December 2022

Gò0dNews December 2022

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Christian Magazine

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About Us WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix April Engstrom Brent Goodge Danny Hesterly David Huff Dorothy Teague Greg Grotewold Jonathon Wright Judy Hood Kristen West Matt Jensen Mitchell Qualls Phil Wade Rick Hughes Sandra Gilmore Dr. Shawn Jones

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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

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Contents DECEMBER 2022

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 I’ll Be Home for Christmas

by Phil Wade

GoodNews for Kids

8 The Shepherds and Angels

by Danny Hesterly

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Would You Like to Have Lifetime Income?

by Rick Hughes GoodNews for Men

12 Jesus and Jesus Alone

by Greg Grotewold

GoodNews for Women

14 Have You Opened Your Present?

by April Engstrom GoodNews for Everyone

18 The Character of Christmas

by Brent Goodge

GoodNews for Everyone

20 Tugging at Christmas

by Sandra Gilmore

GoodNews Cover Story

22 Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Small Gifts, Large Hearts

by Kristen West

GoodNews for Life

26 The Two Greatest Gifts

by David Huff

GoodNews Poetry

28 Emmanuel

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Health

30 No Doctor Heals You, Only God Can Heal You!

by Dr. Shawn Jones GoodNews for Everyone

32 He’s Already There

6

by Dorothy Teague

GoodNews for Everyone

34 The Greatest Memory

by Dr. Alan Hix

GoodNews for the New Year

36 5 Ways to Start the New Year Off Right

by Mitchell Qualls GoodNews for Everyone

38 God’s Promise Kept

by Matt Jensen

22

GoodNews for Everyone

40 A Divinely Appointed Visit: Luke 1:39-56

by Jonathon Wright GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 Christmas Ambrosia Salad

42

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

C

by Pastor Phil Wade

hristmas is about connecting with God. In Jeremiah

When facing tough times, which by the way, are a part

3, God says, “You belong to me so come home O

of life, where do we get the reservoir of power, strength,

Israel.” You and I were not meant to belong to a job,

and peace to keep going in the middle of chaos, crisis, and

past regrets, or other expectations. We were made to belong

tragedy? Unless you’re connected to God, you can only rely

to God. Wow! When it comes to this “coming home for

on your own energy. I love the text in Matthew 11 because

Christmas” idea, there are several things we must know:

it doesn’t say, “Come to Me and I will give you rules.” Jesus

1. There are no perfect homes on our planet earth—no Cleaver families here.

2. No home is permanent—kids grow up, people move away, loved ones die.

says, “Come to Me and I will give you rest.” Not rules. Not regulations. Not restrictions. Not religion. Not rituals. But rest. “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29).

Let me say this very gently—if all we have to get us through life is family, then one day, we’re going to find ourselves very lonely. So, let’s consider a different kind of coming home this Christmas. How about a spiritual home coming? A coming home to God; a coming home to your Creator; a coming home to the One who made you. A question people have is: What can I expect by coming home to God or refocusing on God? I. Expect to come home to God’s love and forgiveness That’s the very first reason for Christmas—love and forgiveness. Jesus left His home to come to our home so we could get to know Him and hear God say, “I love you and forgive you.” No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, the Heavenly Father wants you to come home to His love and forgiveness. What keeps us from doing that? Fear and rejection. God surely wants nothing to do with me.

III. Expect God’s purpose and plan for our lives to give hope for the future So, why did Jesus come at Christmas? Because He didn’t

You’re dead wrong! “Nor height nor depth, nor any other

want to love you from a distance! He wants to love you

created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of

up close. Here’s what’s amazing: God is waiting on you!

God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). Say

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace

this aloud: “God still loves me!” From the cradle to the cross

with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom

with outstretched arms Jesus was in essence saying, “I’d

also we have access by faith into this grace in which we

rather die than live without you.”

stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-

II. Expect to receive His peace and strength

2). Today—right now—God is calling for you to come home

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,

for Christmas. Luke 15 tells us that the angels are waiting to

and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn

throw a party! All it takes is one lost soul coming to Christ.

find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

6 // December 2022

About The Author

from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will Pastor Phil Wade and his wife Keli have two children and five grandchildren. His passion in returning to Rome is to give back to Rome the investment they made in him as he served as lead Pastor of Northside Church since 2012.

Your One-Stop Shop For Insurance Ben McWhorter

601 E 1st St. Rome, GA 30161-3143 (706) 234-8686 BMcWhorter@alfains.com

Gò0dNews for Kids

The Shepherds and Angels

D

by Danny Hesterly

o you remember that part in the Christmas Story

This had to be both amazing and a bit scary for the

where the angels begin to sing to the shepherds

shepherds. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an angel, but if I

who are out in the middle of their fields taking care

did, I’d probably feel just like those shepherds did that

of their sheep? Just in case you might have forgotten, it’s

night. There are a lot of really fun and fascinating things

found in Luke 2:8-15:

found in this passage of scripture. Like the announcement

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby,

of the Messiah (the Savior of the world) or how there was

guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord

just one angel, then all of a sudden, a ton of angels were

appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory

singing. But there’s one huge thought I’ve always had that

surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured

stands out when I read the Christmas Story. Here it is: Of all the people in the world, the angel of the Lord told the most important news to a bunch of smelly, poor, and unpopular shepherds. You see, being a shepherd during Jesus’ time wasn’t a job most people wanted.

Shepherds were considered not smart or trustworthy. They didn’t make a lot of money being shepherds, and most people didn’t want to be friends with them. But we see in Luke 2 that an angel of the Lord came to the shepherds FIRST! Wow!

them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will

The good news is that the Messiah, the Lord, being

bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the

born in Bethlehem belonged to everyone. It doesn’t matter

Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And

if you’re young or old, rich or poor, liked or disliked.

you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped

This good news was for shepherds and kings alike. Isn’t

snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

that just amazing? God sees us as His children. We are all

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said

important to Him. God doesn’t have favorites. His good news is for everyone.

