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I’m back from a week hiatus, and I’ll explain what I did and where I went. Let’s get to it.
Globetrotting to South Africa
In May, I got a phone call from my Thunder P.R. contact, asking if I would be interested in working the NBA Africa Game. It was me (official scorekeeper), the rest of the table personnel (scoreboard, clock, shot clock) and the stat crew, which makes up seven of us, travelling to Johannesburg, South Africa last week.
I’ll admit, South Africa was never on my adventure radar, but it’s hard to pass up an opportunity like this. It was a brief trip, a total of three “sleeps” in Pretoria, where the game was played. I didn’t do much touristy stuff because we didn’t have transportation, but we stayed in a very nice hotel, located across the street from the arena.
The game was broadcasted live on ESPN2 on Sat., Aug. 4. It was definitely fun to work, especially with the pre-game festivities that featured some African culture flair.
I also got to meet Levi, a young man who is an itinerant preacher in South Africa. We happened to be at a pharmacy near my hotel, and he read my t-shirt that promoted my church. He said he had some seminary training in California and is planning a trip back to the states this fall. God always encourages me through such random meetings.
Collegiate Week at Falls Creek
The day after I got back from South Africa, I returned to my “happy place.” Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center was hosting LifeWay’s Collegiate Week, which ended Thursday, Aug. 9.
My story on Collegiate Week is already posted on the Baptist Messenger website, as it will be the cover story for the Aug. 16 Messenger.
This is a major deal for Falls Creek. I interviewed Bill Noe who is the program director for Collegiate Week, and he spoke about Collegiate Week leaving Glorieta Conference Center in N.M. and meeting for the first time at Falls Creek. LifeWay, being a national resource entity for the Southern Baptist Convention, is big time, and for Falls Creek to host a LifeWay event speaks volumes for the campground in the Arbuckle Mountains.
Noe and his LifeWay peeps are thrilled to have Collegiate Week at Falls Creek. I mentioned in my article the word “home” was repetitive in Noe’s vocabulary. He could not have been more gracious and complimentary about Falls Creek and especially the Falls Creek staff.
Collegiate Week appears to be a regular occurrence at Falls Creek for years to come.
A wrong conclusion of Billy Graham rule
Winfree Brisley offers a review of the book “Why Can’t We Be Friends? Avoidance is Not Purity” by Aimee Byrd. I appreciate Brisley’s intention of clarity to some standards of philosophy and personal discipline that both men and women set for themselves.
According to Brisley’s review, Byrd is critical of the well-known “Billy Graham rule,” which is a standard Christian leaders follow, preventing meeting alone with someone of the opposite sex beside their spouse or a family member.
One thing that I would like to point out is the Billy Graham rule does not ONLY apply to men. I know women leaders who have a similar standard. Also, the Billy Graham rule does not mean avoidance of a person of the opposite sex. People make it out that the rule followers “snub” people, will not meet with them at all. They misunderstand that many followers of the Graham rule make extra measures like bringing their spouse, a family member or another co-worker along.
And whether or not the critics of the Billy Graham rule believe this, many of the rule followers do it out of respect of the person of the opposite sex they are meeting with.
As I have said before, in this day of rampant sexual harassment and domestic abuse, the Billy Graham rule should be welcomed.
Riley responds to Meyer situation
OU Head Football Coach Lincoln Riley said domestic abusers “won’t work here.” This is in light of what happened recently at Ohio State University, as Buckeye Head Coach Urban Meyer has been suspended after it was reported he was aware of a former assistant coach’s abusive actions.
Riley’s direct comments should be appreciated. I continue to be impressed with how he has begun his head coaching stint.
“There’s no secrets in this world anymore,” Riley told the Oklahoman’s Berry Tramel. “We have to be honest with each other. We have to communicate.”
I was asked if I thought Meyer would return to the Buckeye sidelines. I don’t see it happening. I think Meyer’s coaching days are done. Sexual harassment today is considered a heavy offense, and many celebrities, spokespeople and in leadership roles have faced severe penalties. It will be hard for Meyer to get a reprieve.
Mohler on Stanley
Al Mohler’s The Briefing podcasts are back after taking the month of July off. You should check them out. Nobody is more respected today than Al Mohler.
In today’s edition of The Briefing, Mohler offers commentary about Andy Stanley’s recent comments about “unhitching” from the Old Testament. Mohler also wrote an article about Stanley, accusing him of heresy.
