O Captain! My Captain!

At first glance the book of Ecclesiastes is very negative. It seems that with every turn of the page the preacher is telling us that there is no point to life. With the opening of the book he says that all is vanity, the sun comes up and goes down, each generation works under the sun then dies and the next comes, the rivers run into the sea but the sea is not filled. We read in verse 18 of chapter 1, “for in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” The preacher went so fare as to say in chapter 4 verses 2-3 that it is better to have never lived than to see the evil under the sun. Is this really true what the preacher is telling us, to learn is vanity and even life itself is waste, and to not have been born would be better?

So what is all of this negative talk about? What is the message the preacher is trying to convey to his readers? We learn from the latter part of the book that the whole duty of man is to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man’s all” (12:13). When we look at our lives and look at the things we do on a daily basis, how much of our day is spent toiling over things that do not matter rather than spiritual things that do?

The preacher gives a very grave comparison to the man who has everything desirable but does not do good. He says a stillborn child is better than a man that has not been filled with goodness (6:3)! I ask, are we filling our lives and the lives of our fellow man with goodness or are we squandering all with which God has blessed us on ourselves?

Walt Whitman wrote the poem “O Captain! My Captain!” telling of a sailors devotion to his captain. Christ must be our captain, not our co-captain, or just along for the ride in the back seat, but the captain of our soul. We must not just simply do the acts of worship and live a decent life but be so moved by His Word that we, like Jeremiah, could not keep His goodness to ourselves because of it being like a fire in our bones (Jer. 20:9). We must have complete devotion to our Captain, Friend, Brother, Savior, and Lord.

Let not our lives be in vain. Life is only vanity if we fail to fear God and keep His commandments. Let the Captain pilot you!

Let Me Tell You a Story....

A few years back, a gentleman told me that he thought the Bible was just a bunch of stories and fables similar to the Grimm’s fairy tales.
“Let me tell you a story”. “Once upon a time”….”A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away”.

Maybe you have heard these before, or maybe you have said these words as you started to tell a story. Most likely we all heard these phrases in our childhood, probably around bedtime to get us relaxed and ready for a good night’s rest. (In the Curry family my Grandpa was known to tell stories anytime of the day or when he thought anyone would listen - now you know where I get it from) If the storyteller does a good job the listeners become involved in the tale. Many of these stories had some sound teaching behind them. Usually about being good and doing the right thing etc. Certainly nothing wrong with telling or listening to stories. As a child gets older they recognize them for what they are “just stories”. That is the part which can be dangerous.

In the church I have heard for years the phrase “Today, let’s look at the story of” (you fill in the blank). Maybe Noah, Moses, Joseph, the creation, Jesus’ birth, death, or resurrection. The point being made here is that children may not distinguish between the stories of bedtime and the true stories of the Bible. This may seem like nitpicking to some and that may be a legitimate argument. However, what if instead of calling them “stories” of the Bible. We called them “accounts”. Instead of saying “Let’s look at the story of Noah” we said “Let’s look at the account of Noah”.

You may be thinking that children would not know what you are talking about if you use this word. They will ask what it means. That would present an excellent opportunity to explain that the Bible is true and so we use that word instead of “story” which may or may not be true. Perhaps then when we teach them the Bible they will come to believe it and never doubt its validity.

John 17:17 "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.”

Let’s stand for the truth of God’s Word in all we do and say.

--by Dan Curry

Freedom

A certain man was sitting and thinking about the actions that had put him in the circumstances he found himself. Locked up for crimes he knew he was guilty of doing. Knowing he would be there until the day of his execution, but dreaming of having his freedom. But then, something strange started happening. There were events going on that he started hearing about. The guards were talking about it and they were saying something about a man on trial. Seems this man had done things to upset the leaders of the people. They feared that all of their power was going to be taken away. Interesting, thought the man in jail, but did not think that it would affect him that much. Or would it? Maybe this man will be my fellow prisoner. Gave the man something to think about, something to pass the time.

As the day went on more and more rumors floated about the jail. The trial had been hastily put together the man had been moved between venues and had been brought back to the governor’s office. One of the nearby prisoners told the man that he heard that the one on trial was not guilty but that the leaders of the people wanted him punished. Punished how, he asked. Put to death was what he had overheard said the other fellow. This gave the man pause, he knew that he was guilty of the crimes he had committed but wondered how this other man felt. Seemingly innocent but it appeared the leaders of the people did not care.