So, during this Christmas season, we ALL get to receive the greatest gift ever given to us. His name is Jesus. He is God’s son. He is the Savior of the world, and He wants to be our friend.

happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

8 // December 2022

About The Author

to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has

Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story.

Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.

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Would You Like to Have Lifetime Income? with

Money Matters Rick Hughes Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007.

His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

W

hen Social Security began under President Franklin

Another benefit to this additional Lifetime Income stream

D. Roosevelt in 1935, the average life expectancy

is a statement we often use: “Zero is Your Hero.” What I mean

was 66. At that time, FDR said that Social Security

by this is that you benefit from market gains while avoiding the

would begin at age 65, but later allowed someone to take it at

losses. If you could know your principle is safe from market

62 because of life expectancy. Either way, the payout did not

volatility, wouldn’t you be interested in this strategy?

last long in most cases. Roosevelt’s goal was to provide Amer-

How does it work? Say you have a 401k, and you are on

icans with a stream of income they could not outlive. It was a

the verge of retiring but do not want to risk your principle with

great idea that allowed someone to work x number of years,

the market. Your funds would be linked to the index, but you

then begin collecting some of the money they paid into the SS

would only receive gains from the market, not the losses. This

system. With life expectancy now in the mid-80s, the biggest

is because you receive interest credits if the market performs

fear most seniors experience today is “outliving their money.”

well, but if the market takes a downturn, “Zero is Your Hero.”

For a couple who is 60 years old, there is a 40% chance one of

I have a client who had a 401k, had accumulated $170,000

them will live to be 95. Now what if this happens to you? How

from her employer, and was ready to retire with her husband.

will you handle this? If you do the math, it would make sense

Although their goal was to take their SS benefit each month,

to take the SS benefit at age 62 if you knew you were not going

they could not maintain the lifestyle they wanted without addi-

to live beyond 77, but for any age beyond that, it would make

tional income. They had decided to put the money in the bank

sense to take SS at Full Retirement Age (FRA) or after. If you

and take out $800 per month, or $9,600 per year, to supplement

wait until FRA, you will receive an additional 8% each year

their income. The problem, however, was that they would run

until 70.

out of money after 17 years. I gave them a different strategy

If you are a person who has worked and had a retirement

that would allow them to take $1,600 per month for the rest of

account through your employer, such as a 401k, 403b, or profit

their lives, even after one of them died. Let’s do the math. Say

sharing, then a strategy called “Lifetime Income” might pique

they draw on this money each month for 25 years. That would

your interest. Think of it as a pension, or benefit you receive

amount to $480,000. Which strategy would you prefer?

just like your SS each and every month for the rest of your life.

If Lifetime Income is something you’d like to discuss, give

If and when you draw SS, you expect the check to be deposited

Hughes Retirement Group a call. You can reach us at 423-664-

each and every month into your account. Lifetime Income will

4203 or www.HughesRetirementGroup.com. We’d love to hear

be another stream of income being deposited into your account for the rest of your life. It is important, if possible, to create an

from you!

__________________ Sources: Worker-to-Beneficiary Ratio in the Social Security Program (pgpf.org)

additional income stream to supplement the income stream you receive from your SS benefit.

10 // December 2022

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Gò0dNews for Men

Jesus and Jesus Alone

by Greg Grotewold

I

can still recall as if it were yesterday. I couldn’t eat and was

This is staggering given I didn’t do anything particularly special

anxious to get going, for I wasn’t able to think about anything

to deserve such treatment. In fact, I did nothing, which was the

else. I put my baseball uniform on and headed over to my

whole point Jesus was trying to impress upon me. He wanted me to

coach’s house to catch a ride. Not only did I have a game that

stop striving, stop performing; He wanted me to be still and simply

night, but it was my turn to pitch.

abide in Him. “Stop stiving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10,

The rotation required that I take the mound every other week,

NASB). The Lord desired my heart, not my sacrifice. “For I desire

which meant my nerves were working overtime every other week.

steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than

I wasn’t nervous about having to pitch; I was nervous because I

burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6, ESV).

knew that in order for me to be pleased with my performance, I would need to do something I had not done all season. It wasn’t enough to win the game; success demanded that I pitch a no-hitter.

And as had happened all summer, I failed. Even though we won the game and I got a “w” under my name, I gave up not only a couple of hits, but in fact a run. I was crushed. And as had happened all summer, I spent the balance of the week both sulking over the bitter defeat and constantly replaying in my head the pitch sequence to each of the batters who got on base. You would have thought I had blown Game 7 of the World Series.

I’m a recovering perfectionist. The problem wasn’t that I wanted to play well; the problem was how I defined what “well” meant. I saw no difference between it and perfection; in my mind, they were one in the same.

It wasn’t until Jesus entered my life that I began to recognize

None of this outpouring of grace would have been possible

not only how destructive such striving was but also how

without Calvary. Jesus died my death, and I took on His robe of

unnecessary. The Lord showed me that I was using baseball (and

righteousness (Romans 4:5). Because of the Son’s perfecting work

the myriad of other aims that received my exacting energy) as a

on the cross, the Father now counts me as perfectly righteous. “For

means by which to fill a more profound need. There was no way

by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are

the sport and my ability to perform it could ever possibly deliver

being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14, ESV). When the Father looks at

on the expectations I carried. Even if I had pitched a perfect game, I

me, He doesn’t see Greg and his brokenness; He sees Jesus and His

still would have been left unsatisfied and for one very good reason.

holiness. Simply amazing.

I was seeking something that was designed to be met by Jesus

Immeasurable in mercy, unparalleled in power, irreproachable

and Jesus alone. That something was acceptance. Only He could

in purity, immutable in character, unrivaled in tenderness, and

provide the type of approval for which my heart longed.

irrepressible in joy, Jesus is the very embodiment of the perfection

And when I decided to surrender my will for His, that’s

I had long sought. And I gained what I was seeking at the very

exactly what I received. With tender mercy, Jesus began pouring

moment I relinquished any effort to secure it. I became perfect

out His unadulterated love upon my frustrated soul. He embraced

when I abandoned my need to be perfect and yielded to the One

me with a care that left no doubt I was not only accepted by Him

who is.

but adored. Adored! The Lord loves and likes me. He delights being in my presence. “The Lord your God is in your midst, a

May we find our acceptance in Jesus and Jesus alone. His is the only approval truly worth pursuing.

he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV).

