Largest Christian Newspaper in America • goodnewsfl.org • January 2025 • Volume 26, Issue 10
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We are proud of our renowned, top drawer monthly columnists and their incredible contributions. We also honor our standing features like “Good News Wants To Know” featuring 30 to 40 prominent South Florida Christian/ business leaders, our traditional 4-month calendar and many other features, but here we highlight our front cover features and noteworthy articles published each month in timely news worthy fashion for our readers. We had a very active year. January: Christians stand with Israel. After brutal October 7th attack. COVER FEATURE: Dr. Susan Michael, USA Director International Christian Embassy Jerusalem leads a contingent in Washington, D.C. to stand with Israel, under brutal attack from HAMAS And rising antisemitism in America, and the need to stand against it. Cover Feature Story. Inside: BBX Capital Inc. Deepens commitment to Habitat for Humanity of Broward with generous $150,000. Hanna’s Home breaks ground on expanded housing. Holy Cross Hospital surpasses $7 Million in foundation gifts. February: BiG Children’s Foundation announces Education Center for At-Risk Youth. For Teens in Foster Care. Cover Feature Story. Inside: Samaritan’s Purse Provides Ambulances in honor of fallen Israeli Medics. Open Doors World Watch List Reveals increase in Christian Persecution. Danny Gokey to perform at West Palm Beach Music Festival. March: Ark Encounter, Williamstown, Kentucky. Brings the Epic Story to life in actual Biblical Proportions. Cover Feature Story. Inside: Galentine’s Brunch raises $70,000 for 4KIDS. Boca Raton Christian School turns 50. Metropolitan Baptist Church in Hollywood, Florida in “Christ over Cupid” Seminar Reaches Youth. The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) presented Coral Ridge Miniseries (CRM) with the prestigious “Milestone Award.” FCA Baptizes Athletes. April: Pastor Doug Sauder: A Decade of Collaborative Leadership Leads Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale into its 40th Year. Cover Feature Story. Inside: SUMMER CAMP GUIDE, 8-Page pull-out section with 46 Christian camps and vacation Bible Schools with dates, locations and options. 4KIDS Opens doors in Miami. 16th Annual BIG CARDIO EVENT, BiG Children’s Foundation for At-Risk Children. StrikeForce 421 Marks $1.5 Million in Giving. CBMC National Prayer Breakfast in Omaha, Nebraska features Good News columnist Omar Aleman as Keynote speaker. May: GOOD NEWS CELEBRATES WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2024. Cover Feature Story celebrates nine Women who make a difference. Inside: South Florida celebrates Easter 2024. Dr. Robert J. Pacienza and Coral Ridge Ministries commission 2024 Spiritual State of the National Survey to Coral Ridge Ministries’ supporters. 4KIDS CULINARY TAKEOFF. HOUSE OF PROTECTION celebrates 20 years. June: Congratulations Graduates! Class of 2024 graduates with expectancy for a bright future. Cover Feature Story. This is the eighth annual Good News Feature, celebrating graduating seniors in a 16-Page pull-out Section. Inside: Billy Graham statue unveiled in the United States capitol, With Graham-Tchividjian families. Cavalry Christian Academy unveils newly constructed Fieldhouse. Knox Seminary graduates encouraged to cultivate trust. PUBLISHER 6 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition South Florida Edition • Good News • January 2025 • Volume 26, Issue 10 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 2025. 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 My Rabbi – by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Franklin Graham: Until Jesus Comes, We Have Our Marching Orders – by Franklin Graham PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Give Children the Gift of Learning Time Management - by Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts MARRIAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Intentionally Meaningful Conversations – by Lisa May ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 To the Future and Back – by Omar Aleman HEART AND SOUL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Nation of Unity: A Lesson from President George Washington – Dr. Debra A. Schwinn THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Who Am I? - Dr. O.S. Hawkins FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 A New Creation – by Andrew Holmes GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW . . . . .24 – 26 What is your most cherished memory of 2024? COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Hope Women’s Centers - Creating A Culture of Life – Shelly Pond YOU ASK WHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Let that Light of Yours Shine - Dr. Tommy Boland HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Reading the Bible and Human Flourishing - by Jerry Newcombe LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Selling Goods in Florida? Here’s What You Should Know – by William “Bill” C. Davell and Charles Tatelbaum WE GET LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . . .38 - 40 CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 - 43 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 - 47 A Look Back at 2024 through the Pages of GOOD NEWS On The Cover The leadership team of Hope Women’s Centers is creating a culture of life by encouraging and equipping women and men to make informed life-affirming decisions regarding unexpected pregnancies while sharing the love of Christ. Pictured from left to right: Ted Key, Board of Directors Vice Chair; Judy Ryan, Board of Directors Chair; Chris Cottone, Board of Directors Treasurer; Joy Wright, Executive Director; Bernita Blanton, Board of Directors Secretary; Not pictured: Dr. Tina Spires, Board of Directors; and LeeAnn Hansen, Board of Directors. This photo was taken 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; Devon Vital, Director of Operations; Sarah Mohammed, Operations Manager; Duane Vaiani, VAD / VFX Supervisor, and their talented team for their creative assistance. Photo credit: Justus Martin www.justusmartinphoto.com - Leslie J. Feldman - Good News Publisher (Continued on Pg. 16) C O N T E N T S Good News • January • Volume 26 Issue 10
