Letters From Our Readers
“Do Good People Really Go to Heaven When They Die?”
Because you are so wrong on theological issues, I must insist that you remove me from your mailing list. This last issue (May-June) with the quiz on the back about heaven and hell was the last straw. I not only carefully read each passage you quoted, but also the context they were written in—and you were wrong in your conclusions virtually every time. I am embarrassed that you call yourself Christians, because you are not. I will be in heaven when I die. In fact, some of your people might be too, but that will be in spite of your teaching rather than because of it.
—R.M., Wausaukee, Wisconsin
On the contrary, the scriptures quoted in the quiz are quite plain and speak for themselves. It’s when we try to read preconceived —and nonbiblical—notions into the Scriptures that we find ourselves on biblically shaky ground.
I just finished reading “Do Good People Really Go to Heaven When They Die?” I cannot thank you enough for this article. That question has bothered me for years. Recently a close cousin was killed in a car accident. The question was even heavier on my mind then. After reading your article, I am relieved to know that there is more later—we just have to wait on it and we “sleep” until that day comes. I have no more fear of dying. I can’t put into words the weight you have lifted off of my heart. I have gone to several pastors and asked them to explain it to me in simple terms and all they would do is quote me some scripture. I left not knowing any more than when I went in. I must tell you that sometimes I had doubts about any kind of afterlife. But no more, you have saved me and now I can be assured that living a Christian lifestyle will pay off in the end. Thank you so very much!
—From the Internet
Anglican debate on premarital sex
“England’s Anglican Church Opens Debate on Pre-Marital Sex”: This was a shocking headline I came across in one of our local dailies. Needless to say, we all know that the Anglican Church has been a source of controversy. A few years ago the same Anglicans stepped out of line when they began to consider the possibility of giving lesbians and gays positions of prominence. The moment we make an attempt to deviate from what God demands of us, we definitely run into problems.
—J.K.K., Nigeria
You’ll find controversy regarding the Anglican Church briefly addressed in the “World News and Trends” section on page 14, and two feature articles in this issue that explain the clear biblical teachings on premarital sex.
Church publications appreciated
Thank you for the subscription to The Good News and the booklets Are We Living in the Time of the End?, The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy and The Book of Revelation Unveiled. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciated reading these. I was the wife of a clergyman for 35 years until his death, but have never read and learned what I received from these commentaries. I had found a copy of The Good News in a beauty shop. I am enclosing a small gift.
—Mrs. C.L.T., Chicago, Illinois
Letters from across the world
The United Church of God is doing a marvelous work. A minister of another church said, after reading your booklets, that he could now understand passages of Scripture that he could never understand before. Another church leader said that the United Church of God is waking people up and making them think and ask questions.
—Reader, Queensland, Australia
Currently I attend church on Saturday. I would like to try one of your churches if there is one in my local area. I know from reading your magazine that your church also keeps Saturday as the Sabbath.
—Reader, New South Wales, Australia
Thank you for the magazine. Here in Russia I have never heard or known anything like The Good News. There is a big need to see world news through the biblical light. I share the magazine with my friends who can read English.
— S.N., Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
I’d like to renew my Good News subscription. I am sharing your information-packed magazine with my friends in Shanghai. Please keep up the good work.
—C.H.F., Shanghai, China
Seeking the right church
What an excellent magazine! Upon picking up an issue at a restaurant, I have read it from front to back. My husband and I are looking for a Bible-based church. We have been searching out churches for over a year. I am very interested in your church and learning more about it. We have subscribed to your magazine and are looking forward to receiving it. Please accept this small contribution.
—M.C., Littlestown, Pennsylvania
Not many churches “walk” the truth of God’s holy Word, so I don’t run from church to church looking for the joy of the full gospel. I had never heard of the United Church of God until I just received my first copy of The Good News. What really amazed and overjoyed me was reading your article about Easter. The holiness, without bunnies, of the Passover observance in all of its beauty has never been done away. Please inform me of a church body nearest my address and the phone number.
—J.M.K., Lunenburg, Virginia
I have no affiliation to any particular church, as my fervent prayers over the years are for God to direct me to a Bible-believing church. The little I have read so far indicates that my search/journey is coming to an end. I need a church which only believes in the Bible.
—O.A., Cairo, Egypt
We deeply appreciate our readers’ interest in knowing more about the United Church of God. We encourage them to request and read our free booklets The Church Jesus Built and This Is the United Church of God.
To those who would like to attend a United Church of God congregation in the United States and Canada, on request we will send the telephone number of our nearest pastor. Subscribers in other areas of the world should write, telephone or E-mail our nearest office shown in the right-hand column on page 2 of every issue.
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 gninfo@ucg.org (please be sure to include your full.
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