Monday, June 24, 2013
I'll See You On Wednesday
Monday Morning With Pastor Vic will be available this coming Wednesday due to Pastor Vic being under the weather. We’ll see you Wednesday morning!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Danny's Revenge
Good Monday Morning To You!
For the past several weeks I have been telling you about my seminary days. I guess I have been thinking back to that time because in August I’ll be a freshman again: a brand new, freshman professor of Geography at the South West Florida Bible Institute in Port Charlotte, Florida. Last week I told you about the time I caught my buddy sleeping and told him the professor had just called on him to dismiss in prayer. I promised that this week I would tell you how he got even.
We had just had our English class, and it was two hours before supper. We all decided to crawl into our bunks for a brief nap. Our dorm room was full with four boys. We took our nap and Danny tapped me to awaken me. He said, “Wake up Coop, it’s supper time.” I got out of bed, put on my shirt and shoes and we walked across the campus to the cafeteria. While my friends and I were heading to eat, people gave me some very dirty looks. I was totally bewildered at their strange behavior. I said, “Hello” to several, but they quickly turned away like I had some exotic disease. As I went into the line inside the cafeteria, people literally shunned me. Even the cafeteria lady looked at me and shook her head, grinning all the while. We found an empty table and I got nothing but the evil eye. I could not figure out what was happening. All the while my room mates seemed totally oblivious to what was occurring. All I knew was people I considered friends glared at me in wide eyed disbelief. When we returned to our room, it was dark and time to get ready for bed. I gathered my shaving kit and went into the shower room. When I looked into the mirror, I saw what all the scorn was about. While I had been asleep, my “buddies” had taken a black magic marker and had put 666 on my forehead. That’s right! I was walking the halls and sidewalks of a Baptist Seminary with the “mark of the beast” plastered all over my forehead. For those of you who do not understand, to a Baptist, this is the worst act of blasphemy one can perform. It is unthinkable for someone to accept the mark of the Anti-Christ. Danny and the roomies were standing behind me laughing so hard I thought they would pass out. I laughed too. I might be a practical joker, but I can take it, and enjoy it as much as I can dish it out.
Yesterday was a good day at Friendship Harmony. We honored the dads present by giving them a small gift, and the singing was roof lifting. I continued our Sermon Series, “What Were You Thinking?” This week we asked Moses, who had just disobeyed a direct order from God, “What Were You Thinking?” Moses had been told by God to speak to the rock, but instead he hit the rock. What was he thinking? The notes are below, and the video should be ready by Tuesday morning. To view it, go to www.youtube.com. From their home page, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Then simply scroll down to the video you’d like to see.
Moses, What Were You Thinking
Numbers 20:1-13
By: Victor Cooper
11/04/06
Moses, after all your experiences with the LORD, when He explicitly told you to speak to the rock, you disobeyed and hit it. What were you thinking?
I. “It was a very hard time for me.”
A. My sister Miriam died. We were very close. Num. 20:1
B. We had been lost forty years. The people and animals
needed water and they looked to me for it. It turned into
a mob scene. 20:2,3
C. This was how this outfit had behaved in the past. They
were rebels. 20:10”
II. “But, you’re right. I had such a close relationship with the
LORD. He had shown Himself faithful throughout my life.
A. By Divine providence after Pharaoh Seti had ordered
all Hebrew boy babies under age three to be killed,
my mother put me in the Nile in a little reed-boat.
Exodus 2:3
B. My sister Miriam “arranged” for Pharaoh’s daughter to
adopt me, and pay a Hebrew mother to care for me --
it was to be my own mother! 2:8,9
C. I was then to be raised in Pharaoh’s home and raised
and educated as Egyptian royalty. Acts 7:22
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.”
III. “I remember one of my meetings with the LORD. It was
certainly memorable. Exodus 3:2
A. I was literally in God’s presence! 3:4-6
B. He told me He was going to deliver Israel from Egypt.
3:7-8
C. Then He dropped a bomb-shell on me. He told me I was
to be His instrument in that deliverance. 3:10
D. Interestingly enough, He told me He was going to lead
the people out of Egypt and into the Promised land, but
I was only to be involved with the Exodus - not the
entrance.”
IV. “I well remember our travels through the wilderness, and
God’s presence with us.
A. He led us by day and night with His pillars. Ex. 13:21-22
B. The LORD told me Pharaoh was coming after us, but that
He would protect us. Exodus 14:1-4
C. When they were chasing us, He hid us from them with
that pillar of cloud. 14:19-20
D. By the way, lest I forget to mention it, that yammering
outfit I was leading was murmuring all the way.
14:11-12”
V. “What was I thinking? I was thinking I needed to let these
people know who was in charge. I had forgotten that God,
not me, was in charge.
A. BKC The Lord told Moses only to speak to the rock for its flow must not be attributed to his own efforts but to the Lord’s miraculous provision. Moses, however, at the breaking point of his endurance and patience (he called the people rebels), drew attention to his own authority as covenant mediator by striking the rock twice with his staff. The water came because of God’s beneficent grace, but because Moses and Aaron had drawn attention to themselves rather than trusting in the LORD they were denied entrance to the Promised Land. The principle here is clear: “…For unto whomsoever much has been given, much shall be required…” (Luke 12:48).
Have a good rest of your week. Next week I’ll tell you why lately I have become the duckman. We’ll discuss that when I see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
For the past several weeks I have been telling you about my seminary days. I guess I have been thinking back to that time because in August I’ll be a freshman again: a brand new, freshman professor of Geography at the South West Florida Bible Institute in Port Charlotte, Florida. Last week I told you about the time I caught my buddy sleeping and told him the professor had just called on him to dismiss in prayer. I promised that this week I would tell you how he got even.
