Truth Magazine

By Stephen P. Willis

Ever been called an atheist? You may wonder why the question is asked. Most likely, the readers of this article have never been called an atheist-at least in the present usage of the word–one who does not believe in God. In the sense of believing that there is a supreme being, atheists are “without excuse” for “since the creation of the world His (God’s–sw) invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made” (Rom. 1:20). “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of his hands” (Ps. 19:1), so that it is only the fool who has “said in his heart, ‘There is no God”‘ (Ps. 14:1). Yet at one time, Jews and Christians were termed “atheists.”

When it came time for the church to face the fourth empire of the Danielic prophecy, Rome, their choice was: sacrifice or die. This test had been applied to the Jews in earlier times, as is cited by W.H.C. Frend in his book, Martyrdom & Persecution in the Early Church (Garden City, NY: Anchor Books, Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1967):

Finally, It Is clear that the sacrifice test was employed to establish the fact of Judaism. Nearly fifty years later, Pliny’s advisers in Bithynia urged the same course and for the same reason, against the Christians. Supplication with Incense to the Emperor’s statute and the recitation of prayer to the gods were “things (which so It was said) those who are really Christians cannot be made to do.” Implicit In both situations was the charge of atheism. . .(p. 103).

Frend discusses the problem of “atheism” at a later point in the history of the Roman Empire:

The requirement was for all free inhabitants of the Empire, men, women and children, to sacrifice to the gods of the Empire, pour a libation, and taste sacrificial meat. The penalty for refusal was death (Acts Pionii 7.4). Though these deities were not specified to the sacrificers we know from contemporary sources of offerings made to Jupiter, the Roman triad Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, to Dea Roma, to Apollo, Diana, Venus, Nemesis and to the genius of the Emperor himself (p. 302).

Some of these houses of worship were set up in the cities of Asia Minor where John’s Revelation was sent (see 1:4; ch. 2-3). The church at Pergamum (where the Temple of Augustus and the Altar of Victory stood, Frend, p. 148) had some who were eating things sacrificed to the idols (Rev. 2:14). Thyatira, noted for its trade guilds, which required its members to sacrifice to the gods, too had some who ate of these sacrifices (Rev. 2:20). The other churches of Asia and the rest of the Empire met similar problems as these.

These were the “atheists.” They denied the Roman gods. They were also called asebeia-a Greek word meaning “want of reverence, impiety, ungodliness.” (For N.T. usage of this word see Rom. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:16; Tit. 2:12; usage of its cognate Rom. 11:26; Jude 15, 18.) In their attempts to serve the one and only God, the religious world about them thought that because they did not partake in the same practices that the Romans did, the Christians were atheists.

They even had a method devised to keep track of the theists (Romans) and the atheists (Christians and other protesters). This practice seems to be related in Rev. 13:15-17:

And there was given to him to give breath to the Image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and came as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the .laves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, and he provides that no one would be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.

Frend tells us,

Moreover, census and tax rolls provided by local officials in each district controlled the number and identity of those who presented themselves to sacrifice. On completion they received a certificate (libellus) signed by the commission testifying that they had duly done sacrifice (p. 303).

As already noted some of the Christians thought that they could serve God without compromising themselves in spite of sacrificing to idols. Frend tells that some Christians went so far as to illegally purchase the certificates (p. 305). The scriptures tell God’s attitude toward those who made such compromises:

. . .If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his Image, and whoever receives the mark of his name (Rev. 14:9-11).

Well, how about it. Have you ever been called an atheist? I think in light of the way that the word was used at that time in history some Christians can indeed be called atheists. Only if we do not receive the religious practices of the world around us, though, can we be called atheists in the way that those Christians were.

There are a lot of doctrines and practices of the surrounding religious world to which we should be called atheists. Some are awaiting the coming of the kingdom of Jesus-so much that anyone who believes the Bible, which teaches that the kingdom is already here, is considered an atheist. The miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit is another doctrine which is held by some to which we should be considered atheists. The tenets of Calvinism are avowed by almost every sect of denominationalism. We should be atheist to such views and others.