PERSPECTIVE 8 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition Every year I try and identify a word that best describes what God is impressing upon me. For example, last year the word was “prutention” (yes, a made-up word). Prutention was a combination of prudent and attention. God was leading me to pay attention and govern well. The compass heading was helpful and a good reminder as I navigated the year. This year the word the Lord has impressed upon me is “remnant”. The official definition of remnant is “a usually small part, member or trace remaining”. Biblically, it usually referred to a group of people remaining faithful to God and His promises. I am not exactly sure why He has impressed upon me this word, though I believe its aspirational and instructional. I recently read a report from Barna (the Christian version of a Gallop poll) that indicated in 2024, that just 6% of self-identified Christians possess a biblical worldview, meaning their beliefs and actions align with biblical teachings. Therefore, God has my attention when He draws my attention to this unusual word – remnant. I am intimidated by it, humbled by it and certainly don’t want to be presumptuous in assuming I am the remnant. My dependence upon God’s daily provision and guidance can’t be minimized. I was seven or eight when this little painting of an old wise man, probably a rabbi, caught my eye. The artist was selling his wares on the streets of Paris. I am not sure what about this painting caught my imagination as a young boy, but I insisted on getting it. I remember to this day that the painting was still wet with paint when I bought it, carefully caring for it as we made our trip home to the United States. The painting is still in my possession, hangs in my home and brings back some great memories. I have heard that when you don’t feel good, you default to things that bring you great memories. We yearn for that favorite meal that your mother would cook, that old TV show you used to watch, a conversation with an old friend, a favorite hymn, that comfortable pair of shoes or a favorite little painting, all of which remind you of a happy time. As we embark on a new year, the 25th of a new century, I can’t help but find myself reflecting on the past but also anticipating the “next”. The noise is deafening as we try to maneuver and manage the “next”. Sometimes I am very optimistic and a bit giddy about my “next” and other times I am downright depressed. The range of emotions can cause you to be unclear about how to interpret each day, each conversation and each decision. I have a desire to reach for things that are proven, solid, faithful, predictable and stable. I find myself revisiting the fundamentals of my faith, the basics, the very things that have attracted me all of these years. My walk with Jesus does this. The algorithm I had the opportunity to listen to a short commencement message by the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who had served as Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom since 2009. I have always appreciated his ability to communicate the deeper elements of Judaism in a contemporary and sometimes humorous manner. I sense he is a wise man. During his commencement message, he spoke of the “algorithm of being a Jew,” an interesting title for a speech. I listened and I learned. Typically, when we hear about algorithms, we think about things like Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Netflix and various other scientific things, not usually our faith. However, think of an algorithm as simply “a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations and/or problem-solving operations.” The rabbi outlined to a spongy crowd, in a few short minutes, God’s design and process. I was intrigued because I could not help but translate some of these principals to my own Christian faith, thinking of God’s algorithm or process for me, for us, for the world. Relationships I am reminded that all of my key relationships are strengthened by my faith. Relationships are difficult because there are so many competing motivations with each relationship. There exists a tension between what I want from the relationship and what I can contribute. I am prone to prejudge one’s actions. I have been hardwired to attach expectations to each relationship. I am not fully transparent or honest, and I have the ability to dismiss a person. However, I am created to be in relationship, and I would argue that the most cherished aspects of my life are my relationships. I learn from relationships. I grow from relationships. I find meaning through relationships, and relationships are the fields by which I serve my God and express my love for Him. Rest I am also reminded how important it is to rest. God has created us to incorporate a Sabbath, a rest. God created me to work, it’s part of my worship, and He has also created me to rest, it too is part of my worship. I am designed by my creator to need rest, and when I violate that core principle, it’s not only a show of my arrogance, but it’s also toxic and harmful. How do we find rest in such a busy and noisy world? I must be intentional about the rhythm of life because it does not come naturally, and often the reason it does not come naturally is because I am still deriving my worth from what I do more so than who I am. Rest, as God intended, has a way of resetting this rhythm. Gratitude I revisit the importance of gratitude to my faith. God gives me the capacity to be grateful, though it’s a learned trait and one that must be exercised regularly. I am surprised by how often I default