We had just had our English class, and it was two hours before supper. We all decided to crawl into our bunks for a brief nap. Our dorm room was full with four boys. We took our nap and Danny tapped me to awaken me. He said, “Wake up Coop, it’s supper time.” I got out of bed, put on my shirt and shoes and we walked across the campus to the cafeteria. While my friends and I were heading to eat, people gave me some very dirty looks. I was totally bewildered at their strange behavior. I said, “Hello” to several, but they quickly turned away like I had some exotic disease. As I went into the line inside the cafeteria, people literally shunned me. Even the cafeteria lady looked at me and shook her head, grinning all the while. We found an empty table and I got nothing but the evil eye. I could not figure out what was happening. All the while my room mates seemed totally oblivious to what was occurring. All I knew was people I considered friends glared at me in wide eyed disbelief. When we returned to our room, it was dark and time to get ready for bed. I gathered my shaving kit and went into the shower room. When I looked into the mirror, I saw what all the scorn was about. While I had been asleep, my “buddies” had taken a black magic marker and had put 666 on my forehead. That’s right! I was walking the halls and sidewalks of a Baptist Seminary with the “mark of the beast” plastered all over my forehead. For those of you who do not understand, to a Baptist, this is the worst act of blasphemy one can perform. It is unthinkable for someone to accept the mark of the Anti-Christ. Danny and the roomies were standing behind me laughing so hard I thought they would pass out. I laughed too. I might be a practical joker, but I can take it, and enjoy it as much as I can dish it out.
Yesterday was a good day at Friendship Harmony. We honored the dads present by giving them a small gift, and the singing was roof lifting. I continued our Sermon Series, “What Were You Thinking?” This week we asked Moses, who had just disobeyed a direct order from God, “What Were You Thinking?” Moses had been told by God to speak to the rock, but instead he hit the rock. What was he thinking? The notes are below, and the video should be ready by Tuesday morning. To view it, go to www.youtube.com. From their home page, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Then simply scroll down to the video you’d like to see.
Moses, What Were You Thinking
Numbers 20:1-13
By: Victor Cooper
11/04/06
Moses, after all your experiences with the LORD, when He explicitly told you to speak to the rock, you disobeyed and hit it. What were you thinking?
I. “It was a very hard time for me.”
A. My sister Miriam died. We were very close. Num. 20:1
B. We had been lost forty years. The people and animals
needed water and they looked to me for it. It turned into
a mob scene. 20:2,3
C. This was how this outfit had behaved in the past. They
were rebels. 20:10”
II. “But, you’re right. I had such a close relationship with the
LORD. He had shown Himself faithful throughout my life.
A. By Divine providence after Pharaoh Seti had ordered
all Hebrew boy babies under age three to be killed,
my mother put me in the Nile in a little reed-boat.
Exodus 2:3
B. My sister Miriam “arranged” for Pharaoh’s daughter to
adopt me, and pay a Hebrew mother to care for me --
it was to be my own mother! 2:8,9
C. I was then to be raised in Pharaoh’s home and raised
and educated as Egyptian royalty. Acts 7:22
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.”
III. “I remember one of my meetings with the LORD. It was
certainly memorable. Exodus 3:2
A. I was literally in God’s presence! 3:4-6
B. He told me He was going to deliver Israel from Egypt.
3:7-8
C. Then He dropped a bomb-shell on me. He told me I was
to be His instrument in that deliverance. 3:10
D. Interestingly enough, He told me He was going to lead
the people out of Egypt and into the Promised land, but
I was only to be involved with the Exodus - not the
entrance.”
IV. “I well remember our travels through the wilderness, and
God’s presence with us.
A. He led us by day and night with His pillars. Ex. 13:21-22
B. The LORD told me Pharaoh was coming after us, but that
He would protect us. Exodus 14:1-4
C. When they were chasing us, He hid us from them with
that pillar of cloud. 14:19-20
D. By the way, lest I forget to mention it, that yammering
outfit I was leading was murmuring all the way.
14:11-12”
V. “What was I thinking? I was thinking I needed to let these
people know who was in charge. I had forgotten that God,
not me, was in charge.
A. BKC The Lord told Moses only to speak to the rock for its flow must not be attributed to his own efforts but to the Lord’s miraculous provision. Moses, however, at the breaking point of his endurance and patience (he called the people rebels), drew attention to his own authority as covenant mediator by striking the rock twice with his staff. The water came because of God’s beneficent grace, but because Moses and Aaron had drawn attention to themselves rather than trusting in the LORD they were denied entrance to the Promised Land. The principle here is clear: “…For unto whomsoever much has been given, much shall be required…” (Luke 12:48).
Have a good rest of your week. Next week I’ll tell you why lately I have become the duckman. We’ll discuss that when I see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Antics Of a Seminary Freshman
Good Monday Morning To you!!!
I always enjoy our Monday morning visits. I cannot begin to tell you how honored I am that you would take the time to read this blog. Blog. That was a word that did not exist when I entered the ministry way back in 1972. Back then, if you would have told me that I would have a web delivered blog reaching across the globe to over seventeen thousand readers, I would have thought you had gotten into Uncle Bob’s corn squeezings. Once when I was in my teens, I did find the home made moon shine, but that is another story for another day.
For the past two weeks, I have told you about some of my antics in seminary. I was a prankster living in a dorm room with three other pranksters. It was a riot! I’ve got to tell you about a prank I pulled on my buddy, Danny Jones.
One of the classes we attended was called, “The Life of Paul.” The professor was a man named Lee Payne. Brother Payne was one of the finest teachers I have ever had the honor to learn from. More often than not, he would break out into a sermon, and could he ever preach. You would leave his class feeling like you had been to an old fashioned revival. The classroom where we were seated held nearly a hundred people. Danny and I had seats assigned in the back. The classes were about an hour and fifteen minutes long, and after twenty minutes into the class, I looked over at Danny, and he was sound asleep. I didn’t want Professor Payne to discover his little nap, so I did what any good friend would do: I reached over and woke him up. I told him, “Danny, Danny, wake up. Professor Payne just called on you to dismiss in prayer.” Danny promptly stood and prayed the nicest dismissal prayer I have ever heard. Brother Payne stood there in wide eyed amazement. When he finished praying, Professor Payne said, “Now that Brother Jones has his prayer life back in order, we will resume our class about the life of Paul. Danny sat back down with the most bewildered, hang dog look on his face. I did not know a human being could turn that many shades of red. Of all the stunts I had ever pulled in both high school and seminary, this was my crowning achievement. However, before you get all teary eyed over poor Danny, next week I’ll tell you how he got even: it had to be his crowning achievement in prank pulling. When I begin teaching classes in mid August, I pray I do not have any students like me. God does, however, have a delicious sense of humor. Time will tell.
