2008 Archives - UCG Commentary
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Tsunami
of Bad Debt Hits World Economies
As 2009 begins the world is again reeling—this time from the economic
tsunami that is affecting the day-to-day life of every person on earth.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastoral coordinator, The British Isles
Posted December 31, 2008
The
Christmas Contradiction
Christmas is both colorful and popular. But it's also a contradictory
term. Here's why.
A commentary by Jerold Aust
Senior Good News writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted December 24, 2008
Government
Nationalizations in the Season of "Unto us a Child is born..."
In this season when human governments are attempting to solve the economic
crisis by taking sweeping control, most aren't even thinking about the
government of God that will actually save them.
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
World News and Prophecy Senior Editor
Posted December 18, 2008
The
Wal-Mart Employee Tragedy
The trampled Wal-Mart employee incident says a great deal about the
age in which we live! Clearly, money is still the nation's number
one god. As long as it is, we will continue to experience mounting economic
and social problems!
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News magazine senior writer
Posted December 11, 2008
Are
Children Born to Believe in God?
The Bible uses very young children as symbolic of those who readily
accept the creation account and who anticipate the Kingdom of God during
this age of man.
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted December 4, 2008
Thinking
and Thanking
True peace comes from being thankful—no matter what confronts
us at the moment.
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, CA
Posted November 26, 2008
Life
Transforming Changes
With turmoil in world financial markets, the most serious question for
each of us to ponder is: How will I emerge from this frightening situation?
It also is an excellent time to assess life beyond just the financial
considerations.
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
Posted November 20, 2008
Why
the U.S. Attack Inside Syria Is Significant
With the world's financial markets in meltdown, you might wonder, why
should we care about what happens in Syria? It's a poor country with
a small military and is not a crucial factor in the world market or
a significant oil producer.
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
World News and Prophecy Senior Editor
Posted November 13, 2008
President
Elect Obama's Honeymoon in a Hurricane
President-elect Barack Obama and his supporters are ecstatic. His millions
of campaign signs have promised "Change is Coming!" But in our fast
paced world of inevitable challenges that honeymoon mood—the affection
a new president receives from the public in the afterglow of victory—could
quickly disappear in 2009.
A commentary by Howard Davis
United Church of God elder, Portland, Oregon
Posted November 6, 2008
Does
God Ever Determine Election Outcomes?
According to the Bible, God has directed world events countless times
in the past and says He will do so again in the future. That sometimes
will include determining who will become a nation's head of state. But
why? The answer may surprise you.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God Pastor, Sedro-Woolley WA
Posted October 30, 2008
Shocked
by the Bible?
When a journalist takes on the Bible, you might expect a post-modern
putdown of the ancient holy book. But award-winning journalist Joe Kovacs
has a different take on the Holy Scriptures. He actually takes the Bible
at its word and shows how many shocking misconceptions people have about
it today.
A commentary by Mike Bennett
Managing editor, United News, a United
Church of God publication
Posted October 23, 2008
Celebrating
Truly Great Leadership
An important celebration is taking place this month that goes relatively
unnoticed by most of the world. Its purpose is to celebrate the administrative
plans and commitments of an even more important future world leader
than the U.S. president.
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, WA
Posted October 16, 2008
Whose
Economic Plan Is Superior?
In this time of U.S. presidential and vice-presidential debates, whose
plan for solving the world's long term economic problems will work best?
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God Pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted October 8, 2008
God's
Bailout Plan to Solve Permanently Our Economic Problems
The fundamental cause of the recent economic developments in the United
States is not economic but spiritual—human nature.
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
Pastor, United Church of God, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted October 2, 2008
America's
Growing Debt Crisis
The amount of U.S. debt, federal and state combined, that has been placed
by government legislation on the shoulders of every U.S. taxpayer is
staggering.
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer, and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted September 25, 2008
Once
Upon a Time
Once upon a time there was a kingdom that was the most favored land
on earth. This kingdom hadn't always enjoyed this position, and its
very existence was an amazing—even miraculous—story.
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida
Posted September 18, 2008
Why
Are the Big Issues Not Being Discussed?
The Bible warns of economic consequences when a nation's citizens turn
away from God.
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted September 11, 2008
Temple
at the Center of Time: Fact or Fiction?
Prophetic hobbyists, survivalists and such seem preoccupied with the
end of the world. Temple at the Center of Time is only the
latest in the genre of secret-code catastrophe books. There's a better
book that has the real prophetic scoop. It's called the Bible. Let's
take a look at the key issues.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God Pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted September 4, 2008
Generations—from
A to Z
The widening of the generation gap caused by technological knowledge
presents problems for all generations living today. Does the Bible have
anything to say about the true source of knowledge?
