Truth Magazine

By H. Wayne Jones

It has been my good fortune, personally and spiritually, to have been afforded the opportunity to be associated and to work closely with James W. Adams. I know him to be gracious, kind, dignified, strong in the faith, exemplary in conduct, uncompromising regarding truth, zealous yet humble before Almighty God. Brother Adams has been preaching the gospel of Christ faithfully for more than fifty years and is known throughout the brotherhood of Christians worldwide for his unwavering consistency to the cause of truth. During these fifty plus years, which included a period of great conflict from within that threatened to devour sound doctrine, James W. Adams was – and remains – a great influence among faithful disciples of the Lord.

When brother Adams was editing and publishing The Gospel Guardian magazine and managing the Gospel Guardian bookstore in Lufkin, the elders of the Timberland Drive church determined to establish a library for the benefit and use of its membership. While we emphasize that no elder, teacher, preacher, nor any member of the congregation should completely rely on uninspired books, we do believe they cannot attain a full measure of ability and knowledge without some good books. It was to James Adams we turned for advice and guidance in the important and crucial task of selecting the proper publications which would become the nucleus of this library. Through the years he has continued to guide and counsel on books and tapes added. Since becoming a member and class teacher at Timberland Drive, brother Adams has covered most of the books of the New Testament and some of the Old Testament. He has used an objective approach to the Scriptures, injecting appropriate examples and, on occasions, relating some of his personal experiences through the years. All of these lessons have been recorded to become a part of our permanent tape library.

I know James Adams to be a loving husband, father, grandparent, and true friend. He is sympathetic to the physical and spiritual needs of his brothers and sisters in Christ, quietly and oftentimes unknown to many, making visits and being helpful to the ill and to those needing his teaching or his encouragement and prayers.

After terminating his services with the church at Huntington, Texas brother Adams retired from full-time work as an evangelist. In January of 1985, he and his gracious and lovely wife, Gertrude, placed membership with the Timberland Drive congregation of Lufkin, Texas.

In September, 1985, the elders began a search for an evangelist to fill the vacancy at the Timberland Drive church. We asked brother Adams if he would assume the responsibility of preaching on Lord’s days during this interim. He not only consented to do so but also volunteered his services to write articles for the weekly church bulletin. Enjoying good health and a. vast knowledge of Bible truth gained from much study and experience, he did an outstanding job of preaching and teaching. Also, being one of the most able writers among conservative brethren, his articles in the bulletin covered a wide range of subject matter.

During this period of almost ten months, I am certain there were times he grew physically weary but he never faltered nor complained. He repeatedly assured us he was doing fine and did not feel imposed upon. Rather, he encouraged us, holding up our hands and exhorting us to take our time and be patient, to continue our search with diligence and care until such time as we selected the man we felt to be best qualified for the position.

Brother Adams spends many hours teaching, counseling and exhorting the young evangelists in our locale who are preaching at other area congregations and is assisting in the training program for young men preparing to enter the ministry of the gospel of Christ which was instituted into the program of work at Timberland Drive several years ago, laying before them a pattern of behavior worthy of imitating. (It was on the basis of his personal conviction of doing Bible things by Bible pattern that motivated brother Adams to take his stand for truth on institutional and cooperation issues years ago. The battle for truth continues, i.e., the teaching of the gospel of Christ, to work and worship in accordance with the divine Scripture as recorded in the New Testament.) In his preaching and teaching he often emphasizes the need to follow the Bible pattern in all we do and teach and practice and he exemplifies this belief steadfastly in his daily life. There remains all too few men among conservative churches of Christ today with the high level of scholarship attained by James W. Adams through long years spent in study and writing. It is the good fortune of these young men to have the opportunity to sit at the feet of this distinguished and scholarly man of God in these years of his “retirement.”

James Adams may have retired from full-time work as a located preacher but let me assure one and all that he has not retired in the full sense of the word as he continues daily to work in the Lord’s vineyard. He has been a source of great help and blessing to me and is always there when I need his assistance. Indeed, all members of the Timberland Drive congregation of Lufkin, Texas have been so richly blessed to have a man of his stature working and worshiping with us, along with sister Adams. Brother Adams has undergone much personal persecution and financial loss in past years because of his stand for truth. It is my hope and prayer that in his retirement years as he labors and worships with us at Timberland Drive, he will have peace of mind, body and soul and that he may prosper and be healthy in his September years.

From me to you, James W. Adams, a beloved brother in Christ, thank you and God bless you and yours!

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, p. 724
December 3, 1987

By Carolyn Boshart

As a preacher’s wife, I would like to thank brother Huntoon for his tribute and of preachers’ wives. Tears came to my eyes as I read of the suffering some of my sisters have had to bear. The hard ships described were not new revelation to me. In visiting with other preachers’ wives over the years, I know the very experiences brother Huntoon has outlined have, indeed, occurred.

However, because I personally have never been the subject of such ill-treatment, I would like to present some other aspects of being a preacher’s wife.