Yesterday at Friendship Harmony was an awesome day. I hope you don’t get sick of hearing me say that from week to week, but it’s true. Friendship Harmony services are alive, vibrant, and a joy to experience. As I’ve said on many occasions, you do not attend Friendship Harmony, you experience Friendship Harmony. Yesterday was no exception. The day started with the beginning of a new Sunday School class for people aged 15 to 20. What a blessing it was. Several of those have been attending regularly for the last six weeks. I am so proud of them.
During our morning worship time, we were honored to have in our service a missionary and his family. Bobu John and his family are from India, in the state of Delhi. They are active in operating homes for unwanted children as well as starting churches. They stayed for our fellowship meal afterward. It was a joy getting to know them.
As I said, we had our monthly fellowship meal after the service. The theme this month was, “My Favorite Casserole.” As always, our ladies rose to the occasion. We had a variety of wonderful casseroles. Our pianist, Karin Barry, made the best potatoes I’ve ever eaten. Perhaps I need to include some recipes from time to time.
For our morning message, I continued our sermon series, “What Were You Thinking?” This week we met Stephen and asked him, “What were you thinking when the stones were pounding against your body, beating the life out of you?” Below are the notes. I hope they are a blessing to you. Don’t forget, on Tuesday you can visit www.youtube.com and see the sermon as it was preached. To do so, from their homepage, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Then, simply scroll to the message you would like to see.
Stephen, What Were You Thinking?
Acts 6 & 7: various
9th in a series of 12 By: Victor Cooper
Today we meet Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church. Stephen was a man who loved Jesus, talked about Jesus and stood for Jesus; even though it cost him his life. We would ask him, “Stephen, what were you thinking when the stones were pounding against you, beating out your life? Why didn’t you just give up and give in?”
I. First, lets meet Stephen.
A. He was a man of honest report, (good reputation) full of
the Holy Ghost, (filled = controlled) full of wisdom,
(prudence) and faith (conviction of religious truth).
B. He was a man who was opposed, v9, spoke with power,
v10, and was falsely accused v11-15.
Stephen, what were you thinking?
II. “When I was brought before the Sanhedrin, I answered the
High Priest’s question. 7:1
A. He wanted to know two things.
1. Was Jesus going to destroy the Temple? 6:14
2. Was Jesus going to change our customs? 6:14”
III. “I reminded them of Jewish history beginning with Abraham.
7:2-50
A. I told them their fathers were guilty of unbelief and they
were no different. :51-54
B. Your modern churches are good about telling people
Jesus loves them, and that’s true, but it’s only part. You
forget to call a sinner a sinner and remind people that
God hates sin and will judge sinners!
1 God hates sin! Psalm 5:4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
2. God judges sin. The Bible abounds with many
examples of God’s judgment falling. ex Egypt,
Jericho, Assyria, Babylon etc…
3. JFB Commentary we should view this {section} as the summing up, the brief import of the whole Israelitish history—grossness of heart, spiritual deafness, continuous resistance of the Holy Ghost, down to the very council before whom Stephen was pleading.”
IV. “I knew God was pleased with my testimony - I saw right
into the throne room of Heaven.
A. v56 I was already in that place of being part here and part
there. ex. Ruth Strimlan
B. What Moses asked for in Exodus 33:18, and was denied,
Stephen saw in verse 55.
C. The Bible does not say that the Heavenly sight ever left
Stephen’s sight.”
V. “As they were stoning me, I remembered how my Saviour
had responded on the day of His crucifixion. I wanted to be
just like Him - even in death.
A. I asked God to forgive them. :60
B. You’re wondering if it hurt. Probably, but I really do not
remember it, ‘for the former things are passed away” and
‘all things are become new.’
C. Revelation 21:1-5 {READ}
1. Pulpit Commentary His prayer indicates superiority to bodily suffering. There is no petition for relief from pain or even for speedy release. Exactly what was God’s will for him he would bear right through.”
For you ladies on or near Pine Island, this coming Thursday, June 13, at 1:00pm at the Island Grill, your Ladies Luncheon is scheduled. Also, our Bible study, “The Basics of Christianity” will meet at 6:30 on Wednesday Evening. The address is 4764 Flamingo Drive, and is the home of Shirley Jean. I hope you can be with us.
I hope you are enjoying your summer. For many of you who plant gardens, they should be just about ready to begin yielding their delicious crops. I hope you have a successful garden this year. Regardless of how you are spending your summer, stay safe and well, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.
I always enjoy our Monday morning visits. I cannot begin to tell you how honored I am that you would take the time to read this blog. Blog. That was a word that did not exist when I entered the ministry way back in 1972. Back then, if you would have told me that I would have a web delivered blog reaching across the globe to over seventeen thousand readers, I would have thought you had gotten into Uncle Bob’s corn squeezings. Once when I was in my teens, I did find the home made moon shine, but that is another story for another day.
For the past two weeks, I have told you about some of my antics in seminary. I was a prankster living in a dorm room with three other pranksters. It was a riot! I’ve got to tell you about a prank I pulled on my buddy, Danny Jones.
One of the classes we attended was called, “The Life of Paul.” The professor was a man named Lee Payne. Brother Payne was one of the finest teachers I have ever had the honor to learn from. More often than not, he would break out into a sermon, and could he ever preach. You would leave his class feeling like you had been to an old fashioned revival. The classroom where we were seated held nearly a hundred people. Danny and I had seats assigned in the back. The classes were about an hour and fifteen minutes long, and after twenty minutes into the class, I looked over at Danny, and he was sound asleep. I didn’t want Professor Payne to discover his little nap, so I did what any good friend would do: I reached over and woke him up. I told him, “Danny, Danny, wake up. Professor Payne just called on you to dismiss in prayer.” Danny promptly stood and prayed the nicest dismissal prayer I have ever heard. Brother Payne stood there in wide eyed amazement. When he finished praying, Professor Payne said, “Now that Brother Jones has his prayer life back in order, we will resume our class about the life of Paul. Danny sat back down with the most bewildered, hang dog look on his face. I did not know a human being could turn that many shades of red. Of all the stunts I had ever pulled in both high school and seminary, this was my crowning achievement. However, before you get all teary eyed over poor Danny, next week I’ll tell you how he got even: it had to be his crowning achievement in prank pulling. When I begin teaching classes in mid August, I pray I do not have any students like me. God does, however, have a delicious sense of humor. Time will tell.
