The Italian Memorandum

“…unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”

(Luke 13:3,5)

Introduction: Preachers often isolate Luke 13:3. But, there is a complete line of thought happening in this passage. Jesus will give two examples on the need for repentance in Luke 13:1-5.

I. Pilate and the Galileans (vv. 1-3)

II. The Tower of Siloam (vv. 4-5)

III. 3 Complicating factors:

1. _______________________________

2. _______________________________

3. _______________________________

Conclusion: The Galileans had no time to repent, nor did the victims of the falling tower of Siloam. But, the pressing question for us is this—Will we repent in time? While the tower teeters and terrorism threatens—will we tremble in time (Phil. 2:12)?

“…repent and believe in the gospel”

(Mark 1:15)

John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism of repentance (Mark 1:4). The apostle Paul explained John’s ministry in Acts 19:4—“And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus”. In Mark 1:15, Jesus equates the nearness of the kingdom of God with the gospel, and then urges that men “…repent and believe in the gospel.” Notice, here, that repentance and belief stand together.

We may ask, what is repentance? Whatever it is, John and Jesus made it a requirement. If it is a requirement, and it certainly is (see Luke 13:1-5), how may we better understand and appreciate repentance for what it is?

1. It assumes that men have the capacity and ability to repent. This appears to stem from the continuity of Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6)—where man is declared to be made in the likeness of God. The Bible suggests that God has, himself, at various intervals of sacred history repented (see Genesis 6:6; 1 Samuel 15:35). Although, it must be remembered that a change of mind (or, reversal of a former decision) does not negate God’s unchangeable nature (see Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Malachi 3:6). Some modern philosophies of determinism do not accept the above proposition that man can repent. Rather, many today are being told that they are not responsible and therefore repentance is not necessary: Environmental Determinism; Genetic Determinism; Theological Determinism.
2. Repentance is more than sorrow and religious ritualism (2 Cor. 7:10; Matthew 3:1-12).
3. Repentance produces fruit (Matthew 3:8).
4. Repentance is rewarded in this life and the life to come (Acts 3:19-20).

-Robert M. Housby

“…make an effort to settle”

(Luke 12:58)

Introduction: Luke 12:57-59 is a parable. Does this parable teach “Now or Never”? Why does Jesus urge settling ASAP?

A. Luke 12:57 – teaches human _______________

B. Luke 12:58 – teaches Jesus’ goal to __________

C. Non-settlement will mean 3 things:

1. Your accuser will ___________ you

2. Your judge will _____________you

3. Your officer will ____________ you

D. Luke 12:59 – teaches ____________________

Conclusion: The Christian system, as taught in the Scriptures, extends the hope of salvation to all men, as long as they live (2 Peter 3:9). The difficulty, however, is compounded by numerous complications: (1) the unpredictability of death (2) the advancement of the hardening of the heart, and (3) the irrevocable nature of eternal destiny.

“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”

(Matthew 7:19, 20)

New Testament Christians have definite characteristics. One such characteristic is that of doing the will of God the Father (Matthew 7:21). This important arrangement of wanting to please our heavenly Father raises a question about expectations. Are we being challenged enough, or possibly too much (Acts 15:24, 28)? Too much emphasis on expectations (works righteousness) becomes a legalistic perversion of the gospel of grace (Galatians 5:4). And, too little an emphasis on personal challenge tends to degenerate into a license to evade the will of God (see Revelation 2:19, etc.).

Do a personal inventory (1 Corinthians 13:5). Check up on yourself. Are you being challenged enough? Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)? Are you bearing fruit? Jesus said, “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love” (John 15:8-9). Realize that our response to God is “…faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6).

If, after testing yourself, you decide that you are not being challenged enough—talk to one of our ministers. Let them know that you need to be challenged more toward personal development. Get involved in the service of God. Listen; Learn; Lend; Lead; and Love—for today is your chance.

