The Italian Memorandum

Changes Four Things

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of
the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 3:14)

Introduction: Conversion is what happens in reaction to the call of the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14). But, most do not understand “the upward call” (Heb. 3:1; Eph. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:12; 2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Pet. 2:9). Conversion always occurs in connection with the upward call.

1. Conversion changes ____________________________

2. Conversion changes ____________________________

3. Conversion changes ____________________________

4. Conversion changes ____________________________

Conclusion: The purpose of this lesson has been to clarify what conversion means. Once understood, in conjunction with the high call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14)—appreciation for the life will follow. Understanding precedes appreciation. But, where there is little appreciation for the upward call, there will be little or no change toward life itself.

“…God prepared a worm…”

(Jonah 4:7)

“But I am a worm and not a man”

(Psalm 22:6; Job 25:6)

In Henry Morris’ Bible and Science Series, Morris says of the scarlet worm (coccus ilicus)—“This is a scarlet worm and the reason it was called that was because it had the ability to secrete a scarlet fluid which was used in making scarlet dye that they used in ancient days…The worm was identified with the scarlet color. The life cycle of that worm is something like this: when the mother worm was ready to give birth to the baby worms, she would find the trunk of a tree, a post or a stick somewhere and then she would plant her body in that wood …so firmly in it that she could never leave it again. Then, the young would be brought forth and the mother would die, and in the process, the scarlet fluid would stain her body and the body of the young and the tree and so on…”

This we do know about Jesus the Christ and his New Covenant—

(1) Jesus identified, in a Messianic way, with the “worm” of Psalm 22:6; Isa. 41:14; Lk. 24:44
(2) Jesus was a sin-sacrifice of scarlet specifications (Isaiah 1:18; Numb. 19:6; Hebrews 9:13,14)
(3) The blood of the covenant also involved scarlet (Heb. 9:19)
(4) The Jesus of the gospel accounts appears in the role of fulfillment as a scarlet robed priest (purple=mixture of blue and scarlet Ex. 28:6,33; Matt. 27:28).

We thank God for the scarlet worm (see Gal. 3:27)!

Robert M. Housby

“…blue and purple and scarlet…”

Introduction: The biblical word order of “blue, purple and scarlet” are repeated over 20 times in the book of Exodus; in a redemption connection.

I. Three Colors Specified by the LORD

A. Blue

B. Purple

C. Scarlet

II. Christian Interpretation
(Corresponds to how the colors were used)

A. ________________________________________

B. ________________________________________

C. ________________________________________

Conclusion: Once again, the gospel intrigues and challenges us by showing its colors. Redemption has never been more vivid, nor the LORD more vivifying, than when the people of the LORD see the colors of redemption and choose the blue, the purple and the scarlet for themselves.

“For we are the real circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God”

(Philippians 3:3)

Due to the vast amount of published bologna in the field of devotional literature about the Holy Spirit, not to mention all of the popular pastoral pulpit theatrics, we submit the following fundamentals to guide our thinking about the Holy Spirit.

1. The Holy Spirit is not a silent partner in the Godhead today (see Heb. 3:7; 4:12; 10:15,29 Eph. 6:17).

2. Neither emotionalism nor religious experiences are positive proofs of the Spirit’s presence (Matt. 7:21-23; Col. 2:18-19; 1 Ki. 18).

3. Speaking in tongues ( + miraculous) was a temporary and non-normative feature of the early church (Heb. 2:3-4; 1 Cor. 12:29-31).

4. Evidence of the Holy Spirit in one’s life should reflect the New Testament pattern of Acts 2:38-39; 5:32 (initially at conversion) and Galatians 5:16-25 (subsequent to conversion).

Anymore, the Holy Spirit has come to mean practically everything or virtually nothing. When the New Testament documents are superseded by the subjective experiences of men, the will of the Lord via the word of the Lord is certainly marginalized (1 John 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3).

– Robert M. Housby

“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful”

(Matthew 13:22)

Introduction: This lesson concentrates on the third soil type in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23). There were 16 varieties of thorns in Palestine (McGarvey and Pendleton, 334).

I. Brief Parable Review

A. 4 soil types –

1. Wayside….hard
2. Rocky……shallow
3. Thorny…..divided
4. Good…….soft, deep, clean

B. Why speak in parables (vv. 10-17)?
=> parables place responsibility on the audience,
not the speaker!
II. Thorny Ground [disciples]

A. 13:7……………….. ______________________

B. Luke 8:7!……………… ______________________

C. Luke 8:11…………. ______________________

D. Mark 4:7………….. ______________________

E. What are the thorns? ______________________

Conclusion: So, what type of soil are you? (James 1:21-22; 1 Pet. 1:23) (Matthew 27:29).