Yesterday at Friendship Harmony was an awesome day. I hope you don’t get sick of hearing me say that from week to week, but it’s true. Friendship Harmony services are alive, vibrant, and a joy to experience. As I’ve said on many occasions, you do not attend Friendship Harmony, you experience Friendship Harmony. Yesterday was no exception. The day started with the beginning of a new Sunday School class for people aged 15 to 20. What a blessing it was. Several of those have been attending regularly for the last six weeks. I am so proud of them.
During our morning worship time, we were honored to have in our service a missionary and his family. Bobu John and his family are from India, in the state of Delhi. They are active in operating homes for unwanted children as well as starting churches. They stayed for our fellowship meal afterward. It was a joy getting to know them.
As I said, we had our monthly fellowship meal after the service. The theme this month was, “My Favorite Casserole.” As always, our ladies rose to the occasion. We had a variety of wonderful casseroles. Our pianist, Karin Barry, made the best potatoes I’ve ever eaten. Perhaps I need to include some recipes from time to time.
For our morning message, I continued our sermon series, “What Were You Thinking?” This week we met Stephen and asked him, “What were you thinking when the stones were pounding against your body, beating the life out of you?” Below are the notes. I hope they are a blessing to you. Don’t forget, on Tuesday you can visit www.youtube.com and see the sermon as it was preached. To do so, from their homepage, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Then, simply scroll to the message you would like to see.
Stephen, What Were You Thinking?
Acts 6 & 7: various
9th in a series of 12 By: Victor Cooper
Today we meet Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church. Stephen was a man who loved Jesus, talked about Jesus and stood for Jesus; even though it cost him his life. We would ask him, “Stephen, what were you thinking when the stones were pounding against you, beating out your life? Why didn’t you just give up and give in?”
I. First, lets meet Stephen.
A. He was a man of honest report, (good reputation) full of
the Holy Ghost, (filled = controlled) full of wisdom,
(prudence) and faith (conviction of religious truth).
B. He was a man who was opposed, v9, spoke with power,
v10, and was falsely accused v11-15.
Stephen, what were you thinking?
II. “When I was brought before the Sanhedrin, I answered the
High Priest’s question. 7:1
A. He wanted to know two things.
1. Was Jesus going to destroy the Temple? 6:14
2. Was Jesus going to change our customs? 6:14”
III. “I reminded them of Jewish history beginning with Abraham.
7:2-50
A. I told them their fathers were guilty of unbelief and they
were no different. :51-54
B. Your modern churches are good about telling people
Jesus loves them, and that’s true, but it’s only part. You
forget to call a sinner a sinner and remind people that
God hates sin and will judge sinners!
1 God hates sin! Psalm 5:4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
2. God judges sin. The Bible abounds with many
examples of God’s judgment falling. ex Egypt,
Jericho, Assyria, Babylon etc…
3. JFB Commentary we should view this {section} as the summing up, the brief import of the whole Israelitish history—grossness of heart, spiritual deafness, continuous resistance of the Holy Ghost, down to the very council before whom Stephen was pleading.”
IV. “I knew God was pleased with my testimony - I saw right
into the throne room of Heaven.
A. v56 I was already in that place of being part here and part
there. ex. Ruth Strimlan
B. What Moses asked for in Exodus 33:18, and was denied,
Stephen saw in verse 55.
C. The Bible does not say that the Heavenly sight ever left
Stephen’s sight.”
V. “As they were stoning me, I remembered how my Saviour
had responded on the day of His crucifixion. I wanted to be
just like Him - even in death.
A. I asked God to forgive them. :60
B. You’re wondering if it hurt. Probably, but I really do not
remember it, ‘for the former things are passed away” and
‘all things are become new.’
C. Revelation 21:1-5 {READ}
1. Pulpit Commentary His prayer indicates superiority to bodily suffering. There is no petition for relief from pain or even for speedy release. Exactly what was God’s will for him he would bear right through.”
For you ladies on or near Pine Island, this coming Thursday, June 13, at 1:00pm at the Island Grill, your Ladies Luncheon is scheduled. Also, our Bible study, “The Basics of Christianity” will meet at 6:30 on Wednesday Evening. The address is 4764 Flamingo Drive, and is the home of Shirley Jean. I hope you can be with us.
I hope you are enjoying your summer. For many of you who plant gardens, they should be just about ready to begin yielding their delicious crops. I hope you have a successful garden this year. Regardless of how you are spending your summer, stay safe and well, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Snowballs And Flying Hats!!!
Good Monday Morning To You.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, or a glass of juice and let’s visit. I hope you are having a good and healthy Spring. I suppose for our readers in Australia, and other southern hemisphere dwellers, you are having Fall. Wherever you are, I appreciate you for taking the time to read the blog. Have you had the chance to visit our videos on YouTube? You can see them by going to www.youtube.com. From their homepage, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. Simply select the video you would like to see. Sunday’s message, “Peter, What Were You Thinking?’ will be available tomorrow. Until then, there are other videos available now.
Last week I told you about a time in my life when I decided to use my middle name. It was while I was in Bible College. I also mentioned that I knocked the dean’s hat off with a snowball. Several people have asked me to tell more. I will gladly tell it. To me it is as funny now as it was then.
I attended school in Missouri, and lived in a dorm room with three other boys. One afternoon it started to snow heavily, and in no time, a heavy, wet snow about three inches deep totally covered everything in sight. There were three dorm buildings in a row spaced about thirty feet apart. Each dorm had four floors, and I lived in the middle dorm on the fourth floor. Each dorm had an outside staircase with a decent sized landing. That snow was just laying there asking to be packed and thrown. Off all four landings snow balls were flying from all directions, including upon people on the ground. I had nearly used the snow the LORD had allotted me, and I had enough for one more good sized ball. The students down on the ground had an unlimited supply to work with. I spotted a young man who was picking people off at will, and I decided to nail him. I was a baseball pitcher, so hitting him would not be difficult. As a pitcher, I’ve hit many batters – some accidentally. That’s another story for another day. I took aim and let my snowball fly. I could tell from the moment I released it that my target was a sitting duck. Suddenly from the side of the building, Dean Harper appeared. He was wearing a nice dressy hat and my snowball nailed him in a perfect spot: his hat went flying. The only thing that moved faster than his hat flying through the air was Vic Cooper flying back into the dorm. For days that was the talk of the campus. Secretly, nearly everybody loved it. No one ever knew who threw that ball, and since I was never into bragging, I never told it either. Several days later, I passed him and his hat on the sidewalk and greeted him. He spoke and walked on by. As he passed me, I had a grin on my face that a surgeon could not have removed. By the time I reached the cafeteria, I was in full blown laughter. What I wouldn’t give for a return to those carefree days of my youth.
