The Lord's Horses Continued

Good Monday Morning To You.  Welcome to Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.  If this is you first visit, thank you for stopping by.  I’m glad to meet you.  If you are a regular visitor, it’s always good to have you come for a visit.  I would love to see you, and we are working toward that goal.  I am meeting monthly with other church planters in our section of the state, and they are bringing in experts to help us do video blogging.  Hopefully by the end of the year we will have everything in place to come to you by way of video.  Do make this a matter of prayer.  All of this technological stuff rattles my brain.  Computers are not from my generation.  They were just coming into popularity about the time I was graduating from high school.  The other day I fought and argued with my laptop about why it suddenly was no longer on speaking terms with my printer.  I found myself saying, “I’ve got to go find a teenager.  He can fix it!”

For the last six weeks, you have been praying for my mom.  It looks as if she will be released later today.  Believe me, after six weeks and four days, she is quite ready to come home.   When she gets home, Miss Bessie will be there to help her with whatever she needs.  It is possible that she might continue with a physical therapist coming to her house.  Bess flew up to Cincy last Thursday and has been busy doing mom’s spring cleaning.  My mother always kept a clean house and sometime I was forced to participate in the process.  She is excited about Bess being there, and Bess is happy to be there for her.

Yesterday was another super day at Friendship Harmony.  The attendance was excellent, and the Spirit was moving throughout the service.  I’m even proud to say that the Friendship Harmony Baptist Choir sang.  They are good!  You can hear good four part harmony, and Ken Birdsong gets more out of them than they knew they had.  It is interesting to note that the choir consisted of everybody who experienced Friendship Harmony yesterday.  Good singing choir!  Keep it up!!!

The message was titled, “The Lord’s Horses.”  I preached from chapter 19 beginning at verse 11 from The Book of the Revelation.  Here we see the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  He is riding a white horse and so are the armies coming with Him.  The Lord must love white horses because He has millions of them.  However, what else would you expect Him to have?  A white horse is a victory horse and when King Jesus comes back to this earth again, He’ll not be mocked, laughed at, crucified, or in any way humiliated.  He will come in power and with victory!  I feel a “Hallelujah” swelling inside me as I think about it!   Until the Father commands Michael to sound the horn and set these last days prophecies in motion, let’s all be about our Father’s business.  That business includes telling the lost about the saving grace and mercy of our Lord.  As I look at what the future is, I don’t want it for my family or for yours.  Heaven is much to be preferred.  If you are left here on earth when Christ comes in the air for his bride, the church, you will enter the tribulation.  Let me tell you here and now, you will not survive it.  You will be eternally lost and damned to a devil’s hell.  You do not want that.  Your only hope of escape is to cry out to God by confessing your sin, and asking His forgiveness.  For the sake of Jesus who freely shed His blood on your behalf, God will hear your prayer and forgive your sin.  Call upon Him today.  If you’d like to speak about it further, call me or send me an e-mail.  My address is www.preachercooper@hotmail.com.

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

Horses In Satan’s Stable

Good Monday Morning To You!

How was your week? Healthy, safe, and sane I hope. Mine was routine; nothing causing too much excitement happens when you live out in the woods. When my grandson, Nathan, was little, he called it “Grandpa’s forest.” One year my daughter, Amanda, brought her two, Nathan and Layne, to Florida to visit us. After Nathan called the woods, Grandpa’s forest, I asked him if he would like to go and swim in Grandpa’s ocean. When he said he would, Bess and I loaded everybody in the car. The grandkids were able to swim in the Gulf of Mexico --- Grandpa’s ocean! I never told them any different, but now that they are both in High School, I’d say it’s safe to assume they know better. However, for a little while, it was nice to be a big shot real estate tycoon in someone’s eyes.

Services at Friendship Harmony went quite well yesterday. As usual the congregational singing was superb. It is so cool to sit and listen to it and hear three and four part harmony. When you add harmony to any melody, you have a full, rich, and moving piece of music. It’s truly a joy to participate. Participate! That is what worship is all about. A good worship service is not a spectator sport. When you go, throw yourself into it. Be part of it. Sure, there is a time to listen, but there is also a time to be heard. Make your voice heard whenever you are in the house of the Lord. I know there are those reading this who think, “Preacher, you have never heard me sing. I’d stand out like a cat at a dog show.” If you’re interested, look up the following Psalms: 66:1; 81:1; 95:1; 98:4,6; 100:1. Look them up, then you’ll see what worship is all about.

