The Italian Memorandum

[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

(The following reprint comes from, As A Man Thinketh, Batsell B. Baxter, Washington Industries, P.O. Box 1301, Nashville, TN 37202, 1966. It is adapted with comments and scriptural references by Robert M. Housby, Cape Girardeau Missouri Church Bulletin,

June 19, 2005)

Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) an American lawyer, politician, and writer, often lectured on his creed of agnosticism, and in other ways displayed animosity toward orthodox Christian beliefs.
During his travels in England on one occasion he was staying in a small hotel somewhere in the midlands, at the same time a preacher happened to be staying at the same hotel. Upon learning that the famous Ingersoll was a fellow-guest, the preacher asked for an interview and sat down to talk with the noted agnostic. In the conversation the preacher asked, “Mr. Ingersoll, some months ago I wrote to you challenging you to a debate concerning the Bible. Why did you not respond?” Mr. Ingersoll asked, “Do you believe that baptism is necessary for salvation?” The preacher responded that he did not believe that it was required. Mr. Ingersoll asked for a copy of the Bible, and when he received it he opened it to the sixteenth chapter of Mark and the sixteenth verse. He read, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.” Mr. Ingersoll then explained, “Why should I debate the Bible with you? You don’t believe it either.”
Christian baptism is a belief and practice of the early church, as commanded by Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins (Romans 6:3-5; 6:17; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; 22:16). This is the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4:5, and the “washing of regeneration” of Titus 3:5. There is water in the plan of salvation as surely as there was water in the plan for Noah (1 Peter 3:21). This baptism is an action “into” Christ by faith (Galatians 3:26,27). We are raised in baptism by God to receive the benefits of the resurrection (Colossians 2:12). Become a New
Testament Christian today! Accept the Bible alone: without creed or catechism.

-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

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like this. A merchant looking out for fine pearls found one of very special value; so he went and sold everything he had and bought it.”

(Matthew 13:45,46 REB)

The parable of The Pearl of Great Price raises a profound question, “How important is the pearl to you?” Since the entire context of Matthew 13 is about the kingdom, not to mention the preface to 13:45,46 being “kingdom” content, we are to understand, therefore, that this pearl is also about the kingdom.
Now, we know that the kingdom has specific content:

1. The kingdom is about people (Matt. 13:2)……………………………. Church
2. The kingdom is about the word of God (Matt. 13:23)……………… Bible
3. The kingdom is about the harvest (Matt. 13:39)…………………….. Service

Now, regarding Matthew 13:45,46 – the pearls are concretions formed within the bodies of certain mollusks, especially, Avicula margaritifera, found in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. But, we must keep in mind that we are in parabolic territory, where the point is not about what’s being pointed out, but, rather, about what the Master meant. And, what did Jesus mean here? If the merchant is Christ, the pearl is the church (see Tenney, ZPBD, 632). If, however, the merchant is a disciple (as we tend to think), then what is meant here is nothing short of the disciples’ commitment to obtain what is truly valuable in this world, and in the next.
Two lessons appear significant in this parable: (1) There is a cost to be made to
acquire the pearl, and (2) According to Jesus, the pearl is worth every cost involved.
So, with Jesus, we say: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful
pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and
bought it” (NKJV).
How important is the pearl to you– Church, Bible, Serving?

-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!

“And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance that their fasting may be apparent and seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward in full already”

(Matthew 6:16, The Amplified New Testament)

What happens when Christian commitment turns into discontentment? Consider the man of Matthew 6:16. Here is an individual practicing “fasting” as a religious commitment. But, Jesus cautions this person not to become like the hypocrites of his day, who tend to turn such an expression of faith into a sick form of personal pain. It is written, elsewhere, “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart…therefore you shall serve your enemies” (Deuteronomy 28:47,48). There is a tendency among God’s people to show discontent: “In the morning you shall say, If only it were evening! and at evening you shall say, If only it were morning!” To these, the Lord says, I will send you back to Egypt in ships! (see Deuteronomy 28:67,68).
So, how do we feel about church, scripture, giving, serving, singing, and praying? Do you serve the Lord with gladness? Do you enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise? Part of being a Christian is doing a personal inventory. The apostle Paul, in speaking of the Lord’s Supper, said: “Let a person examine himself” (1Corinthians 11:28). He would again encourage the Corinthians: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Dismal cannot be your demeanor, because it is not your destiny. Now, while the sands of the hourglass are falling, lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh (Rom. 13:11; Lk. 21:28).

-Robert M. Housby

“…I do not box as one beating the air”

(1 Corinthians 9:26)

In the new television series, The Contender, Sugar Ray Leonard and Sylvester “Rocky” Stallone bring their expertise to a group of common, everyday men and their families. These men are battling as underdogs for a better life. The apostle Paul, himself, uses a boxing illustration in 1 Corinthians 9:26. He is expressing how serious and committed he is to the cause of Christ in his own life. He is not “shadow-boxing,” as it were, he is a Christian, contending in the very arena of reality itself.
In the story of the Jews, Jacob plays a major role. Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah. The Bible tells the story of how Jacob was born, struggling in the womb (Gen. 25:22) and holding on to his twin brother’s heel (Gen. 25:26). Genesis 25:23 plainly expresses that these two brothers would be two nations (Gen. 25:23). Later, in the life of Jacob, he is found wrestling with an angel in a symbolic action that would change his name from “Jacob” to “Israel” (Gen. 32:28): “What is your name? And he said, Jacob. Then he said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed…And there he blessed him” (32:29).

The biblical basis for contending is relevant (Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:3-6; 2 Tim. 4:7):

1. May our prayer be the prayer of Psalm 35 – “Contend, O LORD…” on our behalf and for our welfare (Ps. 35:1,23,27).
2. May we contend for the gospel (Philippians 1:27).
3. May we contend for Christ and His church (Eph. 3:21).
4. May we contend for our families (Eph. 5:33-6:4).

The Contender is more than a made-for-television series. The Contender is in you.

-Robert M. Housby