The Italian Memorandum

“If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen
the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom
helps one to succeed.”

(Ecclesiastes 10:10)

A proverb is a brief pithy statement meant to convey wisdom. As such, we see that Ecclesiastes 10:10 conveys the wisdom that a dull axe will require considerable more strength than a sharp axe. This information is both simple and sound. But, biblical proverbs often have farther reaching implications than their immediate applications. Such is the case here. An individual may also be sharp or blunt. We tend to associate dullness with I. Q. (Intelligence Quotient). However, while there is a connection between succeeding and natural ability, we have known plenty of smart individuals who live very stupid lives. We have all heard the adage: “He’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer.” Therefore, we are persuaded to think of sharp or dull in terms of Ecclesiastes 7:18: “…for a man who fears God will succeed…”(NEB).

It is important that we stay sharp. Consider three dynamics for staying sharp:

1. God wants his people to succeed (Deuteronomy 29:9; Joshua 1:8;
Ecclesiastes 7:18; 10:10; 3 John 2). See that God is involved in one’s life.
2. God provides wisdom that his people may succeed (Proverbs 1:1-7;
Colossians 1:9, 28; 2:2,3; 3:16). See that God’s plan is a power to succeed.
3. Stay sharp and work smart (Ecclesiastes 10:10). Respond to God.

Perhaps, you have been sharp, but are now going through a dull period. You can feel your strength being taxed to the point of burn-out. God has a way to whet your edge. And, it all begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Dullards will suffer. So, stay sharp and work smart.

– Robert M. Housby

“We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing:
Sing praises to His name, He forgets not his own!”

(We Gather Together, Valerius’s Collection, 1626)

The term “gospel” is defined in modern English as, “good news.” The gospel derives itself historically from the ancient prophecy of Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation…” The apostle Paul quotes this Isaiah passage in Romans 10:15.

We frequently use the term gospel and its meaning of good news to express what God has rendered to mankind through the preaching of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:25). In this brief expose, we shall consider how Luke’s Gospel shows the gospel to be a resource of blessing:

1. Luke begins and ends with a theme of “blessing” (1:28,42,45,48,68; 2:28, 34; 24:50,51). Although Luke begins his gospel with a historical format, we can see a theological theme of blessing merge and continue through the gospel.
2. Luke shows how “blessing” is a mutual activity (6:20,21,22; 7:23; 9:16;
10:23; 11:27,28; 12:37,38; 23:29).
3. The ending of Luke clarifies that the gospel is especially meant to
“bless” (24:50-53; Genesis 12:3).

He blesses and blesses. Have we understood these things?

–Robert M. Housby

A BIBLE SERIES ABOUT THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION OF THIS ELECTION YEAR!

Speaker: Ted Spencer

Church of Christ
328 S. West End Blvd. Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Sunday October 31

• 9 A.M. … … … Hear the Voice of Our King
• 10 A.M. … … … Jehovah Our Righteous King
• 6 P.M. … … … “Will You Vote to Honor Our King?”

Monday November 1

• 7 P.M. … … … Righteousness Exalts a Nation Before the King

Tuesday November 2

• 7 P.M. … … … Amazing Grace of Our King

Plan to Be Present Each Night of Our Gospel Meeting Bring A Friend. Refreshments following Each Presentation

“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

( from the Gospel of Luke)

“Those things are dearest to us that have cost us most”

-Montaigne

“For I say unto you, that this which is written must
be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with transgressors…”

(Luke 22:37, ASV, emphasis mine, RMH)

It would be an understatement, indeed, to say that Jesus lived an amazing life. Not only did he perform wonders (Acts 2:22), he was, himself, a Wonder (see Isaiah 9:6). By reading the gospel accounts, one gets the sense that Jesus lived his life with a great purpose, compelling him on to some glorious goal. The “I
must”statements of the Gospel of Luke are especially of interest to us. They express a grammatical imperative (mei dei from deo – binding, necessary, obligatory). Let us examine the “I must” statements of our Lord from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 9:22; 17:25; 22:37; 24:7; 24:44):

1. Luke 2:49 – “I must be about my Father’s business”
2. Luke 4:43 – “I must preach the kingdom of God”
3. Luke 13:33 – “Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following … ”
4. Luke 19:5 – “… Zacheus, make haste, and come down; for today I
must abide at thy house”

In a world of “maybe,” “possibly,” and “perhaps,” it is truly refreshing to be exposed to someone who lived with a sense of “I must.” Yes, before he was bound to the cross, he was bound by “I must.”

