by Chris Doyle | Aug 4, 2017
Greetings!
No intro. Let’s get to it.
- Lankford lets ABC know “Hate Group” is unacceptable
Bravo to Senator James Lankford for addressing ABC News about using inappropriate labeling in a news story.
Lankford sent a letter (read here) to ABC News President James Goldston regarding the network’s reporting on Attorney General James Sessions’ speech before the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). In the report, ABC News described ADF as a “hate group” because of the organization’s support of religious freedom and marriage based upon biblical instruction.
“(T)he label of ‘hate’ cannot be taken lightly,” Lankford wrote. He mentioned how the term “hate group” has been used in such a way as to be “overly broad and not based in fact or legal accuracy.”
A key reason why I applaud Lankford for speaking out against the misuse of “hate group” and other excessive language is it hinders objectivity and opportunities for dialog.
“In this country, we have the ability and freedom to disagree,” Lankford explained. “However, disagreement is not the same as discrimination, and it’s not the same as hate.”
He concluded the letter saying it is his hope that everybody, including the media, “take more responsibility for words and actions because they matter.”
- The Democratic Abortion Party
Baptist Press reported this week on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee stating there is no abortion “litmus test” for democratic candidates.
The article gives a lot of clear views about the issue of abortion and how many in the Democratic Party are determined to promote the abortion agenda to the hilt, which would include federal funding for the procedure of ending preborn babies’ lives.
However, it is encouraging to know that attempts do exist, even at meager conditions, to promote Sanctity of Life among Democrats.
- Aug 4 is Westbrook Day
On this date last year, Russell Westbrook made Thunder fans extremely happy by signing a contract extension. I made a funny prediction that he would sign his super max deal offer of more than $200M/5 years on Aug. 4 this year, signifying another year of Russ bringing joy in Thunderville. However, it doesn’t seem like the NBA MVP will be doing any signing today.
Check out this humorous take on ThunderousIntentions.com.
- Christians and Transgenderism
Last week I mentioned a great article on Laura Perry in the July 27 edition of the Baptist Messenger. The story about Perry turning from a transgendered lifestyle to being a committed Christian has received much response on social media.
“Thank you for sharing your story. I pray many will hear of it and find strength in their own struggles, to surrender all to Jesus,” Janet S. wrote on the baptistmessenger.com website about Perry’s story.
The challenge is great for Christians in society’s growing acceptance of transgenderism and how it is affecting different aspects of culture, especially in the education world.
Check out Andrew Walker’s article “Five things every Christian must know about the Transgender Debate.”
- Remember those exposing Planned Parenthood videos?
Two years ago, the Center for Medical Progress released a series of video revealing many harsh truths about Planned Parenthood. They were “gotcha” videos undisclosed at the time of filming, showing national-level executives discussing the selling of body parts of aborted fetuses. Many in the Pro-Life camp were celebrating this growing effect of exposing the world’s largest abortion provider, despite the downplay of media and liberal politicians.
So why weren’t the videos more effective in hindering Planned Parenthood’s work? Some clinics did shut down, and more state were more active in no longer allowing funding to Planned Parenthood. But the abortion company still exists and abortions are still widely practiced.
Check out Joe Carter’s article “Why didn’t the Planned Parenthood videos change the abortion debate?” as he gives his take on this exposing video craze.
- Olive and me
I end this week’s DHD with a cute video of Olive having fun with my Thunder media pass. This one night, my credential from last season fell to the floor, and Olive was in a silly mood when she brought it in the den, making sure I saw her playing with it.
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by Chris Doyle | Jul 28, 2017
Greetings!
My two-week hiatus has concluded! I’ll share more about my time away, but I thought it was interesting how many hot topics came and went while I was in vacation mode. Fortunately, there is still many topics to discuss this week.
Let’s get to it!
- Facebook fears faith-focused features
I’m not happy with Facebook right now. Of course, it’s probably because of Facebook you were able to find my blog, so I do understand its value. But I’m still not happy with the social media source.
