The British & European Supplement to

July/August 2007 In the Steps of Moses A nine-day trip to Egypt brings history recorded in the Bible to life. A highlight was seeing the mountain believed to be Mount Sinai, from where God spoke the words of His law. t seemed rather peculiar to be going year earlier, I had suffered a heart attack included several church elders and into Egypt towards the end of the and was also told I was diabetic. For brethren from a number of countries. IDays of Unleavened Bread, since four months I was off work, during I was the only Scot. these days celebrate the Israelites leav- which time I received the prayers and We started our tour in Luxor and the ing Egyptian slavery in Exodus. support of United church members. temple at Karnak. This vast complex Organised by the United Church of A minister prayed for and anointed me God as part of an educational pro- for the condition (see James 5:14). I gramme, the trip, which took place in considered this a trial and spent much the Spring of 2007, included visits to time in prayer and Bible study. To be many well-known tourist attractions well enough to go on an expedition like such as the pyramids at Giza, the this, after such an ordeal, was amazing. Temple at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings and Queens. The intent behind the tour was to bring to life biblical accounts and give a physical context to enhance scriptural under- standing. Hatshepshut’s temple between the valley of the queens and A personal quest the valley of the kings. When I first heard about the trip was built and enlarged over a 1,300 I jumped at the opportunity and year period and consists of several thanked God in prayer for it. About a temples dedicated to false gods such as Mut, the mother goddess and goddess of fertility; Montu, the war Above: Huge pillars of the temple at Luxor. god, and Amun-Ra the sun god. As we were to find out, the ancient Visiting Luxor and Egyptians had gods for everything. the Valley of the Kings Little wonder that when God sent the At Cairo airport we were greeted by plagues on the Egyptians, He said: our guide for the duration of the tour, a ‘And against all the gods of Egypt I will young man called Yousef. He was a execute judgement’ (Exodus 12:12). Coptic Christian. About ten percent of The next day we visited the Valley the Egyptian population of 73 million of the Kings and Queens and the mortu- are Coptic Christians, but the majority ary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, who Peter Corrigan at the Tomb of Rameses. are Muslims. Our group of around fifty ruled Egypt for 15 years in the fifteenth

Published by the United Church of God – British Isles. Address: The Good News, PO Box 705, Watford WD19 6FZ. Telephone: 020 8386 8467. Fax: 020 8386 1999. Website: www.ucg.org.uk. century BC. Hatshepsut was the first an open question-and-answer session Very early in the morning, with a woman pharaoh, although apparently about Joseph in Egypt. (If these biblical black sky full of huge bright stars over- she often dressed as a man. She reigned festivals are somewhat unfamiliar to head, I declined the offer of a Bedouin the longest of all the female pharaohs. you, please request our free booklet camel to take me up the mountain, and Sabbath services took place at the God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of began my climb. About halfway up the hotel in Luxor, with split sermons by Hope for All Mankind.) 7,498 feet, I took a break. Looking Randy Schreiber, an elder from Arizona down I could see a snake of torch lights (‘Against All the Gods of Egypt’), and by In the steps of Moses coming up the mountainside. We esti- Robert Berendt from Canada (‘That You Our next visit involved a six-hour mated that there were more than two May Be Sons’). The following day we bus journey to Jebel Musa, which thousand climbing that night. flew back to Cairo. means the ‘mountain of Moses’. This Then I climbed onward and upward. mountain is However, just when I thought I must be The Great believed to be Pyramid almost at the top, the path was replaced Mount Sinai, by a flight of steps. These were cut by While in Cairo where God came monks in the fifteenth or sixteenth cen- we visited the down in cloud and tury and there were more than 750 to Great Pyramid at fire and spoke the negotiate before reaching the summit. Giza. The largest words of His law of three pyramids They call them the ‘steps of repentance’ to the children of – quite appropriate since we had just in the vicinity, it Israel. En route we stands 756 feet tall celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread. and the sides are at Thankfully, by 5.20 am a 45 degree angle. I had reached the summit, It was constructed Above: Our guide Mira and I watched the sunrise around 4,500 years tells our group about with the other brethren. the pyramids of Giza. ago, and took Whether or not this around 23 years to build using between really was the correct loca- 20,000 and 30,000 Egyptian craftsmen. tion of the Mount Sinai There are an estimated 2.5 million blocks of stone in the pyramid. Scripture states that Israelites built store, or ‘treasure’, cities for Pharaoh at Pithom and Rameses (Exodus 1:11), both of which are believed by archaeol- ogists to be in the delta area further north of Giza. Whatever it was the The great pyramid at Giza near Cairo stands 756 Israelites were forced to build, they feet tall. It took 23 years to build it with an estimated were in great distress and were crying 2.5 million blocks of stone. You would have to lay a out to God to free them. It seems block every five minutes to build it in 25 years. unthinkable for a people to dwell in stopped at the Springs of Moses The ‘Springs of Moses’ slavery for so very long. I thank God for (Exodus 15:27). Seven of the twelve His Son and His grace that we are not in springs still exist. of the Bible, it was still an amazing slavery in most nations now. And even Later, I looked out across the Red experience, and a personal triumph of more importantly, with the help of Sea and tried to imagine around two physical endurance for me. I reminded Christ living in us through the Holy million people crossing it with the myself that Moses may have climbed Spirit (Galatians 2:20), we can be freed waters piled up on either side of them. this mountain at least four times, and from being enslaved to sin as well. We also stopped at Wadi Firan, the probably in less time than my three On the Last Day of Unleavened place where it is believed that Joshua hours. Bread we heard split sermons from eld- defeated the Amalekites (Exodus I truly thanked God for allowing me ers David Register, with a message on 17:8-15). We also tried to imagine the to be well enough to participate. ‘Remember the Amalekites’, and Dr children of Israel wandering around Peter Corrigan, Ralph Levy, who spoke on ‘The Cost of this hot, barren and sparsely populated Stirling/Edinburgh congregation Leaving Egypt’. Later on, Dr Levy gave wilderness for forty years. United Church of God