12 // December 2022

About The Author

mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Have You Opened Your Present?

P

by April Engstrom

icture it—that Christmas when you got the present

didn’t come empty handed into your spirit, either. We see in

you’ll never forget. Maybe it was something small,

1 Cor. 12:4-11 examples of His gifts. In Gal. 5:22-23, we see

something that brought you hope when Christmas

the fruit of those gifts. In Romans 12:6-8, Paul urges us to

was a dark time for you. Maybe you received lots of presents, but there’s that one you’ll always remember. For

use these gifts.

Yes, God does and will always shine when He is able to

me, it was a set of ballet slippers, a skirt, leg warmers, and

work where you are weak. But think about how much He

a dance bag with my name on it. I was like so many others

will be able to accomplish if you are willing to allow your

dreaming of being a ballerina. But what was so magical

gifts to be pushed to the level where Jesus takes over and

about that present wasn’t just the present, it was the heart

gets the glory. You are an active, needed part of the body

behind it. My parents were telling me that they believed in my dream too. The clothes weren’t just pretend ballet clothes; they were the real deal. I continued to wear them throughout my ten years of ballet.

Our Heavenly Father is investing in you too.

He knows your heart, and He wants to bless you with gifts that will enable you to succeed at the tasks He has placed in your heart. Yes, God gave us some mind-blowing gifts. Some knock your socks off, praise Jesus, work-in-the-Holy-Spirit kind of gifts. These gifts are the real deal. They are there to equip you and help you succeed in the path God has laid before you. A path that requires you to be in relationship with the Father to bring glory to our Lord Jesus, all of which is made

of Christ, and He wants to use you. He’s gifted you with

possible by the Holy Spirit being present in our daily lives.

everything He needs. Have you opened it?

The greatest gift, next to salvation, is the gift of the Holy

As we enter this Christmas season, as we remember the

Spirit. A living and breathing, active part of the trinity is

greatest gift ever given to us, I encourage you to remember

living inside of you. This is promised to us in John 14:14-21.

the daily gift you have living inside you. Jesus came and died

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another

for your sins, and now the Holy Spirit lives within you to

Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth,

bring glory back to Jesus. Allow Him to speak God’s heart to

whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him

you. Allow Him to use you for God’s good and faithful plans.

nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and

He’s speaking, have you stopped long enough to listen? May

will be in you” (John 14:16-17, ESV).

God bless you this Christmas season and this coming year as

When you accepted the salvation of Jesus Christ, you

you discover all He has for you. Open the gift.

Father. Read the whole of John 14 for an even more beautiful picture of His intentionality behind this gift. The Holy Spirit

14 // December 2022

About The Author

were given the gift that Jesus Himself requested from the

April Engstrom resides in Bradley County with her husband and two boys. She loves her family at the Church at Grace Point and exploring God’s creation. You can follow April’s blog at everlasting-evergreen.weebly.com.

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Rome Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 404-307-7396 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113

Anglican

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551

Assembly of God

Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161 706-291-7790

16 // December 2022

East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777 Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729

Catholic

Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190

Church of Christ

Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351

Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444

Church of God

Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895

706-234-4923 Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome GA 30165 706-314-9084

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2281

Lutheran

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257

Methodist

Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165

Chapel Hill UMC 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-9177 Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7265 Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 Livingston UMC 21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8660 Mt Pleasant UMC 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4350 New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9700 North Rome UMC 706-291-6704 Oostanaula UMC 74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0084 Rome First UMC 202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8590 Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7986 Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC 801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172 706-491-7112 Silver Creek UMC 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173

Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-777-8360

Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566 The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 Rehoboth Missionary Baptist

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161

Episcopal

Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111

Foursquare

Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Full Gospel

Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744

Independent Bible

Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165

Interdenominational

706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214

Nazarene

Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023

Non-Denominational

Access Church 1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161 705-584-7497 Beech Creek Church 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-1018 Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 706-235-0501 Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 30161 706-622-2448 Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue

Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158

Orthodox

All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474

Pentecostal

Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161 706-233-9001 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3787 Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3865

Presbyterian

Covenant Presbyterian Church EPC 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-767-8373 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 706-530-1630 Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561

Seventh-Day Adventist

Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0067 Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4117

Cave Spring Church Directory 6 Rehoboth Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3313 First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd. Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3566 Cave Spring UMC

30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8624 Jackson Chapel UMC 301 Jackson Chapel Rd Cave Spring, GA 30125 706-777-3750

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Character of Christmas

W

by Brent Goodge

e love to read of the angels singing to the

of Almighty God (John 1:14; Matthew 1:23). Through Herod

shepherds in Luke’s account of the Christmas

the Great, Satan did try to kill Jesus as soon as He was born

story. Matthew’s edition presents Christ as the

(Matthew 2:16-18). But in the ignominious death of Herod,

Baby King worshiped by royal emissaries. But have you ever

God demonstrated to satan what his own fate would be

read the Christmas story in Revelation? Both Matthew and

(Matthew 2:19).

Luke presented the Bethlehem story as the Messiah’s arrival

The story of Christmas, as the entire story of salvation, is

to earth. The emphasis of both is to convince the reader that

simply a contrast of character. Satan, the king of selfishness

this Baby in the manger was the Prophesied One.

(Isaiah 14:12-14), set himself against Jesus Christ, the King

John’s Christmas presentation, found in the book of Revelation, doesn’t allow the reader to dwell on the bleating of sheep, the poetic Magnificat, the glorious music of the angels, or the magi from the East. You can read it in Revelation 12:1-5. Satan, the dragon, was standing ready, waiting for Jesus to arrive on earth, so that he could “devour” Jesus “as soon as (He) was born” (Revelation 12:4).

Revelation’s Christmas story gives us the backstory that Luke and Matthew did not include.