But the Romans did not consider Christians atheists merely for their doctrine, but also for their practices. In fact, they really could have cared less about the doctrine, as long as the sacrifice was paid (this is evidenced by the actions of the compromising Christians). Today there are such practices that we should be looked upon as atheists in that we do not keep them. The “religious holidays” (holy-days) such as Lent, Easter and Christmas would be some examples. No doubt the Christian’s nonobservance has caused many to feel that he is an atheist-and rightfully so! But what about abuses of authority, such as misuse of the Lord’s money? Should we be like all the world about us and support missionary societies, colleges, old folks and orphans’ homes out of the church’s treasury? No! Be an “atheist”! Where would such abuses end? Church socials for saints? Providing refreshments for aliens and saints whether it be every Sunday or for “Vacation Bible School”? Games? Ball Teams? Movies? Gymnasiums? Instruments of Music? Abusing the authority given by God to do what He has told us to do (and not to do what He has not told us to do) makes us atheists all right-but not in the sight of men, as we have found with the Romans’ charge toward the Christians; we would be atheists in the sight of God!

Have you ever been called an atheist by men?

Perhaps it is time that you were!

Truth Magazine XXII: 35, pp. 568-569
September 7, 1978

By Larry Ray Hafley

Our bead is drawn on statements made by Mr. Roger Overton, a preacher for the United Pentecostal Church in Florence, Alabama. “Now you may wonder why I am a United Pentecostal. It is because in Acts 2, when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. One accord, that is United; Pentecost fully come, that is Pentecostal; and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved, so that is the church. I wonder if you find your church in the Book of Acts? We are the original Apostolic church, the original one . . . . I am in the original Apostolic Church of the New Testament, not in the tuning fork church started by Alexander Campbell. Some one said, ‘Why don’t you yell the name of Jesus instead of United Pentecostal? Because Jesus is the name of the Savior and United Pentecostal is the name of the organization.”

One can search the Scriptures from Dan to Beersheba and find no mention of the United Pentecostal Church (UPC). Mr. Overton infers the name, “United Pentecostal Church,” the same way Missionary Baptists attempt to do. The church, say they, has a mission-that is Missionary; it is to baptize-that is Baptist; so, Missionary Baptist Church. What would be wrong with that name from Mr. Overton’s line of argument? Surely, he cannot gripe or grumble if I call him a Missionary Baptist, so here goes: Mr. Overton, you are a Missionary Baptist in the same sense that you are a United Pentecostal. For some softies who have a weak stomach for name calling, be certain to note that I am typing this with a sweet smile on my face and a grin on my heart.

Mr. Overton avers that, “they were all with one accord,” means part of the name is “United.” It also says, “and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Why, then, isn’t “Filled” part of the name, or even, “Holy Ghost?”

Can You Find Your Church?

Roger wonders if we can find “our” church in the book of Acts. He has not found his yet. The UPC is not only not in the book of Acts, it is not in the Bible-period. “The church,” “the church of God” is there, but there is nothing that is ever referred to as the UPC. Roger cannot find the UPC in any literature written prior to 1900. Let him try. He would give up his last dying gasp of “Hallelujah!” for a reference to the UPC, but he cannot find it in anything written before 1900.

If finding one’s church in the Bible means deducing the name the way Roger did, then Missionary Baptists could shout, “I found mine, too!” Methodists could say the church had a plan or method of working, thus, “We found ours!” The Mormons could say it was the last or latter days, and they were saints of Jesus Christ; so, it was “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!” Roger, how would you tell a Methodist or a Mormon that his church was not mentioned in the Bible since they might derive their name the same way you do yours? I could “authorize” the Presbyterian Church’s name on the same basis. Call my bluff, Mr. Overton, and see if I can.

I suppose “tuning fork church” would be as scriptural as the UPC name. After all, some saints use tuning forks, and it is the church; so, Tuning Fork Church! Both the tuning fork church (TFC) and the UPC go unmentioned in the Bible, and I am a member of neither one.

Roger, since you say Jesus is the name of the Savior (Christ), and UPC is the name of the organization, would it be wrong to refer to the UPC as the church of Christ? The New Testament refers to Jesus as the head of the body, the church (Eph. 1:22, 23). Is the UPC the body or church of Christ? If so, why did the writers of the New Testament not call it by its name? You say its name is UPC. However, the authors of the Bible never called it that. They called the Savior by His name, Jesus, but they never called the church by the name which you give to it-why not? Roger, I might even go off the deep end and join a tuning fork church just to get to hear your answers to these questions.