2 The British & European Supplement to The Good News Are We Pleasing God? A survey by Keele University in northern Staffordshire revealed an appalling lack of basic honesty among far too many citizens. Cutting corners in basic morality is more prevalent today than previously thought possible. Is this behaviour pleasing to God?

ver a third of our citizens use have been trying to conceal their mis- was quick to forgive, although He cash in order to avoid tax. deeds from God since the time of our imposed severe temporal penalties, sim- ONearly a third keep very silent first parents in the Garden of Eden. In ply because much greater responsibility when erroneously given too much some cases perpetrators have only half- is incumbent on rulers who influence change by a clerk. Nearly 20 percent believed in His existence (see Psalm many thousands and more. They are pilfer small items from the office with 14:1 and 53:1). expected to set the right example, while impunity. Over 10 percent manage to Fortunately for all of us humans, avoiding scandal and corruption. But avoid paying their TV license. And the God is quicker to forgive and forget David’s claim to eternal security is list goes on and on. than members of our own species. Jesus secure: ‘The LORD has also put away Obviously, committing so-called Christ was very merciful to repentant your sin; you shall not die’ (2 Samuel petty crimes is not like robbing a bank men and women even when they had 12:13). Those must have been among in broad daylight. Most people ‘get committed serious capital crimes. the most comforting words ever said to away’ with indulging in these ‘misde- God’s forgiveness, once granted, is the king. meanours’ simply because of the cost total. He even has the capacity to wipe Pleasing God involves far more than and inconvenience of detection. all of our misdeeds from His great rote obedience to law. He also wants a Incredibly ‘the worst perpetrators are mind, as though we had never commit- willing attitude and a right heart. said to be highly paid people facing ted them. He is far more concerned with Complying with and exhibiting the temporary financial difficulties’ fruits of the spirit of the law is (The Times, 25 June). Pleasing God involves far more than enormously important to God Professor Suzanne Karstedt, rote obedience to law. He also wants a (Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28). a criminologist from Keele Uni- From early on the apostle versity, stated that ‘contempt for willing attitude and a right heart. Paul evinced a great interest in the law is as widespread in the a Christian’s ethical behaviour. centre of society as it is assumed to be our present attitudes than our previous (A number of biblical scholars believe rampant at the margins and among spe- actions. He wants to cast our sins into that 1 Thessalonians may be the second cific marginal groups’ (ibid). the depths of the sea and leave them letter he wrote in chronological order.) there. He awaits our true repentance. ‘Brethren, we urge and exhort in the Hiding our sins from God God does not condone human sin, Lord Jesus that you should abound more But what may be hidden from men however. Although mercifully forgiving, and more; just as you received from us is always known by God. Our Creator is Christ’s words to repentant sinners, on how you ought to walk and to please fully aware of what people are really occasion caught in the very act, were to God. For you know what command- doing behind the scenes. Lawbreakers ‘Go and sin no more.’ ments we gave you through the Lord are sometimes afraid of being caught by Jesus’ (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2). police or officials in authority, but gen- What it means to please God Then Paul went on to give the brethren erally speaking have no real fear of God Obviously God is not pleased when at Thessalonica one or two striking in their thoughts and actions. we transgress biblical moral standards. examples of proper ethical behaviour – Yet the Bible shows that our Creator When normally righteous King David including the importance of sexual self- is the One we should be much more of Israel committed two capital crimes, control. Pleasing God clearly requires concerned about. After all, God is the God’s Word says: ‘The thing David had appropriate Christian conduct. Being who will ultimately determine done displeased the LORD’ (2 Samuel Remember that Jesus Christ Himself our eternal destiny (see Matthew 10:28). 11:27, emphasis added throughout). said, ‘I always do those things that At various levels, men and women Yet when the king repented, God please Him [the Father]’ (John 8:29).

