Information Related to "Letters from Our Readers - May/Jun 2007"
| Audio/Video |
“Is There Really a Spirit World?”
Thanks so much for the article on the spirit world. I found it very informative, and I was able to get a better understanding. With so many conflicting theories on the spirit world, it is good to know that all you have to do is look into the Bible for the truth.
-E.M., Gaithersburg, Maryland
“Christians Who Don't Celebrate Easter”
It's been almost a year since I started reading this magazine, but this last issue had a writeup on celebrating Easter. I cannot agree completely. Yes, the pagan culture of having Easter bunnies or Easter eggs needs to be dismissed. But we human beings who believe in the risen Lord surely need to honor and celebrate the day our Lord rose on. It might not be mentioned in the Bible, but I am sure that when we rejoice in Christ's resurrection and observe a special day for it, all the angels and the entire universe would stand for it.
-T.J.A., Internet
We are told more than once in the Bible not to add or take away from God's instructions. Deuteronomy 12:29-32 warns us not to mix the religious observances of pagans with the true doctrine of God. Besides, Jesus Christ was not resurrected on Easter Sunday morning. He was crucified on a Wednesday and rose late on the weekly Sabbath day during the biblical Feast of Unleavened Bread. (See the next letter and the response.)
Why not observe the proper period of holy time according to the instruction of the Bible and God's calendar rather than following the conflicting errors of mainstream church tradition? To understand much more fully, request or download our free booklet .
Three days and three nights
This letter is about the full three days and three nights that Jesus was in the grave before the resurrection (Matthew 12:39-40). Thank you for clearing up a question that has bothered me since I was a child. I had asked questions with no good answers and accepted it as a mystery of God. You have explained it so clearly that I cannot believe that I did not figure it out for myself. What I want to know is how this mistake got started. Surely the early Church had it right. Did they celebrate the Lord's Supper on Saturday and when did it change? For what reasons would the three days and three nights be condensed like this and the changes made?
-S.F., Burnsville, Minnesota
Briefly, the early Church celebrated the Lord's Supper (or more properly the Passover) on the biblically mandated 14th of Nisan of the Hebrew calendar, which falls on different days of the week in different years. To understand why mainstream Christianity turned away from the Bible in their time and manner of observance, request or download our free booklets and
“America at a Dangerous Crossroads”
Your editorial and the articles are fascinating. We are, and have been, at a dangerous crossroads. I participated in World War II. Then President Truman fired General MacArthur before he could finish the job in Korea. During the Cold War I did not worry about a possible attack from the Soviets or war with them. We so far outpowered the Soviet Union that comparisons were ridiculous and their leaders knew it. Our military forces contain patriotic, heroic Americans. But a force in this country has been trying to destroy America for a long time and they are winning. Is this God's will or is He trying to tell us something?
-P.D., Fairfiel , California
You'll find a little-understood biblical perspective on these issues in our free booklet .
Readers write from Palestine and Dubai
Many, many thanks for what you are doing and for the awesome booklets that you have sent me. I wish that I had read them a long time ago as they have opened my eyes to real life. They helped me a lot to grow more in spirituality, love and, of course, in my Savior Jesus Christ.
-J.N., Ramallah, Palestine
Through the Web site your organization has been brought to my attention. This was a very happy moment because I had been looking for a way to explore the Holy Bible—to know this hidden treasure and get understanding and knowledge. The first booklet I happened to read was , and it inspired me very much.
-S.J.U., Dubai
The Good News
I am a wife to a wonderful husband as well as a mother of four small children. I am taking a moment to thank you for the wonderful magazine you have put together. The Good News is the most spiritually uplifting magazine I have ever read. It helps to relieve my stress and makes a bad day good again. Since I've started reading The Good News, it has helped me grow spiritually and understand the Bible more than I did before.
-E.G., Amarillo, Texas
We have to say that this publication is marvelous. It matters not one jot what is argued about theologically—and we all have our own opinions and interpretations. But what remains important is prophecy and the signs of the age we are in and how we can be fearless for the future. The Good News addresses all of this, for which we are very grateful. The material you send me is now viewed by two families and will be used in a home church. At the moment we are heavily committed to our own ministries, but wherever God leads we will follow.
-C.J., England
Bible Study Course: pure excellence
I am taking your Bible Study Course and have found it to be of pure excellence, presenting the doctrines and teachings of Jesus Christ with purity and showing His divine authority. All your presentations are of equally good quality. I am currently on lesson number 8.
-N.J.R., Rosharon, Texas
What must Christians do?
I have been serving God for over five years and have always believed in obedience to Him as essential to salvation. Many of the things your magazine teaches make sense to me, but how do you reconcile the book of Galatians with your teaching that Christians must keep the law (the Ten Commandments and the Holy Days, etc.)? It seems that Paul is attacking this very notion. And yet the rest of the New Testament tells us what kinds of people are condemned: fornicators, drunks, liars and thieves—basically people who break God's law. How are we supposed to understand the book of Galatians?
-M. H., Internet
Request or download our new free book It addresses and explains the basic principles that govern our relationship with God and shows how to understand the book of Galatians in this overall context.
Wants to worship God in church
Thank you so much for the mail that arrived today. I prayed again this morning to find the truth. I really want to worship God in a church. But I am very reluctant to join another church organization. I know that there are many false religions in the world, but I am desperate to find the truth. Your literature has made me very happy. I am longing to continue reading it and find out more. Please can you tell me if there is a church in my area practicing the truth?
-R.A., Stoke on Trent, England
We have sent a list of ministerial telephone numbers in England. Two of our free booklets provide helpful background material in guiding your steps. The titles are and .
All contributions are gratefully appreciated. Readers who would like to voluntarily contribute to spreading the gospel may do so through checks made out to the United Church of God. Our U.S. mailing address is P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, Ohio 45254-1027. Addresses of our offices in other countries are listed on the Contact Webpage.
| © 1995-2022 United
Church of God, an International Association Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All correspondence and questions should be sent to info@gnmagazine.org. Send inquiries regarding the operation of this Web site to webmaster@gnmagazine.org. |
|
Related Information:
Table of Contents that includes "Letters from Our Readers - May/Jun 2007"
Keywords: letters from GN readers
Letters from GN readers: