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Many have predicted Christianity will no longer exist. They give projections of 10 years or more or whatever. There are valid reference points. The “Nones” are increasing, as far as religion preferences. Wax points out that “churchgoing Evangelicals” make up 3.7 percent of the world’s population.
I take a lot of this information into proper perspective. First, we know the world continues to be affected by sin. Second, Jesus Himself taught us the majority of the world will find His followers to be detestable. They always have. Third, God is in control, even if the world doesn’t acknowledge Him or His sovereignty.
However, Wax gives some information that would contradict the theory of Christianity’s demise drawing nigh. He said, “Numerically, there are more evangelicals in America today than at any time in our history.”
Also, I like this perspective Wax offers: “As Christians, we’re not called to be optimists or pessimists. We’re called to be a people of hope. It’s hope, not fear, that should motivate a Christian’s action in the world.”
Take heart, my brothers and sisters in Christ, we know how this story ends (John 16:33).
‘I Can Only Imagine’ a good box office weekend
The movie has been promoted for more than a year. I remember hearing about it late 2016 when the Erwin Brothers were coming to Oklahoma to film their latest movie I Can Only Imagine. The premiere of the movie happens this weekend. I think it’s cool that the film debuts on March 16 – referencing John 3:16.
Check out Michael Foust’s review “’I Can Only Imagine’ is powerful, redemptive and 5 out of 5 stars.” I bet you can’t guess how he feels about the movie before reading it. By the way, Foust reported I Can Only Imagine is No. 1 in ticket sales at MovieTickets.com. He also expects the movie will “shock Hollywood” at the box office this weekend.
Clarity from Keahbone
At the beginning of this week, a Fox News report said Pastor Mike Keahbone of Cherokee Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City was “banished” from Putnam City High School’s football team. A few friends from different parts of the country shared the story on Facebook.
Keahbone and members of CHBC made up a fan club for the Pirates’ squad, and he was identified as voluntary chaplain of the team. He also admitted that he led prayer times with the high school players, but observances were not a regular practice. It happened before a few games.
I called Mike this week and interviewed him for a follow-up story for the Baptist Messenger. To sum up, he wasn’t banished; church members will still support the team with the fan club; and the church will still make relationships with players and family members in order demonstrate love for them and help them with any needs they may have. The only significant difference will be any future prayer observances with the team will be student-led.
Check out the article in the March 22 Messenger for more details. What Mike and CHBC members are doing with the PC football team is a great thing, and more churches should model this practice in getting involved with their respective communities.
Trying times with teachers
A potential teachers strike may happen in Oklahoma. A lot of people are unhappy. I mean A LOT of people.
Lots of name-calling, lots of memes posted, lots of sharing of videos of students showing up politicians, lots of other critical remarks of politicians, lots of graphs and statistics with money figures and state rankings and images reflecting how horrible it is for Oklahoma teachers.
This is what I’ve seen on Facebook. It was put on there for me to read and view, right?
I am sorry for how teachers feel. I wish it could be better. I don’t have much personal involvement other than I do appreciate the teachers I had during my formal education years. I know teachers make a difference in lives because they did in mine. If you are a teacher, thank you for your calling, and I pray God will use you in a powerful way – even in these difficult times.
A heavy blog to read
I’ve gotten to know Michael McAfee over the past couple of years. He’s a sharp guy who is involved with some cool stuff. He gets to share with people how awesome the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. is. I’ve heard his presentation twice, and I’m raring to visit this place someday.
God has used Michael and his wife Lauren in many special significant ways. I am confident He will bless them abundantly in the days, months and years ahead.
Salute to St. Patrick’s Day
Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day. I have grown to appreciate this unique holiday, especially after visiting Ireland last summer. But I would like to challenge you to find out more about St. Patrick and the impact he had on this country. I pray somebody will have a re-impact on Ireland – and on America as well.
I hope you’re having a good week. Thanks for taking the time to read this edition of DHD.
Let’s get to it!
Wax on Christian Sexual Ethic
Trevin Wax did a good job this week explaining how the Sexual Revolution has damaged how Christians view sexuality. Check out “Searching for the Pathway Back to a Christian Sexual Ethic,” and especially focus on the scenario he offers under the subhead “Path of Moral Chaos.” That’s a great summarization of how many Christians have (wrongly) concluded supporting same-sex marriage or defending “self-proclaimed sexual identity” falls in line with loving one’s neighbor.
He also tells how ethicists who defend same-sex marriage on the basis of such relationships being exclusive and consensual can be credible, especially when addressing polyamory. In other words, they aren’t relevant, and the downward spiral continues to destroy their so-called Christian moral outlook. But Wax encourages the church to stay strong and gracious because many Christians will return when they see “the global Christian church is still standing where it always has.”
