by Chris Doyle | Apr 3, 2015
Greetings and Good Friday!
It’s been an eventful week. Many have been preparing for Easter Sunday, and I join them for this special significant time in the Christian faith.
For this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen, I will share summaries on the special days that conclude “Holy Week,” along with a few other timely topics.
- Remember Sandi Patty?
I grew up listening to Christian singer Sandi Patty. The woman has an amazing vocal range very few can reach, and she sang many familiar, powerful songs.
Some have lost track of her. I don’t know the details of Sandi’s life, but I do know she has been a regular figure in the Oklahoma City area the last five-plus years. She has sung the National Anthem a few times at Thunder games, and in my mind there’s not many, if any, who can sing it better.
A friend on Facebook shared a video of Sandi leading worship on a recent Sunday. I love it. I’ve played it twice this week, while sitting in my office and had my own private worship time. If you would like to experience worship led by this popular Christian singer, click below:
- What is the Gospel?
Have you been asked this question: “What is the Gospel?”
Can you give the answer? And I don’t ask this question as a way to intimidate. Maybe you can’t answer it. Maybe you’re unsure of the answer.
What prompted me to ask is a situation involving a friend who asked this question to someone else. The person gave an indirect response. The person referred to the “Gospels,” referencing one of the four books that open the New Testament.
I have concluded that there are many who are unsure of what is the Gospel. Some are apathetic because they believe it is tied to “organized religion.” Yes, Christianity has as its focus the Gospel, but the Gospel is something that changes people. It’s not a ceremonial observance or a ritual that adheres to rules or spiritual laws, though such have resulted because of the Gospel.
For the next few weeks, I’m going to make a feature of DHD the Gospel as one of my talking points because I believe this powerful message is the solution to many of our social issues. In the meantime, I welcome all responses to the question: “What is the Gospel?”
- Can Wolverine be the Apostle Paul?
I was listening to K-LOVE on the way home yesterday, and the news segment announced a movie is in the works to star Hugh Jackman as the Apostle Paul. I have an equal amount of eagerness and skepticism of this possible film.
Along with Jackman, Ben Afflack and Matt Damon have been listed as being involved with the movie. This will be another opportunity for Hollywood to take on another Bible-based film, and it’s been pegged as “the most high-profile Hollywood Christian production since Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.”
In last week’s DHD, I talked about Christian films being either unbiblical or marginally accepted at the box office, but one exception is Passion which met both standards of being scripturally accurate and a box office hit.
I love studying about Paul, both his life and his writings. Christians should appreciate Paul, especially since he has made the greatest impact on the foundation of Christianity, aside from Jesus.
So, let the curiosity begin. Can Hollywood pull it off, or will it go down in flames as another missed mark when shooting a biblically-based movie?
- Maundy Thursday
Have you wondered what “Maundy” means? From what I have been told it is Latin for “command.”
Yesterday, many Christians observed Maundy Thursday, as it was the day of Holy Week, when Jesus and his disciples were together celebrating Passover. So Jesus used the Jewish observance to help his followers understand a new observance known then as the Last Supper. Now, Christians observe the Lord’s Supper, or communion, as an ordinance of the Christian faith.
And what would be the “command”? “Love one another as I (Jesus) have loved you…” (John 13:34).
My pastor led a service last night, and he emphasized John 13:1, which gives a powerful, even poetic message of Jesus – “…having loved his own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”
- Good Friday
It could be questioned why Good Friday is known as Good Friday. I wondered myself and did a search this morning for a more clear answer.
I found an article by Greg Garrison, of whom I know nothing, that was titled “If Jesus suffered and died, why is it called Good Friday?”
He explains it originates from “Good” in the Old English meaning “Holy.” But I also like how he emphasizes without the Resurrection, it would not be good. What is anticipated, as well as what Jesus did in our place, is what makes this day “Good.”
But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds (Isaiah 53:5)
- Resurrection Sunday
I’m not going to entertain the debate of whether it is Resurrection Sunday or Easter Sunday. I did an Internet search, and there are plenty of articles that discuss this. If you’re curious, feel free to do the search yourself.
