“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it… ” (Genesis 1:28). The first thing God asked us to do was multiply. In other words, divine multiplication has been around since the beginning of time. God wants to partner with you to multiply in every area of life. Grow the kingdom. Some see that as an implied command; others may view that as implied pressure? The first is quite clear “Grow the Kingdom….” What does scripture say about God and pressure? “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while” (Matthew 13:20-21). What is my point here? Benevolent and godly friends are often asked to participate; step up if you will. Sometimes in desperation of impending collapse or in need to meet obligations or to simply follow and support the command to grow. The Good News follows scripture, suggesting help and hope is on the way. We devote our time and treasure to highlight the works and deeds of primarily Christian charities appropriately scheduled each Thanksgiving in our November editions. https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2023/november/ Each month the GN publishes important monthly columns from renowned leaders in most disciplines aptly correlating “disciples”: Perspectives by Stephan Tchividjian, Church United by Edwin Copeland, In The Word by Franklin Graham, Parenting by Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts, Marriage by Lisa May, Foster Care by Kevin Enders, The Code by Dr. O.S. Hawkins, You Ask Why by Dr. Tommy Boland, Legal Advice and your Rights by Attorney William C. Davell, Insight by Rob Hoskins and Encouragement by Omar Aleman. All to nourish the soul of a community. We take on hundreds and thousands of new readers each month, praise the Lord, so some things need repeating just as we pray constantly to seek help and hope. So again, you may ponder what is my point? I am reminded constantly by my obedient friends; they are pre-committed to helping with their treasure, but their most difficult decisions concern: are they asked to carry the load, or will their involvement serve to inspire others to help get the job done? And will it be fruitful and multiply? Many major donors will embrace a good cause and offer “Matching Funds.” That means they pledge to donate a sum of money and will not inject the funds until the charity shows proof they raised new money in that equal amount. As one valued friend often remarks, “Trust but verify.” We, the Church, the faithful are commanded to make disciples. How are we approaching that command? How do we measure; what is the metric? Some churches embrace that challenge with inventive applications, yet others see the heavy lift and feel inadequate in staffing to meet the challenge. The Good News continues to offer our pages, our readers, and the intellect and wisdom of our monthly contributors listed above. This is our support to help grow the Kingdom we are commanded to grow. Half of our free distribution is within the larger churches that understand and embrace the power of exposure. Our remaining distribution is a mixture of free vendor locations, mail subscribers and on-line readers. Smaller churches are encouraged to utilize our reach and allow your congregation access to what is happening in our village when reading our insightful articles, community news and timely, free, detailed four-month calendar of activities to supplement where you are currently unable to offer. We offer the Good News as matching dollars to help multiply the Kingdom. Happy Easter, He Is Risen. Les PUBLISHER 6 MARCH 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition South Florida Edition • Good News • March 2024 • Volume 25, Issue 12 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 Meanwhile... – by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . .10 Taking a Stand for Truth – by Franklin Graham CHURCH UNITED . . . . . .12 Church United Embraces “The Missional Moment” – by Edwin Copeland MARRIAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Communication, the Daily Temperature of Your Marriage – by Lisa May PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . .16 How a Simple Apology Can Demonstrate the Significance of Easter by – Dr. Bob and Torrey Roberts FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . . .18 HopeConnect™ Helps Hide the Word of God in the Hearts of Children – by Kevin Enders HEART AND SOUL . . . . .20 A Journey from Skepticism to Faith – by Dr. Debra Schwinn YOU ASK WHY? . . . . . . . 22 The Three “Empty” Promises of Easter – by Dr. Tommy Boland COVER STORY . . . . .24 - 25 Ark Encounter Brings the Epic Story to Life in Biblical Proportions – by Shelly Pond THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 The Promise of Pardon – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins ENCOURAGEMENT . . . .28 Middle Men – by Omar Aleman LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Employee or Contractor? Businesses Must Beware of Changing Rules – by Willia “Bill” C. Davell and Paul Lopez GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW . . . . . . . . .32 - 34 What is something that friends or strangers often incorrectly assume about you? MOVIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Diverse Line-up of Inspiring s Coming to Theaters by – Stanely Goldenberg INSIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 A Sacrifice of Praise by – Rob Hoskins WE GET LETTERS . . . . . .42 NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 - 56 CALENDAR . . . . . . . .58 - 59 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . .60 - 63 Matching Dollars On The Cover The sun sets over the Ark Encounter, a replica of Noah’s Ark built to the actual proportions specified in the Bible. Ark Encounter, located in Williamstown, Kentucky, is one of the top faith-based family destinations in the country. Read the cover article on pages 24-25. Photo Courtesy: Answers in Genesis CONTENTS Good News • March • Volume 25 Issue 12
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