July/August 2007 3 And on the human level, honouring our But how does God react to those embark on a completely different man- parents is ‘well pleasing to the Lord’ truly repentant sinners whom He is call- ner of life – one that is both satisfying (Colossians 3:20). ing to salvation, now in this age of man? deep down and, more importantly, will The apostle John added: ‘Whatever Notice the next few verses: ‘When eventually result in everlasting life in the we ask we receive from Him [God] the kindness and love of God our Kingdom of God. You may want to because we keep His commandments Saviour toward man appeared, not by totally put your past sins behind you. and do those things that are pleasing in works of righteousness which we have The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is ever His sight’ (1 John 3:22). The Hebrew done [we cannot earn our salvation], but there to free the repentant sinner from a prophet Isaiah said, ‘We are to choose according to His mercy He saved us guilty conscience brought on by past those things that please God’ (Isaiah through the washing of regeneration transgressions of God’s law (1 John 56:4). [water baptism] and receiving of the 3:4). Many New Testament passages Holy Spirit, [which] He poured out on assure us of God’s redemption and for- Mercy and redemption us abundantly through Jesus Christ our giveness. Notice just a few. We have all made serious mistakes. Saviour, that having been justified by ‘While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8). ‘Christ died Although we firmly witness against all His grace, we should become heirs for our sins’ (1 Corinthians 15:3). He types of bad behaviour and strongly according to the hope of eternal [ever- ‘gave Himself for our sins’ (Galatians 1:4). encourage Christian conduct, neither lasting] life’ (verses 4-7). The Good News nor this Supplement is ‘In Him [Christ], we have redemp- Please do not misunderstand! tion through His [shed] blood, the for- in the business of throwing stones. Certainly obedience to God and good The apostles Peter and Paul owned giveness of sins’ (Ephesians 1:7). God works are an integral part of the ‘loved us and sent His Son to be the up to past bad behaviour on the part of Christian life. The context of Titus chap- propitiation for our sins’ (1 John 4:10). early Christians. Peter wrote: ‘For we ter 3 clearly shows this. ‘Remind them Could anything be plainer? A loving have spent enough of our past lifetime to be subject to rules and authorities, to God will forgive and redeem any truly in doing the will of the Gentiles – when obey, to be ready for every good work, repentant sinner through the sacrifice of we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken- to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, Jesus Christ (Acts 2:37-39; 3:19). ness, revelries, drinking parties and gentle, showing all humility to all men’ If you would like some help in abominable idolatries’ (1 Peter 4:3). (Titus 3:1-2; compare Romans 2:7). embarking on a new and abundant life, Paul adds: ‘For we ourselves were one that pleases God, request our free also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, Learning to please God booklets The Road to Eternal Life and serving various lusts and pleasures, liv- You may already be fed up with the Transforming Your Life: The Process of ing in malice and envy, hateful and hat- inevitable negative results of living a Conversion. ing one another’ (Titus 3:2-3). wrong way of life. You may wish to John Ross Schroeder Follow Jesus Christ’s Example esus plainly said that He had as yourself”’ (verses 18-19). ted adultery in his mind, represented kept His Father’s command- Christ’s magnification of all of the Ten Fulfilling God’s law Jments (John 15:10). Also, as Commandments. recorded in Matthew 19:16, He was Christ also stated, ‘Do not think He expects more than just a legal- asked what must be done to inherit that I came to destroy the Law or the istic approach; He wants a submis- eternal life. His answer: ‘If you want Prophets. I did not come to destroy to enter life, obey the command- but to fulfil’ (Matthew 5:17). Heaven sive, yielded attitude of heart and ments’ (verse 17). and earth would disappear before the mind. So in Matthew chapters 5-7 Christ then enumerated several smallest part of the law would do so Jesus explained that the Ten to show which set of commandments (verse 18). Commandments were to be kept in He meant: ‘“You shall not murder”, The word fulfil in Matthew 5:17 the spirit as well as the letter. He was “You shall not commit adultery”, means fill up, make full, fill to the full fulfilling a prophecy about Himself “You shall not steal”, “You shall not or complete. Jesus came to fill com- from Isaiah 42:21: ‘He will magnify bear false witness”, “Honour your pletely full the meaning of God’s law. the law and make it honourable.’ father and your mother”, and, His teaching that a man who lusts Why not request our free booklet “You shall love your neighbour after a woman has already commit- entitled The Ten Commandments?

