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It was a heavy week. For social conservatives, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered disappointing decisions. Four of this week’s DHD topics involve outcomes from rulings of the highest court of the land which favored secular-progressives or what has been described as the sexual revolution.
But I start off with an encouraging word for Thunder fans. Let’s get to it!
Durant’s decision deems delightful for Thunder fans
The reports on Kevin Durant’s free agency meetings are continuous. The OKC Thunder had an early talk with KD before the free agency season started July 1, but that’s because the former MVP was still on the Thunder’s payroll, so they could hold a five-hour chat legally as long as they didn’t discuss actual contract negotiations.
The majority of the media world is on board with KD returning to OKC, but there is still a slight possibility he signs elsewhere. Possible suitors include Golden State, Miami, San Antonio, Boston and LA Clippers. Reports are saying these teams will have to “knock his socks off” to get KD’s attention. But consider this thought that I derived on my own.
Thunder G.M. Sam Presti has proven to be a mastermind wheeler-dealer among NBA ranks. It has basically been Presti’s job for the last eight years to keep the face of the Thunder franchise (namely KD) happy with the organization. One to reveal little to the media, Presti threw out a big gold nugget of information last year at the press conference where he talked about letting Scott Brooks go as the Thunder head coach.
Presti bluntly said a reason for dismissing Brooks was because he did not want to negotiate a coach’s contract the same time he was negotiating Durant’s contract. As cold as that may sound for Brooks, it should be music to the ears of Thunder fans.
Here’s my point. I am confident that the time Presti has invested in working out a deal with KD has far surpassed the amount of time any other team’s front office could spend, and if “Silent Sam” would openly admit he is willing to make a coaching change in order to keep Durant on the team, he will be hard to beat at the negotiating table.
SCOTUS rules regulating abortion clinics unconstitutional, won’t hear pharmacist’s case
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against health and safety standards that were set by Texas’ law regarding abortion clinics. You can read about this ruling here.
SCOTUS also dismissed an appeal by a Washington state pharmacist who refuses to provide abortifacient drugs based on religious beliefs. You can about this decision here.
The best article I have read to surmise these court decisions yields only to the religion of secular progression and the sexual revolution.
Here’s a summary of the secular progression dogma: “Consenting sex is the highest good; anything that interferes with the highest good is by definition evil; therefore, whatever it takes to grease the wheels of the revolution is not only good too. It is cause for full-throated, Dionysian celebration.”
Baby killing humor is challenging
Being a social comedian can be difficult, especially if you try to create humor from these SCOTUS rulings on abortion.
“The creative arts have trouble doing abortion advocacy because of that deeply held universal view that killing innocent, unborn children is not exactly heroic.”
Read the piece and see about the backlash of tweets sent out by The Daily Show and others. And it’s not just us supporters of the sanctity of life who are offended.
Pray for Chelsea Handler
Television celebrity Chelsea Handler made the news this week about how she appreciates her freedom to have two abortions when she was 16.
Christi Roselle gives an excellent response to Handler’s sad summary of what the TV star calls freedom. One thing WordSlingers attempts to do is offer a Christian worldview reply when Hollywood attempts to sway society involving immorally. We appreciate Christi’s willingness to provide an important retort involving the sanctity of life and the proper response to unwanted pregnancies.
Silence of the Trump
So, last week, Presidential Candidate Donald Trump met with 1,000 advisors made up of Evangelical Christian leaders. It was touted to be quite the success assuring conservative Christians that Mr. Trump will support us on social issues.
One thing that appears to be a frequent communication tactic for Trump and is camp is the regular use of Twitter. However, after the SCOTUS ruling was announced regarding the Texas abortion clinic law, nothing was tweeted from Trump on this issue.
So many respected Christian leaders stuck their necks out on Trumps’ behalf. He’s definitely pro-life, they said. We can count on him to appoint conservative judges, these pastors and Christian leaders proclaimed.
