Letters From Our Readers

I want to say thank you for the excellent November-December issue of The Good News. This issue has increased my knowledge of the Muslim world and related topics more than the sum of all my prior knowledge concerning the same.

I would like to address this note to Bruce Gore, who was the author of the article "Where Was God?" in the November-December issue. I thought the article was well written and embraced the fact that mankind has free will and consequently this free will results in disastrous deeds that are done by some groups of people.

I have a real concern for the second-to-last paragraph of your article. If I interpret what you are saying correctly, you feel that when Jesus returns He will somehow give all people (even those who have died without knowing Jesus as their Savior)
a second chance. I disagree with this premise and, reviewing your scriptural references, do not see how they support this position.

Interested readers can find a full explanation in our free booklets What Happens After Death? and God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. Both reveal a little-understood truth and show from the Scriptures the unsaved do not receive a second chance, rather that everyone will receive a first opportunity for salvation. Most people throughout history have never known or understood God's truth. Our Creator, as these booklets show, is fair to all humanity.

I am writing about the article "How to Live on $25 a Month" in the September-October Good News. In the article you ask what can we do to help poverty-stricken countries. I ask why do the people of America think they have the obligation to constantly send money and aid to foreign countries? We should instead be focusing on how to help and improve our own country.

It is my belief that a country should be left to make its own political decisions. In this way if a country flourishes like America has, great, but if it suffers then it is up to that country to solve its own problems and not leech off another country like a parasite. I'm proud to live in America. This is a land created with the hard work, sweat and blood of our forefathers. Please remember how hard your ancestors worked to build the present economy, and don't be so fast to give it away to those who choose not to do the same. If I am sounding selfish by saying this, sorry, but each country has its own chance to grow and flourish. God bless America!

It is true that individuals and nations alike are subject to the principle that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7; Job 4:8), and many suffer from their wrong choices or the wrong choices of others. However, Jesus Christ emphasized that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). The biblical obligation to love our neighbors mandates help and support within our means, whether personally or nationally.

God told ancient Israel to be a light and help to other nations. The New Testament consistently teaches the principle of extending a helping hand. The wealth of America is far more because of a special divine blessing than our own efforts, however important they have been. This is thoroughly explained in our free booklet The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy.

All my consolation to the American people for the terrorist action against your country, which is an awful action against humanity. Whoever is responsible for
that terrorism, Osama bin Laden, Iraq or Afghanistan, must be punished to be an example to all the devils who abhor humanity. I hope to continue having the Bible lessons, the coming issues of The Good News and all your publications.

I have subscribed to The Good News and received my second issue yesterday. I am so much blessed by the articles that I read them all in one night. I have also seen the offer for free booklets. The resources here are very limited, and that is why I want to ask you a favor in Christ. Please send me the booklets by mail as I don't have the computer to download them.

Right after I received a Good News magazine from a friend, I decided to respond to your offer of a free booklet. I was surprised at how much I didn't know about the Ten Commandments. Even though I am just 17, I plan on introducing my friends to The Good News. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn more about what you believe in. Giving out free booklets and magazines must cost quite a lot. You will be in my prayers.

I am a medical doctor currently employed at Port of Spain General Hospital. While working one night, I was introduced to your magazine by a nurse. I found the articles very touching and inspiring. I humbly request to subscribe to your magazine and look forward anxiously for a first copy.

I have enjoyed learning about the Bible with the help of your booklets and magazines. I think the United Church of God has got a great thing going, and I would like to help support it. I have almost your whole library of literature in my bookcase and haven't paid for a thing. Where can I send a donation? Again, thank you for providing such informative material.

We appreciate your interest in helping provide our free literature to others. In the United States, tax-deductible donations may be sent to United Church of God,
P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, Ohio 45254.

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).