But think about how awesome it is to know that we serve a risen Savior, and He’s in the world today.
I read a great piece yesterday, and I welcome you to read it too. It’s a commentary on Jesus’ resurrection, focusing on details and asking what does it look like to rise from the dead. Michael Kelley gives some intriguing thoughts about what John 20:7 reveals of Jesus’ head wrapping being folded up, separate from the other linens.
Enjoy the weekend, and spend time with your family, reflecting on the greatest difference between Christianity and other religions. He is risen, HE IS RISEN INDEED!
by Chris Doyle | Mar 27, 2015
Greetings!
March is about to wrap up. Here in Oklahoma, it seems this month is posing more of a lion than a lamb departure. I give thoughts about the Wednesday night storm along with five other timely topics in this week’s DHD.
- Untimely tornadoes
First, let me begin by saying I feel for those who live in Sand Springs and Moore. Those areas were affected greatly by the storms on Wednesday night, and I lift up those who suffered because of this unexpected weather.
And unexpected it was. I know the weather experts were forecasting hail and winds, but the probability of tornadic activity was considered low. Then, all of a sudden, as I’m watching David Payne on Channel 9, even he was surprised as tornadoes were forming and causing damage, once again, in Moore.
Usually, tornadic activity doesn’t happen until May, or at least from what we have experienced in the past few years. We know a tornado could hit at any time. There’s no set schedule, but we know Who does control the weather.
One of my favorite authors is Jerry Bridges, and my favorite book he wrote is Trusting God. Chapter six is titled “God’s Power Over Nature,” and Bridges addresses God’s control over the weather and references Job 37, Psalm 147, Jer. 10:13 and Amos 4:7 to clarify God’s sovereignty over such forces of nature.
The struggle we may have with God’s control of the weather would be the unfortunate and tragic results such storms cause. The movie Where Was God? about the tornadoes affecting Moore in 2013 addresses this struggle.
But I appreciate what Bridges says: “God does not willingly bring affliction or grief to us. He does not delight in causing us to experience pain or heartache. He always has a purpose for the grief He brings or allows to come into our lives. Most often we do not know what that purpose is, but it is enough to know that His infinite wisdom and perfect love have determined that the particular sorrow is best for us. God never wastes pain.”
- Controversy with OU basketball players
I recently commented in the March 13 DHD about the issue at OU involving the dismissal of a fraternity over a racially-insensitive video. This week, concerns have been expressed about some players on the OU men’s basketball team allegedly using the N-word.
I find Berry Tramel’s explanation about this topic appealing, but of course I don’t condone his usage of the B-word. Some have read this and got caught up in what Berry shares on why it appears justifiable for an African American to use the N-word. However, they seem to overlook Berry’s admittance that he prefers everybody would stop using the word.
I will choose my words carefully here. Don’t use the word… EVER. If you hear someone else using the word, have some discretion on the best way to address the person, if appropriate. But don’t get caught up in the perceived unfairness of who can say it over who cannot.
Eph. 4:29-32 would be a good passage to study regarding this subject. This encourages us to have a mindset of reconciliation (one of my favorite words) with other people and the proper way to communicate.
- Colorado, Crime and The Unborn
The Bible affirms the humanity and value of unborn life in various passages (Psalm 139), and it also associates a crime with causing a pregnant woman’s baby to perish (Exodus 21:22).
Out of Colorado comes news of a horrific crime by which one woman assaulted another woman who was pregnant, cutting with a knife her seven-month-old out of her womb. The baby subsequently died.
This horrific murder, to the outrage of many, will reportedly not be prosecuted in a way that acknowledges the child’s life. I share this outrage and only add that in a culture of death like ours, in which, casual abortion on demand is upheld, we should not be surprised that an outright crime like this can happen
May the Lord use Christians to help build a culture that respects all life, born and unborn, so that crimes like this – and also everyday abortions – are not only unheard of, but unthinkable.