to complaining (even in a nice way) and tend to drift towards disappointment, coveting, jealousy, worry, anxiety, fear and the like. Therefore, rather than just feel guilty about my lack of gratitude and futilely try to change, I simply need to stop. Stopping allows me to reflect on His incredible grace, mercy, love and the provisions and protections that are associated with being one of His own. Gratitude puts me in my proper place; it fits me like a comfortable sweater. Grace Lastly, I am reminded how gracious God is with me as He is always guiding me to learn and grow. He shows me the way. He truly is my Rabbi. I find that God is gracious by extending to me an internal moral code, that inner voice that says, “no” or “yes”. I have grandchildren of various ages and personalities. I find great joy in watching them learn. Recently several have learned to swim while others are learning to clean up after themselves, and some find great delight in helping with baking a sheet of sugar cookies. Each occasion brings great delight to their faces, which in turn also brings great delight to their teacher, parent, loved ones. I have watched my grandchildren develop that internal moral code too. God is patient with us as we learn, grow and develop, and when I fail and stumble, He is there to clean up the mess, teach me a better way and give me hope for a better day. God never ceases His work. Therefore, as I reflect on what it means to be a part of His “remnant” and navigate the difficult times, the temptation to mix and compromise my faith with unhealthy ingredients, and to manage the unexpected, it’s good for me to be reminded that my ultimate source of faithfulness is found in my God, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I guess now I know why I picked that painting. My Rabbi caught my eye even as a little boy and continues to keep His eye on me, always present, always protecting and always providing. Stephan N. Tchividjian is the CEO and co-founder of the National Christian Foundation South Florida. Visit southflorida.ncfgiving.com to learn more. My Rabbi - Stephan Tchividjian - CEO and Co-Founder, National Christian Foundation South Florida
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10 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition IN THE WORD We witnessed one of the greatest political comebacks in U.S. history as Donald J. Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, becoming only the second president ever to win two non-consecutive terms. When President-elect Trump is sworn in to the White House on Jan. 20, he will have a majority in the U.S. Senate and quite possibly in the U.S. House of Representatives, though that was too close to call at press time. In his victory speech, President Trump pointedly referenced the assassination attempts: “Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason,” he said. Donald Trump’s election win is historic in many ways. Millions and millions of people were praying, and I believe God allowed it by His merciful hand. We certainly need to continue in prayer for President Trump in the days to come as he assembles a team to lead our nation. We need godly men and women who will make policies that best reflect Biblical values, so that as Scripture informs us, we “may live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (2 Timothy 2:2). As this year comes to a close and the New Year begins, I can assure you the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will as always be eagerly about our one great and consuming goal — preaching the saving Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We desire to see as many people as possible saved, “not wishing that any would perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This has been BGEA’s marching order for more than seven decades. Matthew 28:18-20 records Jesus’ Great Commission: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” When I think about what it means to dutifully obey and faithfully follow Jesus’ commands, I’m reminded of the historical account of an officer in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Eighty years ago, in 1944, Hiroo Onoda, a second lieutenant, was assigned a covert mission by his commanding officer to gather intelligence on the Philippine island of Lubang, located just outside Manila Bay. Onoda was commanded to avoid fighting the enemy or being captured and to continue his secret surveillance until his commanding officer returned for him. So when the war ended, Onoda remained in the jungle for 28 years awaiting evacuation orders to be personally delivered by his superior. Occasionally, he got into a skirmish and reportedly killed more than 30 Filipinos over those years, refusing to leave the battlefield he had sworn to occupy until his commanding officer released him from his assignment. He even ignored the pleas of his mother, whom the Philippine government had brought to make her appeal through a bullhorn. After nearly three decades, a Japanese explorer named Suzuki set out in 1974 to find Onoda, completing the mission in four days. Onoda told the explorer he would not surrender unless his orders were rescinded by his commanding officer. Suzuki relayed Onoda’s demands to the Japanese government. Officials tracked down the former commanding officer-turned-bookseller and had him squeeze into his old military uniform and return to Lubang Island. Then and only then would Hiroo Onoda come out of the jungle. His commanding officer saluted Onoda and finally read the surrender order. Onoda still had a backpack with 500 rounds of ammunition, a couple of hand grenades and a rifle. He placed the backpack on the ground and put his rifle on top, and then he cried. He surrendered. Jesus commanded His followers to go into all the world. That’s exactly what the early disciples did, and that order is still in place for every person who follows the Lord Jesus Christ. We’re to proclaim the Gospel — the