The Italian Memorandum

        “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).

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.

“…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.

“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).

“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).

“But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen,
where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies
shall be there…”

(Exodus 8:22)

Introduction: The 4th plague on Egypt is depicted in Exodus 8:20-32. This lesson will emphasize the divinely consistent principle of Romans 11:22.

I. The LORD’S word through Moses (Ex. 8:20-23)

A. Condition (8:20) ________________________

B. Consequences (8:21) ______________________

C. Contrast (8:22-23) _________________

II. The fourth plague (reality) (8:24)III. Pharoah’s commitment and renege (8:25-31; Rom. 9:14-18)

Conclusion: “…that you might know that I am the LORD…” (8:22) Shew fly don’t bother me, for I live in the land of Goshen; and, I worship the Lord God Almighty, the God of the Bible.

What it Means and Why it Matters

“And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house”

(Luke 8:41)

Introduction: A theme may be studied in the Gospel of Luke, showing five instances where individuals take their place at Jesus’ feet (pous).

I. Luke 7:38 –

A. What does it mean? ________________________

B. Why does it matter? ________________________

II. Luke 8:35 –

A. What does it mean? ________________________

B. Why does it matter? ________________________

III. Luke 8:41 –

A. What does it mean? ________________________

B. Why does it matter? _______________________

IV. Luke 10:39 –

A. What does it mean? ________________________

B. Why does it matter? ________________________

V. Luke 17:16 –

A. What does it mean? ________________________

B. Why does it matter? ________________________

Conclusion: The question of the moment is this—Are you at his feet?

The Being Behind the Belief

“…and the Rock was Christ”

(1 Corinthians 10:4)

Introduction: Today’s message is about the influence of rock formation in Christian belief.

I. Christian Hymn – “Rock of Ages” (Augustus M. Toplady)

II. “Rock” – A Noun of Renown (When have you last heard of a noun as—person, place, and thing?)

A. Rock as _________________ (Ex. 33:22)

B. Rock as _________________ (Deut. 32:4)

C. Rock as _________________ (Isa. 26:4)

Conclusion: T. B. Larimore once said of the region Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13,18)—“It was in the presence of this rock-founded, rock-builded, rock-bounded, rock-surrounded, rock-protected, rock-shadowed city that Jesus, the Rock of Ages, the rock for sinners cleft, said to Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church” (The Man from Mars Hill, 73).

“Jacob loved Rachel”

(Genesis 29:18)

Introduction: Genesis 29:15-30 contains the story of Jacob, Laban, and the winning of Rachel.

1. Everybody wants ________________.
   1. Laban wanted _________________
   2. Jacob wanted _________________
   3. What do you want?
2. Here’s A Love Story –
   1. About _____________ Love
   2. About _____________ and ____________ Love
   3. Anticipates ____________________ (Eph. 5:25-32).

Conclusion: Jacob got his eyes on a girl whom he couldn’t forget. Likewise, Christ takes the church to be his bride. The winning of Rachel may be an ancient love story, but it has relevance for all who are compelled by the love of God through Christ. Everybody wants something. What do you want?5