Assurance During Evil

Good Monday Morning To You!

In this issue, I must confess to having a heavy heart. Bess and I were deeply saddened by the events in Boston this past week. When I was a boy growing up in the mid fifties and sixties, I never dreamed of something like this happening right here in our cities. I would have told you that you were preaching science fiction to me if you said in my lifetime I would see a pressure cooker being used as a bomb in Boston, or jet liners deliberately being slammed into skyscrapers in New York City, or farm grade fertilizer taking down a federal building in Oklahoma City. Certainly we live in a world gone mad! Let us not assume that incidents of this nature are part of a vicious cycle that will eventually phase itself out. Let us not assume that if we live in small cities or in rural areas, we are safe from things like this. Think again!

With acts like these, where is the logic in it all? The sad answer is there is no logic. Remember, pure evil has no logic. The police, the F.B.I. and other policing agencies spend many hours trying to figure out who is behind these cowardly deeds, and well they should. However, at the core of it all is an enemy called, “evil,” and her master is Satan.

The prophet Jeremiah addressed the issue of evil more than 2600 years ago. He said, “And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me: “ Jeremiah 16:12 (KJV)

Jeremiah points out two problems. The first is that everyone follows after the imagination of their own evil heart. The Hebrew word for imagination has the idea of being twisted. Their hearts, minds, and therefore their actions were twisted. To be twisted is the exact polar opposite of being logical. Evil comes from a twisted heart. Theologians call this “depravity.” Depravity simply means being dead and totally devoid of God. Does this sound remarkably modern? It absolutely describes many today. There is no rhyme, nor reason to evil. It is too twisted, therefore those who follow after it are depraved, twisted, and devoid of God.

Jeremiah also says they will not pay attention to God. People are not only not hearing, but refusing to listen; a deliberate, willful rebellion. Whenever one refuses to follow the wise counsel of God, disaster is as sure to follow as darkness follows the sunset.

Jeremiah says that as a result, the people of his day were worse than the generations before them. As I look around, I see our world situation getting worse, not better.

My point has been, do not try to make sense out of senselessness: it is unquestionably impossible. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, He has the solution for you. He said in Luke 21:28 “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” If you are not a follower of Jesus, it’s still true nevertheless. As I told the people at Friendship Harmony yesterday, when the time of great tribulation comes upon this earth, and we are certainly marching toward it, things like Boston, 9-11, and Oklahoma City will seem very tame. I know what some of you might be thinking. You are thinking Pastor Vic is a prophet of doom. If you are lost and outside the communion of Christ, then yes, I’m a prophet of doom. You are on a wide road that leads to destruction: doomsday according to Matthew 7:13.

The only way to deal with the senseless tragedies of our day is to have a relationship with Christ. He is the only way to receiving that true inner peace and comfort. Listen to the words of Jesus. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 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.” John 14:27; John 16:33

If I can ever be of help to you in your spiritual walk with the Lord, or if you’d like to know more about how you can have a personal, one - on - one relationship with Jesus, contact me at fhbcsjc@gmail.com, or preachercooper@hotmail.com.

I know today’s visit has been a bit long, but I wanted you to know even though sense cannot be found at this time, comfort can. I’ll return with a special edition on Tuesday. Be sure to visit the video ministry at www.youtube.com. From their homepage type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Then click on the name of our church and select the video you’d like to see. Sunday’s message should be ready by later today, or early Tuesday.

Thanks for being a loyal reader and a dear friend. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic. ™

Memory Stick Found!!!

Good Wednesday Evening To You! Welcome to this mid-week edition of Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

As you might recall, I was unable to post the notes from last Sunday Morning due to the fact that I has lost my memory stick. On my desk is a small plastic box that has three compartments. The top one is for memory sticks or USB flash drives as some call them. The bottom two contain miscellaneous papers. The USB I needed was accidentally filed in the middle space. I looked there the other night, but somehow I overlooked it. In any event, here are those notes. I hope they are a benefit to you.

