"V" - Topic Index

"V" - Topic Index

Alphabetic Index:a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Valentines Day

Valentine's Day: What's Wrong With Showing Love? (l) - Valentine's Day has long been hugely popular as a romantic tradition despite its ancient and unseemly origins. So what's wrong with celebrating this holiday?
Valentine's Day: Are All Holidays the Same? (l) - What do its pagan origins imply about Valentine's Day and other popular holidays?
What Kind of Love Does Valentine's Day Promote? (l) - What many people call love is actually only infatuation.
An Issue Unified by God's Love (l) - Themes of VCM, Feb. 2007
Before You Ask Someone to Be Your Valentine... (l) - Millions send Valentine's Day cards to express their affection for someone special. But how did this holiday originate? And does Valentine's Day represent what true love is all about?
The Greatest of These Is Love (l) - Today there is a very commercial aspect to Valentine's Day. But what are its origins?

Values

What's It Worth to You? (l) - A story of valor and courage makes us think about what is actually important.
Are You Up for the Challenge? (l) - Life's greatest challenges are in every day decisions! Learning to choose wisely and learning from your experiences can prepare you for a rewarding future.
10 Practical Ways to Teach Your Children Right Values (l) - Most parents recognize the need for their children to have right values. But how do you teach them? Here are practical pointers parents can use to instill those standards, starting today!
Hold on to Your Christian Values... Even in College (l) - You may have carefully planned your class load or electives, but you probably have not considered the need for help in keeping your Christian perspective intact. Here's a discussion by three Christian professors giving their best advice for students.
Choosing to Cheat (l) - Everyone seems to be doing it, so it's not really a problem to cheat in school, is it?
True Values of Young Manhood (l) - How does a boy become a real man — the kind of man so badly needed in today's society?
Is the Bible Still Relevant in the 21st Century? (l) - In this modern world, are the Scriptures worth reading?
Overscheduled Families (l) - Many parents worry their children will be left behind if they aren't signed up for lots of activities. But are the benefits of such a hurried lifestyle really worth the time stress?
Don't Sell Out For Soup (l) - How can we equip ourselves to withstand all of life's temptations?
Selling All for the Kingdom of God (l) - Those things that are true and right are not purchased at any price. In fact, they have no material value. But that which is most valuable in this life requires that we be willing to give up everything in exchange for it. Most find this very difficult, if not impossible.
Financial Security and Peace of Mind (l) - God promises material blessings to those who obey Him and acknowledge Him with their wealth (Proverbs 3:1, 9-10). Through the prophet Malachi God warned that withholding His tithe amounts to robbing Him, but He will bless those who tithe (Malachi 3:7-12).
Marriage: Foundation of the Family (l) - Applying God's principles for marriage not only produces happy relationships in this life, it yields greater understanding of godly principles that will last for eternity.
Money in Marriage (l) - Couples can greatly reduce their conflicts over money by planning when to have children and how to care for them, agreeing how to apportion their resources and learning to work together to attain their financial goals.
Bringing Up a Moral Child (l) - Many parents, including single parents, are raising well-adjusted, moral children who successfully enter adulthood. Why are these families successful when so many others are not?
Must We Obey God's Commandments? (l) - We have a natural tendency to resent having our fleshly desires limited by rules, even God's rules.
Seven Counterfeit Values Ensnaring Society (l) - The world around us prizes qualities that are ultimately worthless and harmful. Your awareness of them will help protect you and your children.
What We Don't Know Can and Will Hurt Us (l) - While technology expands exponentially, the kind of knowledge we urgently need to survive ebbs and wanes.
Christian Through College (l) - Many young people have successfully retained their Christian beliefs while obtaining a degree. Here's how.
How Correct is Political Correctness? (l) - Since political correctness will be part of nearly every college class you take, what should you know about it now?
Values Turned Upside Down in a Generation's Time (l) - A major movement is underway to redefine "family". A militant secularism prevails in our society today.
