UCG Commentary
Weekly news commentary from a Biblical perspective

This Week...

Lessons From the Massachusetts Senate Election Mankind has to learn the bitter lesson that no human being can solve the many problems that plague us—not only in the United States but in countries all around the world. Who then can save us from the many and serious problems that face mankind? A commentary by by Larry J. Walker Pastor, United Church of God, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon Posted February 4, 2010

Past Weeks | Commentary Archives

The Meaning Behind the Empty Flight
Ever since the "underpants bomber" attempted to blow up the Amsterdam-Detroit flight over the city of Detroit, I had expected people to avoid the flight, the one I almost always catch when returning from visits to Ghana.

A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
United Church of God pastor, Lansing, Michigan, and senior pastor, Ghana
Posted January 28, 2010

You, Me and Haiti... On the Tightrope of Techno-Society
What would we do if we faced such a crisis? With our dependence on all the modern conveniences, I think we would be even less prepared to cope.

A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted January 21, 2010

The Haitian Earthquake: Where Was God?
As we see heart-wrenching photos and video of the Haitian earthquake disaster, we are once again left to ponder the age-old questions: "Where was God? How could a loving God let this happen?" These questions seem to have no answer—but do they?

A commentary by Ron Kelley
United Church of God pastor, Asheville, Hickory and Greensboro, North Carolina
Posted January 14, 2010

"We're Mortgaging Our Children's Future!"
Sadly, in our world today, it seems our children are destined to endure pain because of the selfishness and greed of the generation preceding theirs.

A commentary by Ron Kelley
United Church of God pastor, Asheville, Hickory and Greensboro, North Carolina
Posted January 7, 2010

Taken Hostage in Wytheville! (What's Holding You Hostage?)
We find much of society around us living in a state of stress and anxiety, not knowing what will be the outcome of circumstances that are seemingly holding them hostage. What is holding you hostage?

A commentary by Ron Kelley
United Church of God pastor, Asheville, Hickory and Greensboro, North Carolina
Posted December 31, 2009

Why Do You Celebrate Christmas?
I found I could not ignore these facts: Christ never instituted Christmas, never celebrated it and never taught it. So, why was I doing it? What about you? Why do you celebrate Christmas?

A commentary by Jerold Aust
Good News senior writer
Posted December 23, 2009

The First Christmas in Rome and What It Means to Us
The majority of Christians believe they are honoring Jesus Christ by observing Christmas. A minority of Christians believe keeping Christmas does not honor Christ. Where does the Bible stand on this question?

A commentary by Gerhard Marx
United Church of God elder, United Kingdom
Posted December 17, 2009

An Overlooked Aspect of the Climate Change Debate
The Bible talks about a cause of future climate change that no scientific model can predict and that no amount of debate can debunk. The core of the Bible teaching is simple, but the future predictions are earthshaking.

A commentary by Mike Bennett
UCG editorial content manager
Posted December 10, 2009

Four Lakewood Police Officers Killed: How Did This Happen?
As a society, we must learn how to better deal with evil.

A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Tacoma and Olympia, Washington
Posted December 2, 2009

Can the U.S. Consumer Save the World?
Will Americans spend or save? Which should they do?

A commentary by Mike Bennett
UCG editorial content manager
Posted December 1, 2009

Universal Healing Care Headed Our Way
The time is coming when all humanity will experience the life-giving and life-altering miracles that only the love and power of God can provide.

A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, California
Posted November 25, 2009

"Acts of God"
There is a substantial error in the common use of the term "acts of God." Why?

A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted November 19, 2009

Dangers in Genetically Modified Food
Genetically modified foods reflect a much larger problem—greed in the marketplace and the powerful drive for profits. The desire for more and more money can cause producers to overlook the possible adverse effects that these products could have on consumers.

A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God Pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, WA
Posted November 12, 2009

Americans Losing Their Freedoms
America has enjoyed unprecedented freedoms and prosperity, although many people fear we are losing both. Few recognize the real source of those blessings.

A commentary by Don Hooser
Good News magazine writer, Bellingham, Washington
Posted November 5, 2009

Should Parents Protect Their Children From Halloween?
If you as a parent want God's Word to have the final say on how children should be brought up, why would you allow them to participate in Halloween?

A commentary by Gerhard Marx
United Church of God elder, United Kingdom
Posted October 29, 2009

Do Conditions From the Historic Decline of Rome Foretell America's Future?
Learning critically important lessons from secular history has a parallel in our spiritual need to heed the plain warnings of biblical history.

A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted October 22, 2009

Alfred Hitchcock's Mrs. Froy and Vanishing Mankind
We have somebody powerful who can prevent mankind from vanishing. Jesus Christ has forecast His own intervention in humanity's mess.