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted August 28, 2008
The
Russian Bear Awakens and Roars
Without question Russia's recent moves have made the world a more dangerous
place. Could this threat transform Europe from mostly a powerful trading
block to the world's dominant military power predicted by Bible prophecy?
A commentary by Scott Ashley & John Ross Schroeder
Good News Managing Editor & Good News senior
writer
Posted August 21, 2008
Estrogen
Pollution: A Potential Human-Health Disaster
Scientists have documented the impact of endocrine disrupters—a
broad description of estrogen pollution—on everything from British
trout to Florida alligators to Arctic polar bears. Are humans in danger?
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Tacoma and Olympia, Washington
Posted August 14, 2008
Britain:
Repairing a Broken Society
A time is coming when God's government—the Kingdom of God—will
repair what is broken in today's valueless, immoral society.
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted August 7, 2008
The
Mediterranean Union: Another Roman Empire?
The increasing political integration of the European Union and the development
of the Union for the Mediterranean resembles the ancient map of the
Roman Empire. What does Bible prophecy reveal about the Roman Empire
in the end time?
A commentary by Tom Robinson
Good News senior writer, St. Louis, Missouri
Posted July 31, 2008
The
Hidden Danger of Big Government
Why do governments become inflated with regulations?
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God Pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted July 24, 2008
Global
Warming or Global Cooling?
Global warming (or is it global cooling?) has become a hugely contentious
issue that has engulfed politics, science, the world economy and efforts
to equalize business opportunities for developing nations. In the face
of such divergent opinions, what should a Christian do?
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida
Posted July 17, 2008
Prices
Go Up, Up, Up! What Should We Do?
In these trying times, should our daily needs seem unattainable, it
is important to remember the encouraging words of Matthew 6:25-34. Here
Jesus promises that if we "... seek first the kingdom of God and
His righteousness ... all these things [the necessities for
survival] shall be added to you" (verse 33).
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
World News and Prophecy Senior Editor
Posted July 10, 2008
What
Would an Israel-Iran Nuclear War Mean?
Iran and Israel have exchanged threats and counter threats regularly
in recent years. The stakes are indeed high in the Middle East, and
Bible prophecy reveals that the region will see devastating warfare
that will shake the entire world to its core.
A commentary by Scott Ashley
Good News managing editor
Posted July 3, 2008
California
Court Approves Gay Marriage—What Does It Mean?
What's really behind the push for gay marriage? Advocates admit that
it's really to further a homosexual agenda to transform society.
A commentary by Scott Ashley
Good News managing editor
Posted June 26, 2008
Tim
Russert, the Measure of the Man
While we measure the man, let's measure ourselves for a moment. Have
we forgotten our roots?
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted June 19, 2008
Who
Will Be the Next Leader of the Free World?
The Bible shows us that at the climax of this age—immediately
before the second coming of Jesus Christ—another superpower will
exist, a modern successor to the ancient Roman Empire.
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted June 12, 2008
The
Mars Landing: Why Did We Do It?
There's no need to travel millions of miles through space to discover
more about the human mind and why we do the things we do, For most of
us, the information we need to begin understanding ourselves is located
within a few feet of us or obtainable via just a few key strokes on
a computer. So where is this information? In the Holy Bible.
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida
Posted June 5, 2008
Protection
for British Consumers or Thin Edge of the Wedge?
Legislative bodies sometimes fail to realise the end result of their
legislation. This is especially problematic when laws are passed that
on the surface seem to be totally in the best interest of the community
but have unexpected consequences.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastoral coordinator, The British Isles
Posted May 29, 2008
Stunning Natural Disasters
Every time we hear of catastrophic events, we are reminded of how vulnerable
we are to injury and death. Life is indeed very fragile. And the Bible
reveals that disasters will increase. In describing events of the
end time, Jesus warned that "there will be great earthquakes
in various places" as well as other destructive disasters (Luke
21:11).
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted May 22, 2008
Does God Pick Presidents?
All three U.S. presidential candidates profess to believe in God and
Jesus Christ. Each requests His blessing on the nation, exclaiming
at the end of speeches, "May God Bless America!!!" Therefore
it's appropriate to ask the serious question: Does God involve Himself
in the selection of national leaders?
Commentary by Howard Davis
United Church of God elder, Portland, Oregon
Posted May 15, 2008
Who Will Remember Your Name?
Your name is important to God. When Christ returns, will you have a
good name before God? Will your name be in God's book of remembrance?
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
Posted May 8, 2008
1968-2008: Forty Years to a Lukewarm
Society
"The year 1968 is considered one of the most turbulent, and pivotal, twelve
month periods in American history...a flashpoint for many of the social, political,
and cultural transformations for which the overall decade of the 1960s is
known".