Satan and one third of heaven’s angels had been expelled from heaven for rebellion against God (Revelation 12:4). Satan had heard the promise God made to the woman in Eden that One of her seed would crush his head (Genesis 3:15).

And Satan was anxiously awaiting the day the King of the

of Selflessness (Philippians 2:5-8). The serpent’s apparent

universe would step foot on Satan’s territory, where Satan

victory, striking the heel of his Creator on Calvary’s cross, was

was sure the Creator would be an easy Prey.

the event that would crush Satan’s own head (Genesis 3:15).

Did the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit know Satan’s

Decisions have consequences. The king of selfishness

plans? Of course. What kind of parent sends their child to

will die an ignominious death as his vassal King Herod

certain death? What kind of God sends Himself to certain

did (Isaiah 14:16-20; Ezekiel 28:18,19). And the King of

death? What kind of God do we serve? We worship a

Selflessness will spend eternity worshipped by those He died

Creator that once made us in His image (Genesis 1:26;

to transform, knowing if He could go back, He would never

Revelation 14:6,7). And One who committed Himself to the

have chosen any other path (Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 53:11).

prospect that He would do whatever it took to restore His

Whose character are you praying to receive this Christmas?

image in us. Christ was “slain, from the foundation of the And so “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” Immanuel, demonstrating to us the glorious loving character

18 // December 2022

About The Author

world” (Revelation 13:8).

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County, and will never ever understand why God was willing to die to save him.

Church Activities & Events Trinity United Methodist Church Sanders Family Christmas

Thursday, December 1 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM 606 Turner McCall Blvd, Rome, GA

Polk School District Educational Foundation Reindeer Run & Jingle Jog 5K Saturday, December 3 | 1:30PM - 3:00PM 607 N College Street, Cedartown, GA

Victory Baptist Church 11th Hour

Sunday, December 11 | 8:30AM 15 Hendrix Road, Rockmart, GA

Kingdom Church International Men’s Prayer

Saturday, December 17 | 7:30AM 5415 Calhoun Road NE, Adairsville, GA

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Tugging at Christmas

by Sandra Gilmore

I

n East Tennessee, John Muir quotes surface quite often,

the dusty air alongside this road, his mother Rachel breathed

jarring us to discover something wonderful we’ve

her last (Genesis 35:19). Centuries later, Jeremiah’s tears would

overlooked. Mr. Muir validates his quest into these hills,

stain this road without recourse as Babylonian soldiers forced

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”

When one tugs at a single thing in the Bible, he finds

Rachel’s shattered tribe to captivity (Jeremiah 40:1).

Not all the tears along this road were unhappy. Naomi’s friends formed a welcoming committee for Naomi’s daughter-

it attached to Christmas! Check out all the monthly Christmasconnected articles of this series in back editions of the 2022 GoodNews Magazine.

Before the common elements of Christmas today, before the tinsel and trinkets, the long ride to Bethlehem, the shepherds or the manger, there was a prayer. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a son. We now know this son preached and baptized prior to the Messiah’s earthly ministry. The interesting thing about that prayer was, it’s quite possible, it had been set aside.

Do you quit praying after a while? When natural evidence says the prayer won’t be answered, or when your heart loses hope?

Although Zechariah’s prayer centered toward his family, the answer (their son John the Baptist) impacted the world. Your prayers are also part of a design set in motion by the Grand

in-love and blessed her, “May Yahweh make the woman who

Designer. Only God knows the potential they hold. Keep

has come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which two

praying! Scripture endorses our prayerful ponderings because

built the house of Israel; and treat you worthily in Ephrathah

while [Joseph] was thinking the Lord sent an angel to answer his

and be famous in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11). Ruth is in the

questions (Matthew 1:20).

genealogy of Jesus.

Also in Matthew, the “Begats” are listed. This list can be

It is no wonder the Christmas story unfolds in Matthew

quite boring until you tug at it toward Christmas. Each name

with a quote from Micah, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

has a meaning that combines to tell the story of God’s Glory,

Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out

right up to the birth of Jesus.

of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel,

Another tug toward Christmas is a little town called

Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting” (Micah

Ephrathah, or more specially, the road connecting Ephrathah

5:2). God’s people were steeped in the history of this road from

Bethlehem as it meanders even farther toward Jerusalem.

Ephrathah to Jerusalem. The torch of prophecy and the lantern

Nothing changes the world quite like a road. Did you know

of history shed light on this well-worn pathway.

this road brought in so many changes?

The Psalmist assures us, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

Even today, we continue looking for connections to Christmas through Scripture. It seems we know much about

and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Although the road

Christmas, until we look again. There’s so much to unwrap

passing by Ephrathah mutely carries its travelers, the Word

about the birth of Jesus!

spotlights grand events. We know King David’s men found procession, David took the Ark back to Jerusalem (Psalm 132:6, 2 Chronicles 1:4). As Benjamin gasped his first breaths from

20 // December 2022

About The Author

the Ark of the Covenant near this tiny town and with a holy Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

We Want To Wish You & Your Family A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

GR E E N WAYC D J R O F R O M E . C O M

FEATURED COVER STORY

Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome

I

Jeep Ram of Rome been serving the Rome community?

f you are looking for a dedicated dealership in Rome, Georgia, that offers great pricing on new and used

GoodNews: How long has Greenway Chrysler Dodge

vehicles, not to mention superior customer service

Minter: “Originally, this location in beautiful Rome,

and communication, you can’t go wrong when it comes

Georgia, was purchased from Bob Williams in November

to buying your next car from Greenway Chrysler Dodge

of 2012. We were opened under the University umbrella

Jeep Ram of Rome. As your local full-service automotive

totaling 13 locations throughout Alabama and Georgia.

dealership, Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome

That has since changed, and we are now proudly a full

offers auto financing solutions, trade-in programs, and a

Greenway property.

fully-stocked parts department and service center. Whether

Our founders both started in the car business over 20

you are interested in a new Ram truck or an adventure-

years ago and run one of the top dealer groups in the Nation

ready Jeep SUV, you will find what you are looking for at

(Top 25). They bought University from Bob Williams, who

Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome!

had been in business on 2nd Street for over 30 years, and

Q and A with Michael Lee Minter, Internet Sales & Marketing

moved years later to the Highway 53 location we proudly

GoodNews: Can you tell us about Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome’s history?