Coming With His Coming ©
2 Peter 1:19
Second Coming Series 2 of 4 By Victor Cooper
03/18-23; 4/13/13

Intro: The Bible clearly affirms in many passages that Jesus is coming again. What happens with that coming?

#2 The Coming Dawn

I. Trust the light of prophecy. 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
A. Trust God’s prophets until the new day dawns.
B. Here we walk by faith. 2 Cor 5:7
C. When the new day dawns, we shall see Him as He is.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

II. The dawn always brings a new day.
A. Quote: “Every day’s a new day.” Myron Boyd
B. Jesus is the Creator of new. Rev. 21:5 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.
C. Only Christ can create; man can only invent,
therefore
only Christ can bring about a new dawn.

III. The new dawn erases the old sunset. Isaiah 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor brought to mind.
A. With the dawning of a new day, all past hurts,
snubs, and sleights will be forgotten.
B. All past aches, pains, and illnesses will be
forgotten.
C. All past mean, hateful, spiteful, people will be
forgotten..
D. If any of those people above are in Heaven, you
will forget their bad attitude toward you, and
yours toward them.

Don’t forget, if you have a Bible question you would like to have answered, you can E-mail it to fhbcsjc@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you. Also, the video from last Sunday is at www.youtube.com. From their homepage, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist then hit enter. When the page comes up, click on our church, then select the video you would like to see.

This coming Sunday I’ll be preaching part three of this series with a message titled, “The Coming Death.” If you can’t be here in person, be sure you come visit me next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Braggin' On The Ladies!

Good Monday Morning To You!!

I hope you had a good week. Today I want to do a little bragging. I’m not talking about the arrogant, bad kind, but the kind that says how proud I am. Here at Friendship Harmony, we had two small groups this year: the Book of Zechariah study group led my dear friend and colleague, Rabbi Jim Pickens, and our Ladies Group. Allow me a moment to sing the praises of our Ladies Group. This group meets monthly for a luncheon, a devotion, and a time of fellowship and worship. After their meeting the other day my wife, Miss Bessie, came in and asked if the Ladies Group could sing a special at the next service. She said they had sung “The Old Rugged Cross” at their meeting and wanted to sing it for the upcoming church service. I certainly agreed, and yesterday they sang. It was absolutely fabulous. They were a real joy to hear and to watch. They had beautiful 3-part harmony, and joy radiated on their faces. They turned a good service into a great one. I want to thank our ladies for a job well done. Our Ladies Group meets year round, and I hope they will sing again for us soon.

Yesterday I preached message number two in the four part series, “Coming With His Coming.” As you might recall, the first message was “The Coming Day,” and yesterday was “The Coming Dawn.” From the moment I began preparing this message, until late Saturday night, I had to wrestle with the devil. He did not want that message preached. I love it when Satan acts up like that. It tells me I am right where God wants me to be, and that I am doing His will. Anyway, the devil is still fighting this message. I always post the notes, but for the moment I cannot find the memory stick where I stored them. When I find it, I will do a mid-week post. In the meanwhile, you can see this and other messages by going to www.youtube.com. From their homepage, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into the banner, hit enter, then scroll to the message you’d like to see.

Well, it’s the wee hours on Monday morning, and I’ve got an early day, so I guess I’d better close for now. Have a good week, and as always I’m so glad we can visit this way. Be sure to come by and see me on YouTube. I hope to see you there, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Fun!

Good Monday Morning To You!

Wow! What a great service we had yesterday at Friendship Harmony. Dustin Jenkins, a touring music evangelist came and ministered to us in music and word. Our church was really blessed to have him. Dustin will be coming back to join us again next year sometime in January. The date is tentatively set for January 12. We hope to get this firmed up soon.

After the service, Bess and I went out to eat with Dustin and his family to get better acquainted. We concluded the evening at The First Baptist Church of Charlotte Harbor, where Tommy Simmons is the pastor. Tommy decided that for the final song all the preachers in attendance would sing I’ll Fly Away. It was then that I learned what a fine Southern Gospel piano player Dustin is. If I do say so myself, we sounded pretty good. It was fun.

