Largest Christian Newspaper in America • goodnewsfl.org • June 2026 • Volume 28, Issue 3
PUBLISHER 6 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition At a recent Sunday church service at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, Lead Pastor Doug Sauder said, “Famous last words” and at first it seemed to be humorously presented as just that: a little humor, then he gave numerous examples with biblical citations, too many to jot down at that moment. Later, I thought hmm, one that I remembered and did write down, “They couldn’t hit an elephant from this dist…” Attributed to Major General John Sedgwick, during the American Civil War at the battle of Spotsylvania Court House on May 9, 1864. While chiding his men for ducking Confederate sniper fire, he uttered, "They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance." Moments later, an enemy marksman struck him under the eye, killing him instantly. Now I’m thinking about other famous last words as last words, not simply memorable quotes. Google, don’t fail me now. “Google, don’t fail me now” will certainly be on someone’s tombstone for those that love to research because they are forever commanded as to the why? I can think of one person, for sure. There are so many ‘last words’ recorded in the Bible and admittedly I’m a little skeptical thinking back thousands of years ago there was a scribe with a chisel and a stone at the ready? But I’ll gladly accept those that retell incredibly important thoughts that we now recite in scripture. Last words can be so memorable and powerful. Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Jesus said seven last words from the cross, including, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24). Joseph’s last recorded words are comforting words: “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19). "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" – Matthew 27:46 A deeply vulnerable cry of abandonment reflecting the weight of humanity's sin, which quotes the opening of Psalm 22. "It is finished" (John 19:30). The triumphant declaration that His earthly mission was complete, signifying the ultimate payment for the sins of the world. "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). The final, peaceful act of entrusting His life back to God, concluding with a verse from Psalm 31. A legacy of betrayal was left by Judas Iscariot. "I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). He then went out and hanged himself. "Our God is the God from whom cometh salvation. God is the Lord by whom we escape death." -Martin Luther. And I continue. Winston Churchill, the man whose vision and battle cry was to "never give up," said on his deathbed, "I am convinced that there is no hope." John Knox uttered these piercing words and then died, "Live in Christ, die in Christ, and the flesh need not fear death." Billy Graham notes that when the great saint Joseph Everett was dying, he said, "GLORY! GLORY! GLORY!" and continued exclaiming "GLORY!" for over twenty-five minutes until he was whisked away by angels to the gates of heaven. Leonardo da Vinci (Polymath): "I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have." da Vinci Painted the Mona Lisa. Humphrey Bogart (Actor): "I should have never switched from Scotch to Martinis." Frank Sinatra (Singer/Actor): "I'm losing it." Bessie Smith (Blues Singer) died saying, “I’m going, but I’m going in the name of the Lord.” George Orwell’s last written words were, “At 50, everyone has the face he deserves.” The 1984 author whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair. Nostradamus predicted, “Tomorrow, at sunrise, I shall no longer be here.” He was right. Michael Landon (Actor) best known for Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven, died from cancer in 1991. His family gathered around his bed, and his son said it was time to move on. Landon said, “You’re right. It’s time. I love you all.” Alfred Hitchcock (Playwright) said, “One never knows the ending. One has to die to know exactly what happens after death, although Catholics have their hopes.” Joan Crawford (Actress) yelled at her housekeeper, who was praying as Crawford died. Crawford said, “Damn it! Don’t you dare ask God to help me!” Billy Graham (Reverend) did not leave a single recorded statement as his dying breath, but he often shared this famous conviction before he passed away in 2018. "Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God." And last I remember A Bible study friend and buddy, Stuart Rosenfeld, who fell on some challenging times and was in the last days of battling cancer; our little group visited him at his home and brought him some deli sandwiches and treats attempting to cheer him up; his eyes got big as he sampled a few of the delights, really only nibbling because of all of the treatment chemicals polluting him. Stuart gently smiled sweetly and said, “that was good” and closed his eyes to rest. - Leslie J. Feldman - Publisher On The Cover The distinguished valedictorians and salutatorians of area Christian high schools are recognized as outstanding graduates in the 9th Annual GOOD NEWS Graduation Issue front cover photoshoot, hosted by Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale in their campus theater. Schools represented on the cover include Abundant Life Christian Academy, Boca Raton Christian School, Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale, Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood, Highlands Christian Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Sheridan Hills Christian School and Westminster Academy. Special thanks to Dante Miró, Alexandra Gomez, Julie Toombs and the staff at Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale for their gracious hospitality and assistance. Photo credit: Luis Feliz www.luisfelizproductions.com Famous Last Words 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] Anitra Parmele Senior Writer [email protected] Art Director: Milton McPherson [email protected] Associate Art Director: Joseph Sammaritano [email protected] Advertising & Marketing: Robert “Buddy” Helland Jr. V.P. Sr. Marketing Manager [email protected] Cover Photography: Luis Feliz [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] Good News •June • Volume 28 Issue 3
