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Letters October 15, 2007
Last week’s issue, on October 8, 2007 was actually ninetyandnine’s 8th anniversary. When we began, one of our first goals was to engage our society, both Apostolic and otherwise, in a manner that writers and readers could disagree without being divisive. Nothing makes us happier than to publish two different, passionate views on an issue, and let you decide. Nothing makes us unhappier than when only one view is aired and those who disagree with it think that’s our official position. Not at all, it just means no one has submitted an article with your viewpoints. Write your thoughts on it, include Scripture, and we’ll publish that as well. About all we don’t touch are doctrinal issues, as those are the province of the local pastor.
Thanks for your faithfulness to this little, all-volunteer ministry that’s actually gotten quite a bit of attention of late. Of course some of it is negative, some misunderstood, and some quite flattering. We’re here to engage our world. We’re hoping you’ll continue helping us do that.
For those who submitted to the Short Story Contest, the judging process has begun, but it will probably be 2-4 weeks before we announce winners and publish the stories. We got a healthy variety of stories from all over, so we’re excited about it. (We’re tentatively planning on running another contest in the Spring, so if you missed out on this one, start scribbling down your ideas now.)
Next week will be a special music issue by music leaders from around the nation. Some you’ve heard of and some you haven’t, but all have something to say about contemporary P&W and more. We hope you’ll be as excited about it as we are.
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes to Church Music?”
To me at least, “too far” is when the singer steps outside of his or her God-appointed office and becomes, or tries to become, more than a worshiper. Although God does indeed deserve our very best, our very best is to sing from a pure heart with all of our heart and to lift Him up. God help us that we never become professionals or entertainers, but rather that we seek to have hearts of worship. Remember that true worship is always directed upward, never outward.
Some will reply that music is a ministry and indeed I agree that music can and often does minister to people, but it will do a much better job of ministering if singers and musicians would humble themselves and allow themselves to realize that the only star is Jesus Christ.
Michael Beasley, Texas
Re: “I Said Move”
It is indeed inspiring and excellent. It blesses me more and encourages too. Keep up the good work.
Justino L. Lapinig, Philippines
Re: “Homosexuality and Hypocrisy”
Do not tell your pastor if you’re gay or bi. He will condemn you; perhaps drag you in front of the congregation and “excommunicate” you, as mine did.
Don’t even trust your best friends with your secret. They will eventually have to gossip about it to somebody else. That didn’t happen to me because the pastor made it public, but I’ve seen it happen with other of my church friends who have confided in their best friends.
Talk to no one but Jesus about your problem. He will continue to love you and work with you. Don’t even trust your gay or bi friends with the information unless you’ve had sex with them (then it’s too late not to tell them), because they cannot be trusted to keep you secret forever either.
I do not believe that you will ever stop being homosexual even if you never act on the impulses or if you end your involvement. While the Lord takes away the desire for so many sins, He does not take away this desire. It may be because it is ingrained in your deepest personality and perhaps in your genes and DNA (not being a scientist, I don’t know this), but I have lived with this for many years. I know what I’m talking about.
Perhaps it is not a sin to be attracted to your own sex, although I cannot say that I approve of an active, promiscuous homosexual (or bi or lesbian) lifestyle.
Just take it to the Lord, and let Him help you.
Name Withheld
Re: “His Yoke is Easy”
Nothing wrong with repentance. It seems to me that there need to be more emphasis on repentance, at least as much as baptism in Jesus name.
No person is truly born again without repentance. And when someone is born again, the sin problem is taken care of.
Joseph Dinwiddie, Rhode Island
Re: “Homosexuality and Hypocricy: What Would Jesus Condemn”
I think this was a great article. Sexual sin of all types is often a difficult issue for many churches to deal with. Often, those in need of support and ministry are avoided, shunned and/or shamed.
There are some great Christian counseling groups that specialize in overcoming sexual sin, Where Grace Abounds being one of them. When working with those in sexual sin, it is wise to look up WGA and/or other similar resources which will help in ways to counsel your broken brother/sister, encourage them, pray for them. and provide supportive resources.
