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September 22, 2003 In case you will not be attending the UPCI General Conference in Toronto, Canada, over September 22-26, ninetyandnine.com will be posting daily Bible Quiz winners, and election results as they occur on Wednesday. There will definitely be a new Youth President elected, but it’s also possible other news will occur.
That article on "Re-Thinking Outreach Motives" was an excellent, thought-provoking piece. How right you are! We become so filled with thoughts of soul “winning,” that I fear we forget about loving our neighbors. How many of us, whether raised in the church or not, serve the Lord because someone loved us and helped us through difficulties; as opposed to just because we attend a church? The sense of community and caring is what draws others to Him. Who said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me”? That’s the real key to soul winning! We lift Him up by sharing His love, by being a friend. Great article! Thanks for the reminder. Kris Newman, Wisconsin I just wanted to write and thank everyone at 90&9 for the wonderful job you do. Thanks for publishing my first article, and thank you for having Gabby on board. You see, I was 'Lonely in Larame.' I love God with all my heart and my mind, but other outside influences (in church and the world) caused me problems. I didn’t always react to the problems as I should have, but Gabby told me the same thing I had been telling myself—that it was something God was leading me through for a reason. While I still haven’t discovered the reason, I have found my peace that I needed for so long. Once again, a whole lot of thanks to you, and all my praise to God for laying it on someone’s heart to offer this ministry. Name Withheld by Request, Ohio
I am greatly offended and shocked at your wording for this survey ("Is a slut always a slut"). Regardless of the topic, these words are generally used by the world (not a Christian-based web-site). They are offensive, ignorant, and judgmental. Your choice of words is disappointing. Both my husband and I were virgins when we married. And I am so thankful that we were both raised in the church so we knew what was expected of us by God and others. We were accountable to each other, as well as adults that we associated with. However, I am sure there are those out there who didn’t have that accountability, who weren’t raised on a pew, or who just made a bad decision. I think you owe those an apology. Who are we to cast stones? Christie Stephens, Maryland
Whew. I was a little surprised at last week’s title for the "Survey Sez!" section of the zine: “Is a slut always a slut or is it under the blood when you date?” I don’t have a problem with the slang term “slut,” but is it really applicable to anybody who is simply not a virgin? The term “slut” is generally used of a girl who sleeps with anything and everything in sight. Most non-virgin girls do not fit that category. Just because you have been sexually active does not mean you were a slut. And why did you only use a term that refers to the female gender, rather than the male gender? Males are by far worse than females when it comes to pre-marital sex. Why not ask “once a gigolo, always a gigolo?” as well? It seems like you are employing the same double standard the world employs that says it is okay for a man to have pre-marital sex, but not a woman. Why should a girl be called names for exercising her sexual desires, while a man is not? And for all of you who think a female is complaining about this you are wrong. I am a male…a male who believes in fairness. Stephan Boudros, California (Editor’s Note: As we often do, our choice of phrases was lifted straight from reader answers. Thus, “Is a slut always a slut or is it under the blood when you date?” was not meant to denigrate females nor highlight offensive slang, but to give those skimming the Table of Contents a taste of the overall answers.)
I am so delighted to know that we all have the non-judgmental, under-the-blood thing all down pat when it comes to Christian non-virgins. However, it is naive to think that every thing is totally cool for non-virgins because it is “under the blood.” Just as there are consequences to pay by the repented murderer, so it is for the individual who has chosen not to obey God’s protective laws for sexual purity. There are telltale scars left on the psyche of those who leave part of themselves with each subsequent sexual partner. If you go into a marriage with someone who has their own sexual history, they bring their “baggage” with them. When you become one with them in marriage, you now bear the consequences of each other’s choices and sins. Studies have shown that those who are sexually active before marriage tend to be less satisfied later in the marriage. Yes, we all have sins. Yes, the blood of Jesus covers them. You should not, however, underestimate the effect your partner’s past choices will have in your own relationship. Ellie Neumann, Arkansas
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