On The Cover Good News Celebrates 2022-2023 Faith leaders in the cover photo shoot graciously hosted by Pastor David Cassidy, Pastor Mike Veitz and the talented team at Spanish River Church. Front Row: Bill Mitchell, Senior Pastor, Boca Raton Community Church; Doug Sauder, Lead Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale; Mike Veitz, Director of Evangelism and Outreach, Spanish River Church; Stephan Tchividjian, President, Church United, powered by the National Christian Foundation South Florida; Bernard King, Sr., Pastor, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship; 2nd Row: Darren Bennett, Pastor, Calvary Chapel North Miami; Casey Cleveland, Lead Pastor, The Avenue Church; Trevor Wallace, Pastor, Jesus Team Ministries; Rob Pacienza, Senior Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church; Troy Gramling, Lead Pastor, Potential Church; 3rd Row: Ken Kerrigan, Calvary Chapel Cornerstone Church; Darren Davis, Pastor, Harbour South Florida; James Welch, Pastor, First Baptist Fort Lauderdale; Rev. Dr. Alex Umole, Pastor, Christian Life Center, Sunrise; Joe Vitkus, Senior Rabbi, Temple Aron HaKodesh; 4th Row: Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church; Rev. Myron Rhodes, Jr., Senior Pastor, GraceWesleyan; Rev. Dr. O’Neal Dozier, Senior Pastor, TheWorldwide Christian Center; Anton Venter, Doxa Deo/City Changers; Don Karpinen, Founding Pastor, Victory Church; 5th Row: Dr. Mark Van Dorn, Pastor and Chaplain, Florida Faith Church and the International Swimming Hall of Fame; Bob di Scipio, Pastor, Hope for All Nations Church; Arthur Connor, Jr., Lead Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church; Dr. Jason Jackson, Overseer and Senior Pastor, The Lions Den Missions Base; Dr. Ronny A. Bramos, Senior Pastor, Victory Life Church; Newton Fairweather, Pastor, Faith and Joy Church; 6th Row: Bishop Dr. Preston Williams, II, Pastor, Gateway Church; Brian Quigley, Pastor, Calvary Chapel North Lauderdale; Josiah Graves, Pastor, The Exchange Church; Eddie Vega, Senior Pastor, Fuel Life Fellowship; Virgil Sierra, Lead Pastor, Vertical Church (Iglesia Vertical);Brian McMillian, Location Pastor, Coastal Community Church; Back Row: Josh Mitchael, Location Pastor, Coastal Community Church; Samuel Roman, Campus Pastor, Christian Life Center, Tamarac; Anthony Scibelli, Pastor, Calvary Chapel West Boca. Photography by Justus Martin www.justusmartinphoto.com PUBLISHER 6 December 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida edition How old is Santa? Exactly how old is Santa? According to my haphazard research, Santa Claus is 1,751 years old as of 2022. In fact, the origins of Santa Claus can be traced all the way back to a monk named Saint Nicholas, who was born between 260 and 280 A.D. in a village called Patara, which is part of modern-day Turkey. Why does Santa wear red? Saint Nicholas, a 4th Century Greek bishop famously wore red robes while giving gifts to the poor, especially children, and theEnglish folk figure "Father Christmas," whose robeswere originally green, turned red over time. Really? What does the Christmas tree symbolize in the Bible? Some believe this verse means the tree is a celebratory symbol based on theworship of God. “On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees - frompalms, willows and other leafy trees - and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days” (Leviticus 23:40 NIV). Does Coca-Cola own Santa Claus? The Christmas myth is that Coke owns the Santa Claus image. But it's not true! Even though Coca-Cola originated some of the character's defining features, the company is not the author and, therefore, has no copyright on that character. Why is Christmas important to Christians? Christmas is a time to remember that when Jesus was born, God became human. This allowed God to save humanity from sin. Without the incarnation of Jesus, Christianity could not exist. Christmas is a time for Christians to remember that they are part of a global community, despite differences within Christianity. Who decided December 25th was Jesus birthday? In the late 330sAD, Pope Julius I declared: “December 25th, Christ born in Bethlehem, Judea. What does Luke say about Christmas? Spread theGoodNews of Christmas: “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). I’ve been reading a lot about Paul lately and in my past all I knew about Paul was more likely Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Paul Newman, or Paul Manafort …. So my curiosity abounds. What does Paul say about Christmas? Celebrating the birth of Jesus. It's celebrating that Mary the virgin brings forth a child who has no human father… Hummm, would some consider this IMPOSSIBLE? but as a believer it is what it is because after all, He is GOD. Merry Christmas everyone! Les South Florida Edition • Good News • December 2022 • Volume 24, 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 2022. 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] Advertising & Marketing: Robert “Buddy” Helland Jr. V.P. Sr. Marketing Manager [email protected] Bill Harvey Director of Special Sections [email protected] Art Director: Milton McPherson [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] Cover Photography: Justus Martin [email protected] Questions, I have questions constantly… PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . .8 I Love You, Bono – by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . .10 The Government Will Rest on His Shoulders – by Franklin Graham REFLECTION . . . . . . . . . . .12 I Remember Mother in a Special Way – by Newton Fairweather PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . .14 My Best Christmas – by Dr. Bob Barnes & Torrey Roberts FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . . .16 AMessage from the Front Lines – by Kevin Enders YOU ASKWHY? . . . . . . . 18 The “AAA” Message of The Manger – by Dr. Tommy Boland MARRIAGE . . . . . . . . . . . .20 A Good Conversation - by Lisa May FAITH AND VOCATION 22 What is Faith and Vocation? A Theology of Work - Gianluca Cueva THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Heaven – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins HEART AND SOUL . . . . .26 Accident Victim Chooses Forgiveness over Bitterness; Finds New Calling to Serve – by Dr. Debra A. Schwinn INSIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 The Christmas Story: What Gifts Are You Bringing into The New Season? – by Rob Hoskins FAITH LEADERS 2022-2023 29 - 44 GOODNEWS WANTS TOKNOW . .46 - 48 What are the best and worst purchases you’ve ever made? ENCOURAGEMENT . . . .50 Pocket Change – by Omar Aleman LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . .52 The Rules for Business Texts in One Word: Don’t! – byWilliam“Bill”Davell andCharles“Chuck” Tatelbaum VILLAGE HYMNS . . . . . . .54 The Season of Giving - Jonas Maldonado CALENDAR . . . . . . .66 - 67 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . .68 - 71 Leslie J. Feldman C O N T E N T S Good News • December • Volume 24 Issue 9
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