United Church of God

Weekly Topic: God's purpose for you

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 17:24:30 -0500

Humanity's problems—from agriculture to economics to education to government to family relationships to individual emotional health—are ultimately spiritual in nature. Real solutions require not just a change in environment but a change in people.

Our first parents chose to participate in both good and evil. Not just Adam and Eve, but every human being who has ever lived—except Jesus Christ—has made the same choice. The result is that every human suffers and dies. Jesus came to pay the death penalty for evil. He also came to make available to people the Spirit of God, the healing, missing ingredient that will change corrupt human nature into divine nature.

What is your ultimate destiny? What awaits those who are willing to be changed by God's Spirit from corrupted human nature to become partakers of the divine?

Paul explains in Romans 8:14-17: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by [which] we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit [itself] bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."

The purpose of humanity is to become the spiritual children of God! The purpose for your life is more than making money, gaining social status and wearing the right clothes. The coupling of the human spirit with the Spirit of God makes possible the development of a new nature and eventually a resurrection to a new life as immortal children of God, joint heirs with Jesus of all things.

This is the ultimate potential of every human being.

But this isn't just a nebulous promise of something in the far-off future. The Creator says you can enjoy a Father—child relationship with Him now. There are real solutions to your problems. There is hope for those willing to discover their true purpose. The first step on that road of discovery is to turn to the Creator and His instruction book.

World News & Prophecy: December 2008

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 17:23:49 -0500

In this issue:
- What Will the Next President Face? (Part 2)
- Restoration: Mama Told Me...
- Will New Leadership at Home and Abroad Bring Israel Unacceptable Security Risks?
- Syria, Small but Significant
- Farewell to America as a Financial World Power
- This Is the Way...The Two Witnesses and You

Commentary: Are Children Born to Believe in God?

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 17:23:08 -0500

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.

Weekly Sermon: The Last Words of Jesus Christ

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 17:21:59 -0500

Listen to the audio/video sermon titled "The Last Words of Jesus" by Tom Kirkpatrick.

United News

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 17:21:35 -0500

The December 2008 issue of the United News is now available.

Sermon Transcript: Jesus On Perfection

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 17:20:35 -0500

What does Jesus Christ say about perfection or becoming perfect?

GN Video Commentary: Do Bad, Be Good?

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 13:07:04 -0500

We don't like people to lie to us, or cheat us or steal from us; so we shouldn't do that to them, it's really as simple as that.

GN Video Commentary: Pirates

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 12:58:10 -0500

As world economic conditions worsen, the number of failing nations and lawlessness is sure to increase. What's the solution to this seemingly unending problem?

GN Video Commentary: What Has Happened to Us?

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 13:30:33 -0500

So here's a question I have: Since we are now officially in the season of the Christmas spirit—the supposed time of "peace on earth and goodwill to all men," can't we all just be honest and call it the way it is? Don't these shopping frenzies just tell us the truth—that the Christmas spirit is, fundamentally, all about 'stuff'—money and materialism?

GN Video Commentary: Financial Slavery

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 13:05:09 -0500

When people buy on credit they are actually spending money they don't have, hoping they will be able to pay the bill with future earnings. Is that wise, especially in times of economic uncertainty?

Good News Online Radio: Can the Family Survive?

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:56:11 -0500

How profound are the changes taking place in the American family?

Beyond Today Commentary: Inspiration O-Z

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:55:04 -0500

Take the time to look for God's inspiration around you.

Beyond Today Program: How Would Jesus Pray?

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:54:21 -0500

Have you prayed and nothing happened? Although God cares, could it be that you don't know what Jesus taught about prayer?

GN Video Commentary: Black and Blue Friday

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:39:26 -0500

Don't we understand that it is the materialism mindset that has led to horrific personal debt, overextending ourselves beyond our means financially, and that has played a big part in the current economic crisis we're facing?

GN Video Commentary: Twilight

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:00:33 -0500

It seems we human beings have always yearned to be something more than what we are.

GN Video Commentary: Turkey Day

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:46:13 -0500

Why should a day known as Thanksgiving bring nothing more to mind than gorging ourselves on turkey and all the trimmings? If we think of this celebration as "Turkey Day," are we getting our priorities mixed-up?

Weekly Topic: The Bible encourages giving thanks

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:45:38 -0500

When it comes to the need to be thankful, the Bible emphasizes action over passivity. In the New King James Version of the Bible, the word thankful appears only three times, and unthankful appears only twice. The number of times both words are used is surprisingly small.