Stanley, the son of well-known pastor Charles Stanley who followed his father’s profession to become a pastor of a church in Atlanta, continues to say controversial remarks. A few years ago, I blogged critically of Stanley when he criticized small churches.
I pray God will move in Andy Stanley’s heart, convict him of his heretical remarks and restore him to be a godly communicator of His Word.
One point Ashford makes that I appreciate is his emphasis on civility:
“What we need is not political correctness but civility. Whereas today’s political correctness often demands social conformity at the expense of personal beliefs, civility encourages us to articulate our beliefs, but to do so in a way that respects the dignity and decency of other persons.
“Civil citizens are smart enough, strong enough, and patriotic enough to make their political points without having to take the low road.”
Thank you for reading Doyle’s Half Dozen. I’m always encouraged when I hear from readers.
Let’s get to this week’s edition of six timely topics!
Why the cheering?
If you have been to any of the Falls Creek youth weeks for the last 10-plus years, you may have heard some cheering during the evening service whenever the weekly speaker asks the audience to open their Bibles to the passage he will be using for his sermon that night. Do you know why there’s cheering? I always smile when I see many speakers and preachers get confused when the cheering happens after they say “Open your Bibles to…”
Ed Newton is the influencer of this trend. He is the speaker for Week 8, the final week of Falls Creek summer camp, which is concluding tonight, Friday, July 27. I’m heading down to talk to him briefly, but to also get a wrap-up from Andy Harrison, Falls Creek program director, about the camp this summer.
If you have never heard Ed Newton speak, you have missed a blessing. His energy, compassion and preaching style greatly connects with students and young adults, but God has used him to reach people of all ages. In his first sermon at Falls Creek this week, he gives an explanation of the cheering trend he started. I asked Walter Johnson to capture the segment where Newton explains this tradition (Thanks Walter!) Watch Newton’s explanation:
Carter on Abortifacients and ‘next phase’ on pro-life
Joe Carter always does an excellent job in explaining legal aspect of social issues that involve moral aspects. In his recent article about clergy possibly handing out abortifacients in church, Carter helps pro-life advocates consider possible ramifications if Roe v. Wade is ever overturned.
Ending Roe, as Carter explained, will be a great result for those who value the sanctity of life, clamping down on the massive practice of abortion clinics, such as those supported by Planned Parenthood. However, Carter also believes the pro-life community is not ready for “the next phase of the battle.”
“We’ve convinced ourselves,” Carter wrote, “of the misleading half-truth that many, if not most, Americans are beginning to share our pro-life convictions about the value of unborn children.
“The harsh reality is that most Americans—including many Christians—are only pro-life when the unborn looks like a newborn baby. That’s why they value unborn life more at later stages of pregnancy, during the stages when the child looks like a baby.”
Now that the U.S. Supreme Court is appearing to become favorable for future rulings that would make the pro-life community rejoice, as Carter stated, pro-life believers need to pray for God to prepare us for what comes next.
SBC to implement sex abuse study group
New Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear announced this week of the formation of a study group that will take on the growing concerns relating to sexual abuse as it relates to SBC churches and institutions.
“The group’s purpose,” according to a release from Greear’s office, “will be to consider how Southern Baptists at every level can take discernible action to respond swiftly and compassionately to incidents of abuse, as well as to foster safe environments within churches and institutions. This group will study both how Southern Baptists are currently engaging these issues and develop recommendations in consultation with relevant SBC entities on strategies and resources for ministering to victims and protecting people and churches from predators.”
This is an important decision. Society has become alarmed in the past year. Celebrities, popular personalities and well-known leaders have been accused and penalized, some even arrested and charged, for sexual abuse.
There is much to learn and steps to take, but this action under Greear’s leadership is a step in the right direction for the SBC.
Brunson no longer behind bars
American pastor Andrew Brunson is no longer in a Turkish prison, but he is under house arrest. I recommend reading the report from Baptist Press.
Brunson was in prison for about a year and a half under what appears to be false accusations of the pastor being involved with a coup to overthrow Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
This is an improvement, but pray for Brunson and his family at this time, that he will be fully released.
Mind blown
I don’t know if you have seen this video from the show “Genius Junior” (by the way, I didn’t even know such a show existed), but I was blown away watching this young man answer the questions from Doogie Howser (fitting that he’s the host).
