Truth Magazine

By Harry Pickup, Jr.

The “Arlington Meeting,” held in 1%8, could not have come about without the work of James W. Adams. This meeting included 26 preachers who met to discuss various facets of the “institutional question,” upon which they were seriously disagreed and which had disturbed and divided brethren for a number of years. Two “teams” of brethren, 13 on a “team,” addressed issues between them in a brotherly and respectful manner.

At the time of the meeting brother Adams was in the prime of his life and had the respect of both “teams.” His thinking was clear and he was well able to express his mind logically. His manner was conciliatory and controlled. He was an ideal choice to bring brethren together in order to discuss opposing views in an atmosphere that offered the greatest opportunity for sound thinking. He had spent his life in studying truth, disciplining himself to use it and training himself to preach and defend it. His early training produced in him a spirit of independence and deep convictions about the truth.

“Issues” among brethren have always been matters of personal concern to him. He never manufactured them in order to promote himself prominently before brethren. He never viewed matters of individual interest or private concern as issues about which the brotherhood should be troubled. His personal philosophy regarding defending the faith has always been to argue “faith” and not “opinion.” When he did speak out it was not his nature to speak timidly or ambiguously.

My first impression of brother Adams was formed when we were classmates at Freed Hardeman College in 1941. He was then a mature preacher, husband and father. He was there to learn. I was a boy; I was just there! Even then he was dignified, reserved and precise. His dignity was modified with tasteful humor. Though reserved he was not aloof. Split infinitives and dangling participles even then were inconsistent with his love of precision. He never played the buffoon nor preached with bombast. These characteristics, though refined are still evident.

Young and immature preachers, who manifested even slight evidence of eventually “growing up” could count on his sympathetic encouragement. These qualities have brought him respect, trust and appreciation from brethren across the nation.

His familiarity and involvement with “issues” have included two major doctrinal divisions among brethren: Premillennialism and Institutionalism. He has spoken and written clearly, precisely and powerfully on both of these issues. His love for brethren never prevented him from defending the faith. His loyalty to truth never kept him from being understanding of human weaknesses and extending a helping hand to those less strong in the faith. His contributions toward enlightening the brethren and the fact of his always being willing to help heal divisions are facts well documented.

When the issue of institutionalism had crystalized the church into opposing groups, some brethren began to think about reconciliation. It was not surprising that brother Adams was a man to whom brethren turned to explore the biblical grounds of unity, knowing that he would not compromise conviction and believing that he was both willing and able to act in a conciliatory manner. Norman Starling sought him out to explore his mind and attitude toward a calm confrontation between “institutional and non-institutional brethren.”

As might be expected, brother Adams was receptive to any discussion which could possibly lead to reconciliation in a manner consistent with revealed truth. Brother Starling and he agreed that subjects should be discussed which were fundamental to the fact of division. Also that men invited to discuss these volatile subjects should be per sons of self-control. Additionally, that the men invited should be under no opinion that they were representing anyone other than themselves and that these brethren were not called together to hammer out a human plan for unity.

In working out this plan it was obvious that a place should be chosen which would lend itself to contemplation and informal controversy. No formal agenda was decided upon; each brother would be invited to speak conversationally and extemporaneously. This first meeting, a precursor to the “Arlington Meeting,” was held at Buchanan Dam, outside of Burnet, Texas. Eight brethren attended and were together, memory tells me, for most of two days.

The “change was carried on in a plain, pointed and cordial manner. Memory again tells me that brother Reuel Lemmons made the suggestion that another similar meeting should be held with more Christians present, with a more formal agenda. All present agreed to this suggestion. The result was the “Arlington Meeting.”

Brother Starling deserves credit, if this be the proper word, for conceiving this idea and enlisting the help of brother Adams to bring it to reality. Without someone of Adam’s nature and character, I doubt that “teams,” from the two sides could have been brought together to subjects of such divergent difference.

For such a meeting to occur, someone was needed of general reputation who could couple fairness and conviction, reasonableness and refutation. Brother Adams was such a man. Each “team” selected 13 speakers. Five “major” subjects were chosen and 2 speakers from each team were selected to make a “major” presentation. Two other speakers from each team were then offered the opportunity to make “minor” speeches. The “major” speakers spoke from manuscripts. The “minor” speakers spoke without manuscripts extemporaneously.

