The Italian Memorandum

“When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, Truly this was the Son of God!”

(Matthew 27:54)

Introduction: The death of Christ is surrounded by the miraculous (Matthew 27:45-53). But, why?

1. The Darkness (Matthew 27:45)

2. The Tearing of the Veil (Matthew 27:51)

3. The Earthquake (Matthew 27:51,54)

Conclusion: We leave you with the miracle that never happened (Matthew 26:50-53).

        “Behold I have put my words in your mouth”

        (Jeremiah 1:9)

Introduction:     Three memorable symbols appear in Jeremiah.  (Matthew 16:14).

I.    The Potter and the Clay (18:1-6)    ________________

II.    The Plot of Ground (32:25)       ___________________

III.    The Wooden Yoke (27:2; 28:10-17)    ______________

Conclusion:    With such symbolism, we are once again brought to that special plot of ground, whereupon a certain wooden Latin cross became as clay in the hand of God (1 Corinthians 13:13).

“but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward”
(Job 5:7)

Introduction:    Moses, the very name evokes the great story of deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.  But, we must not forget Moses’ bewildering wilderness experiences along the way.  For, it was in that wilderness that he prayed to his God.

1.    Numbers 10:33-36    __________________________

2.    Numbers 11:10-15    __________________________

3.    Numbers 12:10-13    __________________________

4.    Numbers 16:15,22    __________________________

5.    Numbers 21:7        ____________________________

6.    Numbers 27:5        ____________________________

7.    Numbers 27:15-17    __________________________

Conclusion:    There is an English adage, “Every path has its puddle.”  But, what happens when one must face real troubles in the wilderness of the 21st century?    (Acts 15:21;7:37).

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes
according to the rules”

(2 Timothy 2:5)

The Associated Press reports, “Jones surrenders five medals from 2000 Olympics. Her reputation is gone now so are Marion Jones’ Olympic medals. Jones gave back five medals she won at Sydney Olympics…further punishment for her admission that she was a drug cheat…She will be sentenced on Jan. 11, and prosecutors had suggested to Jones the prison term would be a maximum of six months” (Southeast Missourian, Oct. 9, 2007, B).

We were saddened to learn of Marion Jones’ recent admission that she had used illegal steroids prior to the Sydney Olympics. We want to think the best of our heroes. Unfortunately, even the best among us take a fall. Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 2:5 appears as relevant as this week’s newspaper, despite a time lapse of several thousand years.

1. 2 Timothy 2:5 teaches that rules count.

2. 2 Timothy 2:5 teaches also that competing is necessary for a reward.

3. And, taken together, if there is going to be a crown received, then the competing must be according to the rules.

Marion Jones is not unique in her transgression (Rom. 3:23). But, when it comes to receiving the crown of the Christian reward, we want to be aware of the possibility of disqualification (2 Tim. 3:8). So, “let us run with endurance..”

-Robert M. Housby