by Chris Doyle | Nov 17, 2017
Greetings!
I’ve got lots of thoughts to share this week. In fact, before I sat down to figure out my six topics, I didn’t realize I had so many current subjects to address. But I’m glad I got my half dozen. Here we go!
- Annual Meeting aftermath
I start off with what encompassed most of my time at the beginning of the week. The Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) took place Nov. 13-14 at my home church – OKC, Quail Springs, which makes it nice for familiarity and the drive.
I love meeting with Oklahoma Baptists. These are my peeps. The charm of Annual Meeting is getting some of my favorite people at the same sight for a couple of days. Reports are given. Corporate worship is uplifting. Messages are challenging yet inspiring.
Two significant moments during the Annual Meeting, for me, were 1) hearing Anthony Jordan give his final address as “our leader” and 2) passing unanimously Resolution No. 4, which addresses condemning White Supremacy, Alt-Right and racism.
Dr. Jordan is retiring next year as BGCO executive director-treasurer, and his address during the opening session was powerful and magnificent. He praised Oklahoma Baptists for generous giving through the Cooperative Program and he challenged churches to overcome practices of prejudice and to be accepting of all people – no matter of race, culture or background – in their congregations. He said many churches located in areas of transition are dying, and he bluntly said if they are dying because they are not willing to transition too, “they ought to die.”
Though there wasn’t much fanfare during the presentation of resolutions, for messengers to be in full support of condemning racism and groups promoting racism is a powerful statement. Working for the Baptist Messenger, we get responses from readers, and when we publish articles or columns that relate to opposing the alt-right and other racist groups, the emails and comments spew such offensive language in disagreement. Thankfully, messengers at this year’s Annual Meeting who represent Oklahoma Baptist churches were not in line with those who think this way.
Check out Dr. Jordan’s address, as well as others who spoke at the Annual Meeting, and to see the whole list of resolutions at annualmeeting.okbaptist.com.
- Political morality
Many have expressed how they feel about Roy Moore, candidate for Alabama U.S. Senator, and the reports that have come out about his previous behavior with women. It is sad. Period.
The two best responses regarding Moore and his campaign came from James Lankford and Ed Stetzer.
Here’s a comment from Sen. Lankford, reported by the Tulsa World, about Moore and his previous relationships with girls under age:
“Obviously, I’m incredibly sad for those girls that were affected during that time period, their families, and I’m sad for the people of Alabama and for the nation,” Lankford said. “People of Alabama are having to make a decision on someone who had immoral behavior or someone that they don’t like their politics on, and it’s a really difficult spot for them to go back and forth.
“I am pleased to be able to see that the nation, though, is talking about moral issues and trying to hold leaders to a higher account. That’s a positive thing for our nation. I think that should continue, whether that’s in Hollywood with all the harassment that’s being exposed now, Capitol Hill, and the media, anywhere that it may be. If Americans hold each other to a higher standard that is helpful to us long term. Painful in the process of going through it, but helpful long term, because we want to set a higher standards for our kids.”
The other is from Ed Stetzer in his interview on NPR. Notice how quickly the interview stops when Stetzer talks about discipling people biblically.
The only other thing I will say about the Roy Moore fiasco is how fascinating we’ve come as a society since criticizing Vice President Mike Pence earlier this year and his standards of meeting with women. I hope the vice president appears more admirable now in comparison to other politicians.
- Close minded or “truth minded”
Check out Trevin Wax’s blog “The Right and Wrong Way to Close Your Mind.” Wax continues to be one of my favorite writers on cultural issues, and this piece is superb.
I have developed the perspective that it is best for Christians to be neither close-minded nor open-minded but rather be “truth-minded.” What I mean by that is hold to what is Truth, which, as Christians, we believe to be Scripture, but be willing to consider other points of view. I admit I have changed my view on some issues over time, but there are significant issues I hold fast and strong.
Be sure to read Wax’s conclusion. I plan to read his article again.
