FOR THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN ITALY

FAMOUS IN HELL

(Editorial)

The Scripture says that in heaven there is joy when a sinner is converted (Luke 15:7). But have we ever asked what happens in hell? Surely there will be a little more uproar than usual and Satan, more indignant than ever, will take his own to task since they have permitted the Word of God to germinate in another soul. If there exists a "Book of Life" in which are written the names of the saints (Phil. 4:3), perhaps there will also be a "Book of Death", much more voluminous and thicker because there are the names of those expected to go to hell which are written by a zealous devil. But our consolation is this: that for every name written in the "Book of Life" there is one less name assigned to that one of death. Our good Heavenly Father has much patience with His children. As we learn in His Word, He has patience with us because He wants to have us in His home and He wants to keep us forever with Him (2 Peter 3:9-15). Unfortunately, Satan is at work to overpower souls that he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Our work, as Christians, is that of "fishing", to be "fishers of men". We must take to others the Good News of Jesus. This is what Jesus desired of His own, this is what the first Christians did, and this is what we must do if we want to be really HIS DISCIPLES. Personally I believe that the Christians who cling firmly to the Word of God are famous in hell. Famous because they pull away "the clients" who almost buy from Satan. In fact, they are testifying of Christ in the world with their zeal, their efforts, their words, and their lives. They spread the Gospel ever further; thus, they contribute to bringing others souls to God, souls of those that are on the road of salvation. What anger there must be in hell when a man is converted. Now there is one less for hell! Remember the story of Job? Satan knows it well (Job 1) and tried everything to bring about his soul's loss. But Job, even when cast down and afflicted, resisted in his time of testing and received his reward (Job. 42). It is exactly the book of Job that presents Satan as the one who roams about on the earth and walks around it (Job 2:2). This activity is not just to keep himself moving or to keep himself in shape, but to erase names from the "Book of Life". We Christians belong to "The Goodness Troops". We do not allow evil to find a place in our lives (Ephesians 4:2); moreover, standing against his schemes (Ephesians 6:11), we continue our "good fight" (2 Timothy 4:7). We are known by the Evil One not for our sins, or for our weaknesses, or for our hypocrisies, but for our zeal, for our courage, for our hard work in favor of Goodness, for our love. In hell, it could be that they talk about us and the excellent work that we are doing on the earth for the glory of our good Heavenly Father. In heaven, it has already been talked about it! There is a passage that I particularly like: "And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20). How wonderful it will be to finally see our great Enemy defeated! To see him "cut to pieces". I want to be the first in line on that day. Also I could be at the last of the line; it's just important that we be there. Yes, we'll be there, on the right side, on the side of God! Let's be famous in hell for having spent our lives in favor of something that will last in eternity. (Vittorio Vitalone)

MOMENTS ON THE MOUNTAIN BIBLE CAMP (from the location at Fongara to the new location at Abbadia)

Also this summer don't lose any enthusiasm because we will be able to stay together for an unforgettable week at our YOUTH CAMP from July 6-12 at Abbadia, in the green National Park of the Sibillini Mountains near the city of Amandola (in the province of Ascoli Piceno). All young people from 6 - 18 may participate and will divided into three age groups: 6-11years, 12-15 years, and 16-18 years. All can be accomdated this year together! The theme will be: YOUTH IN CHRIST--YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW (1 John 2:13). Abbadia is a reception center resting in much greenery, adapted for comfort with sports areas. Beside the Bible studies, we will be busy in many other activities such as games, entertainment, and sports. It is important to communicate your desire to attend immediately by calling or writing to: MAURIZIO PEZZANERA - c/o Chiesa di Cristo - Via S. Rocco, 7/D - 40122 Bologna, tel. 051/6951427. We are expecting a great number! (from the circular letter of the congregation of Bergamo)

