Each of the past five years as we plan out our Christmas Issue, I am reminded how our spirits rise with anticipation. For many it is a time of hope and merriment; for others it may be disappointment or despair. It is real and that is reality. Perhaps that’s why we come together? We know our role. The smiles on those who grace our 5th Annual December GOOD NEWS front cover are our Faith Leaders who come together and gesture this is our village and we choose Hope. We are thankful they come together and appear on the front cover to greet you as you enter churches throughout South Florida all December. Problems or challenges? Moving right along, I see this on Facebook, an organic 5 week survey; 82,500 respondents with no suggestion of category. Question: If I could rid the world of one thing? (Top 13, parentheses is in thousands) Normally I distrust surveys solely because I believe they are agenda driven based on the polling party taking the “survey.” In this case the survey respondent numbers, over 82,500, would be considered a huge survey by any measure. I accept this organic survey because it is not run by anyone, it is simply a respondent response to a question – thrown out there to anyone; no age, gender or preconceived bias. I am not surprised by the findings or rankings, although I like baked beans, mind you this is a “If I could rid the world of one thing” survey – the field was wide open. Then I notice what was next: religion. Rid the world of one thing, Religion? That takes some serious thought and I chose to see that as a huge challenge. My friends know I like to stir the pot and love response. Personally I generally challenge “friends” to elicit response; I do not unfriend or block people unless they are vulgar – but contrarians are fun and therapy for many. I find I am “unfriended” or blocked by intolerant liberals who only seek affirmation, and the more the better. What do you think? While reading through the list, you may notice “Covid” did not rank high enough to enter the top tier with the assumption perhaps that it is temporary in the minds of most. Mind you these were not one-word responses, many if not most respondents gave their why’s and wherefores with explicit reasoning with no Facebook editing, and some were brutal but also provide a clear window in transparency. I get that there is no biblical attachment to this survey, but the suggestion there is a large unchurched population (that we already know), and it’s not passive. It also provides what I believe is an entry point of necessary dialogue. We know we have a lot of work to do, and we each play a vital role. I pray this is a challenge we accept with enthusiasm: there is Hope; follow Him; we know Him by name. “Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19 NKJV). Merry Christmas to all, Les PUBLISHER 4 DECEMBER 2021 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition South Florida Edition • Good News • November 2021 • Volume 23, Issue 9 Advertising: We reach over 110,000 readers each month. 80,000 in print and 30,000 via our online digital edition. Placing an ad in our publication is affordable and effective to help grow your business. Call us today! Distribution: Available inmore than 800 locations throughout South Florida. To become a free distribution point for the newspaper, please contact Shelly. The Good News is published by Good News Media Group, LLC, Reproduction in whole or part strictly forbidden without the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Good News Media Group, LLC. PO Box 670368, Coral Springs, FL 33067 954-564-5378 • www.goodnewsfl.org Publisher: Leslie J. Feldman [email protected] Editor: Shelly Pond [email protected] Art Director: Milton McPherson [email protected] Advertising & Marketing: Robert “Buddy” Helland Jr. V.P. Sr. Marketing Manager [email protected] Vice President: Michael Denker Corporate Engagement [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] Cover Photography: Justus Martin [email protected] On The Cover Good News Salutes Faith Leaders 2021-2022 in the cover photo shoot graciously hosted by Pastor Rob Pacienza and the staff of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in their grand sanctuary. Pictured from left to right, Front Row: Stephan Tchividjian, President and Co-Founder, National Christian Foundation South Florida; Doug Sauder, Lead Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale; Rob Pacienza, Lead Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church; James R Welch, Lead Pastor, First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale; 2nd Row: Rev. Dr. O’Neal Dozier, Senior Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center; Troy Gramling, Lead Pastor, Potential Church; Eddie Bevill, Pastor, Parkridge Church; Dr. Bob Barnes, CEO, Sheridan House Family Ministries; Edwin Copeland, Executive Director, Church United; 3rd Row: Darren Bennett, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel North Miami; Joe Vitkus, Rabbi, Temple Aron HaKodesh; Dr. Tommy Boland, Pastor, Cross Community Church; Dr. Mark George Van Dorn, Pastor and Chaplain, Florida Faith Church and The International Swimming Hall of Fame; Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church; 4th Row: Rev. Myron Rhodes, Jr., Senior Pastor, Grace Wesleyan Church; Douglas Lidwell, Pastor, Faith Farm Ministries; Dr. Gary Colboch, Senior Pastor , Grace Church; Arthur Connor Jr., Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church; David Cassidy, Lead Pastor, Spanish River Church; Justin Beam, Senior Pastor, New Presbyterian Church; 5th Row: Eddie Vega, Senior Pastor, Fuel Life Fellowship; Alex Umole, Campus Pastor, Christian Life Center Sunrise; Casey Cleveland, Lead Pastor, TheAvenue Church; Dr. PrestonWilliams II, Pastor, Gateway Church; Thomas Manning, Senior Pastor, Christian Life Center Fort Lauderdale; 6th Row: Steven Chapman, Campus Pastor, Christian Life Center Coral Springs; Edgar Pinares, Campus Pastor, Christian Life Center Spanish; Dr. Jason Jackson, Overseer and Senior Pastor, The Lion’s Den Missions Base; Brian McMillian, Campus Pastor, Coastal Community Church, Lighthouse Point; Bob di Scipio, Sr. Pastor, Hope for All Nations Church; Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland; 7th Row: Michael Johnson, Associate Pastor, Jesus TeamMinistries; Brian McMillian, Campus Pastor, Coastal Community Church, Lighthouse Point; Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland; Robert Barron, Pastor, Two Rivers Church; Ray Fowler, Senior Pastor, Plantation Community Church Christmas Blessings PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . .6 Tuesday Nights - by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . . .8 Franklin Graham: The Gospel Can’t Be Stopped – by Franklin Graham INSIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Resurrecting Advent – by Rob Hoskins YOU ASKWHY? . . . . . . . .12 A Christmas Carol – by Tommy Boland LIVE THE LIFE . . . . . . . . . .14 Find the YES! – by Lisa May PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Is It Truly More Blessed To Give Than Receive? – by Dr. Bob Barnes & Torrey Roberts THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Don’t Give In: Be Resistant – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins HEART AND SOUL . . . . .20 Recovery Church Movement Brings Freedom and Purpose to Those inAddiction - by Dr. DebraA. Schwinn VILLAGE HYMNS . . . . . . .22 A Thrill of Hope – by Lane Wood THERE&BACKAGAIN . . .24 Phoebe And The Sisters – by Dr. Gene L. Green ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . .26 Trading Places – by Omar Aleman GOODNEWS WANTS TOKNOW . .28 – 30 What is the best Christmas surprise you've ever received? FAITH LEADERS 2021-2022 . . . . . . . . . .31 – 46 LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . .48 How Do We Avoid Surprise Partners in Our Family Business? - by William C. Davell CALENDAR . . . . . . . .68 – 69 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . .71 - 74 1. Hate (13.7) 2. Cancer (10.8) 3. Politics (10.3) 4. Racism (4.9) 5. Government (3.5) 6. Ignorance (3.3) 7. Baked beans (3.1) 8. Religion (3.0) 9. Israel (2.1) 10. Abuse (1.9) 11. Poverty (1.9) 12. Social Media (1.6) 13. Vegetables (831) C O N T E N T S Good News • November 2021 • Volume 23 Issue 9
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