Mohler takes on all the questions
Al Mohler amazes me. If you’ve never heard him speak, it would be worthwhile. I’m sure I’ve been around people who share a similar level of intelligence as Mohler, but the president of Southern Seminary is one smart cookie. Anybody willing to debate him better be prepared.
Last weekend, I got to watch the video coverage of Mohler speaking at UCLA as part of his “Ask Anything” lecture tour, and I think this could be the most impactful endeavor he has ever done. You can read the BP story about it here, or if you can manage the time to watch the livestream from his UCLA Q&A session, check it out below:
I read an encouraging article today, “State papers ‘have a future,’ Tenn. editor says.” Lonnie Wilkey is the editor of the Baptist & Reflector, and he emphasized the importance of state papers among Southern Baptists.
All printed publications, as far as newspapers and magazines, are depleting. Online news sources are an obvious factor. But Wilkey points out that Baptist state papers still have value today because of their “niche” in what they report. Just as Wilkey said if you want to know about Tennessee Baptists you would read his paper, and that would be the same application for Oklahoma Baptists and the Baptist Messenger.
“The news we report today is tomorrow’s history,” Wilkey said, and that’s very true. The preservation of Baptist history relies on state papers, and I consider it an honor to be involve in this preservation.
Is Christian influence on college campuses collapsing?
Baptist Collegiate Ministries appear to be flourishing in Oklahoma. I did a story in Dec. on the BCM at Southwestern Oklahoma State being involved in helping students with food struggles. There’s also Messenger stories of new BCM buildings going up at state schools including the University of Oklahoma.
I got to hear John Wilkerson, the BCM director at Oklahoma State University, speak this week and give a report of how God is blessing BCMs in the state.
However, in other states, there seems to be a struggle in sharing the Gospel message on college campuses. Read how other collegiate Christian ministries are “Under attack.”
Mississippi making major move in abortion ban
Exciting news is brewing in the state of Mississippi. Baptist Press reported the Magnolia State is on the verge of passing the earliest abortion ban in the country. Both Miss. state house and senate passed a bill that “would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks’ gestation,” BP reported. All that is left is for the governor to sign.
This is the way to make a difference in the fight against abortion. Well done, Mississippians!
Spare no excitement
I conclude with sharing a great video. Jonathan Bathe was a student worker during my time working in the Liberty University Sports Information Office. A video he shared of his son (I’m getting old) bowling a spare went viral and also was shared on ESPN. Check it out:
This day turned out to be beautiful. Olive is happy about this. She spent time sunbathing earlier (such a diva!).
Let’s get to this week’s DHD!
Wax on Common Sense
Check out Trevin Wax’s blog this week “A World Without Any Common Sense.” He challenges aspects on debate and dialogue today because in 21st Century America we don’t agree on what is common sense. It’s an excellent point, and a great read.
By the way, I’m glad he pointed out something that has annoyed me for years:
“We use the term ‘reproductive health’ to describe a surgery that halts a healthy reproductive process and ends a new life in the womb.”
I’m not a fan of the term “reproductive rights,” and Wax brings up one of the reasons. Maybe I’ll elaborate on this another day.
Dr. Jordan’s retirement party
I had the privilege of attending the retirement party Thursday night, March 1, for Anthony Jordan, who recently moved out of his formal office this week as the executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO). Though this title is never made known, Jordan also served as the publisher of the Baptist Messenger.
He officially retires mid-April, but now Jordan takes on an emeritus role for the next month and a half, as Hance Dilbeck has removed the word “elect” from his current title this week as the BGCO’s new executive director-treasurer.
The party/banquet/Oklahoma Baptist extravaganza was an awesome experience, as many from around the state came to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum for the event. Many important people spoke, including Gov. Mary Fallin, Sen. James Lankford, multiple Southern Baptist dignitaries from across the country via video, plus one special video that, for me, was the highlight of the evening. I’ll cover that in the next topic.
Willa Ruth spoke and is remembered
Two weeks prior to Willa Ruth Garlow’s death, this special Oklahoma Baptist recorded a video talk about Dr. Jordan. This was a phenomenal presentation. Willa Ruth’s communication talent was par excellence, and it was demonstrated in the way she combined both humor and creative speech as she compared Dr. Jordan to the Jordan River.
And major kudos to Walter Johnson, BGCO videographer superstar, in the way he produced Willa Ruth’s video. It deserves to be nominated for national awards – it is THAT good.
But as I was watching this video (by the way, I was at Jordan’s retirement banquet to take pictures), I sat there in tears the whole time. I miss my friend Willa Ruth. There will never EVER be another like her.
Billy Graham’s funeral is today. I know it was televised, but I got busy and forgot. I plan to follow up later.
A great video has gone viral this week of Graham singing with Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea the song “This Little Light of Mine.” If you haven’t seen it, watch it here.
