The Italian Memorandum

“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks,
slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit”

(1 Corinthians 12:13)

We are living in a society that attempts to devalue Christ and his church. There is a real tendency, these days, to water-down the gospel. When Paul wrote that baptized believers were “made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:27) we are persuaded that he did not mean watered-down benefits. Nor, does God intend that we return to him watered-down service. The basics of church membership mean—

1. The baptized are the members (1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 18:8). Only the washed are justified in the name of the Lord and the Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 6:11). The Lord adds people to his church at the point of baptism (Acts 2:41,47)—not before. Immersion in water for the remission of sins is essential (Acts 2:38; 22:16). To break with the plan of salvation is to dilute the message with the traditions of men (Mark 7:6-9).

2. All members are the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). When Paul told the early church that they were the body of Christ, he affirmed (1) that they belonged to Christ and, (2) that they now had a function (1 Corinthians 12:15, 19). We are aware that the Lord, himself, went about doing good while in his earthly body (Acts 10:38). In the same way, the body of Christ, the church, was meant for good works (Ephesians 1:22; 2;10; Romans 12:3-8).

Christ and his church are one—“For we are members of his body, of His flesh and of his bones” (Ephesians 3:21; 5:30-32). If, today, you find yourself out of touch with the body of Christ—perhaps you have forgotten just how important church membership is—may these reminders serve to re-dedicate your service in the body, which is the church of Christ.

-Robert M. Housby

“I will not forget thy word”

(Psalm 119:16, KJV)

Pavese wrote, “We do not remember days, we remember moments” (The Burning Brand (1961). This may be true in many respects, but, there are admonitions in Scripture to remember both days and years (Deut. 32:7). Yet, there is a forgetting which goes beyond the trivial and enters the terrible. The psalmist declared: “I will not forget your word” (Ps. 119:16, 176). Psalm 119 is closely aligned with the law of the LORD, as given through Moses (see John 1:17; Deut. 1:5; Ps. 119:1).

In Deuteronomy 8, the word “remember” occurs twice (8:2, 18). The word, “forget” occurs three times (8:11,14,19). Of course, to not forget, and to remember, are expressions of the same intended object. That object is “the LORD your God” (8:2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 19, 20). But, to remember and not forget the LORD includes a foundational approach to the Bible. Note—“And you shall remember the whole way” (Deut. 8:1,2, emphasis on the whole); “…but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (8:3).

The psalmist wanted to express where he stood in relation to the law of the LORD. If it should ever seem like he has forgotten you, perhaps, rather, it is you that have forgotten him (Isa. 49:14,15; 51:12,13;Lk. 12:6). “Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God.” If God should not forget us, how could we forget such a God?

-Robert M. Housby

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD”

(Isaiah 2:3)

The artist, Pablo Picasso was a great admirer of the ground-breaking work of Paul Cezanne. He referred to Cezanne as, “my one and only master.” Picasso was so enthralled with Cezanne’s mountain, Mont Sainte-Victoire, that he contacted his art dealer one day to announce that he had bought it. Since Cezanne had done so many paintings of this mountain, he asked Picasso which one he had purchased. Picasso answered, “Not a painting—the mountain—Mont Sainte Victoire!” Indeed, he had actually acquired Chateau de Vauvenargues, on the side of the mountain (Architectural Digest, May, 2006, 117).

The prophet Isaiah spoke of a time in his distant future when Jerusalem would be elevated by God, and for God’s purpose. Isaiah 2:1-3 makes three statements encouraging all nations to recognize that–

1. This mountain would be the unrivaled mountain of mountains [“the highest of the mountains” and “lifted up above the hills”].

2. This mountain would be the place of origin from whence teaching from God’s law (torah) would begin [“out of Zion” and “from Jerusalem” (see John 4:22; Luke 24:47)].

3. This mountain would launch the law and the word (dabar) of the LORD [“shall go the law …and the word of the LORD”].

Beneath a cedar tree on the side of Cezanne’s mountain Picasso is buried. Yes, upon whose mountain one lives, there shall he also be buried. Who is your one and only master? Have you been to the mountain?