Three different news stories have been removed from the Baptist Messenger Facebook page in recent weeks, including two in the past few days. A few months ago, a Messenger Insight video podcast featuring Dennis Jernigan being interviewed by Brian Hobbs and myself was deleted off the Facebook page.
This week, Baptist Messenger shared the news story by Baptist Press about President Trump’s military policy against transgender individuals. That was taken off the Messenger Facebook page.
Three times we tried to share on Facebook this week’s cover story about Laura Perry who left the transgendered lifestyle, restored her relationship with her family and is now teaching Sunday School at Bartlesville, First. I have personally shared the story on my Facebook page, but every time the link is posted on the Messenger Facebook page, it is removed soon after.
It angers me that Facebook is refusing to allow this story to be shared. I hope you will read about Laura and her mother Francine. Both shared how they needed to grow in their faith in Christ, and it’s a great testimony for everybody.
Our web tech friends are looking into how to reverse this Facebook banning, but I also appeal to you to consider sharing this story on your Facebook page and through other social media sources. The Messenger’s Facebook page is easier to target for opposition to file complaints, but if more individuals share this powerful story of the Gospel, it will be harder to have it removed.
- My Irish eyes are smiling
Karen and I had a magnificent experience touring Ireland last week. The weather was perfect. The scenery was beautiful. People were awesome. We enjoyed all of it.
We also had the opportunity to meet some people who are serving in Ireland. Because of security reasons, I can’t say who they are, but I was happy to connect with them and learn about their ministry. We also had the chance to attend St. Catherine’s Church, which is affiliated with the Church of Ireland but is very evangelical. It was great to worship with them. The associate pastor who spoke that morning is named Sean, and he will be in Oklahoma this fall serving with a church in Stillwater. It was a serendipitous moment to meet him.
I have many pictures of my trip. You can check them out on my Facebook page.
- Snippet from Wax’s “This Is Our Time”
I took Trevin Wax’s new book “This Is Our Time” on the trip with me. I plan to do a full review soon. This is an excellent read for Christians in sharing the Gospel in modern times, especially with moral concerns involving “our rapidly changing world.”
In the first chapter, Wax tackles the social media craze, identifying many concerns and offering suggestions on how Christians should practically use their smart phones and engage in social media with the Gospel in mind. Of course, one suggestion I personally offer is tell your friends about WordSlingersOk.com and the site’s award-winning weekly blog “Doyle’s Half Dozen” (shameless plug!).
Here’s an excerpt from the first chapter of “This is Our Time” that stood out to me:
“The gospel frees us from the need to do reputation control online all the time.
“God sees through selfies.
“And so there’s a better story, a better way. The gospel affirms the deepest longings that drive us to our phone – the longing to know and to be known – but it exposes the lie that the phone can truly fulfill those longings.
“So now our focus must shift. The way forward is to cultivate practices – counterpoints – that offset the myths coming from our phones.”
- Sat down with Shane
Shane Hall was the camp pastor at CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp this week. He is the pastor of Del City, First Southern and has been on the hearts of many Southern Baptists recently. For the past three years, Shane has been battling stomach cancer.
I had the chance to interview Shane at CrossTimbers this week for a story that will run in the Aug. 3 Baptist Messenger. We discussed his recent experiences, how the cancer has returned, how both his family, especially his wife Misty, and his church have been extremely supportive.
Shane said he rarely misses a Sunday being in the pulpit at First Southern, with exceptions to being in the hospital late May-early June. However, because of health reasons, he has cancelled many other speaking engagements, except for three. He said he spoke at Kingfisher, First earlier this year, and he kept his commitment to speaking at CrossTimbers this week.
The third event was at the Pastors’ Conference that preceded the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix, Ariz. I’ve watched Shane’s sermon on Phil. 4:13 three times. It was an historical experience.
Though his body is weak, Shane’s spirit is strong. It is evident that God’s Holy Spirit is working through him as he preaches. He also knows many people are praying for him, and said he is grateful for the many who are supporting him through prayer. He also said he has kept every letter and prayer card people have sent him.