After watching him identify the words and THEN quickly spell the words backwards… I mean, who does that? Is that even taught?
I especially enjoyed hearing him say “hootenanny.” Watch and be amazed:
It’s hot! Hopefully you are in a cool place while you read this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Let’s get to it!
Sons shines at Falls Creek
I mentioned last week that I was going to be spending time at Falls Creek this week. Even when it’s ridiculously hot, Falls Creek is always an awesome experience.
I was down there Monday and Tuesday this week to interview the camp speaker, David Sons. This is David’s first time to speak at Falls Creek, but after the talk I’ve heard about David and how he is a great preacher, especially with middle school, high school and college students, I am even more convinced he will return to speak at the Creek
I got to tag along with David and watch him connect with campers and sponsors down at the rec fields. David is a natural conversationalist, and it was fun to watch the group dynamic, which proved my point that Oklahomans, for the most part, are the friendliest people.
This was a Tuesday afternoon, after David spoke for the first time the previous night. He said in the Monday service that he was from South Carolina, and out of the approximately 5,500 people at Falls Creek, it was safe to say he was the only South Carolinian.
On three separate occasions at the rec fields, David would start talking to somebody. After a few minutes, he would ask them where they were from. After they would tell him, they would ask David where he’s from. After he said “South Carolina,” the camper would get big-eyed and say “Are you the camp speaker?!” It was fun to watch how they laugh with excitement.
It also happened when David talked to a group of sponsors. They just thought he was a friendly guy and had no idea exactly who he was. But it was fun to see their expressions when they realized he’s the camp speaker.
My story “Sons fits in like family at Falls Creek” will run in the July 26 Baptist Messenger. Also, visit https://livestream.com/bgco/fallscreek and hear David speak for yourself.
Still affirming VBS
I mentioned last week about writing an article about a senior adult version of Vacation Bible School. It’s now readable online. Check out “Seniors say ‘yes’ to VBS.”
I appreciate Walter Mullican, pastor of Oklahoma City, Portland Avenue, giving me a shout-out on Facebook when he shared the article. Response to the article has been positive with 51 likes and 16 shares on Facebook.
Thunder thoughts
Carmelo Anthony is no longer a Thunder. That’s not a big surprise, but it is impressive how the Thunder was able to move him. Instead of buying out Anthony’s near $28m contract, they worked out a trade with the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
OKC gets Dennis Schroder and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (that will be a fun name to write in the scorebook). Atlanta gets Melo and the Thunder’s 2022 protected 1st round draft pick, as well as Justin Anderson. Sixers get Mike Muscala.
If you want the best analogy of this transaction, read Jon Hamm’s take. My favorite comment from this article: “…Presti (Thunder GM) left the salvage yard with a brand-new engine.”
Hamm may have some Thunder bias, but he always gives a fair perspective.
I’m indifferent about the trade at this point. Schroder seems like he could be trouble or he might be a help off the bench. I don’t know anything about TLC. Apparently the Thunder are not too concerned about their supply of draft picks, since it keeps dwindling.
And it’s possible (maybe even likely?) the Thunder is not done with offseason moves. Inquiring minds want to know if Kyle Singler will be around when the season starts.
He brings up many current event examples and quotes various celebrities to prove why Solomon’s writings near the end of his life thousands of years ago are relevant today. Halloran also quotes someone who said, in jest, that Ecclesiastes is “the only Book of the Bible written on Monday morning.”
The Gospel Coalition’s Jared Wilson wrote an article last month that I thought was a bit off base. In his piece “That Little Red Hen Was a Pharisee,” Wilson claims the folk tale speaks against the practice of grace and promotes legalism.
A verse that first came to mind is 2 Thess. 3:10, “…If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat,” in response to Wilson. I didn’t think much after that.
It’s one thing to demonstrate grace. It’s another to enable sinful behavior.
Dabo does it again
I conclude with sharing Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney responding to a reporter at the ACC Football Media Day who ask Swinney what his faith meant to him:
Thanks for checking in and reading my thoughts on six timely topics.
Let’s get to it!
Who’s saying Y-E-S to VBS?
I begin with a sneak preview to next week’s Baptist Messenger.