Minter: “Greenway Automotive Group was originally founded in 1987 out of Orlando, Florida, just one block from the Public Square. Our founders had the vision for dynamic growth and progress that could be experienced by surrounding communities. Their ethical business practices and sense of community leadership worked hand-in-hand in building the success and progress we now enjoy at over 65 locations throughout the U.S. and beyond.”

22 // December 2022

call home today!

Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome has been among the top Domestic Dealers in the south and is one of the largest volumes used car dealers in Floyd County, Georgia. Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome received the Georgia American Business Ethics Award and won the American Business Ethics Award in the small company division. This is a national recognition program for companies with a strong, demonstrated commitment to ethics in their everyday business practices. We are very

proud of this recognition and the many other services and

customers wants and needs, however, many people don’t

sales awards that we have received, but the best form of

wish to wait 4-6 or even 8 months for their new vehicle.

recognition that we receive comes from our guests when

Thankfully, our General Manager John Rhodes is quite

they tell us, “You’re the greatest.”

skilled in keeping us stocked with an ever-evolving variety

GoodNews: What separates Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome from other dealerships in the area?

Minter: “Honestly, I find us to be the most stress fee dealer around. We aspire to treat every prospect like a million bucks when they visit us. Whether they are looking to order a vehicle, or struggling to find financing for something reliable, they can depend on us making the

of pre-owned options. He has proven to me time and time again that he can keep us stocked with a variety of options sure to fit anyone’s desires—and budget even in the most strained of times.”

GoodNews: Can you tell us about Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome’s trade-in program?

Minter: “Absolutely, we even offer to purchase vehicles

process as hassle-free as possible for them. It has been my

without the need to buy something from us! We use an

experience even from my days as a Product Specialist on the

algorithm when evaluating trades that takes into account

sales floor that most individuals are looking for guidance

the values from various trusted third-parties including, but

and a better understanding of how the process works.

not limited to, Kelly Blue Book, Manheim Market Report,

That being said, I’ve always looked at it like this—if we

Black Book, and J.D. Power. Again, so long as we can make

aren’t getting a contract for someone to purchase a vehicle

it make sense, we are going to take the deal, or in this case,

today, then at the very least, we should be helping them

‘your vehicle.’”

become a customer down the line. Worst case scenario, you should be leaving with a much better understanding of what options are available to you, and a roadmap to get you at the point you wish to be. Having experienced that many of our patrons throughout my nine years here are simply hoping to either re-establish or begin establishing car credit (which helps overshadow any minor collections that may be on a person’s bureau). I have personally always made it a point to offer credit counseling and guidance, even sending them out with a link to share with potential co-buyers. I have a

Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rome is

Facebook page dedicated to credit counseling, ‘Automotive

located at 2500 New Calhoun Hwy NE Rome, GA,

Credit Coach.’”

centrally positioned five minutes from Shorter University

GoodNews: Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of

and Berry College. You can call the dealership at (706) 528-

Rome offers new and used vehicles, what is your inventory

6201 or check out Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of

like with the lingering effects of the pandemic?

Rome’s website, greenwaycdjrofrome.com, to browse through

Minter: “Our new inventory has taken a major hit in

their inventory!

that regard. Thankfully, the manufacturers have now made it easier than ever before to order vehicles specific to our

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Small Gifts, Large Hearts

I

by Kristen West

t was Christmas morning. My living room was filled with family and the remains of what had been neatly wrapped packages. We were nearing the

end of our traditional gift exchange when my 13-yearold grandson produced a small, red stocking from behind his back and gave it to me. “Merry Christmas, Grandma,” he proclaimed.

I dumped out the stocking to find $13.82. The entire contents of his piggybank from home. “It’s everything I have, Grandma,” he said with a sweet smile. “And I wanted you to have it.”

My eyes welled up with tears as I gave him a bear hug that he’s probably still recovering from to this day. His comparatively small gift of the morning had the largest impact on my heart. The rest of us had purchased gifts within our budgets and from our surplus. Not him. His gift was completely and unreservedly sacrificial.

Mark 12:41-44 tells a story of a widow who did the same thing. Jesus and His disciples happened to be sitting across from the temple treasury one day as folks were coming through and dropping in their offerings.

“Many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little” (vs. 41-42).

Jesus used that opportunity as a teaching moment for His disciples as He told them, “I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed—all she had to live on” (vs. 43-44).

The Gospel point here is simple. In regards to

culture where we’re encouraged to buy big, spend more, and keep up with the Joneses, that life-giving truth is essential to remember. Small things matter. Tiny tokens of thoughtfulness and love count.

As we approach this Christmas season, I pray that we all will keep that truth close to our hearts as we give freely, sacrificially, sincerely, and with love.

attitude and generosity of the heart that God regards.

Not the magnificence or largeness of the gift. In a

24 // December 2022

About The Author

giving, it is always the sincerity of the thought and the

Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.

