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I do enjoy the Olympic Games. I’m not as much of an enthusiast as others are of the Winter Games. But they’re fun to watch in an every-four-years observance. The biggest challenge with this year’s games is the crazy time difference. South Korea is 15 hours ahead of Oklahoma, and with the explosion of social media and real time internet posts, watching events after the fact during primetime broadcasts doesn’t seem to hold interest like it used to. But I will pay attention and watch events here and there.
However, my favorite part of the Olympics is reading blog journals from Bill Hancock who is known for being a spokesman for college football playoffs and previously affiliated with the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He’s also a true Okie from Hobart and expresses his love for the Sooner State as often as he can.
Bill and his wife Nicki have been volunteering to work the Olympic Games since the 80s, working with media services. Oklahoman sports writer Berry Tramel shares Bill’s blogs, and the first blog entry was posted Thursday, Feb. 8, as Bill shares about his arrival. He also shares what he eats and describes people he meets, while adding some Okie flair in his daily memoirs. I’m curious to find out if Bill will try kimchi while in South Korea. If he’s like me, he will love eating bulgogi. But while the Olympics are going on, don’t be surprised if upcoming DHDs offer commentary about Bill’s Olympic adventures.
UPDATE: Bill DID try kimchi! Check out Friday’s blog entry. This was posted in the midst of me completing this DHD.
Rose Day Ramblings
The 27th annual Rose Day Rally happened this week at the Oklahoma State Capitol. On Feb. 7, the first day of session for the state legislators in 2018, thousands of pro-life supporters visited the Capitol Building and passed out roses to their respective state senators, representatives, Lt. Governor and Governor, letting them know how important the sanctity of human life is and should be a priority focal point in state laws.
Many will say it is because of Rose Day that Oklahoma is a leading state in pro-life causes. I can assure you, there are many state politicians who are aware of the importance of Rose Day.
I had the privilege of chauffeuring the keynote speaker for the Rose Day Rally, Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a powerful voice, especially for the unborn.
I pray God will bless the results of Rose Day this year and will encourage our state legislators to make pro-life favorable decisions.
UCO cancels Ken Ham’s lecture because of threats from LGBTQ group
Now for an unfavorable decision. Both Baptist Press and the Oklahoman reported this week that the University of Central Oklahoma’s Student Association cancelled its invitation to have Ken Ham, Christian apologist and creationist, speak on the UCO campus.
Ham was scheduled to speak March 6 on science and Darwinian ideas, but a local LGBTQ group influenced UCO’s student government leaders to rescind the invitation for Ham to offer his lecture. UCO student body president Stockton Duvall said he was bullied and personally maligned by the LBGTQ group stating the group “has little tolerance for opposing views.”
On Thursday night, Feb. 8, UCO President Don Betz issued a statement about Ham’s lecture invitation being cancelled. After reading the article, I found Betz’s written remarks to be vague and defensive with no definite resolve.
Betz said a diverse group “posed questions” about inviting Ham to speak at UCO, appearing to downplay Duvall’s initial description, and said the LGBTQ community preventing Ham from being invited is inaccurate. He concluded with saying Ham is welcome to UCO, as well as anybody who wishes to freely express ideas in a peaceful and civil manner.
If Betz wanted to do the right thing, he would encourage the process to re-invite Ham to speak on campus. Instead, he’s attempting to be political neutral, which never happens. Instead of trying to make peace with both sides, his vagueness and indecisiveness caused him to receive direct criticism. He may have thought his statement would douse the flames. Instead, he just stoked the fire all the more.
Challies chides five Christian best sellers
Well-known Christian blogger Tim Challies took to video to discredit five Christian best seller books. The video is quite thought-provoking and worth the 10-plus minutes of viewing. Challies offers solid criticism.
Spurgeon’s church membership requirements
I love reading historic pieces about Charles Spurgeon. A recent article gives the details of how to be a member of the church Spurgeon pastored.
Spurgeon valued accuracy in church membership rolls. “Keep your church real and effective, or make no report,” he wrote. And I think it’s fascinating that his church gave “communion cards” to its members to turn in when the Lord’s Supper was observed each month, demonstrating accountability.
I know churches who observe similar membership processes today, though may not be as rigorous in current standards. What I do appreciate is the article’s conclusion: “The goal is for every church and every pastor is to be faithful; faithful in doctrinal purity, faithful in guarding the membership, faithful in active gospel ministry.”
Saul/Paul eye-opener
I remember singing in Young Musicians Choir at church about the Apostle Paul and his Damascus Road encounter. “Saul became Paul on that day…” so the song proclaims. However Greg Lanier believes differently. He said Saul/Paul were interchangeable throughout the Apostle’s ministry.