- Enforcing abortion promotion
Joe Friday helps us to be aware of the latest with California pregnancy centers. He reported this week that the Supreme Court will hear about the California law requiring pro-life pregnancy centers to promote pro-abortion material.
This is a significant case for those who value the Sanctity of Human Life.
- Foust on films
Michael Foust has two movie reviews this week. He analyzes The Star and Wonder which both are debuting in theaters this weekend.
Michael gives high regards to both movies, and, if I’m allowed to review his reviews, I think Michael is an exceptional movie critic. He definitely presents a proper Christian perspective and makes the movie enticing, if he recommends it. I give him five stars.
- Thunder stuff
I close on my latest thoughts on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fear not, I am not doing any game predictions.
Kevin Durant is in the news again, sharing his thoughts about his old team and how “mistreated” he has been. He also seems to like saying the f-word a lot when getting interviewed.
For a phenomenal basketball player who already claims an NBA title and will probably get more championships while playing with Golden State, he sure seems to be quite insecure and whiny. I wish, for his own sake, he could move on and quit doing these interviews where he talks about the Thunder.
Also, Darnell Mayberry is having a book signing for his book “100 Things Thunder Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die” in Edmond on Saturday, Nov. 18, from Noon-2 p.m. at Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road.
Darnell is now an NBA beat writer in Chicago, but I thought he did a phenomenal job as the Thunder beat writer for the Oklahoman. I’ll be going to his signing tomorrow.
by Chris Doyle | Nov 10, 2017
Greetings!
Here’s six timely topics for this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Billy Graham!
Billy Graham turned 99 on Nov. 7. The legendary preacher and evangelist has had an impact on many people around the world. I know he made quite an impact just in my part of the world. My dad and many of his friends and spiritual mentors were influenced by the Billy Graham Crusade.
Jack Humphreys was one of them. Former Baptist Messenger managing editor Bob Nigh wrote a great story in 2003 about Humphreys and how he got involved with Graham’s ministry. Baptist Press ran the story, “A Life Transformed by 1956 OKC Graham crusade.”
Many professions of faith in Christ were made as a result of that Crusade, and I mean not just at the actual crusade meetings that year. The Humphrey’s story mentions Charlie Riggs and Gene Warr and refers to other Christian businessmen who were Graham’s “lieutenants,” training crusade counselors, as well as helping Christians grow in their faith through discipleship training.
Billy Graham does not have the influence he once did. But he is still revered. LifeWay Research reported Graham is still “one of the best-known preachers in America.” The article reports 48 percent of American churchgoers have watched Graham preach on television. However, 11 percent of those surveyed actually attended one of Graham’s crusades. Four percent did not know who he is.
There’s a lot to conclude from this survey, but one thing is for sure. Over a span of 50-plus years, God used a Baptist preacher from North Carolina to impact the world for Christ, and his legacy continues.
Political pandemonium
There’s a lot craziness happening in the world of politics and at various levels. In Oklahoma, state legislators can’t agree state budget issues.
Other states held elections, including gubernatorial races, that could affect national perspectives. There’s recent accusations made of Roy Moore who is running for U.S. Senate in Alabama.
I mentioned last week there was a prayer request that came from the state Capitol. Prayers need to continue.
Responding to Sutherland Springs
The shooting at Sutherland Springs, Texas, First made national news, and the nation has responded. I’m encouraged to hear Southern Baptists stepping up to pay for the funerals of the victims.
I won’t address the different political viewpoints of this, but I do believe it is important that churches need to be pro-active and prepared if ever faced with a shooting. I wrote about this last year in my article “Spotlight on security: Churches should take safety precautions for those who attend.”
The article quotes Travis David, who oversees security at my church, and David will be speaking at a breakfast next week that was recently organized. During the Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO), at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, David will address the recent concerns about churches and security.
Speaking of Annual Meeting
Yes, the BGCO is having its annual meeting next week, Nov. 13-14, and there’s a lot that will be happening. The Pastors’ Conference, Missions Celebration, multiple meals and fellowships for different groups, great speakers, Singing Churchmen performing and good times by all Oklahoma Baptists meeting at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs.
