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I hope your week went well. The following are six timely topics I’d like to share with you.
Doyle’s Half Dozen is my way of offering perspective on issues you may or may not have considered this week. But I hope you were encouraged, inspired, maybe challenged to look at things that are happening from a Christian worldview, and perhaps in some way, directly or indirectly, God is also speaking to you through what is shared in my weekly DHDs.
Let’s get to it!
Pubbing the SBC
A big conference happened this past week in Louisville, Ky. A bunch of well-known pastors and Christian speaker met at the Together for the Gospel conference (or T4G for all the trendy people).
During the conference, Albert Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, and Mark Dever, pastor of Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill, did some dialoging about the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). I wish I could have attended this chat between two Christian deep-thinkers, but I settled for reading an article about it in Baptist Press.
I loved that Dever described the SBC as a “force multiplier.” I loved that Mohler said the removal of denominations would bring far more disunity.
I cheered when I read Dever promoting the Cooperative Program, which is the key factor of why the SBC is important in modern Christianity, and how he encouraged his church to increase its CP giving.
Finally, I appreciated both men presenting attitudes of unity when addressing both candidates for this year’s SBC presidential election, J.D. Greear and Ken Hemphill.
Wax on ‘A Quiet Place’
I mentioned WordSlingers movie critic Michael Foust’s review last week on newly-released film A Quiet Place. This week, my favorite blogger Trevin Wax gave an analysis about the post-apocalyptic movie and the interpretations of pro-life, pro-family messages the film portrays. Check out “The Irrepressible Realities at the Heart of ‘The Quiet Place.’”
“Contrary to progressive pieties, it is not ‘regressive’ to see a family banding together to preserve peace for themselves in a hostile world. It is not regressive to see men and women leaning on each other in different ways and taking up different tasks. It is not regressive to prioritize your family over the rest of the world, or to take up a rifle and fire at the enemy in front of you out of love for the child behind you.”
By the way, I disagree with Wax’s conclusion of the best Hitchcock movie. I would pick North by Northwest, Rear Window, Dial M for Murder and even Psycho before selecting Vertico.
Another take of reflection on the 1995 OKC Bombing
I remember discussing with my coworker Hannah a few weeks ago about how many lives were taken on April 19, 1995 at the bombing of Murrah Building in downtown Oklahoma City. It is common knowledge of the 168 lives lost that dreadful day.
However, Hannah made me aware three women who died were pregnant. Though their babies do not have chairs on the south lawn of the Memorial, their names are listed on their mothers’ chairs.
Though the OKC bombing happened 23 years ago, another day of human loss happened 25 years ago on April 19. The standoff in Waco, Texas between the Branch Davidians and the FBI concluded with at least 80 followers of the cult dying that day.
I recall the Waco tragedy instigated Timothy McVeigh to plan his attack on the Murrah Building, and he chose to do it on April 19, the second anniversary of Waco, at that time.
Joe Carter offers information about the Branch Davidians and its leader David Koresh.
Attention Healthcare Missionaries
In this week’s Baptist Messenger, I wrote about the MedAdvance Conference 2018 which meets June 28-30, in Rockville, Va. Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, will be a key speaker during the conference, as well as Clyde Meador, who served the International Mission Board for 41 years.
I got to interview Rebekah Naylor for the story. She is the organizer of the MedAdvance Conference and is quite legendary when it comes to international missions. Naylor is a decorated surgeon and a passionate Godly woman, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel through the medical field and other healthcare opportunities.
I encourage anyone who is involved in healthcare to consider going to this conference. This should be an enlightening experience as well as a practical opportunity for you to find out how you can share your talents as well as the Gospel internationally, including places that forbids Christianity.
Former NFL quarterback Jake Locker left the pro game early while he was still healthy and in demand.
Sports Illustrated offers a great journal piece by Greg Bishop who said he was tracking down Locker for a year, and the former Washington Husky finally met with Bishop at a mall food court.
The article is excellent. I loved finding out about Locker being a family man and reading the few glimpses of his Christian faith that Sports Illustrated was willing to share.
Sen. Ben Sasse is the MVP of the two-day hearing. Check out his question on Martin’s list. He’s number 4. Being a Trey Gowdy fan, I truly wish the former congressman from S.C. was still in office and would have made an appearance during this investigation. Nevertheless, Sasse will have to do for now.
Good review, won’t see the movie
Michael Foust, WordSlinger’s movie reviewer gave an excellent piece on the new release A Quiet Place. I appreciate Michael’s presentation. He has encouraged me to go see some movies I may not have seen otherwise.
A Quiet Place seems intriguing to me, but I don’t do horror flicks, especially not in theaters. I’m too old to be acting like a screaming baby in public.
Lindsay’s points are excellent and practical. Christian families should adhere to his suggestions.
“Pray that God will give you eyes to see the institution as he does. By expanding our view of college, we invite the Lord to work on us in ways for our good and his glory.”
Simon speaks Matt. 20:16
I have shared a Simon Sinak’s video previously. He is a profound speaker, though I am not certain of his faith in Christ. However, check out the video below and see how he applies a biblical truth of the first shall be last and the last shall be first.