The farthest thing from the man’s mind suddenly happened. One of the prison officials came in and told him he was being released. The man could not believe it. Why was this happening? He felt wonderful. Released? This was the best news! Later the man, Barabbas, learned that the leaders had asked for his release instead of the innocent man that they feared. He also learned the man the leaders feared was Jesus Christ.

Of course, none of these events are recorded in the scriptures. We know that Barabbas was released as was the custom. Pilate tried to get the Jews to not crucify Christ. But they shouted for our Savior to be crucified.

Matt 27:11-26

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said to him, "{It is as} you say." And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He made no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" And He did not answer him with regard to even a {single} charge, so that the governor was quite amazed. Now at {the} feast the governor was accustomed to release for the multitude {any} one prisoner whom they wanted. And they were holding at that time a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that because of envy they had delivered Him up. And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him." But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and to put Jesus to death. But the governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas." Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let Him be crucified!" And he said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they kept shouting all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!" And when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of this Man's blood; see {to that} yourselves." And all the people answered and said, "His blood {be} on us and on our children!" Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.

Luke 23:17-19

[Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.] But they cried out all together, saying, "Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!" (He was one who had been thrown into prison for a certain insurrection made in the city, and for murder.)

Jesus died for everyone, even this man Barabbas, a man who had a new start. We are not told anything else about Barabbas from the scriptures. But it makes one wonder what he did with his life after these events. We do know that because of God’s plan for salvation that even he could have the hope of heaven. Are you thinking of Christ today? Barabbas did that day, the day he was granted his freedom. Not because he deserved it, but so that the plan of salvation could be fully implemented. Barabbas may not have thought about Jesus again, but I doubt it. How could he not. How about you? Are you so caught up in the day to day business of living that you do not think of the one who can set you free from sin? Or perhaps you have obeyed the gospel, but let other things interfere and do not put Christ as the center of your life. Make the right choice every single day. Think about the Christ who died to give us freedom from the bondage of sin.

-Dan Curry

Those on the Right

June 1, 2009, the Prison Ministry at the Arnold Church of Christ entered a new phase. I am so excited and thrilled to be a part of this great work. Next week I will have the privilege of attending a national workshop on Prison Ministry in Corpus Christi, Texas. I will give a report shortly afterwards. Although I am anxious to be certified to have access to go into the prison, it will be a couple of more weeks before that process is complete. In the meantime, I will be actively preparing lessons and attending the workshop.

Ever had privileges taken away? Maybe you have but not for very long. Have you ever had your privacy taken away? Maybe, but it is doubtful that it was for very long. As I start working in the Prison Ministry, I keep thinking how this would affect someone. It is, of course, hard to imagine all my privileges gone. Not being able to choose for myself where to go, what to wear, or even eat; let alone have no privacy at all or time just to be by myself. Being told where to be and when to be there every day, every hour does not sound like something anyone would want. It is very hard to imagine such a life, yet in correctional facilities today over two million offenders are in these circumstances every day.

Yes, they are there for a reason, but God still loves them. They have a soul that needs God’s love and mercy. We must not forget them or think that they are beyond help. Instead, we should be looking for more ways to give them the message of Christ and Him crucified. This will give them something to focus their energy on and more importantly, give them the hope that will see them through.


Matt. 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on His right,
"Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me {something} to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me {something} to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.”

Then the righteous will answer Him,
"Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You {something} to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?”

The King will answer and say to them,
"Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, {even} the least {of them} you did it to Me.”


Interesting to me is that in this passage those who did the things discussed were on the right. Right and wrong defines so much of who we are and what happens to us. Let’s all be in the mindset of doing the right things. As the congregation moves in the direction of doing more in the Prison Ministry, please pray for the effort. This above all else will ensure that it is a success.

I truly am grateful for the opportunity to serve and appreciate so much the words of encouragement that so many have given me.

---Dan Curry

Do You Have a Clothed Mind?

Ephesians 6:10-20

Have you heard the terms “open mind” and “closed mind”? “He has an open mind” or, “We can't discuss anything, he has such a closed mind.” A person with an open mind is one that is willing to listen before making a decision. A person with a closed mind says, “My mind is made up, don't confuse me with the facts.”
Do you have a clothed mind?

We wear clothes for modesty and fashion but more importantly for protection. Of course I'm not talking about actual clothing so you'll need to open your mind to determine if you have a clothed mind.

In Ephesians 6:11 we are told “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Our armor, the girdle of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of preparation, shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, is to protect us from sin.