Yesterday was a good day at Friendship Harmony. Our visitors continue to come, and my prayer is that the Lord will unite them with our church. They are already part of us as far as I’m concerned.
The sermon series, “What Were You Thinking?” continued as we asked Peter what he was thinking when he walked on water. The notes are below. I hope they are a blessing to you. Tomorrow, you should be able to see and here the message on YouTube.
Peter, What Were You Thinking?
Matthew 14:28-31
2nd in a series By: Victor Cooper
11/11/06
updated 5/13
Peter experienced something no other human being on earth, with the exception of Jesus, ever experienced: he walked on water! The Bible doesn’t indicate how long he walked, just that indeed he walked on water. We would ask him, “Peter, what was it like? What were you thinking when you walked on water?”
I. Peter would say, “I wasn’t thinking about the water or the
walk. I just wanted to be with Jesus, regardless of the
obstacles. (text)
A. I already believed He was the Messiah. John 1:41
B. I would soon declare Jesus was the Messiah.
Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
1. Christ is the Greek word for Messiah. When we call
Him Christ, we use the word as a pronoun or a noun.
The word “Christ” is a verb. It describes the noun which
is Jesus.
C. I had gladly accepted His call to be an Apostle.
Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
1. We had had a miserable night fishing, then Jesus came
and told us to try again. We had the greatest catch we
had ever had. I knew our catch of the souls of men
would be just as good. Luke 5:1-7 He was our
Master.”
II. “I thought when you asked me ‘What were you thinking?,’
you were going to ask me what was I thinking when
I denied Christ.
A. I was ashamed. I had been warned I would, and I boast-
fully told Jesus He was wrong. I would never deny Him.
Mark 14:29-31.
B. I did repent, and He restored my relationship with Him.
John 21:15-17.”
III. “You think walking on water was a miracle, you should have
been with me at that Church Council meeting when I
revealed the Gospel was going to be delivered to the
Gentiles. Acts 15:7-11
A. I had told them Acts 10:34 …Of a truth I perceive that
God is no respecter of persons:
1. The statement, We are saved, just as they are, is amazing. A Jew under the Law would say the opposite and in reverse order (“they are saved as we are”), but one who knew God’s grace, as Peter did, would not say that. Salvation for anyone— Jew or Gentile—is by God’s grace (v. 11) and is by faith.”
“What was I thinking when I denied Jesus? He forgave me. I’d rather think about that. What was I thinking about when I walked on water? I was thinking about, loving, and desiring to follow my Lord. The best thing to ever happen to me was meeting Him. Do you love Him, too?”
For those of you with us here on Pine Island, our monthly fellowship meal is this coming Sunday morning after church. The theme is, “My favorite casserole.” If you are in the area, come by and share what our ladies, and some of the men, can do with a casserole. It’s going to be delicious. Also, don’t forget that each Wednesday evening, our small group, “The Basics of Christianity” will continue at 6:30. Call me for more information if you’d like to go. May the LORD bless your week, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Pastor Vic: A Sweet, Innocent, Misunderstood Freshman Seminarian
Good Monday Morning To You.
Happy Memorial Day to each of you. As you enjoy this special day, don’t forget to thank God for our military --- both active and retired. Be sure to pray for those currently serving. My daughter is married to a soldier, Tim, and I sure am proud of him. I pray for his safety, and the safety of his buddies daily. May God bless our military and their families.
It is hard to believe that this coming January I’ll be sixty years old. It seems like just days ago that my childhood best friend, Johnny Miller and I used to tear up the streets of Elmwood Place, nestled in Cincinnati, with our bikes. Only yesterday I was a freshman in Bible College, starting life’s journey, yet that was 41 years ago. Who would have dreamed that a rowdy Southern Baptist prankster attending an “independent” Baptist College would return to Seminary one day as professor of Human Geography. Talk about the Sovereignty of God…!
I recall the day I started my Bible classes. I went to the school knowing only one other person. I hated my name. I literally cringed at being “Victor” - even “Vic” bothered me. I did, however, like my middle name, Wayne. I decided that since this was a new environment, I could change my name and go by “Wayne.” I introduced my self as Wayne, and that is how I was known. Everything was fine for a day or two, but soon I got the reputation for being a conceited snob. The problem? I would walk the sidewalks of the campus and someone would call out, “Hey Wayne!” I would walk on by, not realizing they were talking to me. People would say, “He’s one of those Southern Baptist. They’re uppity.” I really wasn’t, I just did not link “Wayne” with me. Soon I became Vic again and all was well. Actually I became a bit of a hero when I knocked the Dean’s hat off his head with a snowball. I’ll tell you more about that in a future blog.
All I can say about services yesterday at Friendship Harmony is, “WOW!” What a blessing! The attendance was good, and the service was very uplifting. If a genie in a bottle was to allow me to pastor the church of my choice, it would be Friendship Harmony. There are churches that are bigger, but none are better. Each week the presence of the LORD is real. He is indeed with us. I am pleased to announce that we received a special offering for the Southern Baptist relief efforts in Oklahoma. As you read this, Southern Baptists are on the ground in that tornado stricken area providing assistance, food, and spiritual comfort. If you would like to help, send your donation of any size to Friendship Harmony Baptist Church. On the memo line write “Oklahoma.” We will then forward it on to the proper location. Send your gift today so that we can get the money to where it is needed most. The address is Box 583; St. James City, Florida 33956. Our offering was $300. With the help of you, our faithful readers, we should be able to increase that total. Thank you for your help.
