On the nights of September 24, 25, 27 and 28, 1973 a religious debate was conducted in Marion, Indiana. The disputants were Cecil Willis, gospel preacher and editor of Truth Magazine and John Wilson, Indiana State Chairman of "The Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ." The first two nights the debate was held in the building of the First Apostolic Church, and the last two nights in the building owned by the Southside church of Christ. This debate materialized as a result of Mr. Wilson issuing an invitation to Brother Willis. From our long history in polemics, it seems rather strange that a denominational preacher would challenge a gospel preacher for a public debate! Maybe a failure in differentiation of modern theologians from just faithful gospel preachers o, the word is the reason for challenging. The denominational preachers have rubbed elbows with the liberal minded brethren until they have come to think that all preachers in the Lord's church know only how to quote Barth, Bonhoeffer, Kierkegaard, Brunner and others of like persuasion . . . knowing nothing about God and His word. These cases of mistaken identity will, I am persuaded, prove rude awakenings for the men in denominations wanting to debate.

Every man acquainted with the Cause of Christ is aware of the fact that the church grew more when under attacks and pressure from Satan's domain. Every inch of ground taken from Satan by the early church was conquered with battle. Every stronghold of sin and doctrinal error fell before our brethren of yester-year through struggle and conflict. Debating was the order of the day just a few years ago and was one of the most effective ways of exposing error and getting the truth to the people. In the fray of discussions the honest heart could see the truth of God as it lay shining in bold contrast with denominational dogma. Those who now bask in the liberties of religious freedom owe an awful debt to our forebearers, who, with truth girted on (Eph. 6:10-20), giving no quarters to the enemies and asking none from them, crushed error with the panoply of God.

Cecil Willis and John Wilson have been on the scenes sufficiently long that they know what the issues are. They debated these propositions: "The Scriptures teach that there are three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead, namely the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Willis affirmed this on Monday night. On Tuesday Wilson affirmed, "The Scriptures teach that there is but one person in the Godhead, namely Jesus Christ." On Thursday Wilson's proposition was, "The Scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit baptism of Acts 2, together with the New Testament signs or miracles, are for the church today," while Willis affirmed the last proposition, "The Scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit baptism of Acts 2, together with the New Testament signs or miracles, ceased on or before the beginning of the second century."

Brother Willis entered this debate (and night after night) with more than enough material for Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson's weakness showed more in his negative speeches. He allowed speech after speech to end without having noticed a major portion of the material Willis had affirmed. Chart after chart went unnoticed and uncalled for by him. Whereas, Brother Willis did ask for the charts and diagrams presented by Mr. Wilson and dealt with them in a most thorough and Scriptural manner.

This contrast was most apparent to the audience. People came with their Bibles, pencils and paper, and tape recorders. They were seeking the truth. One man, a longtime member of the Methodist church, made contact with us and also spent considerable time with us talking about the issues being debated and other fundamental Bible doctrines. A rather large group from a Christian Church in Wabash attended. We also had opportunity to talk with these people about the matters debated. A denominational lady came up one evening and said she had formerly held a very negative attitude toward debates but that this one had changed her. Another lady said that she had at one time been a member of the Pentecost Church, but had been converted to Christ. She further testified that if she had ever had any doubts about the subjects being debated, such doubts were in the past now . . . that this debate had really convinced her. A man and his wife who attended the debate learned the truth and have since obeyed the gospel. There may yet be others who will do the same thing! And some say that debates do no good!

I met and talked with some thirty-two gospel preachers in attendance in this debate. These men came from six states.

As mentioned above, Mr. Wilson failed in a measurable degree to take up Willis's material and show what was wrong with it. Yet, he unhesitatingly affirmed that he is an apostle of Christ; and even gave his home address should anyone wish to visit an apostle! In taking this position, he did so with a view to his ability to perform miracles. It was then that a bottle of "Any Deadly Thing" was placed before him. Brother Willis continued to press him that his proposition called for the signs of Mark 16:17-18 today. Mr. Wilson knowing that Mark 16:17-18 are the very verses he uses in trying to convince people that signs are for today, and that such signs and miracles are being performed through these so-called Pentecost people; yet, knowing he dare not drink the "Deadly Thing," but feeling the pressure from both Brother Willis and the audience he knew something must be done. His moderator for that night also felt it. His moderator, Mr. Parnell, took the bottle from the stand and stood up before the audience and said, "Jesus said, if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. . . .' " From this he then said, "IF . . . and I ain't a gonna do it'." He, perhaps, felt this might remove some of the pressure being applied. However, it only brought a chuckle from the audience. Mr. Wilson poured some of the "Deadly Thing" into a drinking cup but never drank!

Brother Willis got rather careless in one speech and told Mr. Wilson if he could do the miracles he alleges ability to do, just strike his moderator blind! He showed that a real apostle did such to Elymas in Paphos (Acts 13:4-13), and that if Mr. Wilson was an apostle of Christ also, he should be able to do the same. I didn't lose an eye . . . not even a part of my vision.

A brother from Ohio was in attendance. He had in years past lost an eye. Again Mr. Wilson was called upon to exert divine power and restore this man's eye. Mr. Wilson merely ridiculed by asking, "How many eyeballs did the apostles put back in?" Such failures, even in attempt, did not pass without leaving impressions upon the audience! People want the truth. The truth of the Bible placed by the side of pseudo efforts is convincing to the honest student.

Mr. Wilson also alleged that he had seen the dead raised. He further alleged that he could do so. Cecil suggested that a meeting be held in the large cemetery in Marion the next morning at nine o'clock. Mr. Wilson steadfastly refused to such a meeting. He was called just minutes before nine but refused again.

Prior to this debate agreement was entered into between these two men to also have a debate covering the propositions of "Instrumental music in worship to God," and the "Baptism formula." It is hoped that this debate will be conducted about February or March of 1974.

These Bible discussions, when conducted as this one, will do good. The truth is safe in the hands of Cecil Willis.

Mr. R. H. Bingham moderated three nights for Mr. Wilson and Mr. Parnell one. Brother Larry Hafley and I assisted Brother Willis.

Truth Magazine, XVIII:7, p. 7-8
December 13, 1973