The Italian Memorandum

banal – commonplace; trivial; trite; hackneyed.

(Webster’s New Universal Dictionary, Unabridged, p. 145)

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High / Possessor of heaven and earth; and bless God Most High…”

(Genesis 14:19,20)

On the subject of blessings, David wrote: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, Bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…Bless the Lord, all his work, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!” (Psalm 103:1,2,22). Blessings are meant to be acknowledged:

1. Theologically – “Bless the LORD” (Ps. 103:1)

2. Personally – “my soul” (Ps. 103:1,2)

3. Emotionally – “O my soul” (Ps. 103:1,2,22)

4. Completely – “and all that is within me” (Ps. 103:1)

5. Invitational – “in all places of his dominion” (Ps. 103:22)

In Genesis 12:1-3, we find The Seven Blessings of Abram. Notice the phrase: “I will…” throughout this passage. This is the God of Abram; and these “I will” statements are the avowed course of action of this God. And, the greatest of these is the gospel interjection: “In you shall all the nations be blessed” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” (Galatians 3:8,9,26).

There is no banality in the gospel. Dismiss your slang blahs today!

-Robert M. Housby

The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion

(Adapted from The Wizard of Oz by Robert M. Housby)

Dorothy and Toto were enroute to the Emerald City. In order to make the journey, though, they had to leave Kansas. Along the way, Dorothy met a Scarecrow: ” I’m going to see the Wizard of Oz,” she said. ” I don’t know Oz,” said the Scarecrow. ” In fact, I don’t know anything, because I haven’ t any brains!” Dorothy sighed. And, as they journeyed, another poor fellow emerged, called, the Tin Man. Now, the Tin Man wondered whether the Wizard might possibly give him a heart. They had not traveled much farther before a huge lion bounded out of the woods. When he turned, as if to pounce on Toto, Dorothy shouted: “Don’ t you dare hurt that dog you big coward.” It was then that the lion began to cry, ” I am a coward,” he said. “How can I be the King of beasts without courage?” Then the lion apologized for his rude behavior, and joined the others on the yellow brick road.
In The Wizard of Oz, there is an honest assessment made of what these travelers needed. Dorothy longed for home; Scarecrow for brains; Tin Man for heart; and, the Cowardice Lion for courage. How interesting that Jesus, himself, made mind, heart, and will essential to loving God (Matthew 22:37). The strange thing about “Bible Study” is that it is not really about Bible Study; it is about getting the Christian mind, the Christian heart, and the Christian will. The Lord knows that we need to become more intimate with Him (John 17:3). So, what is it that you should, yourself, be seeking? Honestly, isn’t there something in all of us like the travelers on the yellow brick road?
It is written in the Psalms: ” The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them” (Ps. 111:2, NKJV). May the works of the Lord (from the Creation to Calvary) bring you to studiously apply yourself today!

“… behold, chariots of fire …”

(2 Kings 2:11)

“The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,
thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them …”

(Psalm 68:17)

Her name is Katie Elizabeth Kirkpatrick. She was crowned as Lapeer East High School 2000-01 Homecoming Queen. She was also co-valedictorian at Lapeer. One day, in 2002, she was informed that she had a brain tumor. It would return in the form of a lung cancer the very next year. On Saturday January 15, 2005, Katie appeared in a sparkling gown of crystals, and walked without the tank of oxygen down the aisle on her father’s arm before 500 wedding guests! Then, five days later, after marrying her high school sweetheart, 21 year old Katie Kirkpatrick Godwin went home to be with her Lord.

Most of Rochester College attended her funeral. The ceremony began with a photo collage and a strand from Sarah McLachlan’s, “I Will Remember You.” Her favorite worship songs were also included: “I Stand in Awe,” and “The Joy of the Lord.” Then, in an excerpt from Katie’s valedictorian address, the minister read: “It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook or how great the mistake, a sufficient realization of love will not redeem.” Tears fell that day, as the audience of some 1200 heard: “In the ears of my heart, I think I can hear the trumpets sounding for our girl, Katie.” [Thank you, Lord, for Katie: a faithful member of your church].
Yes, “The chariots of God are twice ten thousand…” (Ps. 68:17). God’s power
is depicted in terms of endless vehicles of His glory in history. Habakkuk 3:8
even speaks of a “…chariot of salvation” (see 3:13). To be involved in this
kind of drama for God, with God, and unto God, is only possible today. For, His
chariots are in motion, and He is among them.

-Robert M. Housby

The content for this article was presented in sermon format by Robert M. Housby
on January 30, 2005 at the Cape Girardeau, Missouri Church of Christ.

