FOR THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN ITALY

"SCRATCH AND WIN" CHRISTIANITY

(Editorial)

"Scratch and Win" sweepstakes is the great invention for the 90's. Only a rectangle of paper to "scratch" and if you find a joker, you have won. Thousands of "Scratch and Win" cards are purchased daily by those who hope in a stroke of luck, in the colossal win, and in the big prize that will change their lives. Hardly an alarm clock goes off at dawn that we don't hear the "Scratch and Win" commercial: "Only lazy days to pass and all of them more to your liking." And then what could we say about the lotteries, the "Totocalcio" (betting on soccer games), the hunt for the "Lucky Thirteen", and the dry jackpot? Our country seems to be one founded upon work and upon ... the lotteries. Undoubtedly behind all of this there is a profound impatience for that which one has and is. Dazzled by an unreachable lifestyle, some run in search of something that, for the majority of us, will never come to pass. And it is for this reason that people (even now more than ever), instead of turning to God, prostrate themselves before the blindfolded Goddess of Chance. Also our faith, our Christian life, can be a type of "Scratch and Win". All around there are many disciples who sell "Scratch and Win" Christianity. How can we recognize them? It's not easy because externally they are just like all other believers. But then, when they begin to talk, we are soon aware that their faith is based on doubt, on insincerity, on not knowing what the future holds. A Christian of the "Scratch and Win" type prays little or when he does, it is because he has something to ask. This type of member has a lukewarm faith, nurished only by sermons on Sunday and not by a personal study of God's Word and by daily prayers. This is the type of believer who, on the Judgment Day, doesn't confide in God's grace or His love, but hopes in a great amnesty which will absolve him of all his sins for insufficiency of proof! In short, the "Scratch and Win" Christian hopes in caresses of fortune rather than in the power of God; he puts his faith in good fate and in benevolent destiny rather than in divine Grace. He has "a form of godliness, although {he has} denied its power (2Timothy 3:5)." We are "Scratch and Win" disciples when we trust in our own strength or in "the good star" instead of putting our faith in the the powerful hand of God. In Christianity, there are not coincidences and strokes of fortune. In God's plan, "All things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28)." It is written: "Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3)." But often for us it's easier to hope in The Wheel of Fortune than to entrust our lives to the Lord. The temptation to be a "Scratch and Win" Christian can seize each of us when we least expect it. But we want to save ourselves from this type of faith and have instead David's faith when he wrote: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for You are with me (Psalm 23:4)." The Father has given us talents, some have more and some have less, but let us also remember through the words of Jesus that "... for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5)." In the pages of the Bible, we see men and women with their defects and their virtues who, only when they put their trust in God, saw their lives transformed and their "cup overflow". In a world where the philosophy of "Scratch and Win" and of "All and Immediately" reigns, we must, as disciples of Jesus, have another lifestyle. Our plans, our lives, our thoughts must go beyond the day to day affairs; they must extend beyond this brief terrestrial life, being big enough to take in God in everything and ample enough to include eternity. Here is why to the philosophy of "Scratch and Win" we reply, "No, thanks!" We are already "more than conquerors, through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37)." - (Vittorio Vitalone)

NOW THE POPE CORRECTS THE GOSPELS

Vatican City - The Gospels don't say it, but John Paul II, appealing to popular piety, in the general audience of Wednesday, May 21, retained that it was "legitimate to think that probably the Mother was the first person to whom the resurrected Jesus appeared." In the daily newpaper "La Repubblica" (The Republic) of 22 May 1997, there was published an interesting interview with Vittorio Messori, noted Catholic writer, in which, among other things, to the journalist's questions he answered in this way: -So then, Messori, must we believe it? --We are in the camp of a pious hypthesis. Liberty prevails whether to believe or not a hypothesis of this type. -But the Pope has entered the scene with his word. --The Pope has not corrected the Gospels. He does not have the authority. Let us remember that the apostle Paul expressly says that if someone should preach another Gospel, let him be accursed! In short, if the Pope, for which I have great devotion, serving with the infallibility of the first Vatican Council, wanted to add an adverb to the Gospels, he would be authorized to take it back. -The evangelists would have been, therefore, absolutely correct journalists? --I would say so. Luke in the prologue of his gospel says that before writing he accurately informed himself and thus wrote that which was known. I retain that probably Luke enjoyed also the confidence of Mary because there are found in his text many particulars about the announcement of Christ's birth, the birth itself, and the infancy of Jesus. We agree fully with the outlook of Messori expressed here on the authority of the Gospels and on their historical accuracy. We feel like adding only two brief considerations; two questions which we would ask this noted Catholic writer. 1) How would Messori reconcile the "announcement" of the Pope with the affirmation of the Gospel of Mark, in which he states explicitly: "Jesus FIRST appeared to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9)"? 2) Why does Messori not take back, in agreement with his convictions, the many "adverbs" (and they are numerous) which the various popes, in the course of history, have added to the Gospels?