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Gò0dNews for Life

The Two Greatest Gifts

T

by David Huff

his is one of my favorite times of the year. Leaves

us. Every morning when we wake up, the breath of God

have turned colors and have fallen to the ground,

is flowing through us.

and I love walking through them and hearing the

The next gift I am given every day is the opportunity

crunching underneath my feet. For me, it is extremely

to receive salvation. The opportunity to be forgiven for

peaceful and centers my mind on the things that I take

the things I have done and the things I will do. God

for granted every day. The best part of the season is that

could have easily said, no, you are too wicked and destroyed

within weeks, we are at one of the happiest times of the

me, but He chose to allow Jesus to redeem me. That is

year—at least to me. Yes, I am referring to the gift-giving

a gift that keeps giving everything just as much as life.

season. I love watching my kids, wife, and other family

Not only do I get to experience a new day with life here

members open their presents on Christmas day.

on Earth, but I also get to experience eternal life with my

The main reason I enjoy watching everyone is it

Lord and Savior. You cannot replace those gifts.

reminds me of the two greatest gifts that God gives me

This Christmas season, I want to encourage you to

every day. James 1:17 says that every good gift comes

take time and think about the life that God gives you

from above. Indeed, it does. One of the gifts that I am so

every day. The air we breathe, the eternal life we will

thankful for is that each day I wake up and I have air to

have for those who are redeemed to Christ, and the

breathe. I love the Creation story so much because of this.

miracle birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry

In Genesis 1, man was formed from the Earth and God

Christmas, and may you enjoy the gifts that God gives us every day.

breathed His breath into man. God later formed woman from the side of the man and again He breathed life into her. Every

About The Author

day God breathes life into

26 // December 2022

My name is David Huff, and I am married to Brittany and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team. I am also a senior at Liberty University.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Emmanuel

by Judy Hood

Over rough terrain they traveled far The things that have happened have just been bizarre Like when Mary told Joseph she was with child by the Holy Ghost Most men would have left and headed for the coast But an angel came to Joseph in his sleep that night She will give birth to the Savior of the world; she did not lie So as there was no room for them in the inn All that was left was a stable but they gave thanks once again Before they knew it the baby was born As the animals looked on, the cows eating corn They named him “Emmanuel” meaning “God with us” When the three kings arrived, they made such a fuss Giving him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh He was such a delight; he was God’s spoken word He came to bring salvation to all men If men would just put their faith in him He hung on the cross, you see To show his love for you and me Just think when we get to heaven fair And see all the wonders that are there What a moment that will be 28 // December 2022

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Gò0dNews for Health No Doctor Heals You, Only God Can Heal You! rowing up in the mid-west, church was an occasional Sunday event in my family. Honestly, my Grandmother Pauline preached enough in her living room every afternoon to fill in a lot of the gaps! However, we all have times in our lives where God proves He is always in charge—even if He does not make Himself known regularly to you and stays in the background of our lives.

Fortunately, He is a loving God and will sometimes let us dig pretty deep holes we think we cannot ever recover from. But when you calm yourself and pray, the revelations

He wants us to learn will come to us, and eventually, the best way out of any situation! And the key is redemption!

We all make mistakes, and we all sin. Because God gave us all His only son, Jesus Christ, who died for all our sins, we only have to ask for forgiveness and admit we have sinned, and we are redeemed! How many times have you felt a hundred pounds lifted off your shoulders when you asked for forgiveness and were redeemed? It does not mean we will not suffer, but there is always light above to guide you out of any hole you dug!

The most dramatic experience for me was when I was white water rafting on the Colorado River; our raft got stuck on a huge rock at the beginning of the harsh rapids and I was hurled into the water. A few seconds later, I came up more than 50 yards from the raft. I was unable to swim 10 feet to shore or barely breathe as the current was so powerful, and I had to swallow water to get breaths. In my sheer panic, suddenly, a voice quietly said to me…it’s not your time now, you have too much to do. I immediately felt calm

30 // December 2022

overtake me, and somehow my raft mates suddenly yanked me from the rapids and I was saved! I realized I was on a wrong path and this was another wake-up call to pray for forgiveness, redeem myself with God, and get back on the plan. God had plans for me to help people heal, and just like each of you, God has a plan to follow.

There is a saying in Chiropractic: “Life Comes from Above Down Inside Out!” It means that all healing is divine and comes from above, from God through Jesus Christ. This Life-Force is expressed inside your body outwards through the nerves. All doctors are simply tools of the Lord with special skills to help your body heal itself. No drug heals you, as they can only inhibit or stimulate body function.

No surgery heals you, as it removes cancers etc. or tries to improve joints or organs. They remove the impediment to healing, and your body does the healing! It’s the same with Chiropractic care, we remove interferences of bones pinching nerves, so it’s like turning the switch on to organs, muscles, and tissues of the body. We move the bone, and the power that made your body can once again heal the body. A Chiropractor treats no diseases, we only treat people, helping your innate healing power from God do miraculous things.

Some people may seek a doctor on a nutritional basis, and some need a tumor removed. The key is God will try to get you to the right doctor for any situation. Listen to His guidance. I cannot tell you how many new patients have come in and told me, “God sent me to you. Now you better figure this out!” If God sends someone to me, I know I will do my best as He gives me strength and confidence to help people who need my help! We are taught in Chiropractic school the second most important principal, to “Share for the sake of Sharing, Give for the sake of Giving, and Love for the sake of Loving.” Remember, you cannot row someone across the river without getting there yourself. I take that to mean that all doctors of all professions that have a desire to help others heal get blessings back to them as well.

About The Author

G

by Dr. Shawn Jones

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

He’s Already There

by Dorothy Teague

I

watch a lot of “Sci-fi” shows, and I’ve been a

happens to me in my present or future life, He is an

“Trekkie” for a long time, watching the earliest Star

almighty God who is already there taking care of me.

Trek series avidly. I’m fascinated with “worm holes”

Even though I come from a long line of worriers, I try

and hooked on movies about time travel. I’ve always

to hold fast to this tenet and what Matthew 6:34 says,

thought it would be pretty cool to be able to go back

“Do not be anxious about tomorrow.”

in time and fix my mistakes, or gain the knowledge of how not to make them to begin with. A peep into the future to ready ourselves for what’s to come would be quite handy. But I have to bring my vivid imaginings to a halt and step into scripture where the real answers are found.

Even though God created time, He is above time itself (Genesis 1 and 2—the seven days of creation).

He is omnipresent, which means that He is everywhere at all times.