So how come there wasn’t any comment about this SCOTUS abortion ruling if Trump is a pro-life advocate? Wouldn’t this be a great opportunity to prove himself to us pro-lifers?
“It’s lonely over here in the pro-life camp,” Hawkins writes. “On one hand we have a candidate who we know isn’t on our side. On the other is one who seems like he wants to be, but then doesn’t make the time to learn about our movement. He doesn’t seem to take his nomination seriously, doing things like making substantial efforts to get out the pro-life vote.”
Happy Independence Day!
July 4 is Monday, so I hope you take some time to celebrate our nation’s birthday. I leave with sharing a photo of my street. Every year, one of my neighbors streams our little row with American flags in every yard. It’s simple yet significant and helps unite our street in celebrating our country. God bless America!
Hope you enjoyed the hot, balmy week. Of course, summer officially started this week, so we shouldn’t be surprised.
I cover the gamut this week on DHD topics. Let’s get to it!
Good-bye Ibaka
The NBA Draft happened Thursday night, and I was expecting a rather low-key experience for the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially since they started the night with no draft picks and a presumed capable roster for next season, concluding Kevin Durant will return, that should once again make the team an NBA title contender.
However, the Thunder’s draft night experience was far from low-key. In fact, OKC may have had the most electrifying outcome compared to the rest of the league. On the other hand, it wasn’t without a loss. I am both sad and excited at the same time.
The Thunder traded Serge Ibaka to Orlando for three players. As all Thunder fans know, after KD and Russell Westbrook, Serge could be considered the most popular Thunder player (although Nick Collison is a longtime favorite too). Losing Serge won’t be an easy transition, though I think James Harden’s departure was harder to grasp when it happened.
The power forward from Congo made it fun for Thunder fans, with his “thumbs down” sign after a block and nonchalant attitude both on and off the court. He made great strides since he arrived in OKC, and his presence will be missed.
As difficult as it may be to process Ibaka no longer playing with the Thunder, this was a spectacular move by Thunder G.M. Sam Presti. The man never ceases to amaze me. His forward-thinking approach of handling players near the end of their contracts continues to make him a G.M. genius, and for him to pick up three players, especially a highly athletic guard in Victor Oladipo and a promising post player in Domantas Sabonis, this is an outstanding transaction that benefits both immediate and long-term needs.
Bravo for Buddy
I’m also thrilled for Buddy Hield being the sixth overall pick in the draft. The former OU Sooner was given high regard and was claimed to be the best shooter in this year’s draft. The New Orleans Hornets picked up a great player who should fit well in the Crescent City, playing alongside Anthony Davis.
Briefly on Brexit
I’m a late-game onlooker on the major election in England, but from what I can tell, this is a major statement to the rest of Europe and beyond. Leaving the European Union is a bold move, but I think this will help strengthen the U.K. going forward. Again, I have limited knowledge, but England appeared to be carrying a lot of dead weight of the rest of the countries. I also think this will benefit England from a security standpoint after seeing what has happened in France and Germany, as far as immigration concerns especially terrorist attacks. Could it be a struggle initially? Yes, but it can be a sign of growing pains and could help both England and other European countries to be more fiscally responsible and overcome an entitlement philosophy. I welcome other thoughts though.
H.B. at FC
H.B. Charles spoke at Falls Creek this week and did a phenomenal job. I tuned in to the Live Stream for two of the evening services. I recommend you do the same sometime. The services at Falls Creek are amazing. Back to H.B., if you have not heard him speak, he is one of the best preachers of modern day. At the Wednesday evening service at Falls Creek, he preached on Eph. 2:4-7, and I have never heard a more powerful sermon on that passage. Through this passage, H.B. shared the Gospel in such a way that I believe everybody would understand and would want to accept the wonderful gift of salvation that comes through hearing the Gospel. By the way, that has happened through watching the Live Stream at Falls Creek. A mother whose child was attending Falls Creek for a week tuned in and made a profession of faith after watching the service.
