Truth Magazine

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

By Dean Bullock

1946 was a year of relocation and adjustment for many young men. World War Il ended in the fall of 1945. Some young men were returning to jobs, others were looking for jobs, still “others of us” were going back to school. It was in 1946 (as a Navy veteran back in school), or soon thereafter, that I first heard of James W. Adams.

W.F. Showers and Foy E. Wallace, Sr. were urging me to preach the gospel of Christ. Also, brother Wallace was encouraging me to get acquainted with brother Adams. I remember him saying, “He’s a young man but very studious and very well informed, a good preacher. He can be of help to you.” It was a year or two later before I met him. Our paths have crossed many times since. I have heard him preach quite a bit, read scores of his articles, sat in some of his classes, and spent a lot of time with him – especially during the last twelve or fifteen years. When I think of him, his work and my association with him, several things come to mind:

He has strong intellectual powers, good study habits and studies the Word objectively. He recognizes that many people approach the Bible with a bias, including a lot of our own brethren. They are prejudiced and read to justify what they are doing rather than to find the truth. He is a “layer” above this. He studies in an effort to ascertain the will of God, and respects genuine scholarship.

He’s a person of dignity and bearing. He’s always neatly and appropriately dressed and good mannered. An untidy and unkempt preacher, shabbily clad, before a class or in the pulpit is very distasteful to him. He, like some of the rest of us, is from “the old school” and does not go before the people to preach dressed for golf, a picnic, a ball game or a tacky party.

He’s prepared. He had done his “homework” well and is at his best when speaking or writing on difficult and involved themes. His lessons and articles always evidence careful research and preparation. They are well-arranged and well-organized. Also, I have been present on more than one occasion when he was called on to defend the faith. He did so, and demonstrated a real grasp of the matters at issue. The cause of truth and right was upheld and well served.

He’s an outstanding writer and, one of balance. Some who have only read his material in papers making a fight against the social gospel, unscriptural church combines and the encroachment of institutionalism may question this statement. However, all who have read his writing through the years in bulletins, newspapers, magazines, tracts, etc. realize that he deals with a wide range of subject matter decisively. Even leading men who disagree with him on church organization, function and work, recognize his skills as a writer. It is with the pen that he excels. This is really his “strong suit.” Foy E. Wallace, Jr. told me that he considered James W. Adams one of the most able writers among conservative brethren. Others, qualified to judge, have expressed the same sentiment.

He seeks to avoid extremes. He’s cognizant of the fact that people with strong convictions must ever be on guard lest they go off on a tangent or diverge from “a sane and sound” course. He knows that well-meaning brethren sometimes lack perception and fail to distinguish between matters of faith and matters supported only by human emotion and tradition. He’s determined to stand for the truth, and just as determined not to take a radical, extreme or indefensible position on anything.

He has learned “the fine art of disagreeing without being disagreeable. ” One doesn’t have to draw the same conclusion he does on every mooted question in order to be his friend. He recognizes that many of the issues that divide brethren are of individual application and should not be pressed to the point of disrupting local churches. They should be examined candidly and honestly in the light of the Scriptures, but when good men differ on these matters the cause should not be affected adversely. Moreover, one can be Adams’ friend without having to always agree with him on matters of judgment, choice and preference.

Don’t get the idea that I think that James W. Adams is sinlessly perfect. He, in common with human-kind, has some “faults and foibles.” He would be the first to admit this and to acknowledge that he has made some mistakes along the way. However, he is a mature Christian and a gospel preacher in everything that the expression implies. He is well equipped and proclaims Christ first, last and foremost. He is not a philosopher, an entertainer or a politician. He is a preacher of truth and righteousness. His work speaks for itself. He is loved and respected in various cities across the country where he has lived and labored. My prayer is that “the good Lord will look in on him and his” and grant him more good years of service in the kingdom.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, p. 723
December 3, 1987