I preached the second in the three part “Horses” series with, “The Horses In Satan’s Stable.”. From Revelation six, we looked this week at the black horse, and the pale horse. His color is a washed out looking greenish yellow. He is an ugly horse whose name is Death. His name befits him. I’m sorry, but there are no notes available; I preached these in the extemporaneous, expository style. We looked at the logical progression from the white to the red to the black to the red horses.

Next Sunday we will look to Revelation chapter nineteen. The sermon title is “A Herd Of White Horses!” On Sunday April 1, the title is “Surely He Has Borne Our Sorrow.” Sister Eleanor McDonnel will sing a special of that same name. On Easter Sunday, April 8, we will have our Easter Sunrise Service followed by our annual Fellowship Breakfast. If you are anywhere in the area, come out these next few weeks and be with us. Come and experience Friendship Harmony. As I’ve said so many times in the past, you do not simply attend Friendship Harmony, you experience it. We’d all love for you to come whenever and as often as you can.

Before I close, l.et me give you an update on my mom’s condition. She is doing very well, and the target date for her release is March 26. She is walking with the aid of a walker, and she says her physical therapy sessions are intense. The therapy is working and her medical staff expects a full and complete recovery. She will need some help at home until she gets stronger, so Miss Bessie is flying up to be with her. She has already assigned my neighbor to chaperone me, so I guess I’ll just have to behave while she’s away. Stay safe and healthy, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Horses

Good Monday Morning To You!
I hope you’ve had a good week since we last visited. Praise the Lord, my mom is doing fantastic! Her mind is sharp, and her physically therapy is progressing very well. As soon as she can get up from the bed or a chair by herself, she could very well be discharged. She was stricken with a rupturing gall bladder way back on February 9, and for several weeks it was touch and go. It has been slow going, but mom is in good spirits and she is being well cared for. I’m thankful for that! Please continue to pray for her, and I’ll keep you updated weekly in this blog, and on the church facebook page.

Services yesterday at Friendship Harmony were good. Eleanor McDonnel sang a special and it was a blessing to hear. I’m so glad when people are willing to share the talents God has given them. After the service we had our monthly carry in dinner, and as usual our cooks outdid themselves. The food was awesome!

The message title was The Horses In Satan’s Stable. Our text came from Revelation 6:1-8. We were able to get acquainted with the first two horses: the white horse and the red horse. We discovered that the rider of both horses was the same; the Anti-Christ. He rides the white horse for the first 42 months of the tribulation. For more on that you can read Daniel’s account of the seventy weeks. Sixty nine weeks have passed, while one yet remains. A “week” is a seven year period of time. Remember, in Jewish reckoning, a year is 360 days, not our common 365. You can find this in Daniel 9: 27. At the mid point of the tribulation, Anti-Christ breaks his treaty with Israel, and the last 42 months, known as “great tribulation” begins. What he has done is jump down off the white horse, and mounts the red horse. The white horse represents victory and peace, while the red horse represents war. For a complete set of sermon notes on all four horses, see the blog for next Monday morning. I’ll post them in their entirety then.

This is a busy week at Friendship Harmony. On Tuesday night at 6:30pm at the home of Bill and Patty Wolfe we will have a night of fellowship and fun. This time, known as “game night” is a real good way to get to know others better, and to enjoy some good Christian laughter and amusement. If you aren’t into games, come out anyway and enjoy the fellowship. You’ll be glad you did. On Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:00pm our small group, The Jewish Roots of Christianity meets. This time has been a real blessing. Wednesday we continue our look at the Tower of Babel. Thursday morning from 9:00 until 11:30am is our time of visitation. If you know of anyone who would appreciate a visit, please call or e-mail me their name, address, and phone number. Friday, at the time of your choosing, is the time we encourage all of you to spend an hour with the Lord in prayer, Bible reading, and private devotions. The date for this coming Friday is the 16th, so I suggest Proverbs 16 as a good place to visit. Each of you, no matter where you are geographically located in this world can take part in this. Finally, on Saturday Morning at 8:00am at the Twisted Lemon on Pine Island Road will be our men’s breakfast. Any of you men in the area are encouraged to come. Burt Nelson will lead our devotion this month.

