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Letters
July 3, 2006 This is the week of the United States of America’s celebration as an independent country. I wonder how many will actually remember why they have the day off, or why we shoot fireworks, or why we should thank God every day that we have the freedom to worship Him. (A model most other democracies have followed.) Most of us live in a wonderful country—yes, full of imperfections, but still wonderful. I pray for all to have a blessed, July 4th celebration!
RE: “Entertainment or Ministry: Thoughts On Apostolics and Music” It seems that what started out to be an open-minded article ended up an “Us-against-Them” statement. I mean, it’s not as though we’re on one side of the football field in red jerseys and the “other” guys—Trinitarians—are on the other side in blue jerseys. I believe this type of thinking is pervasive among older Apostolics who feel a continual threat against their “Oneness.” The actual difference in music is that most music comes from the music “industry” while Apostolic music comes from “ministry.” The music industry uses professional musicians to make recordings and tour with pay, while Apostolic music is for church services. But to dump all the non-Apostolic music into one category (Trinitarians) is an ignorant supposition. I will continue to buy and listen to non-Apostolic CD’s for the same reason I’ll eat at a restaurant instead of paying for a “plate” for sale as a church (Unitarian, Trinitarian, Monotarian) fund-raiser—quality. S.D. Kent, Georgia
Re: “Entertainment or Ministry: My Thoughts On Apostolics and Music” You are correct—the Word requires that we support each other. This is a good article discussing this concept. However, why limit the support to just buying music from each other? If we supported each other’s businesses, as we should, we would grow in unity together and more money would be available to promote the Truth. Todd Smith, Texas
Re: “Pentecost Sunday T. D. Jakes” What are you thinking bringing a man that does not believe the truth of God’s Word into your church? What part hath light with darkness? A man that believes part of the truth is still lost no matter how many are moved. Many speakers move crowds but that will not bring them salvation. John 3:5 is still the only way to God and without it folks are lost. David Webb, California
Re: “In Defense of T.D. Jakes” I posted this on Lee Ann’s blog, and I’ll post it again in letter form. If people did a bit of research about T.D. Jakes they would know that he has roots in the Apostolic church and would probably not be so “appalled:” Though T.D. Jakes is not UPCI, he is Apostolic in message. He believes in the Oneness of God (and has been criticized for it by mainstream Christianity) and baptizes in the name of Jesus. Here is another article that warns others about the “heretical” connections TD Jakes has with the UPCI and Oneness Pentecostalism. Chantell Smith, Alabama
Re: “Christian Sex” Thank you Carol for making it plain—purity is to be treasured. Liz Fierge, Kentucky
Re: “Pentecost Sunday with TD Jakes” What is wrong with you people? One of the purposes of ministry is to lead people to Christ. That means repentance, baptism, and infilling of the Holy Ghost. If people got the Holy Ghost on Pentecost Sunday with T.D. Jakes preaching, who really cares? They got the Holy Ghost! T.D. Jakes is a Holy Ghost-filled, inspired man of God (and I’m a white girl, by the way). I’ve actually (hold on to your seat) felt the spirit of God (whoa!) while he’s preaching. Imagine that! That’s certainly more than I can say for a lot of the “UPC” licensed ministers I’ve had to endure. With all do respect, do I sense a little jealousy because you didn’t have the same “success” on Pentecost Sunday in your church? Hmmmm. Name Withheld, Illinois
Re: “Ministry in Death and Dying” I was glad to see an article addressing ministry to those who are dying and/or family members grieving loved ones. Being a professional counselor, I have counseled with those suffering from grief and bereavement and have encouraged them to take time for grieving. However, I have also experienced my mother’s sudden death. Words cannot express the impact that it has had on my life. My church family was there for me and my family for a few weeks. But after that, people seemed to go on with their business, not realizing that the bereaved still need ministry months or even years after the death. Most of our churches are good at helping family members through the initial period of grief. But, if the church is to truly make a difference in the lives of the bereaved, the church must learn ways to effectively minister to those dealing with death and dying—giving them the permission and support to grieve as long as they need. Thank you for touching the surface of a very deep and meaningful subject. I hope to have more people acknowledge the need for death and dying ministry. Kristy Hardwick, Ohio
Re: “Pentecost Sunday Jubilation with Bishop T. D. Jakes” I agree whole-heartedly with the previous comments of dismay. The Bible warns us about “serving two masters”! In my opinion, herein lies the problem in many of the UPC churches of today (and I have attended many throughout the U.S. as my job requires me to move every few years). Large congregations and lots of “tithe money” has gotten a chokehold on many of our pastors allowing the enemy to get a foothold in our churches. There is undoubtedly a split in the UPC organization on the horizon as pastors (and saints) with “the love of money” will not be allowed to serve side-by-side with those who serve God forever. As a saint, be warned, you must choose the path you will follow! Will you serve money or God? R. Stenger, California
Re: “T.D. Jakes Bashing” I have appreciated that 90&9 allows all to be heard, with a few exceptions, including the writers who want to bash Bro. Omar and the church he ministers in. I don’t understand the point of view. The church leaders brought in a preacher who preached truth, the Lord blessed, and sinners were baptized with the Spirit. When you are called to pastor, you can make the decisions on who will deliver the Word. Any man you put in the pulpit will be imperfect, but the Lord chose to bless. I bet there were some who stood by dishing on Peter on the day of Pentecost, too—and I’m glad I don’t have to read it in the book of Acts. Brandon Curry, Michigan
Re: “T.D. Jakes’ Preaching” In response to T.D. Jakes’ preaching in a U.P.C. church we have not heard the positive results of what happened. One young man and his family was baptized in Jesus’ Name, he received the Holy Ghost in the street of Brooklyn while T.D. Jakes was preaching. This young man was a member of the Latin Kings, one of the most dangerous gangs in New York City. In the midst of all of your criticism this was what the Holy Ghost was doing! So I ask this question, where were all of you critics when this man needed to know about Jesus? So you see, God will use whomever He chooses, not whom man chooses! Jose Marquez, New York
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