The Italian Memorandum

“ And there arose another generation after them who did
not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel”

(Judges 2:10)

How sad are the words of Judges 2:10. In this brief narrative verse, one is brought face to face with the reality that all it takes for God’s people to fall away is one generation of children who do not know the living Lord.
We may ask, what precipitated this lost generation? Seven observations from the biblical text appear significant:

1. Joshua died (Judges 2:8).
2. The elders who were with Joshua died (Judges 2:10a).
3. There followed a time of individual pursuits (Judges 2:6).
4. New religious convictions were formed (Judges 2:11).
5. Old religious convictions were abandoned (Judges 2:12).
6. God no longer could support their sinful ways (Judges 2:12-15).
7. The people were overtaken by their enemies (Judges 2:14).

We may be accustomed to seeing the phrase, “The Lost Generation” in reference to Hemingway, Stein, or Picasso, but never really seeing that it could also apply to our own children. But, from the lesson of Judges 2, we must never forget that apostasy is only a generation away–if that generation does not know the Lord (Judges 21:25).
Do you and yours’ know the Lord (John 17:3)? Let us not take for granted the things which we learned from our fathers; lest we too become a lost generation.

-Robert M. Housby

“And they will all be taught by God”

(John 6:45)

There are many versions of Christianity in the marketplace today. To most, this is a rather pleasant arrangement, as it allows for a smorgasbord approach to God—take what you want and leave the rest. But, there is a deep problem here. It is the same problem which Isaiah spoke of many years ago:

1. Preferring the word of men above the word of God (Isaiah 29:13).

2. Persevering in a plan that is not God’s plan (Isaiah 30:1).

3. Persistently refusing the Lord’s instruction (Isaiah 30:9).

To be taught by God is not optional (Isaiah 2:1-3; John 6:45;63; Hebrews 8:10-11). Jesus, himself, applied this information to the religious humanists of his day—“…in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:7-8).

So, would you be open to new information—information which comes directly from the Bible—without human creed, without human catechism, and without presumptuous human claim of direct revelation (2 Timothy 3:16,17; Galatians 1:6-9)? So, what is your attitude about Bible study?

Are you reachable or unreachable (Isaiah 59:1,2,21)?

-Robert M. Housby

How much should a Christian do to help another person? This would appear to be a simple question at first glance. However, Matthew 5:40-42 and Matthew 7:6 appear to strike a balance regarding social interaction in the kingdom of God. On the one hand, “going the extra mile” seems normative. But, then, the Lord turns around and labels some as “dogs,” who are unworthy of our efforts.

“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you”

(Matthew 5:40-42)

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you”

(Matthew 7:6)

Paul made an interesting comment to the Galatians—“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10). Paul grounds his approval in God, not man. Still, Paul served his God by serving men (2 Cor. 6:3-113). Then, in the next breath, he qualifies: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers…Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? …Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them says the Lord…” (see 2 Cor. 6:14-18). The bottom line in serving men is to do it for God. Yet, in this service, one is to be prudent and not to reward or indulge the insolent or lazy indigent (see 2 Thess. 3:6-15).

-Robert M. Housby

“And I said to the angel who talked with me, ‘What are these, my lord?’ Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ I said, ‘No, my lord”

(Zechariah 4:4-5)

There is something to be said for second generation faith. Paul said, “I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors… I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (2 Tim. 1:3,5). But, for members of the Lord’s church who have assumed the posture that faith is transferable by mere association, it may come as a surprise that such a notion is problematic nonsense (Heb. 8:10-11). Grandpa and Grandma may have been faithful in their church attendance; gospel meetings; service to others; teaching of children; hospitality; students of the word; and being disciples of Christ— BUT, THEIR FAITH IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERABLE! Each soul must choose whether heaven or hell will be their final home. There will be no piggy-back rides into eternity. Paul would write, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13).
We are planning to deliver a series of lessons from the book of Zechariah this fall. Basic concepts from Zechariah teach personal faith. The Menorah of Zechariah 4:1-14 is one such concept about light. May our brethren learn to get their own faith. The problem with second generation faith is that the individual has not developed a personal faith of their own.

-Robert M. Housby