Brother Adams helped set the tone to what, in my judgment, was a remarkable occasion. Men of deep-seated convictions with highly charged personalities spoke; and yet the discussions could be accurately characterized as being orderly and reasonable. Basic concepts were pleasantly presented. Arguments were made at close quarters. Language was plain, expressed vigorously, but, for the most part in a non-accusatory manner.

It was agreed that these lessons should be transcribed and published. The book entitled, The Arlington Meeting, was born. From my personal point of view, again based expressly from memory, I believe the meetings – including the book – produced good results. First of all, it is good whenever truth is presented and given wide-spread dissemination. Secondly, it became obvious that the differences were neither small nor petty; they were basic. Again, from my point of view, it seemed clear that the basic difference was the different approach to the authority of God’s will. Again, – this comment may not be entirely objective – some who have read the book have been persuaded that institutionalism is without divine authority and that institutionalism is unquestionably practiced by some brethren.

The philosophy of relativeness is characteristic of our age. Even brethren have not escaped the effects of this virulent error. The spirit of compromise hovers like an atomic cloud over the church. James W. Adams has made. a significant contribution to the Lord’s people by warning them of this threat. His writings will continue to “put in remembrance” coming generations, that God’s word is truth and Satan’s philosophy is lie.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, pp. 716-717
December 3, 1987

By Mike Willis

Acts 3 relates how opposition to the Lord’s church began and presents the second recorded sermon of Peter in which he instructed men in what they must do to be saved. Our primary interest in this chapter will be Acts 3:19. However, let us set the events in their context.

Healing the Lame Man

Acts 3:1-11 records the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. As Peter and John were entering the Temple, a man who was forty years old (Acts 4:22) and lame from his mother’s womb (Acts 3:2) asked alms of them. Peter replied, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). Immediately his feet and ankle bones were strengthened, he stood up, began walking and leaping, and praising God. A crowd assembled to whom Peter preached.

Before moving to the sermon, let us take note of the purpose of this miracle. The miracles of the New Testament occurred to authenticate the message being revealed from God in fulfillment of the promise made by Jesus. He said,

These signs shall follow them that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following (Mk. 16:17-20).

The healing of the lame man was only one incident in which the Lord’s promise was fulfilled. It served the purpose of confirming the message delivered by the apostles (cf. Jn. 20:30-31; Heb. 2:14).

This miracle contrasts with those of modern Pentecostalism in many respects. (1) The lame man begged money from the healer instead of the healer begging from the lame. (2) The lame man was instantly healed (Acts 3:7). (3) The lame man was completely healed (Acts 3:8); there is no indication that he relapsed. (4) There was no doubt that the man was lame (Acts 3:9-10). (5) There was no doubt that he was healed (Acts 4:14-16). (6) The one doing the healing did not exalt himself (Acts 3:12-13; 4:10).

Peter’s Sermon (Acts 3:12-26)

There were several points which Peter emphasized to this audience We list some of them:

1. The lame man was healed by the power of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:16). Peter stated that Jesus was the one who was responsible for this man being healed. The miracle becomes proof of his later teaching that Jesus was raised from the dead.

2. Jesus, whom they crucified, was the Messiah sent from God. Peter laid the guilt for crucifying Jesus squarely at the feet of the Jewish people. They chose to release the murderer Barabbas and asked that Jesus be crucified. They chose a murderer over the Holy One and the Just (Acts 3:14i. They chose one who took another’s life over Jesus, the Prince of Life (Acts 3:15).

The Jews crucified Jesus in ignorance (Acts 3:17), although that did not release them from guilt. In what sense were they ignorant? Paul said that they were not aware that they were crucifying the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8), the Messiah. Being influenced by their leaders, the mob chose the murderer to be released and asked for the death of their own Messiah.

The suffering of Christ was part of God’s predetermined plan and counsel (Acts 2:13; 3:18). His death was no accident. He had foreordained that Jesus’ blood should be shed for the sins of the world. Through the shedding of his blood, we can be redeemed from sin.

