2007 Archives - UCG Commentary
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World in Review: 2007 and Beyond
Always overlooked in the year-in-review reports is the one individual
who is contributing the most to the future of our society. For the past 2000
years Jesus Christ has been preparing a special group of people—selected
by His Father (John 6:44, 65)—for bringing about truly remarkable changes
in the world.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, the British Isles
Posted December 27, 2007
Let's Ask God: How Do You Want to
be Worshipped
I'm talking about those endeavoring to "put Christ back into Christmas"—thinking
they are doing God a favor. If this seems to be your current challenge
have you ever asked yourself: Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ, how do
you want to be worshipped?
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted December 20, 2007
Tradition in Christianity
Past tradition that held respect for the literal words of the Bible
stands in stark contrast with much of Christian tradition today, where
even many Christian theologians are critical of the Scriptures. Some
now claim that parts of the Bible were merely made up to fill gaps
in a time-line. They don't take the Bible literally. They even attempt
to persuade others not to take its words to mean what they say.
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
Posted December 13, 2007
Is Christ in Christmas?
"Ho! Ho! Hoax! This could be considered a belly-laugh warning from a
corpulent red-coated and white-bearded ole' St. Nick. Santa Claus is putting
one on us again. Do we know why and how?
A commentary by Jerold Aust
Senior Good News writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted December 6, 2007
Disasters Quadruple in Two Decades:
What Do They Portend?
If the scientists are correct concerning the magnitude of the future
calamities that they are predicting, no human organization, government
or system will be able to rescue all of us. Their predictions are very
similar to what the Bible predicts for the troublesome time that will
precede the return of Jesus Christ. And they give us cause to think
seriously about what Jesus and His apostles said about that time.
A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted November 29, 2007
Does Your Thankfulness Last?
On the Thanksgiving holiday, November 22, citizens of the United States
will consider the things for which we are thankful. Many of us will
say that we are thankful for life, our nation, our families, our friends,
our homes and our possessions. But how long will we remain thankful?
Is our thankfulness simply a momentary diversion not to be repeated
until next year at this time?
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida
Posted November 22, 2007
Is Acceptance of Religions Key to Stability?
Will religious diversity and tolerance save our world?
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted November 15, 2007
Environmental Debates and the Bible
Most people probably agree that we should be concerned about the conservation
of our resources, pollution and the global environment. But disagreements
over the causes, consequences and solutions for those problems often
become intense. So it comes as no surprise that today environmental
controversies are increasing.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God Pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted November 8, 2007
What's Ahead for America?
Sensing a weakness of will, adversarial nations appear to be ganging
up on the United States. Is America on its way to becoming a second-rate
power?
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted November 1, 2007
Drought, Floods and Wildfires: What
Should We Do?
What measures are needed to address climate-related emergencies not
only in America but also globally? Is it possible that the gravest issue
is not entirely physical but spiritual?
A commentary by Bruce Gore
United Church of God Pastor, Atlanta, GA
Posted October 25, 2007
National Memorial Days for Slain Peace
Officers
We should be very grateful for the dedicated peace officers who enforce
the law so that we private citizens can enjoy safety and freedom. But
isn't it a tragedy that we have to live in a society that needs this
type of sacrifice? Surely there must be a better way.
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Ontario
Posted October 18, 2007
The World's Greatest Book on Character
With our incredible abundance of information one would think human character
would be getting better. It should be getting better if the sheer
volume information is the key that determines admirable human character.
But it's not! So why isn't our abundance information enough?
A commentary by Howard Davis
United Church of God elder, Portland, Oregon
Posted October 11, 2007
The Russian Bear—Where Is It
Headed?
What is going on in Russia? Should we be concerned about it?
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Tacoma and Olympia, WA
Posted October 1, 2007
Informed Vigilance, the Price of
True Freedom
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." This eloquent statement
by former U.S. president Thomas Jefferson certainly rings true today, especially
with the ever-present dangers of terrorism faced by many nations around the
world. The Bible also warns all peoples of the need for vigilance to remain
free from the influence and control of the world's master terrorist, Satan
the Devil.
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg Oregon
Posted September 20, 2007
Fifty Years after Sputnik, Russia Turns
Cold Again!
We're rapidly approaching the 50th anniversary of the Soviet launch
of Sputnik I. On October 4, 1957 the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
(U.S.S.R.) shocked the world by successfully launching the first artificial
satellite into orbit. In recent months, Russia has embarked on a number
of dramatic ventures that cause a foreboding sense of déjà vu.
A commentary by Cecil Maranville
United Church of God elder, Phoenix, Arizona
Posted September 12, 2007
Iraq, "the Surge" & You
Allow me to leave the realm of geo-politics and the sands of the Middle
East and go to a little meddlin' by simply asking, "how's your
surge going?"
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted September 6, 2007
Earth, An Un-Peopled Planet?