Several years ago I was preaching a message and I made the statement that when I got to Heaven, I planned to find Adam and ask him, “What were you thinking?” From those few words, a sermon series developed called “What Were You Thinking?” Yesterday we asked the question of Adam. From Scriptures we can ascertain his answer. The notes are below and you can see and hear the message in its entirety on Tuesday. To do so you can go to www.youtube.com. From their homepage banner type, in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. From our icon, scroll to the title, “Adam, What Were You Thinking?” I hope the notes and the video are a blessing to you.
“Adam, What Were You Thinking?”
Genesis 3:1-9
1st in a series By: Vic Cooper
09/21/06
Updated 5/13
When I get to Heaven, one of the first people I want to meet is Adam. I want to ask him, “What were you thinking?” Until then, we can look into Scripture and get a glimpse of what was going on with our first parents.
I. What Adam had:
A. dominion over the earth --- 1:28-30
B. a home with provisions --- 2:8, 9
C. responsibility --- 2:15
D. a companion --- 2:21, 22
E. fellowship with God --- 3:8a
II. What Satan had:
A. nothing --- 1:30 --- man had dominion over the serpent
B. loss of God’s fellowship --- Ezekiel 28:14-16
1. Cherubim were in the “inner circle of the angles.” (BKC)
2. They were charged with guarding God’s holiness.
III. What Adam wanted:
A. to please his companion --- 3:6
1. It was willful on Adam’s part. Cf.1 Tim. 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
B. to be like God --- 3:5
C. more
1. J. Paul Getty, the one time richest man in the world said all he wanted was one penny more.
IV. What Satan offered:
A. Lies, and deceit --- 3:1 subtil> aw-room’> shrewd
B. (BKC) “ The word of the Lord brought life and order; the word of the serpent brought chaos and death. Truth is older than falsehood; God’s word came before Satan’s lies.”
C. John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, …He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. …he is a liar, and the father of it.”
“Adam, What were you thinking?”
“I thought God was withholding good from me.”
“I thought I could be like God.”
“I thought it would be good to be like God.”
“I didn’t think God would really punish us.”
V. What Adam received:
A. the curse --- 3:16-19 They would still be doing as
they had done before with one notable addition: the
curse.
B. separation from God --- 3:23,24
Next week we will meet with the Apostle Peter and ask him what was he thinking when he denied Jesus. If you cannot be with us at FHBC, I hope you get a copy of those notes, and that you will continue to visit with us on youtube. Again, have a happy and safe Memorial Day, and I trust that whatever your plans are for the day, they will include a pause to reflect on the true meaning of the day. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
Happy Memorial Day to each of you. As you enjoy this special day, don’t forget to thank God for our military --- both active and retired. Be sure to pray for those currently serving. My daughter is married to a soldier, Tim, and I sure am proud of him. I pray for his safety, and the safety of his buddies daily. May God bless our military and their families.
It is hard to believe that this coming January I’ll be sixty years old. It seems like just days ago that my childhood best friend, Johnny Miller and I used to tear up the streets of Elmwood Place, nestled in Cincinnati, with our bikes. Only yesterday I was a freshman in Bible College, starting life’s journey, yet that was 41 years ago. Who would have dreamed that a rowdy Southern Baptist prankster attending an “independent” Baptist College would return to Seminary one day as professor of Human Geography. Talk about the Sovereignty of God…!
I recall the day I started my Bible classes. I went to the school knowing only one other person. I hated my name. I literally cringed at being “Victor” - even “Vic” bothered me. I did, however, like my middle name, Wayne. I decided that since this was a new environment, I could change my name and go by “Wayne.” I introduced my self as Wayne, and that is how I was known. Everything was fine for a day or two, but soon I got the reputation for being a conceited snob. The problem? I would walk the sidewalks of the campus and someone would call out, “Hey Wayne!” I would walk on by, not realizing they were talking to me. People would say, “He’s one of those Southern Baptist. They’re uppity.” I really wasn’t, I just did not link “Wayne” with me. Soon I became Vic again and all was well. Actually I became a bit of a hero when I knocked the Dean’s hat off his head with a snowball. I’ll tell you more about that in a future blog.
All I can say about services yesterday at Friendship Harmony is, “WOW!” What a blessing! The attendance was good, and the service was very uplifting. If a genie in a bottle was to allow me to pastor the church of my choice, it would be Friendship Harmony. There are churches that are bigger, but none are better. Each week the presence of the LORD is real. He is indeed with us. I am pleased to announce that we received a special offering for the Southern Baptist relief efforts in Oklahoma. As you read this, Southern Baptists are on the ground in that tornado stricken area providing assistance, food, and spiritual comfort. If you would like to help, send your donation of any size to Friendship Harmony Baptist Church. On the memo line write “Oklahoma.” We will then forward it on to the proper location. Send your gift today so that we can get the money to where it is needed most. The address is Box 583; St. James City, Florida 33956. Our offering was $300. With the help of you, our faithful readers, we should be able to increase that total. Thank you for your help.
Several years ago I was preaching a message and I made the statement that when I got to Heaven, I planned to find Adam and ask him, “What were you thinking?” From those few words, a sermon series developed called “What Were You Thinking?” Yesterday we asked the question of Adam. From Scriptures we can ascertain his answer. The notes are below and you can see and hear the message in its entirety on Tuesday. To do so you can go to www.youtube.com. From their homepage banner type, in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church and hit enter. From our icon, scroll to the title, “Adam, What Were You Thinking?” I hope the notes and the video are a blessing to you.
“Adam, What Were You Thinking?”
Genesis 3:1-9
1st in a series By: Vic Cooper
09/21/06
Updated 5/13
When I get to Heaven, one of the first people I want to meet is Adam. I want to ask him, “What were you thinking?” Until then, we can look into Scripture and get a glimpse of what was going on with our first parents.
