The Italian Memorandum

(Christians and the Human Experience)

“Is any among you suffering? Let him pray.
Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise…”

(James 5:13)

“If there were dreams to sell, merry and sad to tell,
And the crier rang the bell, what would you buy?”

– Thomas Lovell Beddoes

The human experience is often freckled with cheerfulness and suffering. Life, as we know it, is neither one or the other, but one and the other. James, very much in touch with the extremes of the human experience, uses terms which reflect our own times—“suffering,” “cheerful,” and “sick” (James 5:13,14). We may say with confidence that, while Christ came to save us from sin and death, he allows certain universals currently intact to prevail for a limited time. These universals would include such concepts and facts as human joy and human trials (James 1:3).

Since life has aspects of being a test, James encourages remaining steadfast under trial in order to withstand the test (see James 1:3, 12). To James, neither joy nor suffering, in and of themselves constitute a complete theology of blessing, but rather, how joy and sadness are handled. Does joy prompt you to live without God? Does sadness disprove the existence of God? No, they are just part of the whole human drama in which we find ourselves. So, may your days be merry and bright, but if they are not—all is not lost. “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us” (James 4:5).

– Robert M. Housby

“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, How
long will you go limping between two different opinions?”

(1 Kings 18:21, ESV)

The Bible teaches clearly that man is highly opinionated, even when those
personal opinions are not immediately forthcoming (see Job 32:6,10,17). We appreciate this aspect of the human experience, as given by God to man, which is sometimes referred to as free-will. A classic example of such free-will may be viewed in Joshua 24:15—“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

When Elijah asked, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions?” (1 Kings 18:21), he was tapping into man’s ability to choose for himself. Surely, it was exasperating for Elijah to have to confront these religious wobblers, to say nothing about God’s own feelings on the matter. Of course, Elijah would be called a troublemaker for his efforts (1 Kings 18:17). But, his reply stands as a resilient model for all time: “I have not troubled Israel…but you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord” (1 Kings 18:18). He proceeded: “If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21).

Jesus, himself, said, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26). If you’re not serving, you’re not following; and, if you’re not following…you’re limping theologically.

– Robert M. Housby

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree”

(Psalm 92:12)

Sometimes those older 19th century Biblical commentaries shed light on a passage that is difficult to surpass because of first-hand experience and beauty of expression. Such is the case with Dr. Thomson’s comments about Psalm 92:12—“The righteous will flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedars of Lebanon” (Barnes on the Old Testament, Vol. III (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, reprinted, 1968) 121-125:

“The palm grows slowly, but steadily, from century to century, uninfluenced by those alterations of the seasons which affect other trees. It does not rejoice overmuch in winter’s copious rain, nor does it droop under the drought and burning sun of summer. Neither heavy weights which men place upon its head, nor the importunate urgency of the wind, can sway it aside from perfect uprightness. There it stands, looking calmly down upon the world below, and patiently yielding its large clusters of golden fruit from generation to generation. [Re: the cedars of Lebanon] Beneath the giant arms of those old patriarchs of a hundred generations, there comes a solemn hush upon the soul as if by enchantment… But it is most impressive at night. Let us by all means arrange to sleep there. The universal silence is almost painful. The gay old towers of Lebanon, still as stone, stand all around, holding up the stars of heaven to look at you, and the trees gather like phantoms about you, and wink knowingly, or seem to, and whisper among themselves you know not what…The idea in the passage before us is, that the righteous will flourish like the most luxuriant and majestic trees of the forest…”

Brethren, let us flourish while we may! – Robert M. Housby

“There was no getting around the stubborn fact that taking sweetmeats was only ‘hooking,’ while taking bacon and hams…was plain simple stealing…”

(Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, chapter 13)

“Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished”

(Malachi 1:14; 1:8)

The prophet Malachi did not mince words when he leveled a rebuke at God’s people for ripping off the LORD their God. That rebuke still rings and resonates in the ears of all who would do his will. A sampling of the rebuke appear as follows, with a brief analysis—

“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me”

(Malachi 3:8)

1. The Lord has expectations for his people (3:8,9).
2. These expectations are not empty, but full expectations (3:10a).
3. It is not vain to serve God (3:13,14).
4. Service to God will open the windows of heaven and blessing (3:3:10b).

Will you not serve him today? “Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him” (3:18).

– Robert M. Housby

GREAT SONGS OF THE CHURCH

(Devotional in Prayer)

“…praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication…”

(Ephesians 6:18)

E.M. Bounds wrote, “Prayer links human weakness with the power of the over-coming Son” (The Possibilities of Prayer). Prayer, for the Christian, is a privilege. It is founded upon the promises and precepts of Scripture, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20). And, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And, again, “First, of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1).

The question, “Did you think to pray?” is a humble reminder that one would pray. To be devotionally committed to God through Christ in prayer is but an excursion through this life hand in hand with one’s Creator and Redeemer. We say that it is a privilege because non-Christians, the unbaptized or nominal backslider, will not come around to such a devotional approach to life. But, to the faithful, the hour of prayer is always at hand; the act of prayer is always a blessing; and the life of prayer is always about a relationship with one’s Lord.

There may be something for which you need to pray right now. May you be informed that the God of heaven hears prayer (1 John 5:14,15).

– Robert M. Housby

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin—for they had said, He has an unclean spirit”

(Mark 3:28-30)

Mark 3:28-30 is a disturbing passage of Scripture. Often, during Bible-based discussions, someone will ask about this passage and the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. We have heard many explanations of it; one which even hints at the idea as being antiquated and no longer a possibility. In the pluralistic culture of our times, where all religions are of equal value, and political correctness is quick to point out bigoted statements, a reconsideration of Mark 3:28-30 may very much be in order.