On Monday, I found out about a unique version of Vacation Bible School happening at Portland Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. What makes it unique is who was attending. It was designed entirely for senior adults!
It was awesome to check out. I went by the church on Tuesday and found 17 senior adults singing and doing the motions to the latest VBS songs. It was awesome!
I think this could be something LifeWay should consider for the future. Be looking for my story in the July 19 printed edition of the Baptist Messenger.
Sons speaks at Falls Creek
I will be heading back to one of my favorite places next week. Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center is in its final weeks of youth summer camp, and I will be down there Monday and Tuesday to hear the Week 7 speaker David Sons from South Carolina.
This is Sons’ first time to speak at Falls Creek, but it has been said he is quite the popular camp speaker back in S.C. It is reported that Sons is a speaker in demand at SummerSalt – South Carolina Baptists’ version of Falls Creek.
I’m doing a feature story on Sons for the July 26 Messenger, but you can check out Sons or any Falls Creek speaker online at Falls Creek Livestream.
Critiquing Kavanaugh
President Trump announced his nomination for the Supreme Court this week. Brett Kavanaugh, 53, is the one whom liberal dissenters can ridicule. They have an actual name to go with their outcries.
Joe Carter has an excellent fact sheet on Kavanaugh. Through reading Carter’s article, I found out Kavanaugh is Catholic and participates in the Scripture reading during services. He also is involved in Catholic Charities, regularly serving free meals.
Also, check out Nebraska U.S. Senator Ben Sasse giving his thoughts not only on Kavanaugh but also on the importance of the judiciary branch. My favorite comment from his speech is “We need less WWE Thunderdome and a lot more Schoolhouse Rock.”
His article made me think of a blog I wrote long ago (I can’t find it!) regarding how much I hate the term “reproductive rights.” I have an extreme loathing for that phrasing and the foolish arrogance that I perceive when someone uses it.
“Reproductive rights” gives me the impression that whoever uses the phrase believes the whole procreation process is solely based on humanity and yields no acknowledgement to the Creator of Life. Instead of looking at having a child as a right, consider it a gift from God.
I welcome feedback on this.
Awe-Strzok
Yesterday’s litigation involving members of the U.S. Congress and FBI Deputy Assistant Director Peter Strzok was fascinating drama. It rekindled my appreciation for South Carolina U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy and his interrogation methods. I actually was wondering if Mr. Gowdy was still in office, only because I knew he announced he was not going to seek re-election.
To put it bluntly, I have never observed a more arrogant appearance from a witness than Peter Strzok. Either he demonstrates major corruption in the FBI, or he should be fired from his position.
Of course, if such an act occurs, I expect him to be offered his own cable news show.
A biblical case study for modern marriage
I truly enjoyed reading Vivian Hyatt’s article “Whom Should I Marry? Ask Ruth and Boaz.” This is a fantastic read, and I love how she applied the elements of this well-known Old Testament story to the current Christian culture, especially in regards to seeking a marriage partner.
“Ruth’s story has wise application for Christians today,” Hyatt wrote, “a day of later marriages and online dating, a day of choosing or rejecting a mate on the basis of ‘chemistry.’
“We don’t know if Boaz was handsome or whether Ruth was gorgeous, whether they were serious or ‘fun,’ or what they liked to do in their free time. We know their character and their God. Maybe that’s enough.”
It’s a hot afternoon, which makes it perfect to be inside and write my weekly thoughts on six timely topics, known as Doyle’s Half Dozen. Here we go!
Thunder thoughts
The Oklahoma City Thunder are right in the middle of the NBA offseason free agency/trade moves. Paul George made it known last weekend that he’s locked in with the Thunder for at least three more seasons. This is a great sign. It means the Thunder have set a foundation involving Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams for the next three years, maybe more.
Other moves involved re-signing Jerami Grant and Raymond Felton who were significant contributors last season. And the Thunder also got a backup center with Nerlens Noel.
I’m okay with how the depth-chart appears to be shaping up:
PG: Westbrook, Felton
SG: Andre Roberson, Alex Abrines
SF: George, Terrance Ferguson
PF: Grant or Patrick Patterson
C: Adams, Noel
The key word is “continuity.” That is something the Thunder are focusing on for the upcoming season. For the last three seasons, the Thunder have had major change-ups whether it involved a coaching change, a major contributor leaving or a serious overhaul in the starting lineup. With a majority of the roster featuring returning players and in place well before the preseason, this is a good sign.