Truth Magazine XXII: 35, p. 562
September 7, 1978

By Bob Dodson

Revelation

Truly the glory of the Lord is emphasized in the fact that He is the “revealer” of the gospel (Gal. 1:11-12). This “gospel” bears His name which points to His greatness (Rom. 1:16-17). The “news” that He brought man from God is the grandest story of all ages (Rom. 5:8-10): He “revealed through parables” simple truths that confounded the wisest of men (Matt. 13:11-15, 1 Cor. 1:21-28). He “revealed” profound facts about the “world beyond death” (Luke 16:19-31). He made known the “awesome power” of deity through the many miracles which He performed. (John 20:30-31). He “revealed” boldly His “contempt for sin” and overwhelming love for the sinner (John 8:3-11). Surely His “revelation” of the “human nature of man” points to the truthful facts that He “knew” what was “in” man (John 2:24-25). His “acknowledgment” of the fact that He knew that people would answer to Him in the “final day” (Matt. 7:21-23) reveals so clearly His “right” as God and man to be the judge of all (John 5:22-29).

Estimation

It was Jesus who said “what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul” (Matt. 16:26). He “estimated” that the race of lost humanity was worth His condescending to men of low estate (Rom. 12:16). His “estimate of the scribes and Pharisees” hit the nail right on the head (Matt. 23:15). He also counted the “trials and persecutions of Satan” as nothing, in contrast to the joy of being the “Savior of the body” (Eph. 5:23-27). He “plainly” stated that the “primary” responsibility of man was to “seek the Kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33)! He estimated that most men would seek the pleasures of sin and easy living, instead of the sacrificial way of the Cross (Matt. 7:1314). As the “estimator” of the worth of the world, this big name preacher declared “excuse-making” highly “unprofitable” (Luke 14:16-24).

Condemnation

Only the Messiah or Christ ever did “condemn sin in the flesh” (Rom. 8:1-3). He obeyed the “law of Moses” perfectly and completely “buffeted his body” so as never to transgress against His Father (1 Cor. 9:27, 1 Pet. 2:21-22). Moreover he “condemned” everyone who refuses to “believe and be baptized” (Mark 16:15-16). He spake as if He were (which He is) the judge and jury and executioner of all ungodly and wicked men (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Condemnation is “defeated” by Christ and all who obey Him escape death (Rom. 6:23). This big name preacher came not into the world to “condemn the world” but rather to save the world from “condemnation for their sins” (John 3:17-18).

Invitation

Sweet water to refresh the hearts of all men is found in (Matt. 11:28-30). Jesus invites everyone who is burdened and heavy laden with “guilt of their sins” to “come unto Him for rest.” He issued gloriously the challenge “cast all your burdens and cares upon me” (1 Pet. 5:7). He stands at the door of the heart of every man (Rev. 3:20) through His “gospel” seeking to gain entrance and create fellowship with man!

Mediation

Truly “only” the Lord qualifies for this magnificent role (1 Tim. 2:5). In order to be “made perfect” for this responsibility (Heb. 5:8-9) our Lord shed the garments of holiness which “befit” deity and attired Himself in the “rags of humanity” (Phil. 2:5-9). Since He “created man” (Gen. 1:26-28) He knows the “capabilities” of man, and since He walked on earth “as” a man He knows what man faces in his daily experiences (Heb. 2:17-18). This big name preachers’ verdict will be final for all men (Rev. 20:11-15)! ! ! !

Resurrection

The “imperial day” of all history is the one on which the Lord Jesus Christ arose from the dead (Rom. 1:4). This great event in His life “decisively” ascribes unto the Lord the very highest “glory and honor” (Acts 13:30-33). It was through this “triumph” (Col. 2:14-16) that the “Prince of Peace” and “Lord of Lords” made possible the “hope of eternal life” for all who would follow His commands (1 Pet. 1:3-9). He is the only “traveler” who has ever gone into the vale of death and returned never to die again. None else has ever “lived with God” (John 1:18), and “lived with man” (John 1:14), and “lived in the realm of hades” (Luke 23:43) except the Lord Jesus! He is the “firstborn” from the dead (Col. 1:18). This big name preacher could not be holden by the “pangs of death” (Acts 2:22-24). His “commanding” voice will call both the righteous and the unrighteous from their tombs on the “last” day (John 5:28-29).