3. Jesus has been raised from the dead. As proof of this, Peter stated that “we are witnesses” (Acts 3:15). Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus was confirmed and proven by the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:13). Jesus is now ascended to the right hand of God awaiting the second coming. “And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:20-21).

4. Salvation is conditioned upon obedience to Jesus. Jesus is the prophet foretold by Moses of whom he said, “A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people” (Acts 3:22-23). “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby you must be saved” (Acts 4:11-12).

There is only one way for men to be saved – through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He who does not obey the gospel cannot be saved; he will be destroyed from among the people of God.

Conditions For Salvation

Peter revealed how man can be saved through the blood of Christ. He said,

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19).

To those Jews who heard the sermon and believed it, Peter gave two conditions for salvation: repent and be converted. Because our salvation depends upon meeting these conditions, let us be sure that we understand the meaning of the terms.

1. Repent. The word “repent” is translated from the word metanoeo. Repentance is distinguished from “godly sorrow” in 2 Corinthians 7:10 which teaches that “godly sorrow worketh repentance.” John the Baptist distinguished repentance from change of conduct when he said “bring forth fruits worthy of repentance” (Matt. 3:8). J.W. McGarvey summarized the meaning when he wrote, “Seeing that repentance results from sorrow for sin, and leads to reformation of life, we can have no further difficulty in ascertaining what it is; for the only result of sorrow for sin which leads to reformation is a change of will in reference to sin. . . . Repentance then, fully defined, is a change of will caused by sorrow for sin, and leading to a reformation of life” (New Commentary on Acts of the Apostles, pp. 60-61).

Some people try to be saved without repenting, including some among us. They have acknowledged their belief in God and have been baptized. However, they have never fully changed their mind with reference to sin or obedience to God. They will do what the Bible says so long as that is what they want to do; however, whenever what the Bible says is something they do not want to do; they do what they please. These are the baptized among us who ignore what the Bible teaches about worshiping God because it interferes with the pursuit of pleasure or ambition. These are the baptized among us who ignore God’s word to participate in dancing, drinking, and other forms of revelry. These are the baptized among us who reject Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage in order to be joined to someone other than whom God would approve. These have never seriously repented – never genuinely rejected the pursuit of their own self-will in order to submit to the will of God. Without repentance, one cannot be saved (Acts 17:30; 2 Pet. 3:9).

2. Be Converted. The word “convert” is translated from the Greek word epistrepho. This active verb in Greek is translated by the passive verb “be converted” in the King James Version. This conveys the false impression that “conversion” is something that is done to you rather than something you do. Later translations reject the passive translation “be converted” in favor of the active verb “turn again” (ASV, RSV) or “return” (NASB). Man is active in his conversion, not passive. The word epistrepho “properly means to turn – to return to a path from which one has gone astray; and then to turn away from sins, or to forsake them.” This word points to the change of conduct which results from repentance.

Let us compare Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 with his sermon in Acts 3. In both chapters he lists the conditions for salvation from sin. Compare these two accounts:

Acts 2:38 Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Acts 2:38 Repent Be Baptized Remission of Sins

Acts 3:19 Repent Be Converted Sins Blotted Out

What Peter preached in Acts 2:38 is not in conflict with what he preached in Acts 3:19. Rather, the term “convert” or “turn” is a more general word to denote the change in life which occurs when one becomes a child of God. Every turn has a beginning and baptism is the beginning of the change in life which occurs when a person begins to do what God commands him to do. This is the first act of obedience for the person wishing to obey the Lord – to, be baptized. Hence, the two verses are teaching the same conditions for salvation from sin.

Conclusion

If you have never obeyed the gospel, why postpone obedience any longer? The salvation which Christ has offered is available to every man upon the same conditions. If you were able to wait a thousand years, the conditions for salvation would be exactly what they are today – faith in Christ, repentance from sin, confession of your faith in Jesus, and baptism in water for the remission of your sins. You have no assurance that you will ever have another opportunity to obey the gospel. Today is the day of salvation. Why not obey the gospel today?