Trump’s Evangelical Advisors
This week, Donald Trump met with a bunch of pastors and Evangelical Christian leaders who have become members of his advisory board. Many of these leaders I do respect. However, I don’t know if this was a wise move on their part. I get the impression that Trump will just use this as a façade to win over Evangelicals more than adhere to their council. I wrote a DHD in May addressing concerns I have for Evangelical Christians to consider when deciding whether or not they should vote for Donald Trump. You can read the blog here.
To sum up, I don’t believe Trump is pro-life because he still shows support for Planned Parenthood. It is obvious he doesn’t follow Biblical instructions for his own life, and though I know we are not voting for a pastor, I desire for a president who would adhere to the guidance of a pastor.
Book recommendation
Much news has been made about the Southern Baptist’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission demonstrating support of Religious Liberty for non-Christians, specifically for American Muslims.
I think what would enhance a Christian’s desire to see Muslims convert to Christianity would be reading the book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. This book is a powerful story of a devout Muslim becoming a born-again disciple of Jesus Christ. I would say his conversion would be to the amazing level of the Apostle Paul’s conversion.
I also relate well to this book because one person who helped the author become a Christian is Dr. Gary Habermas, who was my philosophy professor at Liberty University. It’s a great read about an amazing work of the Gospel.
How this book relates to the concerns of religious rights for Muslims, I believe it would help soften objectors to Russell Moore and the ERLC’s position and increase their desire to support the power of the Gospel instead of the power of government oversight when it comes to American Muslims and their religious rights.
It was a very memorable week in St. Louis for the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. This week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen looks back at who were the winners and the losers of the national event. Five topics will feature the winners, and the final topic with capsulize the losers. Here we go!
Biggest winner: Southern Baptist Convention
The entire experience in St. Louis was a great success for everyone involved with the largest protestant denomination in the world. Beginning with Crossover St. Louis last Saturday, June 11, which experienced 556 people making professions of faith, through the final day of the convention on Wednesday, June 15, which featured an amazing demonstration of unity involving the SBC presidential election.
More than 7,300 messengers attended with more than 11,000 total in attendance, making this one of the better draws in recent years of the SBC. The annual meeting featured moments of patriotism, demonstrations of racial reconciliation, an evening of prayer for spiritual awakening, support for religious liberty and a greater challenge to evangelize and promote the Gospel.
Ronnie Floyd
The outgoing SBC president made his presence known throughout the event. Ronnie Floyd was instrumental in the many positives that occurred. With this many Southern Baptists in one setting, it’s obvious there would be confusion and conflict, and Floyd handled all of those tense moments extremely well. He will go down as one of the greater SBC presidents due to the organization of the meetings’ programming and the spirit of unity that resulted.
J.D. Greear
Of course, Steve Gaines won the SBC presidential election, but J.D. Greear comes out of this experience as a shining knight. If you don’t know what happened, there was a runoff situation after the first election between Gaines, Greear and Louisiana pastor David Crosby. After the second election between Gaines and Greear, it was announced that Gaines had more votes, but he did not receive the 50 percent, plus 1 that was required to win the election because there were 108 miscast ballots (using wrong ballot, marking it wrong, etc).
A third election was scheduled the next day, Wednesday, but in the morning session, an announcement was made that Greear resigned from the election, and the North Carolina pastor publicly requested for all messengers to support Gaines. The move was magnificent and brought forth the unifying spirit that would not have been present had the third election occurred, especially since the voting results yielded such narrow outcomes.
Gaines handled the situation in fine fashion too, and I was pleased to hear the Tennessee pastor give gracious remarks during his press conference.
Honestly, though, Greear won the day, and if it is meant to be for him to run in two years, I guarantee him winning the presidency.
If only the U.S. presidential election could glean from the SBC presidential election experience.
James Merritt
Former SBC president from Ga., James Merritt gave a stirring speech in support of a resolution to discontinue displaying the Confederate battle flag in public settings. The response was rousing cheers throughout the conference center.
