felber preached. He is a super preacher and one of the most humble men I know. It is indeed my pleasure to be serving with him. He preached a message titled, Headed For Heaven from 1 Peter 1:3-5. Bro. Bob's message wasn't so much about what Heaven is like (but he touched on it), but rather he spoke about the road to it He presented a tremendous lesson on the Doctrine of Sanctification. He reminded us that we have been saved from sin's penalty, we are being saved from sin's power, and that at the moment of death, we will be saved from sin's presence. Bob fed us meat from God's word.

After the service, the ladies fed us a bean and cornbread dinner. As usual, they prepared a fine meal. They tell me that next month wev will be having a Mexican Fiesta. If you like food from south of the border, come be with us. That date will be the second Sunday, which is November 13. Our meals always preceed our Sunday Morning service.

Last Sunday, I finished my sermon series about spiritual Cardiology. The message was titled Treating Spiritual Heart Disease. The notes are below for your personal study.

Treating Spiritual Heart Disease
Luke 6:43-45

Sermon Series: Spiritual Cardiology By Victor Cooper
(Sub points)

(Main Points from the Preach The Word Commentary)

When treating the spiritual heart, treat it:

humbly.
The spiritual cardiologist must have his/her heart right.
The spiritual cardiologist recognizes that he/she has experienced sin before God.
The spiritual cardiologist understands that his/her own heart is, “... deceitful above all things.” (Jeremiah 17:9)


prayerfully.
The spiritual cardiologist must pray for him/her own self as well as the patient.

Biblically.
The spiritual cardiologist must treat the heart condition as, “thus saith the LORD.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

lovingly.
The spiritual cardiologist must love his/her patient.
The spiritual cardiologist understands the difference between judgement, and judgementalism. The Preach The Word Commentary says, “Judgmentalism is rooted in ill will, while judgment has the best interests of the other person in mind. Judging others must be an act of love for God and his moral revelation, and also an act of love for the sinner, giving him the truth for his ultimate good.

mercifully.
The spiritual cardiologist understands that mercy is what Jesus is all about. Remember: mercy is not receiving from Jesus that which you deserve. Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
The spiritual cardiologist understands that he/she must exemplify Jesus.)

For those of you interested in deeper Bible study, I have discovered a website you might be interested in. It is www.mybiblestudy.com. This site is provided by Lifeway, and is easy to use. The site is free, but there are expansions that can be purchased. Check it out and let me know what you think.

My thanks goes out to the many of you who have asked about my health. I am now two full weeks into my cardiac rehab, and I am feeling better than I have in a long, long time. I have more stamina, and I am feeling much stronger. I appreciate your prayers. Keep yourself healthy and strong so that I can see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

News From Pastor Vic

Good Monday Morning To You!

Cooler weather has come to us here in Florida. The morning temps are in the low 70's and daytime highs in the mid to upper 80's. The humidity is down, and it simply feels good outside. How is your weather? From what I here, it is a bit cooler up north. Kevin, my trucker son, saw ice on the roads last week in Montana. Fall has arrived, and that means many of our winter visitors are getting ready to migrate south for the winter. For those of you coming down, please be safe on the roads; its a jungle out there.

Last Friday I started my cardiac rehab at Cape Coral Hospital. I did one hour of various exercises. When I was finished, I felt like I had trained with the Cincinnati Bengals. I could hardly walk out of the building. I didn't realize I was so out of shape! I remember when I was training with the Norwood High School Baseball team back in '72. I was in tip top shape then. I'll never get back to where I was at age 17, but they tell me, I will strengthen over the course of these rehab sessions. The hardest thing for me was the treadmill. I walked at one mile per hour for a total of just over four minutes. They told me that wasn't bad for a rookie. The lady next to me was going at an extremely faster clip, and had already done ten minutes. It is not so much that I mind being bested by a woman, but she looked to be about 112 years old. All I can say is, “Go granny, go granny, go granny go!”

Last Wednesday a group of us were privileged to visit the Beth Yeshua Messianic Synagogue for their Rosh Hashanah service. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish equivalent of our New Year's day. It is the beginning of their civil new year. It was a very good service, and our people enjoyed it tremendously. This coming Friday, we have been invited to come and observe Yom Kippur with them. Yom Kippur is also known as the day of atonement, and for the Jews, this is a major holiday. It is not like our Easter, but it has that kind of importance. Next Monday morning, I'll let you know more about that service.

As you have heard me say many times before, yesterday was another great day at Friendship Harmony. I have been preaching a series of sermons on Spiritual Cardiology. We have looked at what a sinner's heart looks like and what a backslider's heart looks like. Yesterday we looked at what a good heart looks like. Next Monday morning I'll share those notes with you. It seems I have misplaced the memory stick I used to store them. These “senior moments” are starting to get ridiculous. I wish I could have my secretary Teri back. She did all my remembering for me. She's a great christian lady and I miss her both personally and professionally. If I find it before next week, I'll send a mid week edition with those notes.

Until then, have a good week and I'll see you Next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!