-Robert M. Housby

“…he has put eternity into man’s heart…”

(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

He dazzled his world, at a young age, with his sophisticated mathematics. He, then, proceeded to speak of a “God shaped vacuum.” His name was Blaise Pascal. Is there such a thing as a “God-shaped vacuum?” A void, which, if not filled, causes a man to attempt to connect in some way to the eternal, by legitimate and illegitimate means? Is there such a need built into man to seek out the eternal? Is there a need so important and basic that without its comfort one is destined only to constantly apply band-aids to his dying wounds? Is this search for love and quest for ultimate purpose an inherent condition of man’s soul?

The Bible does speak of such a “God-shaped vacuum.” For example, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:11—“I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end” (Eccl. 3:10-11). Add to this reference, the words of Jesus in John 4:13,14, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever.” (see also Acts 17:27,28; 2 Cor. 5:2).

But, the real question is not whether such a vacuum exists. The more incisive question is whether one has found the right resource to fill it. If the Christian fulfillment story of the gospel is rejected, perhaps all that one can expect is summed up—“She is older than the rocks among which she sits; like the vampire she has been dead many times” (Pater’s reflections upon Leonardo’s Mona Lisa, The Renaissance). Thank God for Jesus and the power of his rising (Acts 13:30-41)!

-Robert M. Housby

“And one of the elders said to me, Weep no more; behold,
the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered,
so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals”

(Revelation 5:5)

Perhaps the most quotable line in C.S. Lewis’, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is that which was spoken by a beaver to children in the Land of Narnia—“Aslan is on the move.” Here was a message of hope and power and comfort to the frightened and morally challenged. Surely, our world will wonder what these words mean and from whence they come, knowing that C.S. Lewis was a Christian scholar and literary critic from Oxford. But, not all are pleased with bringing a New Testament message into the secular market-places of America. After all, what will the religious liberals, who do not believe that Jesus is the Christ, say to their wide-eyed children who marvel at the Lion called Aslan? We can hear them now, “Oh, that’s just a myth honey! There’s nothing real about it. It’s just a story”(see John 7:17).

The box office for this movie earned $290 million in the United States. The Narnia winter wonderland series, itself, has sold over 85 million books since their first appearance in 1950. Of course, the critics have their own biases. Alison Lurie, for example, sees this film as nothing more than a conservative Christian work of mindless respect for authority that blocks social progress. (adapted quote from John Williams, “Narnia on Film,” Harding University Publication (Spring 2006/Vol. 14/ Number 2).

As we compose this article, several of our number are in the hospital. To them and others, we propose that Jesus is represented in Revelation 5:5 as, “the Lion” for a reason. That reason is found in his ability to open the scrolls and the seals. Let’s close with a question, What are the scrolls and the seals? And, why would that matter?

-Robert M. Housby

“So we do not lose heart…”

(2 Corinthians 4:1,16)

In ministry, we see people every week that have either lost heart, or are about to lose heart. In the King James Version of the Bible, this matter of losing heart is expressed in an equally fitting idiom—“we faint not” (2 Corinthians 4:1,16). Paul’s reason for his Christian fortitude lies in answer to the question raised in 2 Corinthians 2:16—“Who is sufficient for these things?” The “these things” of 2:16 refers to the significance of what Christianity is all about even in the face of painful experiences (see 2 Corinthians 2:4; 14-15).

Notice some specific reasons for not losing heart (that is, our belief system/whereby we are established, 2 Corinthians 1:21), as expressed in 2 Corinthians 1:

1. God is aware of and a comfort to our personal struggles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

2. Personal pain serves a larger purpose (2 Corinthians 1:5-7)

3. Our reliance is not in ourselves, but in God (2 Corinthians 1:8-10)

4. Prayer is our privilege (2 Corinthians 1:11)

5. Joy goes beyond personal pain, and taps into faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:24)

It certainly is strange that, “In a full heart there is room for everything, and in an empty heart there is room for nothing” (Antonio Porchia, Voces, (1968). “Widen your hearts also” ( 2 Corinthians 6:11-13).

-Robert M. Housby

A very wise person once said, “Never use a meat-cleaver to swat a fly on a friend’s forehead.”  I think I’ve found an application for this adage.  There are some sensitive issues that should be dealt with in a sensitive manner.  One of those issues is that of modest, appropriate dress.  The elders (where I preach) have asked that I address this particular issue ….  In an attempt to honor that request, I ask all our Christian ladies to consider just a few thoughts.

Ladies, Christian men struggle with what this old corrupt world throws at us.  As men who belong to God, we want to see women as He wants us to, as real persons – and as sister.  However, the devil and the world want s us to see you as just bodies, sexual objects for our cheap gratification.  But Christ wants us to honor your heart and spirit as well as your physical beauty.  This is no easy task in a society that floods us with sexual images.