You can watch his speech here
Jerry Young
A strong effort was made during the sessions of racial reconciliation. Floyd emphasized it during his address. He also moderated a panel discussion on racial reconciliation, and Floyd invited Young, the president of the African American National Baptist Convention, USA to be a part of the panel and to participate in the Tuesday evening prayer meeting.
Young gave much praise to the SBC, saying the wall of racism is “already down.” He also encouraged SBC churches to dispel racism by sharing the Gospel to all races.
Losers of the SBC meeting
The list of losers include:
Confederate Battle Flag enthusiasts – there are a select few who have a misunderstanding of how to value heritage, especially in light of crossing barriers for the sake of sharing the Gospel.
SBC voting ballots – I mentioned there were 108 “illegal” ballots after the second presidential election. I admit I’m an onlooker, but there needs to be an investigation why THAT many voters could mess up filling out a ballot correctly and how the system could be improved.
St. Louis Cardinals game attendees – many SBCers attended the Astros-Cardinals game the night after the final session on Wednesday and sat in incredibly humid conditions. Not only did the Cards lose, but so did everybody who sat in that muggy environment. The best part for me was hanging out near the concession stands, away from the game, eating a burger and talking with Oklahoma Baptists.
The Russell Moore questioner – a gentleman from Arkansas requested to address Moore after the ERLC president gave his report. I knew from the get-go this guy was going to be in trouble when he started his question with “How in the world…” I knew right then this guy was setting himself up to look really bad, and he proved himself to be unread of Moore’s public remarks on religious liberty. This was one of my favorite moments of the SBC meeting. You can watch the questioning with Moore’s response here:
I took some calls earlier this week from people who heard that Southern Baptists were going to help Muslims build mosques. This is not true, but it is a conclusion derived from Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore taking a position regarding religious liberty in America.
Here are two takeaway quotes, and there are many more (meaning: it would be worth your while to read the whole thing):
“When we say—as Baptists and many other Christians always have—that freedom of religion applies to all people, whether Christian or not, we are not suggesting that there are many paths to God, or that truth claims are relative. We are fighting for the opposite. We are saying that religion should be free from state control because we believe that every person must give an account before the Judgment Seat of Christ.”
“Religious liberty is never an excuse for violence and crime, nor has religious liberty been so construed in American history. The United States government should fight, and fight hard, against radical Islamic jihadism. But the government should not penalize law-abiding people, especially those who are American citizens, simply for holding their religious convictions, however consistent or inconsistent, true or false, those convictions are.”
I cannot add any more to this subject, other than to say, I wish more people would look to Russell Moore for his insight.
The Passing of Muhammed Ali
I had a brief encounter with Muhammed Ali when I was a sophomore in college. It’s similar to many who have encountered “The Greatest.” We were on the same plane.
I was travelling with the Liberty University football team as a sports information student assistant. Ali was in first class; the rest of us were in coach. But I remember the LU strength coach Dave Williams going up to him while in flight, shaking his hand and offering him a Gospel tract. Ali, in return, offered him a Muslim tract.
Many things could be said about the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, and there will be many things said on this day of his memorial service. He was faithfully committed to his religion. In the clips I have seen and heard about Ali’s death, they all seem to have some form of reference to his devout Muslim faith. Oh that we Christians would show similar devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and share the Gospel to everyone.
Baptist Press wrote about Ali’s encounters of hearing the Gospel. You can read it here.
Falls Creek, CrossTimbers encouraging campers to share the Gospel
The opening sessions of summer camp are concluding at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center and CrossTimbers Children’s Missions Adventure Camp, both near Davis, Okla.
I went down to experience the first days of both camps and was encouraged from what I saw. Of course, both camps offer much fun and excitement for all students, elementary to high school, and they are always solid in biblical teaching, spiritual development and missions emphasis. This year, both camps are providing an extra emphasis on evangelism, encouraging and training campers how to share their faith with friends and classmates.