However, thanksgiving occurs 31 times, and the phrases give thanks or give You [God] thanks occur 43 times. The words thank and God occur in the same verse 15 times; thanks and God are used together 23 times; thank or thanks and Lord appear together 43 times.

The word praise implies a big thank-you given with an abundance of admiration and respect. The world would be a better place with more praise and less criticism. If parents praised their children more, they would need far less punishment. If we praised our families and coworkers, the workplace would be far less tense and would experience more peace and productivity. We humans thrive and strive better under the warm sunshine of praise.

The Bible stresses that the greatest praise should go to God. Praise and God occur in the same verse 57 times, and praise and Lord occur together 97 times. Are you thankful for a beautiful day, a gorgeous rainbow, a spectacular sunset? Tell God about it! Thank the One who created it all!

We should be thankful for all we've been given, and express it. This is what Thanksgiving Day is supposed to be about. Remember to be thankful for your country and its blessings. Do you express it? Tell your family and friends how much you appreciate them, and remember to give the greatest share of credit and praise to the Great Benefactor, the Creator and Giver of all blessings (James 1:17).

Source:
Thanksgiving Day: More Than Just Being Thankful
November/December 2000 Good News

Commentary: Thinking and Thanking

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:45:05 -0500

True peace comes from being thankful—no matter what confronts us at the moment.

Weekly Sermon: Prophecies My Father Taught My Mother

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:43:56 -0500

Listen to the audio/video sermon titled "Prophecies My Father Taught My Mother" by Richard Pinelli.

Sermon Transcript: I'm Not Hurting Anyone But Myself

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:42:44 -0500

What's your excuse for not doing what you know you should be doing? And, secondly, what must you do in order to see where you am blind to excuses?

GN Video Commentary: New Hope for Peace in the Congo

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:29:12 -0500

Arguments among individuals and wars between nations come from the same source—selfishness.

GN Video Commentary: Heroes

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:51:33 -0500

This Thanksgiving, give some thought to the everyday heroes in your life—the ones who cared for you, and made a difference.

Good News Online Radio: The Road to Eternal Life

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:26:36 -0500

The question of can salvation come through any person other that Jesus Christ has been a great dilemma for Christians who believe God loves all mankind. Is religious pluralism the answer to exclusiveness of Jesus and eternal life?

Beyond Today Commentary: The Nature of Prejudice

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:26:03 -0500

Are you treating everyone with kindness and courtesy?

Beyond Today Program: Why Give Thanks?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:25:25 -0500

What is thankfulness and to whom should it be given? Are we truly grateful for our blessings? Should a nation give thanks?

GN Video Commentary: Voice of God

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:35:26 -0500

Which voice will you listen to—the voice of humanism or the voice of God?

Weekly Topic: A lesson in giving

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:26:41 -0500

Matthew 25:35-46 records a delightful story that Jesus told regarding giving. He said that He was hungry and some gave Him food, that He was unclothed and others gave Him clothes, and so on. In verses 37-39 those to whom He referred asked when they had done this since they could not recall any of the circumstances. Jesus told them that every time they had done some good deed for a fellow human being, they had essentially done it to Him.

Now they understood, because they did remember the "good Samaritan" deeds they had done for others. It is when we do something because we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God and we do not expect repayment that we can give and forget.

But God does not forget—and neither, in actuality, do we. Rather, we simply put it onto Jesus Christ's account. In that way it is more blessed for us to be givers—because God has repaid us many times over.

Put it on His account, and not on the account of those for whom you have done a good deed. Don't wait for the "thank you" in this life—wait for it from Christ. He said as much when He stated that some had their rewards now, but we are to seek rewards in the future (Matthew 6:1-4).

Some, however, expectantly wait for certain blessings from God to come right away because they have chosen to obey Him. Then, when the blessings do not come on schedule and in the form they expect, they feel betrayed or let down. They fully expect God to reward them now for serving Him. They don't know how to serve and not expect an instant reward.

Jesus often made references to rewards God would give far in the future. Matthew 25:35-46, cited above, is one of the clearest. It ought to help us realize that God did not design us to be able to wipe some deed completely out of our memory, because when we come before Him in the future every good deed we have done will be rewarded—down to the smallest glass of water (Matthew 10:42).

Our inner peace comes from leaving the expected thanks or reward in God's hands and not expecting it from human beings. That is not to say human beings do not or will not express appreciation. Anyone—or almost anyone—who is thirsty and received a glass of water says "thank you." Our inner difficulty comes when we expect and wait for the "thank you."

Source:
Give and Forget
November/December 2004 Good News

Commentary: Life Transforming Changes

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:25:26 -0500

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.