Justification

Taking into account all “flesh” that has lived on earth, none has lived “without” sin except for the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 4:15). Hence he truly typifies the one who is “just” (Rom. 3:23-26). He is able to “justify” by His blood all those who obey the “gospel of Christ” by submitting to baptism by faith for the “forgiveness” of their sins (Acts 2:38). He, therefore, becomes both the “just” and the justifier of all obedient men and women. If any man would be just (accounted as righteous), then he must render complete obedience unto the holy and just “Prince of life” (Acts 3:14). This big name preacher provides “justification” through His name (1 Cor. 6:11). This big name preacher is perfectly “justified” to demand of us faithful obedience unto the precepts of God for He surely “practiced what He preached” flawlessly (John 8:46)! Imagine any gospel preacher saying as did the Lord, “Which of you convicteth me of sin?” He “stood” justified before God in a clear conscience when He did (Acts 24:16).

Reconciliation

Sinful men alienate themselves from God by their iniquities (Is. 59:1-2, Eph. 2:12). He is the enemy of God while living in his sins (Rom. 5:8-10) and needs to be reconciled (made friends again with God) through the “blood of the cross” (Eph. 2:16). It is the “function” of the Lord to provide and furnish that “reconciliation” (Col. 1:13-24). Through the means of the gospel He is “reconciling” all men unto God. The “wrath” of God is deterred from us through the sweet friendship we have with His son (John 14:15, John 15:14). As He performs his function as “High Priest” (Heb. 2:17-18). He offers continuous “reconciliation” from sins for His obedient followers! This big name gospel preacher continually “cries” to the masses of lost humanity “Be ye reconciled unto God (2 Cor. 5:20-21). Without Christ (John 15:5) “reconciliation” is not possible!

Identification

This gospel preacher from heaven “identified” the Kingdom of heaven as “His” church (Matt. 16:18-19). He established His “identity” as the “head of the church,” and the “Saviour of the body” (Col. 1:18, Eph. 5:23). His “identification mark” is placed upon every disciple in the “name” Christian (Acts 11:26). He identified Himself as the “Good Shepherd” who laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:10-11). This big name preacher is identified as “holding the Book of God’s eternal purpose” in His hand (Rev. 5:1-9). He surely “identified Himself’ as the “heir” of the Father’s abundant wealth which will ultimately be the “church” (Matt. 21:38) redeemed out of the earth (Rev. 14:1-5). He “identifies” His character when He said that “he was lowly and meek” (Matt. 11:28-30). But He “identified” His stern rebuke of “apostasy” in cleansing the temple in Jerusalem (John 2:13-17). You would do “well” to identify yourself with this big name preacher for He will lead you in the path of right!

Sanctification

God gives His son “credit” as being the sanctifier of those who are called by the gospel to be “saints” (Heb. 2:11, 2 Thess. 2:13-14). Through the Lord Jesus those who humble themselves to respond to the “gospel call” of Christ are “set apart from sin” (Acts 2:38). But “sanctification” does not end with our “initial obedience” to God’s plan of Salvation, we must follow after it in order to see God (Heb. 12:14). Once we are “sanctified” and set apart from our sins, we also are “at the same time” set apart “for the service of God” (2 Tim. 2:20-22). We are to be “vessels unto honour” in the Kingdom of God as we serve our master. This “daily” sanctification comes as we “flee worldly concerns” and focus our attention on following after “righteousness, and godliness, faith and love and patience and meekness” (1 Tim. 6:11-12). When we conduct our lives so we are “looking to Jesus” (Heb. 12:1-3) who is the “author and perfecter” of our faith! The “saints” can find “perfection” in Christ their “captain” (Col. 1:28).

Regeneration

Behold how beautiful it is to watch the Lord “regenerate” the heart and life of an “evil-doer” (Tit. 3:3-5). He is able through his “transforming” word to change the “thinking and acting” of the “degenerate sinner” who is living in hatred and malice and envy, to love and good works (Heb. 10:23-24). This “conversion” is only possible because of the “sin-offering” Christ made of Himself unto God (Heb. 9:14). He is the “regenerator” of those who are “dead in sins” (Eph. 2:110). In Jesus Christ we are a new “creation” (2 Cor. 5:17). By the washing of “regeneration” this big name preacher can make you an “heir of everlasting life” (Tit. 3:5-8). He sits on the throne of “His” glory during these precious days of “regeneration” (Matt. 19:28) extending unto lost mankind the “long-suffering of God” through salvation (2 Pet. 3:15).