PRAYER OF A SICK PERSON

O Lord, an unexpected illness has knocked on the door of my life, and has carried me into the world of the sick. It is a hard experience, Lord, a difficult reality to accept. But also I thank You for this because I have seen first hand the fragility and the temporality of life. Now I look at everything with a different perspective; I understand that nothing belongs to me or is promised to me for all is a gift. Lord, even if it is difficult, I say to You: Your will be done! In suffering, I have rediscovered the affection, love, and friendship of many dear people. When the forces of the spirit arrive at a useless condition and it seems that life no longer has any sense, I remember that Jesus is the Life. It is then that from the depth of my pain, I cried to you confidently: My God, My God! - (Anonymous)

SHORT NEWS ITEMS

ROME - "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on (Rev. 14:13)." On May 23, following an automobile accident, Bro. Eduardo De Vincentis died. He leaves with us the memory of his faith and his Christian life.

U.S.A.- Bro. Earl Weldon from Georgia writes us: "I received the 3rd issue of CHIESEinFORMA and I read with interest the good news of the Lord's work in Italy. It is an excellent paper not only in its format but also in the information it provides. God bless you!"

ALBANIA - The plan for humanitarian help for Albania has resumed. Bro. Stefano Spina is co-ordinating a collection of Bibles, funds, medicines, and clothing which have arrived from the Italian congregations and from the U.S.A. Jay Walls has sent 5 packages of clothing and the congregation in Rome (Viale Jonio) has sent several boxes of medicines. Bro. Gary Zito, preacher of the Gospel in Calabria, has sent out, in the last few months, a circular letter in which he begs for "a greater generosity" towards our Albanian brethren (2Corinthians 8-9). Whoever wants to contribute to this effort, must contact STEFANO SPINA - Via delle Muse, 2 - 74020 Leporano (TA), tel. e fax 099/5331279.

ALTERNATIVE VACATIONS

SPIRITUAL RETREAT '97 AT KLEINZELL (AUSTRIA) - There are still places available for whoever wants to pass a week of vacation this summer together with brothers and sisters in Christ at the comfortable Alpine hut of Schwarzwaldeckaus ("house in the black forest"). There is a 1000 meters of land in a very beatiful and quiet zone where flora and fauna are protected, being about 100 km. from Vienna. The place is really enchanting, ideal for a spiritual REST. It's an event you won't want to miss! For details about the program, we will send the reader a copy of the second issue of

CALABRIAN VACATION - L'Hotel del Lago (Hotel of the Lake-a three star hotel-restaurant), situated in the Sila Mountains, in a luxuriant and green pine, fir, and beech woods, facing Ampollino Lake, and just a few meters away are the the border of The Calabrian National Park and the fabulous Jonica Coast, OFFERS to members of the churches of Christ and interesting and convienent vacation package of "sea and mountains". The hotel is about a half hour's drive from Petilia Policastro and about an hour's drive from Cosenza. Thus, for those who wish to pass their vacation in the Sila Mountains, they have the possiblity to worship with these local congregations. For whoever might be interested in this vacation offer, you must write to this address: Hotel del Lago - Loc. Lago Ampollino - Trepido', 88073 Crotonei (KR), tel. 0962/46075.