Weekly Sermon: Count Your Blessings

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:24:00 -0500

Listen to the audio/video sermon titled "Count Your Blessings" by Gary Antion.

Sermon Transcript: Just What Do You Mean, Minister?

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:21:33 -0500

Have you ever stopped to consider how the Church ended up with a group of people that we call the ministry?

GN Video Commentary: Giving Thanks

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:58:01 -0500

Are you guilty of taking for granted the incredible blessings God has given to the United States?

GN Video Commentary: All Created Equal?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:28:25 -0500

Are all men created equal?

GN Video Commentary: More Important Than Money?

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:36:20 -0500

Is there anything in life more important than money?

GN Video Commentary: Why believe in a god?

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:17:12 -0500

If there is no God, who decides what's good and what's bad? Can we all decide for ourselves individually? How would we go about figuring out what "good" is? What if your definition clashes with and even interferes with mine; then what do we do?

Good News Online Radio: Does God Exist?

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:15:24 -0500

Humanities most important question—Does God exist? Is there a Creator? Can science prove He exists? If God does exist, what does that mean to you?

Beyond Today Commentary: Go and Sin No More

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:14:51 -0500

Start choosing the good and live a better life!

Beyond Today Program: The Man Nobody Knows

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:10:51 -0500

Do you know the real Jesus Christ? Find out what He really taught and what He expects you to do. Learn the startling truth!

Weekly Topic: The Christian life as high adventure

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:32:28 -0500

Some of God's people see their calling as a burden to bear. For a few, God's way of life looms as an ordeal to be endured rather than an adventure to take delight in.

The apostle James exhorts, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2). What is there about a difficult situation to rejoice in? What kind of attitude finds joy in illness, family rejection or the loss of a job?

On the surface, little in such situations seems positive. No wonder James encourages us to look at our circumstances from a different perspective and always as a positive step in our continuing adventure, the Christian life. We should look forward to the exhilaration of victory at the end of our struggle, because that is exactly what awaits a true Christian.

We rarely picture great adventure as strolling down a country lane on a summer's day. Could such an outing be pleasant? Yes, but could it also pose a challenge? Hardly, unless the country lane lies in a war zone or angles up the side of the world's highest peak. The larger the potential danger and the greater the odds against accomplishment, the greater the thrill of victory.

In the same way, Christian living presents a challenge. We are locked in a struggle: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).

Jesus Christ issues us this challenge: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

The whole world, deceived by Satan, is opposed to the way of life God reveals (Revelation 12:9). We stand as a small army against great odds. The wrong influences of the world are everywhere, and we must battle against them as well as our own human nature. We must, with God's help, fight the evil one himself—Satan the devil—who, with his legions of demons, determines to inspire us to forfeit the crown of life God has in store for us.

Certainly the Christian way of life, like any other adventure, demands resolute struggle against great obstacles.

Source:
Christian Living: Ordeal or Adventure?
January/February 1997 Good News

Commentary: Why the U.S. Attack Inside Syria Is Significant

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:31:37 -0500

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.

Weekly Sermon: The Battle for the Human Race

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:30:35 -0500

Listen to the audio/video sermon titled "The Battle for the Human Race" by Joel Meeker.

Sermon Transcript: Poverty and Wealth -- Physical and Spiritual

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:29:38 -0500

How can somebody live in poverty and be spiritually rich? How can somebody be physically rich and be spiritually poor?

United News

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:29:02 -0500

The November 2008 issue of the United News is now available.

New Spanish Language Update

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:28:26 -0500

View New Spanish language update - Curso Biblico: Leccion 11.

GN Video Commentary: Truth Matters

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:27:38 -0500

How important is truth to you? What kind of reputation do you have where truth is concerned?

GN Video Commentary: What's Your Net Worth?

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:47:22 -0500

Right now we have a great economic challenge facing us. But what is the greatest challenge of all in the United States and the rest of the world?

Good News Online Radio: Who Will Speak for the Children?

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:26:04 -0500

Abortion--who will speak for these children? When does life begin?

Beyond Today Commentary: Lost Luggage

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:25:10 -0500

Where do you find your identity?

Beyond Today Program: Beyond the Grave

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:01:21 -0500

Eventually your physical life will end. What will happen when you die? Is there life after death? Discover surprising answers!

Weekly Topic: Look forward to superior leadership

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:53:04 -0500

Ronald Reagan believed great leadership existed in the ordinary person: "Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look. You can see heroes every day. I am addressing the heroes of whom I speak" (Walter Fisher, Human Communication as Narration, University of South Carolina Press, Columbia, 1989, pp. 154-155). The former American president realized that good leadership is drawn from the experiences of ethical people, whether they are famous or ordinary.