Stephanie Samora, Colorado
Re: “Reaching Others Through Technology”
Hello, I am staying with my brother. I am a born again believer and he does not believe in this way. We have put in some applications for some apartments around here because the waiting is short; it’s long everywhere in the city. We live in the middle of nowhere; I am looking for an Apostolic Church. My zip is 30833. I will need the close one because I am blind and transportation is an issue for me. I am using what means I have to both reach others and to feed my own soul right now; please pray for me. My desire is to be a soul winner and to be where Jesus wants me to be.
Christina Tarr, Georgia
(Editor’s Note: You can search for UPCI churches by city, zip code, and other methods here.)
Re: “Homosexuality and Hypocrisy”
All I want to say is Amen! It’s about time someone preached about the sin of hypocrisy within the UPCI! Thank you for reminding us that one sin is just as wrong as another. I pray that your friend finds a community of believers who will love and support him as Christ intended. I wonder how many other people we’ve discouraged because of our hypocrisy?
Name Withheld, Missouri
Re: “Homosexuality and Hypocrisy”
I agree with this article. I especially love the way homosexuality was explained as a disease.
However, I have a problem with the part where it was stated that the young had received the Holy Ghost. The power of God in a man’s soul to me would be the strength to help him combat the enemy on this issue. It is the power of the Holy Ghost that makes a man a man and woman a woman. This power brings out the true essence of all God wants us to be. I think we shortchange God by saying we have the power and succumb to this problem. I am not saying that we are perfect, nor am I saying that we have arrived when we get the Holy Ghost. But I am saying that when God comes in a man’s soul He gives him all that he needs to pursue holiness.
Emmanuel Vaughn, Maryland
Re: “Homosexuality and Hypocrisy: What Would Jesus Condemn?”
I just finished reading (this) excellent article and in my personal opinion, it is for the most part, right on target. While the history of how our Apostolic Church has dealt with homosexuals in the past is not very positive, the good news is that God is bringing about positive change. More and more of our churches are beginning to reach out with genuine love and compassion to those who are struggling with homosexual issues. More and more of our leaders on every level are beginning to share the “new” message of hope from the pulpit, the message that says, “Yes, homosexuality is a sin because the Word of God says it’s a sin, and, this church is a Church that’s for all sinners, including the homosexual.”
We, as a Church, have much to learn and overcome regarding homosexuals: fears, misinformation, stigma. We must be ready for the revival that is already beginning to unfold. A revival for thousands upon thousands of struggling homosexuals; strugglers within our Church; strugglers who have backslidden; and those who have never known the “full” Truth as you and I know it. Only God can and will; He is opening the doors to this harvest. We as the body must be ready to reach out with open arms, with God’s love and compassion, as these broken and hurting souls make their way into our Church in search of their deliverance and freedom from homosexuality.
Feel free to check our Beacon Ministries’ web site and you can also contact me directly. We are the first Apostolic-based national outreach for men and women who are struggling with homosexuality. We are here to provide support to the individual as well as to our local pastors, churches, and family members. God is opening the doors that must be opened and bringing about the much needed change. Please keep Beacon Ministries in your prayers; the need is great.
Nello Pozzobon, Founder/Director, California
Re: “Homosexuality and Hypocrisy: What Would Jesus Condemn?”
Interesting article. We certainly do need to be more compassionate when homosexuals enter our church doors. Regarding how we can help them, I think referring them to organizations such as Love Won Out (Dr. James Dobson) would be helpful.
Dobson sheds a lot of light on the topic of homosexuality in his book Bringing up Boys—would highly recommend reading it to get a better understanding of why individuals enter a homosexual lifestyle.
The article mentions including them in activities. I do think caution needs to be taken when involving homosexuals (or individuals who are wrestling with those feelings) in activities with young children, especially boys. Our children are much too precious to expose them. Good to read others’ thoughts on the subject.
Jolie Kinney, Indiana ninetyandnine.com © 2007, ninetyandnine.com ----------
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