ESPN highlights Edmond girl basketball player
I was sent a lead this afternoon about a young lady who is a member of Edmond, Oakdale and on the basketball team at Edmond Memorial High School. This is a great story, and I plan to look into this for a future Baptist Messenger article.
I mentioned I wrote about a young girl named Sophia who is recovering from a brain stroke. You can read the article here.
Check out this video her dad Stefan did, showing Sophia riding a bicycle at the Bethany Children’s Center:
Also, Putnam City Baptist Church and Cherokee Hills Baptist Church are doing a combined community garage sale for Sophia at Cherokee Hills, 5700 N.W. 63rd, on Saturday, March 3 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
It’s been a heavy week. So much has happened including icy weather conditions and the deaths of three significant people, especially in Oklahoma Baptist life. I start this week’s DHD with tributes to all three.
Billy Graham
So much has been said about this world-renown preacher and evangelist. I’m only allowing myself to reflect on the great impact Billy Graham has made on God’s Kingdom. He especially was a major influence on my dad who, through the influence of great Christian men affiliated with Billy Graham’s ministry, became such a focused disciple and a great example for me personally on daily Christian living.
In fact, one of these men was Jack Humphreys whose story was shared in 2003 in the Baptist Messenger and then across the country through Baptist Press. Check out “A life transformed by 1956 OKC Graham crusade,” which was written by former managing editor Bob Nigh.
Shane has been a common character in my many DHDs. I wrote about him just last week, and the announcement of his death happened soon after my blog was published last Friday.
One of my favorite interviews for a story was with Shane at CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp last summer, when he served as camp pastor for a week. He spoke so matter-of-factly about his grave condition. I proceeded in a somewhat cautious fashion with my questions in order to be respectful and not just come bluntly out and say “You could die any minute in your severely cancerous condition.” Shane could tell I was being hesitant in my wording, and he just stopped me and said, “Chris, brother, you can ask me anything you want. It’s totally fine.”
Because of work obligations I wasn’t able to attend his funeral this week. But I was encouraged when I heard that Shane was able to “preach” at his funeral. They played the recording of his sermon from the Pastors’ Conference at the Southern Baptist Convention last summer.
I was able to watch a live stream of Shane preaching last year and have watched this powerful sermon about four times since. It’s probably the greatest sermon I personally have ever heard. Here it is if you have never watched it.
Willa Ruth Garlow
I had the privilege of writing the article on Willa Ruth for next week’s Messenger. I simply titled it “Remembering Willa Ruth.” By the way, next week’s Messenger is a major treat as we commemorated all three great Christian leaders – Graham, Hall and Garlow.
You can read the first announcement of Willa Ruth’s death here, but I elaborate further in next week’s Messenger. I am a big fan of Willa Ruth. She was an amazing woman. If you ever heard her speak in a public setting, you know what I mean. In this list of three great leaders, I dare say Willa Ruth held her own with these two great preachers. But there is so much more to the impact of Willa Ruth.
I did attend her funeral this week. One of the great quotes of Willa Ruth that was shared was “When you are in the presence of children, you are teaching.” Her heart for children’s ministry is incomparable.
She also was a great writer and authored four books. Over the years, she was a guest writer for the Messenger, and I remember reading one of her columns stressing the point that, as Southern Baptists, we give THROUGH the Cooperative Program not TO the Cooperative Program. That has stuck with me ever since.
The final memory I will share about Willa Ruth was after a church service. She was visiting with family who are members of my church. It had been awhile since I have seen her, so I wasn’t sure if she remembered who I was. So I went up to her and asked, “Hello Willa Ruth, do you remember me?”
Her response was priceless, “Well, no Chris Doyle, I don’t remember you at all!”
My story on Sophia
I mentioned in last week’s DHD about a little girl named Sophia who suffered a stroke. I interviewed her mom Jaimie for a story that is in this week’s Messenger. Check out “Abundance of believers help make ‘Sophia Strong.’”
After I wrote the story, I found out that Sophia visited Oklahoma City, Cherokee Hills, one of the churches I mentioned that has been involved in ministering to Sophia and her family. During a Sunday morning service, Sophia went to the front, and the Cherokee Hills congregation cheered and applauded. Sophia was so happy for this experience.
May God continue to do great things through this sweet young girl!
The misunderstanding of prayer
Sometimes I take May Avenue to work, and when I do, I drive past a salon with a marquee sign. The sign usually has messages relating to current issues. This week, the sign had a rather pointed message. See the photo below that my friend Bret took and shared on Facebook:
I concluded it was in response to the shootings at the school in Florida. I have a couple of responses.
First, the sign owner may intend to discredit someone who flippantly says “My thoughts and prayers are with (fill in the blank).” If so, they have a point.
Second, the sign owner may not fully grasp the power of prayer. They may not understand what prayer is. They may not understand the One who is addressed when a follower of Christ prays.