If you get to experience either camp this year, I think you also will be pleased. Shout out to the camp program directors, Glenn Barber (CrossTimbers) and Andy Harrison (Falls Creek) for having a great program this summer. May God bless both camps and all who participate this summer!
Special time with a special camp speaker
While at Falls Creek, I had the chance to interview Ed Newton who unofficially may be the most popular camp speaker in Falls Creek history. I realize that can be debated, but I’m basing my conclusion on the number of times Newton has spoken at Falls Creek. Every year since 2009, Ed has been a camp speaker, and in the last five years, he has taken two weeks. No one can come close to that record.
I wrote an article about Newton for next week’s Baptist Messenger, sharing that the former evangelist is now a pastor. Since Jan. 10, he has been the pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas.
I got a lot of great material from Ed that I couldn’t get in the Messenger article because of space. He shared his fondness of Falls Creek, saying “It’s where Heaven and Earth kiss.”
One thing he shared was his reason for making the effort to be personable and accessible to all the campers the week he speaks at Falls Creek.
“I think the greatest sermons ever preached are never on a stage,” he said.
Newton elaborated saying when he was a camp counselor while in college, and he remembered the camp pastor making the effort to come to the cabin to meet him and the campers who were staying there. He said he doesn’t remember a single sermon the pastor preached that week, but he remembers the pastor coming up to him and the campers, asking for their names and spending time with them.
I encourage you to find out more about Ed Newton. He is an amazing speaker who relates well to all age groups, and I’m excited for his new church. Also, Ed will be speaking again at Falls Creek later this summer for Week 7 (July 18-22).
An important reminder this political season
Check out Trillia Newbell’s article “Politics aren’t Worth your Friendships.” This is a much needed piece for this time of year. She even quotes one of my favorite verses, Prov. 17:17.
Meet me in St. Louis!
I’m heading to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting bright and early Monday morning, June 13. It will be in St. Louis this year, which is a meaningful city for my family. In fact, I have a cousin who lives there. Mom grew up in the southeastern part of Missouri, so there’s many Cardinal fans in the brood.
If you’ll be in the city of the Arch, let me know. I would be happy to meet you in St. Louis… but I won’t meet you at the fair.
I’m going to start off giving some Thunder thoughts. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s season ended on Memorial Day, and OKC’s run through the Western Conference Playoffs was quite memorable. Plus, as the post-season begins, everybody is curious to see what Kevin Durant will do as an unrestricted free agent in deciding whether or not he stays with the Thunder or signs with another team.
Fear not, though. I will cover other topics too. Here we go!
Playoff performance provides promising next season preview
There’s already talk about how Golden State will not be challenged against Cleveland in the NBA Finals like they were against the Thunder. I’ll get to the Thunder’s perspective of the NBA Finals in a topic below, but this is a positive aspect to consider for next season.
Of all the playoff games the Thunder played, Game 1 in the Golden State series was my favorite. It was close, competitive and unexpected by many to see OKC come away from Oracle Arena with that win. But there were other great performances too. Yes, it’s hard to dwell on the positives from the playoffs because the Thunder disappointed in the final games, but there’s a lot to take from how they battled both San Antonio and Golden State into next season.
Stephen Adams, Andre Roberson and Dion Waiters had some great moments. All three stepped up their respective games. And Coach Billy Donavon demonstrated he is a capable leader on the sidelines. And there are other personnel – Enes Kanter, Cameron Payne, and Randy Foye – who were reliable. Kanter especially had a great season overall for the Thunder.
Looking into next season, I don’t expect much change on the roster. Four possible expendable players could be Foye, Mitch McGary, Nazr Mohammed and Kyle Singler. Both Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka finish off the last seasons of their current contracts, and barring injuries, I expect both of them to be hungry, determined, focused and potentially playing at the best level of their careers.
The one key character for how next season shapes up is also the heart of the organization. Whether or not Kevin Durant returns will be a major factor for next season
Determining Durant’s decision
I believe Kevin when he says he does not know for sure whether or not he will resign with the Thunder. It’s been an easy ride for him so far in his NBA career. Now he is about to begin his 10th season, and he has yet to win an NBA title. That is all he lacks in his list of accomplishments.
