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!

The Holy Spirit Is Real!

Good Monday Morning To You!

I hope you had a good week since we visited last. Thank you for allowing me these few minutes with you. My week was one of those normal weeks that believers have. God blesses you, then satan comes along and starts his nonsense, then you have to deal with the negativity and wild notions he plants in your mind, then as you compare what God has given you to what the devil tells you God has given you, the peace of God settles over you and joy reigns supreme once again. Did you also notice that the greater the blessing from God, the worse the assault from satan? Think about it: the food you eat is a blessing from God, but rarely does the devil aggravate you over it. Why? He doesn’t have to. Most people in America simply take it for granted. Even those Christian believers who do pause to pray before they eat, often do it mechanically, without much thought. They do not mean to, but the pre-meal prayer has become just a ritual. The person means what they are saying, but they give too little thought as to Whom they are saying it. Whenever these things come your way, Dr. Vic’s prescription is take a good healthy dose of the Psalms. Don’t worry about an overdose. With this prescriptive, the more the better. As you look into God’s word, the Holy Spirit begins to speak, and soon that joy returns. As a side note, you will notice that I used satan’s name above. You will also see that I did not capitalize the first letter of his name as is proper when using a proper noun. The reason: his name is too vile and wretched to be counted as proper. He is not worthy to have his name capitalized, so I do not.

Yesterday was another great day at Friendship Harmony. The services just keep getting better and better. I so enjoy preaching at this Church. For the past twelve years I took no pleasure in preaching; it had ceased to be fun. I had no freedom in my ministry and had to weigh every word I said. However, back on August 29 of 2010, the date Friendship Harmony began, preaching became pleasurable again. No longer was it just, “part of the job.” It has become my passion once again. When a Pastor has a congregation as fine as I have, he can experience the freedom, joy, and excitement of ministry. I cherish it and thank the LORD for it.

The sermon continued the “What if” theme. We started several weeks past with “What If There Is A God? Last week was, “What If Jesus Is Who He Says He Is?” Next week will be, “What If The Bible Really Is The Word Of God?” Yesterday I preached “What If The Holy Spirit Is Real? The notes are below.

What If … The Holy Spirit Is Real?
Various Scriptures
By Victor W. Cooper
What If Series 02/26,26/11

I. Who is He?
A. Spirit of Truth
John 15:26 (KJV)
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Luke 1:35 (KJV)
B. The Holy Spirit
Luke 1:35 (KJV)
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Psalm 51:11 (KJV)
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
C. Spirit of judgment
Isaiah 4:4 (KJV)
4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

II. What does He do?
A. Indwells
Ezekiel 36:27 (KJV)
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV)
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
B. Guides believers
John 16:13 (KJV)
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.
C. Convicts sinners
Isaiah 63:10 a(KJV)
10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit….
Mark 3:29 (KJV)
29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
1 Thessalonians 5:19 (KJV)
19 Quench not the Spirit.

III. What happens when the Spirit is resisted?
A. He becomes your enemy ie your worst nightmare.
Isaiah 63:10 (KJV)
10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
B. He stops convicting.
Genesis 6:3 (KJV)
3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

[Delivered 2/27/11/a.m. @ Friendship Harmony Baptist Church]

As you can see, the Holy Spirit is very real. He is not a wisp of wind nor is He a symbol or a thought. He is called the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ, therefore, He is God. (Genesis 1:2; Acts 2:17; Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:1) Since the Spirit is God, his wise advise and counsel must be followed. Note of theology: Although He is called the third person of the Godhead, never relegate Him to third place. Do not think that He has a lesser role or place of importance than does the Father or the Son. There is no rank within the Divine Trinity; all are co-equal because all are the same except in function. The ministry of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is different but totally compatible.

Thanks again for our visit together. I hope you have a tremendous week wherever you are. As you go about normal everyday living, be sure you devote some private and quiet time to be with the LORD. Doing so does not guarantee that adversity might not come, but it will arm you with the tools to navigate these waters we call life. Be sure to pray for my family and me, and rest assured I pray for you as well.

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

What if... Jesus Is...?

Good Tuesday Morning To You!!

Thanks again for understanding about my not being able to visit with you yesterday. Since last Tuesday, I have had lots of irons in the fire. I won’t go into it --- it’s mostly preacher stuff. I love it, but it has kept me hopping like Peter Cottontail. You do remember Peter Cottontail, I’m sure. If not, Google him; I’ll bet he turns up somewhere on the net. I enjoy being busy with ministry duties. I enjoy meeting people and promoting our Church. I love promoting it because in turn it promotes the Lord Jesus Christ.

