Letters From Our Readers

"Lincoln: President and Prophet?"

I would like to thank you for the great editorial "Lincoln: President and Prophet?" in the last issue. Prayer and fasting is very much needed if our nation is going to survive. Someone needs to explain to President Obama the only way our nation can be saved. In today's world they try to keep God out of everything. God's blessings are offered to us, but there is a price tag to receive those blessings. It is to know God's will, and then carry out that will in our lives.

When I see all the weather problems our nation has been having in the last few years, I can see that we are not pleasing God. I am thankful for all the fine articles that we have the chance to read in The Good News. Keep up the good work.

—L.E., Bluffton, Illinois

The Good News

I am grateful for all the information from The Good News. I have come to a greater understanding of God, who He is, what His plans are for mankind and who I am. I've been asking God to reveal His truth to me. I'm astonished at what I've discovered about life, death and what happens when we die.

—Mrs. L.R.M., Carlisle, England

Many thanks for continuing to send me The Good News. It is so packed full with so many articles that are uplifting to our personal lives, filled with hope and purpose. Please continue to send it to my friend's son who is in prison. He often talks about your articles and how they are really making a difference in his life. They have given him much hope.

—S.D., Keystone Heights, Florida

I happened to read a copy of The Good News, and I must say I was enlightened. I did not understand many things about the Bible, especially from the book of Revelation. God bless you and all those connected with publishing this inspiring magazine of which I came to know by the grace of God. I kindly request the magazine regularly and a copy of the booklet The Book of Revelation Unveiled.

—Mrs. E.S., India

We have gladly renewed your subscription and mailed the booklet as requested.

Israel and the Middle East

Thank you for reminding me of renewing my subscription to this most excellent magazine, The Good News. Anytime I watch TV here in my country, Israel is always blamed. And there are a lot of demonstrations trying to discredit Israel. Many volunteers are also ready to fight for the Palestinians. I wonder if you could supply me with some information or articles concerning the background and history of this conflict,

—V.L.R., Indonesia

We have mailed a copy of our free booklet The Middle East in Bible Prophecy. It thoroughly covers the subject from a biblical perspective.

Thank you for your publications, which certainly challenge the normally accepted brand of Christianity found in our churches today. Thank you for your support for Israel and the Jews as opposed to the common replacement theology, which has led to the denigration of the Hebrew race throughout the centuries.

I believe it is a sure sign that we are in the end times when Christian churches like yourselves embrace the Jewish biblical feasts ordained by God for all people according to His calendar. It seems, though, that those who are willing to stand up for such a position are quite a small flock compared to those who observe the current traditions of Christendom.

—C.N., Bangor, Northern Ireland

One request I have is for information about interpretations of God's Word that are not shared by mainstream Christianity. For instance, one issue of The Good News that I loaned to a friend mentioned the Scriptures supporting the belief that unbelievers are given a second chance to come to faith after they die. I appreciate the way you base your beliefs on the Word of God and would like more information since it is important to hold to sound doctrine.

—N.D., Salem, Oregon

Two booklets—What Happens After Death? and Heaven and Hell: What Does the Bible Really Teach?—have been mailed to you. In addition we also highly recommend God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. The final annual Holy Day of the Hebrew calendar year is about all those who have ever lived and never really had a first opportunity for salvation. In actuality, it is not about a second chance, but a real first chance for those who have never had the opportunity to learn about the true God and His Word.

Readers wish to keep God's Holy Days

My pastor has been hammering away at us on obedience. But God is convicting me that every single holiday we keep is of pagan origin and going to church on Sunday is not keeping His commandment either. Is there a Church of God in the Joplin, Missouri, area?

—M.M., Joplin, Missouri

I recently read your booklets Holidays or Holy Days? and God's Holy Day Plan. My wife and I are very interested in learning more about the days God actually wants us to keep. In the back of these booklets it said that we could contact you to get help in finding a church near us that recognized these days. We would appreciate it if you could point us in the right direction.

My wife and I have already decided to stop honoring Christmas and Easter because of their pagan origins and are currently between churches as well. So we are ready to take the next step in following in the footsteps of Christ.

—F.B., Internet

We have sent the appropriate contact information to both readers and wish them every blessing and benefit as they continue in their quest to obey God. Our free booklet The Church Jesus Built may also be helpful to both.

Reader request for information

I am a student of Asia Pacific College, Makati City, Philippines. One of the subjects I am studying is philosophy of man. To fulfill the requirements of this subject, we are asked to visit your Web site, www.gnmagazine.org, to read the booklet What Happens After Death? I wish to ask some questions about the author and your organization's background. I hope you will consider my request because it will help me a lot in fulfilling my subject and finishing my degree.

—C.B., Philippines

Your queries are answered in our free booklet This Is the United Church of God. The authors and contributing writers of our published booklets are listed in the back. Best wishes for completing your degree program.

Bible Study Course

Lesson 1 of your Bible Study Course was great. My wife and I are using it to teach our 13-year-old about the Bible and Christ. Our little girl had never read the Bible before and is just now becoming acquainted with it. Your lessons are going to be a great help in bringing this young person to the throne of God and hopefully into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you for this study course, as it has also reinforced my beliefs and given my wife some new insights into the Bible.

—R.M.R., Internet

Spreading the true gospel

I know that you kindly offer your printed materials without charge. This is most gracious and, I believe, surely a ministry blessed by our Lord. I am thankful God has made it possible for me to send a small contribution to help you in the work you are doing. I have been receiving The Good News, which has encouraged me as I am seldom able to be in church services due to severe pain during these last months.

—J.R., Ada, Oklahoma

We are praying for you and also mailing the free booklet You Can Have Living Faith.

I have already received two or three of your Good News publications. As you are sending these to me free, I do feel the necessity to help out with your costs in reaching people around the world. The Good News is a great publication. It is current and relevant to all Christian believers and vital for the knowledge it imparts, especially as we near the end of this age. I realize my donation is small, but as things pick up for me I'll try to donate often.

—M.F.K., Pleasanton, California

I just finished reading your book The New Covenant: Does It Abolish God's Law? It is very excellent, and it has helped me a lot. Thank you also for the latest issue of The Good News. The articles are both powerful and timely. Please accept the enclosed donation to help in your work.

—S.H., Prescott, Arizona

I recently ordered some of your booklets and I must say that they are very informative. I understand more each day. I sent you an e-mail request and received a response from one of your ministers. His reply to my e-mail was very thoughtful and very helpful.

I want to send you a donation to help you with the cost of providing the material you give away. I believe for the first time in my life that I am on the right path to truth. The good news of the Kingdom is the best thing I've ever heard of, and it's been right there in my Bible all this time.

—W.E.S., Westminster, South Carolina

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