The Italian Memorandum

The following outline includes material that brother David Young
Presented May 14, 2008 at the Cape Girardeau Church of Christ.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”

(Joshua 24:15)

Introduction:    Joshua’s final words to the Lord’s people after the Exodus out of Egypt and Settlement in the Promised Land, were meant to pass on the torch of faith to future generations (Josh. 24:14-15).

I. Choices Do Exist (Joshua 24)

A. “the Lord” (24:14,15)
B. “gods that your fathers served beyond the River” (24:14)
C. “gods that your fathers served in Egypt” (24:14)
D. “gods of the Amorites” (24:15)

II. The Promised Land and the tendency toward Generational Degeneration (Judges 2)

A. Joshua dies (2:6-9)
B. Joshua’s generation dies (2:10a)
C. The next generation (2:10b-15)
D. Examples of Torch Passers:

1. 1st generation – A Strong hard back chair (faith fighters)
2. 2nd generation – A LA-Z-BOY recliner (faith feigners)
3. 3rd generation – A floppy lattice chair (faith-less)

Conclusion:   Have we taken care to pass on the torch of faith? Will Joshua 24:15 reflect your own commitment from this day forward? Are you first chair or second? The choice is yours.

“Do not be surprised brothers, that the world hates you”

(1 John 3:13)

1 John is a relatively small letter, with an uncompromising platform. One of the planks of John’s platform is to remain (Greek, meno) true to the Lord. This concept of remaining true is sometimes translated “abide” (as in the English Standard Version). 1 John 2:27,28 shows that John uses the term abide with the preposition “in” (Greek, en)—“abide in the Son and in the Father,” and “abide in him.” In other words, the action called for here is in relationship to God through Christ.

Remaining true is not only affirming the positive things of the Christian faith, it is reacting against the negatives:

1. “darkness” (1:6)
2. “the evil one” ( 2:13,14; 5:19)
3. “the devil” (3:7-10)
4. “the spirit of the antichrist” (4:3)

To remain true is to have understanding of the Lord’s ways; and to be in relationship with the Lord ; and, it is to be weary of idols (divided allegiance) – See 1 John 5:20-21.

– Robert M. Housby