Good News - December 2024

I read, I watch, I listen and then most importantly, I think. It’s my way; it’s also a peculiar juxtaposition because when I read the Bible it’s about the past. We take His lessons for the future, and when I deal with current events, it’s the here and now and not as transparent as events that have happened… That’s a simple observation, but not altogether that simple. In dealing in biblical past, we read the word; we even hear and view the word through wonderful aids now being produced and provided by some incredible works like “The Chosen” and Bible study apps like “You Version” among others. I find it interesting that we ponder and dissect events of the past; in contrast we watch and react to current events that impact the future. Why do I find that interesting? I don’t rightly know; I guess anything that makes me think I find interesting. So far, I’ve said nothing. I was never fascinated by history, perhaps because I played no active part. I think of myself as an activist, not a simple observer. They tell us if you don’t learn from the past, you’re bound to make the same mistakes in the future, but I take that as a cliché with good intentions, much like the game of golf. You can play the same 18 hole golf course day after day with different results even though the Tee box and the putting green are in the same position every day, but the wind conditions and the height and growth of the grass and the pin placement subtly change every day. Why then the dramatic difference in results from day to day? It may be as simple as sleeping on the wrong side of the bed and waking up with a sore shoulder or having a headache that can greatly impact your daily performance results, even like night and day. Past results are not always reflective of future actions. I guess that may have been the impetus for creating the word: disclaimer? Savvy investors generally have to live with and understand the disclaimer: Past performance: “past performance is not a guarantee of future results” And risk of loss: “investors can lose some or all of their investment.” The Surgeon General’s warning on a cigarette pack… I admit, I’ve been living with the mantra for most of my life “experience is the cheapest commodity, if you’re smart enough to get it secondhand.” You will have many options, some for family, some for self riches, but most importantly pick a lane and travel with great resolve to follow the example of Jesus Christ to do all you can to make Him proud. “For He Himself has said ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Proudly, I predict 2025 will provide hope and opportunity for all that choose to engage, and I pray for health and safety for everyone. PUBLISHER 6 december 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida edition South Florida Edition • Good News • November 2024 • Volume 26, 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 in more 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 2024. 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] Art Director: Milton McPherson [email protected] Associate Art Director: Joseph Sammaritano [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] Cover Photography: Justus Martin [email protected] PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Unblocked – by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Franklin Graham: Pray Fervently for Our Nation – by Franklin Graham PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Turning Christmas Upside Down by Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts MARRIAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Emptiness – by Lisa May THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Finding Jesus in the Gospel of John: He is the Resurrection and the Life – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins HEART AND SOUL . . . . . . . . . .18 A Sound Like No Other – Dr. Debra A. Schwinn FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 You Are Good News – by Andrew Holmes YOU ASK WHY? . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 They Really Were Wise Men! – by Dr. Tommy Boland GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW . . . . . .24 – 26 What's the most generous thing that's ever happened to you? CHURCH UNITED . . . . . . . . . .28 Church United: A Christmas Story – Edwin Copeland GOOD NEWS CELEBRATES 2024 – 2025 FAITH LEADERS . . . . . . . .29 - 44 INSIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Living in the Messy Middle – by Rob Hoskins ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . . . . . .48 This Land Is My Land – by Omar Aleman LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 AI and You: Let’s Be Careful Out There – by William “Bill” C. Davell and Paul Lopez WE GET LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . .52 COMMUNITY NEWS . . . .54 - 64 CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 - 67 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . .68 - 71 Much Anticipation for 2025 On The Cover Good news Celebrates 2024 – 2025 Faith Leaders in the cover photo shoot graciously hosted by Pastors Tom Manning and Steven Chapman and the talented team at Christian Life Center. Front Row (L to R): Steven Chapman, Christian Life Center; Stephan Tchividjian, National Christian Foundation South Florida; Doug Sauder, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale; Matthew McDaniel, Boca Raton Community Church; Dr. Bob Barnes, Sheridan House Family Ministries; 2nd Row: Josiah Graves, The Exchange Church; Myron Rhodes, Grace Wesleyan Church; Tracy Lewis, The Pentecostals of Coral Springs; Gary Colboch, Grace Church; David Rosa, Church United and Cruciform Church; Dr. Jerry Newcombe, New Presbyterian Church; 3rd Row: Eddie Bevill, Parkridge Church; Jacob Bramos, Victory Life Church; Joe Vitkus, Temple Aron HaKodesh; Dr. Alex Umole, Christian Life Center Sunrise; Bob di Scipio, Hope For All Nations; Darren Davis, Harbour Church; 4th Row: Trevor Wallace, Jesus Team Ministries; Rob Taylor, CrossBridge Church; Bernard King, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship; Ken Kerrigan, Calvary Chapel Pompano Beach; Shawn O’Neill, Christian Life Center West Boca; Duane Roberts, Calvary Chapel Boynton Beach; 5th Row: Larry Lacy, The Answer Church; Dr. Mark George Van Dorn, Florida Faith Church and The International Swimming Hall of Fame; Virgil Sierra, Vertical Church; Dr. Jason Jackson, The Lion’s Den Missions Base; Newton Fairweather, Faith and Joy Church; Steve Daigle, Calvary Chapel Parkland. Photography by Justus Martin wwws.justusmartinphoto.com - Leslie J. Feldman - Good News Publisher CONTENTS Good News • November • Volume 26 Issue 9

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