The Italian Memorandum

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”

(John 4:23)

There are central concepts to Christian worship, as indicated on the pages of the Bible. But, these central concepts have been marginalized. In other words, marginal notes and human ideas have become more important than the text of the Bible. For example, in John 4:20-26 we learn just how far moderns have actually strayed from the original will of God regarding Christian worship:

A. Note, the text says, “true worshipers” (Jn. 4:23). But, in modern religious thinking there are only “worshipers.” What happened to the word “true”?! Furthermore, John 4:24 says, “in spirit and truth;” not just in spirit.

B. John 4:24 reads, “… and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (emphasis mine, RMH). But, in modern religious thinking there is no “must.” What happened to the word “must”?

Jesus’ remarks in John 4 should not be surprising; for, they reflect the monotheistic principles of Deuteronomy 12:

1. There is a way to worship, and a way not to worship (Deut. 12:4,5).
2. Privatized and pluralistic religion is not the way to worship (Deut. 12:8).
3. Popular opinion is not the way to worship (Deut. 12:29,30).
4. Worship carries with it these warnings: “Take care…” and “Be careful…” (Deut. 12:13,28,32).

The pagan garage sale is an option, but not for “the true worshipers” of God!

-Robert M. Housby

THE LAST WEEK IN THE LIFE OF JESUS OF NAZARETH

with Special Emphasis on the Gospel of John

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[Brother Robert Housby is preparing a Study-Guide to be used in the Sunday Morning Bible
Class. This class will take a look at the last week in the life of Christ. It is entitled, The Last
Call, and will begin in September, 2005]

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more they were called, the more they went away.”

(Hosea 11:1,2)

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod.
This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, Out of Egypt I called my son.”

(Matthew 2:13-15)

Jesus was called by God (Matt. 2:15). That call had purpose (Isaiah 42:6). By John 13:1, Jesus’ call is in its final stages. It is associated theologically with the Passover; and with an appointed Hour; and, with the investment of agape Love. The Last Call will take us to the threshold of Calvary and beyond. You, too, are now called to participate (Romans 1:1,6,7; 8:28,30; 9:24; Phil. 3:14).

-Robert M. Housby

“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”

(Numbers 11:4-6)

God was not pleased with most of the children of Israel in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:5). Moses observed, “And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled” (Numbers 11:1). We are told in Scripture that, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Ps. 103:8). So, what was Israel’s real problem, after all, God had blessed this people with unimaginable blessings? Numbers 11 and Psalm 106 contain information about what really happened in the wilderness:

1. They complained despite the provisions of God (Numb. 11:1).
2. They preferred the delicacies of Egypt (Numb. 11:6).
3. They forgot what God had done for them (Ps. 106:7,13, 21).

The melons and cucumbers of Egypt are but symbols of what was most important to the Israelites. Their legacy is an example of rebellion (Hebrews 3:8). Their rebellion was religious rebellion: for they rejected Moses, the chosen (Ps. 106:16,23); they rejected true worship (Ps. 106:19); and, ultimately, they rejected their God (Ex. 16:8; 1 Sam. 8:7,8; 10:18,19).

Christians, too, must take care not to complain, prefer the world, or forget.

-Robert M. Housby

“And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth”

(Genesis 7:10)

The Jew, Philo of Alexandria, Egypt (c. 20 B.C. – 50 A.D.), asked this question: “Why, after the entrance of Noah into the ark, did seven days elapse, after which the deluge [flood, RMH] came?” (Questions and Answers on Genesis II (13), from The Works of Philo: Complete and Unabridged, New Updated Edition, translated by C.D. Yonge (Hendrickson Publishers: Peabody, Massachusetts, 1993), p. 819.
We offer several reasons for the relative delay. First, according to Genesis 7:4- 9, these days may have been given for the marching of the animals into the ark. For, Genesis 7:10 seems to intimate that once Noah and the animals had entered the ark, there was a space of seven days. Genesis 7:16 indicates that God, himself, shut the door of the ark. Perhaps, God spared Noah of this sorrow-laden action, namely, the closing of the door of hope. Second, Philo offers the possibility that this may have been a reflection of the seven days of creation, except in reverse. A third possibility is that this delay was yet another opportunity for man to express his remorse and acknowledgment of God the Father; not that he would be admitted into the ark, but that his faith would be duly noted. 1 Peter 3:20 reads, “…while God’s patience waited in the days of Noah;” and again, “…not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).
It is written, after those seven days, “… all the fountains of the great deep
burst forth” (Gen. 7:11). “But God remembered Noah” (Gen. 8:1).

