2005 Archives - UCG Commentary
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The Double-Edge Sword of Technology
Technology is a wonderful thing. I am glad to be alive in this age and have
access to the Internet, computers and all the wonders that the microchip has
brought to our world. But we need to understand its limitations.
A commentary by Darris McNeely
United Church of God pastor, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posted December 30, 2005
Don't Disguise Christmas Celebrations
with Euphemistic Names
Controversies over public Christmas activities have made the news several
times recently. Some minority groups are advocating removing Christmas
customs and celebrations from schools and other areas of the public
sector.
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted December 23, 2005
The Christmas Economy
Myths at the foundation of the Christmas tradition and the world's economy
are not normally connected in people's minds. But one great myth binds
them together in a morass of religious and economic customs.
A commentary by Howard Davis
United Church of God elder, Portland, Oregon
Posted December 16, 2005
Germany's New Chancellor Discusses EU
Admission for Turkey
Chancellor Angela Merkel's first major summit meeting, on the last weekend
in November, gave her the opportunity to meet with Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Erdogan. This EU-Mediterranean summit was hosted in Barcelona
by the European Union for the ten Middle Eastern and North African countries
bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
A commentary by Paul Kieffer
United Church of God pastor, Germany
Posted December 9, 2005
"Miles to Go Before I Sleep"
An aggressive, post-modern philosophy is 'evangelistically' bombarding
the world today with a doctrine of evolutionary atheism. It is a mindset
that obscures the reality and meaning of the creation we behold every
day.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted December 2, 2005
A Campus Dilemma: Mixing Alcohol with
Education
Abuse of alcohol is a threat to more than just one's physical health.
It is equally a threat to one's spiritual health. And it clearly has
serious consequences for students who choose to mix frequent and excessive
alcohol consumption with their education.
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted November 23, 2005
Why Give Thanks on Thanksgiving
Day?
In a modern world filled with fast cars, fast money, fast foods and
more—all lavished so liberally on the self—why consider
a national occasion to pause and give thanks? Is it really that important?
If it is, whom should we thank—and for what?
A commentary by Jerold W Aust
Good News magazine Senior Writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted November 18, 2005
Lesser Known Veterans: Past Defenders
of Joseph's Heritage
God gave Britain and America their great strength. In the case of the
British, their greatest strength was "the multitude of nations" they
led—various nations from around the world, so different from each
other, but all a part of the British Empire.
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted November 11, 2005
The Powerful Effects of Decisions!
The end result of people's choices is often the stuff that makes headlines—some
good, some bad, some horrific. But many decisions greatly affect lives
beyond those featured in the big type.
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted November 4, 2005
Addressing World Hunger: "Waste
Not, Want Not"
The problem of feeding today's third world communities is almost inconceivable.
What does this have to do with you and me? We have a responsibility
on our national shoulders to use wisely the resources that our God has
given us.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God Pastor, Bricket Wood and Tonbridge, England
Posted October 28, 2005
A New United Nations
While unaware of the U.N.'s 60th anniversary last month, a growing number
of people have become aware of the organization's weaknesses. But
before dismissing the idea of the U.N., consider what the Bible says
about the role of nations united under the reign of Jesus after He
returns to establish His Kingdom.
A commentary by David Treybig
Pastor, United Church of God congregations, St. Petersburg and Tampa,
Florida
Posted October 12, 2005
A Radically New Version of Humanity
Some scientists, futurists and inventors are predicting an utterly new
type of human being for the relatively near future. According the
these people, this brand new version of humanity will benefit from
a radical life extension due to reversing the aging process, correcting
defects in our DNA and creating enormous super intelligence.
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine Senior Writer, United Kingdom
Posted October 7, 2005
Does the Bible Predict Storms Like
Katrina for the End Time?
In Matthew 24:6-8, Jesus Christ foretold some of the signs that would
mark the age leading up to His return: "And you will hear of wars
and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things
must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences,
and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning
of sorrows."
A commentary by Scott Ashley
Managing editor of The Good News magazine
Posted September 30, 2005
Where Is Iran's Nuclear Brinkmanship
Leading?