LETTERS 8 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition Franklin Graham: Until the Whole World Hears By Franklin Graham, President and CEO, Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Franklin Graham needs to once again give counsel to our president to watch the words that come out of his mouth (language). Have him read at least 5 times the New Testament book of James until he really gets the truth and wisdom of the book. Sorry folks, but whether you are in high position or low position, God requires each of us to walk in obedience. He is no respecter of persons. - Thomas Summit From Addiction to Redemption: The Story of Nick Lowther By Antony Tchividjian, President, Recovery United, and Director, Calvary House So happy for you Nick Lowther! I lived on Woodlawn and grew up with your oldest sister Meg and cousins Catherine and Melissa. This was back in the 80’s… I loved both your Dad (Mr. Jackie) and Mom (Mrs. Linda)! I know they would both be so very proud of you! Stay strong!! - Robin Reed-Mock I Am Reminded by Leslie J. Feldman, GOOD NEWS Publisher Great article this month. Exactly what I needed to read… “I am reminded.” - Gregg Wallick Once again I must commend you on your monthly article in the GOOD NEWS magazine. “I Am Reminded” covers a lot of ground but still is a short phrase provoking thought. Well done once again. - Jim Voorheis GOOD NEWS Celebrates Women of Distinction 2026 by Shelly Pond, GOOD NEWS Editor Congratulations Eileen LaMarca and Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy!! - Denyse Peterson Congratulations to all. So well deserved. - Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson This is awesome!! - Kwame Hylton Thank you for this honor and I truly enjoyed meeting some fabulous women! - Eileen LaMarca Thank you for this recognition! All glory to God, so honored to serve our community and be among such remarkable women of distinction. - Alina Ali Congratulations Alina! You are one amazing woman! - Deborah Toderic My favorite person is on this cover! - Pastor David Hughes Can a university truly remain neutral? What Has Harvard to do with Jerusalem? A Christian Perspective on Higher Education by Dr. Rob Pacienza, Senior Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church No! It should not!! - James Beal PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Famou Last Words – by Leslie J. Feldman WE GET LETTERS . . . . . . . . . .8 PASTOR PROFILE . . . . . . . .10 A House of Prayer: Pastor Tom and Rio Vista at 25 Years – by Anitra Parmele FAITH & CULTURE . . . . . . . .12 Pride Month: Christians, We Must Not Be Complicit – by Dr. Rob Pacienza IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . . .14 Fighting Spiritual Battles in the Arena of Prayer – by Franklin Graham THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 A Faith Without Fruit is a False Faith – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins EXCLUSIVE . . . . . . . . . 18 - 19 America Reads the Bible - by Todd Scoggins ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . . .20 The Chosen – by Omar Aleman STEWARDSHIP . . . . . . . . . .22 Top 10 Investment Principles – by Patrick J. Kelly HEART AND SOUL . . . . . . .24 Summer Stewardship – by Scott Pearson; Intro by Dr. Debra A. Schwinn GOOD NEWS CELEBRATES GRADUATES 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 - 48 Top Graduates Navigate Change with Faith and Purpose - by Shelly Pond GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW . . . .46 - 48 Who would you nominate as an unsung hero in this community that others should know about and why? PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . .50 When Parents Don’t Agree – by Dr. Bob and Torrey Roberts FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . . . 52 Home Is Where the Healing Is – by Tom Lukasik; Intro by Andrew Holmes GOD STORIES . . . . . . . . . . .54 Redeemed From the Streets – by Antony Tchividjian HOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 It Is Time for a Tasting – by Joseph Kenner LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Why Should My Company “Outsource” A General Counsel? – by William “Bill” C. Davell and Matthew Zifrony ON THE NET . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 - 61 COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . .62 - 66 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . .68 - 71 We Get Letters South Florida Edition • Good News • June 2026 • Volume 28, Issue 3 CONTENTS
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10 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition PASTOR PROFILE Tom Hendrikse never imagined the word "pastor" on his resume let alone the designation of Senior Pastor of Rio Vista Church, a Presbyterian church planted in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale in 1941. Tom was a counselor of a different kind as a personal injury defense attorney, defending insurance companies like State Farm. "In Boynton, we attended a small Baptist church led by a dynamic pastor, John Hawkins. His first assignment was for me to teach a Sunday school class. I guess it went well, so I ended up running the Sunday school program with probably 500 adults, recruiting, training, doing all of it. And I really loved it. When did the pastoral calling became undeniable? People I respected asked me, “Have you considered that maybe this is what the Lord wants you to do?” My response was, “I haven’t said it out loud, but I’ve begun to wonder.” I called Collins Weber at Knox Seminary and he said, “Tom, you need to go to Knox.” I enrolled in night classes on the ten-year plan. I told my wife I thought God was calling me, and her direct quote was, “I think maybe he should call back.” The Lord was also working on her at the same time. What brought you to Rio Vista Church? I became friends with the former senior pastor here, Dave Dorst, through Knox Seminary. In 2001, Dave said