Truth Magazine

By Bob Walton

Every great hymn has a story. The story contained in the song “When The Roll is Called Up Yonder” is its proclamation of a great Bible truth. It is one of those songs that stirs sweet memories because it has been sung by countless thousands who have staked their every hope in the story it tells.

The chorus of this great song begins with “when the roll”–; not “if” or “maybe,” but of the certainty that the roll will be called up yonder. While no one knows when, the Bible is replete with evidence that this inevitable event will occur. Peter affirms that the Lord’s coming will be as a “thief in the night” (2 Pet. 3:10). The lesson of the parable of the ten virgins is preparation for the Lord’s coming; the culminating thought of this parable is: “Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour” (Matt. 25:13).

The song further indicates a roll “up yonder,” and certainly this is a Bible thought. John portrays the awesome judgment scene with the dead standing before the great white throne to be judged. He further reveals, “The books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Rev. 20:11-12). Hence we see the “roll” being presented as the book of life. Now this book of life will be put along side “the books,” which is the New Testament. This New Testament is elsewhere referred to as “the words of this life” (Acts 5:20), or “the word of life” (Phil. 2:16). Thus the two records in the day of judgment will be “the words of life” and “the book of life.”

Now this book of life is a register of names-a roll; God’s roll book in Heaven, recorded in the omniscient mind of God. Paul alludes to this great truth in speaking of his fellow workers in Philippi “whose names are in the book of life” (Phil. 4:3). Since there is a roll book or register in heaven, we need to inquire as to whose names are written therein. In so many of the old Bibles, there is a family register; a list of family names. Just so it is with the book of life; that “roll up yonder,” it is a list of family names. The Hebrew writer speaks of “the general assembly and church of the firstborn whose names are enrolled in Heaven . . .” (Heb. 12:23). Jesus told the seventy that the real occasion of rejoicing should be “that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

On the other hand, we are also told whose names are not in the book of life. John says that the names of those who worship ,the beast (the Roman Empire) were those “whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain” (Rev. 13:8). No follower of a false system of religion has his name on “the roll up yonder.” We thus have from the word of God a definite contrast of whose names are written and whose names are not written in the book of life.

Since God has a register in heaven, how may our names be enrolled therein? Again, we compare with “the old family Bible” at home. When a child was born, his or her name was enrolled in the family register. It is the same with the spiritual family. One must be “born again” in order to be enrolled in the family register. When one is in Christ, he is a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17); we get into Christ by being born again (John 3:5), thus becoming a child of God by faith by being baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). In so doing, the name of this one is added to the family register in heaven. Thus until one meets the requirements for enrollment by being born again, his name is not on “the roll up yonder.”

Once a name is recorded in the book of life, is it possible to blot out that name? God’s word affirms that such is possible. In order not to have that name blotted out of the book of life, one must overcome. To the saints at Sardis, the angel said, “He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life . . .” (Rev. 3:5). Once our names are enrolled, it is imperative that we “hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end” (Heb. 3:14). John further warns that the man who tampers with God’s word by either adding thereunto or taking therefrom, “God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19).

From these Bible truths it is evident that there is a definite relationship between “the roll up yonder” and the destiny of every soul. “And there shall in no wise enter into it (heaven) anything that is unclean, or he that makest an abomination or a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:2). On the other hand, “and if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 22:13). If our names are written in the book of life, we can enter heaven; if they have not been written therein, or have been blotted out, we will be cast into the lake of fire. May we recognize this contingency between the book of life and our eternal destiny.

One final admonition concerning “the roll up yonder:” it is quite possible that my name be on the “church roll down here” and not on “the roll up yonder.” Many people live under the delusion that if their names are on some church roll, then all is well. But let none of us labor under this notion; but let us be sure that our names are in the book of life; that “roll up yonder,” and that we live in such a manner that our names will not be blotted out.

What a joy and consolation derived from singing this grand old hymn-provided we can truthfully sing, “when the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.”

