The Italian Memorandum

GREAT SONGS OF THE CHURCH

(Devotional in Prayer)

“…praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication…”

(Ephesians 6:18)

E.M. Bounds wrote, “Prayer links human weakness with the power of the over-coming Son” (The Possibilities of Prayer). Prayer, for the Christian, is a privilege. It is founded upon the promises and precepts of Scripture, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20). And, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And, again, “First, of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1).

The question, “Did you think to pray?” is a humble reminder that one would pray. To be devotionally committed to God through Christ in prayer is but an excursion through this life hand in hand with one’s Creator and Redeemer. We say that it is a privilege because non-Christians, the unbaptized or nominal backslider, will not come around to such a devotional approach to life. But, to the faithful, the hour of prayer is always at hand; the act of prayer is always a blessing; and the life of prayer is always about a relationship with one’s Lord.

There may be something for which you need to pray right now. May you be informed that the God of heaven hears prayer (1 John 5:14,15).

– Robert M. Housby

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin—for they had said, He has an unclean spirit”

(Mark 3:28-30)

Mark 3:28-30 is a disturbing passage of Scripture. Often, during Bible-based discussions, someone will ask about this passage and the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. We have heard many explanations of it; one which even hints at the idea as being antiquated and no longer a possibility. In the pluralistic culture of our times, where all religions are of equal value, and political correctness is quick to point out bigoted statements, a reconsideration of Mark 3:28-30 may very much be in order.

Text         Teaching                Cultural Reaction

Mk. 3:28     “I say to you”          Jesus was just a man.
Mk. 3:28     “all sins”              Sin is nothing but social problems.
Mk. 3:28     “blasphemies”           Do not apply in the modern world.
Mk. 3:29     “the Holy Spirit”       One spirit is as good as another.
Mk. 3:29     “forgiveness”           If there is a God, he will forgive all.
Mk. 3:29     “guilty”                Guilt is just psychological neurosis.
Mk. 3:29     “an eternal sin”        When one dies, life is over.
Mk. 3:30     “an unclean spirit”     Just more religious gibberish.

What do all of the above cultural reactions have in common?

1. Rejection of Jesus as a prophet.
2. Displacement of biblical faith in favor of psychology and sociology.
3. Assuming that the General Theory of Evolution is correct.
4. Reducing Christianity to a non-credible and laughable world view.

Mark 3:28-30 is a disturbing passage—and it should be!

– Robert M. Housby

(Colossians 1:21-23)

“…if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast,
not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard…”

(Colossians 1:23, ESV)

When George Ricker Berry translated Colossians 1:23, in his literal rendering, directly from the Greek New Testament, he chose the wording: “founded and firm” (Interlinear Greek-English New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), 522). The English Standard Version reads: “stable and steadfast;” while the King James Version has—“grounded and settled.”

Colossians 1:23 describes Christian development in several key ways:

1. Col. 1:21,22 speaks of what God has done, and is doing for the believer. Note the past and present references of benefit here.

2. Although set up as a condition, this conditional sentence, “if” (1:23) expresses Paul’s confidence that the condition will be met with stable and steadfast living.

3. The caution against shifting away from the original gospel and being carried away with another gospel is stressed. Likely, the falsification here meant unnecessary supplementing of the gospel (see 2:6-15).

According to Colossians 1:21-23, Christian development means: (1) Realizing what God has done and is doing for us (2) Accepting the conditional nature of the faith; while having apostolic confidence that one can well continue (3) That the original gospel will be preferred and kept.

– Robert M. Housby

[Reprinted from The Reminder church bulletin of the Dexter, Missouri Church of Christ. Author of “Grumble Tone” unknown. Revised and condensed by Robert M. Housby, Oct. 5, 2006]

Once there was a certain Grumble Tone who ran away to sea.
“I’m sick of things on land,” said he, “as sick as I can be.”
“A life upon the bounding waves will be the one for me.”

But, rising ocean billows failed to stimulate true mirth,
Neither vessel, wind or vista could take away the dearth,
Instead, a certain Grumble Tone could be heard within the berth.

The journey would lead to foreign lands with many a wondrous sight.
But, nothing that was heard or seen seemed just exactly right.
For, Grumble Tone, who sought delight, was plagued by constant plight.

This wanton wandering throughout this world wide
Could not for grace and peace subside,
The reason now we dare confide.

Neither North nor South, o’er land and sea, can bring one happiness,
When Grumble Tone is discontent—
It followed him where- e’re he went.

“Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:9).

– Robert M. Housby

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in king’s courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you”

(Luke 7:24-27)

Great expectations can be very advantageous (Lk. 3:15; Phil. 1:20). However, expectations can also be very disheartening if they are not based in fact or on faith (Prov.11:23; Acts 12:11).

1. Acts 3:5 states that a certain beggar expected one thing from the gospel, but got quite another. Should he have been disappointed? No.
2. Luke 7:24-28 raises the whole question about who was John the Baptist. Those who did not realize John’s divine identity (Malachi 3:1), were faced with either revising their expectations of him, or rejecting him altogether. Of course, revising our thinking is in order—if by revising our thinking, we correct to the will of God.
3. Proverbs 3:6 is warranted wisdom regarding expectations: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” If one is usually discontented an expectation check may be in order.

So, even though things are not how you would like for them to be—do not base your daily happiness or eternity on it. Base your expectations on the Rock, and, then, come what may, you will be satisfied (Ps. 18:2; 40:2; Isa. 51:1,2; Matt. 7:24; 1 Cor. 10:4). The Lord is the Rock.

– Robert M. Housby