Take care of yourself, and have a good and safe week. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

Running

Good Monday Morning To You!
Let me begin by saying how saddened I was to learn of the carnage left behind by the tornadoes that ripped through the mid west. My brother, Greg, told me the storms were very powerful. Although all my family is fine, he told me his son, Chris, was very close to where one touched down. Our associate pastor, Bob Felber, is from Salyersville, Kentucky. Salyersville suffered a good deal of damage, but we praise the Lord his family was not injured in any way. When you say your prayers today, be sure to ask God’s blessings on those who were hurt, or who lost someone they loved. If you have ever suffered a major catastrophic storm, you can surely emphasize with these people. I have been through a category three hurricane, and believe me when I tell you that words cannot express the shock and horror you experience after it has passed. Going through a storm is not the hard part, although I do not mean to lessen it’s effects. The hard part comes after the storm passes. Then comes the time of dealing with things and emotions that you never dreamed you’d have to.

Thank you also for praying for my mom, Alene Cooper. She is doing much better since I last reported. She is able to swallow thin liquids once again, and her mind is sharp. I’m having some trouble understanding her because she has lost so much weight that her teeth no longer fit. If this the only lasting side effect of her ordeal, we will be pleased indeed. She still cannot stand or walk on her own, but the physical therapy people are confident that strength will return and that she’ll be up and about soon. If you would like to send her a card and let her know that you are praying for her, the address is Lois Alene Cooper; c/o Forest Hills Care Center; 8700 Moran Rd.; Cincinnati, Ohio 45244 Room 405B. Thanks again for your prayers. I am totally convinced that the prayers of God’s people are what have brought her through. I thank the Lord that He has seen fit to spare her.

The services at Friendship Harmony were good yesterday. Our folk love singing those tried and true hymns found in hymnals in many of our churches. Even though the weather was cold, rainy, and extremely windy, we had good attendance. I was pleased about that! After I preached the final message in the three part “Going Forward Series,” Pastor Bob Felber led us in our Communion Service. Pastor Felber conducted a beautiful Lord’s Supper, and it was a pleasure for me to get to sit in the congregation and receive the elements. I think the last time I received the supper without officiating was about twenty years ago. I am so blessed to be serving FHBC with my friend and colleague, Bob Felber!

Here are the sermon notes from yesterday. The point I hope people understood was that a good runner has a coach. Believers are in this race (called life) and we are blessed to have the best coach possible as we run it. Our coach: The Holy Spirit. I hope these notes are a blessing to you as you study God’s word.

Going Forward By Running
Various
Going Forward Series 1 of 3 By Victor Cooper
02/9,28,3-1,3,4/12

Intro: To conclude our Going Forward Series, we look at Going Forward By Running. In message one, we looked at Going Forward By Standing. In message two, it was Going Forward By Walking. In order to run, you must first be able to stand, then walk. This lesson is designed to help us run.

I. We go forward by running this race called life.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
A. Running. No option --- you’re in the race.
1. It’s not a race of “me against you.”
2. Every runner runs his/her race as best they can with the aid of the coach; the Holy Spirit.
B. Looking. The good runner has a focal point.
1. For the believer the focus should be on Christ.
2. The Christian runner gets into trouble when he/she takes their eyes off their focal point; the Lord Jesus.
C. Considering. Consider all Jesus endured.
Hebrews 12:3 (NLT) Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.

II. We go forward by running with good coaching.
Psalm 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
A. Adam Clarke Commentary I will run—The particle éë, which we translate when, should be translated because: Because thou shalt enlarge, or dilate, my heart; make plain my path by cleansing me from my impurity, and taking the hinderances out of my way. I will then run without dread of stumbling, and every day make sensible progress.
B. Solomon was given an “enlarged heart.”
1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
C. Largeness of heart has to do with expanding ones mind.
D. Essentially the psalmist in our verse above was saying,
[VCT] “Lord make me smarter so I can better apply thy words.”
1. Apply His words to what? To every aspect of life.
E. The runner is successful because of the coach!

III. We go forward by running according to the published plan.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
A. Is it possible to run without getting tired?
1. Physically, no. At some point even marathon runners’ bodies give out.
2. Spiritually, yes! To do so, you must follow the prescribed plan.
B. Habakkuk was instructed how to run.
Habakkuk 2:2 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
C. Paul assures us that running according to the Scriptures will not be a waste of our time.
Philip. 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Conclusion: We go forward for the Lord by standing, walking, and running --- all three. You do not pick one or two and do those.. Sometime it is necessary to stand while at other times it becomes necessary to walk, or even run.