4 The British & European Supplement to The Good News The Sabbath Day A Haven of Spiritual Rest As a reader of our magazines and booklets, you may wish to expand your understanding of biblical truth and increase your awareness of the next steps necessary in living the Christian life. One of those steps is observing the same day Jesus and the apostles kept.

ou are probably aware that The officials. This was the case with the we see in Mark 2:27-28. Jesus ‘said to Good News and the related scribes and Pharisees at the time of them, the Sabbath was made for man Ybooklets teach biblical doctrines Christ. They had largely abandoned and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore that are different from what many may many biblical truths from the Old the Son of Man is also Lord of the have been taught. We challenge the Testament and replaced or altered them Sabbath.’ Jesus never demeaned the traditional views many people hold with human traditions. ‘Why do you also day of rest that God had instituted at in regard to the most important issues transgress the commandments of God creation, but He was critical of the hun- in life. because of your tradition?’, Jesus asked dreds of burdensome regulations that them (Matthew 15:3). Clearly, to those had been artificially added to the Speaking with authority Sabbath, preventing people There is a crucial reason from enjoying this day as the why we are able to speak ‘Make disciples of all nations . . . Bible teaches. God’s seventh plainly and publish articles teaching them to observe all things day of rest was intended that are refreshing in content that I have commanded you.’ to be ‘a delight’ and a day and make logical sense from of rest from work. It also a biblical viewpoint. It is allowed people to acknowl- because we focus our readership on the religious leaders, human traditions edge God’s magnificent creation (Isaiah pages of the Bible rather than accepting meant more than divine truth. 58:13). religious traditions that are contrary to This drift away from the truth of the (If you would like more information what God’s immutable Word teaches. Holy Scriptures and into human tradi- about how the true Sabbath day was Some 2000 years ago, it was Jesus tions took on an even more sinister gradually replaced by Sunday obser- Christ who was hailed by many as ‘One phase in post-New Testament history. vance, request our free booklet Sunset to who speaks with authority’– that is with This was a time when gentile philoso- Sunset: God’s Sabbath Rest.) biblical authority – unlike the religious phers, encouraged by the pagan popula- The United Church of God contin- leaders of the day whose belief system tion of the Roman Empire, influenced ues to honour our Creator on the day largely stemmed from humanly added the religious leaders to sanction and that God finished the physical creation. traditions rather than God’s Word. incorporate into the ‘Christian’ religion ‘On the seventh day God ended His Jesus was different! He shunned outright pagan beliefs and superstitions. work which He had done, and He rested harmful and God-opposing traditions. This process is called syncretism. [refrained from work] on the seventh ‘And so it was, when Jesus had ended Numerous of these heathen concepts day from all His work which He had these sayings, that the people were and practices are still adhered to by done. Then God blessed the seventh day astonished at His teaching, for He many mainstream Christian churches. and sanctified it [set it apart as holy] . . .’ taught them as one having authority, (To understand how all this happened, (Genesis 2:2-3). and not as the scribes’ (Matthew 7:29, request our free booklet The Church emphasis added throughout). Jesus Built. A true identity The introduction of Sunday as a The Bible identifies God’s Church Abandoning biblical truth replacement for the biblical seventh-day as a small Church. Jesus called it ‘a little History has a way of repeating itself. Sabbath is just one case in point. Jesus flock’ (Luke 12:32). It is, nonetheless, The truth of God is ‘hidden under a Christ stated categorically that He was represented in almost every nation on bushel’ by all too many ecclesiastical Lord of the Sabbath – not Sunday – as earth and is fulfilling Christ’s commis-

