The Italian Memorandum

Christianity, from its beginnings, has always prompted thinking people to question whether “these things be so” (Acts 5:24; 7:1, 54; 17:20; 1 Peter 3:15). Now, there is a debate in American society that involves a fundamental Christian doctrine—the origin of the universe (John. 1:1-3; Rev. 4:11). The purpose of the below points are to explain why this debate matters.

Why Does this Debate Matter?

1. The gospel message includes intelligent design (Acts 7:48-50; 14:14- 17; 17:22-29).

2. The gospel provides a model of criticism against the General Theory of Evolution (Romans 1:18-25).
3. Christian worship includes and demands God as Creator/Redeemer (Revelation 4:11).

4. The question of origin is a thoroughly Christian doctrine (Colossians 1:16-17; Rev. 3:14)

5. Christianity is content controversial and formatted for question and answer (Q&A) (1 Peter 3:15; Acts 28:30-31; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

We do not believe that every Christian needs to become a scientist. We do believe, however, that every Christian must confess Christ before men (Matthew 10:32-33; Philippians 2:9-11).

-Robert M. Housby

“And the priest said to them, Go in peace.
The journey on which you go is under the eye of the LORD”

(Judges 18:6)

The New Testament contains a phrase which expresses a profound sentiment from God to man—“Go in peace”(Luke 7:50; 8:48). This concept is elsewhere expressed in such terms as: “Now the God of peace be with you” (Romans 15:33) and, “the Lord of peace himself give you peace” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Where does this rich religious thought originate? We understand that the New Testament term “peace” came from the Hebrew concept shalom.

1. Shalom was a greeting of well-wishing (see Gen. 29:6).

2. Shalom meant security; contentment; and, sometimes absence of war (Ps. 4:8; Isa. 26:3; 1 Sam. 7:14).

3. Shalom carried the theological idea—to journey under the eye of the Lord (Judg. 18:6).

Those “in Christ” may go in peace. “Peace be with you all that are in Christ.” (1 Pet. 5:14). Is it well with you today?

-Robert M. Housby

“the purpose of his will”

(Eph. 1:5)

“the mystery of his will”

(Eph. 1:9)

“the counsel of his will”

(Eph. 1:11)

When we reflect upon what makes life worth living, the words of old Mark Twain come to mind: “Now, that will depend on the liver” (London Punch). In addition to Twain’s pithy and pointed remark, it remains to be said that the life worth living is the life lived out in the will of God.

In referring to Ephesians chapter 1 as Paul’s Magnum Opus, we mean his great literary contribution to the inspired word of God. Many biblical prophets were not literary—Elijah and Elisha, for example. Paul was the Lord’s “chosen instrument” (Acts 9:15); and, as such, he wrote most of the New Testament.

“His will” takes on three dimensions in Ephesians 1: Purpose, Mystery, and Counsel (1:5,9,11). Unlike those who neglect their creator/redeemer, and have no meaning for their existence, Christians know meaning. Christians seek to live in the will of God; and in the will of God, they find their meaning, their power, and their affirmation of what is truly worthy.

-Robert M. Housby

“Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently”

(Acts 26:3)

Most people today have little understanding of the Bible. They may be fluent and conversant in The Da Vinci Code, Harry Potter, or, pop psychology, but they definitely lack an accurate knowledge of the gospel. One such area where the gospel is surely misunderstood regards the fact that it makes an appeal: it asks something from those who hear it.

In Acts 26, Paul makes his defense before King Agrippa. It is in 26:3 where we find an appeal; an appeal to listen with patience to the message of the gospel. If 26:2,3 was all the information we had of Paul’s appeal, we might think that he was only interested in vindicating his own name. However, a perusal of the rest of his speech shows the substance of his appeal (see 26:6,8,9,18,23).

1. 26:3 – “I beg you [Agrippa]”
2. 26:20 – “that they [Damascus/Jerusalem/Judea/Gentiles]”
3. 26:29 – “all that hear me this day might become as I am”

The older English has the word “beseech” to convey this appeal. Surely, the gospel has been found amusing by those who reject its appeal. But, the gospel makes an appeal; and this appeal has never been repealed.