“We have been overwhelmed by the prayer support,” he said, “not just in the state but across the country. It’s not something I have a right to. I know there are people who are going through the same circumstances that I am or even in worse shape. There are people I don’t even know who have rallied around us in prayer. That’s just so humbling.”
God continues to do amazing things through Shane in his feeble condition, and as Shane pointed out, “God expects us to steward our blessings as well as our sufferings.”
- Continued praise for James Lankford
Oklahoma Senator James Lankford has been heavily involved in multiple national issues this week, but his biggest issue is helping the Senate repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
He spoke for 15 minutes late last night on the Senate floor in support of this action. However, the Senate voted it down by two votes, 49-51. At 1:58 a.m., I received an email from Lankford’s office expressing his disappointment.
He concluded his statement saying “We should not stop working to find solutions to a law that has caused so much damage to our economy and our healthcare delivery system.”
I applaud Senator Lankford in spite of this disappointing vote.
- Falls Creek decisions
This morning I received an email giving the recent report from Falls Creek summer youth camp of how many spiritual decisions have been made. The final week of camp concludes this evening, and for the week, there have been 731 total decisions with 307 professions of faith in Christ. The eight-week total so far is 6,362 decisions with 2,521 professions of faith in Christ. Tonight will be the final night for the 100th summer at Falls Creek. May God continue to work in the lives of many young people.
by Chris Doyle | Jul 7, 2017
Greetings!
Well, I almost completed my DHD. I was to my next-to-last topic when my computer froze on me. Usually, when something like this happens, I can shut it down, but Word seems to be able to retrieve my document. Alas, not the case this time.
So instead of recalling all I wrote in the last four hours (with stoppage for lunch and a few breaks to give Olive attention), I’m just going to be very brief on the topics of which I elaborated.
- Thunder thoughts
I’m happy with the latest offseason moves by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Obtaining Paul George is huge. He will help them get close to replicating what the Thunder did two seasons ago.
- Caleb Moore’s blog
I also forgot my catchy alliteration subheads. This is such a bummer.
Please check out Caleb Moore’s blog “Difficult days for the spiritual gift of compassion.”
In my first draft I commended Caleb’s exceptional take on how some Christians struggle with adhering to biblical teaching and being compassionate to friends and family members of the LBGTQ community. Just know I would have inspired you with what I wrote that got erased.
- Spurgeon’s schedule
And I definitely had some good stuff to say about Charles Spurgeon and how I was fascinated with his weekly schedule. Check out Christian George’s article “How Spurgeon Scheduled His Week.”
There have been some criticism since George’s article was published. David Murray pointed out Spurgeon’s later years of depression and bad health and concluded his aggressive schedule was a contributor.
I don’t edify the magnitude of Spurgeon’s schedule but rather his attitude of which inspired him which was to honor God, pastor the church, shepherd members and mentor preachers while also making time for his family.
Another article about Spurgeon’s schedule encourages readers to make most of their time (Eph. 5:15-17).
- Hobby Lobby hubbub
Baptist Press reported on Hobby Lobby and its involvement with obtaining biblical artifacts improperly. Responses have been harsh against the popular arts and crafts store, operated by the Green family. The basis of such harshness is due to many who oppose the Greens’ biblically-based pro-life view, which was the basis of their religious liberty case involving them not providing abortion-induced drugs to employees.
The Greens apologized for their involvement with these artifacts, expressing remorse and admitting they did not act wisely. They also paid a $3 million fine, which almost doubled the value of the artifacts.
I do not justify the Greens’ admitted misconduct, but I also think it’s ridiculous to connect this action to their stance against supporting abortion.
- Christian liberals
Dan Doriani’s article “Friendly Theological Liberalism: A Threat in Every Age” points out the destruction Christian liberalism causes.
I agree with him that the problem with Christian liberals is their allegiance is to culture and not to Scripture.
