2006 Archives - UCG Commentary
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Churches Need to Meet the Challenge
of the Gay Agenda
As 2006 closes, Christian churches are increasingly facing a crisis over traditional
understanding of the Bible and gay rights.
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted December 28, 2006
How Authentic Is the Christmas
Portrayal of Christ's Birth?
During the Christmas season the Christian world's attention is focused
on its most important religious holiday that purportedly commemorates
the birth date of Jesus Christ. The influence of tradition has caused
the portrayal of Christ's birth to stray from the true biblical account.
When compared to the carefully detailed account of the gospel writer
Luke at least three very important deviations from Scripture stand out.
A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted December 21, 2006
Deciding How to Decide
The bottom line is that you and I can make a real assessment of how
life is going "on the ground" with the challenges facing
us personally.
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted December 14, 2006
God's Holy Day Season Differs Greatly
from Man's Holiday Season
Few people have the courage to face the facts (all so easily substantiated)
about the traditional holidays of Christianity, let alone to cease observing
them in favor of God's appointed Holy Days. For those who are willing
to learn and willing to change, the Bible offers annually an exciting
and enlightening Holy Day journey.
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God Pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted December 7, 2006
Stand Up and Be Counted
There should be things we believe with all our being—standards
and issues that are worthy of putting our lives at risk. As Christians,
are we willing to stand up and be counted for our foundational beliefs,
the teachings found in the Holy Scriptures?
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, United Kingdom
Posted November 30, 2006
The Author of Terrorism
Where does terrorism come from? The Bible clearly identifies the single
most influential author of terrorism.
A commentary by Jerold Aust
Senior Good News writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted November 22, 2006
Reflecting on Turkey
With part of Turkey located in Europe and part of it located in Asia,
this country has long been the site where civilizations, cultures,
and ideas clash. It's where East meets West, where the Christian and
Muslim religions collide, and where Turks today are trying to fashion
successful lives in a world of competing ideas and philosophies.
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God Pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida
Posted November 16, 2006
Saddam Hussein, Justice and Fairness
"That's not fair!" We become sensitive from an early age to issues
of fairness. Parents often reply, "Life just isn't fair." At the
same time parents may teach their children to be as fair as possible. But
what is considered fair and just is often a matter of opinion and widely disputed!
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted November 9, 2006
World Crisis in Leadership
Some members of the nation's political leadership have set terrible
examples of integrity. Political corruption is not restricted to the
America. It is a worldwide problem.
A commentary by Bruce Gore
United Church of God pastor, Atlanta, GA
Posted November 2, 2006
Ending the War over Defining God
Is there any admirable trait which characterizes God that most people
would accept? Certainly love must be that universally acclaimed divine
trait. But is that the way religions really define God in practice?
A commentary by Howard Davis
United Church of God elder, Portland, Oregon
Posted October 26, 2006
Today's Plugged-In Generation
All too often teenagers focus their lives on music and entertainment
while neglecting the basics of education that will prepare them for
a successful future.
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington
Posted October 20, 2006
Holy War and the Future of Mankind
It is important to understand that the problems in the Middle East are
not just over political or military issues, but also over major and
longstanding cultural, ideological and religious differences between
East and West.
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted October 13, 2006
Is Now the Time for A New Middle East
Peace Initiative?
The Bible reveals that God has an overall plan that will bring mankind's
sufferings to a close and usher in world peace and prosperity. That
plan has a number of benchmarks pictured by seven annual festivals.
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted October 6, 2006
Who Died and Left America in Charge?
Who gave the United States the right to throw its superpower weight
around, pushing others here or there? What has made America think
she can dominate world history from mid-20th century to now? Why does
she possess and control such a gigantic share of all the natural and
human resources, wealth and influence, yet have such a small percentage
of the world's population?
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God Pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted September 29, 2006
Three Critical Observations about
the Aftermath of the Hezbollah-Israel War
There are three specific observations in the wake of the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel
War that point in the direction of future events.
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
United Church of God Elder, Glendale, AZ
Posted September 22, 2006
A House Divided Against Itself
Five years after 9/11, America is politically divided over how to respond
to terrorism. Some see the events of 9/11 as part of a struggle reaching
back 1400 years to the birth of Islam. Others view 9/11 as the direct
consequence of American foreign policy.
A Commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted September 15, 2006
Is a Carefree, Worry Free Childhood
Gone Forever?
Will childhood ever return to the carefree days pictured in the fictional
lives of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn?
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted September 8, 2006
How Peace Will Be Achieved
Most people want peace. But few understand how it can be achieved. Sadly,
religion is today one of the primary obstacles to peace.