July/August 2007 5 sion in Matthew 28:19-20: ‘Go there- fore and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all things What is True Worship? that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of e live in a time when believing all things which are writ- the age.’ One of those things is the true many people are disillu- ten in the Law and in the Prophets’ biblical Sabbath day. Wsioned with traditional (Acts 24:14) – referring to what we Referring to the end time, Christ worship services. They find them call the Hebrew Bible. stated in His Olivet Prophecy, ‘This largely without meaning and irrele- God asks us to live ‘by every gospel of the kingdom will be preached vant to their lives. It is high time to word that proceeds from the mouth in all the world as a witness to all take a fresh look at what worship- of God’ (Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4). nations, and then the end will come’ ping God is all about. When we Our worship of God is reflected (Matthew 24:14). God’s true Church come to understand its real signi- in how we live our daily lives. is faithful to that commission. ficance, true worship becomes Christianity is a way of life (Acts Here in the British Isles, we are supremely relevant to our lives now 18:25, 26; 19:9, etc). It is a way of striving to do our part in fulfilling that and to our human destiny. thinking, acting and living which global commission. Please let us know In many people’s minds, wor- affects every aspect of our lives. if we can serve you in any way that may ship involves a public service with edify you spiritually and strengthen your hymns of praise, prayers and a What true worship involves faith in the promises that God has given well-planned liturgy. Such services True worship of God involves us in His Word. epitomize worshiping God. Yet this nothing short of the inward transfor- Gerhard Marx scenario provides only a partial mation of the human heart by faith picture. in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. A Day of Spiritual Rest A dictionary definition of worship External worship practices alone One of the blessings of the is ‘reverence tendered to a divine are inadequate. We should worship Sabbath day is the opportunity to con- being’ and ‘an act expressing such God in spirit and in truth, from a gregate on the day of which Jesus is reverence.’ The word ‘worship’ converted and transformed heart. Lord, in a church service environment, comes from an old English word Jesus Christ firmly rebuked where geographically possible. The meaning ‘worth-ship’ and refers to the religious leaders of His day United Church of God holds regular worthiness, respect and reverence because they misrepresented Sabbath services and Bible studies in directed towards the Creator God. God’s commands and substituted the British Isles where people of like- Appreciation for their own humanly devised teach- ings (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7). He minded beliefs can come and worship God’s worth God collectively. said such worship was in vain. Please write to our office at P O Our worship of God means Christ reserved severe words of Box 705, Watford WD19 6FZ to learn showing our appreciation of God’s warning for those who would pro- where worship services are held on worth. Certainly forms of outward fess to worship God, but refuse to the biblical seventh-day Sabbath. religious practice, such as rituals, obey His laws. Such worship is Although the highlight in these formal ceremonies and prayers, can show empty and without merit, unaccept- services is the main message or ser- proper worship. But we must also able to God and Jesus Christ. mon, there is usually an opportunity to pay careful attention to what God Sabbath full of meaning praise God in song as well as tells us in His Word. Christian fellowship. God the Father seeks those The seventh-day Sabbath – God’s For those not living close enough who worship Him to do so ‘in spirit day of rest and communal worship to a site to attend on a regular basis, and in truth’ (John 4:24). Jesus – is full of meaning, and supremely we do offer recorded messages (in Christ enjoined: ‘You shall worship relevant to the lives of all humanity. the form of DVDs or MP3s) from the the LORD your God, and Him only We are missing out on some of ministry of the United Church of God shall you serve’ (Matthew 4:10). God’s most wonderful blessings if here in the United Kingdom and those The apostle Paul described his we ignore the observance of His residing in the United States. Please worship of God as, ‘according to commanded day of rest. Request let us know if you wish to receive the Way which they call a sect, so our free booklet Sunset to Sunset: these messages. I worship the God of my fathers, God’s Sabbath Rest.