“…I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourselves in the
house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of
the truth”

(1 Timothy 3:15)

Some popular slogans about church (2007)

“It doesn’t matter what church you attend—just as long as you attend some church.”

“Church isn’t the important thing;
having a relationship with the Lord is the important thing.”

“We’re non-denominational! [unity for unity’s sake]”

The New Testament Church –

A. Has the right builder (Matt. 16:18)
B. Was established at the right time (Dan. 2:44; Mic. 4:2; Acts 2:16)
C. Was established in the right place (Isa. 2:2-3; Acts 2:5)
D. Has the right standard of authority (2 Tim. 3;16-17; Acts 20:32)
E. Has the right organizational structure (Phil. 1:1; Tit. 1:5)
F. Has the right plan of salvation (1 Cor. 15:1-4)
G. And, has the right worship and service (Jn. 4:24; Matt. 15:9; Heb. 12:28)

Next time that someone tries to tell you that the church doesn’t matter, ask them why they prefer the wrong—founder; time; place; standard; organization; plan; and worship. Of course, maybe these relativistic followers know something that the Lord does not know. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

-Robert M. Housby

“Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile…”

(Mark 6:30-32)

Introduction: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger (Ps. 119:19). Matthew Arnold put it this way—A wanderer is man from his birth. / He was born in a ship / On the breast of the river of Time. “The Future” (1852). Can you relate to Mark 6:30-32?

I. Harmony of the Gospels:
Reasons for Withdrawal from Herod’s Territory

A. Mark 6:30-32 _______________________

B. Matthew 14:12b-13 _______________________

C. Luke 9:10 _______________________

D. John 6:1 _______________________

II. Take-Home Lessons –

A. ________________________________________

B. ________________________________________

C. ________________________________________

Conclusion: If you can relate to Mark 6:30-32, won’t you Come Away and Rest Awhile? The invitation of Jesus has not changed—“Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

“…for the ways of the LORD are right…”

(Hosea 14:9)

Abraham’s servant bowed his head worshipfully and said—“…blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way…” (Genesis 24:48). Later, Moses, himself, would articulate a theology of the right way:

A. The right way is not based upon personally drawn conclusions (Deut. 12:8; 13:1-5; 18:19-22).

B. The right way is grounded in obedience to the documented word of the Lord (Bible) (Deut. 12:28; Ps. 33:4).

C. The right way is known through the commandments (mitvah) (Deut. 13:18).

The Major Post-Modern Assumptions Deserving Biblical Refutation:

1. All religions, churches, and philosophical systems are equally valid (Prov. 12:15; Matt. 15:9,13).
2. God is a purely arbitrary choice on the behalf of the individual (Prov. 16:25).
3. There is no historical/factual basis for Christianity (Lk. 3:1-2; Acts 26:26).
4. Human experience is the ultimate factor in determining truth (Deut. 12;8; Prov. 21:2).
5. There is no room for an exclusive approach to truth (Jn. 14:6; Deut. 12:29-32; Jude 3; Acts 13:10; 2 Pet. 2:15).
6. Sin is merely an outdated view of environmental and social injustices (1 Jn. 1:8).
7. Ultimate issues (origin of the universe; human meaning; salvation; etc.) have little or no bearing on the real world (Heb. 11:3,6).

– Robert Housby

“Holy and reverend is his name”

(Psalm 111:9)

We received a call recently, in which the caller voiced his opinion that Christians should not be people who live in fear. He went on to express how fear is a paralyzing force and quite detrimental. 1 John 4:18 was quoted to bolster his case—“perfect love casts out fear.” In our opinion, fear has not always been subject to a fair hearing. So, what is the proper theology of fear? May we suggest the following:

1. Fear and trembling have a sacred origin and endorsement in the Old Testament (Ps. 2:11;119:120).

2. Though, fear and trembling are not always from God (see Job 4:14; Ps. 55:5; Hab. 3:16). Biblical context determines which type of fear- experience is meant—useful or destructive.

3. But, one must not conclude prematurely that fear is either Old Testament based or destructive, for we encounter in the New Testament a complete theological development of fear (Phil. 2:13; Heb. 12:28-29; 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 7:15).

The prophet Isaiah said, “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2). Yes, there is a relevance of reverence among the Lord’s people (2 Tim. 2:19).

– Robert M. Housby