Truth Magazine XIX: 46, pp. 728-729
October 2, 1975

By Lloyd P. Atherton

Does the above question have a familiar ring to it? Of course it does. It is frequently used by denominationalists in an attempt to maintain and sustain such unscriptural practices as sprinkling or pouring as a substitute for baptism, mechanical instrumental music in worship to God, etc. Apparently this is a better argument(?) than many of us have supposed for we hear this question propounded by many professed Christians. It is appalling to hear a child of God ask, “Where does the Bible say not to . . . ?” with regard to social drinking, mixed bathing, the use of tobacco, dancing, immodest attire, ad infinitum. But what prompts such a question, anyway?

Let me suggest that it is a failure to strive to be perfect in Christ. Jesus commanded, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). Paul advised the church at Colosse of Epaphras’ prayer “that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12). Hence we see that Christians are to be perfect.

But what is involved in being perfect? W. E. Vine, in his Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Vol. 3, pp. 173-174, defines “perfect” as “having reached its end, finished, complete, perfect.” As it relates to persons Vine says, “(a) full grown, of full age, adult, mature; (b) complete”. Thus we are not talking about sinless perfection. Christ only was perfect in that sense (confer 1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 4:15). A Christian cannot claim to live above sin for “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn. 1:8). Being perfect involves spiritual growth and maturity; coming to completeness in Christ. When one obeys the gospel, he must “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). We are to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18a). A very real, and I might add, critical problem in the lives of far too many professed Christians is a failure to grow to maturity and completeness. Although many have obeyed the “first principles,” they have not done anything further to promote growth and development. Having merely gone through a form of obedience with a consequent failure to feed upon and drink from God’s word, they are suffering from spiritual malnutrition and retardation.

The Hebrew writer dealt with this very problem. Notice it: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:12-14). This is a good commentary on the condition of so many in the church today. Many need to be retaught the first principles. They are spiritual infants. They are not able to discern (differentiate) between good and evil because of a failure to exercise their senses. Notice that those who are able to eat strong meat are said to be “of full age.” This is from the same Greek word that is translated “perfect” in Matt. 5:48 and in Col. 4:12. (Contextually, in Matt. 5:48 Jesus is saying that our love must be perfect or complete, even as the Father’s love is complete; in Col. 4:12, reference is to maturity-see Vine’s definition above). Again we see the problem demonstrated; brethren who are not striving to be perfect (mature, full grown and complete) in Christ as required by God.

Concerning our question “where does the Bible say not to . . . ?”, the Lord did not list everything that was good and everything that was evil. No book could contain such. Imagine the difficulty and confusion that would have existed for first and second century man, etc., if the Lard had included in the Bible every specific evil that applies to twentieth century man, so many of which would have been unknown to the earlier centuries, and vice versa. The Lord laid down principles which must govern the lives of Christians. This requires us to exercise our senses. Unfortunately, far too many do not want to be governed and/or are opposed to spiritual exercise (with the possible exception being that of jumping to conclusions). Being carnally minded and not minding the things of the spirit, they are calling good evil and evil good. When challenged concerning their involvement in activities condemned by Bible principles, the major thrust of their defense is the timeworn question, “Well, where does the Bible say not to . . . ?” Isaiah had to deal with this problem in his day. Consider what he had to say. “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20-emph. mine, lpa). According to the apostle Paul in Romans 8:6-9, if we are in the flesh we cannot please God. If we do not possess the spirit of Christ we are none of his regardless of what we may think or what we may claim!

Let each of us be full grown, of full age, adult, mature, complete, in. Christ Jesus. Let us be new creatures in Christ (Cf. Eph. 4:17-25). Let us mortify, or put to death, the deeds of the flesh, the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man (Cf. Col. 3:5-10). After primary obedience to the gospel, let us strive to walk in “newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). God’s word reveals that our character must be transformed. What we are must be different from what we were. Our nature must be consistent with the nature of Christ. When we appropriate the truths of God’s word unto ourselves, our character will be changed from the carnal man to the spiritual man. As a consequence our conduct, our doing will be changed. We will seek to follow Christ in all things. We will submit our will to the will of Him who died for us. We will not seek to justify our practices by what the Bible does not say, but rather, we will learn and apply these Bible principles to our lives so as to be in harmony with God’s will as revealed in His word, whether it be precept or principle. Brethren, let us be perfect!