Consecration

Let us “praise the Lord” for He has “consecrated” a new and living “way” for man to find eternal bliss with God (Heb. 19-22). Twas by His blood that He obtained “eternal redemption” for us (Heb. 9:11-15). He is most capable of “consecrating” His disciples as He “instructs them daily” through His divine word (Gal. 5:19-26). This gospel preacher loved His “helpless” creatures so much that He expressed love that surpasses knowledge at Calvary in order that He might “redeem them from all iniquity” (Tit. 2:13-14). Truly, Jesus Christ should be “exalted” by every creature as He has been exalted by the Father (Phil. 2:5-11, Rom. 14:10-12). This big name preacher “lives in His beloved children” (Gal. 2:20) and through His leadership every Christian is able to “yield every member of his body” unto the righteous cause of God (Rom. 6:19). “Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee” is my prayer!

Conclusion

The “only” big name preacher who has ever lived on earth, is now “in heaven” (Acts 1:9-11). There is no “big name preacher” whom you can get to hold you a meeting (1 Cor. 3:5-7). Some churches want only a “big name preacher” to labour with them. Many Christians will go to hear the “big name preacher” proclaim the gospel of Christ, but they will not exert much energy to encourage younger and less experienced preachers. I thank God with my “whole heart” for the many gospel preachers who have boldly and with outstanding ability proclaimed the gospel of Christ. Many did so in perilous times and seemingly impossible adversity. Let us be grateful unto God and these men like Paul and Apollos, and Luther Blackmon, and J. P. Miller, and Pryde Hinton and Franklin Puckett and love and appreciate them for their work’s sake. I express my gratitude to God and these devoted men and all others and every other gospel preacher who ever did preach the truth, and live the truth, and contend for the truth, and print the truth. The many books they have penned have been invaluable unto gospel preachers like myself in our study and research. Surely God in His infinite wisdom provided a place of work and responsibility in the church for “preachers” (Eph. 4:11-12). These proclaimers of God’s “good news” have hazarded their lives for the cause of Christ and deserve our love and heart-felt respect for meeting the challenges placed before them. But let us never esteem them as we do the Lord, and follow their doctrine instead of the “doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9). Apostasy is on the “doorstep” and certainly “imminent” when we begin to call our favorite preacher “the big name preacher.” Only the “name” of Jesus Christ should go up in “lights” (2 Cor. 4:5). To the messenger who brings us God’s message let us offer “encouragement” and “gratitude” for his preparation and his deliverance of God’s simple plea for Salvation in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). Therefore, let us follow after God who has “highly exalted Jesus Christ” and given Him a name which is above all others (Phil. 2:9-11). Undoubtedly, He is the only one of His kind-big name preacher!

Truth Magazine XXII: 35, pp. 566-568
September 7, 1978

By William Y. Beasley

There is great power in a lie. It can send one to hell (Rev. 21:8) and cause one to miss heaven (Rev. 21:27). To tell a lie is to sin! Why, some might wonder, write on something so very obvious? Well, good friend, there are a lot of liars in this old world. Parents lie to their children: “If you do that once more I’ll spank you.” The child does and the parent does not. The parent lied.

Women lie to one another: “That is the most beautiful hat” is said while thinking “I wouldn’t be caught dead with that silly monstrosity on my head.” She lied. Preachers and church treasurers wish people contributed what they claim on their income tax returns.

Perhaps the worst liar of all is the “religious liar.” Religious liars say such things as: “Of course I love the Lord, but I’m just too busy to attend all the services of the saints” (Heb. 10:25). “Just because I get drunk doesn’t mean that I’m not a faithful Christian” (1 Cor. 6:10). “Being a homosexual won’t keep me from being a child of God” (Rom. 1:27, 32; Jude 7), or “It doesn’t make any difference what you believe just as long as you are honest and sincere” (Matt. 7:21; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Tim. 1:3; 6:1; Rev. 2:14-15). John, by inspiration, calls such people “liars”-“He that saith I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).

Truth Magazine XXII: 34, p. 558
August 31, 1978