In a bold speech before the United Nations on September 17th, Iranian
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad rejected the offer of incentives by the
EU3 (England, France and Germany) to abandon uranium enrichment for
its nuclear program.
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
United Church of God elder, Glendale, AZ
Posted September 23, 2005
Who Receives God's Favor?
Do you always measure your personal motivations and patterns of behavior
by God's standards of righteousness? It's a tough question, I know—but
an essential one! Although time and chance occurrences can happen
to everyone, God promises to show special favor to individuals and
nations that respond positively to His commandments.
A commentary by Bruce Gore
United Church of God Pastor, Atlanta, Georgia
Posted September 14, 2005
Tragedies are Times for Testing Priorities
The main lesson I learned is that tragedy forces us to reexamine our
priorities in a way that we simply do not do during normal times of
comfortable living. What are your priorities?
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted September 6, 2005
Katrina—Worst National Disaster
in U.S. History
When Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf coast on the morning of
August 29, 2005, its grim domino aftermath caused catastrophic devastation,
especially in the heavily populated coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi,
and Alabama.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted September 1, 2005
New Pope's "Miraculous" Reception
in Germany
The 20th "World Youth Day" sponsored by the Roman Catholic
Church brought an estimated 800,000 pilgrims to Germany for the six
day religious festival of August 16-21, making it the largest religious
convention ever held in the country.
A commentary by Paul Kieffer
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Germany
Posted August 26, 2005
The Messiah of Joy
Trouble, sadness, weeping, loneliness—of that we have plenty.
But one of the world's worst problems is that we don't laugh enough
for the right reasons.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Coos Bay, Eugene and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted August 19, 2005
"D" Day in the Gaza Strip
It's "D" Day (Disengagement Day) for Jews living in a tiny
parcel of land on the Israeli-Egyptian border known as the Gaza Strip.
The 8,500-9,000 Jews who have made the Strip their home must begin to
move out by mid-August. Will this strategic move make Israel more secure
or will the "D" stand ultimately for "disaster?"
A commentary by Cecil Maranville
United Church of God elder, Glendale, Arizona
Posted August 12, 2005
Unraveling Conflicting "Interpretations" of
Terrorism
Location, location, location: very familiar words in the area of real
estate. However, listening to a BBC live broadcast a few days ago I
heard a play on these words that caught my attention. The word play
was: interpretation, interpretation, interpretation.
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
Posted August 5, 2005
What Is a Proper Litmus Test
for Supreme Court Nominees?
John Roberts Jr., President Bush's recent nominee to the US Supreme
Court, has been receiving rave reviews from his peers and Washington's
lawmakers. Most in the Republican Party hope for his quick confirmation.
A commentary by Bruce Gore
Pastor of Atlanta, Jefferson and Rome, GA
Posted July 29, 2005
Is the Philippines Poised for Another "People
Power" Revolt?
Fueled by massive street rallies in Metro Manila, the news media in
the Philippines is focused on the mounting pressure on President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo to resign, or face impeachment.
A commentary by Edmond Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, Philippines
Posted July 22, 2005
What next for Britain, Europe and
the world
In the wake of the horrific bombings on the London underground transport
system, where do we stand in the year 2005—the first decade of
the 21st century? From what perspective should we view the time in which
we live?
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine Senior Writer, United Kingdom
Posted July 15, 2005
The UN Millennium Manifesto
My interview with the charismatic Ghanaian Marian Aggrey of the United
Nations' Public Information Department last month in New York was
an eye opener.
A commentary by Howard Davis
Host of the Tomorrow TV program, Portland, Oregon
Posted July 8, 2005
Is it doomsday for pensions?
Today's workers, for most of their lives, have had confidence that upon
retirement they would receive a livable pension or Social Security—because
their governments promised it! But now many are fearful that they
can't afford to retire.
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted July 1, 2005
Does God Matter to You?
Does the Creator matter in your life in any significant way? Or do you
ignore what He tells you in His Word while possibly simultaneously
giving Him lip service?