I’m finishing a busy week, as I attended the Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference (SEC), Jan. 29-30. I’ll share briefly in this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
I hope you are well. I know many who have been sick or recovering from sickness or dealing with grieving, troubling situations. As you read this, I pray the God of all healing and comfort will offer you His touch and provide you with an abundance of grace, wisdom, joy and peace.
Let’s get to it!
Ed enlightens
Ed Newton is a favorite Christian speaker among Oklahoma Baptists. He’s currently the pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas, but he’s been a regular camp speaker during the summer weeks at Falls Creek before his time in San Antone.
Ed Newton at the Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference
Andy Harrison, Falls Creek program director, brought to my attention by that Ed never preaches the same sermon. It’s true! I’ve heard Ed preach multiple times in the past five years, and his content always seems original.
Ed was the keynote speaker Monday night during the SEC, and it may have been my favorite sermon he’s ever given. First of all, he preached on John 4, which is one of my favorite Gospel passages, as Jesus talks to the Woman at the Well.
Secondly, even though this Scripture passage features so many relevant principles and spiritual applications, Ed shared an aspect of evangelism I never considered. In John 4:31, which starts with the word “Meanwhile,” Ed elaborated from this verse a convicting perspective. As the woman was racing back to town to tell people about Jesus, His disciples were coming back from the same town where they just bought food and did NOT tell people about Jesus.
How often do we encounter people in our routines and never share the Gospel?
Wax covers all the bases in the current issues involving the Pro-Life movement, including an analysis of the two descriptions “Pro-Life” and “Anti-Abortion.” The latter is commonly used by the mainstream media with a presumed intention of being derogatory.
Personally, I am totally fine being labeled an “anti-abortionist,” and I like Wax’s take of comparing it to anti-slavery and anti-trafficking.
Ryan’s relevant parental wisdom
Ryan Smith’s blog on WordSlingers this week is a good one, especially for parents with young children. Check out his four aspects you should consider, if your kids are still in that early impressionable age.
Disappointing Senate decision
Forty-six U.S. senators voted against the effort of banning late-term abortions this week. I don’t get the callousness of these people, their unwillingness to come to terms with scientific evidence of children in the womb experiencing pain.
This is not a partisan issue, as three Democrats supported the bill and two Republicans opposed it.
Also, you can’t convince me this bill would “punish women.” On the contrary, those who do support abortion need to come to grips with the fact their cause brings punishment to many women who experience traumatic post-abortive conditions. These conditions are real, as I have witnessed many woman who attend a special class called “Forgiven and Set Free” offered by Hope Pregnancy Centers in Oklahoma and is specialized for women who deal with grief and regrets over their experiences of abortion.
Trump’s Union address
I did not watch President Trump deliver the State of the Union Address this week. I did read some excerpts from his speech, and one quote encouraged me that Baptist Press reported:
“One pro-life juncture came when he told the story of Ryan Holets, an Albuquerque, N.M., police officer who last year saw a pregnant, homeless woman on the verge of injecting herself with heroin. When he warned her she would harm her unborn baby, she wept and told him she longed for a safe home for her child.
“‘In that moment, Ryan said he felt God speak to him: “You will do it, because you can” He heard those words,’ Trump said. ‘He took out a picture of his wife and their four kids. Then he went home to tell his wife Rebecca. In an instant, she agreed to adopt. The Holets named their new daughter Hope. Ryan and Rebecca, you embody the goodness of our nation. Thank you.’”
Super Bowl stuff
I don’t have much interest in this year’s Super Bowl, but I do find myself supporting the Eagles. This is due to the great stories I have heard about some of the Eagles players having Bible studies and even observing baptisms in a hotel pool in Charlotte one weekend. Perhaps a Super Bowl victory for the Eagles will allow for more Christian influence among athletes.
I hope things are going well for you today. I had a bummer of an experience. I got a speeding ticket, doing 55 in a 40. My excuse is I accelerated through an intersection to make sure I made a green light – just didn’t slow back down in time. The officer was nice and only charged me going 10 mph over the limit, which means I have to pay a $172 fine.
I called my wife to let her know about my delinquency, and I asked her, since she does have some police connections, if she knew anybody I could call who might help me avoid paying the fine, since this was my first citation in more than a decade. Her response, “Well, I think you should pay it since you did the wrong.”
God blessed my wife with wisdom and good principles, and He blessed me by having her in my life.
Now, on to this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
A powerful trial testimony
If you haven’t heard Rachael Denhollander’s testimony she gave this week during the major trial of Larry Nassar, former physician of the U.S. Gymnastics Team and at Michigan State University, you should take the time to watch it or read the transcript. Here’s her testimony at about the 25-minute mark of her 40-minute testimony.