I have other thoughts that I won’t share, mostly because I have been disappointed with past messages that have been posted on this marquee. However, the sign owner has been effective in helping me understand common views in the world and has challenged me and how I should look at things from a Christian worldview.
What about you? What thoughts do you have when someone says “Prayers aren’t enough”? I welcome your feedback.
My feelings are similar to Brett’s. It’s almost as if he somehow stole my personal thoughts that I’ve tried to keep private in order to not come across as an old curmudgeon. I love to sing, especially in church services and in other worship settings. I won’t go into my personal challenges because they are secondary. I need to be willing to worship regardless.
“God is too glorious to not worship enthusiastically, even if the style of worship stretches us beyond our comfort zone.”
Some weeks I struggle to come up with six timely topics, but this week has an opposite conundrum. I’m having to narrow down to six topics. Hopefully you’ll enjoy what I have to share in the latest edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Let’s get to it!
Pray for Shane
I’ve had the privilege of writing a couple of pieces about Shane Hall, pastor of Del City, First Southern, and his battle against cancer. It’s been projected his final days (maybe hours) are fast approaching. At the time of me typing these words, Shane is still with us.
Baptist Press released an article on Thursday, Feb. 15, about Shane, and I love the headline – “’Worshipping Jesus,’ Shane Hall defies cancer’s toll” It’s the truth. I can’t believe all that has happened with Shane, his wife Misty and their two daughters in last three-plus years, as he has battled an extremely aggressive stomach cancer. He’s experienced a severe illness and internal organ failure. His body is so frail, yet he continues to remain here, with a strong spirit and a desire to worship his Lord.
UPDATE: Shane died Friday afternoon, Feb. 16. Read here for more information.
Bill Hancock’s Olympic Adventures
I have been enjoying the Olympics. It’s so easy to do. However, I’m surprised how curling has been such an appeal this time. In the past, people seemed to dread watching it, but it’s a big deal at these Olympics. Maybe it’s the yelling.
As I shared last week, my extra Olympic treat is reading Bill Hancock’s daily journal. I am entertained every day. I’m even excited to read what Bill has for breakfast, which is usually the same thing, but the man eats a hearty, unconventional meal in the morning. Berry Tramel, who shares Bill’s blogs on newsok.com, was even asked about Bill’s eating habits in his Thursday online “lunch chat”:
Guest: What’s with Hancock’s weird meals at the Olympics, sticky rice for breakfast?
Tramel: Bill eats quite differently than I do. Barely eats after lunch. Biggest meal is breakfast. I don’t know anything about sticky rice. Is that different from rice that is just gummed together.
In Friday’s journal entry, Bill talks about hiking to the cross country skiing venue. If you haven’t read any of his Olympic blogs, you owe it to yourself to experience some pleasant Okie-flair, behind-the-scene observations of the Olympics.
Ham is back on to speak at UCO
Ken Ham, Christian apologist and creationist, will be speaking at the University of Central Oklahoma after all.
The Oklahoman reported Ham was re-invited to give his talk on science and Darwinian views March 5 at 3 p.m. on the UCO campus. I suspect he may get a large crowd, and I pray God will use Ham to share the Gospel with those who need to hear it.
A brilliant idea to prevent school shootings
Like everybody, I am sad about this week’s school shooting in Florida. Two of my friends on Facebook – and I don’t think they know each other – shared an excellent story from the Reader’s Digest website (and I didn’t know Reader’s Digest had a website).
The story offers a “brilliant strategy” for preventing future school shootings, and it has nothing to do with guns. The teacher in the story has an impressive process of evaluating her class. As the writer Glennon Doyle Melton (no relation), admits, this teacher is “looking for lonely children.”
I would agree that the focus needs to be on encouraging students, showing support, looking for ways to help students find fulfillment in life and not feel neglected.
I would also add that Christians need to be more involved in sharing the Gospel and pointing students to Christ.
This is a more effective approach than focusing on guns.
My story on Sophia
In next week’s Baptist Messenger, I have a story on a sweet little girl named Sophia who recently suffered a brain hemorrhage and a stroke, which is a rare occurrence for a 6-year-old.
Her mother Jaimie is a friend, and I was happy to interview her because I was amazed by how many different Oklahoma Baptist churches were involved in ministering to Sophia and the family.
Consider this a teaser because I hope you will read it and find out how the Body of Christ has literally been the hands and feet of Christ for this little girl.
A fun interview of a unique couple
I enjoyed reading this article on Roy and Karen Prior. Karen teaches English at my alma mater, Liberty University. I plan reading this Q&A again because it’s full of great nuggets about marriage and life, especially in today’s society. And I don’t think this website is strictly focused on the Christian worldview, so I hope the Priors’ story will encourage an unbeliever who may read it.