he felt I should take over as senior pastor. I was still in seminary so wasn’t sure that was even a possibility. But we found a path through the credentials committee, and I became the senior pastor in October of 2001, so this October marks 25 years. Has your understanding of pastoral leadership evolved over the years? Things shifted when I realized that when Jesus says in John 15:5 “apart from me, you can do nothing,” he actually means that. It led me into studying spiritual formation, pressing into the gifts of the Holy Spirit, studying revival, and then into prayer. I’m a lot more God-reliant now than when I started. What one decision changed the trajectory of your church? The most consequential decision was our deep investment in the 24-7 Prayer Movement. It started with personal desperation — I said, “There’s got to be more to ministry, to Christianity, than what we’re experiencing.” I began devouring books on revival, studied the contemplatives, read Thomas Merton, and dug into Lectio Divina. In January of 2018, we went to an Alpha conference, and we came back and changed our leadership meetings entirely: worshiping together, praying together, studying scripture, doing Lectio Divina together. That changed the culture and spiritual temperature of our leadership and our congregation. What keeps you up at night when you think about the future of the Church? Honestly, I’m generally excited about the church in South Florida, but if I press into a concern, I think the church in general spends more time thinking about leadership principles than the ancient paths of the Holy Spirit, of prayer, of digging into the Word, of spiritual transformation. What does being involved in Church United mean to you? I love what I’m seeing the Lord do relationally between pastors here in South Florida. We’re cheering for each other, counseling each other, even financially supporting each other behind the scenes. We helped launch Pray South Florida, a citywide united prayer initiative of Church United with the mission of ‘uniting the church in South Florida to pray for an awakening of God’s people.’ As Dr. A.T. Pierson said, there has never been a revival anywhere that was not preceded by united prayer. Tell us about your family Beth and I have been married 34 years this August. She was a CPA when we married, but she became our church’s prayer ministry coordinator in January 2019. She’s transformed our prayer culture in a way that I and everyone else could not have done without her. To have a champion whose job it is to infiltrate everything with prayer is culture-forming and culture-changing for a church. Morgan is 31 and married to Will Bushman. They have two children: Everette and Parker. Our daughter Haley, 26, lives with her husband Sam Machado in Tallahassee. They are fostering to adoption a five-month-old baby. Our son TJ is 23 and getting married in November to a wonderful girl named Sarah Sousa. Sunny was a Chinese exchange student, and we consider her our fourth kid. She works in finance in New York. What is something often misunderstood about Rio Vista or its mission? I wish more people knew that we’re not just a solid Bible-teaching church, although we are that. We’re also deeply committed to prayer, to the Holy Spirit, to the spiritual gifts, to Alpha and evangelism, and to spiritual formation. I’d want them to visit our prayer house — a 900-square-foot space on our property that is open to anyone. We want people to come, be transformed, and take that back to their own churches. We have three incredible podcasts that reach far beyond our walls: The Bible Show, Under The Hood, and In God We Trusted. The Bible Show is in the top half of 1% of all podcasts of any kind in the world, reaching listeners in over 190 nations. Where do you see God moving most unexpectedly in our community right now? I believe the Lord is on the move worldwide. All the statistics are changing, especially among young people. It’s a rising tide, and churches that are faithful to Jesus and to his Word are rising on it. In 1 Kings 18 Elijah sends his servant out to look for rain and finally the servant says, “I see a cloud, the size of a man’s hand.” I think right now we can see that cloud. The question is whether it’s going to be a light rain or a downpour. We need to pray that it fully manifests and breaks out in revival. To learn more about Rio Vista Church or to reserve a time in the Prayer House, go to RioVistaChurch.com A House of Prayer: Pastor Tom and Rio Vista at 25 Years Anitra Parmele GOOD NEWS Senior Writer Tom Hendrikse
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FAITH & CULTURE 12 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition If anybody is left wondering about the status of biblical Christianity in the American public square, they need look no further than Pride Month. During June the LGBTQ+ coalition bombards the airwaves and parties in the streets, celebrating the behaviors and attitudes of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer, intersexual and asexual. To be clear, Pride Month isn’t about securing the right to act out their sexuality privately without negative repercussions. Quite the opposite: it is about celebrating their sexual preferences publicly through parades, public parties and rainbow flags in the streets. What’s more, it’s about pressuring our nation’s governing institutions, universities, sports leagues, brands and corporations into treating the whole movement as a heroic civil rights exercise. None of this should be surprising. For nearly a century now, America’s ruling class has conspired to sever American society and culture from its roots in the Judeo-Christian worldview. They’ve largely succeeded. Not only has historic Christianity been firmly displaced from the default position, with many Americans viewing its ethical teachings backward and bigoted. But it also now surrounded by a Praetorian guard of competing worldviews, ideologies and “takes” on life, such as LGBTQ+. So, here we are. And we should not undermine the victories achieved so far by the secular progressive movement. Pride