PUBLISHER 8 january 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition Like many of you out there, I’m fascinated by artificial intelligence (AI) because my mind wanders constantly; no matter what I hear, no matter what I think about, scenarios run rampant in my mind with a series of what ifs and how comes? I have an insatiable desire to wanna know things. I playfully suggest I’ve got an endless supply of useless information that somehow crystallizes through a series of song titles in search of divinity and deep meaning. With much puzzlement about the actual Bible in all of its offerings, summarized by acronyms, NIV, NKJV, etc., I can’t help but be tempted to simulate a conversation with Jesus, who knows all, because HE already knows the future. In a ChatGPT conversation with Jesus, I asked, "Dude, it's been a long time, and with all due respect Mr. Jesus, I’m casually calling you ‘dude’ because you hang out in schmattas (robes) and sandals. I get it. I live in Florida. I wear shorts and T-shirts, so it’s cool with me. You’d never think of taking an Uber, so let’s just hang out shooting the breeze. Let’s walk along the beach on A1A, and then we can stop by the Elbo Room for a cool drink? But I beg you, Jesus — I know about your trick of turning water into wine, but these are my friends, and you’ll wreck their business if they see that, OK? But one thing first, Jesus… you keep calling me ‘my son,’ but if you’d speak a little softer when you say that, I’d appreciate it because I have sons older than you.” “So, what have you been doing lately?" AI would likely yield a response blending divine wisdom, gentle redirection and focus on eternal matters rather than daily human activities, perhaps saying something like, "I've been tending the flock, guiding hearts, preparing the way, and watching my children. You, my friend, are always on My mind, so tell me, how fares your spirit?" Here's a potential breakdown of AI's response: • A gentle correction: Instead of a casual "dude," Jesus might use a term like "My friend," "Child," or simply address you directly, setting a tone of love and guidance. • Focus on the eternal: AI would steer away from earthly timelines, emphasizing ongoing spiritual work: "I've been weaving hope, mending brokenness and whispering truths into the hearts of those who listen". • Emphasis on the now: Drawing from teachings, it would likely bring the focus to the present moment: "But more importantly, what of your journey? I've been right here, waiting for you to call.” • A question back: A common theme in spiritual discourse is turning focus back to the individual's spiritual state: "Tell me, what weighs on your heart today? What joys or burdens can we share?" Example AI response: "My dear friend, time for Me is not as it is for you; I have been working in the quiet spaces of hearts, nurturing seeds of faith and guiding souls back to the light. I've been present in every prayer, every act of kindness and in the unfolding of My Father's eternal plan. But enough of My work for a moment — tell Me, what brings you to seek Me now, and how can I walk with you today?" Jesus, I’m noticing a familiar pattern here. Like most Jews, you answer most questions with a question. You’re big on parables, but when I used to ask my grandma, “Grandma, how do you feel?” she would answer, “How am I supposed to feel?” So now I have the answer to generations of questions when people ask why most Jews answer questions with questions. Ah, haa. A Conversation with Jesus Via AI - Leslie J. Feldman - Publisher 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 2026. All rights reserved. Good News Media Group, LLC. 600 S.W. 3rd St., Suite 4000, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 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] Cover Photography: Luis Feliz [email protected] Associate Art Director: Joseph Sammaritano [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] On The Cover Faith Farm Ministries, a church with a heart for the hurting, is celebrating 75 years of helping men and women break free from addiction through faith-based recovery programs offered in Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach and Okeechobee. The leadership team stands in front of the original Fort Lauderdale Rescue Tabernacle located on the Fort Lauderdale Faith Farm campus. Pictured from left to right: Raj Parekh, Director of the Boynton Beach Farm; Lee Jolicoeur, Pastor/Director of the Okeechobee Farm; Rick Aspden, Pastor/CEO of Faith Farm Ministries; and Ramon Ayala, Pastor/Director of the Fort Lauderdale Farm. Photo credit: Luis Feliz www.luisfelizproductions.com Good News •January • Volume 27 Issue 10
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