One significant event will be an evening reception, honoring Anthony Jordan and his wife Polla, on Monday, Nov. 13 at 8:15 p.m. Dr. Jordan recently announced he will be retiring in May, 2018 as BGCO executive director-treasurer. This will be a great time for many to come and share appreciation for Dr. Jordan’s leadership for almost 22 years with Oklahoma Baptists. Dr. Jordan also will be giving his final address as executive director-treasurer that evening in the opening session of the BGCO meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m.
For more information visit http://annualmeeting.okbaptist.com/
Great Bible study blog
I love studying the Bible, hearing teaching sessions on Scripture and learning more about God’s Word. I love reading blogs, articles and commentaries about the many Bible books. One great gem of a Bible blog was posted by Gospel Coalition’s Justin Taylor about the Book of Philemon, “Uncovering Treasures in Paul’s Shortest Letter.”
I’m curious, have you ever heard a sermon on Philemon? How many Bible Studies have you attended that covered Philemon? Personally, I’m not sure what’s referenced less among New Testament books, Philemon or 3 John.
But I am familiar with the story involving Paul’s letter to Philemon, and it’s a powerful one of reconciliation. And in Taylor’s blog, he points out another “tucked away” demonstration of reconciliation.
‘Pardoned to proclaim’ part 2
I wrote about Jason Jones a couple of weeks ago in my article “Pardoned to proclaim.” The former prisoner-now-pastor made the news on a Tulsa TV station.
Check out “Murderer to minister: How one man is using his checkered past to change lives” on KTUL’s website and hear him and Pastor Rusty Gunn of Sand Springs, Church That Matters talk about what God has done and continues to do in Jones’ life.
by Chris Doyle | Nov 2, 2017
Greetings!
I’m doing my DHD early this week. I hope that doesn’t knock your schedule off too much. Consider it to be in line with the ending of Daylight Savings Time this Sunday. I don’t know how exactly it applies, but this is how I’m beginning my blog.
Let’s get to it.
- Political ploy pertaining to prayer?
This morning, Anthony Jordan, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO), asked those of us who work in the BGCO Building, to meet this morning for a time of prayer for our state government leaders, including Gov. Mary Fallin and those who serve in the state senate and house.
What prompted this prayer meeting was a text Dr. Jordan received late Wednesday night from Gov. Fallin:
“We need some prayer support for God’s will and wisdom in what He would have us do to solve our budget crisis and not hurt the poor and needy. May I request your prayer team’s help!!” This is what Gov. Fallin’s text said.
Dr. Jordan also sent out a request to Oklahoma pastors to observe a time of prayer for the governor and other state leaders. I know this because one of my pastor friends shared this request on Facebook.
To my surprise, someone commented on my friend’s Facebook post, accusing this request of being a motive of “political desperation.”
This response troubled me, mostly because I know Dr. Jordan’s heart and respect him as much as any spiritual leader today. But to taint a request for prayer, no matter who is asking or whatever hidden motive they may have, seems to have the wrong focus.
Even if somebody who is polar opposite of me politically were to ask me to pray for them, I would sincerely affirm their request without scrutiny. The greatest reason for this is I believe in Whom I would be directing my prayers.
Just as Dr. Jordan asked us to pray this morning, I ask the same of you who live in Oklahoma. “Pray for wisdom from God and for His will to be done to protect the poor and needy of our state. Ask God to break the political logjam that has kept them from finding a solution that will be best for all people of our state.”
- World Series frivolity
Congratulations to the Houston Astros and all their supporters for the Astros’ first World Series title. There were some major drama in a few of these games, as multiple match-ups ended in extra innings.
I had a little fun at work this week. We received two stories from Baptist Press, one involving Houston pitcher Collin McHugh and the other featuring Dodgers hitting coach Turner Ward. At first, I thought we could feature both stories in the Nov. 9 Baptist Messenger, but space did not permit.