What part of us needs protection more than anything else? What is the most vulnerable? Its our head, but more importantly whats in our head, our mind, our thoughts our intellect. Your mind must be clothed to protect it from the outside influences of the world. Can you imagine someone playing football without a helmet? Players aren't allowed in the game without a helmet. But all too often we walk around without a helmet, without protection for our minds.

Paul didn't use the words “armor of God” as a catchy phrase. He used armor because Christians like soldiers are in a war. Wars kill people and people without protection are more easily killed than those with protection. We are in a war. Our enemy has thousands of way to injure and finally kill us. You can't wage this war without armor. If your mind isn't protected, or clothed, you have no chance of survival. Not a slim chance, NO CHANCE!

How do we survive this war?
Get some protective clothing. When you buy an appliance, like a washer or dryer they always ask if you want the extended warranty, a protection plan. If you buy it and something happens to your washing machine do you throw it out? No, you use your warranty to get it fixed.

A protection plan gets things fixed. You need a protection plan for your mind. You need to put on your armor, clothe and protect your mind.
I Would Suggest Three articles of clothing for protection

[1] The first is something you already have. You don't have to buy it at the checkout counter. Its the Bible. I've heard a song that says, “if we get into the Word, the Word will get into us.” Are you putting on your protective clothing every day? Is the Word getting into you?

[2] When you get up in the morning you cleanse your body and put on your clothes. You should also cleanse your mind with prayer, the second article of clothing. But don't take your prayer helmet off when you leave the house in the morning. You can use it all day. It comes in very handy when dealing with other drivers on the Intersate.

[3] The third article of clothing is Planning
Story: Bus Driver Test
This story is about a school located at the base of a mountain. Most of the students lived on the mountain so they were bussed to the school building. The road to the school was extremely dangerous. It was very narrow with hairpin curves and had no shoulder and no guard rail. They needed a new bus driver and it came down to three applicants. The examiner and the applicants got in the bus and went to the mountain road. They were told, “We want to be sure you can handle driving on this mountain road. Let's see how close to the edge you can get.”

The first applicant drove a foot from edge of road without any problems. The second applicant drove right at the edge with the rear tires hanging over the edge of a thousand foot drop. He too made it without going over the side. The third applicant stayed as far from the edge as he could. He hugged the centerline of the road never coming close to the edge of the road.

Who got the job? Was it the first two drivers that endangered the lives of the other applicants and the examiner? No, it was the driver that chose to be cautious. His plan was to be safe.

Do you remember the story of Joseph in Genesis 39? He was tempted by Potiphar's wife but he knew how to handle the situation. He didn't toy with sin. He didn't see how close to the edge he could get without committing sin with Potiphar's wife. He fled. He got away from temptation.

Plan your day. Make plans for the temptations that will come your way, and they will come your way. You had temptations today and you will have them tomorrow. Plan ahead to flee from sin.

There is a difference between wearing a helmet and simply owning one. It doesn't do any good to have the armor unless you wear it. It would be fairly easy to spot football players that weren't wearing their helmets. They would be the ones with cuts and bruises or the ones lying unconscious on the field. It might not be as easy to spot Christians that aren't wearing their helmets but the symptoms will eventually show up – lack of growth in bible knowledge, decreased prayer life or no real plans for salvation.

Do you have a helmet? Do you take it with you everywhere you go? Do you wear your helmet? Are you protected from the temptations of sin? Do you have a clothed mind?

By David L. Davidson

Seven Year Bamboo

Although typically fast-growing, there is a special type of bamboo grown in China that requires a specific type of care to grow. After initially sprouting, the bamboo acquires a modest height of a foot or so. At that point the growth becomes dormant. However, an expert on the soil required for the growing of this plant continues to care for the seedling. In fact, for the next seven years this man waters, fertilizes and moves the plant to the proper amount of sun and shade. The entire time he cares for the plant, however it never shows an outward change. There is no assurance that his tireless efforts are having any effect at all on the plant. What love and patience he shows for his task.

Then in the seventh year, the soil expert brings in another person. This person’s sole job is to prune this small plant. His expertise is that, if he prunes the plant exactly as he should, this tiny seedling will grow close to twenty feet in the next several weeks. As he prepares to perform his task, he must accept that the small plant is healthy and has been cared for, because there is no way to know from an outward appearance.