By Ron Halbrook

In the process of reviewing the ecumenical errors of W. Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett, James W. Adams exposed and challenged certain men who were creeping about peddling the same errors among sound brethren. Like the faithful watchman of Ezekiel 3, brother Adams warned brethren against those who were undermining the foundations of the walls of Zion in the very aftermath of the battles fougat over the apostasy of institutionalism. Several of these young princes thought themselves to be somewhat and thought their trite theories to be some new thing under the sun. Brother Adams showed keen insight in analyzing their principles, and courage in calling their names – names such as Edward Fudge, Randall Mark Trainer and Gordon Wilson. Persistent and firm in the face of controversy and even persecution, brother Adams proved himself to be “set for the defense of the gospel” just as he had always been before (Phil. 1:17).

Between 15 March 1973 and 22 August 1974, brother Adams reviewed and analyzed the Ketcherside-Garrett unity movement in a series of articles published in Truth Magazine. The first article was entitled “A Stone of Witness” and reflected his resolve to reaffirm the basic fundamentals necessary for the restoration of New Testament Christianity. When he finished, twenty-six articles had been published, twenty-one of them between March and September of 1973. The editor of Truth Magazine at the time, Cecil Willis, quickly realized the value of these articles on the true nature of biblical unity and fellowship, and he began to advertise that one thousand extra copies of each issue containing one of these articles were being printed for distribution.

Ecumenical Error Exposed As Extreme, Arbitrary

Adams observed that men like Ketcherside and Garrett once had occupied such radical extremes in one direction that they could fellowship almost nobody and now had swung to an opposite radical extreme where they could fellowship almost everybody. Even though their application of certain faulty concepts had changed, their character as radical extremists had proven to be constant.

Ketcherside claimed that “one fact and one act” were sufficient grounds for unity and fellowship. The “one fact” is the deity of Christ and the “one act” baptism. Brother Adams pointed out the necessity of faithfulness to God’s pattern of truth in all things. If the pattern of truth in regard to worship can be sacrificed so as to permit fellowship with baptized believers worshipping with instruments of music, why not sacrifice the Bible pattern on baptism in order to have fellowship with sprinkled believers? The arbitrary nature of Ketcherside’s eeumenical error was exposed.

Ketcherside had much to say about fellowship not meaning endorsement of error, but Adams noted that Ketcherside’s fellowship with people in error did constitute endorsement and compromise because he did not cry out against their apostate practices. “Unity in diversity” was a favorite slogan of Ketcherside in teaching that if people have been baptized they can believe or practice almost anything. To the contrary, brother Adams showed that the unity Christ prayqd for and Paul preached was based upon the platform and pattern of divine truth. Ketcherside contended that fellowship should be withdrawn only when people explicitly deny the deity of Christ, become openly immoral, or create factions over matters of opinion.Again exposing the arbitrary nature of Ketcherside’s ecumenical errors, Adams pointed out that a simple reading of New Testament passages on withdrawing fellowship reveals other grounds for withdrawal.

Ecumenical Capitulation to Error and Apostasy

In explaining the sources of this “Neo-Calvinistic Unity Cult,” brother Adams recalled the identical theories of various extremists who had left the faith all through the years. In addition, he noted that various brethren were becoming newly enamoured of denominational concepts concerning love, grace, unity, and fellowship. In other words, the so-called “new” unity movement was nothing but capitulation to the error and apostasy which brethren had always fought against in their efforts to defend the truth Qf the gospel of Christ. The methods of this “new” movement were shown to be devious and deceitful. “Ketchersidean Subversion” was promoted through advocating an underground operation and avoiding open debate. His followers and admirers were told to work from within by utilizing cell groups, young people (especially intellectual types), and Sunday night visits to various factions for fellowship.