Why on earth would God not want people here? An intriguing question,
more intriguing frankly than trying to imagine A World Without
Us—the title of a recent book.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted August 30, 2007
Financial Stability in Unstable Conditions
The world's financial markets are currently experiencing troubled waters
in what, for the most part in recent years, has been pretty smooth
sailing. Following years of substantial annual increases in investment
values, a market correction is now shaking the financial markets of
nations around the globe.
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida
Posted August 23, 2007
Has Basic Morality Ceased to Be
Important?
What is your opinion of morality? Do you just go with the flow of popular
opinion? Or are you concerned about the downward spiral of personal
ethics and morality in our Western society? Are such values as honesty,
self discipline and respect for others important to you? Or are you
caught up in the self indulgence that has become a noticeably
dominant feature of our time.
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted August 16, 2007
Minneapolis Bridge Collapse: Why God Allows
Disasters!
When disaster strikes suddenly, reverberations often go around the world.
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
Posted August 9, 2007
ASEAN: Does It Offer Hope for Southeast
Asia?
What hope is there for the governments from my region of the world to
ever agree on ways to improve the life of ordinary citizens rather than
limiting their cooperation to the realm of commercial concerns only?
Actually, the hope is very great—but from a very different source,
which in the future can provide lasting solutions to the regions many
problems.
A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted August 2, 2007
If Only One True Church, Where Is
It?
Jesus said that He would build His church, stipulating that it would
never die out (Matthew 16:18). True, it still exists. But how is it
to be recognized?
A commentary by Jerold Aust,
Senior Good News writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted July 26, 2007
Archaeology Confirms the Bible Again
The British Museum has just announced the remarkable discovery of a
biblically significant cuneiform inscription within its vast collection
of Mesopotamian tablets. Many are hailing it as sensational proof
of the accuracy of the Old Testament—as indeed it is.
A commentary by Tom Robinson
Good News senior writer, St. Louis, Missouri
Posted July 19, 2007
The Terror of Child Abduction
Children are abducted around the world in disgustingly large numbers.
The tearing of children from their home environment into a world of
adult greed or perverseness is much more common than we may like to
think.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, the British Isles
Posted July 12, 2007
Immigration Lessons from Lebanon
Once considered the banking capital of the Arab world, Lebanon was widely
known as the "Switzerland of the Middle East." It attracted
tourists in large numbers. The city of Beirut was often referred to
as the "Paris of the Middle East." But Beirut has since
undergone drastic changes.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted July 5, 2007
Brother Nations with Different
Historical Perspectives
Is it possible that the founding peoples of the British Commonwealth
and later of the United States and Canada are descendants of the supposedly "lost" tribes
of Ephraim and Manasseh?
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted June 28, 2007
Lessons on Immigration from Jamestown
As Americans debate the issue of immigration, they would do well to
learn from the lessons of history!
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted June 21, 2007
What's Happening to Fathers?
Father's Day is now celebrated by numerous nations on the third Sunday
of June. So we may appropriately ask: What changes are occurring in
the family role of fathers?
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God Pastor, Bend, Medford, Roseburg, Oregon
Posted June 14, 2007
Forty Years after the Six Day War
In June 1967 the tiny nation of Israel crushed an attempted invasion
by Egypt, Jordan and Syria in less than a week. Israel's complete
military victory should have ended its security problems. But in the
forty years since that conflict the Middle East has been anything
but secure. Peace was not victorious.
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God Pastor, Tacoma and Olympia, WA
Posted June 7, 2007
What's Important in Your Life?
Your time is your life! Everyone has available the same amount of time
every day—just 24 hours. Do you invest your time wisely?
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted May 31, 2007
A Financial 9/11: How Likely Is
It?
The global impact of an international financial bust, from all stock
markets crashing at about the same time, would seem unthinkable. Yet
warnings flags are waving that just such a catastrophe might be possible.
A commentary by Howard Davis
United Church of God elder, Portland, Oregon
Posted May 24, 2007
Human Nature Complicates Environmental
Restoration
God placed Adam and Eve in the garden "to work it and take care
of it " (Genesis 2:15, NIV). This obviously sets a sound precedent.
Every generation of mankind should care for and manage properly our
global environment.
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God Pastor, Bend, Medford, Roseburg, Oregon
Posted May 17, 2007
The far reaching effects of al-Qaida
on Europe and America
How could a group of "men living in caves" have any far-reaching
effect on the West? Your Bible speaks of just such far-reaching effects
of Middle Eastern geopolitics instigated by Muslim extremist.
A commentary by Jerold Aust
Senior Good News writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted May 10, 2007
A Better Way to Make War on Terror
The better War on Terror isn't fought with guns and bombs or with political
contention. It's fought in the spiritual battlefield of the human
mind. It's fought with truth from the Bible.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God Pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted May 3, 2007
The Pope Abandons Limbo! Will Purgatory
follow?
The Pope authorized the Roman Catholic Church's International Theological
Commission on April 22, 2007 to publish a 41-page document titled: "The
Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die without Being Baptized." The decision
of the present Pope marks a gradual softening of the Catholic view towards
those who die without being baptized.