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 24, pp. 738, 753-754
December 17, 1987

By Clinton D. Hamilton

Introduction

With awesome consequences that are determinate, comprehensive, and eternal, preaching is a serious undertaking. For this reason a preacher should approach his work conscious of the fearful issue of judgment. James said, “Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment” (3:1). This he said to cause one to think of the awesome responsibility, not to cause no one to teach. However, if one does teach, he should do so only after having assessed the responsibility it bears.

The preacher or teacher must be aware that the tongue is difficult to control. James says of it, “And the tongue is a fire; the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire of hell” (3:6). In fact, he says that no man can tame the tongue (3:8). “It is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison” (3:8).

Whoever in this context undertakes to be a teacher must be serious-minded and conscious of the need to exercise due care to control the tongue in teaching. The preacher, therefore, should be reverential, serious, and dedicated as a person with a full understanding and acceptance of his ominous responsibility. Flippancy, lightheartedness, and inadequate preparation have no place in the pulpit. One who preaches must be studious, serious-minded, sincere, and genuine in his quest for truth and righteousness.

Conduct in the pulpit and other arenas of teaching should be characterized by the dignity, worth, and purpose of the message which is proclaimed. One is not pursuing the work to entertain but to convict of sin, encourage in righteousness, and motivate to seek eternal life through the Son of God. Accordingly, the very demeanor of the message-bearer should convey the majesty of God and the value of the message. It should be no trivial pursuit to preach nor to hear the message. The demeanor of both speaker and hearer should so agree.

James W. Adams in his teaching and preaching of the gospel conveys such demeanor and reflects such understanding about the gospel and the preacher of it.

Student and Scholar

Studious and thoughtful, brother Adams is a careful scholar and student in the preparation of that which he plans to present in a lesson or in his writings. Careful attention to detail and argument characterize what he presents either in writing or speech. His study, research, reflection, and wide reading enable him to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of particular elements of a subject in relation to the whole of truth. Meticulous in research and in the expression of his understanding, he conveys thoughtfulness and clarity of expression. His preaching is thoroughly biblically based and shows respect for the origin of Scripture and perception of both what is and is not said. His teaching and preaching in whatever medium show him to be reflective meditative, and concerned about what God intended us to learn from His word.

Style and Substance

What is brother Adams’ style of preaching? Well, it i certainly straight-forward and forthright. One does not, wonder or agonize over whether he understood what his message is. He speaks with clarity of expression in word or pen. The message is conveyed with a minimum of words but with a clear statement of premises, proof, and conclusions. What is said is well organized and easy to follow in thought processes. Liberally supported by scriptural references correctly interpreted and applied, his preaching is rich in reflections of hours of meditative reading and research about what God’s message is.

Wherever and in whatever circumstance he may teach, there is revealed in his teaching and preaching a deep conviction, fearless expression, and courage of heart in the face of however fierce opposition may meet him. Independent, yet respectful of others, he is not hesitant to stand upon and express what he conscientiously believes God revealed. Fearless of untoward consequences, he takes refuge in truth and the strength of God.

The Man

What sort of man is James Adams? One would have to say that he has a complex personality that does not typically convey frivolity. At the same time one would have to say that typically his emotions are controlled by a keen intellect, yet he is easily touched emotionally and has a great ability to relate to problems and concerns of others. Pleasant in conversation, he reveals a person of wide interests and knowledge. He also expresses good will and personal concern for others.

A man of unquestioned integrity and good character, he has little patience with hypocrisy, sloppy scholarship, and illogical reasoning. This not because it is affront to him but because it is an affront to God and his cause. He is most conscious of consistent and inconsistent behavior. Very perceptive in observance, he is keenly aware of his surroundings.

A good friend and colleague, he extends himself to these ends and will be to any who associate with him a trusted advisor and fellow student and conversationalist. He is delightful to have as a friend and to associate with in the work of the gospel.

Dedicated to family members and the responsibilities that grow out of these, he is a source of strength. His confidential expressions to friends reveal a depth of his convictions, the breadth of his love, a tenderness of heart, the aspirations of his soul, and the graciousness of his person. He is a good man.

Conclusion

James W. Adams, the preacher, is complex, yet simple in dedication to truth. He is many faceted in interests, yet undeterred from truth. He is loyal in friendship, yet unmoved from his conviction. He is tender of heart, yet never loses sight of what is right. He is intellectually inclined, yet ever so willing to understand the problems of those not so inclined. He is a man of his word and staunch in his dedication to the truth of God.