We ordinary mortals cannot see the future; we can only look back at the past or see the moment we are presently in. But God is everywhere at all times, tenses, and places! He is not confined by the construct of time nor can He be

Time travel may not ever come to pass while I

contained by any of the laws of nature and science that

am on this earth, but God is already the ultimate

we must abide by (“Behold, Heaven and the highest

time traveler! He is omnipresent! “We see through a

Heaven cannot contain You” 1 Kings 8:27).

glass darkly…” (1 Corinthians 13:12) but God already

Psalm 139:7-10 says, “Where shall I go from your

knows all the events of your life (Psalm 139:16) and is there in each moment of it with you. It’s comforting

ascend to Heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in

to know that no matter what happens in my life’s

Sheol, you are there! …if I dwell in the uttermost parts

journey, He’s already there!

of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” So, no matter what

32 // December 2022

About The Author

Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I

Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Greatest Memory

T

by Dr. Alan Hix

he Christmas season is often a time for remembering.

planning something special for her child? She would not know

What is your fondest Christmas memory? The month of

until three days later, that God’s promise all those years ago

December holds some special days for our family. My

was fulfilled in ways she could never have imagined.

father was born in December, and he and my mother were wed a few days before his birthday. Skip forward in time, and our daughter was born on my parents’ anniversary, and a few days later, I walked across the stage at New Orleans seminary for my doctoral degree.

Christmas songs often reflect memories of Christmases past. The Twelve Days of Christmas might cause us to wonder what we would do with all of those presents if our true love actually did give them to us. The cacophony from all the livestock alone might make us rethink our view of the Grinch

During my early adult years, a popular song for church choirs to sing at Christmas was called simply, That Night.

The song begins with a hushed memory of a humble birth.

That night in all of Heaven there wasn’t a sound As God and the angels watched the Earth.

For there, in a stable the Father’s only Son Chose to give Himself through human birth.

And when the cry of a baby pierced the universe Once for all, men were shown their worth.

as a villain. He had a problem with the noise too!

Closer to home, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus might stir memories of those childhood schemes to catch a glimpse of the man in the red suit. I’ll be home for Christmas captures the wistful longing for treasured Christmas traditions.

More poignantly, Jim Brickman’s song That Silent Night, recounts the story of a courtship that began on a Christmas night and continued through the decades. Alone now, a widower looks back over the years of Christmases spent together. We feel his wistfulness in the chorus: And the world spins round and the seasons change Letting go moving on and nothing stays the same Winter turns to Spring and Summer turns to Fall Our shadows on the wall, I still can see When I was holding you and you were holding me.

We find many details of the Christmas story in the Gospel

The chorus crescendos into a powerful declaration of the eternal significance of this one simple event.

of Luke. The difficult journey to Bethlehem, a stable turned into

And the heavens exploded, with music everywhere.

a delivery room, and a host of angels announcing the messiah’s

And the angels spilled over heaven’s edge and filled the air.

birth to lowly shepherds all capture our imagination. Luke

And the Father rejoiced, for He did not lose His Son,

concludes his narrative with a simple statement that implies

But He gained to Himself forever those who’d come.

treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

I wonder how often during the course of Jesus’ life, Mary paused to remember the wonder of those events. As her heart was broken as she watched her son dying on a Roman cross, did she think back to those events when it seemed God was

34 // December 2022

No wonder Mary pondered these things in her heart. For Christians throughout the centuries, this is truly the greatest memory. This Christmas, let us make it ours!

About The Author

the details he recounts come from Mary’s memories: “But Mary

Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

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Gò0dNews for the New Year

5 Ways to Start the New Year Off Right

O

by Mitchell Qualls

ne more year is almost in the rearview, and the

• Measurable: You need a way to measure your progress.

countdown to the new year is on. Can you believe it? If

Depending on your goal, you may have to search, but look

you’re like me, you may already be thinking about new

for a tool to measure your progress. Choose a method that

opportunities and goals to help you start the new year right.

If you’re rolling your eyes at the thought of “New Year’s

you’ll stick with.

• Achievable: If it’s not attainable, you’ll probably give up too

Resolutions,” let me just state the obvious: There’s nothing

soon. Don’t try to jump too big, too fast. If there’s a big, lofty

significant about January 1 when it comes to goals. There is

goal you want to achieve in the future, that’s great. Break

nothing magical about new year’s resolutions. In fact, research has

it down into smaller goals and take those on. It’s a lot less

found that only about 45% of people even make resolutions. (And

daunting to say you want to lose 5 pounds in 2 months than

35% of those who do quit them before the end of January.)

to say you want to lose 50 pounds.

So, are they even worth it? While resolutions may not be the most successful, there is a lot of benefit in setting goals for yourself.

Goals can help you become who you want to be, provide stability and drive you. January 1 gives you a good starting point. The calendar flips to another year, and it’s often seen as a fresh start.

But, how do we start the new year off right?

1. Reflect on the previous year.

Healthy things grow. Healthy people are no different, but to grow, we have to see where we are. Start by looking back at the previous year and ask yourself: What went well last year?

What did I accomplish?

How did my life improve?

What goals did I abandon? Why? What hurdles did I overcome?

What do I wish I had spent more time doing?

2. Ask yourself, “What do I want to improve upon and why?”

You have the best opportunity to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Be careful not to set your goals based on what another

• Relevant: Does the goal matter to you? Is this something you want, not anyone else?

• Time-bound: Every goal needs a timeframe. The timeline must be realistic. Set a target achievement date and set benchmarks along the way.

4. Build a support system.

Achieving goals is a lot easier when you surround yourself

person or our culture says. Your goals are about your health,

with people cheering you on. Come alongside friends or family,

finances, career, relationships, or whatever you choose. No matter

and all agree to share your goals and support each other.

how good a goal is, the success rate is diminished if it’s set for the

Accountability will push you to keep at it. If you need to, find an

wrong reasons. Side note: There is no magical number of goals either.

online group with similar goals and journey together.

Maybe you just need to start with one and focus on it until you achieve it.

3. Set SMART goals.

Ever heard of a SMART goal? SMART is an acronym coined

5. Write it down.

This seems simple, but there’s power in writing your goals, perhaps in your planner or on a sticky note in a prominent place.

in the Management Review Journal in 1981. It means specific,

Make sure they are somewhere highly visible so you can read them

measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It’s a business

over and over. And you can check off that goal once you achieve it.

model for setting goals, but it translates well to other types. Here’s

Go ahead and set those goals for the new year. But take the

• Specific: Your resolution should be absolutely clear. Instead of “I want to get in better shape,” say, “I want to run a 5k in 3 months.”