Truth Magazine XIX: 46, pp. 727-728
October 2, 1975

By Bill Crews

Expressing the sentiments of my heart are these words of Paul to his brethren at Corinth: “I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children” (1 Cor. 4:14). This then is not a lesson to shame, but to admonish. Consider these: How brief life is! How certain death is! How long eternity is! And sin? How strong its appeal; how persistent its temptation; how deceptive its appearance; how misleading its promise; how fleeting its pleasure; how tragic its consequence; how horrible its punishment! How great God’s love is! How wonderful Christ’s sacrifice is! How powerful the gospel is! How important the church is! How precious one soul is! How pressing salvation is! How beautiful heaven is! How terrible hell is!

Scriptures To Read

Here is an array of arresting Scriptures that emphasize both the importance and the conditional nature of salvation:

(1) Matt. 22:37-38-God is to be loved with all the heart, soul and mind.

(2) Matt. 10:34-38-Christ is to be loved above father or mother, son or daughter.

(3) Matt. 5:6; 6:31-33-we are to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness.

(4) Matt. 7:21-17-we must hear and do the words of Christ.

(5) Matt. 16:24-27-Christ demands self-denial, cross-bearing and following Him even if it costs us our very lives.

(6) Rom. 6:12-13-we must present ourselves unto God and our body members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

(7) Rom. 12:1-2–we must be living sacrifices, not fashioned according to this world.

(8) 1 Cor. -9:24-27; Phil. 3:12-14; Heb. 12:1-2-we must run the race that demands our all.

(9) 1 Cor. 15:58; Col. 1:21-23-we must be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord;” we must “continue in the faith.”

(10) Heb. 4:11; 2 Pet. 1:5-11-we must “give diligence to enter into that rest;” we must “give the more diligence to make” our “calling and election sure.”

(11) Heb. 12:14-we must follow after “the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord.”

(12) Heb. 12:28-29-we must have gratitude and offer to God well-pleasing service. “For our God is a consuming fire.”

Some Searching Questions

In view of the principles and lessons contained in the above Scriptures, please answer these questions:

(1) Why do the various services and classes of a congregation not receive the active support of all the members? There are legitimate reasons for not being present, but what of the many instances of brethren missing when they could be present? An attendance chart, posted in the foyer, would be quite revealing. We need to keep in mind the immediate (spiritual edification) and eventual (eternal salvation) purpose of these services and classes. They are more important than work or school, but does our practice say so? Why do brethren miss when they could attend? It is a matter of attitude and interest. “When we want to do something, we find a way. When we don’t, we find an excuse.”

(2) Why are some brethren consistently tardy for services and classes? Do we realize what tardiness says about our interest and the importance we attach to the services and classes? It is detrimental to us and to others. It is a liability and a distraction. It is a habit that most refuse to give in to, that some have formed, that anyone can overcome. Teachers, especially, need to be on time.

(3) Why, in our Bible study classes, are there both children and adults who come without having studied their assigned lessons? Do patents help their children with their lessons or see to it that they get them? Any boy or girl who has become a Christian should not have to be made to prepare a Bible lesson.. Do parents teach and impress upon their children the importance of spiritual things? Do adults set a good example? How can the most important thing in life receive such shoddy treatment from those who profess to prize it most?

(4) Why do we not do more visiting and contacting for the purpose of helping others–the ill, newcomers, the ones who visit our services, the spiritually weak; the negligent? How can we otherwise help to edify and manifest love for brethren and others? Why is all of such “personal” work done by a handful?

(5) Do we really understand, appreciate and benefit from all the time and effort that go into sermons, class lessons, and bulletins? There are some assignments essential to the work of a congregation that are accepted on a voluntary .basis, and those who thus volunteer certainly learn to appreciate -the efforts essential to such works. But what about .those who never volunteer? Have you ever folded, addressed and mailed the bulletin? Have you ever cleaned the building or kept the lawn? Have you ever taught a class? led singing? preached a sermon?