It’s important to seek true meaning of Scripture, and Caleb helps with a challenging issue of today.
A favorite dog video
I confess, I love watching dog videos on Facebook. So far, my most favorite one is of Bentley the bulldog with his quirky fears and flight fascination. I thought I’d end with sharing it:
I participated in a recent study of the church in Antioch in the book of Acts. It was awesome! So much so that I wanted to take a break from commenting on current social stuff and blog on six takeaways from studying “one of the great theological centers of the early church.”
First called Christians
This is the most well-known aspect of the Antioch church: “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch” (Acts 11:26b).
In the context of Scripture, this church was formed in Antioch as a result of persecution that started after the stoning of Stephen (Acts 11:19). This was an amazing work of the Lord as a large number of people joined the Antioch fellowship (Acts 11:21).
Word got back to the Jerusalem church about this thriving body of believers, so they sent Barnabas, the greatly-admired “encourager,” who “saw the grace of God” when he arrived (Acts 11:23). It makes me wonder what exactly Barnabas saw that would be described in such magnificence.
Barnabas, though, knew what to do, as the church continued to grow in “large numbers of people” (Acts 11:24). He got Paul involved, which kicked off the great apostle’s ministry. Barnabas and Paul spent a year teaching this church, and Acts 11:26 caps off this introduction of Antioch by proclaiming the church members were the first ones to be identified as Christians.
Scholars have said this label may have been originally intended to be a mockery, as the Greek noun Christianos could mean “little Christs.” However, it became an honoring title that has been used for centuries around the world.
Also, the word “Christian” is only used three times in the Bible. Obviously Acts 11:26 is the first mentioning, but Acts 26:28 mentions King Agrippa being “almost persuaded” to becoming a Christian. The final passage that has the term is in 1 Peter 4:16, where Peter says if anyone suffers as a Christian, they should not be ashamed.
Who were the founders?
One interesting aspect I found of the book of Acts is how there are not many specific names mentioned of this great movement among Christians in the early churches. Of course, we read about Paul and Peter and their companions whom God used. But the actual founders of the church in Antioch are not listed by name. Barnabas and Paul are mentioned, but they didn’t come on the scene until after the church was founded.
The founders were said to have come from Cyprus and Cyrene and went to Antioch, sharing the Gospel of Jesus (Acts 11:20). But we don’t know exactly who they are.
The reason I find this interesting is it’s basically counter opposite from the Old Testament history books. There are names, names and more names listed of who begat whom. Even the early chapters of Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel narratives gives long lists of people who were in lineage of Christ.
I’m open to discussion on this, but I’m guessing Luke, who wrote Acts, kept the majority of the church members anonymous because of the oppression by the Romans. I also think a reason we don’t know the founders is in order to see the work of the Holy Spirit. That is the main emphasis of the book of Acts – showing the work of God through the Holy Spirit.
The church helped others in need
“Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea” (Acts 11:29).
One of the Antioch church members was named Agabus who made it known by the Holy Spirit that a famine would happen throughout the Roman Empire. So what does this church body do? They planned ahead and were ready to help other churches when the famine hit. You could say this was a demonstration of the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention, helping other churches as they are jointly involved in sharing the Gospel.
The church was multiracial
The church in Antioch also was founded after God was made it known to Peter (Acts 10-11) the Gospel is available to Gentiles. Depending on translation, Acts 11:20 says the church founders were preaching to Greeks or Gentiles.
There are other church leaders who come from different ethnic backgrounds. Acts 13:1 gives a diverse list of teachers. One came from Africa, and another was described to be a family friend of King Herod. This needs to be stressed today, how the Gospel does not discriminate, regardless of heritage or reputation. It is open to all people.
Equipping was important
This church demonstrated the many tools of discipleship. They worshiped, fasted and prayed (Acts 13:2-3). They heard great teaching and preaching from Paul, Barnabas and others. They were accepting and supporting others.
I am curious what the regular meeting schedule for the church was like. Acts 14:28 says Paul and Barnabus “spent a considerable time with the disciples.” And these were great Christian thinkers who sought the wisdom of God through studying the Scriptures.
Reconciling and rejoicing
Just like many other churches, Antioch was not without controversy. Though the church consisted mostly of Gentiles, some men from Judea came down and taught that circumcision was needed for salvation (Acts 15:1). Considering the time, this was a difficult issue to process, especially since Christianity originated from Jewish culture, which had firm belief in keeping the law of Moses.
Church leaders handled this diplomatically and met with the leaders of Jerusalem. A letter was written as a result of the meeting, letting Antioch church members know they were accepted while also advising them what principles they should follow (Acts 15:22-29).
The letter was received happily, and the church rejoiced (Acts 15:31). They understood the life principles that were important and what traditions or customs were unnecessary or non-essential.
I pray many churches today would learn and follow the example of the church in Antioch.
This week’s DHD is six comments or references that honor the history and significance of this powerful day, when Jesus Christ was crucified for the sins of all mankind, including yours and mine.