-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

“…Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river…”

(Isaiah 66:12)

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace,
for them that make peace”

(James 3:18)

The Lord calls us to a life of peace (Psalm 34:14; 119:165; Psalm 46:4; Proverbs 12:20; Isaiah 26:3; 48:18,22; 66:12; 1 Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 4:7; 1 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14). And, what is this peace? this shalom of the ancient patriarchs and prophets?

1. What this peace is not – This peace is not false optimism. Isaiah (Isa. 57:19-21), Jeremiah (Jer. 6:14; 8:11) and Ezekiel (Ezek. 13:10) all affirm this very point. Jesus, himself, cautioned against unreal expectations of this world (John 14:27). This peace is not the absence of war, nor of tribulation, but the blessed security of having the Lord as our God (Isaiah 26:3).

2. This peace is a gospel peace – When the gospel is preached, a certain peace is proclaimed (Nahum 1:15; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15). This peace derives especially from the prophecy that Messiah (Christ) would bring a peace by the chastisement of himself (Isaiah 53:5; Colossians 1:20). This we understand to be accomplished through the cross of Christ (Romans 5:1). The message of the gospel preached serves to publish this peace to the world (Acts 10:36-39).

3. This peace is for those “in Christ Jesus” – The scriptures are clear and exact about who the recipients of this peace are: “Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:14, NKJV). To be “in Christ Jesus,” is to be in relationship with God through baptism (Matthew 28:19; Galatians 3:27). There is this line from Shakespeare, “Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep” (2 Henry VI, 3.1.53). Is there such a depth in your life today?

–Robert M. Housby

“…So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel”

(2 Samuel 15:6)

The conspiracy of Absalom, against King David, serves to remind us that God’s kingdom is not immune from plots to transfer power and lead men astray.(2 Sam. 15:1-12).

A. 2 Sam. 14:33 – The story unfolds with a touching scene of David receiving Absalom with a kiss of reconciliation.
B. 2 Sam. 15:1 – Absalom then got himself a following.
C. 2 Sam. 15:2-6 – Absalom began campaigning for himself privately.
D. 2 Sam. 15:7-12 – Absalom instigated an open plot to make himself king.

So, the scheming actions of Absalom worked: “And a messenger came to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” ( 2 Sam. 15:13, 6). It seems that God allows certain things to happen in the world even when those things may bring harm and hurt. This must have something to do with free-will, evil, chance, and, sometimes, an opportunity for God’s grace and the power of Christ to rest upon us (Rom. 7:19; 21; Eccl. 9:11; 2 Cor. 12:8,9).

If Joseph of Genesis, David of the Psalms, Paul of Acts, and Jesus of the Gospels, had plots against them, we shouldn’t think it strange that we, ourselves, may be in the sights of the adversary (Eph. 6:11,12,16; Acts 20:30). This is what we know for sure: All men are sinners, and there is none righteous (Rom. 3:23,10); blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count sin (Rom. 4:8); but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23; John 16:33).

Stolen hearts are nothing new. Nevertheless, sincere and pure devotion to Christ is possible today (2 Corinthians 11:3). Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).

–Robert M. Housby

“…And call no man your father on the earth: for
one is your Father, even he who is in heaven”

(Matthew 23:9-11)

The apostle Paul said, “…And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). The expression, “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” is equivalent to Jesus’ personal authorization, approval, and acceptance of that which is done in his name (Compare Matt. 18:5,20). When it comes to evaluating the practice of religious titles, such as: “Father,” “Reverend,” “Cardinal,” “Pope,” etc., two important questions deserve answers:

1. Are “Religious Titles” Authorized in Scripture? No. Anyone who answers in the affirmative will be hard pressed to produce any such authorization. That is why you never read in the Bible of: “Father John,” or “The Reverend Paul,” etc. The only references coming close to this notion of religious titles appear in the humble sense of “servant,” “brethren,” etc. And, of course, the original apostles and prophets appear within the context of their first-century roles–fulfilled and final (Eph. 2:10; Acts 1:21,22; Rev. 21:14; 2:2; 18:20).

2. Are “Religious Titles” Ever Discouraged in Scripture? Yes. Jesus spoke ever so plainly against religious leaders who broke the servant model of church leadership (Matthew 23:8-12). The Bible lifts up the Fatherhood of God (2 Corinthians 6:18); while condemning any religious rivals (Exodus 34:14). The Bible uses the term “reverend” only once (Psalm 111:9), and
that in reference to God himself. In the light of such evidence, who can legitimately, scripturally, and morally continue to call human beings with titles reserved for God himself? “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15; Matt. 12:36,37).

Religious titles not authorized in Scripture should be avoided, if not condemned.

–Robert M. Housby