Let me close with more questions. Why are you a Christian? Why are you a member of the Lord’s church? Why are you a member of a particular congregation? Do you see it all as a means to an end? As preparation for eternity? Do you keep your eye on the goal? Are you fully committed to doing the Lord’s will? Do you really want to go to heaven? Is the Lord first in your life?

Truth Magazine XIX: 46, pp. 726-727
October 2, 1975

By Bob Welton

While with us in a gospel meeting in February, Brother Cecil Willie and I talked at length about the Lord’s cause in Louisiana. Cecil reminded me that not enough is known about the work of sound churches in the state arid because of this, Cecil suggested a “special on Louisiana” to better inform the brethren of conservative churches in this state.

At present there are only fifteen churches in the state (about which I have any information) that are sound on the institutional question. These are scattered; several of them are small in number, and at present only six congregations are able to be self-supporting. Dividing the congregations geographically from north to south, we give a brief report of each.

Northern Louisiana

The oldest congregation (as well as the largest) in the state is the church in Haynesville; having been established in 1910. Brother S. H. Hall was one of the first preachers for this church. This group of dedicated Christians has stood for the truth through several brotherhood “fights” and continues to be a great influence for truth in north Louisiana. At present, three men are serving as elders: Brethren S. B. Hartsell, Sr., Clarence P. Crump, and Robert Durham. Lloyd P. Atherton presently preaches for the brethren there.

Also in the northern part of the state is the congregation in Springhill, which meets to worship at 405 Butler Street. The history of this church dates to the early 1940’s, when a group of Christians began meeting in homes to worship God. A group pulled away because of the institutional question in the late 1960’s, but the majority of the brethren were grounded in the faith, and thus remained faithful. Clarence Johnson has worked with the brethren in this city since 1970. (Clarence Johnson has since moved and the church in Springhill is without a full-time preacher-Editor).

Five congregations now exist in the north-central quarter of the state. These include the Linwood church in Shreveport, which meets to worship at 326 W. 75th Street. At present Ross Saunders is commuting from Marshall, Texas, to preach for the brethren there.

Just across the Red River to the east is the congregation in Boosier City with the meeting house located at 2917 Foster Street. This church began in the mid 1960’s, when 17 people decided they could no longer scripturally worship with the liberal churches in the city and met together to form the present congregation. B. J. Thomas is in his sixth year as the full-time evangelist for this congregation.

Approximately seventy miles to the east is the newest sound work in the state; this is the church in Ruston. This church began in 1974, when Brother Earl Hartsell moved to that city and began working with a small group of Christians. Incidentally, this is the fourth new work Earl Hartsell has been instrumental in establishing in the state of Louisiana. In fact, the Hartsell family, especially Brother S. B. Hactsell, Sr. arid his three preacher sons, Huey, Earl, and Horace, have been a great influence for the cause of truth arid righteousness in the state for many years.

And traveling a bit further east, we find a faithful congregation in Monroe. This congregation is known as the Southside church and meets to worship at 506 S. 6th Street. This church began in 1971, and has for the past four years been the fastest growing church in Louisiana. At present, Ralph Edmunson preaches for the brethren there (For further information, see Truth Magazine, July 11, 1974).

The only other congregation in the northern half of the state is the one in Stanley, three miles east of Logansport, with Cecil Jones as preacher.

Central Louisiana

Only four congregations presently exist in the central part of the state. These include the White Park church which meets on Highway 8, approximately five miles west of Leesville. This is one of the older congregations in the state; its history dating back to the early 1920’s. (Incidentally, as of April 1, this church was looking for a full-time preacher. Anyone interested may contact Willie Farris, Rt. 1, Leesville, Louisiana 71446).

Then five miles south of Leesville, just off Highway 171 is the White Oak church. This congregation is small, but is standing for the truth.

The only other conservative work in this part of the state is the church in Merryville. This church, although small, has remained faithful through the years; this can be attributed largely to the Franks family of that town. Ricky Johnson is presently driving from Beaumont to preach for the brethren there.