A LETTER From Rheda, Germany

Dear Paolo, I have just received the first issue of CHIESEinFORMA. Thanks! I tell you that I cried when I read my name. I had thought that you had forgetten me, but that was not the case. Yesterday, I went to a party planned by my Italian friend. There was much worldly "fun"; things I do not enjoy. I tried to get them to stop the wrong things like their drinking and smoking "joints". For me life is getting worse and worse every day. I recognize these things try to take me away from the Christian life, which I really do not want to see happen, but at the same time, I don't know what to do. I read the Bible and pray almost every evening, but when I awake the next morning all is as it was before. It's like as if there is nobody in heaven, at least in these parts. I hope you succeed in finding some member of the church of Christ here in Germany, because I really need him. By now, I think my future will be here in Germany, because jobs do not exist in Rossano. I miss very much my country and my people and you all miss me. Please pray for me. GIANPAOLO FASCELLA (17 years old) - Berliner Str., 7 - 33378 Rheda - W. Germany

SHORT NEWS ITEMS

FLORENCE - From August 20-24 there will be the usual lectureship at the summer's end. We will give more details about the program later.

POTENZA - We communicate the new address of Amedeo and Marta Riccardi, reminding you that you can ask them directly for their complete series of color posters: Amedeo Riccardi - Via F.lli Perito, 26 - 85010 Pignola (PZ).

PRATO - A local television station has asked the congregation at Prato for information on a program to be aired about "What is the church of Christ and in what do you believe?"

U.S.A - Mary and Patty Robinson, were in Italy last month to visit several congregations where Bro. Keith, known and loved by many of us, worked as a missionary of the Gospel.

- Bro. Charles Moore writes us from Texas: "I received the first issue of CHIESAinFORMA. I read every word with interest; it is a good initiative. Giving news about the Lord's work is always imporant." BENIN (Africa)--The church in Benin continues to grow! After the international medical mission effort, which occurred in September 1996 (with the participation of several Italian brethren), the Word of God continues to expand that that country. Other congregations have arisen and numerous souls have been added to the church. We continue to pray that the Lord will continue to bless, even in their difficulties, these brethren who are far away. As soon as we have other information about the next medical-evangelistic mission, we will give you news in CHIESAinFORMA.

NEWS FROM THE CONGREGATIONS

PALERMO - From March 10-15, Bro. Italo Minestroni, preacher of the Gospel from Bologna, held an interesting study at the Church of Christ in Palermo on this topic: "The Last Week of Jesus' Life", with special reference to "The Lord's Supper, His Death, His Resurrection". From this study, there was created a 25 page publication. Whoever is interested, can have a copy by asking for it at our address. We would ask you for a contribution to cover reproduction and postage costs. Chiesa di Cristo - Via P. di Villafranca, 34 - 90141 Palermo. (Salvatore Sparacello)

PETILIA POLICASTRO - From April 25-27, there was held in the Sila Mountains the annual get together, Fellowship 1997, organized by the Calabrian Churches of Christ (Calabria is a province in southern Italy). During these three days, we had an opportunity to enjoy fellowship and the beauty of God's creation: "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1). We thank all who participated; a special thanks goes to Bro. Harold Paden for the great spirituality with which he talked about Jesus and His church. These studies of Bro. Harold are available in printed form and may be requested by asking here: Chiesa di Cristo - C. P. 5 - 87050 Casole Bruzio (CS). (Giuseppe Mirabelli)

SPEZZANO PICCOLO - Sisters Elena De Cicco and Breda R. Zito had the possibility on the 11th and 12th of April to witness about their faith and to introduce the church of Christ while participating in a television program, aired on Rete Alfa, entitled: "Women and Religion". From April 18-24 we had the pleasure of having with us Bro. Harold Paden; he presented a gospel meeting on the theme: "The Great Commission". We thank the Lord for the spiritual gifts that He has given Bro. Harold and for the exhortations which he brought to us.
A SMALL CORRECTION: The address of the Church of Christ in Cosenza is not "Via M. Mari, 37", but it is "Via L. M. Greco, 37". (Eduardo Zumpano) ROME - Viale Jonio Church of Christ From May 24-27 there will be an evangelistic campaign at Rome with the help of a group of American students from Harding University guided by Bro. Carl Mitchell and Bro. Bob Corbin. Besides the distribution of handbills, there will a gospel meeting for the public held by Bro. Mitchell. After Rome, the group will travel to other Italian cities to continue their evangelistic program. (Vittorio Vitalone)