6 The British & European Supplement toThe Good News Questions & Answers

I don’t fully understand your truth about it has largely been hidden of the wicked suffering forever in hell views on the Judgement. from the world. It is at this future time fire. ‘The wages of sin is death’ (Romans Q Surely we can’t all be saved. that God will call these untold millions 6:23). Death is the absence of life. Or can we? to the knowledge of His truth. The reli- All ungodly things will ultimately be P B, Sheffield gious confusion that exists today will purged from the earth. Even the physi- have disappeared forever. At the time cal elements will melt and disappear Although the doctrine of of the millennium and the Great White (2 Peter 3:7-13). Yet the glorious absolute universal salvation is Throne Judgement to follow, ‘They Kingdom comprising God, Jesus Christ A a false one, God holds out a shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy and all the glorified saints will remain great hope for all those who have never mountain, for the earth shall be full of forever, along with all the holy angels heard or really understood His message the knowledge of the Lord as the waters who serve God. God the Father will be of salvation. The Bible assures us that cover the sea’ (11:9). Most people today present on this earth and bring every the vast majority of human beings who do not really know God or His truth. heavenly blessing to His children have ever lived are going to be saved Unlike the firstfruits of God, who (Revelation 21:1-3). Death and sorrow (Romans 11:26). will be resurrected to everlasting life will be but a faded memory (verse 4). Our loving Father in heaven does with a new spirit body (1 Corinthians This explanation is but a summary not doom people to the fiery hell 15:22-23, 51-54), the second resurrec- of all these events. To truly understand preached by many mainstream tion will be to a physical life, as shown the encouraging details, request our free churches. (If you would like to under- by the vision of dry bones given new booklets What Happens After Death? stand the truth about this false teaching, life in Ezekiel 37:1-14. The Scriptures and God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise request our free booklet Heaven and show that over time the overwhelming of Hope for all Mankind. Hell: What Does the Bible Really majority of these people will repent of Teach?) their sins, accept the sacrifice of Jesus Who are The Good News The apostle Paul told Timothy that Christ for forgiveness and be saved. group? Is it a denomination or ‘God desires all men to be saved and However, God will not force salva- Q a church? to come to the knowledge of the truth’ tion on those relatively few who, after E H M, Glasgow, Scotland (1 Timothy 2:4). This is not happening their minds have been opened to His in this present age of man, but it will truth (having been given every chance Our free booklet This Is the occur after Jesus Christ returns to this to repent of their sins), still stubbornly United Church of God earth. Revelation 20 speaks of the persist in practicing a sinful way of life. A answers your questions. restraint of Satan, and Christ’s millennial As Revelation 20 tells us, they will Additionally, the companion booklet, reign. The firstfruits of God (those saints be thrown into a lake of fire and simply The Church Jesus Built, gives a broad saved during this age) will rule with cease to exist. It will be as though they overview of the Church over the last Christ after the first resurrection (verse 6). had not been. Their punishment is not nearly 2,000 years. However, that is not the end of the eternal life in hell fire. The Hebrew Taken together these two booklets story. prophet Malachi reports that those who render a much-needed overall perspec- ‘The rest of the dead did not live are saved shall ‘trample the wicked, for tive of what the Church should be and again until the thousand years were fin- they shall be ashes under the soles of how it would carry out its mission to ished’ (emphasis added throughout). your feet’ (Malachi 4:3). Their fate is far preach and publish the gospel to the But why this second resurrection? The more merciful than the unbiblical view world (Matthew 28:18-20).

