Letters from Our Readers

Which Bible version?

Can you suggest a Bible more easily understood for Bible-study purposes than the King James Version, which I find difficult to follow and understand in many parts?

D.S., County Antrim, Northern Ireland

We suggest the New King James Version, which retains the literary flavor of the King James translation of 1611 but in modern English. We use the NKJV for biblical quotations in The Good News and our booklets and Bible Study Course. We also suggest that you request our free booklet How to Understand the Bible and refer to pages 12-15. This section discusses Bible translations and offers principles to apply in using and consulting various versions.

Cohabiting generation

Please let me tell you what a wonderful magazine you have. Your article "The Cohabitation Generation" answered a lot of my questions. I'm 23 and have often wondered if living with a person was wrong in God's eyes.

A.M., Eustis, Florida

Pro and con about the rapture

I don't often write to a magazine unless I am impressed, favorably or unfavorably. Your March-April issue was of particular interest. I applaud you for printing the truth. "What's 'Left Behind' in the Rapture Theory?" and "The Good Friday-Easter Sunday Question" were of great importance.

I have always encouraged members of the church I pastor to read and study the Bible carefully. So many people take the erroneous view of Jesus being crucified on Friday and His rising on Sunday as fact, when it cannot be true. The Bible says otherwise.

The only other thing is the rapture theory. I have read the Bible through about 12 times in the last 12 years and have found not one reference to support a rapture. I am distressed that so many preachers believe it. Christ is coming back one time to judge the world. Keep up the truth. It will stand.

L.S., Hobbs, New Mexico

I have been receiving your magazine for a while and was most disappointed with your March-April issue. You had an article calling the rapture of the Church a theory. I do not know what Bible this man reads from, but my Bible teaches about this coming event in great detail. Unless you can clear this matter up in a biblical way, then I would like you to remove my name from your subscription list.

Dr. R.B., Bloomington, Illinois

The article's author has been in contact with the letter writer about his concerns. We are pleased to report that he did not repeat his request to be removed from The Good News' subscription list.

Battle of the sexes

Recently I picked up a copy of your magazine while waiting for my daughter at the doctor's office. I read almost the entire magazine in one sitting. Enclosed is my subscription card. But the reason for this letter is that I would like to receive a copy of the article "The Battle of the Sexes," which was in your first edition of this year. It is something I would like to share with the ladies of my church.

A.G.H., Hixson, Tennessee

New subscribers

I was walking through the post office this morning and came across The Good News magazine. It was an old edition, March-April 1999. While reading portions of it, I discovered very interesting material on many things I did not know about, and I would like to learn more. Therefore I would like to subscribe to your magazine. I would also like the Ten Commandments booklet as well as a copy of The Gospel of the Kingdom.

A.T., Hamilton, Bermuda

I was at the Laundromat this evening and found a copy of your Good News magazine. I enjoyed every article that I had time to read. I am writing in the hopes of becoming a regular subscriber. Is it really so easy to become one? Do I just tell you that I want to receive your magazine and you start sending me copies?

K.S., Hopkinsville, Kentucky

It's as simple as that. All of our booklets and the Bible Study Course are free upon request, as is The Good News.

I am requesting my free subscription to The Good News and have really enjoyed reading my first copy. I would like to have any back issues you might have to spare. I look forward to learning more in the future.

J.A., San Francisco, California

The truth of God

I have wanted to write and let you know how much I have enjoyed and appreciated your magazine. My beliefs have changed dramatically from what I've been taught through other churches. I'm thankful that you teach the truth about God's Word instead of the doctrines of men.

C.B., Mount Carmel, Illinois

Church association and attendance

Please send me information on why we should attend church or something similar.

J.W., Jamaica, New York

We recommend the free booklet The Church Jesus Built to all of our readers.

Good News donation policy

While browsing through a thrift shop I came across The Good News dated January-February 2000. It was on the top of 100-plus secular magazines that were in six or seven piles across a shelf. It cost 10 cents. That evening I read the well-written, timely articles it contained. There was a card for a free subscription, which I mailed the other day. Thanks for that and the booklets I checked. The enclosed donation is for the work of your ministry.

F.M.S., Mauston, Wisconsin,

Although The Good News should never be sold for any price, we do appreciate your donation and willingness to help share The Good News with others.

I am a 20-year-old guy, and I thank you very much for sending me The Good News and all the booklets I requested. I wasn't expecting to receive them all because there were so many, but you showed me your kindness and that you are not doing your own will but that of our Creator, the Mighty God. I was much impressed with the verse that you include in the booklets: "Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). I just want to thank you for your generosity. Other churches are not doing what you are doing.

R.D., Harare, Zimbabwe

How do you do it? You never asked me for money. The current TV evangelists continually plead for more money. I very much enjoy The Good News. Most of all I enjoy your historical articles dealing with past cultures and civilizations.

J.W., Lancaster, Wisconsin

We're glad to share The Good News for free with all who request it. Your subscription is provided by the voluntary contributions of others who value The Good News' message. We welcome those who voluntarily choose to support this worldwide work as coworkers in this effort to proclaim the true gospel to all nations.

Bible Study Course

I received the first lesson of the Bible Study Course sometime ago but hadn't gotten around to looking at it. When I first began learning the truth, I first had to know whether God exists and whether the Bible is His Word. Although I knew God existed, I needed to know the Bible really is God's written Word for us. Also, I really enjoyed the quotes from famous people concerning their respect for the Bible.

C.D., California

I want to thank you for the Bible Study Course, lesson 2. This is a wonderful way to review the Word of God. It helps me to see the overall picture of God's great plan and how He wants us to fully understand how important it is for us to be informed. We truly live in a world confused and starved for knowledge. It's so hard to get along with people. It seems everyone is angry with someone.

V.A., Madill, Oklahoma