CONEGLIANO - Sunday, April 20th, PATRICK ADUHENE, originally from Ghana but now living in our city, asked to be immersed for the remission of his sins. May God bless his new life in Christ. We were greatly blessed by a visit from Harold and Sally Paden and their grandson Nathan. Their encouragement and their love for God and the progress of His kingdom are a great consolation to us. (Paolo Di Luca)

BONDENO - Thursday, May 1st, the congregation in Bondeno had the joy of assisting in the baptism of a young man named ALAN BONAZZA, the son of our dear brethren, Giorgio and Paola. We are thankful to the Lord for the joy that He has given us to have this new brother in Christ. "And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly with all his household, having believed in God" (Acts 16:34). (Francesco Fergnani)

PUBLICATIONS

* Bro. Mariano Delli Colli has compiled an interesting edition: "PENSIERI DELLA FILOSOFIA E DELLA SCIENZA SU DIO" (Thoughts from Philosophy and Science on God). Whoever would like to have a copy, can send their request to: Delli Colli Mariano - Via Lago Ascianghi, 23 - 04100 Latina

* Number 36 of "Il Mondo della Bibbia" (The World of the Bible) has been published, a magazine which brings one up to date on the history, geography, archeology, art, society, and religion of the Holy Land. The topic developed in this issue is: "Da Sumer alla Bibbia - La Creazione del Mondo" (From Sumer to the Bible - The Creation of the World). Ask for it from: ELLE DI CI - 10096 Leuman (TO).

* The D. L. C. has published from many years by now an interesting magazine for all the family entitled: "ETHOS" (Habits). The annual subscription is 14.000 lire (about $8.75). You can ask for it at: Diffusione Letteratura Cristiana - C. P. 11 - 64045 Isola del Gran Sasso (TE).

* Bro. Vito Ligorio has published an interesting study on: "Women in the Church". For more information, write to: Vito Ligorio - C. P. 44 - 72022 Latiano (BR).

BOOK REVIEWS

* Michael Green, La Seconda Epistola di Pietro e l'Epistola di Giuda (The Second Epistle of Peter and the Letter of Jude), Ed. G.B.U. Roma 1997, pp. 280, 30.000 lire ($18.75). This is a new commentary by Leon Morris. It is a useful book for whoever desires to enrich their understanding of two "minor" letters of the N. T. and rediscover the message which they contain. As the author writes, "I am more than ever convinced that these letters have much to teach the modern church, and that they stress areas which greatly need our attention." This good study book can be used profitably during daily meditations and for better comprehension of God's Word. (For English readers, this commentary is part of the Tyndale New Testament Commentary Series, Revised Edition, published by William B. Eerdmans of Grand Rapids, MI.)

* Alister E. McGrant, Gesu': Chi E' e Perche' E' Importante Saperlo (Jesus: Who is He and Why is it Important to Know Him), Ed. G.B.U. Roma 1997, pp. 245, 28.000 lire ($17.50). This is a new book about Jesus for Italian readers, addressed not only to believers but also to all those of the public who demonstrate a renewed interest in Jesus of Nazareth. This book proposes to explain what could be called Jesus' identity: "the purpose is that of offering a help for the person who desires to discover for himself the identity and the significance of Jesus Christ".

* Stuart Murray, La Disciplina nella Chiesa (Church Discipline), Ed. Patmos - Perugia 1997, pp. 64, 7.000 lire ($4.50). Just a little longer than a tract, this study offers excellent points on church discipline. The theme of Christian disipline, often neglected in certain congregations, can be ridiscovered and evaluated thanks to the words of this author that presents the subject in a clear and comprehensive way. Murray reminds us that "to exercise discipline in the right way is certainly not a judgment or a condemnation, but an expression of Christian love".

BIBLE DISPLAY AT CONEGLIANO During the month of June, there will be the annual "MOSTRA DELLA BIBBIA" (Bible Display), created and organized by the congregation at Conegliano. It presents various informative materials on the history of the Bible and there is a collection of Bibles in more than 50 foreign languages.