Good News that God loves sinners; that Jesus Christ shed His blood and died for our sins; that He was raised to life and is coming back. Yes, Jesus is coming back. But until then, we still have these orders, and they haven’t been rescinded. That’s why the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association does what it does. Jesus’ last words on Earth, before He ascended to Heaven following His resurrection from the grave, are recorded in Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Jesus’ last words should remain our first priority until He returns. And this is what we have done throughout 2024, beginning with Mexico City, followed by a 10-city tour along our nation’s Southern border, Krakow, Poland, and the United Kingdom, before ending the year by proclaiming the Gospel this month in Can Tho, Vietnam. Please pray for a harvest of souls as I also preach in Can Tho, the secondlargest city in Vietnam. Prayer is crucial because only God can change hearts. The Prophet Zechariah proclaimed, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). Until Jesus Christ returns or calls us Heavenward, we must be faithful in obeying His command to make disciples of all nations. ©2024 BGEA Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Decision magazine, November 2024; ©2024 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; used by permission, all rights reserved. Franklin Graham: Until Jesus Comes, We Have Our Marching Orders Jesus commanded His followers to go into all the world. That’s exactly what the early disciples did, and that order is still in place for every person who follows the Lord Jesus Christ.” “ - Franklin Graham - President and CEO Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
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12 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition PARENTING Last month I received a phone call from a parent asking my opinion about Play Station 5 and other forms of video games. The mother calling asked, “Don’t these video games become addictive and cause kids to waste many precious hours of time? We bought a Play Station 5 for our kids for Christmas, but I’m thinking about taking it back. I’m also thinking we should not have these temptations in our home.” It is not the devices that are the problem. The problem is some games that children play are very unhealthy and unacceptable. (Pay attention to the rating system.) On the other hand, sports and other games can be fun…especially for a parent and child to play together. (However, the parent will never be able to win!) My children get so far ahead of me in Mario that I am forced into a bubble. When this happens they repeatedly ask me to “just stay in the bubble mom, we can go faster that way!” Modern-day toys teach modern-day lessons The second issue of hours being wasted can and should be turned into an opportunity to teach life lessons. Parents need to give their children the opportunity to learn to use time limits, whether it be phones, tablets or gaming systems. For example, if a family sets up the boundary of gaming time will be a total of 4 hours for the week. This will force the child to decide when he will play. Knowing that he has a preset amount of time to play games will teach them to delay the gratification and save it for the weekend rather than use all of the game time at the beginning of the week or the first afternoon. He will have to learn to schedule his time rather than just sit for hours at a game because he is bored. If the child violates the hours rule (and he will because he is a child), he loses the game for the next week. It is his choice and his responsibility to check in with mom and dad, and also his responsibility to keep the time schedule. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep an eye on the clock and enforce the rule. It is also the parent’s responsibility to use modernday toys to teach a much-needed modern-day lesson. Are you managing or training? Some might ask, “Wouldn’t it be easier just to avoid the game altogether? Why go through all this trouble?” To avoid these training opportunities means choosing to be a Managing Adult in your household rather than a Training Parent in your home. The job of parenting calls us to “train up our children in the way they should go/” Some of the places our children will need to go in life include time management, delayed gratification and saying “No” to one’s own desires. We have used an old phrase improperly. When you hear someone say, “It is about time!” you take it to mean frustration over something being late. This old phrase is truer than we can ever realize. Life is really about “time”. Life boils down to how you spend your time, what you accomplish, and what time you budget for healthy recreation. Life also boils down to what time you spend alone with God, and what time you give away for God. Life is about time and the management of our time, rather than the mindless wasting of the time allotted to us. Role model time management It is also up to us as parents to role model this in our homes. That may cause us to step back and evaluate how we are managing our time. For me, it is so easy to get lost in the world of social media and not realize how long I have been on my phone. Setting boundaries for myself allows my children to observe that I have a timer on my phone and when that goes off the phone gets put down. Or when we are at dinner the phones are put away. Role modeling time management for ourselves speaks volumes to our children. Our children are growing up in a world that is increasingly placing demands on their time. There are numerous things they can fill their lives with every hour of the day, but they cannot do it all. If we do not teach them to budget their time they will miss out on the things they are supposed to do…things they were really meant to do. Use this year’s Christmas gifts to teach the important lessons they will need…and take this new year to evaluate your own time management! When it comes to living a life that is pleasing to God, it is certainly about time! Visit parentingonpurpose.org for more advice from Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts. - Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts - Sheridan House Family Ministries Give Children the Gift of Learning Time Management
