The Italian Memorandum

“ And there arose another generation after them who did
not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel”

(Judges 2:10)

How sad are the words of Judges 2:10. In this brief narrative verse, one is brought face to face with the reality that all it takes for God’s people to fall away is one generation of children who do not know the living Lord.
We may ask, what precipitated this lost generation? Seven observations from the biblical text appear significant:

1. Joshua died (Judges 2:8).
2. The elders who were with Joshua died (Judges 2:10a).
3. There followed a time of individual pursuits (Judges 2:6).
4. New religious convictions were formed (Judges 2:11).
5. Old religious convictions were abandoned (Judges 2:12).
6. God no longer could support their sinful ways (Judges 2:12-15).
7. The people were overtaken by their enemies (Judges 2:14).

We may be accustomed to seeing the phrase, “The Lost Generation” in reference to Hemingway, Stein, or Picasso, but never really seeing that it could also apply to our own children. But, from the lesson of Judges 2, we must never forget that apostasy is only a generation away–if that generation does not know the Lord (Judges 21:25).
Do you and yours’ know the Lord (John 17:3)? Let us not take for granted the things which we learned from our fathers; lest we too become a lost generation.

-Robert M. Housby

“And they will all be taught by God”

(John 6:45)

There are many versions of Christianity in the marketplace today. To most, this is a rather pleasant arrangement, as it allows for a smorgasbord approach to God—take what you want and leave the rest. But, there is a deep problem here. It is the same problem which Isaiah spoke of many years ago:

1. Preferring the word of men above the word of God (Isaiah 29:13).

2. Persevering in a plan that is not God’s plan (Isaiah 30:1).

3. Persistently refusing the Lord’s instruction (Isaiah 30:9).

To be taught by God is not optional (Isaiah 2:1-3; John 6:45;63; Hebrews 8:10-11). Jesus, himself, applied this information to the religious humanists of his day—“…in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:7-8).

So, would you be open to new information—information which comes directly from the Bible—without human creed, without human catechism, and without presumptuous human claim of direct revelation (2 Timothy 3:16,17; Galatians 1:6-9)? So, what is your attitude about Bible study?

Are you reachable or unreachable (Isaiah 59:1,2,21)?

-Robert M. Housby

How much should a Christian do to help another person? This would appear to be a simple question at first glance. However, Matthew 5:40-42 and Matthew 7:6 appear to strike a balance regarding social interaction in the kingdom of God. On the one hand, “going the extra mile” seems normative. But, then, the Lord turns around and labels some as “dogs,” who are unworthy of our efforts.

“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you”

(Matthew 5:40-42)

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you”

(Matthew 7:6)

Paul made an interesting comment to the Galatians—“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10). Paul grounds his approval in God, not man. Still, Paul served his God by serving men (2 Cor. 6:3-113). Then, in the next breath, he qualifies: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers…Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? …Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them says the Lord…” (see 2 Cor. 6:14-18). The bottom line in serving men is to do it for God. Yet, in this service, one is to be prudent and not to reward or indulge the insolent or lazy indigent (see 2 Thess. 3:6-15).

-Robert M. Housby

“And I said to the angel who talked with me, ‘What are these, my lord?’ Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ I said, ‘No, my lord”

(Zechariah 4:4-5)

There is something to be said for second generation faith. Paul said, “I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors… I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (2 Tim. 1:3,5). But, for members of the Lord’s church who have assumed the posture that faith is transferable by mere association, it may come as a surprise that such a notion is problematic nonsense (Heb. 8:10-11). Grandpa and Grandma may have been faithful in their church attendance; gospel meetings; service to others; teaching of children; hospitality; students of the word; and being disciples of Christ— BUT, THEIR FAITH IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERABLE! Each soul must choose whether heaven or hell will be their final home. There will be no piggy-back rides into eternity. Paul would write, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13).
We are planning to deliver a series of lessons from the book of Zechariah this fall. Basic concepts from Zechariah teach personal faith. The Menorah of Zechariah 4:1-14 is one such concept about light. May our brethren learn to get their own faith. The problem with second generation faith is that the individual has not developed a personal faith of their own.

-Robert M. Housby

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”

(1 John 1:8-10, ESV)

The church phone number and the Wood & Huston Bank phone number are similar. In fact, it happens regularly, once or twice a week and sometimes even twice a day, that the church building gets calls intended for the Wood & Huston Bank. When these misdialed calls come into the office, the person on the other end often appears involved in the ego-defense mechanism of denial (a conscious or preconscious distortion of reality). The following is a typical interview: “Hello, Church of Christ, may I help you?” “Wood & Huston Bank?” “No, this is the church of Christ office.” “This isn’t Wood & Huston Bank?” “No, sorry.” “Well, that’s the number I dialed.” “They’re very close.” “Well, okay, if you say so.”

If denial is relevant when it comes to such trivial things as misdialed numbers, how much more applicable when it comes to being true to who we are as sinners. John 1:8-10 addresses this tendency to distort the reality of sin. Notice two distinct types of denial here: (1) Denial of sin as a potential concept (1:8), and (2) Denial of actual sin in one’s personal life.

Sin is being challenged on many levels today. Rather than accept personal responsibility for one’s own sins—other areas are being blamed instead. But, to deny the reality of sin, either in concept and/or behavior, is to deceive oneself, implicate God as a liar, and fail to acquire forgiveness and cleansing. Confess your sins, therefore (1 John 1:9).