Christian Values Under Attack (l) - Will you be leaving home for college this fall? If so, your Christianity is sure to be tested. Read this article for advice on how to remain strong.
When the Angel Leaves the Storm, Part 2 (l) - How much longer can we count on God's material blessings on America?
Question Whose Authority? (l) - Questioning authority has been a human activity for a long time. But have you ever wondered just whose authority should be questioned?
Letters From Our Readers - Nov/Dec 2004 (l) - Letters from the readers of the Good News magazine. Nov/Dec 2004
Troubling Times for Three British Institutions! (l) - To comprehend the significance of what is now happening to Britain and why, you need to understand the intriguing history of the grand old British race.
What Is Your Children's Future? (l) - Is the furture of our children left to chance and circumstance? Their future is in your hands more than you think.
The Erosion of Our Moral Ozone (l) - Michael Josephson, founder and president of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and a founder of the Character Counts Coalition, describes the devastating erosion of moral values and its tragic consequences.
America's Child Sacrifice (l) - Child sacrifice is horrifying to even contemplate. Yet it remains with us in the form of abortion, practiced millions of times a year.
Going After the Good Stuff (l) - Are you going to buy an expensive Sony Playstation? Would you believe a good book can be far more valuable? Benjamin Franklin said, "The great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by false estimates they have made of the value of things."
Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite! (l) - More than 200 years ago these three French words reverberated through the streets of Paris during the French Revolution. If only every society could truly practice the biblical version of liberty, equality and brotherhood! Yet the time is coming when they will.
For Such a Time As Now (l) - What is the difference between the holy and the profane? In one sense the things that are holy are those matters which stand the test of time, because they are godly in nature.
America's Values War (l) - The war on terrorism, uncertainty, in the economy, worries over unemployment. In recent months, people have begun to reconsider some of the values they thought archaic not that long ago-values like courage and personal sacrifice for the good of others.
The Visionary Insight of J.B. Priestley (l) - In the book Literature and Western, J.B. Priestley considers the problems of the human condition and how we must face them. A brief excursion into his remarkable insight can yield us lasting benefit.
Will the Family Survive? (l) - The family definitely needs help. The overwhelming pressures against it seem insurmountable. The family is surrounded and beleaguered on all fronts, from media to finances to school and finally by the subtle undermining of culture. Can these influences be counteracted?
You Can Win the War Against the Family (l) - Modern pop culture is robbing children of their innocence while undermining their character growth by addicting them to random violence, filthy language and explicit sex. In spite of this subtle brainwashing, you can still win the war being waged against your family.
Right Values: Light in an Age of Confusion (l) - As the 20th century draws to a close, many wonder what happened to the values that brought us through a tumultuous century - and worry about what lies ahead.
Is the United States Still a Moral Nation? (l) - The recent election showed that almost half of the U.S. electorate is uncomforta ble with a president who is open about his religious faith and has stated that J esus Christ is the Person he most admires. What about the other half? They may c laim to get their values from the Bible, but do they really?
Teaching Youth Religious Values (l) - Secular society has largely abandoned instructing children in religious values, with devastating consequences for individuals and familes. What does the Bible say about passing values from generation to generation? And what are your responsibilities as a parent?
Wrestling With God: A Political and Moral Dilemma (l) - The founding father envisioned a nation rooted in biblical values. What lies ahead if its roots are destroyed?
Person of the Year (l) - What if we created annually a list of the "Ten Best-Lived Lives?"
How Can You Counter a Degenerating Culture? (l) - You are probably disturbed by many of the values of the culture around you - and with good reason. How can we counter the degrading influence of much of popular culture?
'For Such a Time as This' (l) - Values, convictions and courage are like lighthouses in a dark world. Perhaps even now you are facing situations in which you seem to "stand alone" on principle.