1. Four simple summarizing sentences
“Darkness fell. His friends scattered. All hope seemed lost. But Heaven just started counting to three” – Bob Goff
2. Why ‘Good’ Friday?
“The Weekly,” a news source provided by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention, reported “the historical origins of the ‘Good’ in Good Friday remain unclear, though some entomologists believe the term ‘good’ is an archaic form of ‘holy.’”
The ERLC also reported 12 American states observe Good Friday as a state holiday including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas and Tennessee.
3. Here’s B.C.’s take
Click on the cartoon to increase its size.
4. Piper’s perspective
“This is the center of the Gospel. This is what the Garden of Gethsemane and Good Friday are all about – that God has done astonishing and costly things to draw us near” John Piper
5. The irony of Good Friday
“All the great groups that stood about the Cross represent in one way or another the great historical truth of the time; that the world could not save itself… In this story of Good Friday it is the best things in the world that are at their worst. That is what really shows us the world at its worst” G.K. Chesterton
6. The blessing of Good Friday
As far as I know, my friend from college, Buck Burch, came up with this final comment, yet it’s as powerful a truth that I have read in reflection of this day:
“Good Friday exists because none of us are good. Jesus’ death wasn’t a political statement; it was a spiritual payment” Buck Burch
God bless this powerful, somber time, knowing we celebrate His resurrection on Sunday.
Spring Break is concluding. As a non-Spring Breaker, I experienced some refreshing aspects such as the traffic flow being smoother and the atmosphere at work appearing lighter. Of course, with spring beginning this week, the weather isn’t as cold; the sun is more evident; people are happy.
So there’s my introduction. Here comes my thoughts on six timely topics in this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Mr. Rogers remembered
I found out this week that I am almost as old as the debut of the acclaimed children’s show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The PBS half-hour show began in Feb. 1968, 50 years ago (I will turn 50 in Nov. – start planning now!).
Two movies about Fred Rogers are coming out soon. One is a documentary, and the other is an adaptation starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers.
Next week, Ryan Smith, featured blogger on WordSlingersOK.com, will have a blog published about Mr. Rogers, using the popular phrase from the show “Won’t you be my neighbor?” as a great perspective of the Gospel.
Russell Moore wrote this week “Why Mister Rogers (Still) Matters,” and it’s a great read. He highlights my favorite song from the show, “It’s You I Like.” I’m singing it right now.
One of the significant aspects I get from his blog is the way we seem to separate the Great Commission from other commands from Christ and from Old Testament teachings. Wax makes an enlightening point that in Matthew’s Gospel, the apostle embodies all of this, beginning with the listing of the lineage of Christ, with the narrative of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His death and resurrection, and concluding with His final instruction during His ascension into Heaven, which His followers now acknowledge as the Great Commission.
Mississippi appealing
I wrote a couple of weeks ago, commending Mississippi lawmakers for coming up with its law prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks gestation. Before the law came into effect, a district judge issued a restraining order, according to “The Weekly,” newsletter of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
“The Weekly” also reported Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant expected such a response and is planning to appeal. What I appreciate about this process is how it challenges the thought process of anyone who hears about this significant act with the purpose of not only ending abortion but making it become unthinkable.
The practice of slavery in America did not end with immediate action. Ending the practice of abortion is following a lengthy path as well. But this is how those who value the sanctity of life are making a difference.
California abortion law may crumble
On the opposite end of the scale in regards to legal action and pro-life issues, good news appears to be on the horizon as Baptist Press reported this week California’s law requiring pregnancy centers to promote abortion may be overturned.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, BP reported, “delivered the first strong blow against the law” during a March 20 hearing. Known to be the judge who offers the “swing vote” in controversial cases among the Supreme Court justices, Kennedy said this abortion law may be an “undue burden” on a pro-life pregnancy center.
Even Justice Sonia Sotomayor, well known to favor “left wing” perspectives, referred to a hypothetical case under the law’s enforcement being “burdensome and wrong.”
Of course, I have been told in the past to never gleam over early reports from the Supreme Court. Hopefully, though, this is an encouraging sign of what the Court may rule later this year.
The chronicle on Keahbone’s clarification
My last two DHD topics are follow-up reports from last week. I mentioned a story I wrote for the Baptist Messenger on Pastor Mike Keahbone and church members from Cherokee Hills Baptist Church being involved with the Putnam City High School football team. The story is now online for perusal.
I appreciate Mike allowing me to present his side to what happened with the Freedom From Religion Institute and the Putnam City School District. You can also read about the great things God is doing through CHBC making friends with football players and helping meet needs.
‘I Can Only Imagine’ becomes a successful reality
Faith-based film I Can Only Imagine had a big opening weekend last week. What was reported to being a $7 million production drew more than $17 million on the movie’s early showings. Check out the report on Forbes.com and you can see a captured imagine from the movie of my friends Angela and Jason Lee sitting right behind the lead actor. Angela has the big grin while Jason appears to be asleep or in the Spirit.