Joking with our art director, Hannah Hanzel, who is an Astros fan, I decided to place the Dodgers’ article on the sports page because I figured, since game 7 was in L.A., the Dodgers had it wrapped up, and of course, we would feature the World Series winner.
This provoked some silly banter about me having to replace the story this morning, before we went to press. I enjoy my work environment.
- Largest church became multiethnic
The next three DHD topics come from articles I read this week on The Gospel Coalition website. The website recently experienced a makeover, and I’m impressed with TGC’s efforts.
Check out Sarah Zylstra’s “How the Country’s Largest White Presbyterian Church Became Multiethnic.”
It’s a longer read than most online articles, but I was encouraged to read about the transformation at Hope Church in Memphis, Tenn. The most significant approach this church took is willingness to be humble, relevant and approachable.
The more I hear about the divisive issues of racism, the more I’m convinced churches need to be prepared to have an impact. And it starts with making bold decisions that may not be popular. Read this story, and see if some of the decisions made at Hope Church need to be made at your church.
- SBC Reformation
This next one involves an article by one of my favorite SBC leaders, Al Mohler. In “10 Lessons from Reformation in the SBC,” Mohler offers a fascinating history lesson about how the Southern Baptist Convention remained strong conservatively, though it was greatly challenged.
“…from 1979 to 1995, there was a complete change of the leadership and the faculties in our seminaries and mission boards and eventually, throughout the leadership of the entire denomination. In God’s gracious providence, it’s the largest recovery of a Christian denomination in history,” Mohler wrote.
He then follows up with 10 excellent points of wisdom. It would benefit all Southern Baptists and conservative Christians to read this piece.
- Of Spurgeon and friend
My final TGC article is a book review by Christine Hoover, “Charles Spurgeon’s Unlikely Friend.”
Hoover discusses Steal Away Home: Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson, Unlikely Friends on the Passage to Freedom. I got this book in the mail this summer to review and never picked it up. The joke in my office is I don’t read books. I offer no comment to this matter.
However, after reading Hoover’s review, I will begin reading Steal Away Home this weekend, as I find it relevant for our society today. Admiration for Spurgeon as a popular 19th century preacher seems to be growing these past few years. Demonstrating a willingness to overcome racism and inspiring such provisions today, Spurgeon’s friendship with an American slave has powerful potential.
Hoover concludes, “May we learn from the example Spurgeon and Johnson left us. May we be men and women who lay down our lives for others. May we be Christians who know the power of the gospel. And when our leadership brings inevitable hidden vulnerabilities, may we also recognize that we can’t survive them without companions who understand.”
- A parting Thunder thought
I’m loving how the Oklahoma City Thunder have played in their last few games. What I want to see now is for them to claim a victory over a competitive team in a close game. Perhaps it may happen Friday night, as the Thunder host Boston with the Celtics winning their last six games.
by Chris Doyle | Oct 27, 2017
Greetings!
It’s cold!
Here’s six timely topics in this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
- Out of prison, into church ministry
I wrote the cover story for this week’s Baptist Messenger about Jason Jones who served 23 years of a life sentence for second-degree murder. Check out “Pardoned to Proclaim.”
I met Jason a couple of weeks ago, after I was briefly told his story and how he was discovered by my friends who work with the Church Planting Group for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. It was suggested I meet him when he was giving his testimony at a church planting conference at Falls Creek.
The reason for giving my backstory is it didn’t fully register with me that I was interviewing a guy who, when he was 15, took the life of a security guard. And if you didn’t know about Jason’s past, you never would believe he was supposed to serve life in prison. Jason comes across as friendly, kind, easy to talk to and not surprising he is in full-time ministry – which means whatever stereotype you may have for a convicted murderer, Jason would be a contradiction.
Jason had a rough life. I cannot imagine everything he experienced. I have a hard enough time believing the ordeals Andy Dufresne suffered before he helped the prison guards get tax breaks in The Shawshank Redemption.