Venezuela

World News and Trends - January/February 2008 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. Jan. 2008
January/February 2018 (l) - An overview of events and conditions around the world featured in the January/February 2018 issue of Beyond Today.
Venezuela's Crisis (l) - Venezuela was one of Latin America's most prosperous countries until socialist leaders destroyed its economy. Yet in one of the most heartbreaking modern tragedies, there is still hope.
Venezuela - Six More Years of Chavez (l) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez won reelection Dec. 3 to another six-year term. Should the world take him seriously? Should the United States be concerned about his rhetoric? Yes!
World News Review July 1999 (l) - World news - July 1999
World News Review August 2006 (l) - World news review - Sept 2006.

Vertical Thought magazine

Commentaries From Our Website - Vertical Thought (l) - Our Vertical Thought website regularly publishes commentaries on current topics from young adults in God's Church that are relevant to the lives of young people today. Here's a sampling.
Vantage Point: Why Vertical Thought? (l) - Remember when you were 8 years old? Life stretched out before you as an endless adventure. Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Vertical Thought will soon turn 8 -- and it's been a great adventure!
Vantage Point: Like an Eagle (l) - We all need a strategic and comprehensive perspective on life and world events. Vertical Thought strives to give you that strategic overview in every issue.
Vantage Point: Over the Cliff (l) - Vertical Thought can help you maintain an overview of life.
Selfishness or Life (l) - Human history is a story of mostly failed relationships. Most of mankind's problems have been and are caused by one simple word: selfishness.
Special Announcement (l) - Youth United becomes new printed magazine: Vertical Thought
A New Magazine Is Born (l) - Vertical Thought: a magazine of understanding for tomorrow's leaders makes its debut as a new magazine for young people.

Violence

What You Need to Know About School Bullies (l) - Here are some steps you should take if you or someone you know is being bullied.
Facing Senseless Tragedy (l) - The December 2012 massacre in Connecticut gives further evidence of the deep darkness this world languishes under. How do we process this? And what are some lessons we should take from it?
Violent Video Games Influence Violent Reactions (l) - In a report for the International Society for Research on Aggression, experts have recently concluded that evidence supports the claim that violent media -- especially including violent video games -- can, indeed, act as a trigger for aggressive thoughts or feelings already present.
Children and Violent Video Games (l) - Today, sales of popular video games are at record highs. But what message are they sending? Most importantly, are they appropriate for young impressionable minds?
Senseless Violence Rises With 'Knockout' Game (l) - The games of youth are the training ground for adult behavior. What do violent "Knockout" games mean for the future?
Violent Video Games Damage Empathy, Study Finds (l) - Violent video games stunt moral development in teenagers.
A Dangerous New Trend (l) - Sobering headlines repeat the same sad story: Policemen are shot and killed, many by ambush, while others accuse them of brutality and excessive force. What does this say about American society?
"Why Do People Hate Us So Much?" (l) - There is much hatred and resentment directed toward the United States throughout the world, not just in the Middle East. One scripture helps us to understand why the problem has worsened in recent decades: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people"
A Front-Row Seat for Suffering (l) - Repeated exposure to violence - real and feigned - in news and entertainment hardens us to the real suffering of others.
The Visionary Insight of J.B. Priestley (l) - In the book Literature and Western, J.B. Priestley considers the problems of the human condition and how we must face them. A brief excursion into his remarkable insight can yield us lasting benefit.
Shocking Levels of Violence in Personal Relationships (l) - Statistics gathered on domestic violence against women should shock us.
Today's Toys: Child's Play or Something Else? (l) - It maybe time to take another look at your children's toys.
Youth Violence: Where Does the Blame Really Lie? (l) - Violence has come to roost in the nation's youth. A biblical prophet envisioned a time when children would be our oppressors (Isaiah 3:12). Are we living in those days?
Youth Violence: Who's to Blame? (l) - What's behind the frightening epidemic of youth violence? The prophet Isaiah envisioned a time when children would oppress their elders. Are we living in those days?
News for Youth - Jan 2003 (l) - Video Violence Affects the Brain; Teens Try Real Cases; New Way to Prepare for the SAT; Teen Pregnancy: Behind the Stats
Armageddon and Divine Intervention (l) - God will intervene to stop humanity from destroying itself.
And The World Was Filled With Violence (l) - "The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence."
What Will Tomorrow's Mothers Be Like? (l) - As you look at the girl "tweens" (8- to 14-year-olds) of today, what kind of mothers do you think they will make for tomorrow? What type of young woman is our Western culture producing? Girls have a clear choice between two wildly contrasting possibilities.
Coming Calamities: Does God Offer Protection? (l) - Where will you be when terror strikes the nations? Does God offer safety for anyone? Will He care about you when your fellow man doesn't?
Choosing Movies and Music: What's Going Into Your Mind? (l) - Young people just want to have fun. But how should one decide what kind of music to listen to and which movies and television shows to watch?
Advice From Death Row (l) - The headlines are filled with shocking stories of violent crime. What's behind it? How does it occur? Listen to the words of an expert - written from death row.
Do You See the Canaries? (l) - Canaries were once used to warn miners of toxic gas in underground mines. There is a lesson for our cultures. Can you see the "canaries" warning us about a toxic society?
The Mothers of 2015 (l) - As you look at the girl "tweens" (8- to 14-year-olds) of today, what kind of mothers do you think they will make for tomorrow? What type of young woman is our Western culture producing? Each girl has a clear choice between two wildly contrasting possibilities.