-Robert M. Housby

The coffin of Wanda Horowitz was recently vandalized, likely by morbid treasure hunters. Modern generations may not recognize the name of Wanda Horowitz. She was the wife of the accomplished piano maestro, Vladamir Horowitz. Horowitz was born in Kiev, Russia and immigrated to the United States during World War II. Horowitz met his wife through his associations with the Italian conductor and composer Tuscanini. Wanda Horowitz was, in fact, formerly Wanda Tuscanini. She belonged to two of the most renowned musicologists that ever lived, her father and her husband. The criminals are at large as of our last information. Whether they found what they were looking for, or hoping to acquire by their dishonorable deed, we would not know. One thing, which we do know–that which is written on our hearts cannot be taken from us. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).

The Irish James Joyce once wrote, “When I die Dublin will be written in my heart.” Joyce seems to have understood the truth that, not even death itself can erase what is written on our heart. The early Christians were, themselves, reminded of this heart writing, “…I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God…”
(Hebrews 8:10).

We may wonder what was written on the hearts of Vladamir and Wanda Horowitz, or Tuscanini, but that is a matter now sealed for eternity. But, we may ask, when the seal of our own heart shall be broken, what will be found in the blank—“When I die ______ will be written in my heart.”

So, what is your Dublin?

-Robert M. Housby

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in Psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ”

(Ephesians 5:18-21)

The challenge of Ephesians 5:18 is—“be filled with the Spirit…” Paul, here, uses the imperative mood (Be filled!). This is intriguing because the Ephesians were already sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13); which took place when they heard the gospel, believed the gospel, and were baptized (Eph. 1:13b; 5:26). This may account for why Christians sometimes go through periods of apathy. It very well may be that these non-productive periods of spiritual disinterest—whether regarding church attendance, daily devotionals, or, basic outreach beyond themselves—simply happens as a direct result of spiritual emptiness. We do know this, Paul firmly said, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30). If this is Paul’s negative criticism to the Ephesians, his positive direction which he desires for them is expressed in 3:16,19—“…to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God…”

Concerning the challenge of Ephesians 5:18, we may say with certainty: that God wants his people filled; that he wants them filled internally; and, that he desires this to be Spiritual in content. His challenge and your response!?

-Robert M. Housby

(A Cape Church of Christ Sunday Morning Series in March)

Sunday Morning March 5       “Now is the Favorable Time”
                             (Introduction to 2 Corinthians 6)

Sunday Morning March 12      “Why Is ‘Now’ the Favorable Time’?”
                             (Motivation of 2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

Sunday Morning March 1       “Now is ‘the Favorable Time’ for What?”
                             (Basis for a Redemptive View of Time- 2 Corinthians Ch. 5)

Sunday Morning March 26      This Now-ness and You
                             (Living with a Strong Sense of Contemporaneity)

Sunday  Morning April 2      Lessons Learnt in the Crucible of Time
                             (Bringing Relevance to Reality)

“I’m excited about our evangelistic prospects for the future in the Cape congregation. Now is the favorable time. Does anyone doubt this?

–Robert M. Housby

“A glad heart makes a cheerful face”

(Proverbs 15:13)

“When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the friends are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh…

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the cloud of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far…”

–Author unknown

The story is told of a man visiting the Louvre in Paris. He went through the entire museum and commented sarcastically to the doorman upon his leave, “I didn’t see a thing in there!” The doorman smiled and gently replied, “Don’t you wish you could have?” (Arlie J. Hoover, Fallacies of Unbelief, p. 64). We cannot always be of a chipper disposition (John 11:35; Philippians 4:11; Proverbs 15:13). But, what determines whether we spend our days in a chipper mood or a dismal flurry of bitterness? It is written, “good news refreshes the bones” (Proverbs 15:30). The gospel is a message that must be internalized and verbalized (Romans 10:8-11). If we wait for chipper days, we miss the point. We must activate what we know by the gospel. There are no chipper days, only chipper people (see James 5:13). May it be so with you.

-Robert M. Housby

(Rethinking 2 Corinthians 6)

“If I only had the time…”

The apostle Paul urges all Christians to live with a redemptive view of time (2 Cor. 6:2; Eph. 5:16). To rethink 2 Corinthians 6 is to be confronted by Paul’s Biblical philosophy of time:

1. Grace (6:2 is connected to 6:1). Often, in the church, we hear—let’s study “grace,” “reconciliation,” or “ministry”. Note: these are all present in the verses leading up to 2 Corinthians 6 (see 5:11-21). There is a place for topical Bible study. But, it mustn’t be forgotten that biblical context is as much a part of inspiration as are isolated Bible words.

2. Now (6:2, twice). Note the strong sense of contemporaneity (now-ness). This stands in contradistinction to procrastination or laissez faire.

3. Favorable time (6:2, twice). There is a complete theology behind this phrase (see Isa. 49:8; Ps. 32:6; 69:13; Heb. 3:13).

4. Salvation (6:2, twice). What is it? (see 5:14,15). Where is it? (see 5:16,17). How is it acquired? (see 5:18-21). Is it worth it? (see 6:3-10).

Although these Christians had been baptized, some were not living the life (5:15). “We implore you…be reconciled to God…Now is the favorable time” (5:20; 6:2).

-Robert M. Housby