STANDING WITH ISRAEL
Thank you for taking a stand for Israel (“Israel’s Most Dangerous Moment” by Robert Stearns, May), especially in this time of global uncertainly toward it. May Israel be strengthened by our prayers in the days ahead.
Wendy Miller
Buffalo New York
It was encouraging to read an article that took such a biblical stance on praying for Israel. It’s a message so many Christians need to hear. I’ve rarely seen as clear and practical a teaching on it.
Anna Suomalainen
Clarence, New York
We Christians who have been grafted into God’s covenant as Romans 11 says have no choice but to stand with Israel and the Jewish people in prayer and action. It is our biblical mandate.
Ryan Delling
New York
The fate of Israel is not in the hands of the church or individual believers. It is in the hands of God, as it has been from its inception. To imply that there is a direct physical correlation between the prosperity and destiny of any nation or individual supporting Israel is an artificial emphasis. The nation of Israel is not the church’s focus; the entire world is.
Joseph Ostrander
Modesto, California
The increased threat of anti-Semitism is a reality that too many Christians today are either ignorant of or, if they recognize it, feel helpless to do anything about. Your article serves as a crucial reminder to me that I am called by God to stand with Israel in these dark times.
Rebecca Weick
Springfield, Massachusetts
With anti-Semitism being generated against Israel and Christians who stand with Israel, it is very encouraging to see a publication such as yours coming alongside God’s people.
Nicole Amato
Havre de Grace, Maryland
‘LITE’ CHRISTIANITY?
The charismatic movement was born out of the preaching of repentance from sin. Sadly this is no longer the case. Just look to the June 2009 issue of Charisma for evidence.
The cover story about Israel Houghton tells us to “learn to praise” when we have already experienced the free flow of the Holy Spirit. And in letters to the editor we are “outraged by gay marriage” but afraid to say so publicly on Larry King Live. We spotlight “saving the earth” (p. 15) but will hardly preach a Jonathan Edwards-style sermon to save a sinner.
What passes for revival in today’s church would surely make the apostle Paul shudder: dry-eyed repentance, sinless sermons, deserted altars and no commitment.Rev. Michael R. Bingham
Abundant Life Church
La Porte, Texas
WITNESS LEE’S TEACHINGS
Regarding your June article about Witness Lee, “Former Local Church Critics Change Stance” (News), Gretchen Passantino said: “Their explanation of the doctrine of the Trinity is more similar to an Eastern Orthodox explanation, which is based more on subjective experience than on strict logical [reasoning].”
I am a member of a Greek Orthodox Church and have never heard this. I was offended by the lack of knowledge of the Orthodox Church’s teachings on the Trinity. I can assure you that Orthodox teachings are as Christ taught the church.
Dr. Paul John Frangedakis
Lexington, Kentucky
COMPASSION FOR INDIA
I read an article in Charisma about the persecution of Christians in India (“God’s Moment for India”; February). The reason I knew about this is because my mom asked me to read it, and tell her what I think. I was angry that someone would do that to them.The next day my schoolteacher told us about a class project. We had to do something to help a cause and educate people about it. I thought about it, and then I remembered Charisma and the persecution in India. That is what I thought I should do my project on.
Later on we had to help the cause, so I asked my classmates if they would donate, and they did, so I am donating this money for Bibles for the Christians in India.
Noah Valencia
La Quinta, California
Regarding J. Lee Grady’s column “Pulling India’s Children From the Fiery Furnace” (Fire in My Bones online, April 21), my prayer is for the confused, frightened children to come to know God’s heart for them—through all the pain, death and suffering to know that God is there. May God comfort each of them.
Phillip Morrow
Atlanta, Georgia
MEN: MISSING A CONNECTION
Author J. Lee Grady stated in his article “Meaningful Male Friendship in a Disconnected Age” (Fire in My Bones online, May 20) that “the epidemic of moral failure among men in the church today is directly tied to our lack of healthy relationships.” Having pastored for the last 30 years, I have noticed that this is an increasing phenomenon. The society about us has tainted any visible contact men might have with each other. How different is our Christian culture from the culture of Paul’s day. Any affection is automatically suspect.
R. Price
via e-mail