I count it a privilege for my family to be in a position to be closely associated with other preachers, especially during gospel meetings. What a wonderful opportunity for my sons to be exposed to Godfearing, people-loving, faithful men who have dedicated their lives to preaching God’s word. What a treat to discuss Scriptures, share experiences, discover mutual friends, recall stories – sad, funny, poignant – about preachers past and present. What a rich environment in which to nurture children.

I feel especially blessed in being able to draw on the wisdom and examples of many older women in several different congregations. As I become one of the older women, I pray that I will, in turn, be able to teach younger women in a variety of congregations.

Having an immediate nucleus of friends in a new location is especially appreciated. I am not very outgoing and having a network of ladies anxious to help you to settle-in is a wonderful resource.

I have found the brethren especially considerate in including my family in social activities. The only drawback here seems to be working out reciprocation.

I am proud of my husband. I love and respect him for many reasons. I know how much he gives of himself in lesson preparations, research, and study. When someone tells me they have appreciated a lesson, or really needed a particular lesson, my pride, love and respect become underscored. To have others recognize his efforts, and to voice their gratitude, gives me such pleasure!

To leave the impression that my life as a preacher’s wife has been without difficulty on occasion would be erroneous. Of course there have been rocky periods; but, overall, the benefits and rewards I have reaped as a result of being married to a preacher far overshadow the difficult times.

I continue to experience a thrill when asked what my husband does for a living and I am able to say, “He’s a minister.”

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, p. 725
December 3, 1987

By Lisa A. Johnson

Recently, I met one of the happiest, and I might add unique, young ladies it has been my privilege and experience to meet. She tells a most interesting, and touching story about her life. When most young ladies would be trying to “live it down, and cover it up, ” she is open about her experiences. This openness and willingness to talk and write about her life, is from a heart that swells with love for others. She hopes to contribute something, to keep others from following the same path of self-destruction.

She has a bubbly personality and is so thankful that she is alive today. With her fine husband, and wonderful little girl, her life has real meaning and purpose at last. She feels greatly blessed by God, and must try to help others that may be making the same mistakes in their lives. Here is her story. – Doug Matlock.

To Whom It May Concern:

At 26 years of age I write this letter to whomever has or is experiencing the things in life such as I did. If your heart is troubled or your mind numb, I hope just a little of what I’ll be saying will sink in.

Growing up as a preacher’s daughter in a small, isolated town in the mountains, and becoming a teenager was a turn-around experience for me. Christians are a rare form of wonderful people who only work for one goal, “the hereafter,” but when you are sixteen, death, sin, and morality are hard to keep in your memory. It seems like the fast pleasure of today’s world is more rewarding. Oh, that life in the fast lane, it all consists of numbness, being carefree, avoiding reality, and of course your final fulfillment of nothing being achieved. Oh, I forgot to mention that nasty, wild, experimental crowd likes you, though.

I remember all so well the first night I smoked pot. I was hiding outside in the bushes with “friends” that were pushing me to just try one “toke.” My head was spinning, I forgot everything, and all I did was laugh. I thought that was the greatest high in life. Of course you know peer pressure is the greatest trial in life, and I failed the test. That was the beginning of my roller coaster of fun.

At the tender age of fourteen I had become a Christian, so when I started my life of sin I buried my guilt somewhere deep until I got caught, many years later. When the church withdrew from me, it didn’t affect me in the way it should have. I didn’t value my great riches. I was already too tangled up in the web of the world and its fast times.

After a while of being away from home learning about the real world I realized one day I needed help. I was no longer in control of my life. I was the victim of Satan, and substance abuse. With the help of group therapies, and coming in contact with a few young people who were also tired of drinking and drugs, I slowly came to realize I could be a total human being without fogging up my thoughts with alcohol and drugs.

After going straight for awhile, I was smothered up with guilt and too stubborn to turn to God for total forgiveness. So, I wanted to die. I attempted suicide. My attempt was almost successful. I didn’t remember anything for two days. Being found in time, prompt medical attention, and many prayers to the Almighty were made for me, I was pulled through. Being young, I was encouraged to seek out things to make me feel productive, while I continued to receive professional counseling. All the while my parents and two brothers along with many Christians were praying for my life in the hope that someday I might return to my first love.

Still stubborn, I stayed clear of the Lord’s help and continued to be a child of the world, realizing I was no longer a victim of substance abuse, but the untamely world had its claws in me with the sin of fornication. It was the only sin I engaged in, but the Bible plainly states, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked:’ for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). I became pregnant. On my feet (I thought), 23 years old, on my way to being a registered nurse, and my evil ways caught me again.

My pa rents torn, hurt, and bewildered, sought to help me again through troubled times. I was bitter, and felt all alone in the world while they kept praying and hoping I would change.