-Robert M. Housby

“…That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers”

(Hebrews 2:11)

The doctrine of “brethren” is a very important study. It is vital to the development of every Christian coming into the body of Christ to understand this concept. It is a term found plentifully throughout the Bible, and especially within the New Testament (adelphos). It is the term typically used to express relationship.

1. A genetic relationship, that is, siblings (Acts 1:14). The Hebrew is ah. The term for tribe is the plural ahim (compare Judges 1:3).
2. A cultural relationship, that is, Hebrew (Acts 1:16; 13:26a; Ex. 2:11).
3. A religious relationship, that is Jewish (Acts 1:29,37). Further indication of their Jewish religiousness may be seen in Acts 2:14, 22. There is over-lapping between cultural heritage and religious heritage. Carefully notice, also, that although this group was indeed religious, they were not as of yet forgiven; nor recipients of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38,41). Polite address seems evident in Acts 2:37 (see Gen. 29:4).
4. A relationship of Christian Sonship (Hebrews 2:10-13,17). Sonship is a relationship between the believer and God entered into through Christian baptism; that is by being born-anew (John 3:5; Tit. 3:5).
5. A relationship of love, as meaningful and mandatory (1 Jn 4:19-21).

To neglect this prime-time doctrine of “brethren” will lead to a failed relationship with Christ, with the church, and even with oneself (1 Jn. 3:10).

-Robert Housby

[Involvement Depends on Interest]

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called …”

(Ephesians 4:1)

There will be little involvement in the Christian faith, if there is but meager interest in the program of the gospel. Greater involvement as service to Christ and his church (Ephesians 3:21) will only happen when Christians are captivated by “the calling.” (Ephesians 4:1). In other words, minimal interest equals minimal involvement.
Ephesians 4:1 speaks of “the calling to which you have been called.” Certainly, the apostle Paul is urging the Ephesians to walk in a worthy manner. Yet, in order to bring this about, Paul knew that he had to get through to the Ephesians. He must break into their thinking (Eph. 4:23). He does this by appealing to the common Christian call— the gospel call (2 Thess. 2:14); the kingdom call; the glory call (1 Thess. 2:12); and, “the upward call” (Phil. 3:14).
If the Christian’s call is not personalized, Christ will only be marginalized, and minimized. Only when there is interest in the gospel, will there be involvement in the gospel. The gospel is captivating enough to both interest and involve you today: “Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

-Robert M. Housby

“You were unmindful of the Rock…”

(Deuteronomy 32:18)

“…For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.
Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased…”

(1 Corinthians 10:4,5)

It is written: “You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you, and you forgot the God who gave you birth” (Deuteronomy 32:18). The apostle Paul wrote concerning the children of Israel, “…with most of them God was not pleased” (1 Corinthians 10:5). Today, people in general and Christians in particular, are influenced by the “spirit of their age.” That is the reason why Paul wrote: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…” (Romans 12:2). The term “world” in Romans 12:2 is aionion; and means “age,” the spirit of the age, or by implication, what is currently and culturally normal. One such norm of our world is the, “Easy Come and Easy Go” mentality. In other words, little invested and little lost. Commitment is under discussion.
The Rock is God’s chosen designation of stability for his people (Deuteronomy 32). Be mindful of your Rock today; and the Rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-22).
“Easy Come and Easy Go” was not written of the soul.