But redemption is what Jason encountered, and praise God, he is sharing his story so others may find God’s redeeming grace too.
- Reading about the Reformation
Next Tuesday is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and thank goodness, from what I can tell, it seems to be taking precedence over the other holiday that falls on the same date.
There’s a lot of great reads relating to Martin Luther and Reformation renderings. Please check out the articles by David Dockery on the Baptist Messenger website.
Here’s a couple more I enjoyed reading: Joe Carter’s “Five Facts about Reformation Day,” and Jeff Robinson’s “The Luther Family and the Reformation.”
- Five leading spiritual influencers
Eric Geiger affirms what not only children but all Christians should be doing in order to experience spiritual vitality. It’s always good to have verification from research.
Check out “Research Reveals 5 Biggest Influencers on Your Child’s Spiritual Health.”
- An objective piece on the liberal media
One of the best articles I read this week was by Ken Stern, former CEO of National Public Radio. Check it out here. He shares his experiences of connecting with different conservative groups and has a few revelations.
Stern does give a slap to Jerry Falwell, which disappoints me since he demonstrated objectivity throughout his story. The departed conservative Christian leader continues to be easy prey by critics, but that’s their unfortunate loss.
Regardless, I applaud Stern’s writing and his willingness to be understanding. Don’t overlook his conclusion though.
- A bold comparison of the contrasting
Joe Carter is a great communicator. As you probably can tell, I’m a fan of lists, and he frequently writes in a listing fashion. I’ve shared many of his articles, but I don’t know if I’ve read one that shocked me more than his piece “How LGBT-affirming is like KJV-onlyism.”
This article could be offensive to many, but he offers legitimate points. And his conclusion is hilariously critical yet accurate.
- A piece praising progress for print
Finally, I end with some personal encouragement. As one who works in the print publication business, I enjoyed reading “The Persistence of Print” by Mark Bauerlein. He reported from the Wall Street Journal that print revenue is up five percent.
He also stated that “material read in a book tends to stay with you longer than when read in digital formats.”
So now that you have finished reading this edition of DHD, sign off, find yourself a good published piece of literature, curl up in a blanket and enjoy this cooling weather.
by Chris Doyle | Oct 20, 2017
Greetings!
I’m in a Thunder mood for sure. I’ll just warn you now, this week’s DHD is loaded with Thunder topics. The first three on the list pertain to other matters, but the final three is dedicated to the OKC Thunder. Let’s get to it.
- Tainted by politics
I shared a couple of months ago that I am bored with politics. I still am.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote that we need a trusted leader. We still do.
It seems like when somebody in leadership gives sincere, admirable remarks, a critic is quick to arise and muddy up the speech.
I watched a video of John Kelly, White House Chief of Staff, addressing the White House Press this week, and I truly appreciated what he said, especially the part of explaining how the military handles informing loved ones of a soldier who had died in the act of duty.
Again, because I’ve been bored with politics, I have not been in the know of what prompted Kelly to speak on this issue. I now know it was a response to a congresswoman, of whom I am unfamiliar, criticizing President Trump’s call to the wife of a fallen soldier.
If you have been following my DHD blogs for a while, you know I’m not a strong Trump supporter, though I will commend him when he does something I deem commendable. To hear someone in office attack the president by using information from a private call Trump made to a military widow seems out of bounds to me.
And then to hear negative commentary from media reports on Kelly’s speech to the media also was bewildering. As I said, finding a trusted leader who can be respected by all appears to be a lost cause due to the unwillingness of the masses to be objective and reasonable.
I will repeat the wise remark I have offered time and again that I heard from my pastor, “What I say about you says more about me than it does about you.” It’s one thing to express disagreements, but it’s another if expressed in such a way that can make you look worse than the one you are criticizing. This is for anyone who has eyes to see.
- Political peccadillos aplenty
Bruce Ashford doesn’t help solve my problem of finding a leader respected by all people of political stripes, but he did give a great guidelines to help each of us when we engage in politics. Check out “The 7 Deadly Sins of Political Junkies.”
