The Italian Memorandum

“…Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river…”

(Isaiah 66:12)

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace,
for them that make peace”

(James 3:18)

The Lord calls us to a life of peace (Psalm 34:14; 119:165; Psalm 46:4; Proverbs 12:20; Isaiah 26:3; 48:18,22; 66:12; 1 Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 4:7; 1 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14). And, what is this peace? this shalom of the ancient patriarchs and prophets?

1. What this peace is not – This peace is not false optimism. Isaiah (Isa. 57:19-21), Jeremiah (Jer. 6:14; 8:11) and Ezekiel (Ezek. 13:10) all affirm this very point. Jesus, himself, cautioned against unreal expectations of this world (John 14:27). This peace is not the absence of war, nor of tribulation, but the blessed security of having the Lord as our God (Isaiah 26:3).

2. This peace is a gospel peace – When the gospel is preached, a certain peace is proclaimed (Nahum 1:15; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15). This peace derives especially from the prophecy that Messiah (Christ) would bring a peace by the chastisement of himself (Isaiah 53:5; Colossians 1:20). This we understand to be accomplished through the cross of Christ (Romans 5:1). The message of the gospel preached serves to publish this peace to the world (Acts 10:36-39).

3. This peace is for those “in Christ Jesus” – The scriptures are clear and exact about who the recipients of this peace are: “Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:14, NKJV). To be “in Christ Jesus,” is to be in relationship with God through baptism (Matthew 28:19; Galatians 3:27). There is this line from Shakespeare, “Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep” (2 Henry VI, 3.1.53). Is there such a depth in your life today?

–Robert M. Housby

“…So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel”

(2 Samuel 15:6)

The conspiracy of Absalom, against King David, serves to remind us that God’s kingdom is not immune from plots to transfer power and lead men astray.(2 Sam. 15:1-12).

A. 2 Sam. 14:33 – The story unfolds with a touching scene of David receiving Absalom with a kiss of reconciliation.
B. 2 Sam. 15:1 – Absalom then got himself a following.
C. 2 Sam. 15:2-6 – Absalom began campaigning for himself privately.
D. 2 Sam. 15:7-12 – Absalom instigated an open plot to make himself king.

So, the scheming actions of Absalom worked: “And a messenger came to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” ( 2 Sam. 15:13, 6). It seems that God allows certain things to happen in the world even when those things may bring harm and hurt. This must have something to do with free-will, evil, chance, and, sometimes, an opportunity for God’s grace and the power of Christ to rest upon us (Rom. 7:19; 21; Eccl. 9:11; 2 Cor. 12:8,9).

If Joseph of Genesis, David of the Psalms, Paul of Acts, and Jesus of the Gospels, had plots against them, we shouldn’t think it strange that we, ourselves, may be in the sights of the adversary (Eph. 6:11,12,16; Acts 20:30). This is what we know for sure: All men are sinners, and there is none righteous (Rom. 3:23,10); blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count sin (Rom. 4:8); but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23; John 16:33).

Stolen hearts are nothing new. Nevertheless, sincere and pure devotion to Christ is possible today (2 Corinthians 11:3). Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).

–Robert M. Housby

“…And call no man your father on the earth: for
one is your Father, even he who is in heaven”

(Matthew 23:9-11)

The apostle Paul said, “…And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). The expression, “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” is equivalent to Jesus’ personal authorization, approval, and acceptance of that which is done in his name (Compare Matt. 18:5,20). When it comes to evaluating the practice of religious titles, such as: “Father,” “Reverend,” “Cardinal,” “Pope,” etc., two important questions deserve answers:

1. Are “Religious Titles” Authorized in Scripture? No. Anyone who answers in the affirmative will be hard pressed to produce any such authorization. That is why you never read in the Bible of: “Father John,” or “The Reverend Paul,” etc. The only references coming close to this notion of religious titles appear in the humble sense of “servant,” “brethren,” etc. And, of course, the original apostles and prophets appear within the context of their first-century roles–fulfilled and final (Eph. 2:10; Acts 1:21,22; Rev. 21:14; 2:2; 18:20).

2. Are “Religious Titles” Ever Discouraged in Scripture? Yes. Jesus spoke ever so plainly against religious leaders who broke the servant model of church leadership (Matthew 23:8-12). The Bible lifts up the Fatherhood of God (2 Corinthians 6:18); while condemning any religious rivals (Exodus 34:14). The Bible uses the term “reverend” only once (Psalm 111:9), and
that in reference to God himself. In the light of such evidence, who can legitimately, scripturally, and morally continue to call human beings with titles reserved for God himself? “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15; Matt. 12:36,37).

Religious titles not authorized in Scripture should be avoided, if not condemned.

–Robert M. Housby