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MARRIAGE 14 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition Over the years, I've cherished the robust and sometimes rowdy conversations between family and friends during gatherings. Whether it's about religion, politics, sports, or who won the card game, it's lively and sometimes rather intense. Like many of your families, my family is full of strong opinions, and everyone is eager to share. Sometimes the conversations are fascinating because we learn so much about each other's passions, and other times they become an ouch! The difference between a good conversation and an OUCH is whether or not we’re respectfully speaking AND generously listening. Meaningful relationships are born through meaningful conversations. A good discussion creates connectedness. It allows us to feel known even if we have differing opinions. Every human yearns for connectedness. We need, want and long to belong. Many families and couples are present in proximity, and they’re having conversations, but the conversations are superficial, and once the pleasantries are exchanged, we move to the next person. A good discussion requires four things: time, vulnerability, respect and listening for understanding. Two people talking with no one listening is just more noise. Learning to listen is imperative to our relationships' well-being and emotional health. Fortunately, we can train ourselves to be better listeners, but it is hard work. What is listening? Listening is active, not passive, and therefore, is sometimes tiring. It is other-centered, not self-centered, and therefore, sometimes sacrificial. It is crucial, not peripheral, and therefore, indispensable. It is difficult, not easy, and therefore, often neglected. It is rare, not common, and therefore, incredibly desirable. Listening is not like a chess game – planning your next verbal move while the other person is talking. Listening is not a trial – judging what is said or how it is said. It is not a 100-yard dash – thinking how quickly you can end the discussion. Listening is like a sponge – absorbing as much as possible of what is being said and the feelings behind the words. It’s like a pair of binoculars, fixing attention on and bringing into clear focus what is being said. Good conversations require generous listening, and that requires discipline, effort, intentionality and practice. Becoming a better listener is developing a pattern of focus in two areas; ATTENTION and CONFIDING. You must be fully present and emotionally available, with the freedom to confide your thoughts and feelings. It flows from a heart of humility, yields to the other and honors the other's perspective. It seeks understanding and is patient and kind. It gives our conversations dignity. Generous listening is an expression of love Poor listening rejects; generous listening embraces. Poor listening diminishes the other person while generous listening invites them to exist and to matter. Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “Just as love to God begins with listening to his Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them.” What does the Bible say? “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). It’s simple enough in principle but challenging to live. Most often, we are slow to hear, quick to speak and quick to anger. “He who gives an answer before he hears. It is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13). "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:3-5). “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4). In the new year, give the gift of connectedness, a meaningful conversation adorned with generous listening. As Bonhoeffer writes, “We should listen with the ears of God that we may speak the Word of God.” Relate Well Live Well (formerly Live the Life South Florida) exists to strengthen marriages and families through skills-based relationship education beginning in middle school through senior adults. We provide workshops for marriage enrichment and HOPE Weekends for marriages needing a deeper work. RWLW.org - Lisa May - Executive Director, Relate Well Live Well Intentionally Meaningful Conversations
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ENCOURAGEMENT 16 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree" is the first stanza of the popular 1780 English carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas," a well-known seasonal melody. From the perspective of holiday commercialism, one can say that its lyrics move counterclockwise. The "Season" here commences yearly on "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving, by opening the floodgates to interminable shopping that continues unabated until late December 24th. Yet this catchy tune bucks the trend, for all the presents handed out in this song, from turtle doves and French hens to golden rings and pipers piping, to name a few, are available only AFTER Christmas. For you see, in the original Christian tradition, the true season started ON Christmas Day itself and continued FOR 12 days until January 6th when the Epiphany or Three Kings Day was celebrated marking the end of this festive period. It would be safe to say that Santa prefers the current system which starts after Thanksgiving; the Christian tradition affords fewer purchasing opportunities. Gift giving The whole idea of holiday gifting has changed drastically since I was a child eons ago. Back yonder, in my country, kids customarily only got one gift. In my particular case, the chronology and the geography was starkly