Month is celebrated, and Christianity is systematically canceled. Why is Pride Month such a big deal for Christians? Yet, many secular people and an increasing number of Christians express bafflement that we voice our opposition: “Why are you so ‘up in arms’ about other people’s lifestyles? What’s the big deal?” The big deal is this: through Scripture, God has revealed that the practices of homosexuality and transgenderism are unnatural. They don’t merely contradict the distinctively Christian ethic outlined in the Bible; they flout the universal moral law, known by all people in all places at all times. Concerning homosexuality, consider the apostle Paul’s argument to the Roman church. Like all sin, homosexual sin exchanges the glory of God for the glory of man. Unlike many sins, however, homosexuality is unnatural: “women gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Romans 1:22-27). Concerning transgenderism, consider the first two chapters of Genesis. God divided the human race into two genders, predetermining who we are as a matter of divinely-given DNA. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Thus, it is a sin for a man to pretend to be a woman, and vice-versa. So, homosexuality, transgenderism, and the other “isms” of the LGBTQ+ alphabet are a big deal to God. And they should be a big deal to us, also. We must resist any social pressure to capitulate because our conscience is beholden to God, and his will is being flouted publicly for an entire month by millions of people. We must be faithful to Christ on every point, including on this point, the one upon which our culture is applying the most pressure. How should Christians respond to LGBTQ+ ideology and activism? Given the Bible’s teaching about LGBTQ+ “isms,” therefore, how should Christians respond to LGBTQ+ ideology and public square activism? In brief, we must resist it. We must not be complicit. As an ideology, the LGBTQ+ movement is built around the idols of sexual identity and sexual gratification. In other words, it is a false religion whose movement centers on a counterfeit god and a false savior. For many people, Pride Month plays the same role in the annual “worship calendar” that Easter plays for Christians. By commandeering the month of June and bombarding the public square, the LGBTQ+ movement is consciously seeking to displace the influence of Christianity by taking control of “time” and “space.” Historian Carl Trueman writes: “It is a basic fact of history that if you control time and space, you also control the culture. The early Christians of the fourth century knew that as they slowly but surely claimed space in pagan Roman culture for churches and marked the rhythm of time with the development of the liturgical calendar. And all sides in our current political divisions know this as well. It is why debates about the naming of Columbus Day and the status of Confederate statues and the flag of the Confederacy are such contentious topics. These arguments are not just about the things themselves. They are about who owns time and space. In short, they are about who owns the culture’s memory and imagination.” Indeed. The LGBTQ+ movement and the power-brokers, professional agitators, lobbies and corporations who promote it are experiencing tremendous success, and their victories will continue to weaken and degrade our nation. We must find ways, practically, of resisting this ideology and its activism. We can resist by casting votes for legislators and presidential candidates who refuse to glorify the LGBTQ+ movement. We can register our consciences by boycotting corporations (e.g., Bud Light, Target) who deify sexual identity and sexual desire. We can protest Drag Queen Story Hours and other campaigns that target children. In sum, we can and must find practical ways to resist the ideology and its activism. There is no room for Christian sympathy with regard to a movement that redefines God’s design for gender and sexuality. We belong to God Why write an article criticizing the LGBTQ+ movement? Because the world belongs to God, and not to us. We belong to God; our conscience is captive to him and thus we must speak the truth in love, even when the truth is uncomfortable. We do a great disservice to God, to our nation, and to the LGBTQ+ community if we muffle the truth by remaining silent. Let us not be complicit. Rob Pacienza is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale, FL), the CEO and President of Coral Ridge Ministries, and the Founder of the Institute for Faith and Culture. - Dr. Rob Pacienza - Senior Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Pride Month: Christians, We Must Not Be Complicit
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On May 17, thousands of Americans assembled on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., to participate in “Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving.” This historic gathering is part of the Trump administration’s yearlong prayer campaign and celebration of America’s 250th birthday, culminating on July 4 — Independence Day. Citizens from every state in the Union gathered near the Lincoln Memorial to prayerfully give thanks for God’s blessings and providence for the United States since her founding in 1776. Americans also prayed for God’s ongoing protection and direction for our country as well as seeking His forgiveness for our nation’s many sins. I’m grateful for a president who will boldly call our nation to seek the Lord Almighty through prayer and worship. In a proclamation dated Jan. 29, 2026, President Donald J. Trump declared: “The Bible teaches: ‘In all circumstances give thanks.’ As such, it is fitting that we mark this special year as a unique occasion to celebrate our proud history, reflect on our abundant blessings, pray for our country and our people, and rededicate ourselves as one Nation under God.” Please join me in praying for America this month through July 4. Visit OneNationUnderGod.com. Since May 14 and for the following 50 days, a pastor from each state is sharing Scripture and leading a daily prayer for our nation. It was my honor and privilege to pray alongside President Trump in March at the White House during an Easter week luncheon. Together, we thanked God for sacrificing His Son on a cross to pay our sin debt and raising Jesus from death to life everlasting, so that whoever believes in Him can have eternal victory over sin and the grave. More than seven decades ago, my father held a peace rally on the east steps of the U.S. Capitol building to encourage President Harry Truman to establish a National Day of Prayer. It was a historic moment that had an immediate impact. Within two days, legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives and passed after committee action by unanimous vote. Truman signed the joint resolution into law in April 1952. America’s annual observance of the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday in May rightly began this year with a call to repentance: “Almighty God, King of Glory, we confess our sins and repent of our pride that sought our own glory and comfort, allowing evil to take root instead of Your fruit in our hearts, homes, culture and country. Please forgive us.” Nineteenth-century British preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon profoundly stated: “Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence.” Thankfully, everywhere my son Will and I preach, there are prayer warriors in local churches going before us, interceding around the clock for months, even years, in anticipation of a harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God. There really is nothing more important or crucial than spending time with God in prayer. When we pray, it moves our focus from our problems to the Problem Solver. Surrendering our cares and concerns to Almighty God is an act of humility. It’s also an act of worship that invites our Savior and Lord to have His will and way in our lives. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). I love the story of Daniel in the Old Testament. Even though King Darius had decreed that anyone in Babylon who didn’t pray to him would be put to death, Daniel’s faith in the King of kings didn’t waver. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days” (Daniel 6:10). Also, in the Book of 2 Kings, we read how God answered King Hezekiah’s prayer and delivered the nation of Judah from certain destruction by the mighty Assyrian army. “Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands — wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone” (2 Kings 19:17-19). Hezekiah’s faith-filled prayer teaches us that when we ask God to answer our prayers for His glory, anything is possible. “And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses — all dead” (2 Kings 19:35). Believers are never more useful to God and dangerous to Satan than when they are bold and courageous in prayer. The Apostle Paul tells us: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). When our prayers are informed by Scripture and our hearts are obediently aligned with His purposes, we can be certain that we are truly seeking God’s will and not our own. That’s what submitting to the authority of God’s Word is all about. “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). As the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association pursues its 76th year of fulfilling the Great Commission, we do so expectantly — relying not on our own wisdom, strength or resourcefulness — while trusting and believing that: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). ©2026 BGEA Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Decision magazine, May 2026; ©2026 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; used by permission, all rights reserved. When our prayers are informed by Scripture and our hearts are obediently aligned with His purposes, we can be certain that we are truly seeking God’s will and not our own. That’s what submitting to the authority of God’s Word is all about. “ ” 14 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition IN THE WORD Photo Credit: BGEA Fighting Spiritual Battles in the Arena of Prayer - Franklin Graham - President and CEO, Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
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THE CODE 16 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them. "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:14–17 NKJV). An explanation James wastes no time getting to the heart of the issue in this passage. He began with a question: “What does it profit — what good is it — if someone claims to have faith but doesn't back up that claim with actions?" To put it bluntly, a faith without any accompanying fruit is a false faith. Earlier, on a Galilean hillside, our Lord said the very same thing in a different way: "By their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20). Observe carefully what James was actually saying and note what he did not say as well. James was not referring to a man who has faith, but to someone who "says he has faith." James was addressing a false claim to faith, not the nature of genuine faith. The mere claim that one is a believer does not make him such. Many people today say they are people of faith, but they have never placed their faith in Christ alone and experienced what Jesus called “the new birth.” In fact, Jesus framed it rather bluntly: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 7:21). Much of the confusion in the faith-works debate stems from the translation of James' second question in James 2:14. Both the King James Version and the New King James Version ask, "Can faith save him?" The Greek text has an article in front of the word faith, indicating that this faith is the same faith just mentioned in the first question of verse 14 — that is, a false faith. Properly translated, the question reads, "Can such a faith, can that kind of a faith, save him?” James was certainly not saying that faith cannot save a person, but that a faith characterized only by intellectual assent that exhibits no fruit is, in the final analysis, a false faith. Every Sunday multiplied thousands of people say they