36 // December 2022

time to make a plan. As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

About The Author

a brief explanation of a SMART goal:

You can reach Michell Qualls at Mitchell@ FirstThings.org or visit First Things First’s website for more content at firstthings.org.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

God’s Promise Kept

“I

by Matt Jensen

will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall

bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15).

In this passage, God is the one who promises,

the snake is Satan, and the offspring of the woman

• Will explain God’s law (Exodus 20:1-21; Matthew 5-7) • Will be like a substitutionary lamb who takes away sin (Exodus 12:1-28, John 1:29, 35-36) • Will be a son of David (2 Samuel 7, especially verses 12-16; Matthew 1:1; 12:42)

is Jesus. Here we find that God promises that Jesus

• Will be the place that God’s presence fills like the

will come in order to fix and improve everything that

temple and tabernacle, but better (Exodus 26, 40; 1 Kings 6, 8; Matthew 12:6; Colossians 2:9) The Old Testament announces that Jesus will come. The New Testament announces that Jesus has already come and will come again.

We can believe all that God has promised because he promised that Jesus would come and then delivered on it. All who repent and believe in Christ will be saved by his blood and righteousness. All who refuse to come to Christ will be judged for their sins by the God of perfect holiness. Will you stand before God in Christ or in your sins?

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him (2 Corinthians 1:20).

And they killed those who announced beforehand

5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45). This promise means judgement for Satan but salvation for mankind. This promise grows like a tree. The more Scripture that is written, the clearer and brighter this promise becomes.

For example, the offspring of the woman: • Will be a son of Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 17; Matthew 1:1) • Will be a king (Genesis 49:8-12; 2 Samuel 7, especially verses 12-16; 1 Timothy 6:15) • Will be a ruler and redeemer like Moses, but better (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 7:35) • Will lead another Exodus (Exodus 1-15; Matthew 2:15)

38 // December 2022

the coming of the Righteous One (Acts 7:52; read verses 1-53).

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look (1 Peter 1:10-12).

About The Author

Adam has ruined through disobeying God (Romans

Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah.

They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.

Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

Mission Statement:

W

Writer Guidelines:

e believe when people are equipped,

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and

motivated, and passionately engaged in

professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,

living out their faith in Jesus Christ they

business professionals, and others who have a desire to

have the potential to be world changers.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic

relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents.

Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

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reach out to people through words of encouragement.

What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!

Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

Gò0dNews for Everyone A Divinely Appointed Visit: Luke 1:39-56

M

by Jonathon Wright

ary went into hyperdrive, throwing her stuff

Shortly after this, the women sat down to talk and

together. She had to know if the angel’s words

share a meal. “It is so good to see you, Mary! I have not

were true. After all these years, was Elizabeth

felt God’s presence like that in a long time. You have no

going to have a baby? Mary’s journey from Nazareth into

idea how good it is to have someone to talk to. I have been

the hill country of Judea was uphill, but she didn’t seem

in seclusion for five months after getting pregnant. And

to mind. As each hill passed, Mary was getting closer to

my husband Zechariah has not said a word after the angel

seeing her relatives and friend. The closer she got, the

Gabriel told him we were going to have a child.”

more excited she became. Mary was a woman on a mission and could not wait to see Elizabeth.

Mary quickly replied, “I know Gabriel. He’s the same angel that told me about my child and your pregnancy. That is the reason I came.” Both women were amazed by all the great things that God was doing in their lives.

Elizabeth reaches across the table to give Mary some bread and asks, “How long are you staying?”

“Well, I had not given it much thought, but as long as you will have me. I was hoping to help in any way I could and see the baby.” Elizabeth told one of her servants to prepare the extra room upstairs and said, “It will be a joy to have you.”

The two women had a great time reminiscing.

Mary was a tremendous help and blessing to Elizabeth and their family. Mary’s visit was a special blessing from the Lord that lifted Elizabeth’s lonely heart. But the Lord used both of them to comfort, help, and encourage each other. And in the midst of it all, God’s Spirit showed up mightily.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth through the rest of her

Mary finally got to the house and knocked on the

pregnancy, and it was a Godsend.

door. She had no idea what was about to happen. The very

I hope this Christmas, you and your family will have a

moment she came into the house, Elizabeth was filled with

wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior. May we

the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth was in the kitchen, but her words

all love, serve, and encourage each other for God’s glory.

echoed through the house. “Blessed are you among women,

May we all pray for more of God’s Spirit to help. And may

and blessed is the child you will bear!”

we all be more like Mary and Elizabeth, true servants of

Elizabeth knew she was pregnant without Mary

God that believe in the promise of God’s Son.

overwhelmed Mary’s heart. And further confirmed the truth she held deep inside.

40 // December 2022

About The Author

having to say a word. The timing of this great blessing Jonathon Wright currently lives in Cleveland, Tennessee, and has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical Studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer.

Jonathon hopes to encourage people to read the Bible and take notes. You can find more from Jonathon at amazon.com/author/everydaynotes.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Christmas Ambrosia Salad This side dish is sure to bring joy to those around the dinner table this Christmas! Let us know if you share this sweet treat with your family this season. Tag us on Facebook at Goodnews CM.

Ingredients

Instructions

• 1 (15 ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained

1. Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Pat the fruit dry. Cut the maraschino cherries in half.

• 1 (20 ounce) can of pineapple tidbits, drained • 1 (10 ounce) jar of maraschino cherries, drained • ½ cup of sweetened flaked coconut • 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows • ½ cup of sour cream • 1 (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip

42 // December 2022

2. In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple, halved maraschino cherries, flaked coconut, and mini marshmallows until combined.

Then, gently fold in the mandarin oranges.

3. In a smaller bowl, mix together the sour cream and Cool Whip until well combined.

Then, gently fold into fruit mixture.

4. Chill in the fridge overnight before serving.

5. Enjoy!

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