He is a great preacher, a good friend, a kind family man, a good student and scholar, a careful writer, and a formidable opponent of error but an effective proclaimer of the gospel.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, pp. 714-715
December 3, 1987

By Randy Harshbarger

Brethren, by ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample” (Phil. 3:17). Taking to “heart Paul’s divine injunction to “mark” (“behold, watch, contemplate,” Vine, Vol. 3, p. 43), those faithful men who provide examples worthy of imitation, we use this opportunity to call attention to the life and work of James W. Adams. For fifty plus years, brother Adams has devoted his life and energies to the proclamation and defense of the Truth. His concern has ever been for the spiritual health and prosperity of God’s family. Such an example needs to be noted. Such I believe, will help encourage those who have lived during the same time and under some of the same circumstances as brother Adams; it will also help inspire younger preachers and younger Christians everywhere to press on faithfully in the Lord’s cause. Several years ago, Cecil Willis wrote an article, “Putting Old Preachers on the Shelf” (Truth Magazine, Vol. XVII, No. 5, pp. 3-6). Among other things, brother Willis pointed out the tendency of some brethren to reject certain preachers solely upon the basis of age. This in my judgment is a mistake. It is sad and alarming to hear some second and third generation preachers (and other Christians) deride and criticize those of the past. Faithful men who fought many battles for truth are rejected and their preaching is criticized as being out of date. With this attitude present in too many, I am afraid we are headed in the wrong direction. In brother Adams’ own words:

What churches of the Lord need is not technical experts to streamline their activities and oil the wheels of complicated organizational activity, but men thoroughly schooled in the gospel of Christ and dedicated to the salvation of the souls of eternity-bound men and women … Instead, give us more John the Baptists, schooled in the rude wilderness of study, prayer, and meditation, clothed in camel’s hair and eating locusts and wild honey, but animated by holy fire from off the altar of purity and truth (from Timberland Drive church of Christ bulletin, November 2, 1985).

Early Life

James Wallace Adams was born August 27, 1914, in Brawley, California. His parents were Felix A. and Mary Roberta (Mittie) Adams. In 1920 the family moved to Texas. Some of brother Adams’ ancestors were early settlers of Texas. His grandfather, R.L. Bates was a pioneer preacher of the gospel. Brother Adams graduated from high school at La Pryor, Texas (1931), and later attended Freed-Hardeman College, Henderson, Tennessee. Brother Adams obeyed the gospel in 1926. Being encouraged to preach by Walter Leamons, he preached his first sermon on December 31st, 1933. Dedicating himself to the Lord’s cause, he has never looked back. For over fifty years, James W. Adams has been preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. When brother Adams started his life’s work, he preached for several churches in the Hill country of Texas (Menard, Brady), but he considers Vivian, Louisiana, as his first located work.

James W. Adams was married to Gertrude Leamons of Grapeland, Texas, on July 30th, 1936. Brother and sister Adams have three children’, two daughters and a son. Jimmie Nell McLemore and her family live in San Augustine, Texas. Patricia Spivey resides in Lufkin, and Robert L. Adams lives in Humble, Texas. With great pride (but pardonable!), brother and sister Adams speak of their children and grandchildren often (especially the grandchildren!).

Brother Adams has done local work in the following places: Temple, Longview, Beaumont (twice), San Antonio, Baytown, Nacogdoches (twice), Huntington, Center, Henderson, Terrell (all in Texas); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Paducah, Kentucky; Selmer, Tennessee; and Senatobia, Mississippi. As you can see, brother Adams has been primarily a “Texas” preacher. Meeting work has carried him into some twenty-five states. In 1975, he and Foy Vinson made a preaching trip to Italy. For many years the Pruett and Lobit church in Baytown, where brother Adams preached in the early 1970s, has supported preachers in Italy and Sicily. Brother Adams continues his interest in the work in Italy.