A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted April 26, 2007
Making Sense out of the Virginia
Tech Tragedy
Our hearts go out to those affected by this terrible tragedy. Their
pain and heartache make us pray for the day when "God will wipe
away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 21:4).
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida
Posted April 18, 2007
A Price Too High Even for a Celebrity
A celebrity is someone admired by other people. They are often fawned
over and given special treatment wherever they go. They have been
described as living in rarified air because their lives are so different
than that of the average person. Should we seek the admiration of
others? Will receiving the admiration of others make us happy and
fulfilled?
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God Pastor, Tacoma & Olympia, WA
Posted April 12, 2007
Easter: Is It What You Think
It Is?
Bonnets, baskets, eggs, new clothes and attending a church service sums
up the Western world's approach to Easter. The season also makes a big
monetary difference, especially in purchases of clothing, food, candy,
flowers, people eating in restaurants and even in collections at church!
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
United Church of God elder, Glendale, Arizona
Posted April 5, 2007
The Truth...and Nothing But!
When all is said and done, you and I need to realize that telling the
truth is an equal opportunity challenge. Be it male or female, rich
or poor, Republican or Democrat, all of us are at times put into the "squeeze
play" of telling the truth when at the moment it seems to be
humanly inconvenient.
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted March 29, 2007
The Immigration Quagmire
Since America is divided over how to solve its illegal immigration problem,
perhaps it should look to the Bible for some answers.
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida
Posted March 22, 2007
Ghana at 50: A Time to Remember
Long ago God promised that descendants of the biblical patriarch Abraham,
through the children of his great grandson Joseph, would "become
a multitude of nations" (Gen 48:19). This was partly fulfilled
in the British Empire of which Ghana, as the Gold Coast, was a part.
Economic development and political stability were two of the greatest
gifts England gave her colonies.
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted March 15, 2007
More than an Oscar for the Queen
Actors and members of royal families around the globe are forever being
examined and critiqued. Their likes and dislikes are published. Yet
in many ways followers of Jesus Christ receive even more scrutiny.
Not in a negative way or for malicious reasons but to encourage their
success and probe areas where they need more development and maturity.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, United Kingdom
Posted March 8, 2007
Jesus' Tomb Found?
Following a Feb. 26 press conference, the claims of filmmakers James
Cameron and Simcha Jacobovici to have found the family tomb of Jesus
made headlines around the world. What are some of the major problems
with these claims?
A commentary by Scott Ashley
Good News Managing editor
Posted March 1, 2007
Entertainment Replaces News!
Large segments of media "news" are no longer focused on the
objective reporting of world news. Instead, the focus is on
the sensational, which is then hyped all out of proportion
to make it even more sensational.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Sedro-Woolley, Washington
Posted February 22, 2007
The Real Secret
The Secret, a Web released movie based on the book The
Science of Getting Rich, is the latest pop recipe for acquiring
riches, recognition and happiness. Supposedly, The Secret is
the answer to all that has been, all that is, and all that will ever
be. But this idea is not new.
A commentary by Howard Davis
United Church of God elder, Portland, Oregon
Posted February 15, 2007
Unmarried Women, a Casualty of War
Biblical prophecy suggests that a time is coming when women without
spouses will greatly exceed 51 percent of the population. And the
primary cause will be the effects of war at the time of the end.
A commentary by Bruce Gore
United Church of God pastor, Atlanta, Georgia
Posted February 8, 2007
Are Your French Fries Poisoning You?
The point is that we are what we eat. Eating is one of our most pleasurable
activities. And our Creator intended it to be so. But the pollution
of our modern food supply is causing us to experience many health
problems. Can we do anything to better protect and maintain our physical
well being? We certainly can.
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted February 1, 2007
Put Away the Anointing Oil
Leadership changes in the US have been a prominent news item for the
past several months. In everything from business to government to
professional sports, leaders have been replaced with others considered
better suited to bring success. The results were often disappointing.
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford, Roseburg OR
Posted January 25, 2007
Should Any Child Be Left Behind?
Rearing special needs children is often difficult. They require extra
time, work, effort, and expense for the entire family. But, ask yourself,
do they deserve the death penalty because they are a bit different
from you and me?
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington
Posted January 18, 2007
Tear Down These Walls?
The history of mankind is replete with examples of walls erected between
people—economic walls, ideological walls, racist and tribal
walls, educational walls, religious walls… Man makes walls
to divide, to hide the truth, to exalt the self by keeping others
in their "place," to exert power over the people, walls
to oppress and deceive, and defensive walls to avoid having to repent
and change. Who will tear down these walls? Who will unseat the despot
who devised them?
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God Pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted January 11, 2007
Resolutions Are Not All that's Broken
about New Year's Celebrations
In some ways Western civilization is a puzzle. Average citizens either
claim that they have no religion or they profess Christianity. Yet,
all of their New Year's customs are carryovers from a variety of pagan
cultures.
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
United Church of God elder, Glendale, AZ
Posted January 4, 2007
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