Money is not an issue for KD. That will not be part of the equation because he will do well regardless of his decision. OKC has the advantage over other teams because of NBA contractual rules. They can match any other team’s offer and not have it go against the team’s salary cap. It seems to come down to whether or not he thinks he can win a title with the Thunder or if he thinks his chances will be greater with another team.
There may be other factors that he, his agent, his manager and his family are considering too. As far as where to live, he can have residence wherever he would like. His mom already lives in Maryland. It has been reported he spends much of the offseason in L.A.
Other factors may include who KD wants as teammates. He knows Russ and Serge will have to make similar decisions after next season. Do these longtime colleagues determine how Durant’s next contract will shape up? Or does he think about other players who could help him win a title?
The most popular scenario would be that Durant will sign a short-term contract with the Thunder. Some think it will only be a one-year deal. I believe Thunder G.M. Sam Presti will do his best to convince Durant to sign for longer, at least a two-year contract.
Durant will see what else is out there. He is entitled to do so. But it is hard to imagine he can find something better than what he has here in OKC. It is hard to build a situation he has with the Thunder. This is something that happened with him at the helm for nine years, and for him to leave the Thunder at this position, coming so close and capable of winning it all next year, is hard for outsiders to believe he would consider.
But this is Kevin’s decision, and by July 1, everybody will know.
Watching NBA Finals through Thunder vision
Golden State won the opening matchup against Cleveland in the NBA Finals. I realize, emotionally, it could be difficult for Thunder fans to root for Golden State in this series. There are some Warrior players who have made the “dislike” list, especially Draymond Green, for OKC fans.
As hard as it may be, though, to favor the Warriors, I think it is best for the Thunder for Golden State to repeat as NBA champs, especially if they beat Cleveland with more ease. Everybody in Thunder land knows the team came close to advancing to the Finals, if it weren’t for a meltdown in the final minutes of Game Six. They had the Warriors by the throat, but they let Steph Curry and his crew slip away.
If Golden State were to win, especially in five games or fewer, this feeds the Thunder’s motivation for next season. And it could be an extra incentive for Durant to resign.
Gorilla grief
I didn’t want to write about the Cincinnati Zoo incident from last week that resulted in the killing a silverback gorilla. I am an animal lover and was sad to hear about this tragedy.
What is not expressed on social media is relief and joy knowing a young boy was saved from a harmful situation. As Baptist Press reported, it is proper and good for Christians to care for animals and be good stewards of all of God’s creation. But even if the gorilla did not have any intentions of harming the boy, due to his massive strength, the situation was too risky. The BP article rightly states the care given to animals is lower priority than the care to give to humans who are created in God’s image.
Moore talks on addressing transgender issues with children
The concern of public facilities designed for privacy among men or women has been heightened because of recent transgender laws and mandates. The intention is to demonstrate support for those who are identified as transgender, allowing them to use the respective facility (bathroom, changing room, locker room) of which they self-identify.
Brian Hobbs covers this issue well in his piece “Transgendered in America.” This is not a concern for only those with conservative values, but a leader with the ACLU has resigned after her daughters were frightened after a bathroom incident.
For those looking for guidance in addressing transgender issue with children, check out Russell Moore’s podcast as he respectfully shares how to discuss this current topic that will be brought to children’s attention, if not now in the very near future.
Worship songs matter
Bob Kauflin addresses the concern of questionable sources of worship songs. I think it’s a good reference for those leading congregations in singing. Check it out here.
There’s a lot of preferential elements that are involved in what churches sing in worship services. I know I have my preferences, and I’m sure you do too. I have much respect for worship leaders who have sincere intentions of selecting appropriate, worshipful music that help church attenders think and act biblically.
my neighbors streams our little row with American flags in every yard. It’s simple yet significant and helps unite our street in celebrating our country. God bless America!