NEWS FROM THE CONGREGATIONS

NAPLES - In the past few months, the congregation has rejoiced at the souls which the Lord has added to His church. Giovanni and Nunzia Navarone and the brother of Nunzia, Luigi Barba, were baptized into Christ. In the month of June, a group of past American missionaries held an evangelistic campaign in our city. Besides distributing materials (done by a group of American young people), meetings were held on social themes and biblical topics. It is almost a year now that a young preacher of the Gospel has done missions activities in our city. Thanks to God for all the workers who He sends to work in His harvest (Matthew 9:38).

BEST WISHES!!

To "Grandma Rosa" (of the congregation in Petilia Policastro) for a swift recovery. To you the youth of the congregation dedicate Psalm 13.

ALLOW ME TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT JESUS AND HIS CHURCH by the Herald of Truth This is an interesting tract which briefly recounts the marvelous story of Christ and introduces the New Testament church. You can ask for it from the editor of CHIESEinFORMA, and you will be sent a free copy.

PUBLICATIONS

An interesting 10 page study is available in both English and Italian by Bro. Earl Weldon entitled: "TU PUOI CONOSCERE LA VERITA SENZA L'INTERPRETAZIONE DELL'UOMO" ("YOU CAN KNOWTHE TRUTH WITHOUT THE INTERPRETATION OF MAN"). This is a Bible correspondence course which asks questions over various topics, from denominationalism to New Testament Christianity, to which one must respond with his Bible in hand. Whoever would like to have a copy, can ask the editor of CHIESEinFORMA. It is now for several years that Arrigo Corazza and Valerio Marchi have published a magazine of biblical studies entitled: "BIBBIA E DOSSIER" ("BIBLE AND INVESTIGATION"). It is written particularly for members of the churches of Christ. In addition, they have a series of commentaries available on various New Testament books. For further information, contact: Valerio Marchi - Via Colugna, 127/1 - 33100 Udine.

On sale in the best catholic bookstores are 5 video tapes for young people and adults entitled: "Esplorando la Bibbia - I LUOGHI E LE PAROLE DI GESU'" ("Exploring the Bible - THE PLACES AND THE WORDS OF JESUS"), with a correlated study guide each costing L. 32.000 ($20). This is a video journey to discovery the Bible rereading the most significant passages of the Gospels in order to visit the places in which Jesus lived and where He spoke to men of the Kingdom of God. You can request them directly from: Editrice Elle Di Ci - 10096 Leumann (TO).

BOOK REVIEWS

Larry Crabb, Come Costruire Un Matrimonio Intimo e Solido (How to Build an Intimate and Solid Marriage), Editor: Patmos - Perugia 1997, pp. 224, L. 25,000 ($15.25). Many couples live in their marriage far from God's plan and often far from their own expectations. This condition leaves one or the other person or both very disillusioned. The author, a noted psychologist, American writer, and marriage consultant (for many years) is convinced that now marriage counseling should be initiated in congregations. This book however wants to be an instrument both for the couple itself as well as a text to prepare those who aspire to work as a marriage consultant within their own congregation. The first part of the book shows us the definition of the unity of Soul, Spirit, and Body, being the three areas for healthy functioning in a martial relationship. The second part identifies the resources, the "building blocks" of Grace, Responsibility, and Acceptance which God provides to whomever will work at the construction of a better marriage which is truly Christian. The third part consists of a program, a study guide, that each partner can use as a "test" concerning his own marriage, where about one hundred questions provide a basis for reflection.

LITURATURE OF CHRISTIAN AUTHORS

The lecture notes have been translated and printed into Italian of H. A. Dixon's study of REVELATION, pp. 58, on standard size paper, L. 10,000 ($6.00). This work is a compilation of notes and remarks in a systematic form on the book of Revelation. You can ask for it from: Amedeo Riccardi - Via F.lli Perito, 26 - 85010 Pignola (PZ).

THE BIBLE AT THE SAMPLE FAIR

From September 6 to 14, the Church of Christ in Pordenone will participate in the Sample Fair which will take place in their city. There will a booth there built especially to promote a knowledge and a distribution of the Bible. This will also be a great occasion to talk about Jesus and His church to the more than 150,000 vistors that are projected to attend. Pray to the Lord that He will help us to make this plan a successful reality. - (Mario Fagotto)