Your Bible also speaks of leadership—not just good or great leadership, but superior leadership.

According to the Bible, the greatest leader who ever lived was a man named Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9). His approach to leadership was simple: to give His life as a sacrifice for the whole of mankind. "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7-8). God sent His Son "that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17).

Jesus Christ showed remarkable vision at the most critical time of His physical life. He knew why He was to die; He was to lay down His life for all mankind. He kept that vision always before Him, even while He was hanging from the stake. Jesus knew "that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled" (John 19:28). He had accomplished His great goal.

Jesus' ethics were exemplary; His credibility, among those who had witnessed His life and resurrection, was unquestioned: "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:22-23).

Because of the respect commanded by Jesus—His life and teachings—people valued His advice and examples. Reports "went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear . . ." (Luke 5:15).

Finally, Jesus exercised great understanding and wisdom, yet was perfectly humble. He "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus Christ set the example of a truly extraordinary leadership.

Believe it or not, human beings can become the kind of leader Jesus Christ was. As explained in your Bible, Christ promises everlasting life to any who will follow His example of personal, unselfish and sacrificing leadership. "He who holds his life dear, is destroying it; and he who makes his life of no account in this world shall keep it . . ." (John 12:25, Weymouth New Testament). "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor" (verse 26).

We just read, in the Gospel of John, of the greatest single mark of superior leadership. The Architect of human life designed us to grow into exceptional leaders of mankind. He tells those who would follow Him: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28).

In times of crises, the world often has seen great leadership. But we now approach a time in history when humanity will need not just great leadership, but leadership above any that has come before (Matthew 24:21)—leadership that will arise from personal sacrifice based on long-range vision, credibility, respect for others and divine wisdom. You can be such a leader.

Source:
What Is True Leadership?
November/December 1996 Good News

World News & Prophecy: November 2008

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:52:22 -0500

In this issue:
- What Will the Next President Face?
- Restoration: The Wealth of a Nation
- Is America Living Up to God's Standards?
- Compromising With Morality
- Europe and the Church, Part 6: The First of the Seven Mountains on Which the Woman Sits
- The Rapture Is Wrong: The Saints Don't Rise to Run Away
- This Is the Way..."In God We Trust"

Commentary: President Elect Obama's Honeymoon in a Hurricane

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:51:27 -0500

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.

Weekly Sermon: God's Plan of Salvation Through the Holy Days

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:50:31 -0500

Listen to the audio/video sermon titled "God's Plan of Salvation Through the Holy Days" by Jim Franks.

Sermon Transcript: Going On to Perfection

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:49:45 -0500

What does it mean to go on to perfection?

New Spanish Language Update

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:49:04 -0500

View New Spanish language update - Elcommunicado.

Good News Online Radio: What's Wrong With Our Government?

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 14:54:02 -0500

What's wrong with the governments of this world? Why does human government seem to fail so often?

Beyond Today Commentary: Ears Popping

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 14:53:18 -0500

When it comes to biblical truth are your ears plugged?

Beyond Today Program: The Bible's Challenge to You

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 14:52:27 -0500

Are you seeking God or do other things seem more important? The Holy Bible has a critical message you need to hear.

World News & Prophecy eNews: October 30, 2008 -- The Bible and Joe the Plumber

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:28:29 -0500

Are you "Joe the Plumber"?

In the closing days of the American presidential election campaign an unexpected character popped up and became an overnight celebrity, as well as a focal point for the campaign.

Democratic nominee Barack Obama was campaigning on a suburban Ohio street when he stopped to talk with a man who was in his front yard playing with his son. The man, Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumber by trade, asked the candidate about his tax plans.

"You're going to take my money, aren't you?" Joe challenged. "Well, it's really like spreading the wealth around," returned Senator Obama. Instantly a "star" was born and "Joe the Plumber" has become a symbol for the hardworking middle class who could get caught in the middle of the ideas and policies meant to address the financial problems of America.

Let's forget for a moment the complicated tax ideas put forth by the politicians. Instead, let's focus on you and the many others out there who are represented by the "Joe the Plumber" talk. You see, everyday life is made up of regular people going through the routine of work, families and hobbies.

The "regular" people, the blue-collar working class men and women, have to deal with the ordinary stuff like taking out the garbage, shopping for groceries and balancing checkbooks. They worry about paying bills or providing enough for a college education for their children. When sickness strikes the family, there is raw fear over how the mounting bills will be met. Will life savings be wiped out with one catastrophic illness?