“In the political arena, our pride manifests itself in our well-honed ability to spot the sins of people on the other side of the aisle, contrasted with our inability or unwillingness to see our own sins or the sins of our chosen political tribe… In humility, we recognize that God is the center of the universe; thus, instead of being navel-gazing me-monkeys obsessed with ourselves and our political tribe, we are liberated to serve our fellow citizens and work for the common good.”
- The importance of attending church
Check out Michael Kelley’s blog “4 Reasons to Make Your Kids Go to Church.” He makes great points for parents, but I thought his reasons could apply to any age stage. It’s a temptation for a lot of people to skip church. This excerpt from Kelley’s first point “To teach the church’s purpose” is a good reminder that we need to be reminded:
“We go and meet with God’s people because we need to be reminded of who God is and His promises in the Bible. We need to be encouraged and held accountable for our Christian witness. And we need to participate in this for the sake of others, not just receive it from others.”
Adding to this, consider the encouragement you give to someone at church just by being there. Going to church is not only about what we receive from a worship service and a small group Bible study, but it’s also about what we can offer. This Sunday, if you’re struggling to get out of bed in time to make it to church, remind yourself that this could be a day you can have an impact on a fellow worshipper.
- Thunder stuff part 1
If you’re not an Oklahoma City Thunder fan go ahead and scroll on to your next reading preference, because I got a lot to share about OKC’s NBA squad.
Last night was the Thunder’s season opener against the New York Knicks. The game turned out how I expected, as far as the final score. Now with Paul George and Carmelo Anthony on the team, the Thunder have a whole different look, especially compared to last year.
I am a little concerned about the offense. Both George and Anthony shoot a lot of jump shots, which is fine if they make them. Westbrook, though, was amazing as usual. He’s definitely not a one-man show anymore, but adding the two All-Stars refined Russ’ act. Westbrook finished with a triple-double, including 16 assists, but he shot fewer shots. In fact, Russ did not make his first bucket until the Thunder already had 20 points.
Something else that was bizarre about the game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many traveling violations called at the NBA level. The officials called traveling nine times. NINE. Four came in the first quarter.
The Thunder will face much tougher opponents in the coming weeks, so I’m not expecting all the results to be as rosy as the Knicks outing. OKC plays 20 games in Oct. and Nov. combined. I predict the Thunder will be 13-7 heading into Dec.
- Thunder stuff part 2
One last thing about the Knicks. Enes Kanter is now playing for New York, but the big Turk is still loved in Oklahoma. After playing 2 ½ seasons with the Thunder, Kanter got a roaring ovation when his name was announced in the Peake last night. You could tell he appreciated the loud approval.
Kanter is a devout Muslim. The Thunder did a lot to accommodate his religious practices, including offering an office at the Thunder’s training facility for his prayer times and being considerate of his dietary conditions during Ramadan.
I don’t agree with Kanter’s religious views, but I can appreciate what the Thunder were willing to do for him. They helped build a trust and a friendship with Kanter, which led to the bond he had with all Oklahomans.
“For 2-1/2 years, I saw this state like my family,” Kanter said when interviewed by Oklahoman Thunder reporter Brett Dawson. “I’m gonna say this every time — this state gave me a lot. Not just this organization, but the whole state gave me a lot.”
- Thunder stuff part 3
The final DHD nugget this week is a shout-out to Hooper Stover who got a special phone call from Thunder General Manager Sam Presti. Hooper wrote a letter to Presti two months ago in order to encourage the Thunder to get Russell Westbrook to sign his mega five-year extension. In the letter, he enclosed his allowance money of $10 in order to “help keep Russ.”
The day after Westbrook signed his extension, Presti gave Hooper a call to thank him for his “help” in getting Russ to sign. Presti also offered him his $10 back as well as four tickets to the Thunder-Knicks game last night.
Check out the video of the phone exchange between Presti and Hooper (ht: Holly Sapp):
https://www.facebook.com/holly.hooperstover/videos/1913486781996538/