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Holocaust survivorI am Jewish and a holocaust survivor. Yours is a Christian magazine that shows understanding of the Jewish people in a way that I have never seen before.
(back to top)A.S., Boca Raton, Florida
Concerning the Ten CommandmentsThe commandments are a social code of conduct and instruction: Do not kill, covet, bear false witness (lie), etc. They do not admonish for promiscuous behavior. In their wisdom our elders obviously considered that sexual misconduct took a far lower priority. Why, then, do many Christians get worked up over sexual connotations when all around them their representative (Christian) governments with community approval commit every violation of the teachings that they espouse to hold so dear? I suggest that the author of the article (March-April issue, p. 16) refer to the Kinsey Report of 1946. It will show an alarming promiscuity within the Christian community. The hypocrisy within the religion is exposed daily by the general behavior of its adherents.
K.H., Devonport, Australia
Perhaps you misunderstand the nature of God’s law. God gave the Ten Commandments as a basic code of conduct that applies to all of mankind. It is a complete law covering every aspect of human behavior in statement or in principle. The commandments against adultery and coveting a neighbor’s spouse, not to mention honoring one’s father and mother, all solidly support the family structure. It is precisely because we are neglecting to obey these particular commands that social structures are rapidly falling apart. As a result, we continually reap the natural consequences of divorce, broken homes, cohabitation, single parenthood, resultant juvenile crime and more—the list is endless.
It is obvious that a large part of mainstream Christianity includes many professing adherents who make only a token effort to observe the Ten Commandments, with many resultant failures in their lives. Others try their best, with Christ’s help, to submit to God’s fundamental law. To understand more fully, please request our free 80-page booklet, The Ten Commandments.
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European sex-slave trafficI just wanted to say thanks for putting out such a wonderful magazine. You’ve been so gracious that you even put it out free. This is truly the Christian way. I was interested in the small item you had in this month’s edition about people being sold as sex slaves in some European countries. Please tell me more about this. Women all over the world are being treated like possessions. I’d like to learn more and find out what we can do to help.
A.S.,Yokota AFB, Japan
It is heartrending to hear about the evils being perpetrated against women in many areas of the world. You could contact the United Nations’office for drug control and crime prevention for additional information. It is likely that some charitable organizations are involved in trying to help these women. Perhaps a Web search on the Internet could help you locate sources.
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Old and young appreciate Good NewsThank you for the latest Good News magazine. I am almost 80 years old, but I would like to be found reading something good. I just cannot understand how you can supply all the reading material free of charge.
W.F.H., Pretoria, South Africa
I’m a 10-year-old student. I started to read your magazine in a doctor’s surgery. It intrigued me enough to write to you and ask for your free magazine. It’s really cool. I didn’t get time to read the March-April issue, but what I saw in 20 minutes looked okay. I’ll be sure to check out your Web sites.
Student from Victoria, Australia
I’ve been richly blessed by all the literature you’ve been sending me and all for free, both the magazine of understanding and the Bible lessons. They are helping me very much as a young Christian and young adult in these present evil days to stand firm in the Lord.
Reader from Papua New Guinea
Seeking to worship with othersThank you for your explanation of things, and my compliments on the article, “Europe’s Coming Religious Revival” in the May-June issue. I find that I agree with some of the issues you discuss. Do you have a church in the Charleston, West Virginia, area? If so, is anyone welcome, and what would the services be like compared to traditional church services?
W.S., West Virginia
I am not sure how I started getting the magazines, but I am very glad that I do get them. I enjoy reading literature that does not belittle what the Bible actually says. There is no adding or taking away from the Word where your magazines are concerned. I looked in the phone book and cannot find the local congregation in which to worship with other believers. Please give the address and the times my family should be there.
L.D.-C., Dayton, Ohio
The United Church of God has congregations in most larger U.S. cities and many others around the world. We have sent both readers information on how to contact the pastors of congregations in their cities.
The United Church of God welcomes any who wish to worship with us in peace. Our typical service consists of several congregational hymns followed by an opening prayer. Then there is usually a 10- to 15minute message followed by more hymns, brief church announcements and sometimes a special musical presentation. The pastor then brings the sermon, followed by a final hymn and closing prayer. Many of our congregations are small groups. All of them are pleased to greet and talk with visitors. Our pastors are glad to give more details and answer questions.
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Clean and unclean meats
I want to thank you for a tremendous March-April Good News. It is one of those rare issues that had me nodding my head up and down. I learned something new from your booklet about clean and unclean meats, which I have had doubts about for many years despite my reading of many articles and booklets. This fully convinced me. Maybe it was the way it was written in a new light.
N.L., Internet
Prisoner appreciates literatureI am a prisoner in a California state prison. I happened across two of your booklets in my unit, You Can Have Living Faith and The Ten Commandments. I think they are great. I don’t know whom to thank for such a wonderful and inspiring package of Christian literature—you, the United Church of God, or the man who abandoned these two booklets. I’ll just thank the Lord and leave it at that.
(back to top)R.G., Soledad, California
Letters from CanadaWill you please send me the booklets offered in The Good News, March-April issue? I find great truths and blessings in your articles. Please find enclosed a check to defray the cost of postage.
J.B., Penticton, British Columbia
I realize there are worthy sources such as yours, and some missionary causes, so I divide the tithe where I feel I can help. Recently I had an income-tax refund that was not expected. I believe the Scripture, “Honor the Lord with your substance and with the firstfruits of all your increase.” I believe your magazine is teaching God’s way. Enclosed, as to the Lord, is my gift. I appreciate and enjoy The Good News.
(back to top)Reader from London, Ontario
Are the annual Holy Days necessary?The annual feasts of God are celebrated only by Jews, except Pentecost, when all born-again believers receive God’s Holy Spirit. It is not for gentiles to celebrate them. Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, the Feasts of Trumpets and Tabernacles and the Last Great Day are for Jews. If you disagree, please explain.
Mrs. C.D., Cornwall, England
The idea that the biblical feasts are only for the Jewish community is deeply embedded in the thinking of most of mainstream Christianity. However, the Scriptures point to a quite different conclusion. Leviticus 23 helps explain: “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts’” (verses 1-2). The rest of the chapter goes on to expound the annual Holy Days and festivals you mention.
Although they were originally revealed to Israel, the important point to understand is that they are God’s feasts, not belonging solely to the Jews or any other ethnic group. This is why we find the apostle Paul in 1Corinthians 5:8 exhorting gentile believers to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and prophecies in Zechariah 14:16-19 describing how all nations will come to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Tabernacles after Christ’s return. Chapter 1 of our free booklet God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind shows that the New Testament Church observed the annual festivals. They have great meaning, revealing the plan and purpose of God for humanity.
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Published letters may be edited for clarity and space. Address your letters to The Good News, Box 541027, Cincinnati, Ohio 45254, U.S.A., or E-mail (please be sure to include your full name, city, state or province, and country).
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United Church of God, an International Association
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