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
Posted September 1, 2006
Iranian Nukes: The End of Israel?
Are Islamic extremists about to obliterate the state of Israel? Some
experts see reasons to worry.
A commentary by Tom Robinson
Good News senior writer, St. Louis, Missouri
Posted August 25, 2006
How Long Will Your Window of Opportunity
Be Open?
Two crises are looming in the Philippines. And the window of opportunity
to solve each could be slammed shut at any moment.
A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted August 18, 2006
America's Season of Anger
At a time when enough hatred is already being spewed into the world
via warfare in the Middle East and diplomatic tensions over Iran's
and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, politicians in the United States
are now adding to our unrest.
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, FL
Posted August 11, 2006
Diplomats Needed, Now!
What a big mess our world seems to be in. Hot spots all around this
globe are literally screaming out to be solved.
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted August 4, 2006
We Sure Could Use a Little Good News
Today!
The Bible explains why we have so much bad news and offers us good news!
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God Pastor, Bend, Medford, Roseburg, Oregon
Posted July 28, 2006
What's Behind the Middle East Conflict?
Possession of no other piece of real estate on earth is more contested
than the Middle Eastern territory of Palestine. Three of the world's
most influential religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, regard
it as sacred territory.
A commentary by Darris McNeely
Managing Editor of World News and Prophecy
Posted July 21, 2006
Needed: Leaders for the World to Come!
In trying to govern ourselves, we often create problems bigger than
the ones we try to eliminate.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, United Kingdom
Posted July 14, 2006
Immigration Issues & the Bible
Legal and illegal immigration is an issue throughout the world. Did
you know that God gave ancient Israel numerous laws concerning immigration?
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
United Church of God elder, Glendale, Arizona
Posted July 7, 2006
Are You Saying 'NO' to Internet Pornography?
In recent hearings before a U.S. Senate committee, clinicians and researchers
have been testifying that Internet pornography is the new
crack cocaine, leading to porn addiction, misogyny and pedophilia.
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted June 30, 2006
Are Things Really "Better Than You
Think?"
A recent feature article in a major American newsweekly stated that "Things
are better than you think... But is this a true and accurate portrayal
of what in fact is really happening to the United States in particular
and the Western world in general?
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted June 23, 2006
The Quiet Islamic Movement to Restore
the Caliphate
Bible prophecy reveals that a significantly influential ruler over the
peoples who occupy territories surrounding the Holy Land, possibly a
modern day Muslim confederation, will in some manner attack a "king
of the North"—a modern version of the ancient Roman emperor.
A commentary by Jerold Aust
Senior Good News writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted June 16, 2006
Why Are Americans So Obsessed with
Celebrities?
We are a celebrity conscious culture. I read sometime ago that one third
of Americans are obsessed with celebrities. But what about
the real news that celebrity gossip denies the public?
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted June 9, 2006
Christians Must Prepare for The Da
Vinci Code
What impact will this movie, and the book on which it is based, have
on viewers? What should be our response to The Da Vinci Code as
Christians?
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted June 2, 2006
America's Heritage of Forgetfulness
In an old and popular American song appears the phrase "don't know
much about history." How true! Americans know so little about human
history before their "Declaration of Independence" was signed
in 1776. But forgetting history can lead to repeating past mistakes—to
having to learn again the hard way.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted May 26, 2006
The Growing 'Wellness' Revolution
Surprising as it may seem, the Holy Bible—considered by many as
an ancient and obsolete book—contains some of the most advanced
information concerning our health and well-being.
A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted May 19, 2006
End Time Scoffers Seek to Discredit
the Bible
Paul wrote to Timothy, "For the time is coming when people will
not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate
for themselves teachers to suit their own desires" (2 Timothy 4:3,
NRSV). Judging from the recent trend to redefine and/or discredit important
Bible truths, it would seem that this assessment is especially valid
today in the Western world.
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted May 12, 2006
Why Did I Find Just One Watch?
If someone told you that your watch had evolved by itself from the minerals
in the earth beneath your feet, you would not take them seriously.
And yet, if I understand the theory of evolution correctly, you and
I are being told that we should believe we evolved from the inert
minerals of the earth.
A Commentary by Bruce Gore
United Church of God pastor, Atlanta, GA
Posted May 5, 2006
Half of Africa Is Disappearing
A large portion of the native population of southern Africa is dying.
Efforts to deal with the problem in some cases only are making matters
worse.
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington
Posted April 28, 2006
Is 'The Gospel of Judas' Believable?