A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God Pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted October 15, 2009

Commercialized Holidays, Is There an Alternative?
We sincerely hope that in the very near future you and your children will learn more about God's Holy Days and begin observing them rather than Halloween and other days of pagan origin that are of no value for teaching spiritual truths.

A commentary by Don Hooser
Good News magazine writer, Bellingham WA
Posted September 24, 2009

Lessons From Forest Fires
We all enjoy the material possessions that make life more comfortable and enjoyable. But they are temporary and should not be our main focus.

A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted September 17, 2009

Hawaii's 50th Anniversary as America's 50th State
Did God plan and announce long in advance the blessings and expansion of the United States?

A commentary by Don Hooser
Good News magazine writer, Bellingham WA
Posted September 10, 2009

The Missing Unemployment Statistics
The economic upheavals that frequently plague our economies won't end until Christ returns and establishes a godly financial system. So, what should a Christian who trusts God and believes His written Word do in times like this.

A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
United Church of God pastor, Lansing, Michigan
Posted September 3, 2009

President, Pop Star and MVP Push Importance of Education
Far too many American young people enter adulthood unprepared. Teachers, mayors, parents and even the president have a role in changing this, but ultimately the students themselves must take ownership of their education, both in school and throughout life.

A commentary by Mike Bennett
United Church of God editorial content manager
Posted August 27, 2009

The Promise of Marriage
Much of today's society has grown frighteningly unstable in regard to strong, solid and lasting relationships. This trend is greatly affecting marriages and married couples' commitment to maintain enduring, stable families!

A commentary By Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, United Kingdom
Posted August 20, 2009

Pope Benedict's Call for One-World Authority
Is the pope's letter advocating that a world-ruling power should initiate a social order that conforms—by coercion if necessary—to Catholic morality?

A commentary by Jerold Aust
Good News senior writer
Posted August 13, 2009

Children Back to School: Are They Safe?
Will what your child hears at school reinforce your beliefs, your values, the lessons you have so carefully taught? Or will it challenge and mock your family's values and beliefs?

A commentary by Cecil E. Maranville
United Church of God elder, Phoenix, AZ
Posted August 6, 2009

Can Humans Devise a Theory of Everything?
Making sense of life is enormously difficult for most people. Some scientists are determined to find a solution. They are searching for that one big idea that would sort out all the chaos and confusion. Only one book answers the big questions of life. That book is the Bible.

A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted July 30, 2009

Human Nature: What Is It?
How can we know the truth about human nature? Where can we go to find the answers to this vital question?

A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted July 23, 2009

Time's About-Face on Marriage
God designed marriage to be between a man and a woman. He designed it to be a stable foundation for raising a family! And a stable foundation for society!

A commentary by Mike Bennett
United Church of God editorial content manager
Posted July 16, 2009

The Philippines' Relationship with America
Over the past century, the United States and the Philippines relationship has been declining.

A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted July 9, 2009

America's Declaration of Dependence on Divine Providence
Do we still perceive the need for God's guidance and blessings?

A commentary by John Miller
United Church of God elder and President of Superb Industries
Posted July 2, 2009

Iran and the "Worst Form of Government"
Democracy—"the worst form of government except all the other forms." Do you know what that means?

A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God Pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted June 25, 2009

The Seeking, Searching Father
If you are having a hard time finding your moorings regarding this fatherhood thing and feel down and out, I've got some really good news for you.

A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, CA
Posted June 18, 2009

European Voter Apathy—Why?
The reputation of officials, leaders and parliamentary representatives has perhaps never been so poor. A few decades ago, good character was an important ingredient of a candidate for holding an office.

A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, the British Isles
Posted June 11, 2009

Denial of Reality: A Lesson from Treblinka
Will you be alert and watchful of the growing dangers Christians will face at the end of this age? Or will you refuse to take Jesus Christ's warnings seriously?

A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God Pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, WA
Posted June 4, 2009

Memorial Day for Servants of God
God remembers His faithful and fallen servants. In Hebrews 11 we find a list of some of the true heroes of faith.

A commentary by Jerold Aust
Good News Senior Writer
Posted May 28, 2009

Abortion vs. a Culture of Life
The big question is where do you stand when it comes to matters of life and death for a little one? Have you given it much thought? How you answer the matter will tell much as to whether you believe your life on earth is by accident or design and whether there is a greater purpose being worked out here below.

A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, CA
Posted May 21, 2009

An Economic Lesson from the Ant
The current economic crisis affords us an opportunity to learn a vital lesson from the industrious nature of the ant, which is also the main point of the scriptural passage in Proverbs 6:6-11.