Text         Teaching                Cultural Reaction

Mk. 3:28     “I say to you”          Jesus was just a man.
Mk. 3:28     “all sins”              Sin is nothing but social problems.
Mk. 3:28     “blasphemies”           Do not apply in the modern world.
Mk. 3:29     “the Holy Spirit”       One spirit is as good as another.
Mk. 3:29     “forgiveness”           If there is a God, he will forgive all.
Mk. 3:29     “guilty”                Guilt is just psychological neurosis.
Mk. 3:29     “an eternal sin”        When one dies, life is over.
Mk. 3:30     “an unclean spirit”     Just more religious gibberish.

What do all of the above cultural reactions have in common?

1. Rejection of Jesus as a prophet.
2. Displacement of biblical faith in favor of psychology and sociology.
3. Assuming that the General Theory of Evolution is correct.
4. Reducing Christianity to a non-credible and laughable world view.

Mark 3:28-30 is a disturbing passage—and it should be!

– Robert M. Housby

(Colossians 1:21-23)

“…if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast,
not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard…”

(Colossians 1:23, ESV)

When George Ricker Berry translated Colossians 1:23, in his literal rendering, directly from the Greek New Testament, he chose the wording: “founded and firm” (Interlinear Greek-English New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), 522). The English Standard Version reads: “stable and steadfast;” while the King James Version has—“grounded and settled.”

Colossians 1:23 describes Christian development in several key ways:

1. Col. 1:21,22 speaks of what God has done, and is doing for the believer. Note the past and present references of benefit here.

2. Although set up as a condition, this conditional sentence, “if” (1:23) expresses Paul’s confidence that the condition will be met with stable and steadfast living.

3. The caution against shifting away from the original gospel and being carried away with another gospel is stressed. Likely, the falsification here meant unnecessary supplementing of the gospel (see 2:6-15).

According to Colossians 1:21-23, Christian development means: (1) Realizing what God has done and is doing for us (2) Accepting the conditional nature of the faith; while having apostolic confidence that one can well continue (3) That the original gospel will be preferred and kept.

– Robert M. Housby

[Reprinted from The Reminder church bulletin of the Dexter, Missouri Church of Christ. Author of “Grumble Tone” unknown. Revised and condensed by Robert M. Housby, Oct. 5, 2006]

Once there was a certain Grumble Tone who ran away to sea.
“I’m sick of things on land,” said he, “as sick as I can be.”
“A life upon the bounding waves will be the one for me.”

But, rising ocean billows failed to stimulate true mirth,
Neither vessel, wind or vista could take away the dearth,
Instead, a certain Grumble Tone could be heard within the berth.

The journey would lead to foreign lands with many a wondrous sight.
But, nothing that was heard or seen seemed just exactly right.
For, Grumble Tone, who sought delight, was plagued by constant plight.

This wanton wandering throughout this world wide
Could not for grace and peace subside,
The reason now we dare confide.

Neither North nor South, o’er land and sea, can bring one happiness,
When Grumble Tone is discontent—
It followed him where- e’re he went.

“Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:9).

– Robert M. Housby

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in king’s courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you”

(Luke 7:24-27)

Great expectations can be very advantageous (Lk. 3:15; Phil. 1:20). However, expectations can also be very disheartening if they are not based in fact or on faith (Prov.11:23; Acts 12:11).

1. Acts 3:5 states that a certain beggar expected one thing from the gospel, but got quite another. Should he have been disappointed? No.
2. Luke 7:24-28 raises the whole question about who was John the Baptist. Those who did not realize John’s divine identity (Malachi 3:1), were faced with either revising their expectations of him, or rejecting him altogether. Of course, revising our thinking is in order—if by revising our thinking, we correct to the will of God.
3. Proverbs 3:6 is warranted wisdom regarding expectations: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” If one is usually discontented an expectation check may be in order.

So, even though things are not how you would like for them to be—do not base your daily happiness or eternity on it. Base your expectations on the Rock, and, then, come what may, you will be satisfied (Ps. 18:2; 40:2; Isa. 51:1,2; Matt. 7:24; 1 Cor. 10:4). The Lord is the Rock.

– Robert M. Housby

“Come see the place where the Lord lay”

(Matt.28: 6)

The term, “tomb” (mnemeion, Matt. 27:60) can be appreciated by the Christian on several levels. Although the concepts of the Lord’s death and resurrection are not new to us, when these two fundamental themes of the gospel are viewed in relation to the tomb of Christ, we find that both are represented. In other words, the tomb goes both ways, as Paul’s speech at Antioch of Pisidia indicates – “…they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead” (Acts 13: 29, 30). The tomb (mnemion) embraces Christ’s death and resurrection—it is a virtual sanctuary for the great themes of the Gospel.

But, is a return to the tomb really necessary? We think that it is a warranted action on the part of all Christians, novices and veterans alike. We say this in lieu of the sporadic hijacking of many Judeo-Christian concepts today: success through the Proverbs of Solomon; stable family values; money-matters; and relationships in general. But, to take all of these valuable Biblical concepts and sell them without regard to the power of the Gospel is certainly a terrible blunder of omission.

So, why should you return to the tomb?

1. It is the central sanctuary of Christian faith (2Cor. 5:15; 1Thess. 4:14; etc.).
2. It points out the futility of trying to achieve the good-life, without the good news (1Cor. 15: 1-4).
3. It asserts the historical-factual nature of the Gospel (Acts 13: 29-31).
4. It reaffirms how baptism is the watery-grave—and, such it is (Rom. 6:3-5).

– Robert M. Housby