“…and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever”

(Psalm 23:6)

The prophet Isaiah said, “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established… and all nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2). This section of scripture speaks of “the house of the LORD.” Some definite points may be taken from this passage:

(1) The “house of the LORD” shall be established in the latter days.
(2) All nations shall flow to it (excitement and motivation).
(3) This house is identified with the will of God and the word of God.

Furthermore, in the book of Isaiah, “the house of the Lord” occupies a triple function:

1. A House (Beth) of Teaching (Isa. 2:2,3)
2. A House (Beth) of Assembly (Isa. 2:2,3)
3. A House (Beth) of Prayer (Isa. 56:7)

We know, today, that “the house of God” is the Lord’s church (1 Timothy 3:16). We are also aware that the church meets regularly; teaches consistently, and prays effectually. Yes, it all happens in the church!

– Robert M. Housby

“For the word of God is living and active…”

(Hebrews 4:12)

Books can be stuffy things. But, the Bible is not one of them. Intelligent men for thousands of years have burned the midnight oil to learn of this unseen God, who proposes to guide men from his inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16,17). There is a sequence that lies embedded in the Book; and, that sequence runs from language to relationship.

1. Psalm 119 begins with biblical language —“the law of the LORD” (119:1); “his testimonies” (119:2); “his ways” (119:3); “your precepts” 119:4);“your statutes” (119:5); “your commandments” (119:6); “your righteous rules”(119:7).
2. Psalm 119, however, from that language, always infers the possibility of a relationship with the living Lord:

a. 119:94 – “I am yours”
b. 119:151 – “But you are near; O LORD”
c. 119:114 – “You are my hiding-place”

As we enter 2005, man is confronted again with the great questions and the ultimate realities: ranging from word to worship; and, from language to living : (John 6:63). Can you say, “I am yours in the New Year?” (See Romans 6:4 on “Newness”). Can you verbalize, mobilize, and glorify in Christ?

– Robert M. Housby

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the

streams of water, That bringeth forth its
fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth
not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper. The wicked are not so…”

(Psalm 1:3,4, ASV)

The Cappadocian biblical scholar, Basil, (c. A.D. 329-379), said the Book of
Psalms “foretells coming events; it recalls history; it frames laws for life; it
suggests what must be done; and, in general, it is the common treasury of good
doctrine” (Basil, Homily 10,1,2). As such, we shall make some brief comments
regarding the “tree” of Psalm 1:3 (quoted above).

1. The “tree” is the “blessed” man (See Psalm 1:1).

2. The “tree” is the man who avoids wicked counsel (See Psalm 1:1,2).

3. The “tree” has a reliable resource from which to grow (Psalm 1:3).

4. The “tree” produces its intended fruit (Psalm 1:3).

5. These traits of the “tree” are not common to the wicked (Psalm 1:4).

Christian growth is very much like the tree of Psalm 1: rooted (Colossians 1:23);
raised (Colossians 3:1,2); ruled (Colossians 3:15,17); and, realized (Colossians
1:10). Often, we put up excuses for our own lack of growth; blame others; shift
responsibility away from ourselves; and find others who are like-minded (hell).
Instead, we should be striving to be the tree of Psalm 1.

– Robert M. Housby

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?”

(Proverbs 1:22, ESV)

The local weather forecast is not the only place where dense fog shows up. According to the Proverb writer, the simple the scoffer and the fool all live in the same dense fog (Proverbs 1:22). This fog is the way of darkness in which the simple walk (Proverbs 2:13). In fact, one of the premier purposes of the book of Proverbs is: “…to give prudence to the simple” (Proverbs 1:4).

A. Who are these “simple” ones of the book of Proverbs?

1. They are actually in love with being simpletons (1:22).
2. They are digging their own grave by rejecting biblical counsel (1:32).
3. They are equated with children who never grew up (7:7).
4. They thrive on immediate gratification and are easily duped (7:8,18,21).
5. They fail to prepare for the future and suffer because of it (27:12).

B. How may the “simple” rise above the denseness of this personal fog?

1. They must commit themselves to biblical understanding (Psalm 119:130).
2. They must understand that the LORD can preserve the simple (Ps. 116:6).
3. They must learn prudence (Proverbs 8:5).
4. They must become more thoughtful and less gullible (Proverbs 14:15).
5. They should realize they are virtually folly magnets (Proverbs 14: 18).
6. They must learn some hard lessons (Proverbs 19:25; 21:11).

“There it is fog, atmospheric moisture still uncertain in destination, not quite weather and not altogether mood, yet partaking of both” (Hal Borland, Sundial of the Seasons, 1964). There is a possibility of a dense fog ahead. So, how’s the weather where you live?