Speaking of promoting Jesus, did you get to read the two chapters in the Gospel of John that I suggested? If you did not, take your Bible and read John chapters 10 and 14 before you proceed. I’ll wait for you. They speak of Him, with most of it listening to Him speak. My Sunday message was “What If Jesus Is Who He Says He Is?” The Sermon notes are enclosed:

What If… Jesus Is Who He Says He Is?©
Various
What If Series By Victor Cooper
02/17,18,19/11

I. What did He claim? Jesus made many claims, but here are three.
A. John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
B. 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.
C. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

II. What does it mean?
A. John 10:30
1 For Jesus to be one with the Father (albeit distinct from him) is tantamount to a claim to deity — Bible Background Commentary
2. The Jews understood His claim.
John 10:31-33 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
3. It means Jesus said He was God!
B. John 14:6
1. The Bible Knowledge Commentary:
Jesus is the “Way” because He is the “Truth” and the “Life.” As the Father is Truth and Life, Jesus is the embodiment of God so people can come to the Father. By His words, No one comes to the Father except through Me, Jesus stressed that salvation, contrary to what many people think, is not obtainable through many ways. Only one Way exists (cf. Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5). Jesus is the only access to the Father because He is the only One from the Father
(cf. John 1:1-2, 51; 3:13).
2. ---Hard Sayings of the Bible
John 14:6 is one of those verses that are difficult not because we do not understand them but because we understand them all too well.
The issue, then, is not whether or not we like this claim, but whether or not it is true. The usual smokescreen is to say, "What about those who have never heard of Jesus?" The response to this is twofold: (1) there is a missionary imperative in the New Testament to minimize this problem (that is why, for example, Paul dedicates his life to preaching Jesus where he has not yet been preached) and (2) how God may choose to reveal himself or deal with those who have no human messenger is his business. If we know God's character, we can trust him to do his business well. Our problem is that we do know about Jesus and are living in a culture in which Jesus is all too well known. Furthermore, the missionary imperative falls to those of us who believe.
If, then, this claim is true, two conclusions follow. First, we are deceiving ourselves if we think that we can come to God any other way than through Jesus. What is more, no other way will supplement or add to Jesus as the way. Second, if we are already following Jesus, we are called, in John's terms, to be witnesses to the truth and life found in Jesus.
3. The OT announced it. Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
4. The NT affirmed it. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
5. It means Jesus is the only means of salvation; all others are bogus and counterfeit.
C. John 10:11
1. The Good Shepherd provides
A. Security
B. Nourishment/Refreshment
C. Hope
D. Abundant life/Joy, Contentment
E. Eternal Life

Conclusion:

III. If it is true, then…
A. … John 10:30 is correct in telling you that Jesus is God. You had better heed His warning.
B. … the exclusivity of John 14:6 is a fact taught by God Himself. If God tells you Jesus is the only way, you’d better quit trying to come up with others.
C. … John 10:11 is correct in reporting to you that you have a Shepherd (who just happens to be Almighty God); you’d better follow Him.


{Preached 2/20/11/10:00a.m. @ Friendship Harmony Baptist Church}

If Jesus is who He says He is, how will that affect your relationship with Him? Do you even have a relationship with Him? Jesus stands ready to forgive your sin and to receive you unto Himself. If Jesus is who He says He is, you had better trust Him, believe Him, and receive Him. Scriptures teach that today is the accepted day to do that very thing. Feel free to E-mail me or call if you’d like to trust Christ completely.

Hopefully we’ll get back on track and be back to our Monday morning visits next week. As any Pastor can tell you, we can plan our time, but one phone call can change it all. We don’t mind, though. We want to hear from you. Pastors worry when people STOP calling. I’m glad to be a part of the lives of my congregation, and glad they are a part of mine. Miss Bessie feels the same as do I. Take care of yourself this week. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

See Ya Tomorrow!

Good Monday Morning To You!
Hey,I've got a favor to ask you. I can't come in for our regular Monday Morning visit for today, but could I drop by for a chat tomorrow. Sunday and Monday are very busy days and this week Tuesday would be better. If I wrote today, it would be very rushed, and I tend to be a perfectionist about handling the word of God. I feel you deserve my best effort. Look for the blog tomorrow morning when we will discuss passages from John chapters 10, and 14. Why don't you spend the time you would be reading the blog in reading those two chapters. Thanks for understanding --- I'll see you in the morning. Pastor Vic