– Robert M. Housby

“…why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

(Luke 12:56)

Introduction: Jesus has expectations about how we interpret time (Lk. 12:54-56). But, what does this mean?

I. Old Testament Background –

A. 1 Chronicles 12:32 (Note the correlation between

______________ and _______ ).

B. Whereas Esther 1:13 may involve ____________.

C. ________ __ have always existed.

D. Jesus distinguishes between history and ________.

II. Why “The Present Time”?

A. ____________________________ (12:20)

B. ____________________________ (12:40)

C. ____________________________ (12:8,9)

Conclusion: Someone wrote the lyrics, “But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them.” Redemptive living is a realization that what happens in history matters, and that what happens to you in history matters a great deal—because you matter to God.

“…but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

(Luke 12:56)

In the story, “The Well of the Star,” by Elizabeth Goudge (Farmington, PA: The Plough Publishing House, 1996), we meet David, a young, ragamuffin shepherd boy whose father is ill. David’s mother is desperate as her entire family is plunged into wanton physical needs. It is recalled that a fabled well offers hope to those whose hearts are pure enough before God who is able to answer the prayers of the needy. The story goes on to suggest that David encounters three kings at the well. These royal travelers had temporarily lost sight of a star which they were following. After it is found again, David goes with them to a stable in Bethlehem. Taken by the moment, he gives his only possession to the baby boy—his treasured shepherd’s pipe. The way home was long, for he had not served the purpose for which he left. Reluctant to return to the family hut helpless, he falls at the well, broken and empty-handed.

“The utter deadness of the hour before dawn weighed on him. Like a pall and the cold of it numbed him from head to foot. He felt himself sinking lower and lower, dropping down to the bottom of some black sea of misery”

While we realize the revisionist nature of Goudge’s novel, based loosely upon the biblical narrative, are there not times in our own lives when we question the worth of our time spent in the kingdom of God? Church work at times brings heartaches and headaches. But, the kingdom of God is its own reward. A spiritual depth that quitters never know. To serve in the kingdom of God will mean sacrifice, brokenness, and selflessness. But, the godly among us will not give up. Time in the kingdom is its own reward. “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

Will God widen his kingdom through you, with you, and in you?

– Robert M. Housby

“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth?
No, but I tell you, rather division”

(Luke 12:51)

Introduction: In Luke 12:49-53, Jesus will speak in terms of scorching semantics. Whatever he meant, he meant passionately:

I. Why do most people prefer Luke 2:14?
[Three Possibilities]

A. Fire has several effects: ______________

and _______________.

B. Baptism (12:50) means a plunge into _____.

C. Divided (12:52-53)

II. So, Redemptive Living is not what you expected?

Conclusion: Perhaps, this message will cause you to reevaluate the Jesus of Scripture; the mission of God; and, what it means to live a redemptive life.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father sent me, even so I am sending you.”

(John 20:21)

“…so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known…”

(Ephesians 3:10)

Comeback churches and breakout churches are not satisfied with merely doing church for an hour or two a week. Do you as a member of the church see yourself as a missionary? It is easy to be missions minded (in theory), but not missional (in practice) in one’s own hometown. It is easier to send others than to realize that God wants to prepare you for greater service in the kingdom. Consider the following theological points:

A. God is a Missionary God – The Lord is a sending God.

1. He sent Noah on a mission into the new world (Gen. 8:15-19).
2. He sent Moses and Aaron (Ex. 3:9,10, 14,15; 1 Sam. 12:8).
3. He sent the prophets (Jer. 25:4).
4. He sent John the Baptist (John 1:6).
5. He sent Jesus (John 17:3, 18-25; 20:21).

B. The Church is Meant to Be a Missionary Body (Ephesians 3:10)—

A people sent to serve in the name of her Lord Jesus (Gal. 6:7,8; Matt. 25:35ff.).

To reach more for Christ should be your prayer. Do you agree?

– Robert M. Housby