- Going to Ireland
I conclude this truncated version of my original draft (I’m so sorry you can’t read it!) with some news. Karen and I will be traveling to Ireland next week, celebrating our 10 years of marriage. This means Doyle’s Half Dozen will be on a two-week hiatus.
When I return, I plan to share about our exciting adventures. The next DHD, Lord willing, should be July 28.
by Chris Doyle | Jun 30, 2017
Greetings!
June is concluding, and so is the fiscal year. Happy “end of year” to those of you who work in higher ed., the medical field and local government!
Here’s another edition of my take on six timely topics, known as Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Let’s get to it!
- Westbrook wins worthy award
The NBA had its inaugural, first-ever, original (but NOT first-annual) awards show this week. The opening was a flop and worthless. Kudos for trying, Commissioner Silver, but Drake and his crew were not entertaining.
The best part, of course, was Russ getting the MVP Award. I was happy for him and how that panned out, especially with his teammates appearing on stage with him – some of whom may have appeared with their days numbered with the Thunder. Westbrook’s speech was a little rough, but it was real and heart-felt. For him to share his family with the world was a significant moment because Russ is a private person who finds solace with his close-knit family.
I also enjoyed watching Monty Williams, former Thunder assistant coach, receive the first-ever Craig Sager Award. I can’t think of another worthy person affiliated with the NBA who has demonstrated Christian faith than Coach Williams. I blogged about him last year when he spoke at his wife’s funeral. I remember him saying “We cannot serve the Lord if we don’t have a heart of forgiveness.”
So after a rough start, I will give the NBA a passing grade on its first attempt on having an awards show.
- Thunder in the offseason
A lot of exciting possibilities happening in this NBA offseason. I said a few weeks ago that the NBA regular season is more exciting than the playoffs. Even the offseason is more exciting than the playoffs.
What will the Thunder do beginning July 1? Will they sign Westbrook to the newly-founded veteran player exception, making him the highest paid athlete in organized sports? Will they find a way to resign Andre Roberson and/or Taj Gibson? Will they find a way to bring in another free agent?
It seems likely Russell and the Thunder will come to some agreement on an extended contract. I also lean toward the likelihood of Robertson resigning but not Gibson.
I do believe Sam Presti and his front office cohorts are trying to make some deals to bring in a major contributor, whether that is Blake Griffin or another all-star caliber player. But like the many who cover the NBA have concluded, this may be the impossible dream. The Thunder doesn’t have the salary cap space to sign a big name star, and the cupboard is almost bare of trade options. So we will just have to wait and see.
However, I will agree with Thunderousintentions.com’s Jeremy Lambert who said the Thunder’s offseason is much better this time than it was last year.
By the way, I found it interesting that this article showed up on my Facebook history from last year.
UPDATE (7/1/17, 3:55 p.m.): The Thunder dreamed the impossible dream and reached the unreachable star. Once again, Sam Presti pulled off an amazing move by landing Paul George from the Indiana Pacers for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.
So many ways to look at this blockbuster trade that some NBA analysts have considered one of the greatest transactions in league history. There is some risk the Thunder took by adding George, who becomes a free agent next year and has been pretty vocal about wanting to play for the Lakers. But for now, George is playing in OKC, and I don’t think the Thunder could have acquired a better player who meets many of the team needs and raises the level of expectations.
Now, that I’ve added this update, let’s see how long it takes to become antiquated.
- Time to taper Trump’s tumultuous tweets
I’m currently bored with politics. It’s the exact opposite of how I felt this time last year. But now I’m bored.
Basically, my lack of interest stems from the non-stop rhetoric of the mainstream media, specifically with certain cable networks that unabashedly dedicate all their air time to degrading President Trump. The accusations media personalities have made are extreme. Are the accusations deserved? Depends, but no doubt about it, they definitely are extreme.
Many times I have expressed my perspective of President Trump. Scroll through previous DHDs, and you will find that I have said I would not and did not vote for Donald Trump in the last election.
