Commentary
23rd December 2020
J. Davy Crockett III
As winter winds begin blowing, crowds of people, undaunted by the global pandemic, head to the evergreen lots. The sights, sounds, and smells of the cherished season bring people out in droves. While artificial trees have become popular, the evergreen tree is by far the most popular symbol of the season. Various customs, such as selecting the tree, setting it up and decorating it, and placing gifts and special treats under its boughs, are all part of the annual tradition that occurs on December...
Magazine Articles
2003 November-December
Douglas S. Winnail
Is world peace really possible? The quest for peace seems endless. It is in the news almost every day, yet our world grows more brutal by the minute!
Magazine Articles
2023 January
Douglas S. Winnail
Many are familiar with the scriptural refrain “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” But will true world peace ever be possible?
Magazine Articles
2018 November-December
Gerald E. Weston
The biggest holiday in the world is coming! Billions worldwide will celebrate the fictional birthday of Jesus the Christ, but discerning people question whether someone who claims to be Christian should have anything to do with it. They ask, “Why do people attempt to Christianize a day steeped in pre-Christian, pagan practices? Why do they celebrate the birth of their Savior on the birthday of an imaginary sun god?” That the celebration of Christmas originates in paganism is indisputable!
Few...
Commentary
4th December 2008
Dan Hall
The day after Thanksgiving has traditionally been the biggest shopping day of the year and the "kickoff" to the holiday shopping frenzy. "Black Friday," as retailers and businesses alike have dubbed it, is a day that economists predict most companies move from the "red" to the "black," and begin to realize a profit for the year.
Commentary
28th December 2010
Roger Meyer
Most people don't realize it, but their religion is a blend of paganism and Christianity. Is that a good thing? Does it make any difference to God that at least part of one's beliefs and practices came from a pagan religion?
Syncretism is "the combination of different forms of belief or practice" according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. In an article on syncretism in the 1911 edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, it says: "Its (syncretism) most frequent use, however, is...
Magazine Articles
2006 November-December
Douglas S. Winnail
Everyone has heard of Harry Potter. You may even know a few Wiccans who worship "the goddess." Yet few realize that a pagan revival is extending to where you might least expect it—to churches calling themselves "Christian"!
Magazine Articles
2010 July-August
Richard F. Ames (1936-2024)
Most of us have our own idea about Jesus, formed from what other people have taught us. But have you ever really looked at what the Bible says about Jesus Christ? What was He doing when He was on planet Earth—and what is He doing now for you, and for your future?
Magazine Articles
2002 November-December
Richard F. Ames (1936-2024)
Is Jesus Christ alive? If He is, where is He? What is He doing? What are His future plans? Many call themselves Christians, but surprisingly few know the true Jesus of the Bible, the importance of His life, death and resurrection, and His amazing plan for mankind's future.
Magazine Articles
2018 March-April
Richard F. Ames (1936-2024)
Some claim He is only a myth, while others say He was merely a man. But who was the real Jesus Christ? And what does His life and message mean today?