I hope your week is a good one. I pray that as you run your race you are looking always to the coach and keeping you mind fixed on the goal. If I can ever help you with things like that, please let me know. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

On The Emmaus Road With Jesus

Good Monday Morning To You!

Many of you have asked about my mom, Alene Cooper. Several weeks ago we almost lost her to a rupturing gall bladder. She came through the surgery fine, but spent a week in the i.c.u. Physically she has progressed well, but she stayed in a mental fog for her entire hospital stay. She was released to a convalescence hospital in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati, and since that time she has made remarkable progress. Yes, we are grateful for the wonderful care she is getting there, but we give God all the glory for both her physical and her mental healing. Just before I started writing this blog, I called and spoke to her. She sounded good, and her mind appeared clear. She says she’d love a good cold drink of water, or a glass of Pepsi. At this time, her water has to be thickened because she chokes on thin liquids. Beginning today, she will begin therapy that will help with the swallowing. I told her that when she was able, I’d come up and we would drink a Pepsi together. She promptly told me that Pepsi Colas were fattening and I didn’t need one. I think her mind is more clear than we imagined! Thank you for praying for her. The prayers of God’s people have made all the difference. I’ll keep you posted both here, and on the church facebook page which is www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony.

The services yesterday at Friendship Harmony were absolutely fantastic. The congregational singing was tremendous. Two of our ladies, Penny Johnson and Karen Fain, sang a special. They sang “Amazing Grace.” As they sang, you could tell it was coming from their hearts, and that they believed what they were singing. As some of you know, I traveled with several gospel groups some years ago including The Anchormen and The Maranatha Singers. I can tell you that I personally knew several people who were unsaved, yet singing about Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, these were very talented people, but they could not sing from their hearts. I’d rather hear a fellow believer sing about my Lord than a sinner any day of the week.

Once again the attendance was nothing short of phenomenal. We had many returning visitors, plus quite a few first time folk. We are so honored when visitors come and share their time with us. We were especially encouraged to have several young people with us. One little boy came for Sunday School, so we went off together and I told him the story of Noah. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done! I have taught the Scriptures for years including lecturing at the seminary level. That I can do with no problem, but I must confess teaching a six year old with a terrific imagination was something I hadn’t done since I taught a primary Vacation Bible School class back in 1972. I have gained a new respect for the fine men and women who teach Children’s Sunday School classes every Lord‘s day.. Give me a class full of “would be” theologians any day of the week. There was something the boy, Will, asked me before we dismissed. He said, “Next week can we talk about Jesus?” Yes my new little friend, next week we’ll talk about Jesus.

In yesterday’s message, I preached part two of our three part “Going Forward” series. As you might recall, in part one we looked at Going Forward By Stand Still. If you did not get the notes, you can scroll down to the Monday Morning blog dated 2/12/12 and review them. Today the message title was Going Forward By Walking. The notes are below and I hope they are a blessing to you.

Going Forward By Walking
Luke 24:13-27
Going Forward Series 1 of 3 By Victor Cooper
2/13,16,24,25/12

Intro: In our series opening message, we examined the paradox of going forward while standing still. Today we look at the topic Going Forward By Walking. Just as the two men on the Emmaus Road walked with Jesus, we too have that opportunity every day.

I. We walk in the light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
A. Jesus is the light. No other light can outshine Him.
1. In the New Jerusalem, Christ will be the light of the city.
2. In the New Jerusalem the light of the sun will pale in comparison to the light of Christ.
B. Believers are no longer in darkness, but light.
1. Darkness def. The absence of light.
2. Light def. Illumination
C. Our Light is also our truth and our Life.
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.

II. We walk in a new life. Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

A. The Bible declares that in Jesus our lives are new.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
B. New> Gk kainos> fresh This verb is in the perfect tense. It means constantly fresh.

III. We walk after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
A. walk> Gk> peripateo> to walk about to prove you can.
B. after> Gk> meta> to accompany
C. We walk uncondemned.
D. Walking after the Spirit is the antidote to carnality.
1. Carnal def pertaining to the flesh; given to the ways of man, not God; the opposite of spiritual.
2. 1 Cor. 3:1/ 2 Cor. 10:4 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

IV. We walk by faith. 2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
A. Faith is expected. Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Cf. (Habakkuk 2:4)
B. Faith pleases God. 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.

V. We walk in obedience to God’s commands.
2 John 1:6 (Living Bible) If we love God, we will do whatever he tells us to. And he has told us from the very first to love each other.
A. Learning His commands comes from prayer, Bible study, and church attendance.
B. Command> Gk> en-tol-ay‘> prescription
C. Obedient walking is rewarded. Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
[11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Conclusion: The song says, “Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?” Are you? We’ve discussed standing with the Lord and walking with the Lord. You cannot walk if you are not standing.. You can do neither if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A believer cannot walk with the Lord if the light has been dimmed due to sin in one’s life. Are you going forward by walking?

Have a good, safe, and healthy week. If you are in the area I hope to see you at Friendship Harmony this coming Lord’s day. If youb are far from us, please rememberr us in your prayers. Thank you for being a loyal reader, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

Praise the LORD!

Good Monday Morning To You!

Have you had a good week?  I do hope so.  Before I go any further, let me give you an update on Mom’s condition.  She is still in the I. C. U. in Cincinnati.  She has pneumonia and a urinary track infection which are being treated with antibiotics.  She also requires much oxygen and is not eating very much.  My brother, Greg, tells me she still has times of confusion, but when her mind is clear, it is very clear.  The doctors say she is recovering, albeit at a snail’s pace.  For those who do not know, she was rushed to the hospital a week ago last Friday with a gall bladder that was seeping poison and was ready to rupture.  The Lord brought her through the surgery, and  I’ve got to believe she will make a complete recovery.  I do not believe the Lord provides half a healing.  We thank you for your prayers, and I ask that you also remember my brother.  He is holding down two jobs and seeing to mom.  I’m sure he is exhausted.  For Bess and me, being eleven hundred miles away is hard.  We feel so helpless.  I do not know what we could do if we were there, but sometime being there helps.  I don’t know who it would help more, her or us.  When the time comes, we will likely make a trip north, but for now we’ll remain here and keep you updated on our Facebook page and in this blog.  Our page is www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony.

What a tremendous service we had yesterday!  We had another high attendance day, and our song service was incredible.  Our congregation raised their voices as one in praise to the Lord.  I heard several people comment on how much they enjoyed both hearing, and being a part of it.  Our Church is also blessed to have two pastors; Bro. Bob Felber and me.  It is truly my honor to be serving with such a fine man as Bob.  He preached a powerful message yesterday concerning God’s plan for the ages.  He covered material from the first coming of Christ, until well past His Second Coming.  To cover that much in a thirty minute message is quite difficult, but Pastor Felber did it superbly.  I wish every one of you reading this blog could come and enjoy a service at FHBC.  You do not just attend a service here, you experience it.  If you’re anywhere close by, come and experience Friendship Harmony!

So, what is it that makes this Church so special?  Why do so many want to come worship here?  There are several reasons.  The first and greatest is that the Spirit of the living Lord is not only here, but is alive and active.  You can literally feel His presence when you walk into the building.  The second is the love for one another and the spirit of cooperation that is part of who we are.  Visitors come back because they feel good about being here, and they are made to feel like one of us.  Indeed they are!  The Friendship Harmony experience is for anyone who is seeking an encounter with Jesus Christ.  Believers will be blessed and encouraged, and sinners will be loved and shown God’s way of redemption.  Believe me when I tell you, Friendship Harmony has to be experienced.

My preaching schedule is as follows:
Sunday 2-26, “ Going Forward - Walking”  Series message part 2
Sunday 3-4,  “Going Forward - Running” Series message part 3 (conclusion)
Sunday 3-11 “The Horses In Satan’s Stable” (resumption of prophecy series)

I hope you can be with us.  If you can’t due to distance, pray for us, please.  Pray that the Lord will continue to bless us as He is now doing, and pray that we as a congregation will keep our eyes on Him and never brag about what we are doing.  It is all Him --- that’s what makes it so incredible!!!  Again keep up with us @ www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony and click “like.” Thanks for being a loyal reader of Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.  I really appreciate it.  Have a good and safe week and once again, thanks for praying for my mom, Alene Cooper.  I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

What A Tremendous Day

Good Morning To You!