have faith. But James asked, "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can [that kind of] faith save him?" The answer is no. An illustration Having described a false faith, James proceeded to illustrate it. He painted the picture of someone in need of food and clothing, the basic necessities of life. This person is not a professional con artist or streetwise person with a slothful lifestyle, but someone with a legitimate and immediate need. A person who claims to have faith goes to him, puts his hand on his shoulder, pats him on the back, and says, "Have a good day. Be careful out there and try to stay warm. I hope you find something to eat. Bless you." Then came the rhetorical question: “What good does that response do for the hungry and cold man?" James was shining the spotlight on those of us who seem to prefer words over works, who know how to talk a good faith game yet have no impact on the world around us because our faith does not produce fruit. An application Recently, I was called to jury duty. Judges and lawyers are quick to tell you that in a trial there is no place for hearsay. Only hard, cold facts qualify as indisputable evidence, a truth that reminds me of a question we all should ask ourselves: “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" More specifically, would anyone be able to take the stand on your behalf to say-in Jesus' words, "I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me" (Matthew 25:35-36)? One more note about faith and works. Among the legacy of the Reformers is their often-repeated affirmation, "It is faith alone that saves, but faith that saves is never alone." In James's words, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." Remember, James was not talking about faith and works but about a faith that works. Taken from The James Code by O.S. Hawkins. Copyright © 2015 by Dr. O.S. Hawkins. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. O. S. Hawkins, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is a graduate of TCU (BBA) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, PhD). He presently serves as Chancellor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the former pastor of the historic First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and is President Emeritus of GuideStone Financial Resources, where he served as President/CEO from 1997-2022. Hawkins is the author of more than fifty books, including the best-selling Code series of devotionals published by HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson with sales of more than three million copies. Criswell: His Life and Times is the sequel to his previous book, In the Name of God: The Colliding Lives, Legends, and Legacies of J. Frank Norris and George W. Truett. He was recently inducted into the White Rose Society by Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his long-standing support of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. He is married to his wife, Susie, and has two daughters, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. Visit him at OSHawkins.com and follow him on X (Twitter) @OSHawkins. - Dr. O.S. Hawkins - Chancellor, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary A Faith Without Fruit is a False Faith Pomegranate garden in Turkey with vibrant red fruit hanging from trees.
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1 EXCLUSIVE 18 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition The empty chair She sat in the chair alone and wept. Before Jesus ascended to be with the Father, he commissioned the disciples, and by extension, all of us, with a command. The Lord’s instruction begins with one simple word, “Go.” It was the day after “America Reads the Bible.” What remains is the question, “What do we, the faithful saints, do now that the Word of God has been proclaimed to all the nation?” America Reads the Bible “America Reads the Bible” (ARTB) was a national Scripture-reading event and movement led by Christians Engaged, a nonprofit organization committed to discipling Americans in a biblical worldview and in their responsibilities as citizens to pray, vote and engage for the well-being of our nation. The visionary behind this incredible event was one faithful saint named Bunni Pounds, the founder and president of Christians Engaged. Bunni stepped out in faith, imploring all Americans to re-engage with God’s divinely inspired Word in a meaningful and impactful way. The historic event took place at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. For seven days, April 19-25, approximately 500 people from all across our beloved land joined their voices in a chorus to read the Bible aloud. Those reading Scripture included people from the highest levels of government to regular Americans. ARTB was part of a spiritual celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday. Among those sharing in the work of reading the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, were prominent figures representing a broad cross-section of the American Christian community including Candace CameronBure, Ambassador Sam Brownback, Dr. Ben Carson, Governor Ron DeSantis, Colton Dixon, Congressman Brandon Gill, Patricia Heaton, Secretary Pete Hegseth, Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Dallas Jenkins, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Dr. Alveda King, Secretary Marco Rubio, President Donald J. Trump, Nick Vujicic and Franklin Graham, as well as faith leaders, renowned authors, pastors, business owners, and people old and young. But in this context, all were equal. In the greenroom backstage, societal status was overshadowed by a shared understanding that we are all members of the Body of Christ. Before taking the stage, readers carefully studied their Scripture passages. Each knew the responsibility they held in their hands. They were preparing to read the inspired Word of God, and each reader, from the military colonel to the rural housewife, was determined to honor these words given to us by the Father. I had the high honor of serving as the lead photographer for the