In early April, news organizations breathlessly reported the "discovery" of
a new Gospel—"the Gospel of Judas," as it is being called.
Could this actually be a document authored by Judas, the disciple who
infamously betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver as recorded in the
Bible? If not, what exactly is it?
A commentary by Scott Ashley
Managing editor of The Good News magazine
Posted April 21, 2006
Biblical Holy Days Offer A Treasure
of Long-lost Knowledge
I discovered vast spiritual riches in the biblical Holy Days that were
forsaken by mainstream Christianity centuries ago...
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted April 14, 2006
World Troubles and Tensions
In the lyrics of a song, the writer verbalized humanity's great conundrum.
We want to live in peace. But we just don't know how. We don't even
agree how 'peace' should be defined.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted April 7, 2006
Christians Who Doubt the Bible
It would seem that, for those who claim to be Christians, much would
depend on their faith in the accuracy and authority of the Bible.
Yet many professing Christians today view the Scriptures as just another
collection of human documents, innately fallible and often fallacious.
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine Senior Writer, United Kingdom
Posted March 31, 2006
The "A" Word That Won't Go Away
When it comes to moral values, the United States of America is anything
but united. The ongoing culture wars have once again erupted
over abortion—the "A" word that refuses to go away.
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, FL
Posted March 24, 2006
Dialog of the Deaf Separates Islam and
West
Christians and people in the secular West believe that all men desire
peace and that dialog is the only way to avoid conflict. But what if
others do not believe this?
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted March 17, 2006
The Appalling Gun Culture
Does a nation lose its innocence when its children can't go
to school or shop with their parents without risking being shot? I ask
that question, as I review some shocking hand gun statistics, not to
take sides in the handgun-ownership debate but to consider a much deeper
problem.
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted March 10, 2006
Tower Of London Prepares For Bird
Flu
While we try to protect the ravens in the Tower of London from bird
flu, like many other Western nations we seem unwilling to tackle what
is far more likely to bring down our nation—the destruction of
the family and ignorance of God's moral code.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, London and Chelmsford, Essex, British Isles
Posted March 3, 2006
Death Toll, Plus One
In news stories on tragic fatalities, always absent seems to be one
particular unaccounted for person. And, amazingly, it's always
the same person—no matter what the story is! Isn't it time we
put the spotlight on this story within the story. Why always the same unaccounted
for person?
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted February 24, 2006
Cartoon Character
Unless you have been living in a cave for the past few weeks, you undoubtedly
have heard of the cartoon riots. Come to think of it, even those fellows
hiding in caves probably have heard of this. Who would believe that
a dozen rather unimpressive caricatures of a religious figure would
ignite riots around the world?
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
United Church of God elder, Glendale, AZ
Posted February 17, 2006
"Hamas" in Prophecy
It may be surprising to learn that Palestinian support for hamas—not
the terrorist organization specifically but what the word hamas stands
for—was generally foretold long ago in Scripture.
A commentary by Tom Robinson
Good News senior writer, St. Louis, Missouri
Posted February 10, 2006
How Life Began: The Never Ending Debate
For almost two centuries arguments between two 'faiths'—one in
evolution, the other in creation—have raged. Both raise questions,
but neither has resolved them to the other's satisfaction. Simply put,
the dividing issue is, did we evolve through natural selection and survival
of the fittest or were we created by a superior being?
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
Posted February 3, 2006
The New Pulpit: 'Let Us Make You Feel
Great!'
Mega churches are taking the American church landscape by storm—often
huge in terms of attendance and campus size. But are they preaching
the gospel recorded in the Bible?
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington
Posted January 27, 2006
The DaVinci Code: Not Just Unbiblical
but Anti-biblical
While it may be politically incorrect to criticize other's religion,
it seems to be open season on Christianity, especially all forms of
Christianity that would seriously attempt to be biblically accurate,
as evidenced in many of today's books, movies, and TV shows.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted January 20, 2006
An Unnoticed Modern Exodus from the
Philippines
At the turn of the 20th century, a significant movement of peoples began
to flow towards the "first-world nations" and has continued
unabated to this day. Two stimulating factors have been war and economic
conditions that govern the supply-and-demand dynamics of world labor
markets.
A commentary by Edmond Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted January 13, 2006
Evaluating 2005: The Often Overlooked Moral
Dimension
December newspapers are always full of reviews of the year's major happenings.
But more important than natural disasters and even the cruel damage
done by terrorist groups is a crucial factor that the world's media
almost always overlooks—namely the seismic shift that has taken
place in our moral standards.
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine Senior Writer, United Kingdom
Posted January 6, 2006
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