“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:28).  The first thing God asked us to do was multiply. In other words, divine multiplication has been around since the beginning of time. God wants to partner with you to multiply in every area of life. 

Grow the kingdom. 

Some see that as an implied command; others may view that as implied pressure?

The first is quite clear “Grow the Kingdom….”

What does scripture say about God and pressure?

“But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while” (Matthew 13:20-21).

What is my point here?

Benevolent and godly friends are often asked to participate; step up if you will. Sometimes in desperation of impending collapse or in need to meet obligations or to simply follow and support the command to grow.

The Good News follows scripture, suggesting help and hope is on the way. We devote our time and treasure to highlight the works and deeds of primarily Christian charities appropriately scheduled each Thanksgiving in our November editions.  https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2023/november/  

Each month the GN publishes important monthly columns from renowned leaders in most disciplines aptly correlating “disciples”: Perspectives by  Stephan Tchividjian, Church United by Edwin Copeland, In The Word by Franklin Graham, Parenting by Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts, Marriage by Lisa May, Foster Care by Kevin Enders, The Code by Dr. O.S. Hawkins, You Ask Why by Dr. Tommy Boland, Legal Advice  and your Rights by Attorney William C. Davell, Insight by Rob Hoskins and Encouragement by Omar Aleman. All to nourish the soul of a community.

We take on hundreds and thousands of new readers each month, praise the Lord, so some things need repeating just as we pray constantly to seek help and hope.

So again, you may ponder what is my point? 

I am reminded constantly by my obedient friends; they are pre-committed to helping with their treasure, but their most difficult decisions concern: are they asked to carry the load, or will their involvement serve to inspire others to help get the job done? And will it be fruitful and multiply?

Multiply = Matching

Many major donors will embrace a good cause and offer “Matching Funds.” 

That means they pledge to donate a sum of money and will not inject the funds until the charity shows proof they raised new money in that equal amount. As one valued friend often remarks, “Trust but verify.” 

We, the Church, the faithful are commanded to make disciples. How are we approaching that command? How do we measure; what is the metric? Some churches embrace that challenge with inventive applications, yet others see the heavy lift and feel inadequate in staffing to meet the challenge.

The Good News continues to offer our pages, our readers, and the intellect and wisdom of our monthly contributors listed above. This is our support to help grow the Kingdom we are commanded to grow. 

Half of our free distribution is within the larger churches that understand and embrace the power of exposure. Our remaining distribution is a mixture of free vendor locations, mail subscribers and on-line readers. Smaller churches are encouraged to utilize our reach and allow your congregation access to what is happening in our village when reading our insightful articles, community news and timely, free, detailed four-month calendar of activities to supplement where you are currently unable to offer.

We offer the Good News as matching dollars to help multiply the Kingdom.

Happy Easter, He Is Risen.

Les

Read this month’s issue at https://www.goodnewsfl.org/digital/