The Italian Memorandum

“…your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams…”

(Acts 2:17)

Students of the Bible must be careful to distinguish between first century miraculous abilities and 21^st century belief in and application of the miraculously confirmed biblical word (see Hebrews 2:3-4). Modern-day charismatics are unquestionably involved in a non-equivalent activity, despite their grandiose claims.  The former was obtained only by transference through the “laying on of hands” by one of the original apostles; read the Acts sequence in context: 5:12; 6:5-8; 8:9-19).    That, having been prefaced, leads us to examine one of the ever important and always timely verses of Scripture, Acts 2:17.

Possible interpretations of this section:

A.    The “visions” and “dreams” are actual dream states (see Heb. 1:1).

B.     The v. and d. are meant to be interpreted  figuratively as turning points of inner  resolution for all men-young, old, male, and female.

C.     The v. and d. are apocalyptic symbols depicting the commencement                  of a new and fresh era-the Christian Age.

D.    The v. and d. are a combination of the above possibilities.

Certainly, the age of Christ has dawned; and a turning point of inner resolution is now possible.

-Robert M. Housby

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE GOSPEL MESSAGE?”

(1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-12)

“For you yourselves know, brothers, that our
coming to you was not in vain…”

(1 Thessalonians 2:1)

Introduction: This section is a defense of Paul and his immediate companions in ministry against religious charlatanism. It raises the question for us—what kind of experience have you had with the gospel—“Hollow or Hearty?”

I. 2:1 – Is it Hollow!

II. 6 Negatives and 7 Positives
All members of the church should evaluate, as honestly as possible, their contribution toward the building up of the body of Christ (Note the all-inclusiveness: 1:2; 5:14, 26).

III. 2:12 – Make it Hearty!

Conclusion: Like the Pearl poet, we too must now learn in our heart what we know in our head. Is your walk hollow or hearty? Hello!

“…For she [Gomer] said, I will go after my lovers…”

(Hosea 2:5)

The Old Testament Minor Prophet book of Hosea contains many  messages for God’s people.  However, there is one message which is so obvious that it may be neglected overall.  That message is contained in the very name of the prophet himself-”Hosea”.  According to J. B. Hindley (TNBC, revised, 705), “Hosea” is a variant of Joshua (Numbers 13:16), meaning Yahweh saves.”  Furthermore, we may note with literary confidence, “Jesus” (Yeshua in Aramaic) is a variation of Joshua; see (Matthew 1:21).    So, when Hosea’s wife Gomer rejected Hosea (salvation) and resorted to other lovers, she essentially rejected salvation (Yahweh saves).

Truly, the book of Hosea is a reminder to God’s people in particular, and to all men in general, that to refuse Jesus is to refuse salvation.  The Hebrew writer exhorts-”See that you do not refuse him who is speaking.  For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven” (Hebrews 12:25).

Do not reject Hosea (salvation); neither in book; nor in plan; nor in the person of the Lord himself (Eph. 5:32).

-Robert M. Housby

“…remembering before our God and Father your
work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness
of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”

(1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Introduction: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 is a description of the devotion of the church of the Thessalonians.

I. The Thanksgiving (1:2)

II. A Description of their Devotion (1:3-10) in three dimensions

A. _________________ =_______________ (v.9)

B. _________________ = _______________ (v.9)

C._________________ = ________________ (v.10)

Conclusion: Would you say devotion to Christ is typical or atypical? What type are you?

The Prescript

“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace”

(1 Thessalonians 1:1)

Introduction: We will be stressing today the importance of being “in” relationship with God through Christ.

I. There is a ________________

II. There is _______________ for this church

Conclusion: Just a greeting; but, oh what a beginning! May it be yours’ today.

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you”

(Ephesians 5:14)

It is plain from the quotation of Ephesians 5:14 that Paul is drawing from the Old Testament theme of personal awakening, among the Lord’s people.  This theme is especially represented in Isaiah.  Isaiah 51:9 reads-”Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the days of old, the generations of long ago…” Isaiah 51:17 reads, “Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath…” Isaiah 52:1-2 says-”Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion…Shake yourself from the dust and arise; be seated, O Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion…” Isaiah 26:19 is also to be studied in this vein-”Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise.  You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!”

“Church History” speaks of “Four Great Awakenings in American History;” the essential characteristic of which is a definite rise in religious interest.

1.    1730s-40s          3.    1880-1900

2.    1800 -1830        4.    1960-1970

May your own life be awakened to the love of God in Christ and the Holy Spirit (Romans 13:11)!  Paul had much more in mind than L-dopa.

-Robert M. Housby