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Print August 21, 2006 There is definitely something to be said about
organizing and purging! That is what I have been doing since school started this
week. It’s amazing much a family can accumulate without the intention of
accumulating. I wonder if, when Jesus asked the disciples to drop everything and
follow Him, they had a cleaning project coming up? Seriously though, it really is enlivening to have everything
exactly like you want it—in it’s place. Unfortunately, when you have a
webzine that publishes weekly we do not always do everything perfectly or have
everything “in its correct place.” Thanks for correcting us when you feel
we’ve overstepped our bounds. If you’re not directly interacting with this
ministry (via letters, article submissions, answering the Big Question), we’re
ineffective. RE: Racism—America’s
Demon in the Closet By targeting America as the only racist country in the world,
the author painfully demonstrates the limits of his global perspective.
While I am in no way arguing for the racial purity of America, I find
many aspects of the essay to be insufficient. First, consider the recent riots in France.
While many accounts simply refer to the rioters as those “protesting
inequalities,” a reasonable consideration of the facts will clearly
demonstrate that the neighborhoods where the riots originated are home to a
large immigrant population, primarily North African.
Racial and religious violence are continuing to rise in other European
and Asian states, including England, Greece, and Russia.
I would advise Mr. Remington to be more cautious than to isolate racism
as an American characteristic. Secondly, the author seems to be proposing that Christians
should act as if racial differences do not exist. While citing Paul’s proclamation in Colossians (“There
is neither Jew nor Greek ….”), he seems to be disregarding Jesus’
encounter with the Canaanite woman, when He dismissed her as a dog (Matthew
15:21-28). Now, I am not arguing
that Jesus was a racist, but I am arguing that Jesus recognized the existence of
racial differences and tensions. To
simply disregard the racial and ethnic differences of American society is to
limit what makes our country so unique. On one hand, the admonition to associate with individuals of
a different race is an excellent suggestion.
Personally, my perspective on racial issues shifted dramatically when I
lived in Los Angeles in an environment when I was the minority.
However, in advocating for “integrated” churches, I fear that is
making a tragic mistake. What he has failed to acknowledge is that humans are
naturally drawn to people of similar ethnic and racial backgrounds, because each
ethnic background has a shared heritage, history, and culture.
It is because of these similarities that a black pastor is able to preach
a certain way to a predominantly black congregation, or a Mexican pastor to
relate culturally to a primarily Mexican congregation.
I was a member of a church that was almost entirely comprised of
bilingual Mexican-Americans, and a major part of the pastor’s ministry was his
ability to identify with the culture of the congregation.
I’m not advocating forced segregation or glorifying racial
inequalities, but Mr. Remington should not be so quick to condemn the natural
occurrence of voluntary segregation. A
congregation’s racial diversity is not necessarily an indication of a church
that is free from racism. Brad Titus, Indiana Re: “Where
My Kiss?” Welcome to American culture Christianity! Travis Carter, New York Re: “An
Apostolic in Nashville: Interview with Twila Labar” I came across this article by way of a family member, who
recommended it after searching the web for lyrics to one of Twila’s songs for
a performance at GMA’s Music in the Rockies. I came away from reading with new
inspiration. It is such an encouragement to know that she has worked and
succeeded in achieving excellence in her craft. Though I am not an Apostolic, as
a young woman who is a singer/songwriter here in Nashville, and most of all, an
evangelical Christian aspiring to share Christ and make a difference in the
world, it has renewed my desire. Thank you! Morgann McClanahan, Tennessee Re: “Acceptable
Sins: A Parable” It is crucial for us to see that even though we have made
good friendships in our churches, we have a much greater purpose.