Christianity can be fun. Jesus said in John 10:10b, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” That abundant life is a life of joy, with some fun mixed in. I’m speaking here of our times of worship. In life, times of fun must be mixed with times of seriousness. However, I believe it’s alright to enjoy a worship service. You can clap, laugh, or cry at Friendship Harmony. It’s fine! The Christian life is an abundant life that Jesus meant for us to enjoy. Come on believer, loosen up; laugh, and have fun. Three times Solomon speaks of a merry heart in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

One evangelist used to say, “It’s fun being saved!” It is, so go out this week and have some fun enjoying Jesus. You’ll be glad you did. I’ll see you next Monday With Pastor Vic!!!

Announcement: There is no youtube video this week, but you can still see some from past weeks. Go to www.youtube.com, and type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into the banner on their home page. From there you will see a list of available messages; simply scroll to the one you want, then click on it.

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!!!

The Prophet Bessie

Good Monday Morning To You!

Let me begin by speaking to the men. Is your wife a prophet? Mine is. This past week I was working on a four point message titled “Coming With His Coming.” Miss Bessie asked me what I was preaching, and I told her a four point message. She said, “Do you mean a four part series?” I told her that it would be one message with four main points. She said, “No it won’t. You’ll preach a series.” This was her prophecy. I said, “No, not this time.” She stated that I would. I told her she was mistaken and set out to prove it. When all the sermonizing was complete and it was time to preach, I preached part one in a four part series called, “Coming With His Coming.” The Prophet Bessie was right again!

Yesterday was an awesome day at Friendship Harmony. We had a good service, and one came forward requesting Baptism and church membership. We welcome Bro. Tom into our fellowship.

Now, getting back to those notes I told you about, here is part one called, “The Coming Day.” I hope they are a blessing to you. The video will be available Tuesday afternoon. To view it go to www.youtube.com. From their homepage type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church, then select the message you wish to see. Yesterday’s was, “Coming With His Coming.”

Coming With His Coming
Acts 1:9-11
Second Coming Series 1 of 4 By Victor Cooper
03/18-23/13

Intro: The Bible clearly affirms in many passages that Jesus is coming again. What happens with that coming?

#1 The Coming Day

I. The day of His coming will glorious for believers.
A. The day begins at the rapture of the church and will be the greatest day believers have ever seen.
Read I Thessalonians 4:13-18
1. The dead will be raised.
2. The living will be changed.
B. Believers will be in the presence of Christ. Read Revelation 4:1
1. A door is open in Heaven. Remember an open door is an invitation to enter.
2. The trumpet call in voice. This is what Paul spoke about in
I. Thessalonians 4:16-18.
3. These are the things John experienced, but are a picture of things to come for God’s children when the great day of the Lord begins.
II. That day begins a time known as the Tribulation and will be the most devastating time this earth has ever seen.
Malachi 4:1 (read)
A. The Anti-Christ is revealed. 2 Thess. 2:8-9
B. The Lord will laugh at the wicked. Psalm 37:13.
C. A cleansing is coming. Malachi 3:2

The question for the week comes from a reader who asked if a Pastor had to be ordained, and where was I ordained and when. Although ordination is not an absolute requirement, for legal reasons a man should be. Many states require a minister to be ordained in order to solemnize a wedding, and hospitals prefer ordination in order to receive clergy privileges. I was ordained by the Georgetown Baptist Church in Georgetown, Ohio in November of 1973. It was a special time for me, but I could feel the weight of responsibility as I undertook a lifelong commitment to serving Christ through the church. Don’t forget if you have a Biblical question, send it to me at fhbcsjc@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

I am told that many of you up north are experiencing some pretty bad weather. It looks like Old Man Winter wants to make one last attempt before he gives way to spring. Please stay safe, warm, and dry. I don’t want to hear about any accidents involving any of you. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Can I Live A Holy Life?

Good Monday Morning To You.