event. Together with my incredible team, we captured the moments live on stage and behind the scenes. The primary audience watched the event livestream as it was produced by Great American Pure Flix. Those of us on the event team were encouraged to see the overwhelming social media engagement throughout the week. The virtual audience posted thousands of comments expressing joy and gratitude, and sharing in their comments favorite Bible passages as they heard them read from the stage in DC. Backstage, I met and engaged with brothers and sisters in Christ. It is always encouraging to be among fellow believers. But in the shadow of an increasing spiritual battle waging in our nation, and with our 250th birthday upon us, I was impacted to see so many of our nation’s leaders, from the highest levels of our government, yielding this moment to glorify God and His divine Word. I met Colonel Kevin Bouren, who serves at the Pentagon. Colonel Bouren states on his LinkedIn profile, “I am a Soldier in the Lord’s Army and the U.S. Army.” I watched Colonel Bouren praying over others in the greenroom and counseling a young, newly married couple on the beautiful model of biblical marriage. Colonel Bouren invited me to contact him the next time I am in DC. He told me I could sit in on the Bible study that he leads at the Pentagon! And I listened as Speaker Johnson shared his incredible testimony of coming to faith as a young man and why his faith in Jesus means so much to him. Praying for revival It was on the first day of the reading, barely through the book of Genesis, that we witnessed something in the audience that surprised us. And yet, it should not have. One of the team members bolted into the greenroom and reported, “People are sitting in the audience with their Bibles, reading along with the people on stage!” In hindsight, the idea that people would bring their Bibles to the live reading should have seemed obvious. And yet, that was the moment when we fully realized just how much this event meant to the faithful remnant of Christians eager for revival in our nation. This was not a publicity stunt. This was real. God’s Word will change the heart of a nation that yields to His sovereignty. And those people in the audience were not only reading along, they were praying for revival. More evidence of the authenticity of this event and the sincere heart behind it was in another small group of ladies sitting in the audience. They were part of the event team. Throughout the entire week, in seats along the side wall of the house, sat a quiet band of faithful saints with their Bibles. They were tasked with reading along with the people on stage to ensure that every verse was read – not a single word could be missed. But there was one moment that impacted me most. It was Tuesday evening. From the Oval Office of the White House, the President of the United States read f i A d s B l v wr c H Bt h s f Candace Cameron-Bure reading Scripture The empty chair where the woman sat Todd Scoggins Exclusive to the GOOD NEWS Photo Credit: Todd Scoggins Photo Credit: Todd Scoggins America Reads The Bible April 19 - 25, 2026
EXCLUSIVE 19 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition t t e ” t e e t e e from Second Chronicles. But it was not the President’s appearance that was most impactful on me in that moment. It was the woman sitting in this now-empty chair. As the President was still reading on the screen on stage, I stepped out the rear door of the auditorium. And that is where I found her. A beautiful, older black woman sat alone in the chair, just outside the gathered crowd, clutching her purse and her Bible. She was praying. And she was weeping. The image of this woman drew me in, and I stopped in front of her chair. She looked up at me. I needed not to ask. The tears in her eyes and her gentle smile revealed her heart. She shared with me how much this moment meant to her. And it wasn’t that Donald Trump was on the video screen, but that it was her president reading the Bible to the nation she loves. She understands what the Scriptures clearly declare. God is sovereign over every nation. He raises up our leaders, and He sets them down. We may go into a voting booth to cast our choice for leadership. But ultimately, it is God who determines the outcome. This woman understands that truth. Then, she heard her president speak the words we had all been waiting to hear, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” For all his faults, the president is the one appointed by God to lead our land in this season. And for this woman, hearing her president honor the Word of God and call our land to repentance brought to her a long-awaited sense of peace and assurance that God may still be willing to bless our land, if only for a while longer. For me, this woman defined the entire week. She said to me, “I just hope our nation will hear and respond.” I answered her, “The remnant will respond.” She smiled because she knew what I meant. I told her, “Revival is happening in our nation. And it begins with you.” Then I placed my hand on her shoulder and, looking into her eyes, I commissioned her, “And you are the mustard seed. Revival begins with you.” Calling this nation to turn back to God This land is a blessing from God. The freedoms we enjoy are unique in the history of kingdoms. I give thanks to God for the liberty He provides. Our founding fathers understood that we are endowed “by our Creator” with the freedoms we enjoy. The freedom we have to worship the God of the Bible comes not from government, but from God Himself. I’ve had the privilege of traveling with my camera all around the world. And Christians in lands far from my home have expressed to me that the United States has been the greatest force for advancing the Gospel of Christ around the world in modern times. So, it should come as no surprise that the enemy hates this nation and has been working craftily to deceive and distract us from our Christian foundation. Sadly, much of the American church has gone lukewarm to the Word of God. It is time to repent; to change our thinking about the