-Robert M. Housby

“And Agrippa said to Paul, In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am…”

(Acts 26:28,29)

Old King Agrippa must have realized that he had his hands full with the apostle Paul. Here was Paul, a chained prisoner (Acts 26:29), face-to-face with King Agrippa and his advisor Festus. The text says that Paul spoke boldly to both Agrippa and Festus; so much so, that they were even disappointed because he could have been set free, had he not made an appeal to Caesar (Acts 26:26, 31,32). Note the following major Christian concepts from this passage:

1. Salvation is for all men (Acts 26:17,18,22). Its benefits include receiving forgiveness and sanctification by faith (Acts 26:18).
2. The Christian message is communicated in rational words (Acts 26:25); verified in the prophets (Acts 26:22), and centered in the gospel (Acts 26:22,23).
3. Repentance is a turning to God through deeds (Acts 26:20, see v. 18).
4. It is possible to be a “Christian” (Acts 26:28,29; 11:26).

In the middle of Paul’s speech, we may notice a very special observation: “To his day I have had the help that comes from God” (Acts 26:22). Are you a Christian, or almost persuaded? Keep in mind, that Agrippa believed, but was not yet a Christian (Acts 26:27). Christians turn as well as learn.

-Robert M. Housby

“You are God’s field”

(1 Corinthians 3:9)

What a tremendous thought to envision the Lord our God laboring in a field, and to know that that field is His work among men. The apostle would say to the Corinthian church, “You are God’s field” ( 1 Corinthians 3:9). By extension of this same imagery, we may speak of the planting of the Lord’s church in our own community today.

1. We are standing in the very field and heritage of the early church. This would include the legacy of Paul, Sosthenes, and Apollos, for example (1 Cor. 1:1; 3:6).

2. While our human labor is certainly not of a meritorius kind (1 Cor. 3:7), still, it’ s said to have “wages” (1 Cor. 3:8).

3. Concerning these ” wages,” 1 Corinthians 3:8 relates that ” …each will receive is wages according to his labor.“

4. Notice the unity and camaraderie involved in doing church work: ” …He who plants and he who waters are one” (1 Cor. 3:8).

5. Comprehend, also, that God is interested in church ” growth” ( 1 Cor. 3:7).

6. In fact, God is the supreme giver of church growth (1 Cor. 3:6,7).

Yes, we will come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves. Be assured, God does know of your labors, and he will never forget every little thing you do in his name. You are God’s field! And, may you do with your acre what he expects; nothing more and nothing less.

-Robert M. Housby

” Have Thine own way Lord! Have Thine own way! Search me and try me, Master today…”

-Adelaide A. Pollard, Have Thine Own Way, Lord

And so, another Sunday rolled around. The church was all gathered as usual, singing the old songs, and praying for the standard blessings from heaven. The preacher began his sermon that morning with a question, ” Suppose that God wanted to use you today, could he?” He then paused. But, this pause was no ordinary pause. This pause was a silence of some thirty-seconds! Now, the church at this particular place was not at all accustomed to very good preaching. But, here was a question that was more about the individual in the pew than it was about the preacher in the pulpit. So, after some personal introspection, and not a little shifting about, the preacher had the audacity to ask the very same question again. Suppose that God did want to use you, and he wanted to use you today, could he? He proceeded with the sermon:

1. First, God cannot use someone who is too busy accomplishing their own agenda; if he can’t gain you on the first day of the week, it’s not likely that he’ll have you on a Wednesday or a Thursday either (Matt. 6:24)..
2. Secondly, if God cannot use you today, he cannot use you at all; for today is all we have to give (Col. 4:5).

Soon the sermon was over. They sang a closing song, “Let Him Have His Way
with Thee,” and broke for lunch. But, before they left the church building that
day, they would all get a church bulletin. Strangely, the bulletin was entitled,
“Suppose God Wanted to Use You Today!”

-Robert M. Housby