The Italian Memorandum

“For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines
of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen…”

(Acts 19:24)

We have been told by some that they are not ready to make a commitment to the Lord and his church (see Ephesians 3:21 on Christ and church). Strangely, however, one such individual with whom we have been working for years now, whom we love, continues to hold diametrically opposite beliefs. How disappointing it is when such a one voices how they faithfully pray to the Lord for daily strength and security, while simultaneously verbalizing that they are not yet ready to give their life to Christ as their Lord.

This packaging of Jesus as a “good luck charm Jesus,” rather than the Lord of the universe who is the Christ of Scripture, reminds us of the superstitious Artemis (Diana) worship that existed in ancient Asia (see Acts 19:23-41). One could even purchase a little silver shrine to aid and support one’s journey through life. Is it possible that Jesus could become so reduced as to become such a little shrine in one’s heart for protection without any commitment? Those with this mindset are either deceived, naive, or both.

One thing is for certain, Jesus Christ is not a bell-hop; not an amulet; not a lucky charm. He is the one who demands repentance and faith (Acts 20:21); who commands repentance and judgment (Acts 17:30,31). What shall it be, then, Leprechaun or Lord?

-Robert M. Housby

(3 John)

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul”

(3 John 2)

“Believe that I love you for I do.
Believe that I am yours forever for I am”

(The Lion In Winter)

Introduction: Have you ever needed someone to express to you how much you mean to them?

v.1 Salutation – There’s something to be said for verbalizing love.

vv. 2-8 You mean so much to me!

vv. 9-12 Diotrephes and Demetrius

vv. 13-15 A touching conclusion – Realizing the main theme.

Conclusion: “Heaven reaches us, before we reach heaven.”

A Consideration of James 4:5

“Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that that the Scripture says,

He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?”

(James 4:5)

The theologian Augustine said: “Thou hast made us for Thyself and we shall

ever restless be until we find our rest in Thee.” The Bible indicates that there

is a part of the humanness of man that has a spiritual dimension. Genesis 1:28

refers to this dimension as “the image and likeness of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

posits—“he has put eternity into man’s heart…” And, James 4:5 reads—“He

yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us…”In consider-

ation of James 4:5, we are immediately taken by the strong emotional sentiment

that God voices regarding the spirit of man. The text says that God “yearns

jealously” over it. Note the small “s” (in “spirit”) to express the human spirit.

1. Man’s “spirit,” therefore, legitimizes human needs beyond the

physical dimension. The spirit is an inner issue (see 2 Cor. 4:16; Eph.

3:16). But, the spirit of James 4:5, while having universal content, cannot be exclusively assigned to all mankind, because James is writing to Christ-

ians who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:9,11,16).

2. Jealousy is relevant when it comes to meeting one’s deepest needs

(Ex. 20:5; 34:14; note the term “pity” in Judges 2:18 [ESV] for God’s

people). The context of James 4:1-4, leading up to 4:5, expresses unacceptable behaviors for personal fulfillment; or acting out to get

needs met. Note, also, that the spirit is a given reality (see Eccl. 3:14).

It rightfully belongs to the Creator.

3. The spirit of James 4:5 is practically and ultimately about receiving grace for meeting our deepest needs (James 4:6).

-Robert M. Housby

“Thou hast made us for Thyself and we shall ever restless be until we find our rest in Thee”

(Augustine. see Ecclesiastes 3:11)

“Your Father knows that you need them”

(Luke 12:30)

Introduction: In this lesson, we will discuss your deepest needs.  Our primary biblical text will be the Letter of James.

I. Acknowledging the physical …

“the things needed for the body”

A. (James 2:14-17)

B. Security, strength, and satisfaction

II. Asserting the spiritual …

“the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”

A. (James 4:1-17)

B. Security, strength, satisfaction, and ____________

Conclusion: What is your primary deepest needs fulfiller: People, Things or God? The answer will determine your ultimate

__________, ____________, ____________, and ____________.

“Hold the pattern of sound words”

(2 Timothy 1:13, ASV)

When it comes to religion, many operate along the lines of truth as: (1) what works, pragmatism (2) one’s individual opinion, existentialism (3) what is culturally normative, relativism (4) what is scientifically verifiable, positivism (5) any combination of the above four options, eclecticism. A sixth option (despite its being invalid by reason of its self-refuting claim) is, that there are no absolutely true claims available to finite minds, agnosticism. No wonder Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38).

Into this world, then, of religious options, is the gospel; not any gospel being touted on the boulevard, but the original gospel, as written in Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This gospel is not strictly pragmatic; existential; relativistic; positivistic; eclectic; nor pluralistic—but, rather, absolute and exclusive (Jude 3).

Walter Scott wrote in The Gospel Restored (1836, reprinted by College Press Publishing Co.: Joplin, MO, 1986, vi): regarding the restoration of the gospel “(1) The Bible was adopted as our sole authority (2) The apostolic order contained in that Bible was proposed as the method of restoration, and (3) The true gospel arising from these, then, became the message.” Wherever men may find themselves today, a return to the original gospel is always desirable. Have you made it your message?

-Robert M. Housby

“I have winnowed them with a winnowing fork”

(Jeremiah 15:7)

Winnow, [ME. wynewen, to winnow, from wind.]

 

1. to blow the chaff from (grain) by wind.

 

           5. (a) to separate out or eliminate (the worthless  part or parts of something); (b) to extract or select (the good part or parts of something).

Introduction: If something very important was happening to you right now, wouldn’t you like to know about it?

I. What’s a Winnowing (Jeremiah 15:3-7)?

The Hebrew word zara means to _____________ (to winnow). A long wooden fork used by threshers to toss grain into the air so that the ____________ is ________________ away (TNBD, 418).

II. Crucial Winnowing Statements:

A. Psalm 1:4 identifies the chaff as ___________.

B. Lk. 3:17 identifies Christ as ______________ .

C. Lk. 12:13-21 identifies a _________________.

Conclusion: “See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor” (Ruth 3:2). “Reapers the hours are speeding, Jesus your help is needing / Shall he call in vain?”(Go into the Field).

“to equip the saints for the work of ministry”

(Ephesians 4:12)

Elder, Bill Meyer is an accomplished Toastmaster. He has agreed, at our request, to conduct a modified training class for our men. This class will begin when brother Taylor finishes the current auditorium Hebrews class.

Those interested in this great opportunity to develop in the area of public speaking for the Master will meet in the New Fellowship Hall in approximately three weeks.

Target Date: Wednesday February 27
Instructor: Elder, Bill Meyer

This class will meet on Wednesday Nights. More details will follow. Challenge–Response! Be looking for updates!

(1 Samuel 25)

“…she was a beautiful and intelligent woman”

(1 Samuel 25:3, NEB)

Introduction: This message is about commitment.

I. Nabal, the Boor

II. Abigail, the Beautiful

III. Lessons:

1. ___________________________________

2. ___________________________________

3. ___________________________________

4. ___________________________________

Conclusion: Abigail was ready for commitment. The Lord will not fail Abigail, for Abigail did not fail her Lord.