As the plant grows and reaches its new heights and glory, who is to receive the credit? Certainly without the patience of the “soil master” the plant would have died years ago. However, without the expertise of the “pruner” the growth would never have occurred. The potential would not have been recognized. Both together worked at producing a beautiful living testimony to their talents and patience.

In I Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul writing to his brethren at Corinth said this,” I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” In Acts 17, verse 11 we learn a little more about the “soil and plant” of the hearers. Paul said that the Bereans were more noble than those at Thessalonica. How? They received the word “with all readiness of mind…”

As we think of the souls in our lives who need to hear God’s word, let us remember our jobs. We are tasked with planting the seed, and watering and praying for the effort. The hearer is to prepare their mind for the word. Often this can be a long and discouraging process for the planter. When you get discouraged, remember the patience of the “soil master” and keep working.

Brethren, each one of us knows someone today who will never, ever hear the truth of God’s amazing plan to save us, if we don’t tell them about it. Think of who that is in your life. Your spouse? Parent? Coworker? Neighbor? Now that you are thinking of them, resolve today, right now to share the Word with them. Plant the seed in their heart with love and patience. Do your part to nurture the growth that may be invisible with your eyes. And do not be discouraged, God can take the planted seed and grow it into a magnificent and wonderful thing!

---Written by: Todd Soong

Our Governing Authorities

Today the United States will enter into what would be a very dangerous time if it were in another country. Today is the Inauguration of the new President, which in many countries, this event is either lead or closely followed by murder, war, political and economic unrest. However, in this Great country this power change happens every four to eight years without incident. This is something to rejoice over.

Many, however, have very strong opinions about the President of the United States, who he should be and from what party he should be. This attitude can be healthy for a republic like we have in the United States. Having said that, one may began to wonder how far a Christian can go with politics and party preferences. We live in a land of freedoms, namely freedom of speech; but just because a Christian lives in a land of freedoms does not mean we should exercise those freedoms.

Paul wrote on the subject of Government on several occasions, and Jesus preached on the matter (Matthew 22:17-21). Let us open our bibles and study the Scriptures to see how a Christian should view and treat governments. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, gave detailed instructions to the readers on the function, authority and proper respect of government. Paul writes:

Rom 13:1-7 ESV Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (2) Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, (4) for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. (5) Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. (6) For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. (7) Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

These words written by Paul so many years ago are still true in the current political climate of the United States. Paul does not mention any political parties or if you agree with policies or laws. What he does say is that we are to respect the government because it is “instituted by God”.

Paul also writes in Titus 3:1 ESV “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,”. Notice that this letter to Titus was written while Nero was Emperor of the Roman Empire and Paul had just been released from prison. Keep in mind the attitude Nero and his government had toward Christianity. Persecution during this period of time in the church was horrific and yet Paul instructs the first century Christians to be submissive and obedient to the government. Try and place yourself in the first century Christians’ shoes, and realize the fear our brothers and sisters must have felt every time they knelt to pray a prayer to our Lord or sing a song in praise. Think of the fear they must have felt every time they reached out to a lost soul knowing it may lead to death in the coliseum.

I challenge each reader to consider his or her own life and ask yourself how you measure up in a free society knowing what others have sacrificed to spread the Word of God under a persecuting Government. Also consider the political climate under which Paul wrote these words. He instructed first century Christians as he instructs Christians today to respect the governing authorities. Paul could have been thinking of Nero as he wrote these words; knowing full well what that wicked king was capable of.

Christian, it is not respectful to bash, joke, or demean Government; this includes the President that gave the oath on January 20, 2009. The Word of God written by Paul is not prefaced with any stipulation on who or what the government is. Consider 1Th 4:11-12 ESV “and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, (12) so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” If every Christians aim is to work hard, live like Christ and “love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 19:19) we can look forward to a peaceful life. Remember, this land of freedom means we are able to live, worship, and preach as Christ has commanded. Many countries in which our fellow Christian brothers and sisters live do not allow these kinds of freedoms.

Rather than complaining, joking, bashing, and poking fun; count your blessings that America still allows Christians to preach and worship as Christ would have us. As long as we live in a country where God’s law is not hindered by government, we can count that as a blessing that those in the first century did not enjoy. Remember Christian, God is our Father, King, and Lord; His Son is our mediator and nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Take courage knowing that Jesus Christ is our mediator to the creator of the universe, and it is He that gives and takes authority Rom. 13:1-7 and II Tim. 2:5)


---by: Andy McDonald