Retiring from local work in 1983, brother and sister Adams moved back to Lufkin. They are members of the Timberland Drive church of Christ. Of course, brother Adams hasn’t really retired. He continues to teach a Bible class at Timberland Drive and preaches when needed. At the present time he is driving every Sunday to Broaddus, Texas, to preach for the church there. Timberland Drive has had a two-preacher arrangement for some years, in which a younger man can work with an older, mature preacher, thus gaining much needed experience and instruction. Brother Adams helps with this program. What a great benefit to those who can learn from him!

As A Preacher and Writer Gospel Guardian

Others will look at the preaching and writing of James W. Adams in this special issue, but permit these few observations. Believing the printed page to be an effective medium for teaching vital truths of God’s word, brother Adams began writing for papers published by brethren in the mid 1930s. However, it was not until the mid 1940s that he stepped up his writing efforts. In fact it was at the insistence of Foy E. Wallace, Jr., that brother Adams began writing regularly for the Bible Banner, being being made an associate editor in 1947. While brother Adams has never sought controversy for its sake alone, neither has he ever turned away from any issue, when truth was at stake. Controversy has often been thrust upon him. Due to his keen intellect and diligent preparation he has addressed himself time and again, to live issues that have sought to destroy and harm the Lord’s church. Hence, his writings in The Bible Banner were of a controversial nature, dealing mainly with efforts of some to get the college into the budgets of churches, and premillennialism. Clear and precise in his writing (as in his preaching), brother Adams can get to the heart of a matter, and bring pertinent passages to bear on whatever subject he might be discussing.

Even now, brother Adams is working on a book dealing with hermeneutics. After many years of study, he is certainly able to write such a book. It will be a welcome addition to those who love the truth and desire to understand and apply it properly. Too, he is working on a devotional type book, that will contain short articles of an inspirational, reflective nature.

I have had the privilege of hearing brother Adams preach many times. I have many of his sermons on tape. After hearing him preach, you know you have heard a Bible-filled, true-to-life sermon. With little sympathy for watered down, soft-soap “sermonettes,” brother Adams is first and last a preacher of the gospel! His sermons are filled with Scripture after Scripture, properly used and applied. What an example to this generation of preachers!

A Personal Note

My friendship with brother Adams goes back some seventeen years. He performed the wedding ceremony when Marilyn and I got married. Since that time we have been in contact often. When I first started preaching (in Alto, Texas), brother Adams was living in Beaumont, but soon moved to Lufkin, and was editing The Gospel Guardian. I sought his advice and counsel many times. He was always willing to instruct, study with, and guide me in some decisions that had to be made, or some problems that often faced younger preachers. Bother Adam has always been willing to help younger men, just staring out as preachers, in spite of the immaturity displayed by some. For this I will ever be grateful.

James Adams is sometimes depicted as cold and aloof. Nothing could be further from the truth. He is a serious man, who carries himself with assurance and dignity. However, he appreciates the lighter side and good human as much as anyone. Of course, his humor is never coarse or out of place. And no, he doesn’t always wear a tie (but it would be alright if he did)! One day we went out fishing for catfish on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. It was time for lunch, I inquired about some soap to get the “stink bait” off my hands. Brother Adams replay was, “Go ahead and eat, and ask no question for conscience’s sake.” A man of the Book, even on the lake. I have heard brother Adams preach with great emotion, concerning the death of our Savior. With great tenderness I have heard him speak of days gone by, of former friends who have departed from the faith, and of fellow soldiers of the cross, who hand in hand fought valiantly in the Lord’s army. A few years ago, I listened for some three hours as he detailed the institutional controversy from beginning to present. It brings great pain to his heart to remember once faithful preachers who have turned away from the truth. All of this is my way of saying, that there is another side to James W. Adams that many perhaps have not seen. This is a shame.

I have been in brother and sister Adams’ home many times. I have always felt “at home” and have appreciated the warm hospitality extended to me. Sister Adams has ever been a source of strength and encouragement to brother Adams. This past July 30th, they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Their love for each other is strong and unspoken, but seen by all. Sister Adams has always encouraged me in my efforts to preach and I am thankful for her friendship and counsel.

When not in meetings or preaching elsewhere brother and sister Adams are at home at 1402 Robinwood Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75901. My prayer is for their continued good health and well being. While inadequate, I say thank you for your friendship, your life, your example.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, pp. 712-713
December 3, 1987