If You Would Like to Help The United Church of God – British Isles is registered as a charity in England and Wales (number 1079192). The publica- tion of this Supplement and other literature is funded by the generosity of members of the Church, co-workers and our readers. Following Jesus Christ’s instruction (Matthew 10:8), it is supplied free of charge so that His message can be made available to all. We are grateful to those who assist financially in the work done by The Good News. Donations may be sent to: The United Church of God, PO Box 705, WATFORD WD19 6FZ, United Kingdom, or donated online at www.charitychoice.co.uk by selecting ‘search’ and entering ‘United Church of God’.

July/August 2007 7 Letters From Our Readers

The Good News contribution on a regular basis. now know that I have never really The Good News is a very inspira- K O, East Finchley, London understood the Bible before. tional magazine and I am proud of the • Please see the box at the bottom of S O, Libya work you are doing. I wish the world, page 7. Enquiry about especially this part of the world, would the biblical festivals Finding the true God . . . turn away from evil and sin. Your I would like you to send me a list of It has taken me 37 years to find you. magazine actually reveals a lot of truth the Jewish feasts and festivals and what Now my faith in God and Jesus Christ of the end time – but still a lot of people they meant. Do they mean anything to goes from strength to strength. Keep up doubt this. Someone actually called me the Christian? What are the dates they your much needed work. Thank you for a fool for believing in God and His Son are held on today? helping me to find the true God. Jesus Christ. How sad! I think you and W S, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland all Christians need to spread The Good M W, Boston, Lincs News a lot more. The Ten Commandments • We have posted our free booklet A O, London and other booklets God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of I have just returned from two weeks Hope for All Mankind. This attractively I enjoy reading The Good News arti- holiday. I took The Ten Commandments printed publication answers all the cles. They are full of wonderful teach- booklet with me to read and God’s questions you pose – including the exact ing and information about biblical Word, the Bible. I found out so much dates for many years. Other readers truths. I love the last issue on ‘How You more information, combining reading who may wonder about these matters Can Help Your Child Succeed’. It was a both together. are very welcome to request this booklet blessing to my family. S D, Banwell as well. Mrs V N, Dublin I would like to say thank you for Questions about Your magazine brings our family revealing to me the way to true salva- attending Church tion. Your booklets are eye opening. hope amongst all the dreadful things Is there a Church congregation near P F, Neath, South Wales that happen every day around us. We where I live? I can travel to Port Talbot prefer to read your good news rather Free Bible Study Course by bus. I would like very much to fel- than watch the bad news on TV. May I take this opportunity to lowship with others. B H, Reading thank you for an excellent Bible Study Mrs A C, Port Talbot, South Wales Course? I find it very enlightening and I have found many articles in The comforting too, having lost my wife due Please can you tell me the nearest Good News helpful in clarifying my to cancer. If I may, I would like to rec- Church to my address? I would like to thinking. It is often difficult in this con- ommend a friend of mine who would contribute when I can towards your fusing and worrying world to distin- also like to do a Bible study course. good work. I enclose a donation. guish between bigotry and genuine R M, Belfast Mrs D J D, Devizes concern about the way acceptable behaviour and justice are being eroded. The Bible Study Course contains • We have sent you the telephone Your articles have definitely helped. very good teaching and has given me number of the nearest elder. Our more insight in how to understand the Mrs I B, Peel, Isle of Man congregations are fewer in number Bible. I look forward to receiving the than we would like. Please pray that I really enjoy reading The Good rest of the lessons. God would send more labourers into News and the British and European D C, Dagenham, Essex His work (Matthew 9:37). DVDs and Supplement. Please kindly send me I must inform you that I have gained MP3 recordings of sermons are avail- details on how I can make a small a lot from your Bible Study Course. I able upon request.

8 The British & European Supplement to The Good News