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine Senior Writer, United Kingdom
Posted June 24, 2005
Is the EU becoming an "iron" and "clay" union?
Have the recent "no" votes against the new EU Constitution
shed a prophetic light on a "partly strong and partly fragile" future
configuration of Europe? Most likely!
A commentary by Jerold W Aust
Good News magazine Senior Writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted June 17, 2005
Where Do the French and Dutch "No" Votes
Leave the EU?
The recent rejection of the proposed EU constitution by French and Dutch
voters has caused a major stir in Europe, where it is seen as a serious
blow to European unity. Is there any prophetic significance to this
latest development?
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted June 9, 2005
The Message of Today's Graduation
Addresses
Graduation time is here once again! High schools and colleges are honoring
students who have worked and studied to receive a diploma or degree.
But what messages are these graduates hearing? What themes are drummed
into their ears as they move to the next level of life?
Commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington
Posted June 3, 2005
Ending Sexual Abuse of Children
As a resident of the state of Florida, it was distressing for me and
many of my fellow Floridians to learn this past weekend of more cases
of sexual battery being committed against children. Reports of sexual
abuse of children have become all too common in our state.
A commentary by David Treybig
Pastor, United Church of God congregations St. Petersburg and Tampa,
Florida
Posted May 25, 2005
New Government—Same Problems
The United Kingdom's recent election brings some new faces to the political
scene. They must tackle the challenges of running our country's
infrastructure, of determining its role as a player on the world stage
and of setting our tax levels that affect how much money is left in
our pocketbooks. Their policies will impact our economy and affect
our jobs, investment portfolios and pensions.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Bricket Wood and Tonbridge,
England
Posted May 12, 2005
Going…Going…Gone?
Europeans, as we think of them, are slowly melting away before our eyes.
Not since the decades of the infamous Black Death has the indigenous
population of Europe been threatened with such depletion. And this
isn't a historical article from an encyclopedia in a library. It's
an event that's happening even as you read.
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted May 6, 2005
In An Age of Disillusionment—Forgiveness?
Have we become an unrealistically disillusioned people? Satisfaction
with our leaders, institutions and ideals appears to have reached
an all-time low. Personal admiration for public figures is hard to
come by these days. And young people's search for genuine heroes often
appears to be a lost cause.
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine Senior Writer, United Kingdom
Posted April 29, 2005
Challenges Facing Pope Benedict
XVI
Bavarian Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected the 265th supreme
pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. His chosen name, Benedict XVI,
has caused many to speculate on the form and shape his reign may take.
A commentary by Darris McNeely
United Church of God pastor, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posted April 20, 2005
U.S. Facing Identity Crisis
Identity crises are not limited to individuals. Nations may also suffer
from identity crises that portend catastrophic consequences.
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend and Medford, Oregon
Posted April 15, 2005
New Pope Faces A Changed World
John Paul II was the third-longest reigning pope in the history of the
Catholic Church, having led the church for 26 years. In many ways,
the world has changed more dramatically under his term than under
that of any other pope.
A commentary by Cecil Maranville
United Church of God elder in Glendale, Arizona
Posted April 8, 2005
From Iraq: Good News about Local Government
Some good news just came out of Iraq—out of its villages and towns.
The Iraqis have not enjoyed the satisfaction or community challenge
of participating in local government for 35 or 40 years. Yet in the
constructive aftermath of the January 2005 elections, local municipal
governments are now assuming their roles and duties.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Coos Bay, Eugene and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted April 1, 2005
Iran's Nuclear Threat—How
Real Is It?
Preventing Iran from producing nuclear weapons is one of the most pressing
issues facing the world today. America's President Bush bluntly denounced
Iran's sponsorship of terror in his State of the Union address, encouraging
the Iranian people to "stand for liberty."
A commentary by Cecil Maranville
United Church of God elder in Glendale, Arizona
Posted March 25, 2005
The Perplexing Absence of Self-control
in Sports
Around the world in recent months sporting events have received considerable
media attention over the lack of self-control displayed by players,
coaches, and fans. One has to wonder, what is going on in the sports
world?
Commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington
Posted March 18, 2005
How Credible Is Christianity Today?
Christianity is no longer accorded the level of trust and credibility
it once held in Western civilization. The unpersuaded see it as having
few positive distinctions from all other religions...
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, Mass. and Portsmouth, N.H.
Posted March 11, 2005
Fence Mending That Will Last
Recent efforts to mend the fences that divide world leaders are encouraging.
But will all of this apparent goodwill last?
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida
Posted March 4, 2005
Balancing Rights with Responsibilities
The subject of "rights" has been in the news a lot lately.
Gay rights, abortion rights, right to die, civil rights to name a few.
It seems that we are a culture obsessed with rights. We live in a nation
with a founding philosophy that everyone is entitled to certain "unalienable
rights" of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What seems
to be lost on many is the counterbalancing principle of responsibility...
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend and Medford, Oregon
Posted February 25, 2005
A Wedding for Charles and Camilla
When King Edward VIII had to choose between the British throne and the "woman
he loved", he opted for marriage and declined the crown. Edward's
problem was that his relationship with the twice divorced Mrs. Simpson
was considered to be incompatible with his role as titular head of the
Church of England. That was in 1936. Times have changed...
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted February 18, 2005
Germany's Record Unemployment and
Ultra-right Politics
Throughout much of Europe unemployment is a nettlesome problem. Germany
is one of at least four countries in which employment has exceeded the
10% rate...
A commentary by Paul Kieffer
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Germany
Posted February 11, 2005
Gambling Mania—Betting Themselves
to Death
No matter the country, gambling addiction is a growing problem that
is corrupting the lives of many people. Some are even turning to suicide
to escape their gambling debts. Who can help these problem gamblers?
Who will rescue our youth from this addiction?
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted February 4, 2005
Britain's binge drinking—a mirror
of European culture!
In Europe today having a 'good time' is equated to drinking alcohol.
Drinking after work with workmates is a habitual social event. It's
considered fashionable to go to the pub and watch televised football
games—almost like a religious activity—to support your team.
Heavy drinking has become an integral part of European culture...
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Bricket Wood and Tonbridge,
England
Posted January 28, 2005
God Has a Purpose for Allowing
Disasters
"I have lost my son. My God, what did we do wrong to lose him?" These
are the words of Vijay Kumar, a grieving father whose 3-year old son was swept
from his arms by the raging waters of the tsunami as it roared ashore, taking
a horrendous toll of lives throughout Asia. Many, even those not directly
affected, ask why a loving, all-powerful God did not prevent this tragedy.
This concern is fundamental to our faith, isn't it? How can we have faith
in such a God?
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend and Medford, Oregon
Posted January 24, 2005
Why Does God Allow Deadly Disasters?
People often ask: Where was God on December 26, 2004 when the killer
tsunami hit the coastal regions of the Indian Ocean? If He is a God
of love why did He allow this disaster to occur? If He had the power
to prevent it, why didn't He? Fortunately, God has given us the answers
to those questions.
A commentary by Roger Foster
Good News magazine senior writer, San Antonio, Texas
Posted January 21, 2005
The U.S. Supreme Court's Impact on Morality
The extent to which moral issues should affect a nation's laws is a
worldwide issue. In most Western countries today, however, it is an
issue dominated almost exclusively by secular views. Only in the United
States are these issues still debated vigorously on a national scale.
At the center of this debate is the future makeup of the U.S. Supreme
Court.
A commentary by Tom Robinson
Good News senior writer, St. Louis, Missouri
Posted January 14, 2005
Do We Recognize the Signs of Our Time?
Every year, as the calendar year turns over, we see the usual reviews
of the past year and projections for what will come for the next.
At this time of year I always read a magazine published by The
Economist titled, for the current issue, The World in 2005. Its
editors try to look ahead and give us a forecast of what is to come.
Try as they may, their forecasts don't always hit the mark.
A commentary by Darris McNeely
United Church of God pastor, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posted January 7, 2005
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