I have commended some moves that have transpired since he came into office. Appointing Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court ranks high on my list, as well as other decisions he made that favor Sanctity of Life and Religious Liberty.
I say all this say, I intend to be fair to our president. As respectfully as I can say this, President Trump needs to stop making personally insulting remarks. Those who work on his White House staff, especially those in advisory roles, need to be responsible in advising him constructively to stop the derogatory comments in his tweets and news conferences. They don’t benefit him at all and only feed the media frenzy.
Most importantly, this behavior is beneath the level of the President of United States, and Mr. Trump should take that into consideration and refrain from his brash, prideful tendencies to lash out whenever someone publicly insults him. Otherwise, these unnecessary impetuous comments may lead to the demise of his presidency.
- Small church impact
This week’s Baptist Messenger features my article “Big Blessings in Little City” as the cover story. I enjoyed visiting Madill, Little City a couple of weeks ago as well as talking with Little City’s pastor Cecil Mackey, learning about him, this rural church and the ongoing revival they are experiencing since Mackey became pastor. I hope you will check out the story. It’s encouraging.
Also released this week is a report from Baptist Press on small churches attracting the “unchurched.” A survey was announced that offered the top 10 predictors of growth in smaller churches, 250 or fewer members, and the story claims smaller churches will be more prone to appeal to people who are identified as “unchurched,” or do not frequent or have any interest in going to church.
Most of the 10 predictors on the list reflect an emphasis on presenting the Gospel or having evangelistic intentions. One contributing activity to Little City’s revival is members sharing their stories or testimonies of how they made a profession of faith in Christ.
Many churches would do well to model Little City’s approach to evangelism, and I hope the impact of small churches becomes wider in the days ahead.
- The perplexing position of patriotism
July 4 happens next week. We celebrate America’s independence and demonstrate our love for our country and its heritage.
Patriotism has been scrutinized in the last few years. Should Christians celebrate America becoming a nation 241 years ago? Brian Hobbs’ column “4th telling” covers the different viewpoints of patriotism.
I remember my days working at Falls Creek in the late 80s. One summer, I ran the spotlight during the services in the old, open-air Tabernacle. It was the best seat, hoisted above all the campers, because I had a huge fan right above me that kept me cool during those hot summer days.
Every Thursday night of the camp weeks, the worship services featured a patriotic segment. Hymns such as “God Bless America,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “The Star Spangled Banner” were sung, and one person would do a special number singing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.,” which was always a heart-stirring performance.
I know it’s cliché to say this, but times have changed. Just as the dress code at Falls Creek isn’t as stringent, the passion for patriotism isn’t as appealing.
Trevon Wax wrote a blog in 2014 where he made the conclusion “Older Southern Baptists are more likely to see the U.S. as Israel. Younger Southern Baptists are more likely to see the U.S. as Babylon.”
Some of this mentality of “living in Babylon,” I think, has affected how Christians today view patriotism. I would not agree with those who think patriotism is sinful (actually I think that view is ridiculous), but I do believe patriotism has its place in priority.
“… patriotism is a good thing, yet it must be tethered to justice and mercy, understanding that we are Christians before we are Americans or anything else” – Brian Hobbs
- American-made movies
Just to make sure I haven’t completely dampened your American pride, I share with you movie critic Phil Boatwright’s article “Family friendly films for the Fourth” (Got to love alliterations!).
To be honest, I haven’t seen a single movie Boatwright recommends, but they do sound appealing. My personal movie recommendation to watch July 4 would be the Disney classic “Pollyanna.” I love the scene where Hayley Mills as Pollyanna sings “America the Beautiful.”
Happy Independence Day!
by Chris Doyle | Jun 23, 2017
Greetings!
So much time, so little to do. Strike that. Reverse it.
Spending time with family today, so I don’t plan to take long to do this week’s DHD.
Here we go:
- Bland draft for the Thunder
Last night was the NBA Draft. Usually it means the unexpected happens for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Well, I guess for me, it was unexpectedly dull. That’s not to stay the Thunder weren’t effective. Time will only tell.