Time went by, and late in my pregancy, I became vey sick. Complications set in; mine, and the unborn child’s life were endangered, but my heart was still hardened with sin. Faithfully my family pleaded with God through prayer, going back to the Bible and reading encouraging passages, they never gave up. The doctor decided to take the baby three weeks early in fear for my life. Then I remembered holding that tiny innocent and pure baby in my hands, now brought into my life to guard and protect-, just as my parents had tried to do with me. My heart began to melt.

Soon thereafter, my younger brother came home for a few weeks to visit with us. We shared a lot of tears together. We sat, talked, and prayed together. I soon began to realize what love God had for me, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16). How could he give up his only child to die for our sins? How could I ever give up my child to nail its body on a cross to bleed and die for everyone’s sins? God must love us so, he delivered me from such narrow escapes from death. My heart was finally pricked, and I wanted to change. No sinner in this world can ever understand unless you feel that love in your heart that God has for you. I realized this life goes by so fast. The Bible states, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow; for what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (Jas. 4:14).

I became a nurse and prayed to God faithfully to provide me with a mate. I found him, he is now a Christian, and we have started a blessed happy Christian home for the child given me and my husband.

How did I make it? By the grace of our living God. You may turn off your parents and God for awhile, but sooner or later, you will have to face your decisions that you make now. Maybe you won’t escape so easily, maybe one of those party nights someone driving will have too much to drink, maybe someone will slip something in your joint, maybe you’ll get a bad disease, or even worse, wake up in the judgment with the Lord saying, “I never knew you; depart from me ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:23).

Wake up! Don’t let the greatest years of your life vanish away in waste. Find someone you love (a Christian), set them down, ask for help. A Christian’s prayers are the key to your salvation. Talk to your peers, and don’t be afraid to do what’s right. Don’t bury your guilt, for when it surfaces it may destroy you. Let God in your heart. Trust and obey.

Today I’m so blessed. I got by, away from the grasp of this mighty sinful world with only a few minor health problems, but you may have to suffer more. Think about it. God wants to save your soul. From the bottom of my heart I wanted you to realize, I’ve been there! We all have temptations, but someday you’ll understand how precious your soul really is. There is no greater high than to know, to obey, and to enjoy his wonderful blessings. If in any way I can help: listen, advise, or cry with you, please call or write. In much Christian love, “From One Who Knows.”

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 24, pp. 737, 752
December 17, 1987

By James D. Yates

I have known and appreciated Jim and Gertie for over thirty years, having become acquainted with them in 1955 as they moved to San Antonio to begin their work with the West Avenue church. Much of my foundation knowledge of God’s Word came from his splendid teaching abilities and their outstanding example of the Christian’s manner of life. I had been a Christian for over eighteen years by 1955, but became a Christian with conviction after sitting at the feet of Roy Cogdill, Jim Adams and Robert Turner, as they provided the highest quality of teaching and example.

We have continued to communicate, and my love and appreciation of them has grown to maturity. Jim and Gertie serve the God of heaven and his church well. They have at all times insisted, in humility, that their students and hearers develop an obedient faith without compromise. He has been one of the most able writers in the church and has used this talent effectively. Many have benefitted from his efforts. He was editor of the Gospel Guardian when it merged with Truth Magazine to become the Guardian of Truth as we know it today. All of this effort was expended without compensation other than “some of” his expenses were reimbursed.

His teaching, writing and manner of life is worthy and commendable, but his special service to the cause of Christ that resulted from the trusteeship of the Akin Foundation is what I want to address, so the record can be straight and clear.

Brother and sister John W. Akin established the foundation nearly 40 years ago to provide contributions to churches of Christ, after they were deceased and unable to function. Brother Adams was one of the early trustees, handpicked by brother Akin himself, because of his complete confidence in Jim. He served in that capacity for nearly 30 years, often at great personal cost and sacrifice. During the later period of this service, a cloud descended on the Akin Foundation due to the questionable actions of one of its trustees. The Dallas County District Attorney, the State Attorney General and the IRS thoroughly investigated the charges which eventually resulted in a complete and total exoneration of any wrongdoing by brother Adams. This investigation was so complete that there are few of us who could stand that depth of investigation without any charge of wrongdoing whatsoever, but James W. Adams did. Those of us who know him were not surprised; but, although in America we are innocent until proven guilty, some of his brethren pronounced him guilty and grieved that it was not so. Even the District Judge who heard this case told me personally that Mr. Adams was an “honorable man and without any guilt whatsoever.” An Assistant Attorney General also made a similar statement to me.

Jim and Gertie are of the truest and finest stock. They are devoted to each other and to the cause of Christ. In my judgment, they have no peers and few equals. They deserve this special issue of commendation, although I am confident that it will embarrass them. Roy Cogdill said of Jim Adams, “He is one of the most able and thorough students of God’s Word. If I had to debate a subject, without adequate time to research it, I would go to the pulpit with Jim Adams’ research and defend it without fear, having full confidence in its truthfulness.” I feel exactly the same way! He is a giant in the kingdom and has been so ably assisted by his beautiful and good wife. May he and his kind abound. I thank God that he has been my teacher and my friend.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, p. 722
December 3, 1987