One of the young, intellectual princes enamoured of Ketcherside was Edward Fudge. Fudge’s family controlled the Gospel Guardian at that time, which was being edited by William Wallace. One of the saddest and most painful phases of this controversy was occasioned by William Wallace’s trying to make accommodations on behalf of Edward Fudge. Edward Fudge’s close association with the Gospel Guardian drew that paper into an effort to defend Fudge and led to Wallace’s speaking harshly of Adams and Truth Magazine in several editorials. Wallace never really joined the Ketcherside unity movement, but he seemed to waver partly, if not largely, in personal deference to Ed Fudge and the Fudge family who controlled the Gospel Guardian. Later, through the good graces of Theron Bohannan, the Gospel Guardian passed out of the hands of the Fudges and was edited by Adams himself until it combined with Truth Magazine.

Adams’ Analysis Accurate

The accuracy of Adams’ analysis of the KetchersideGarrett-Fudge unity movement can be seen from the fact that he never really was answered by any of these men. Fudge nibbled at the edges by questioning a few incidental points – such as whether he had visited Ketcherside at a certain time – but no real attempt to grapple with the issues raised by Adams ever occurred. One attempt at satirical ridicule was published anonymously by Jerry Phillips in the form of a single issue printing of a parody of Truth Magazine under the name of Faith Magazine (for details see articles by Cecil Willis and myself in the 5 February 1976 Truth Magazine). Copies were mailed to several churches and individuals in January 1974. Its articles, aspersions, cartoons, and innuendos unmercifully lampooned brother Adams along with Cecil Willis. “So persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt. 5:12). Brother Adams’ defense of the truth had been derided as yellow journalism by his opponents, but their own true color was finally exposed and evidenced.

Evaluating Adams’ Articles

Fifteen years have passed since brother Adams began his series. What can we say about the value of his articles as we look back upon them? First, they are perhaps the most thorough survey of the KetchersideGarrett-Fudge unity movement and its implications for New Testament Christianity which has been published. rhc anicles were not answered at the time they were written. They have not been answered since then. They will not be answered now at this late date. The power is not in brother Adams in a personal way, but it is in the truth he was defending and upholding (Jn. 17:17-21; 1 Cor. 1:18-23). That truth stands today as it always has. God ordained that men should preach and uphold the truth, and we should thank brother Adams for the excellent job he did in this battle.

Second, his instincts and insights have proven to be absolutely accurate. For instance, he said,

I am absolutely convinced that Ketcherside, Fudge and others are seeking a middle-ground of some sort, a neutral territory, a no-man’s land in the realm of fellowship and unity which is a mirage born of overheated imagination and misguided philanthropy (“Who is a Wise Man?” Truth Magazine, 1 November 1973, pp. 7-9).

He couldn’t have been more right! These men and their movement have gone further and further away from the truth in chasing their mirage.

Last, the articles should be judged in the light of brother Adams’ original intentions. Did he attain his purpose?

When I began this review a year ago, it was not because I entertained in my mind the idea that I could help or in any way change Brother W. Carl Ketcherside. In fact, I am reasonably certain it amuses him immensely that I should suppose he needs to change. My purpose was to rescue, if possible, a considerable number of gospel preachers (particulady young men just beginning) from active acceptance of and involvement in Brother Carl’s concepts and activities. From the beginning, I was not even very optimistic about accomplishing this with reference to some of these young men who were and are deeply steeped in Ketchersidean propaganda. My principal hope was to save young men and other Christians (not preachers) who were not yet involved in this error but who were or niight be attracted by the artful deception of such men as W. Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett (“Afraid of A Good Man?” Truth Magazine, 30 May 1974, pp. 470-71).

Brother Adams’ principle hope was certainly realized because brethren were forewarned and awakened to the danger creeping in among them from place to place. In fact his articles encouraged me to publish in Truth Magazine the material I had been preparing for some months on the dangers of what Ed Fudge was teaching privily and publicly. My first article appeared in the 20 September 1973 issue just five pages after one by brother Adams entitled “How Successful is Ketchersidean Subversion (II)?”

May God bless brother Adams for the good he has done and raise up other men who will be like him “set for the defence of the gospel.” Thank you, brother Adam, for your stedfast labors and warm encouragement in the gospel of Christ!

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, pp. 718-719
December 3, 1987