People like Joe the Plumber don't shop on Rodeo Drive. They shop in discount shops and they rarely buy anything unless it is on sale or marked down for clearance. Neighborhood garage sales provide a place to find toys and clothes; even bits and pieces of furniture.

Vacations? For this group it may only be a long weekend at the beach or an amusement park. But forget the trips to Europe, Hawaii or the Caribbean. Those are far-off fantasies in most cases. And even if people from this group do take such an exotic trip, you can bet some other part of the budget will suffer or they'll just put it on the credit card. Joe the Plumber types only dream about the lifestyle of the rich and the famous.

For most of us life is routine. But we are impacted by the decisions made by politicians and other leaders. These decisions will determine to a degree how much money stays in our pockets, as well as whether our sons and daughters go off to war. In the long term leaders make decisions that determine the prosperity or the decline of the plumbers, bakers, mechanics, teachers and shopkeepers of a nation. It is the way of the world. And right now there is great concern over how deep the present global recession will go.

In past letters I have given some practical advice for dealing with our personal finances. There is much more that could be said, but there is a broader spiritual view I would like to give you today. The Bible has something to say to the Joe the Plumbers of the world. The everyday working man and woman can take encouragement that God knows their plight; that He will judge the unjust and the greedy who exploit them. Consider the words we find in the fifth chapter of the book of James:

"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth [of hosts]. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you" (James 5:1-6).

Wealth can disappear overnight! God does not condemn wealth, but He will judge the ill-gotten wealth obtained through injustice and greed. The rest of us He counsels to be patient and endure.

"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" (verses 7-9).

Work hard. Be honest. Practice the hard spiritual things, like patience. God knows your work and your patience. Trust in Him and He will help us through these challenging times.

Keep watching,

Darris McNeely

Weekly Topic: Can people make Halloween harmless?

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:27:22 -0500

When it comes to Halloween—or any other holiday for that matter—you should ask yourself, "Did God make man in His image, or did God intend man to remake God in man's image?" Now that's a sobering thought.

The religious excuse for perpetuating Halloween might be that, as we've seen, church leaders long ago called it a "holy evening" for all the Catholic saints who had no day assigned to them. But face it: People who celebrate this evening today couldn't care less about such religious notions. All they think about is instant gratification, to follow the pack with everyone else and to have some fun.

The Encyclopedia of Religion goes on to say: "Modern Halloween activities have centered on mischief making and masquerading in costumes, often resembling otherworldly characters. Folk customs, now treated as games [such as bobbing for apples], have continued from the various divination practices of the ancient celebrants of this occasion. Supernatural figures [such as the ghost, the witch, the vampire, the devil] play a key role in supplying an aura of the mysterious to the evening, whether or not they originally had an association with the festival.

"Children are particularly susceptible to the imagery of Halloween, as can be seen in their fascination with the demonic likeness of a carved and illuminated pumpkin, known as the jack-o'-lantern. In recent times, children have taken up the practice of dressing in Halloween costumes and visiting homes in search of edible and monetary treats, lightly threatening to play a trick on the owner if a treat is not produced" (p. 177).

Halloween is one of many human traditions that cloud biblical teachings and keep people in the dark from God's truth that can set us free (John 8:32). It is not a harmless holiday for you or for your children. God warns us to avoid it and to follow His ways, because He hates for us to dabble in the spirit world of Satan and his demons! Instead, as God tells us in Isaiah 66:2, "On this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word."

Commentary: Does God Ever Determine Election Outcomes?

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:26:51 -0500

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.

Weekly Sermon: 2008 Feast Video - Our Heritage of Faith

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:24:15 -0500

Watch the 2008 Feast of Tabernacles video.

Sermon Transcript: A Cheerful Heart

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:19:56 -0500

Have you considered that cheerfulness is a very important character trait that God would like you to develop?

The Good News - November/December 2008

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:12:26 -0500

- Editorial: "Know God, Know Peace."
- 10 Things You Should Know About God
- Christianity: Burden or Blessing to Mankind?
- Australia's Identity Crisis: A Foretaste of What's to Come?
- The Growing Economic Crisis: A Biblical Perspective
- The Real Nativity Story: Surprising Truths You May Not Know!
- Longsuffering: A Fusion of Patience and Power
- The Kingdom of God: Not by Human Might or Power
- Hold on to Your Christian Values...Even in College

Good News Online Radio: Ghouls, Ghosts, Goblins and Halloween

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:07:58 -0500

The truth behind the halloween mask.