What a way to wake us up, Wendy. Bill Stocks, Wisconsin Re: “For goodness sake, tip
well (link)” You guys linked to a worldly “tipping” forum, with
ungodly people swearing and all? What are you people thinking? Caya Jappinen, Connecticut Re: “Pentecost
Sunday Jubilation with Bishop T. D. Jakes” The article about Bishop T.D. Jakes in Brooklyn was an
awesome and earth-shattering report! I
think that in the Bible days, people would come from all over to hear John the
Baptist or to have Peter and John minister to them, and while Bishop T. D. Jakes
was the main attraction to get the thousands to Brooklyn, Jesus Christ was the
main focus! We all can be a vessel
and have the kind of impact that we see in Bishop T. D. Jakes, or Lee Stoneking,
or even Peter, Paul, and John the Baptist. We have the power, and God promised us that if we used it we
would see his Spirit fall on those who are willing! God bless us as we endeavor to reach this lost world Bill Stocks, Wisconsin Re: “The
State of Apostolic Music—How Bad Is It” Let me say that I was raised by a Pentecostal mother. I am
still Apostolic. I am a singer. I came back to God almost a year ago. We may go
our own way but, God never forsakes us. God is opening doors for me. He opens
doors but, we have to walk through them. I think Apostolic music just needs more exposure. It is not
any different than the music of Fred Hammond or Kurt Carr and I love them both.
Apostolics tend to seclude themselves in their own world for fear that they may
be persuaded to another’s doctrine. At least that was what I had been taught
growing up. People like Karen
Harding who won the Exalting Him contest in 2003 (I have been chosen
to compete in the regional round on August 26, 2006) or, my pastor’s niece (Rex
Johnson’s daughter) are brave enough to step out of their denominational
walls, therefore spreading their anointing with others. As far as blending a couple of worship songs with songs that
the youth would like, David and The Giants did that back in the 80s. Follow in
their steps, and you can’t go wrong. I think the record label is a great idea.
Zion music group is great for distribution but that’s about it. It’s all
about marketing and promotion. Churches need to open the door to live music
again also. When I was singing country and western swing, nothing was
happening for me. My songs were written by my husband’s friend, who is a
member of George Strait’s band. The whole band played on my CD. I was on the
Western swing charts for six months in the Power Source magazine. It
didn’t do a thing for me. I am too old yes, but I also knew that I was not in
God’s will. Also remember, kids don’t forget what they’re raised on.
When I was young, I loved D&G. Now I’m 40something and miss the old hymns.
When I sang in a country band, I had 20somethings asking us to do Patsy Cline or
Merle Haggard; not what is being played currently! It all boils down to if it’s God’s will, it will happen.
Is the person that is recording the CD is doing it to glorify God or themselves
or just because they like to sing. God is blessing me now, I believe, because if
I would have “made it” earlier, I might never have returned home. I am older
but, still young in the genre that I am pursuing (Apostolic style S/G music,
i.e.: the Crabbs, McRaes). I am singing because I love Him immensely, more than
ever before. Bottom line, God’s will and lots of marketing! Lynn Logan, Texas Re: “Crossing
Organization Divisions”
I so agree about the divisions in the churches, yesterday and
today. I was born-again in the UPC and am now in the Assemblies of God. From my
experience in the UPC I learned that I did not belong to an organization who was
so divided from others who did not belong to the UPC. I now work for the Lord
and I consider myself non-denominational, but to carry the word of Jesus Christ.
I am an ordained minister and I have grown in the Lord, by the division of the
UPC which I was very unhappy with their ignorance that others are different. But, I thank the Lord for saving me in the UPC and learning
about what the Lord wanted me to be and do for His glory, to love others
regardless of what building with an organization name went to. We are all
children of God. By the way I have heard and seen Bro. Stoneking and know that
he is a man of God. I met him many years ago. God is Awesome! Name Withheld, California Re: “Stinky
Diapers, Prayer, and the Perfect Job” I was sitting in front of my computer with my two year-old
twins and three months pregnant. I know it is hard on my husband to take care of
all the bills and expenses alone. So I typed in the search ‘The Perfect
Job.’ This story caught my eye
because just last night I, too, prayed for the perfect job. One that would keep
me home with the twins and be able to rest as needed and make my appointments
and still help with our bills. I believe God answers prayers. So now I
wait for my perfect job. Thank you
for the encouragement. Kimberly Bryant, Georgia ninetyandnine.com
©
2006, ninetyandnine.com ----------
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