Admittedly, I’m a curious guy. I read a few books here and there. I have conversations with my Brother buddies. I intently listen to the scholars. But having my quiet time in conversation with Jesus? I feel like I’m really having a conversation with myself… Then I ponder… what would it really be like if I had a Time Machine? Lamborghini, Yacht or Time Machine, hmm? Let’s try out the Time Machine. Can I actually have a face-to-face with Jesus? Would I be predictably awestruck and speechless, or would I blabber on with a few what abouts? Let’s try it out… dial me up. Dude, I mean Mr. Jesus, sir …what about those Angels? Really, I visualize a “Tinkerbell” but level with me: what about those Angels? Leslie, can I call you Les? Angels have never been human like you, Les, and humans do not become angels when they die. Angels are not fat babies with wings or beautiful women with an ethereal glow. Angels are spirit beings, created by my Father God to serve Him and humanity (Hebrews 1:14). Go ahead, read about it in the Book (Bible); during their visits to earth, angels always appear as men (Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:26; Matthew 28:1–7). The Bible never describes a female angel. Some questions arise: is there a set number of angels? Is it possible for angels to reproduce? Les, the Bible never directly says whether angels reproduce. Whoa, Jesus I didn’t mean to get that personal… but if you offer, I’m listening. Les, I touched on a related subject when asked about human marriage in eternity. I replied, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). The fact that there is no marriage among angels has led some to believe that angels are “sexless” or genderless. Of course, if angels are genderless, then a safe assumption is that they do not reproduce — but that conclusion cannot be proved from the text. The fact that there is no marriage among angels does not necessarily mean there is no gender and no procreation. Angels do not marry, but we can’t make the leap from “no marriage” to “no gender” or “no reproduction,” however logical such a leap would seem… Ok, Jesus you know I’m gonna ask about walking on water, right? People talk about that as a “miracle”, and it took place when apostle Peter jumps out of a boat and walks on turbulent water to meet me on the sea. The account, which follows on the heels of another illuminating “miracle,” the feeding of the 5,000, is recorded in Matthew 14:22–36. Not only do I walk on the Sea of Galilee here, but Peter walks on the water as well! Several valuable lessons here, Les — some obvious and some not so apparent — are introduced in the account of when Peter walks on water. I had just finished feeding a crowd of thousands with two fish and a few loaves of bread (he smiles) my disciples are beginning to see who they say I am, but their faith in Him still has room for growth. Directly following that “miracle” (That Jesus is a humble guy) I launch into His next lesson. By now it’s evening, and I had not yet had time to get alone with My Father — the very reason I had come to this isolated place near the sea. So I send His disciples on ahead in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Then I (Jesus) make room for time alone with My Father God. This is the first important lesson I felt we can take from the account to help us weather the storms of life. I send the disciples away so I can be alone on the mountain to pray. Even with the needs of so many people pressing, solitary time with Father God my priority. As the disciples are crossing the sea, a fierce and frightening storm kicks up. Very early in the morning, I come walking towards them walking on the water. Thinking I’m a ghost, my disciples are terrified. Even though they have been with me for a long time, they don’t recognize Me as I approach the storm. Les, sometimes we fail to recognize the Lord (they say I Am) when He comes alongside us during our own personal storms. But I, (Jesus) understands the immaturity of our faith. To my disciples, the Lord speaks these words of comfort: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Well, Les, I’m sure you have many more questions, so I suggest we meet regularly: make the time to look me up, please? I do have more, and I will. Time Machine…. Hummm, he was taller than I thought he’d be. -Les Playing the part of Jesus was assisted by excerpts from www.GotQuestions.org. PUBLISHER 6 JUNE 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition South Florida Edition • Good News • June 2024 • Volume 26, Issue 3 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] Leslie J. Feldman PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 The Houseguest – by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Jesus — The Way, the Truth and the Life – by Franklin Graham PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Graduation Season Reminds Us Time Marches On – by Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Healthy Reunification is the Heart of Foster Care – by Tom Lukasik YOU ASK WHY? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Have You Received Your Divine Degree? s– by Dr. Tommy Boland HEART AND SOUL . . . . . . . . . . . .18 From Local Student to Global Scholar: The Transformative Power of a Christian Education– by Dr. Debra Schwinn THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Crossing the Rubicon of Relationships – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins INSIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 6 Ways to Engage Your Teen in Healthy Spiritual Rhythms – by Rob Hoskins ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . .24 The Gospel Truth – by Omar Aleman GOOD NEWS HONORS OUTSTANDING GRADUATES 25 - 40 Class of 2024 Graduates with Expectancy for A Bright Future – by Shelly Pond GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 - 44 What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Does Your Business Employ Noncompete Agreements? You Need to Know About a New Federal Rule– by William “Bill” C. Davell and Paul Lopez WE GET LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . .50 – 58 CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 - 63 A Couple of Questions with Jesus On The Cover Featured on the front cover are 13 Valedictorians and Salutatorians - the best of the best from some of South Florida's top Christian Schools, pictured at Fort Lauderdale Beach. The photo was shot at BrandStar Studio in Deerfield Beach thanks to their willingness to partner with us by making their state-of-the-art facility available to serve the community. Special thanks to Co-Founders Doug Campbell and Mark Alfieri; Deborah, Diaz, Chief Operating Officer; Sam Baloff, production manager; Duane Vaiani, VAD/VFX Supervisor; and their talented team for their creative assistance. Photo Credit: Justus Martin www.justusmartinphoto.com CONTENTS Good News • June • Volume 26 Issue 3
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