In view of this struggle, sisters in Christ, I would ask a favor of you on behalf of your brothers here.  Before you come to worship next Sunday morning, please look at yourself in the mirror.  You are beautiful – God made you that way – and I am glad He did.  As you look into the mirror, examine your heart and ask yourself and the Lord two questions:  First, ask yourself; “Does the way I’m dressed this morning encourage men to see and know me for my body or for my heart and spirit?”  Second, ask God; “Lord, does the way I’m dressed this morning help my brothers focus on You, during worship, or does it distract them from You?”  I respect your relationship with the Lord and trust that you desire to seek His will for you.

This issue of cleaning our minds and hearts is our issue as men, and we should take responsibility for it.  I hope we’ve learned from Adam that blaming women for our sin only makes it worse.  At the same time, I just wanted to remind you ladies that sometimes men need your help.  I trust that you want to do that and that you will be careful that your mode of dress helps move us in the right direction.

                 -Johnny Hester, via Shady Acres Church of Christ Bulletin, Sikeston, MO

“The God of heaven will give us success”

(Nehemiah 2:20, NEB)

There is a great need in our world to redefine “success.” Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matthew 5:13).

The world continues to define success along the lines of the big-four. It is not strange that Jesus addressed all four in his, Sermon On the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

1. Money (secular security) – “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

2. Power (achievement/advancement) – “Your kingdom come, your will be done” (Matthew 6:10).

3. Beauty (external endowments) – “Therefore do not be anxious, saying…What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek after all these things”

4. Athleticism (talent) – “On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not…and do many mighty works in your name?” (Matthew 7:22).

Humanistic success, as grounded in the big-four, may cause one’s peers to oooh and ahhh! But, the God of heaven is not impressed. For, this kind of “success” is a “success” without God, and/or without God’s plan. May we come to learn that, “The God of heaven gives success” (Nehemiah 2:20).

-Robert M. Housby

“…he will be blessed in his doing”

(James 1:25)

In our experience, most people want to believe that God cares for them and will bless them. This notion is based upon a concept of the God of the Bible—for the God of the Bible is known as a blessing God (see Psalm 129:8). There is a sense in which God blesses all men, as it is written—“…For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). However, there is another sense in which only particular people are blessed. This is a hard saying for idle, busybodies. For example, the biblical work-ethic, as commanded by the apostle Paul, reads—“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living” (2 Thess. 3:10-12).

In the Epistle of James, James clarifies that one’s behavior determines whether he/she will be blessed or not blessed (James 1:25). Furthermore, one’s Christian view–that is, what source of wisdom (sophia, 3:13-18) one is operating with, will determine whether they get this message or scorn it (4:1-2,6). God’s blessings are predictable, according to data from James:

1. Blessings are conditional (James 1:25).
2. Blessings come to the steadfast (James 1:3,12).
3. Blessings are not conditioned upon belief alone (James 2:14-26; especially note 2:14).

Yes, God does long to bless you—not only with his sun and rain, but also, with his Son and Reign (Colossians 1:13)!

-Robert M. Housby

“ And there arose another generation after them who did
not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel”

(Judges 2:10)

How sad are the words of Judges 2:10. In this brief narrative verse, one is brought face to face with the reality that all it takes for God’s people to fall away is one generation of children who do not know the living Lord.
We may ask, what precipitated this lost generation? Seven observations from the biblical text appear significant:

1. Joshua died (Judges 2:8).
2. The elders who were with Joshua died (Judges 2:10a).
3. There followed a time of individual pursuits (Judges 2:6).
4. New religious convictions were formed (Judges 2:11).
5. Old religious convictions were abandoned (Judges 2:12).
6. God no longer could support their sinful ways (Judges 2:12-15).
7. The people were overtaken by their enemies (Judges 2:14).

We may be accustomed to seeing the phrase, “The Lost Generation” in reference to Hemingway, Stein, or Picasso, but never really seeing that it could also apply to our own children. But, from the lesson of Judges 2, we must never forget that apostasy is only a generation away–if that generation does not know the Lord (Judges 21:25).
Do you and yours’ know the Lord (John 17:3)? Let us not take for granted the things which we learned from our fathers; lest we too become a lost generation.

-Robert M. Housby