-Robert M. Housby

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Life “in Christ” is about newness (2 Cor. 5:17). When Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “The old has passed away,” he uses a historical tense, pointing back to a definite moment and event (that is, baptism: see Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 3:26,27). This newness is constantly new (perfect tense—“…the new has come”). Although the Old Testament speaks of newness from the standpoint of God (Lamentations 3:23 and Isaiah 43:18,19), under the new covenant, newness is extended to the believer himself/herself—“if anyone is in Christ.” Newness changes how the believer looks outward upon the universe:

1. Re: Nature –“This is my Father’s world” (contra randomness; Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:15-17; 2 Cor. 10:5).
2. Re: Knowledge—absolute knowledge (contra sensory and limited; 2 Pet. 1:20,21; 2 Cor. 2:14; 11:6).
3. Re: Ethics—according to the will of God (contra humanistic and situational (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 13:5).
4. Re: History—purpose, meaning, goal (contra chance cycles/ uniformitarianism; Heb. 9:28; 2 Cor. 6:1-3).
5. Re: Death—hope, good courage (contra hopelessness, fatalism, the end; 2 Cor. 5:1-10).

Newness today, newness tomorrow, and newness through eternity! Take time to evaluate where you are on life’s journey. It is never more exciting than being “in Christ”!

-Robert M. Housby

“…though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow”

(Isaiah 1:18)

The color red is the color of sin (Isaiah 1:18). It has the longest light rays, and is usually associated with warning, even in the modern world of our own 21st century. Stop signs are red. Bio-hazardous materials are coded red, as well as other human threats.

1. The word red in Hebrew is derived from the root, dam, signifying blood
(Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, 708).

2. The Old Testament tabernacle was covered with dyed animal skins
(Exodus 25:5).

3. The Bible speaks of the redness of one’s eyes as compared to wine: “his eyes are darker than wine” (Genesis 49:12).

4. Certain astronomical phenomena are depicted in terms of blood red
(Joel 2:31; Revelation 6:12).

5. Water is described in 2 Kings 3:22,23 as being red as blood.

6. The red-heifer of Numbers 19 has tremendous theological symbolism
(Hebrews 9:13,14).

7. Messiah himself (Christ Jesus, Jn. 1:41) is ultimately clad in red
(Revelation 5:6,9; John 19:34).

The greatest threat of all is sin; bloody-red, deadly sin. But, the greatest redemptive feat of the universe is God’s substitutionary atonement through Christ Jesus, the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:21; Jn. 3:16; Isaiah 1:18)!

-Robert M. Housby

“Blow a trumpet in Zion: sound an alarm on my holy mountain!”

(Joel 2:1)

NEW 2005 SUNDAY NIGHT SERIES!

EXPOSING MAJOR FALSE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES:

BY EXALTING THE WORD OF GOD OVER HUMAN CREEDS

______________________________________

“WHY IS THIS SERIES NEEDED TODAY?”

1. False teachers and false doctrines are in the world today
(Matt. 7:15; 24:11; 2 Cor. 11:12-15, 26; 2 Pet. 2:1; 1 Jn. 4:1).

2. God’s people are to hate “every false way” that so-called religious leaders are advocating (Ps. 119:104, 128; Jer. 23:16, 28, 33-36).

3. The church is “the pillar and ground of the truth”
(1 Tim. 3:15).

To assume that, “One religion is as good as any other,” or that, “One church is as good as any other,” is to buy into religious pluralism (see Col. 1:23). Neither the gospel, nor the church, is doctrinally pluralistic (Gal. 1:6-9; Eph. 4:4-6).

– Robert M. Housby

“…according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us…”

(Ephesians 1:7,8)

The church sign read: “THOSE WHO FEAR HIM LACK NOTHING.” It is an exact quotation from Psalm 34:9 (NEB). The longer we view this quote the more curious it becomes. We are certain that “the riches,” of which the New Testament speaks, deserves clarification.