My how the time flies. It seems like just a day or so ago that I wrote to you in last week’s blog. Last week I told you about a new feature in this blog; answering your questions. If you have any, please submit them to fhbcsjc@gmail.com. If you want a private answer, just let me know. In any event, I’ll never reveal your name.

This week’s question comes from someone who heard a message I preached several years ago. “You said there was only one archangel. All my life I have been taught there are several. Why do you claim there is only one, and which one is it?”

To answer, let me begin by naming the angel, and by defining the term, archangel. Michael is declared to be the archangel. The word archangel means “chief angel,” and comes from the Greek, “archaggelos.” I would direct your attention to the following two passages of Scripture.
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Rev. 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels…

You will notice in Jude’s passage Michael is called “the archangel.” not “an archangel.” The idea of multiple archangels comes from writings known as “The Apocrypha.” These writings, while providing excellent historical and cultural information, are not part of the 66 books which make up our Holy Bible.

The passage in The Revelation says Michael and his angels fought the dragon and his angels. The dragon is Lucifer, the fallen angel, better known as Satan, or the devil. Some have even suggested that Lucifer was an archangel. This, however is Scripturally impossible as Ezekiel chapter 28 twice refers to him as a cherub, not an archangel. It has also been suggested that Gabriel is also an archangel, but the Bible is silent on this. Let your rule for Biblical interpretation be this: Where the Bible is silent, we must be silent.

Yesterday was another awesome day at Friendship Harmony. Some of our winter visitors are beginning to leave, and our church prays for their safe travel and for a healthy summer, but the attendance was still very good.

The message was called, “Holy Living.” The notes are below and the video will be posted on youtube possibly later today. I encourage you to watch the video. You can see it at www.youtube.com. From their homepage type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church, then scroll to the message you’d like to see. If you find the videos useful, please tell your friends and family. If you have any suggestions as to how we can make our video ministry better, please feel free to share your ideas with me. You can send me a e-mail at fhbcsjc@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Holy Living
2 Corinthians 6:17
By Victor Cooper
03/13-16/13

Intro: In today’s world it seems that it is getting harder to tell believers and non believers apart. Christians must get back to holy living if the Church is to be relevant in our day.

I. Holy living begins with holy thinking.
A. Philip. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1. Keep focused.
2. When your mind wonders, return to your focus.
a. Choose from the list in Philip 4:8 and concentrate on that.
3. Exercise your mind.
4. Dr. Cooper’s Rx for holy thinking:
a. Upon awaking, read a devotion in a quiet place, maybe with your morning coffee or juice.
b. At some point in the day, take 5-10 minutes `with some soothing music and think about one or some of the things in Paul’s list.
c. At bedtime read a few passages of Scripture. Let yourself drift off to sleep meditating on the verses you have read.
d. Don’t give up at any point if your mind wanders; just get back to your focus.
B. Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13 both say, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Quote: “Many believers want to live a holy life until it’s time to live it.” Pastor Victor Cooper 3/17/13
1. Jesus said it is a choice - one that must be made!
2. Some believers do not want make the sacrifices needed in order to live a holy life. Jesus says they are neither hot nor cold. (Rev 3:15)
a. They full well understand the concept of a , “living sacrifice.” A living sacrifice wants off the altar when it starts getting hot.
3. Some believers do not know how to make the sacrifices needed in order to live a holy life.
a. It is usually due to some misconceptions.
Examples: You can’t laugh or joke; you can’t go to a sporting event; you can’t have non Christian friends; etc…

II. The result of holy thinking is holy living. Evidence of it is holy speaking. Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
A. Isaiah wanted clean speech.
Isaiah 6:5-8 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. [6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: [7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. [8] Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
B. Jesus taught that what was in a person’s heart would be reflected in his/her speech.
1. holiness
2. un-holiness
3. fence straddling

Conclusion: Holy living is a choice. What will you do. Not what do you want to do, but what will you do?

I hope it is your heart’s desire to live a holy life before the Lord. Study the notes. Watch the video. In both you will find some easy and practical suggestions you can use in order to live a life that pleases our LORD. Have a good and a safe week. Contact me if I can ever be of service to you.

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