–Robert M. Housby

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

(Galatians 1:6-9, English Standard Version)

The children’s book, “What Makes A Raphael A Raphael?” is an attempt to explain art. We happen to think this is an excellent question. We ask in this article, “What makes a gospel sermon a gospel sermon?”

In Galatians 1:6-9, the apostle Paul presents a scathing criticism against misrepresenting the gospel. Four points arise from within the biblical text:

1. It is possible to distort the gospel message (1:7).
2. Distortions may be detected by a departure from the New Testament (1:6,7).
3. The gospel is not to be changed, by apostles, angels, nor men (1:8,9).
4. Preaching “a different gospel” gets an accursed rating (1:8,9).

We might point out that Raphael was a painter, not a preacher. Attempting to understand Raphael is one thing, and believing the gospel is very much another matter. Psalm 119:89 reads, “Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” The gospel is a settled matter. It was settled when Paul wrote Galatians; it is settled today, and will abide tomorrow and forever (1 Peter 1:25). Is this your faith?

– Robert M. Housby

(Rev. 19:10; Eccl. 7:2,3; Gen. 6:6; Rom. 8:26; 12:15; Eph. 4:30; Acts 20:19,31; 2 Cor. 2:4; Phil. 3:8; Matt. 5:4; Ps. 42:3; 126:5,6; Jn. 11:35)

 

“Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for
there is a reward for your work, declares the LORD”

(Jeremiah 31:16,ESV)

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and
weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with
joy, bringing his sheaves with him”

(Psalm 126:5,6, ASV)

Yes, Jeremiah has come to be known as “the weeping prophet” of God (Lamentations 1;16; Jeremiah 9:1,10; 13:17; 22:10; 31:15,16); and, that he was. Those who work in the role of a servant of God, as Jeremiah did, soon realize that people can wear you out. And, Jeremiah was stressed to the limit with the obstinate and obnoxious people of his day. It is written concerning this people: “…I have become a laughing stock all the day; everyone mocks me”(Jeremiah 20:7). And, then, something happened. God told Jeremiah, “Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work” (Jeremiah 31:16). It is this certainty that our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58), which causes us to continue to care and to continue to carry the message of our God (Matthew 28:18-20).

The “Confessions” of Jeremiah remind us of his constant struggle (10:23,24; 11:18-12:6; 15:10-21; 17:9-11,14-18; 18:18-23; 20:7-18). But, the reminder of the value of the work itself is its own reason for being. Yes, the value of the work itself.

So, the work has value. The only question is, Do we value the work? Never give up; never give in! For, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy!”

–Robert M. Housby

“Beyond the dim unknown, /
Standeth God within the shadow,
keeping watch above his own.”

James Russell Lowell,
The Present Crisis (1844), 8.

There is but one reference in the whole Bible to the term, “Baca.” It is found in Psalm 84:6: “As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a valley of springs…” (ESV). The New English Bible translates this, “…as they pass through the thirsty valley”. The Revised Standard Version has, “the valley of weeping.” The expression, “the Valley of Baca” seems to admit of some kind of troublesome human experience. It does not exactly reveal the specific nature of this human experience though. Could it possibly be an experience of personal loss, danger, loneliness, or sin? Whatever the Psalmist had in mind, perhaps a broad-based idea, he leaves no room to doubt that one can emerge from this “Valley of Baca.” But, to emerge will mean that certain things are in place:

1. (Ps. 84:1) – The LORD must be perceived [“your dwelling place”].
2. (Ps. 84:2) – The LORD must be pursued [“My soul longs… for”].
3. (Ps. 84:3) – The LORD must be personalized [“my King and my God”].
4. (Ps. 84:4) – The LORD must be praised [“ever singing your praise”].
5. (Ps. 84:5) – The LORD must be our power [“whose strength is in you”].
6. (Ps. 84:8) – The LORD must be in our prayers [“hear my prayer”].
7. (Ps. 84:10) -The LORD must be preferred [“I would rather be”].

The German of Psalm 84:6 is Jammertal, “vale of sorrow” (Luther’s translation). Leupold sees in 84:6 a “parched valley,” which serves to bless others and brings springs into their lives through the exemplary life lived (Exposition of the Psalms, p. 606). A Balsam tree was also called a “weeper” (Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, p. 94). If this valley was indeed a valley of balsams, they exuded, as it were, “tears of gum.” May our tears, similarly, be turned into springs and pools of joy to the living God (Ps. 84:2).

–Robert M. Housby