Information Related to "Letters from Our Readers - May/Jun 2008"
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"Redefining Morality: Why a Torrent of Trouble Threatens to Engulf Us"
Many thanks for a very thought-provoking article, "Redefining Morality." It is sad to see two great nations, the United States and Great Britain, falling to this level of sin. The hedge of protection afforded to us is slowly being taken away. Television seems to be becoming more violent and depressing week after week in the never-ending drive to get viewers. Children's shows seem to be heading in the same direction, and as a parent I fear for their future.
-R.H., Northern Ireland
Things in Britain will run down and become worse. The British way of life is already eroded and will continue to fall apart no matter what government [political party] is in power. God's hand of blessing has been removed because as a nation we have turned away from Him. We are a state that practices abortion. We do not live by the Word of God, and many Christians even cheat God by withholding their tithes. God has turned His face from us, and sin is everywhere.
-A.H., Abertillery, South Wales
I am just curious about the magazine. It's called The Good News, yet repeatedly the lead article on the cover is anything but. As far as content, you have to search the magazine pretty thoroughly to find some good news. I just received my latest copy and the lead article on the front cover is "Redefining Morality: Why a Torrent of Trouble Threatens to Engulf Us." I read that and asked myself, where is the good news?
-K.L., Internet
The "World News and Trends" feature in the March-April issue explained why there is bad news in The Good News magazine. We proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ's imminent return. Yet we also report on the inevitable negative consequences of human behavior. The world of today is filled with bad news, as any realistic publication will have to note. Yet the future holds the wonderful promise of Christ bringing the government of the Kingdom of God to earth (Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 11:15)-ushering in a world of peace, prosperity and plenty. That is the ultimate good news of our title.
"Would Jesus Christ Celebrate Easter?"
I'm a youth pastor, and I was recently asked if I was going to do an Easter egg hunt for the children. But I have come to know that this not pleasing or right in God's eyes because of the pagan rituals it originated from. But I did not know how to respond to this person's question with a well-understood reason why not. So I've been looking for biblical and historical information that would help me to explain the true way to others. Today I found your Web site and downloaded your free booklet I read through the part about Easter, and I found it very informative and scriptural.
-A.S., Internet
I have read about all the paganism in our society today that has disguised itself as Christianity. I am ashamed of myself for having contributed to this charade. I was convicted about four years ago about this whole Easter thing but cannot seem to come up with an alternative way to commemorate the events of Christ's ministry, sacrifice, resurrection and ascension-events that changed the fate of mankind. I homeschool my six children and am still grasping for a way to honor the last few events of Jesus' life in a way that is "fun" for the children, on the correct days and yet not tangled up with the Easter celebration. I'd appreciate any input.
-R.H., Canton, Texas
How can we celebrate the life of Jesus Christ and properly worship God in a way He commands? That question is answered in our free booklet . It explains that God gave us annual Holy Days that teach us about His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. You may also be interested in looking through our resource of Sabbath school lesson outlines at www.ucg.org/youth. They're designed for use by a teacher in a class setting.
We also invite you to discuss the observance of God's annual festivals with one of our ministers. We may have a congregation near you where you could meet with others of like belief. You can find a list of our congregations and phone numbers of our elders or local contacts online at www.ucg.org/contact?path=frontpage.
I am a subscriber to your wonderful and truthful magazine. I wonder why our pastors and teachers have not taught us the truths about the holidays and Holy Days. Why have they held back this knowledge from us? They are in serious trouble with our Lord.
-F.P., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sharing the gospel with others
I think that the state of the world, including my country, is in great peril. As a young Christian man, there are many challenges that I have to face in my daily life. I am truly grateful to the United Church of God-and, of course, thankful for The Good News. Your free literature is very insightful, knowledge-based, and easy to read and understand. It continues to enlighten me by answering many of the lingering, difficult questions I have in my mind about God, His Word and life in general.
-J.J., Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies
Thank you for offering items that anyone, anywhere (rich or poor) may receive. So often ministries request $40 or more for their materials. Therefore, those of us who can't afford the cost lose out on the knowledge of the Lord.
-K.H., Missoula, Montana
I wanted to say thank you so much for the literature you are offering at no charge. What a wonderful ministry. Large families (like my own) are often on such a strict budget, so it's nice to find a ministry that is giving booklets and magazines about our Savior. I pray blessing upon your ministry. When I am able, I would love to donate to your ministry.
-C.L., New Boston, Texas
On attending a United Church of God congregation
I'm a South African living in Port Elizabeth. I have been a Christian for about 50-odd years and have followed the teachings according to God's Word, but somehow have never felt comfortable. I went onto the Web and found literature published by the United Church of God and became very interested. For the first time in my life, I have found peace and an unquenchable hunger for the Word of God. I finally understand my position in Christ and what God expects from us. I would dearly love to know of a UCG congregation in our area.
-A.S.G., Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Thank you so much for your free magazine and the booklets. They have taught me so much. I am interesting in finding a church in my area with the same beliefs. I live in Indianapolis, Indiana. Do you know of a church I can go to close by or a pastor I can speak with?
-R.G., Indianapolis, Indiana
Please give me the address and service times of the United Church of God congregation nearest to me. I am in Manhattan Beach, California. I have read many of your booklets and am very impressed and would like to find out more about UCG.
-R.M., Manhattan Beach, California
Our free booklet This Is the United Church of God is freely available upon personal request. Interested readers in the United States can access a list of our congregations and phone numbers of our elders at www.ucg.org/contact?path=frontpage. We heartily welcome your inquiries.
Published letters may be edited for clarity and space. Address your letters to The Good News, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, Ohio 45254-1027, U.S.A., or e-mail (please be sure to include your full name, city, state or province, and country).
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