My heart is overflowing about the tremendous day we had at Friendship Harmony yesterday!  As you know, it was our first anniversary of being a fully constituted church.  The Lord gave us a tremendous service.  It was one of those days when you went home really rejoicing and feeling like you’d been to church --- church the way it’s supposed to be.  We started the day with terrific attendance.  I believe it was a record breaker.  Last Thursday our visitation teams made over six hundred contacts.  God honored their efforts by sending folk in.  The Majestic Sounds Quartet from Wilmington, Ohio came to sing for us, and they did a fantastic job.  Our people really enjoyed them, and have asked me to invite them back.  This was our first time having outside singers come in, and I didn’t quite know what to expect.  I knew the congregation would like them, but it is hard to book someone a year in advance when you do not own your own building.  The civic association we rent from each Sunday has a full slate of their own activities, and we do not want to interfere with them.  They have been really good to us, and we try to treat them with the utmost Christian courtesy and respect.  We were also happy to have Jennifer Horton and Everett Rafferty from The Royal Palm Baptist Association with us.  It is always good to see them.  They both had a big hand in helping us through our early formation process.  After the preaching service, we stayed and enjoyed a turkey, ham, and all the fixings fellowship meal.  Our ladies, who are the best cooks in the entire Southern Baptist Convention, out-did themselves.  The food was awesome!  The pulpit stands about eight feet from the counter.  Before church lots of food was brought in.  The trouble I had was with the turkey.  I love good turkey.  The fumes from that bird were blowing right in the direction of the pulpit.  It was tough breathing that in and trying to stay focused on the message.

My message yesterday was about going forward.  As I was preparing it, I thought about when Friendship Harmony started and how far the Lord has brought us.  I thought, “Where do we go from here?”  The obvious answer is we go forward.  I came up with a simple, three point sermon that would direct us as how to proceed.  We go forward by standing, by walking, and by running.  As I dug deep into the Scriptures to validate my three main points, it became very clear that I could not fit it all in with one sermon and do justice to the word of God.  With the direction of the Holy Spirit, it was decided I would preach a three part series, with each week dedicated to one of the points.  Below are the notes from yesterday as we looked at Going Forward By Standing Still.  I hope they are of benefit to you.

Going Forward By Standing Still
Various Scriptures
Going Forward Series 1 of 3                                      By Victor Cooper
2/9-11/12

Intro: To Go for Jesus we must do three things: stand, walk, and run.  This week we look at the paradox of going forward by standing still.

I. We stand to consider God’s majesty.
Job 37:14  Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
A. This is our starting point on our journey forward.
B. Considering God‘s majesty keep us focused.
Cf. Psalm 111:2   The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
Adam Clarke Commentary ---  The wondrous works of God—Endless in their variety; stupendous in their structure; complicated in their parts; indescribable in their relations and connections; and incomprehensible in the mode of their formation, in the cohesion of their parts, and in the ends of their creation.

II. We stand in the ways that have proven true.  
Jeremiah 6:16   Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
A. Stand in the ways of God’s righteousness.
JFB Commentary --- Idolatry and apostasy are the modern way; the worship of God the old way. Evil  is not co-equal with good, but a modern degeneracy from good.
B. Why stand?  To keep from moving in a wrong direction.
Quote:  “If you’ve got a good horse, you ride him till he drops.”  (Howard Cooper)  i.e. Stick with what works.

III. We stand in the house of the Lord.  
Jeremiah 7:2   Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord.
A. Be found in Church.   Hebrews 10:25   Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
B. Stand and proclaim the word of God..
1. They are of the utmost importance.
John 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

IV. We stand in the wisdom of God.
1 Cor. 2:5   That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
A. The Book of Proverbs is an encapsulated version of the wisdom of God.
B. Read one Proverb a day corresponding with the date.  For example on the 12th of the month, read Proverbs 12.
Cf  Job 12:13   With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

As some of you may know, my mom, Alene Cooper, is currently in the ICU at Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati.  She had to have emergency surgery this past Friday for a serious gall bladder issue.  Hers was within hours of rupturing.  Her vital signs are good, but she is having trouble keeping her blood oxygen numbers where they want them.  She is on the respirator, but they are slowly trying to wean her off it.  Also, she has infection in her blood, but those numbers too are trending downward.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers.  We will keep you updated on the Friendship Harmony Facebook page.

Next week Pastor Bob Felber will be preaching, and will return us to our prophecy series.  If you are in the area, please come be with us.  I hope you have a good week wherever you are.  If you have to shovel snow, or fight with ice, please exercise caution and stay safe.  Keep yourselves well and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!