I. What Adam had:
A. dominion over the earth --- 1:28-30
B. a home with provisions --- 2:8, 9
C. responsibility --- 2:15
D. a companion --- 2:21, 22
E. fellowship with God --- 3:8a
II. What Satan had:
A. nothing --- 1:30 --- man had dominion over the serpent
B. loss of God’s fellowship --- Ezekiel 28:14-16
1. Cherubim were in the “inner circle of the angles.” (BKC)
2. They were charged with guarding God’s holiness.
III. What Adam wanted:
A. to please his companion --- 3:6
1. It was willful on Adam’s part. Cf.1 Tim. 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
B. to be like God --- 3:5
C. more
1. J. Paul Getty, the one time richest man in the world said all he wanted was one penny more.
IV. What Satan offered:
A. Lies, and deceit --- 3:1 subtil> aw-room’> shrewd
B. (BKC) “ The word of the Lord brought life and order; the word of the serpent brought chaos and death. Truth is older than falsehood; God’s word came before Satan’s lies.”
C. John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, …He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. …he is a liar, and the father of it.”
“Adam, What were you thinking?”
“I thought God was withholding good from me.”
“I thought I could be like God.”
“I thought it would be good to be like God.”
“I didn’t think God would really punish us.”
V. What Adam received:
A. the curse --- 3:16-19 They would still be doing as
they had done before with one notable addition: the
curse.
B. separation from God --- 3:23,24
Next week we will meet with the Apostle Peter and ask him what was he thinking when he denied Jesus. If you cannot be with us at FHBC, I hope you get a copy of those notes, and that you will continue to visit with us on youtube. Again, have a happy and safe Memorial Day, and I trust that whatever your plans are for the day, they will include a pause to reflect on the true meaning of the day. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Relaxing With Friends
Good Monday Morning To You!
Last week Miss Bessie and I took a few days to get away and relax. One of my favorite things to do is to spend time with friends I do not get to see often enough. Two of our dearest friends, Gene and Sally Middleton, live in Astor, Florida, and we were with them for several days. It was good to just sit back, rest, and have good conversation with them. The first night we were there, Gene grilled some steaks that were better than I’ve been getting at my local steakhouse. Sally made potato salad just for me. The only potato salad I have ever liked is Sally’s. For whatever the reason I do not like it, but Sally’s is excellent. It was really good seeing them again. I would ask you to pray for Gene. He is having a total knee replacement surgery done today.
One word describes the day at Friendship Harmony yesterday: AWESOME!!! The Spirit of the Lord is mighty upon our congregation! Several of our visitors who have been coming regularly told me that Friendship Harmony feels like home. I believe several will unite their membership with us. We have two awaiting baptism, and yesterday we had a class for our young people who have been coming. These younger people range in age from 15 to 20, with a 13 month old cutie named Violet who is the best baby I’ve ever had in a service. She is quiet, but very alert. At our church, people sit at tables. While we were singing a rather lively song, Violet was on the table swaying to the music. She was really into it. I looked at her and thought, “She is the only one here who gets it.” She had no inhibitions. She simply “got into the service.” She preached a much better sermon on how to worship than I ever could!
I’m excited about our new small group starting this Wednesday evening. It is designed for people who are new to the faith, those seeking answers about Christianity, and those who have been in church for many years, but would like to look into God’s word a little more. The exciting thing is that I did not initiate this class. Several people asked about starting it. I am totally convinced this is from the Lord. I cannot wait to see where He goes with it.
Yesterday I preached the message, “We Have Heard The Joyful Sound,” from Psalm 89: 15-18. Here are those notes. You can view the message by going to www.youtube.com. From their home page type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their banner and hit enter. Click onto our icon and look for the message title, “We Have Heard The Joyful Sound.” The video should be posted by tomorrow.
We Have Heard The Joyful Sound!!!
Psalm 89:15-18
By: Vic Cooper
04/21/06
updated 5/13
Blessed > eh-sher’ > happy
The verse could be otherwise stated,
I. Because the happy people know the joyful sound:
A. (v15b) they shall walk in the light of thy countenance.
ie. face
Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
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.
B. (v16a) they shall rejoice all day long!
1. rejoice > to spin around ex. When a top is spinning, it is
rejoicing.
C. (v16b) they shall be exalted in His righteousness.
1. not in their righteousness - that is their position
2. in His righteousness - that is their privilege
3. exalted > room > to be held high
4. Believers are held high:
a. above the law.
b. above the world.
c. above the power and ferociousness of Satan.
d. above death.
e. above accusation. Romans 8:33-34
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. [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.
Spurgeon Quote By the Lord's righteous dealings the saints are uplifted in due time, however great may have been the oppression and the depression from which they may have suffered. In the righteousness which the covenant supplies, which is entirely of the Lord, believers are set on high in a secure and blessed position, so that they are full of sacred happiness.
II. The joyful sound!!!
Quote Leviticus 25:9 (NKJV) Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land.
The joyful sound is that:
A. (v17a) He is the glory of our strength.
1. It causes us to consider our natural weakness.
2. It causes us to consider our strength in Him. Col. 1:11 (Living) We are praying, too, that you will be filled with his mighty, glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens--always full of the joy of the Lord.
B. He is the One who lifts us on high.
C. He is our defense. ie. shield; buckler, the scaly hide on an
alligator
D. He is our King.
Don’t forget our new small group which begins this Wednesday at 6:30. If you are in the area come on by. Contact me for directions. You can reach me at 239 283 8331, or e-mail to fhbc@gmail.com. Have a good week and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Exciting Times At Friendship Harmony !!!
Good Monday Morning To You!!
I trust that all is well with you. I am doing fine, feeling good, and excited about what is going on at Friendship Harmony. We are a seasonal church, and the assumption is when our winter visitors are gone for the summer, we nearly go into hibernation. While that may be true in some places, it is definitely not true at our church.
I was called the other day and asked if I would start a new converts Bible study. No one has ever had to ask me twice about teaching the Scriptures. We are not calling it a new convert’s class. We are calling it “Basic Beliefs of Christianity.” It will be very useful for those new to the faith. It will also be good for people who are interested in basic Bible teachings. Believers who have been studying the word for a long time will be refreshed in returning to those tried and true doctrines they hold so dear. This new group will begin on Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m. If you are here, please feel free to join us. Contact me for the address of our study.
I am also excited about the young people who have been faithfully coming these past few weeks. It is so good to see that they feel the need to be in the house of the Lord. I told them if they would keep coming, we would look into some events they would enjoy. I am just absolutely excited about what God is doing at Friendship Harmony. I promise you, we will not roll over and go to sleep until the fall. Our fellowship dinners will continue, the video ministry will move forward, and some other things are in the works. I’ll tell you more about that after some details have been worked out.