different there than what was being experienced here. No chestnuts on an open fire but rather coconuts in an open field; no sleighs but plenty of sugar cane wagons pulled by horses; no mistletoe but plenty of tobacco fields. In top of that, Christmas day did not bring the desired gift; I had to wait almost two more weeks before opening my present. Back then, the real Christmas celebration involved mostly adults, who would lay out huge amounts of food and drink on the evening of the 24th, the anxiously awaited and appropriately called "Nochebuena." The roasted pig was a must then (and still is), along with all the customary food groups of the Greater Antilles, followed by rum... "mucho" rum. The children had to wait. Three Kings Day For twelve days we waited until Three Kings Day arrived, the celebration when the trio of wise men from the east following a star came to Jesus bearing gifts. Every January 5th, before going to bed, I would leave a box with hay under my bed in order to entice the foreign royalty to be generous with me the following morning. Gift giving was connected to gold, frankincense and myrrh, the favor given to the Child; thus, it was during that festivity that children were presented their gift. This made much more sense to me than an obese guy in a red suit giving out stuff. And although I was unaware that it took the astronomers almost two years and not twelve days to get to the Messiah, I always associated the birth of Christ with wisdom and generosity, not excess and merchandising. But why discuss Christmas in January? Well, for one, time itself is measured pursuant to what occurred in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago; I suppose most people know what B.C. stands for, but not as many recognize "Anno Domini" as the "Year of Our Lord," which reset the calendar and brought forth the A.D. era. As Christians saved by the blood of the Savior, we put our hopes on a four-legged stool... Christmas, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. The Birth Story cannot stand alone without the Bloody Cross, the Bold Reappearance and the Bright Uplifting. It was not until later in life that I understood the importance of the lone present received on Three Kings Day many years before; I received the "gift that keeps on giving." For when it is all said and done, the child on the manger is not the main gift, for we know that Jesus was born to die... for us. The one and final offering will be unwrapped on THE KING'S DAY when Christ makes His triumphant return with the rapture of believers, establishes His rule for a thousand years, disposes of Satan and reigns with the Father and with us in the New Jerusalem for eternity. What about if next year we saved one of the gifts under our tree until after 40 days following Easter and use it to celebrate the return of the Son to the Father and His eminent reappearance? Not a bad idea... Christmas in May! To the Future and Back - Omar Aleman - Aleman and Associates (TIU) Trinity, International University-Florida ceases operations. Tim Tebow Draws Crowd To Youth for Christ Gala at First Baptist Fort Lauderdale. 4KIDS staff and supporters honor Kevin Enders. July: Dr. O.S. Hawkins “A continuing legacy of faith in Fort Lauderdale” Cover Feature Story. Leading First Baptist, Fort Lauderdale for 15 years through a period of revival and growth in the 1980’s. Inside: “Hundreds of Christians gather to oppose Antisemitism on Broadway.” Cavalry House program recognizes graduates. Lifework leadership is back in Broward. Pastor Bill Mitchell joins Food for the Poor Board. The Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup and honor the December 10,1992 recognition when the (NHL) National Hockey League awarded South Floridian H. Wayne Huizenga the Florida Franchise. Campers splash into summer. August: Hope South Florida; “New team brings hope for the homeless.” Cover Feature Story. Inside: The Salvation Army of Broward joins No address movement. Holy Cross Health to administer free immunizations to students. Crowds of youth gather to worship in South Florida Rally Loud and Youth Encounter. September: Julie and Todd Mullins, Senior Pastors, Christ Fellowship Church, Palm Beach Gardens. “Among the largest congregations in America, Christ Fellowship celebrates 40 years of impact.” Cover Feature Story. Inside: Christian College Guide 2024, the 2nd Annual GOOD NEWS 24-Page Pullout Section. Featuring hundreds of Christian colleges throughout America with vital information for student application enrollment. Opinion, vote no on amendment 4. Broward FCA gathers for a Night of Champions. October: CHURCH UNITED “Approaching 10 years of Missional Impact.” Cover Feature Story. Inside: Dr. D. James Kennedy Center presents Christian statesman award. Holy Cross Health is nationally recognized for heart failure care. Wondherful hosts first pickleball charity tournament. Celebrate our heroes on National First Responders Day. Legacy Partners Dinner Celebrates Life. November: GOOD NEWS SALUTES 2024-2025 LEADING CHARITIES AND FOUNDATIONS. The eighth annual 24-page pull out section, featuring keynote speaker Bob Hoskins, celebrating his 81st year in ministry as founder of One Hope. Cover Feature Story. Inside: The Community Foundation of Broward awards “40 for 40: Spread the Love grants.” Decor for the Cure raises funds to battle breast cancer. Jail N Bail lassos bonds for families. Food for the Poor celebrates partnership. 4KIDS “Over 100 golfers tee up for Orphans Classic.” Handy’s “A gala from outer space.” Eddie Vega Speaks at CBMC luncheon. Festival benefits children, battling cancer. December: Good News Celebrates 2024-2025 FAITH LEADERS. The eighth annual 16-page pull out section. Cover Feature Story. Inside: Museum of the Bible, experience the true meaning of Christmas. BiG Children’s Foundation celebrates Education Center groundbreaking. Holy Cross Health begins construction of free-standings ER. Gathering of Men Fall Outreach Breakfast. Huckabee, Trump Congratulate CRM Coral Ridge Ministries on 50 years. Dr. Alveda King address is pro-life benefit breakfast. Strikeforce 421 announces Grant semifinalists. It was quite a year, praise God Thank you all for your support. Les (Continued from Pg. 6) A Look Back at 2024 through the Pages of GOOD NEWS
