The Italian Memorandum

“And Agrippa said to Paul, In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am…”

(Acts 26:28,29)

Old King Agrippa must have realized that he had his hands full with the apostle Paul. Here was Paul, a chained prisoner (Acts 26:29), face-to-face with King Agrippa and his advisor Festus. The text says that Paul spoke boldly to both Agrippa and Festus; so much so, that they were even disappointed because he could have been set free, had he not made an appeal to Caesar (Acts 26:26, 31,32). Note the following major Christian concepts from this passage:

1. Salvation is for all men (Acts 26:17,18,22). Its benefits include receiving forgiveness and sanctification by faith (Acts 26:18).
2. The Christian message is communicated in rational words (Acts 26:25); verified in the prophets (Acts 26:22), and centered in the gospel (Acts 26:22,23).
3. Repentance is a turning to God through deeds (Acts 26:20, see v. 18).
4. It is possible to be a “Christian” (Acts 26:28,29; 11:26).

In the middle of Paul’s speech, we may notice a very special observation: “To his day I have had the help that comes from God” (Acts 26:22). Are you a Christian, or almost persuaded? Keep in mind, that Agrippa believed, but was not yet a Christian (Acts 26:27). Christians turn as well as learn.

-Robert M. Housby

(The following reprint comes from, As A Man Thinketh, Batsell B. Baxter, Washington Industries, P.O. Box 1301, Nashville, TN 37202, 1966. It is adapted with comments and scriptural references by Robert M. Housby, Cape Girardeau Missouri Church Bulletin,

June 19, 2005)

Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) an American lawyer, politician, and writer, often lectured on his creed of agnosticism, and in other ways displayed animosity toward orthodox Christian beliefs.
During his travels in England on one occasion he was staying in a small hotel somewhere in the midlands, at the same time a preacher happened to be staying at the same hotel. Upon learning that the famous Ingersoll was a fellow-guest, the preacher asked for an interview and sat down to talk with the noted agnostic. In the conversation the preacher asked, “Mr. Ingersoll, some months ago I wrote to you challenging you to a debate concerning the Bible. Why did you not respond?” Mr. Ingersoll asked, “Do you believe that baptism is necessary for salvation?” The preacher responded that he did not believe that it was required. Mr. Ingersoll asked for a copy of the Bible, and when he received it he opened it to the sixteenth chapter of Mark and the sixteenth verse. He read, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.” Mr. Ingersoll then explained, “Why should I debate the Bible with you? You don’t believe it either.”
Christian baptism is a belief and practice of the early church, as commanded by Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins (Romans 6:3-5; 6:17; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; 22:16). This is the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4:5, and the “washing of regeneration” of Titus 3:5. There is water in the plan of salvation as surely as there was water in the plan for Noah (1 Peter 3:21). This baptism is an action “into” Christ by faith (Galatians 3:26,27). We are raised in baptism by God to receive the benefits of the resurrection (Colossians 2:12). Become a New
Testament Christian today! Accept the Bible alone: without creed or catechism.

-Robert M. Housby

“You are God’s field”

(1 Corinthians 3:9)

What a tremendous thought to envision the Lord our God laboring in a field, and to know that that field is His work among men. The apostle would say to the Corinthian church, “You are God’s field” ( 1 Corinthians 3:9). By extension of this same imagery, we may speak of the planting of the Lord’s church in our own community today.

1. We are standing in the very field and heritage of the early church. This would include the legacy of Paul, Sosthenes, and Apollos, for example (1 Cor. 1:1; 3:6).

2. While our human labor is certainly not of a meritorius kind (1 Cor. 3:7), still, it’ s said to have “wages” (1 Cor. 3:8).

3. Concerning these ” wages,” 1 Corinthians 3:8 relates that ” …each will receive is wages according to his labor.“

4. Notice the unity and camaraderie involved in doing church work: ” …He who plants and he who waters are one” (1 Cor. 3:8).

5. Comprehend, also, that God is interested in church ” growth” ( 1 Cor. 3:7).

6. In fact, God is the supreme giver of church growth (1 Cor. 3:6,7).

Yes, we will come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves. Be assured, God does know of your labors, and he will never forget every little thing you do in his name. You are God’s field! And, may you do with your acre what he expects; nothing more and nothing less.

-Robert M. Housby

” Have Thine own way Lord! Have Thine own way! Search me and try me, Master today…”

-Adelaide A. Pollard, Have Thine Own Way, Lord

And so, another Sunday rolled around. The church was all gathered as usual, singing the old songs, and praying for the standard blessings from heaven. The preacher began his sermon that morning with a question, ” Suppose that God wanted to use you today, could he?” He then paused. But, this pause was no ordinary pause. This pause was a silence of some thirty-seconds! Now, the church at this particular place was not at all accustomed to very good preaching. But, here was a question that was more about the individual in the pew than it was about the preacher in the pulpit. So, after some personal introspection, and not a little shifting about, the preacher had the audacity to ask the very same question again. Suppose that God did want to use you, and he wanted to use you today, could he? He proceeded with the sermon:

1. First, God cannot use someone who is too busy accomplishing their own agenda; if he can’t gain you on the first day of the week, it’s not likely that he’ll have you on a Wednesday or a Thursday either (Matt. 6:24)..
2. Secondly, if God cannot use you today, he cannot use you at all; for today is all we have to give (Col. 4:5).

Soon the sermon was over. They sang a closing song, “Let Him Have His Way
with Thee,” and broke for lunch. But, before they left the church building that
day, they would all get a church bulletin. Strangely, the bulletin was entitled,
“Suppose God Wanted to Use You Today!”

-Robert M. Housby