Melo drama
Apparently this is breaking news, but as I was starting my DHD, my phone was beeping about the Thunder planning to move on without Carmelo Anthony. I thought that news broke soon after the both Anthony and Thunder GM Sam Presti had their exit interviews with the media back in May.
I was skeptical from the beginning when Melo came to the Thunder before last season. I guess it was worth a try, and if nothing else, Presti proved to both Westbrook and George the Thunder is willing to do what it takes to win now. It was an expensive demonstration, but if you think about it, it was about $9 or 10 million more than if they still had Enes Kanter, who was involved in the Melo trade and faced a similar decision. But hey, that’s for the owners to handle, not us fans.
I think the Thunder and Melo part ways on good terms. It just didn’t work. I will be curious to see where Melo lands. Right now, reports claims the Rockets, Lakers and Heat are interested in the 34-year-old All-Star. I find it interesting that Houston is interested, yet the Rockets still haven’t re-signed their starting center Clint Capela and let Trevor Ariza, who I think was a major contributor to the Rockets, sign with the Suns.
I have no idea what LeBron and the Lakers are doing with the other players L.A. has signed, and the Heat doesn’t have any salary cap space. And beside all this, I’m curious to see how Carmelo’s game fits with any of these teams.
Chronicling on the Creek
Summer camp at Falls Creek in on the downswing as Week 5 is coming to a close. My friend Rusty McMullen was the speaker this week, and I’m so excited about the reports I have heard this week.
On Tuesday night, there were 91 professions of faith in Christ reported. On Wednesday, Falls Creek reported 81 professions of faith and 73 campers responding to the call to ministry. Overall, there were 221 spiritual decisions made Wednesday night.
Brian Baldwin, student evangelism specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, emailed this about Thursday night’s responses: “Another great night at Falls Creek! Rusty McMullen has been pouring his heart out all week. Praising the Lord for those added to His Kingdom and called into His service.”
Of the 186 Thursday night reported decisions, 56 students made professions of faith, and 66 committed to serve in ministry. God is working through Rusty, as Brian reported, and at a place where countless others have come to Christ and surrendered to serve Him.
Carpooling with McCartney
I thought about blogging about this last week, but I didn’t know exactly how. Like others, I was impressed with The Late, Late Show’s James Corden and his recent edition of Carpool Karaoke with Paul McCartney. I’ve seen other segments like these, but this one is like a documentary.
I was impressed seeing the house where The Beatles lead singer grew up, as well as the room where McCartney and John Lennon wrote legendary songs. It’s about 23 minutes long which I believe surpasses the length of any other Karaoke bit Corden has done, but this one is award-winning.
I could go on and on, but the reason I bring it up is Brett McCracken found a spiritual application from watching Corden and McCartney drive around and sing, as well as a challenge for the church:
“…Christians should take note of why something like this—joyfully longing, lovingly rendered, silly and serious and well done and melodic—resonates so widely.
“In our worship practices and art making, we should be mindful of how hungry people are for experiences beyond the trifles of fleeting pleasures and digital distractions. They want to be entertained, yes—but they want something more. Something true. Something, or Some One, ultimate. And when art confronts us with those “something more” longings, it often feels like joy.”
The Washington florist speaks
It’s almost a month since SCOTUS ruled in favor of the Colorado baker, Jack Phillips, in the case involving religious rights. Another popular case involves Barronelle Stutzman, a florist in the state of Washington who is facing a similar trial which involves the controversy over not wanting to be involved in a wedding of a same-sex couple because of religious beliefs.
The Gospel Coalition featured Stutzman’s response this week, stating she has “renewed hope.” I appreciate how she worded her commentary, how she is “serving not celebrating,” and she is very gracious to everyone involved, even the one who is opposing her in this legal action.
She wrote, “The government shouldn’t tell us that we must hide, ignore or violate our beliefs in order to participate in public life.”
Next week’s Messenger
The week of July 4 is one of the only two weeks of the year we don’t print the Baptist Messenger. Christmas week is the other.
However, next week’s Messenger is loaded with many stories sharing the Gospel. The cover story shares about the summer staff members at Falls Creek and how they have been intentional about sharing the Gospel with campers each week. And there are others that are a great read, even the ones I didn’t write!