Denhollander shares a piercing description of the depraved behavior this man demonstrated for many years while doing harmful acts to young women. But there’s more. She also shares the message every human being needs to hear. Here’s a significant excerpt from her testimony:
“The Bible you speak carries a final judgment where all of God’s wrath and eternal terror is poured out on men like you. Should you ever reach the point of truly facing what you have done, the guilt will be crushing. And that is what makes the Gospel of Christ so sweet. Because it extends grace and hope and mercy where none should be found. And it will be there for you.
“I pray you experience the soul crushing weight of guilt so you may someday experience true repentanceand true forgiveness from God, which you need far more than forgiveness from me—though I extend that to you as well.”
I can’t watch or read this without shedding tears. I don’t know if greater words have ever been spoken in a United States Courtroom.
Denhollander’s testimony was discussed on ESPN’s Sportscenter Thursday night between Scott Van Pelt and Bob Lee, host of ESPN’s Outside the Lines, and they too mentioned how powerful this testimony was.
I pray God will work in a mighty way through this horrible way-too-long injustice, and may the Holy Spirit prick the ears and soften the hearts of those who hear Denhollander’s testimony.
I have a fascination to discuss Bible passages in modern day scenarios. Storms fed my fascination, and I agree with his conclusion.
However, I had a problem with some of the ethical situations he offered. In his list that includes the World War II Normandy invasion, Storms mentions lying to a pastor about past sinful behavior. Maybe I read it wrong, and I welcome feedback, but not being open about past failures to a spiritual leader doesn’t seem to reflect spiritual growth.
It’s hard to read without coming to the conclusion he is bitter against President Trump while sympathetic toward President Obama. He also paints broad generalizing strokes against me and many like me. Criticism can be healthy, but I think Pavlovitz overdid it.
He isn’t entirely wrong. He presented some actual occurrences and descriptions about the previous presidency and the current one. But his intention is purely to start a fight, not to bring peace.
I have specific answers for all the points Pavlovitz makes, but I think it would be more constructive to discuss with someone in person and without dramatic language.
Oklahoma ‘Most Polite’
How about more positive, encouraging topics? Let’s start with how a Canadian company ranked Oklahoma as the “most polite” among all 50 states. My only disappointment is the linked article doesn’t explain how they concluded we Okies are so polite. I mean, if someone gives you the best ranking, wouldn’t you want to know why?
Since we are so polite, though, we will just say “Thank you,” and maintain our reputation.
Thunder stuff
I am a little reluctant to write about the Oklahoma City Thunder. It seems whenever I mention the Thunder in a DHD, they start doing bad. I’m going to take a chance.
I’m loving the six-game winning streak, the improvement of rookie Terrance Ferguson and Russell Westbrook being an NBA All-Star for the seventh year. I also like what Paul George said recently that Russ has made his free agency decision “easier.”
On that last bit of info, Thunder fans, be happy that George seems happy, and keep enjoying this season.
Next week’s SEC
I end with an event plug. The Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference starts Monday, Jan. 29 at Southern Hills Baptist Church on the south side of Oklahoma City. Ed Newton and Gregg Matte are the two keynote speakers for the evening sessions with Newton speaking Jan. 29 and Matte speaking Jan. 30.
I’m excited to hear both of these men, as well as the many others who will be speaking during the SEC. I hope you will come too. For more information, visit sec.okbaptist.com. The event is free to attend.
Lots of good topics this week. Currently, the 2018 March for Life is happening in Washington D.C., and I’m appreciative of the many who are participating and speaking out for the Sanctity of Human Life. Also, this Sunday is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. I hope your church is planning to participate.
Let’s get to it!
May Wilberforce be with the Pro-lifers
Check out Gracy Olmstead’s article “The Pro-life Movement Needs More Wilberforces.” I do agree. There needs to be more politicians like William Wilberforce, who played a significant role in the 18th century English Parliament toward ending slavery.
If you haven’t seen the movie Amazing Grace, you should watch it and learn more about Wilberforce and how his influence against the slave trade should inspire current government leaders to follow his lead toward ending the practice of abortion clinics.
By the way, in Olmstead’s article, there are much stronger leaders against abortion than the ones she mentions at the beginning of her article. I can assure you, I don’t value the sanctity of life because of Donald Trump and Roy Moore.
Lankford is Wilberforce-like
You’ve heard me talk about James Lankford before, and I’m doing it again. If you want a strong government leader for the Pro-Life Movement, there’s not a better current statesmen for the cause than the U.S. Senator from Oklahoma. If you have the time, and would like to know more about Lankford, he gives an excellent speech that preceded the March for Life rally, and along with discussing upcoming pro-life bills, he tells about how he became a Senator after being involved in student ministry.