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted May 1, 2008
"When Their Eyes Glaze Over, We Know
We Have Lost Them"
What is happening to our children? During the development years—which
are so critical to successful maturing and proper development—an
ever increasing number are indulging in what is likely the most damaging
mental addiction of our modern times.
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Tacoma and Olympia, Washington
Posted April 24, 2008
Easter, Seder or Neither?
You also may wonder, why am I writing about Easter, several weeks after
the celebration date has passed? This year, the dates of Easter and
Passover are several weeks apart. Many if not most people are probably
unaware of how this came about.
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted April 17, 2008
Of Rice, Men and God
Have you noticed that you now pay more for your food? The reasons are
many. Part of the cause is the subprime mortgage crisis, strange as
that might seem!
A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
United Church of God Elder, Phoenix, AZ
Posted April 10, 2008
Does God Have Any Real Interest in
Jerusalem?
What about the future of Jerusalem and the land of Israel? Many Jews
and Christians are convinced that God has restored the Jews to their
homeland for a prophetic purpose. What do the Scriptures reveal? Will
that city ever receive the permanent peace promised to it by the God
of the Bible?
A commentary by Jerold Aust
Senior Good News writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted April 3, 2008
What Should You Ask Your Pastor?
Why do we attend the church we do? Are we hearing there the words of
God or simply the opinions of a man? The bottom line is where could
Jesus comfortably attend services in today's world? How would He react
to the words coming from the pulpit at your church?
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted March 27, 2008
Who Has a Problem with Morals?
We humans don't want to change our behavior and we don't want anyone
to judge us. Human nature says, "I'm in charge of my own moral
compass. I'll do what is right for me." But there is a Judge
to whom we will all eventually answer.
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida
Posted March 20, 2008
Africa, Yesterday and Today:
A Study in Contrasts
In 1960 British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan addressed the South
African parliament and talked of a "wind of change sweeping across
Africa." The rapid changes in Africa that followed have led to
dictatorships, anarchy, economic and political upheaval.
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted March 13, 2008
The Changing Face of American Religion:
Its True Significance
According to a recent feature article in USA Today, "The U.S.
Religious Landscape Survey released today by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public
Life, documents new peaks, deepening valleys and fast-running rivers
of change in American religion" (February 26).
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted March 6, 2008
Lost and Found—Our National Identity!
We see an identity crisis as we British seem to be lost—not knowing
what really makes us British. Our culture and our people are changing.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
Pastoral co-ordinator, the British Isles
Posted February 28, 2008
When Wall Street Plays God—Everybody
Gets Hurt!
God gives no one the right to rewrite the laws of basic prosperity.
Anyone trying to change His rules is playing God—trying to usurp
His authority.
A commentary by Howard Davis
United Church of God elder, Portland, Oregon
Posted February 21, 2008
All Spiritual Experiences Are Not
of God
Many people mistakenly assume that any supernatural experience is of
God. This is simply not true. Some experiences may be self induced.
Others may come from external influences, but even these are not all
from God.
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford, Roseburg, Oregon
Posted February 14, 2008
Fifty Years of Space Race
The space race has brought great advancements in scientific understanding.
The world enjoys innumerable inventions as spin-offs of space age
technology, but the costs have been incredibly high.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God Pastor, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Posted February 7, 2008
Rambo Speaks Out on World Peace
So Rambo did speak out about world peace, saying this "savage world" isn't
going to have it no matter how much wishful thinking or singing it does.
The reason that it won't work is human nature.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, OH
Posted January 31, 2008
Are We Borrowing Away Our Freedom?
A wise man named Solomon wrote these words many years ago: "The borrower
is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). If his words are still true,
are we as a nation gradually becoming the servant of foreign governments?
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Tacoma and Olympia, WA
Posted January 24, 2008
Can Science Give Us Eternal Life?
The mere possibility of a scientific breakthrough of such magnitude
is already raising questions and creating a stir of interest and controversy.
One newspaper article on the subject posed the question, "Will
we need religion any more?"
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted January 17, 2008
The 2008 Dinner Plate Has Less, Costs
More
Have you noticed the phrase, "food inflation" in news reports
lately? It refers to a worldwide phenomenon of sharply increasing food
prices, a trend that will mean less food for many and higher costs for
all in 2008.
A commentary by Cecil Maranville
United Church of God elder, Phoenix, Arizona
Posted January 10, 2008
Bhutto Assassination: Blow to War on Terror!
If America's global influence should be drastically weakened in the
near future, how greatly would it affect your life?
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted January 3, 2008
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