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I really enjoy reading The Good News magazine, especially the articles pertaining to prophecy. I was, however, disappointed with the article titled "Is Christmas Really Merry?" I see Christmas as a beneficial holiday because I have seen the homeless receive clothing, food and toiletries around that time of the year. How can a holiday that evokes this type of generosity be evil? Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Christmas is an excellent season to demonstrate the spirit of generosity.
-M.A.A., Akron, Ohio
Sadly, over the years Christmastime has also been known to have evoked an intensity of stealing, family violence and even murder. And people often spend so much money on gifts for loved ones that they can't afford to be generous elsewhere or at other times. Donations to churches are typically down at this time that is supposedly celebrating Jesus' birth.
In any case, the Gospel accounts show that our Savior tells us to observe the time of His death, not His birth (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:26). Most importantly, observing Christmas disobeys God's explicit instructions. The Bible tells us not to adopt customs that originated in pagan worship (Deuteronomy 12:1-4,29-32). And it warns us that something can seem right but lead to death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). Why not observe the festivals God commands in His Word instead?
Thank you so much for The Good News. I was most impressed with the article on the Philistine temples and the positioning of the supporting pillars. For years I've had no problem believing what the Bible says. I believe the names, places and events solely because the Bible says so. But I love it when something is discovered that proves the Bible true yet again—something such as Samson being able to "bring the house down" by means of the positioning of those two pillars. Enclosed please find a contribution.
-S.H., Prescott, Arizona
My wife and I highly appreciate The Good News. We share your interpretation of the Scriptures and look forward to deriving further benefits from your publications.
-L.R., Norway
Thank you so much for my subscription to The Good News. This is my first time of coming across this kind of clear analysis of global events—cutting across politics, government, health, economic issues, education, money management—all being analyzed from a biblical point of view. I don't think we have this rare kind of biblical education in most churches today.
We are in a dangerous period in the 21st century, looking at the possibility of nuclear weapons getting in the hands of irrational religious extremists and terrorists. Please keep up the good work and kindly include Africa in your lens of analysis. It is not an exaggeration that Africa is plagued by spiritual, political and health burdens—despite the aid and funding from developed countries.
-J.Y., Nigeria
Thank you for sending me The Good News magazine. Atheism is certainly on the march in Britain via our left-wing universities and their theories of socialism. Ostensibly many educational posts and government departments get their staff (or did) from advertisements in newspapers favoured by the left. An atheist I know (but a genuinely caring person who taught me at school) was upset because I read the Daily Mail [a conservative British newspaper].
-S.R.E., Stafford, England
Those interested in learning more about these issues should read our free booklets Life's Ultimate Question: Does God Exist? and Creation or Evolution: Does It Really Matter What You Believe?
I have just received the latest copy of The Good News. Again, I have found it to be most informative. I thank you for the opportunity to receive it. I wish to continue receiving your magazines as I definitely find them most inspiring. I look forward to further copies.
-Reader, Christchurch, New Zealand
I have just finished watching your telecast today and I was very, very blessed by the broadcast of "Dancing With the Dark Side." I, too, am a former witch. I give God all glory, praise, honor and thanksgiving for delivering me from the occult world. I would appreciate it very much if you would be so kind as to send me the following booklets . . . and a subscription to The Good News magazine. I have a burning desire to really learn and live by God's written and spoken word. All my life I have been searching for absolute truth, but only kept getting half-truths. This lack of knowledge led me down a dark road. But thank God Almighty that He didn't allow me to go too far down that road of self-destruction. He didn't give up on me.
-Reader, Burkeville, Virginia
I have personally received so much benefit from your publications and would like to contribute to your ministry. Please tell me how. I am able to share these publications with my friends in my small, rural town. I subscribe to World News and Prophecy and I also am taking advantage of Bible study materials. I am very grateful that you have made these resources available.
-B.H., Waverly, Washington
One important way to help with our ministry is through prayer. Prayer is a first priority in helping us to proclaim the Word of God, and everyone can help in this way. The apostle Paul urged the Christians in Colosse, "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ" (Colossians 4:2-4).
And although we offer The Good News, our Bible Study Course and our many booklets free, we do appreciate contributions from our readers so the true gospel can go out without charge to those who are unable to donate financially. Checks or money orders may be made out to The United Church of God. The U.S. address is: The Good News, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027. Addresses of other countries are listed on the inside front cover just below the staff box. Contributions are tax-deductible in the United States and Canada.
Now with the winter just around the corner, I have so much to look forward to. I love to read, so it will be a blessing to curl up in my big armchair and read for hours and hours the beautiful words of truth, not error. Will you please send me more booklets? I would be ever so grateful. The more truths I learn, the more I can teach others.
-J.H., Alberta, Canada
Recently an old buddy of mine that I grew up with gave me the September/October 2010 issue of The Good News. He knew that I am interested in the Scriptures and always enjoy discussing them with whoever will listen. I've been laid off my job since this past June, and reading has suddenly become a rediscovered favorite pastime. I have long been extremely interested in finding a religious group that understands the significance of the entire Bible, not just the parts that uphold their particular beliefs. Please send me more information and your study guides. I look forward to receiving The Good News.
-D.M., Roanoke, Virginia
The more I read of your publications, the more I want to read them. The main thing now is to apply the truths learnt in these booklets in my own life. I am praying that God will help me to do this.
-B.R.T., Braintree, England
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