And traveling east across the central part of the state we come to the little town of Evergreen, where a group of faithful Christians meet. Tommy Holtzclaw commutes from Taylors, Arkansas, on weekends to preach for the brethren there.

Southern Louisiana

At present, only four congregations exist across the oil-rich southern part of the state.

Traveling east across the state, we come to Lafayette where we find the church meeting at 507 S. College Road in that city. This congregation began in 1957; it presently is having just over 100 in attendance. Bob Walton is the preacher for the brethren there.

Baton Rouge, the capital city, has a fine congregation which meets at 9923 Sunny Cline Drive; it is known as the Park Forest congregation. Bill Crews has been working with this church since 1971; a new building was erected three years ago (See cover and accompanying article).

Further south and east is the church in Gonzales. This work began in 1958 with five families; since that time the church has fluxuated drastically because of transfers in this highly industrialized complex; at present the attendance averages in the low 40’s on the Lord’s Day. Jim Gunter began his first full-time work with this church in January of this year. Jim is a native of Gonzales, and was employed as a chemical engineer before beginning full-time preaching. Jim is doing an excellent job, and is to be commended for the sacrifices he has made to preach the word. I call attention to this, because Jim took about a $5,000.00 annual cut in income when he quit his secular work to devote his fulltime to preaching the word.

The last congregation to be mentioned is the Lake Villa church in Metairie (in the northern part of the greater New Orleans area), which meets at 3000 Lake Villa Drive. This church has been in existence for ten years; Bill Collett has preached for this church eight of these years. This congregation averages about 65 on the Lord’s Day.

We do wish to call attention to Lake Charles. A church has existed in this city of 70,000 for the past nine years; the church has, however, recently disbanded. It is disheartening to know that the church there has looked for a preacher to work with them full-time for the past two years, but to no avail. They have dwindled in numbers, they recently lost their lease on their rented building, and as of April 1, they ceased meeting. We are happy to report that efforts are presently being made to re-establish a congregation there; a man has expressed a desire to move to that city, and hopefully the church will begin meeting there this year.

A General Outlook of Louisiana Churches

We think it well to mention that churches of Christ have not flourished in Louisiana like they have in other areas of the south. Even the liberal churches are scarce and for the most part small; especially in southern and southeastern Louisiana. This is due to several factors; a couple of them being that the area is predominately Catholic, thus making conversions hard and slow; the other being that the area is heavily industrialized; thus memberships fluctuate drastically because of transfers.

It is also quite interesting to note that in southern Louisiana, there are a good number of premillennial churches; in fact there are 25 congregations of this persuasion. This is probably the second largest concentration of premillennial “churches of Christ” in the nation.

There is also a large number of congregations in southern Louisiana using instrumental music in worship that call themselves “churches of Christ.” These instrumental groups are indigenous to the state and sprang from the labors of Evariste Hebert of Crowley. Everiste grew up a Catholic; in fact he studied for the Catholic priesthood for three years at St. Joseph’s seminary in Crowley. But he studied himself out of Catholicism, learned the truth, was baptized by W. J. Johnson in 1915, and began to preach immediately, but never gave up the instruments. He moved from Crowley to Jennings because of the fear of Catholic persecution. Now churches resulting from his labors are found from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles. It is quite interesting to note that the liberal brethren in Jennings recently merged with the instrumental group (known as the “First Church of Christ”)-that’s one way to have unity isn’t it! So now in Jennings we have “The First Church of Christ” with a reported membership of over 300 and the premillennial group with an attendance of about 150. These two apostate groups presently constitute “the churches of Christ” of that city.

As to the future, we recognize there is much work before us in this state. Since the sound churches are scattered and small, and several cities are without a sound church, there is a long hard struggle ahead of us in this state. But the future of the church looks bright. Several churches are growing both numerically and in the faith, and, these churches, as they grow, are reaching out to assist still other. We also have a number of preachers who have stood and Will continue to stand for the truth of God’s word. And we trust that sound churches are committed to the principle that if we continue to plant and water, that God will give the increase.

Truth Magazine XIX: 46, pp. 723-725
October 2, 1975