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HEART AND SOUL 18 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition The new year offers endless opportunities for change: new jobs, resolutions and commitments. Throughout history, the United States has also experienced intersections of transition. In this article, Professor of History Dr. Roger Chapman highlights the state of transformation our nation faced at the turn of the 18th century. Yet, President George Washington encouraged unity and good will toward others. Despite the changes we may face, we must strive for optimism, harmony and hope. The first “State of the Union” January, being the start of a new year, often has the feel of a new beginning. This is how it seemed to President George Washington when on January 8, 1790, he delivered the first State of the Union Address. For a mere nine months he had been serving as the first chief executive under the new U.S. Constitution, which gave significantly more power to the federal government than did the Articles of Confederation. Washington was aware of his responsibility and that his actions would serve as a precedent for future presidents. The speech was addressed to a Joint Session of Congress when the capital of the country was New York City. Washington was following the rule of Article II, Section 3, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, stating that the president “shall from time to time give to Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” A state of flux Like our current period, America at the end of the 18th century was in a state of flux. Scrapping the Articles of Confederation for a document that created a separate executive branch seemed to some Americans as a dangerous turn toward a monarchial system. Fortunately, Washington had the kind of temperament that was irenical and wise, and he wished to reassure the citizens by not exceeding his authority. More than anything, he wanted to see a nation advancing with orderliness and harmony. He started off praising the American people’s “general and increasing good will toward the government of the Union.” In other words, he was suggesting that without some degree of optimism in the nation’s institutions, there can be little hope for “national prosperity” and the obtaining of “the blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within our reach.” Washington’s remarks to Congress were presented as suggestions (“consultations for the general good”) and were laced with optimism that the legislators would continue with “the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness and wisdom.” His suggestions were extensive, making it apparent that they faced as many problems back then as we do today. He called for the formation of a standing army, greater protection in the western regions against American Indian attacks, a professional diplomatic corps, a uniform law for speedy naturalization, a postal service, a national currency, a national standard for weights and measurements, the establishment of public credit and paying off public debt, and the promotion of science and literature (as well as the creation of a national university). A call for cooperation The first president believed Americans could find the correct balance to achieve national security. He believed “enlightened” citizens would be able “to know and value their rights” and protect them while at the same time “distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of lawful authority.” Washington was a pragmatist, very even keeled. He ended his speech by calling on elected leaders to exercise “cooperation” in the “arduous task” of having “a free, efficient and equal government.” The sentiments of Washington are just as applicable today. What a worthy New Year’s resolution that could be for each citizen to strive for a charitable attitude toward government officials as well as neighbors. Dr. Chapman teaches U.S. history, Russian history, the Cold War, history of modern terrorism, history of the American presidents, and modern humanities at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He has published in academic journals, namely the Journal of Cold War Studies, Film and History, the Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, and the Florida Historical Quarterly. pba.edu - Dr. Roger Chapman - Professor of History, Palm Beach Atlantic University Nation of Unity: A Lesson from President George Washington George Washington (AI-generated image)
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THE CODE 20 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition “Who am I…?” The stuttered question was spoken through dry lips. It had been business as usual on the backside of the desert. Moses had been leading the nomadic life of a lonely shepherd for forty years now. This morning was no different from the thousands of others in his experience-or so he thought. Had the late Walter Cronkite been reporting this event, we would have heard those oft repeated words," And this has been a day like any other has been... except... you were there!" Try to imagine Moses' absolute amazement as he witnessed a nondescript little bush on fire, yet not being consumed. Then the voice of God came from the bush and commanded Moses to return to Egypt, stand before Pharaoh, and demand the release of the Israelites from slavery. No small task! And Moses' immediate response was “Who me? Who am I? I can't speak well. You must have me confused with someone else!” This is a completely opposite response to Isaiah's response to God's call, which we will see later in chapter twenty-one. Isaiah said, " Here am I! Send me" (Isaiah 6:8). Listen to Moses as he responds to his call, saying: "Who am I to do that job? You need to send someone else!" Even though Moses had been educated in the finest private schools of the most progressive nation of the world, forty years of isolation had taken their toll on his self-confidence. Forty years alone will lead anyone to ask, "Who am I?" Yet Who am I is an appropriate question for each of us to ask ourselves. Moses epitomizes one who is suffering from a poor self-image and little self-confidence. Unfortunately, many believers today spend their lives posturing from a low selfimage. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that as a man “thinks in his heart, so is he." I am not so idealistic as to think that in reading this brief chapter a lifetime of low self-image can be translated into one that is healthy and positive. However, I am emboldened enough by my faith to believe that new thought patterns can begin to replace the lies and enable you to find your self-worth in your position in Christ. So who are you really? Let's find out. An explanation Who am I? The Bible reveals that we are a composite of "spirit, soul, and body" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). However, note that we don't phrase it in this order. We generally say "body, soul, and spirit." This, subconsciously, is because we are so body conscious, and that painful awareness too often determines our evaluation of who we really are. After all, the body is visible. We pet it and pamper it. We tan it and tone it. We measure it and weigh it regularly. But one day it will go right back to the dust from which God created it. We are not just bodies, though. Our soul is the seat of our emotions. It is our feelings about ourselves that too often dictate our own self-worth, or lack thereof. Our spirit is that part of us that will live as long as God lives. It is our spirit that connects with God’s Spirit — spirit bearing witness with Spirit that we are His children. So who am I? I am a spiritsoul… I am just living for a few short years in a body. The marketplace is loaded with books and videos on self-image, and most of these deal only with the physical side of our being. They tell us how to dress for success. They have clever formulas for obtaining the upper hand in relationships. They focus on weight loss and other aspects of our physical appearance. Then there are those that focus on the soul, on the realm of emotions. These resources tell us things like how to win friends and how to keep hold of our emotions so that we can obtain influence and advantage over others. But I am not my body, and I only have a soul. I am a spirit. Therefore, the Bible is the best self-help, self-awareness, self-image, self-confidence book ever written because it explains who I really am. Again, who am I? I am a spirit made in the very image of God. An illustration Jesus illustrated this very point for us in Luke 16 with the story of a beggar and a rich man who both die. Lazarus, the beggar, died and was carried into “Abrham’s bosom,” the Hebrew representation of heaven (v. 22). His body was in the grave, but he was in the bosom of Abraham. Why? Because Lazarus was a spirit, not a body. And the rich man? Jesus said he ended up in hell. So his body was in the grave, but his soul and spirit were still alive. He could still remember. He still had emotions. He was tormented. And he was troubled about his brothers' destiny. This rich man's five brothers did not know God, and now banished in hell, this rich man knew that an eternity of punishment for their sinfulness awaited them. Our only means of truly knowing God is by our spirit. It is impossible to have a spiritual relationship with Him based on mere human knowledge. As Jesus said to the woman at a well, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Without a relationship of spirit to Spirit, you can never know God because "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). So when you ask, "Who am I?" know that you are spirit. That is your real identity and the seat of your self-worth. An application Since we human beings are in essence spirit, we cannot depend on the physical for a proper self-image. The clothes we wear and how we look should not determine our self-worth. Neither should our emotions — the soul part of us — determine our self-worth. All the positive thinking and pumping ourselves up, all our taking hold of our emotions will never provide a healthy or accurate sense of worth. Each of us must discover for ourselves who we really are: a spirit being led by God's own Spirit (Romans 8: 14). Only in the Person of Christ in us will we find true self-worth. Finally, back to Moses. This timid, stammering, reluctant Moses went away from that burning bush to become the great emancipator of God's people and the leader of a great nation. This same man who began by asking, "Who am I?” is last seen in Scripture on the Mount of Transfiguration amidst the glory of Jesus Himself. Understanding who he was because of God's power and grace gave Moses confidence and strength for the task he was called to do. Similarly, when our spirit connects with the Holy Spirit, then we will have an accurate and healthy self-image, for "Christ in you [is] the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Taken from The Jesus Code by O.S. Hawkins. Copyright © 2014 by Dr. O.S. Hawkins. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. O. S. Hawkins is the chancellor of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served pastorates, including the First Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, for more than 25 years. - Dr. O.S. Hawkins - Chancellor, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Who Am I? Moses bowing and looking at the half burning bush during the day with his sandals and walking stick on the ground (AI-generated image)
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