A commentary by Larry J. Walker
Pastor, United Church of God, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, OR
Posted May 14, 2009

Britain in Serious Moral Decline
Tawdry events, past and present, have shaken popular confidence in both governmental and religious authority figures in the United Kingdom. Overall they reflect the gradual decline of traditional values caused in part by the combination of spreading secularism and growing ignorance of true biblical morality.

A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted May 7, 2009

Swine Flu, Pandemics and Bible Prophecy
Some health officials fear that the current outbreak of swine flu may already be pandemic. A pandemic is a global epidemic, one that spreads from nation to nation.

A commentary by Don Hooser
Good News magazine writer, Bellingham, Washington
Posted April 30, 2009

Religious Liberty, the Legacy of Henry VIII
This month marks the 500th anniversary of England's most famous monarch's ascension to the throne. Thanks to Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I, the English speaking world has known religious freedom for as long as anybody can remember.

A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News Senior Writer
Posted April 23, 2009

The Titanic Tragedy: Sobering Lessons for the 21st Century
The terrifying details of the Titanic tragedy and the epic proportions of its construction shouldn't fascinate us merely because it's a captivating story. It should capture our attention because it's so immediately relevant to the perils of our world today.

A commentary by Howard Davis
Good News magazine writer, Portland, Oregon
Posted April 16, 2009

Which Jesus Does Easter Celebrate?
Is Easter really about the Jesus described in the Bible? And what do sunrise services, eggs and bunnies have to do with the Jesus the apostles served?

A commentary by Jerold Aust
Good News Senior Writer
Posted April 8, 2009

Finding What's Truly Priceless
Jesus Christ described the core of His message in Matthew 13:45-46 as a pearl of great price. But what He did for us as His final act of love is also priceless.

A commentary by Mike Bennett
United Church of God editorial content manages
Posted April 2, 2009

Family Break-ups Plague Filipino Migrant Workers
Almost 8.3 million Filipino citizens live or work abroad in 193 countries. These Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are generally regarded as heroes, but the story doesn't end there.

A commentary by Edmond D. Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, the Philippines
Posted March 26, 2009

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
This current economic crisis is shaping up to be bigger than anything since the Great Depression. What happened that brought us to where we are today. And why does the answer begin on the street where you live?

A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redlands and San Diego, CA
Posted March 19, 2009

Bicentennial Birthday Celebrations for Darwin and Lincoln
While Abraham Lincoln was profoundly confident that a Supreme Being was guiding many of the events in his life, Charles Darwin was making the case for natural selection to replace belief in a Creator.

A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God Pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, WA
Posted March 12, 2009

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"
Could we, like the early Christians, again become desperate for basic daily needs such as food and water? That possibility is frighteningly real.

Commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, the British Isles
Posted March 5, 2009

European Banking Crisis: Prelude to an Economic/Political Abyss?
Followers of Bible prophecy see the possibility of a major prophetic fulfillment in the making.

Commentary by Howard Davis
Good News magazine writer, Portland, Oregon
Posted February 26, 2009

The World and the Game of Russian Roulette
Today we face a global crisis that portends serious problems for each of us. Experts warn that worldwide 50 million jobs will be lost. Is there an answer?

Commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
Posted February 19, 2009

Your Best Investment for Financial Security
What can we do to survive the hard times that lie ahead? How can we plan investments that will lead us to future stability? What is your best investment?

A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God Pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, OR
Posted February 12, 2009

Super Bowl Ads: Reflections of Our Culture
Today's moral issue trend seems to be shifting toward the "do as you feel" point of view regarding personal conduct. For those whose sense of morality is still rooted in biblical principles, these are disturbing times.

A commentary by Don Hooser
Good News magazine writer, Sedro-Woolley, Washington
Posted February 5, 2009

The Other Historic Inauguration of January 2009
The inauguration of the new President of the United States was not the only historic inauguration in the month of January.

A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer, and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted January 29, 2009

The Messiah Question
Across America conservatives and liberals have mused or mocked the notion of a messianic president.

A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God Pastor, Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio
Posted January 22, 2009

Should You Switch Churches?
Finding the right Church—a biblically sound assembly of believers who obey the Scriptures, not merely a socially accepted religious group—will entail some serious Bible study on your part. It is not a decision that should be made quickly or lightly.

A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom
Posted January 15, 2009

Truth: A Powerful Ally
New concepts of truth are evolving in Western society. As ethical and moral standards slide, finding agreement for a set definition of truth which everyone will accept grows increasingly elusive.

A commentary by Jason Hyde
United Church of God member, Louisville, Kentucky
Posted January 8, 2009