They finished the night only drafting Terrence Ferguson, a small forward who played a season in Australia. He’s supposed to be a “3-and-D” type player, who the Thunder could use, if Ferguson can fit the bill.
I’m neither excited nor discouraged. I guess I’m just in wait-and-see mode. And that’s not to stay some excitement can’t happen in the next few weeks. It’s possible we will hear more offseason moves by the Thunder after July 1, when the NBA allows teams to sign free agent players.
- An unexpected visit to Falls Creek
Since the youth weeks at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Centers started earlier this month, I’ve made a visit each week. This week it was to meet Carla Hinton, the religion editor for The Oklahoman. She called to see if Anthony Jordan, BGCO executive director-treasurer, was available to meet at Falls Creek for an interview.
The only time Dr. Jordan had available for such a meeting was Wednesday night. I was told Tuesday afternoon I needed to go meet Carla to be her host while she was there. And that was fine with me. I always enjoy going to Falls Creek. I consider it my happy place.
Carla is doing a story about Falls Creek celebrating its 100th anniversary. Wednesday night during the camp weeks was the perfect time for her to go. There’s a special event each Wednesday after the evening service at Falls Creek’s Centennial Plaza. On the entertainment docket includes 3,000 cupcakes given away, plus music entertainment, followed by a brief fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Carla got to take it all in amongst the massive mob of juveniles roaming the plaza. And I’m there, making sure we both stay vertical as we tread through all the humanity.
My church is also at Falls Creek this week, so I got to see quite a few friends and family. It was great to see so many of my college peeps that I enjoy teaching in Sunday School being sponsors.
As of now, I don’t have plans to be at Falls Creek next week, but that can always change.
- Visiting Little City
Last Sunday was a great experience. I had the pleasure of visiting Little City Baptist Church, on the outskirts of Madill. Next week’s cover story for the Baptist Messenger explains how this rural church on a two-lane state highway, surrounded by a few blocks of houses and a whole lot of farmland, is experiencing an ongoing revival.
Pastor Cecil Mackey has been Little City’s pastor for 16 months. In this time, the church increased its Sunday School average from 35 to 80 and has observed 32 baptisms. On the Sunday I was there, one young lady made her decision known she wanted to be baptized, so the number will continue to grow.
The story next week will explain how God worked through the church to prepare them for when Mackey became its pastor, and it shares how Mackey surrendered to ministry and how God worked for Mackey to become Little City’s pastor.
- SBC Resolutions Follow-Up
Last week’s Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting was highlighted by Messengers’ strong support of a resolution denouncing the “Alt-Right” movement and other forms of white supremacy due to its message and philosophy being contradictory to the Gospel.
This is a commendable act, however, it is not the only significant resolution that was passed last week. Nathan Finn, dean of Union University’s School of Theology, offers a great description of a resolution calling for the defunding and the investigation of Planned Parenthood. The resolution was passed unanimously. Finn also points out that SBC Messengers have passed 40 resolutions since 1980 that speak to the issue of abortion at some level.
Other concerned issues last week’s resolutions address include the sin of gambling and the importance of moral leadership.
- A special gift from SBC meeting
I’ve shared a few times that Trevin Wax is a favorite Christian blogger/writer of mine. His newest book This Is Our Time came out a few months ago. I had planned to buy it, but my friend Brian Hobbs beat me to it.
He bought the book for me at the SBC Meeting, and not only that, he got Wax to sign it for me.
I plan to give a review soon.
- Civility spelled out
Speaking of Wax, he wrote a great piece in response to the many tragic acts involving politicians and violent responses to politics. Check out “Don’t Take For Granted the Fragile Blessing of Civility.”
“The idea that violence is the way to ‘beat some sense into someone’ is a mark of tyranny, not freedom. Whenever you see it, whether advocated by people on the Right or the Left, you must call it out and resist it openly and urgently. There is no room for partisanship on this question; it is every American’s patriotic duty to oppose any justification for violence against one’s political opponent.”