Sarah Pulliam Bailey’s article about fact checking the Netflix series The Crown regarding Queen Elizabeth’s friendship with Billy Graham is excellent. I’ve never seen The Crown, but I am fascinated with historical pieces involving Billy Graham, and this piece was an education for me.
I never knew Billy Graham was knighted. I agree with Bailey’s conclusions that there’s no way Graham would have met with the Queen alone because of his well-known “Billy Graham Rule,” which was a recent topic involving Vice President Mike Pence who said he does not meet alone with a woman.
I also enjoyed the many passages addressing forgiveness from both Graham and the Queen.
Here’s a great outtake: “Hospitality toward those who are not church members (even toward those who have radically opposing political or ethical views) should be normal, not unusual. This is not a step toward compromise; it’s a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal.”
Parks & Rec Star’s Major Stumble
I enjoyed watching the earlier seasons of NBC’s Parks & Recreation. Aziz Ansari played Tom Haverford on the show who had some hilarious moments. His life lately has not been humorous, as it has been revealed he is one of the latest popular personalities involved in the cultural sexual assault epidemic.
Joshua Pease gives an interesting take on why the church should be talking about Ansari and his unfortunate experience with a woman. His point “Sex Isn’t Meant for Strangers” may seem like an obvious conclusion, but with the way society operates today, it’s becoming difficult for many to discern.
David French supports this oversexed perception in his article on Ansari and the modern sexual morality.
French wrote, “Human beings have a desperate need for a sexual morality that transcends consent. There is no real price for delayed gratification. There is enormous cost inherent in encounters such as that between Grace and Ansari. Under no circumstances should a man pursue sex on a first date, much less at business meetings, at the office, or at restaurants.”
A humane human chain
I conclude this week’s DHD with an awesome demonstration of humanity toward helping a desperate dog:
It’s cold! Need I say more? I’m warming up my fingers by typing my thoughts on six timely topics for this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Here we go!
Second-guessing a Standing Ovation
This is a complicated one.
Earlier this week, a megachurch in Memphis took some heavy criticism for giving a standing ovation for its teaching pastor, Andy Savage, after he confessed to having sexual relations 20 years ago with a 17-year-old girl who was a youth group member of the church where Savage served as youth pastor.
I will admit, when I first heard of this, I was confused. How could a thriving church offer such an admiring response to someone who confessed such a horrible act in a time when numerous sexual allegations have been reported across the country of well-known personalities and national leaders?
To offer some headway and sensible solutions, I yield to Ed Stetzer, who, in recent years, has become one of the best communicators (even moderators) in the Evangelical Christian spectrum of society.
“Yes, when the church gave its standing ovation, the congregation did not know the details of the accusations. The church believed the pastor they loved had an experience two decades ago that, they were told, was addressed. And, they applauded.
“So, it’s easy to take cheap shots (witness the internet) at the church, but they were applauding based on what they knew. However, and regardless, the standing ovation was a terrible idea that served to accomplish nothing but to teach victims that they won’t be heard.”
In that last sentence, Stetzer alludes to the most important point to get out of this whole injustice. Victims need solace and support.
I encourage you to read the entire article.
Spurgeon and Barnum
I know the movie The Greatest Showman is quite popular right now. WordSlingers movie critic Michael Foust offers a positive review on the film.
But check out this historic account of legendary preacher Charles H. Spurgeon responding to P.T. Barnum’s offer of having Spurgeon preach at the “Greatest Showman’s” circus events.
I just think it is classic Spurgeon.
An Evangelistic ‘Mistake’
The Gospel Coalition’s Matt Smethurst shares a challenging personal experience from 10 years ago when he was witnessing to a friend in China, using the Jesus Film. It’s a great story that encouraged me in knowing that God is the one ultimately in control, not me.
As Smethurst concluded, “We can schedule meetings—but thanks be to God, he schedules conversions.”
Pro-life High Schoolers
Leigh Jones’ article “The new pro-life generation” encouraged me greatly. I’m fully aware of the influential stronghold that Jones points out of Planned Parenthood and other abortion advocates at the high school level across the country.
Fortunately, Students for Life is having a breakthrough, as more high school students are getting involved with promoting the Sanctity of Human Life. Applaud what Emily Curran is doing in leading her high school in Texas and speaking out for the unborn.
Ed Newton on Messenger Cover
Here’s some insider information about next week’s Baptist Messenger. Ed Newton, a Falls Creek favorite speaker, will be on the cover with the headline “Ed Talks.” He sat down with the Messenger recently to give a preview of the Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference, Jan. 29-30, at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills.
Here’s an article I wrote about Ed’s longtime experience of speaking at Falls Creek. If you haven’t head Ed Newton speak, you should consider coming to this year’s SEC.
Worst Church Singer
I conclude with a video a friend shared this week. I confess, it could be painful to watch. If you endure all four minutes, please let me know.