Virginity

Getting off the Sexual Merry-Go-Round (l) - Millions of people have found themselves caught up in the lies promised by the sexual revolution, finding that it brought only heartache and pain. If you're one of its victims, what can you do to start over?
Virginity: Is It Worth It? (l) - Many people mistakenly think everyone is having sex before marriage, but the facts show otherwise -- with good cause.
Virginity -- Is It Worth It? (l) - Many people mistakenly think everyone is having sex before marriage, but the facts show otherwise -- with good cause.

Vision

Blessed Are Your Eyes (l) - We greatly prize the amazing sense of physical sight. But the ability to see spiritually is even more miraculous!
"Therefore We Do Not Lose Heart" (l) - The cover of a recent issue of Time magazine astonishingly declares, "2045: The Year Man Becomes Immortal." But the Bible tells a different story about living forever.
The Kingdom of God: A Vision for Your Life (l) - Do you have a vision that guides your life? If so, what is it? What vision does God have for you, and how can you make that vision your own?
I Don't Like Running (I Do It Anyway) (l) - What do you do when you want to quit? How do you convince yourself to forge ahead?
Fixing Our Eyes on Eternity (l) - How do we endure the challenges of this life? By God enabling us to look beyond today to what lies ahead.
The Vision Made Real (l) - How will the beautiful picture of world peace and joy become reality? What stands in the way, how will change happen, and can change start now?
The Godly Gift of "Forever Eyes" (l) - "Forever eyes" see the vision that Paul so vividly describes -- the Kingdom of God.
Don't Dare Throw in Your Towel (l) - What might Joseph have been feeling after being sold into slavery and then locked away in prison for something he had not done? How did he get through his many trials?
What Is True Leadership? (l) - Which ingredients make an effective leader? And what makes some leaders take tragic courses for themselves and their fellowmen?

Volunteering

Add Some Service to Your Summer (l) - Finding ways to serve others this summer can be a very rewarding and fun activity. Let's look at three areas where you can personally get involved. Discover how to serve within your regular routine. Service opportunities are all around us!
God Values Everyone -- Do We? (l) - Why not look around for a way to help those in need? Many foundations and non-profit organizations that serve people with disabilities would be happy to hear from you. Special Olympics is a wonderful organization that is always appreciative to have volunteers for activities and track meets.
The Greatest Humanitarian Cause (l) - Do you have trouble with prayer? How should we pray? For what should we pray? What lessons should we learn from prayer? Let's consider Christ's lesson on the subject.
Why I Serve at United Youth Camps (l) - Each year around 400 staff positions at United Youth Camps are filled by volunteers, including many young adults. United Youth Camps owe them a debt of gratitude for their willing service. Here are a few responses from young adults to the question of why they take the time off from work or classes and volunteer their time to serve at camp.