Professor of literature at the University of Warsaw, Jan Kott, said of wealth—“In the Middle Ages the clearest image of wealth was a bag full of golden pieces. Each of them could be weighed in hand. For many centuries wealth meant fields, meadows and woods, flocks of sheep, a castle and villages. Later a ship loaded with pepper, or cloves, or big granaries filled with sacks of wheat, cellars full of wines, stores along the Thames emitting a sour smell of leather and the choking dust of cotton. Riches could be seen, handled and smelt. It was only later that they dematerialized, became a symbol, something abstract. Wealth ceased to be a concrete thing and became a slip of paper with writing on it” (Shakespeare Our Contemporary, Doubleday & Company: garden City, New York, 1964) 5,6. Today, we know that wealth is represented on computers as mere numbers, but numbers nevertheless. So, if riches can be represented without concrete equivalence, why not realize that although the Christian faith is not about material acquisitions, they are still valuable spiritual possessions.

1. Theological “riches” (ploutos) are conditional (Romans 10:12).
2. Theological “riches” (ploutos) are ironical (Proverbs 13:7).
3. Theological “riches” (ploutos) are present and futuristic (Ephesians 1:7,8; 2:7).
4. Theological “riches” (ploutos) are practical and glorious (Ephesians 3:16).

The time has come to realize what we have.

-Robert M. Housby

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s

feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me. But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:38-42)

The story of Mary and Martha offers many valuable insights. We use the term insight because an insight, in addition to being discernment, also means introspection. In other words, this story allows us to see ourselves. Consider some interesting observations about this event:

1. It was Martha, not Mary, who initiated the visit (Lk. 10:38).
2. Mary, by sitting at the Lord’s feet, chose close proximity (Lk. 10:39).
3. Martha makes two pointed statements, not one (Lk. 10:40).
4. Although, Martha is concerned about Mary’s behavior, a closer look reveals that she directs both of her statements to Jesus: “…do you not care…?” and “Tell her…” (question and command) (Lk. 10:40).
5. The doublet, “Martha, Martha” shows Jesus’ tender concern (Lk. 10:41).
6. Since this is a comparative study, “Mary has chosen…” infers that Martha has also chosen (Lk. 10:42).
7. Is Jesus’ last comment, “which will not be taken away from her,” in force today through Bible-Study?

Won’t you sit at the Master’s feet today, and learn while you may?

-Robert M. Housby

“…This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way as you have seen him go into heaven.”

(Acts 1:11)

The Second Coming of Jesus is meant in Acts 1:9-11. The late J. W. Roberts, a recognized Greek scholar within the churches of Christ, said of Acts 1:10,11— “This declaration that the Lord will return is a basic tenet of the Gospel proclamation (Acts 3:21; 17:31; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 1:10) (Acts of Apostles, Part 1: Austin, TX: Sweet Publishing, 1967), 15. The respected 19th century scholar, J.W. McGarvey, wrote concerning this passage: “It is a positive announcement of a literal and visible second coming” (Original Commentary On Acts of Apostles. 7th ed. Nashville, Tenn, Gospel Advocate Co 1978), 19.

Unlike many other religions, Christianity is based upon a linear approach to history. That is, we believe that the world had a beginning and shall have an ending (Genesis 1:1; Acts 1:11). We do not believe in superstition, nor circular world-views, such as are found in the Eastern religions (re-incarnation, etc). Furthermore, the second coming of Christ teaches world judgment (Acts 17:31). But, both, the Second Coming of Christ and the judgment of mankind are currently being challenged: Namely, “Thou shalt not be certain about the truth of any one religion; and, Thou shalt not be morally conservative. Sin is often viewed as nothing more than a neurosis caused by socio-economic and psychological factors. And so, some say, the hope of salvation is available only through counseling, psychiatry, and education. Christians know better (Prov. 1:7). May the Second Coming serve to heighten our awareness of his expectations for us.

We await his return (2 Pet. 3:4; Heb. 9:28).

-Robert M. Housby