blessings God provides. This week has been a call to a nation that has forgotten God’s Word. Just as Ezra the priest unrolled the scroll and read the ancient Scriptures to the Jews who had forgotten God’s Word then, so, too, do the voices heard this week call a nation to turn back to the God who is sovereign over the nation we love. So, now, the question remains: What do we, the faithful saints, do now that the Word of God has been proclaimed to all the nation? I smiled one more time at the woman in the chair and left her to sit with the Lord and enjoy the moment alone as I found her. Later, when I passed by again, the chair was empty. I will likely never know where she lives or what she will do in the days to come. But I am confident, by the faithfulness I saw in her, that she rose from her chair… and went. As Jesus commissioned the disciples, “Go,” this woman, a mustard seed of faith, will go forth and declare the Gospel. So must we, while there is still time. The prophet Isaiah exclaimed, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” For you, the faithful saint, carry the words of Isaiah in one hand, and be emboldened by the commission of the Lord Jesus in the other: “Go… into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” God is sovereign over every nation! Todd Scoggins is Producer and Studio Director of Clayborn Studios. [email protected] Nick Vujicic Dr Ben Carson Colonel Kevin Bouren Photo Credit: Todd Scoggins Photo Credit: Todd Scoggins Photo Credit: Todd Scoggins
ENCOURAGEMENT 20 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition In complete bewilderment I kept looking at the question for what seemed like an eternity. Why would he ask this? Why, after half a semester of interesting conversations and serious learning, did it come down to this? Why the selfdestructive desire not to give him what I knew he wanted? For goodness’ sake, I was totally prepared for it, and then this... why? Dr. Wright had just handed us our psychology mid-term exam, and it consisted of just one question..."Why"? As my classmates furiously attempted to find "logical answers" to an untenable inquiry, I sat frozen in my seat for more than an hour before revealing my dangerous response... "because." Several days later he summoned me to the university cafeteria for a "chat." There he disclosed that my test response was the correct one, that I was the only student who got it, but that my reply necessitated psychological feedback, which we proceeded to share at length. For the next three years, through the completion of both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, Dr. Wright became the voice of reason, counselor and confidant in my life, and much more... my friend. It was impossible to restrain the tears at his funeral ten years later as I recounted all he meant to me. And there, always in the background but vivid and available, was his prognosis..."At the end of the day you will count your friends on one hand." Dr. Wright was right. What is a friend? Goodness gracious, this from a Scriptures believer, devotions disciple and Bible study participant? I suppose my take comes from the definition, for the word friend may mean something different to you than to me. I am surrounded by "close acquaintances" who share my spiritual, ethical and moral space and with whom a conversation about Christ is common, expected and rewarding. On the other hand, for me a friend is someone who has bonded through trials and tribulations, whom I trust with my most intimate thoughts and to whom I grant time and effort while pouring into their lives. If that sounds like a lot of work, it certainly is. Real friends take real work, real patience, real time, real transparency, real concern... a considerable task indeed. So, for those who have numerous friends that enjoy your bountiful time, diligence and recurring efforts while receiving comparable reciprocity, there is no need to continue... congratulations. For the rest of us, however, how do we treat "close acquaintances?" Do we call them friends? How do we deal with those who consider us their "friend,” but we can't match up? Is it best to have three real close friends or 15 close acquaintances? And from a personal perspective, what to say when asked by readers of this article whether I am their friend or just a buddy? Friendship versus fellowship To me, it comes down to the difference between friendship and fellowship. The first is based on mutual affection and chemistry while the latter is a purpose-driven attraction based on common goals and beliefs. The bedrock of my Christian walk is the recognition that Jesus is my redeemer and closest friend. He in turn provides brothers and sisters who surround me and march by my side. Although chemistry or affection may surface in these relationships, the common denominator and driving force is our belief, our surrender, our obedience to Jesus Christ...holy fellows. I am attracted to the 19th-century hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" for as the Apostle Peter wrote, "submit to God, humble yourselves under His mighty hand, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." This sounds like true fellowship; this sounds very inviting to me. Solomon calls for us to sharpen each other regardless of the degree of "social communion" we share. When it's all said and done what ultimately matters is that we are a family, chosen by the Creator himself. We may choose our friends, but what really counts is that He chose us first. I am blessed to have a beautiful Christian wife that happens to be my best friend on earth, yet I did not choose her... He did. He chose my best friend for me... imagine that! And moreover, He provided me with the Holy Spirit as a sacred compass to locate my Christian companions. Wow, what a friend we have in Jesus! Omar Aleman is a retired federal agent and consultant. He and his wife Julianne assist and support several Christian non-profit organizations both here and abroad. - Omar Aleman - Aleman and Associates ... A scene from The Chosen The Chosen
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