Yesterday was another great day at Friendship Harmony. The attendance was good, and the service was blessed. I truly wish each of you could come and experience Friendship Harmony! As I’ve said many times in the past, you do not simply attend our church. You experience it.
The morning message was. “Missed Opportunities.” In it we looked at missing Jesus’ leadership, missing Jesus’ teachings, and missing Jesus’ fellowship. The sermon came from Matthew 26: 30-45, and looked at the opportunities the disciples missed, and how that if we’re not careful, we can miss them too. Here are those notes. I hope they are a blessing to you. You can also see the message at www.youtube.com. From their homepage, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their banner, hit enter, then click on our icon and select the message you’d like to view. I hope the notes and the video are a blessing to you.
Missed Opportunities
Matt. 26:30-45
By: Victor Cooper
05/11/13
I. Missing Jesus’ leadership.
A. 1st contradiction v33
1. Jesus said you will - Peter said I won’t.
B. 2nd contradiction v35
1. “Yes Peter, you will.” “No Jesus, I won’t.”
Important, but often overlooked key:
v35b Likewise also said all the disciples.
C. 3rd contradiction v40
1. “We won’t deny you, Lord. We’re right here with you;
every step of the way.”
D. 4th contradiction v43
1. “Sorry Lord. We’re here for you, We’ll watch and
pray”
II. Missing Jesus teaching
A. v31 He heard, took it personally, became offended and
missed what Jesus said next. (v32)
1. Verse 35 indicates he heard the “die” part, but nothing
else.
III. Missing Jesus fellowship
A. They, too, were to be watching and praying. v38,41
1. watch> gray-gor-yoo’o> from the Greek root egeiro
meaning to keep awake ie to be on the alert
B. question Why did He single out Peter?
answer Refer back to v33-35. It was Peter who voiced
the group’s sentiment.
C. Some of the saddest words in the Bible. v45
1. They missed the opportunity of fellowship with Jesus
when He needed them.
Conclusion: What opportunities are available to us at this time?
Have we pledged loyalty to Jesus only to fall
asleep? JESUS NEEDS YOU!!
My prayer is that your week is healthy and safe. It is always such a privilege to visit with you in this blog. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
Late news to share: J. C. Smith, a winter visitor to Friendship Harmony, and a dear friend to Bess and me these past sixteen years went home to be with the Lord earlier today in Ashboro, North Carolina. Please remember to pray God’s comfort to his wife, Berniece, and their family. J. C. was a devoted Christian, and a fine man.
I trust that all is well with you. I am doing fine, feeling good, and excited about what is going on at Friendship Harmony. We are a seasonal church, and the assumption is when our winter visitors are gone for the summer, we nearly go into hibernation. While that may be true in some places, it is definitely not true at our church.
I was called the other day and asked if I would start a new converts Bible study. No one has ever had to ask me twice about teaching the Scriptures. We are not calling it a new convert’s class. We are calling it “Basic Beliefs of Christianity.” It will be very useful for those new to the faith. It will also be good for people who are interested in basic Bible teachings. Believers who have been studying the word for a long time will be refreshed in returning to those tried and true doctrines they hold so dear. This new group will begin on Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m. If you are here, please feel free to join us. Contact me for the address of our study.
I am also excited about the young people who have been faithfully coming these past few weeks. It is so good to see that they feel the need to be in the house of the Lord. I told them if they would keep coming, we would look into some events they would enjoy. I am just absolutely excited about what God is doing at Friendship Harmony. I promise you, we will not roll over and go to sleep until the fall. Our fellowship dinners will continue, the video ministry will move forward, and some other things are in the works. I’ll tell you more about that after some details have been worked out.
Yesterday was another great day at Friendship Harmony. The attendance was good, and the service was blessed. I truly wish each of you could come and experience Friendship Harmony! As I’ve said many times in the past, you do not simply attend our church. You experience it.
The morning message was. “Missed Opportunities.” In it we looked at missing Jesus’ leadership, missing Jesus’ teachings, and missing Jesus’ fellowship. The sermon came from Matthew 26: 30-45, and looked at the opportunities the disciples missed, and how that if we’re not careful, we can miss them too. Here are those notes. I hope they are a blessing to you. You can also see the message at www.youtube.com. From their homepage, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their banner, hit enter, then click on our icon and select the message you’d like to view. I hope the notes and the video are a blessing to you.
Missed Opportunities
Matt. 26:30-45
By: Victor Cooper
05/11/13
I. Missing Jesus’ leadership.
A. 1st contradiction v33
1. Jesus said you will - Peter said I won’t.
B. 2nd contradiction v35
1. “Yes Peter, you will.” “No Jesus, I won’t.”
Important, but often overlooked key:
v35b Likewise also said all the disciples.
C. 3rd contradiction v40
1. “We won’t deny you, Lord. We’re right here with you;
every step of the way.”
D. 4th contradiction v43
1. “Sorry Lord. We’re here for you, We’ll watch and
pray”
II. Missing Jesus teaching
A. v31 He heard, took it personally, became offended and
missed what Jesus said next. (v32)
1. Verse 35 indicates he heard the “die” part, but nothing
else.
III. Missing Jesus fellowship
A. They, too, were to be watching and praying. v38,41
1. watch> gray-gor-yoo’o> from the Greek root egeiro
meaning to keep awake ie to be on the alert
B. question Why did He single out Peter?
answer Refer back to v33-35. It was Peter who voiced
the group’s sentiment.
C. Some of the saddest words in the Bible. v45
1. They missed the opportunity of fellowship with Jesus
when He needed them.
Conclusion: What opportunities are available to us at this time?
Have we pledged loyalty to Jesus only to fall
asleep? JESUS NEEDS YOU!!
My prayer is that your week is healthy and safe. It is always such a privilege to visit with you in this blog. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
Late news to share: J. C. Smith, a winter visitor to Friendship Harmony, and a dear friend to Bess and me these past sixteen years went home to be with the Lord earlier today in Ashboro, North Carolina. Please remember to pray God’s comfort to his wife, Berniece, and their family. J. C. was a devoted Christian, and a fine man.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