- Thoughts on the Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder end the month of March in a good standing for making the playoffs. Though it is not definite, they do have an advantage for eighth place and the final playoff spot.
I don’t know for sure how this season is going to end for the Thunder. With all of the injuries that have affected the team’s performance, it is not too promising, but this squad has surpassed discouraging situations in the past. Even last year, when OKC thought they were going to be without Serge Ibaka in the Western Division Finals, yet he was able to appear after the first two games of the series against San Antonio.
Yes, the Thunder ended up losing the series, but I bring up this situation to remind Thunder fans that sometimes things are not as bad as they may appear. Plus, the future is looking bright!
- Movies about Christ
Biblical movies have been very popular over the years. I remember when I was younger around this time of the year, NBC would show the television series Jesus of Nazareth. Every time I viewed the scene showing the crucifixion of Christ, I would cry heavy tears, and my mom would remind me, “Now you know what happens, don’t you?” Of course, I did, but it is still a difficult scene to watch.
There are many television and film productions about Jesus, and there is another show debuting on Sunday night, March 29, on the National Geographic channel. Based on Bill O’Reilly’s book Killing Jesus the show of the same name may receive similar interest as O’Reilly’s “Killing” book series.
Movie critic Phil Boatright gives a review about the film and claims the show “stops short of affirming (Christ’s) deity.” The conundrum continues when it comes to movies that emphasize Christianity – either the movie is done by Hollywood’s best with inaccuracies, or it is done by Christian film producers but doesn’t generate box office interest being interpreted as a “lower-scale” quality of entertainment.
Of course, there are exceptions, such as Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, where Hollywood did it right. And Sherwood Production films, such as Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous, reveal aspects of Christian faith and have improving acceptance from movie fans.
Nevertheless, despite the shortcomings of these shows, Christians should be encouraged that Christianity remains a topic of interest, even among unbelievers. And even through incorrect interpretations, the Gospel is still relevant and can be shared when movies are discussed.
- Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday will happen in two days. Churches around the world will observe this significant day of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey and people waving palm branches along His journey. It fascinates me how the many who celebrated Jesus on this day would be the same who would demand his crucifixion days later. It reveals the capriciousness of humanity and the importance of the Gospel. Thank you, Jesus, for Your willing sacrifice on the cross for me.
by Chris Doyle | Mar 19, 2015
Greetings!
It’s another week in the merry month of March. Basketball is a popular topic right now, and I offer thoughts on such, along with other timely topics in this edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen!
One Shining Moment
It’s already begun. Two upsets involving Iowa State and Baylor and a squeaker win for Notre Dame is pretty much how it works during the craziest sporting event of the year, known as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
So far, what could be THE moment of the whole tournament happened during Georgia State’s game-winning shot over Baylor. R.J. Hunter hit a 3-pointer with 2.7 second remaining to win the game for the Panthers, while his dad and head coach Ron Hunter falls out of his chair on the sidelines. See the video here.
This seems like an Adam Sandler movie. Coach Hunter had to use the sideline stool because he tore his Achilles last week while celebrating GSU victory during the Sun Belt Conference tournament.
This won’t be the last we hear of Ron Hunter. As Karen Carpenter once sang, “We’ve only just begun.” Expect a multitude of talk show references, an SNL skit and other forms of hilarity to ensue.
Sole Purpose
I caught some of UAB’s upset win over Iowa State earlier today. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who noticed the Blazers were wearing shoes that did not match. So I took to the web to see what was up with these basketball players each wearing a green shoe and a white shoe.
The article I found “Why is UAB’s men’s basketball team wearing mismatched shoes?” explains the team is doing the shoe sorting to bring awareness to pediatric cancer.
Blazer coach and former KU Jayhawk player Jerod Haase gives a great comment in the article: “Henry Ford talked about, ‘A business that only makes money is a poor business’ if that’s its sole purpose.”
Though Ford’s motivating thought is great to apply to a charitable cause, how much more could be done when something like what this UAB team is doing when the Gospel is applied.
Bravo for Bibi!
Earlier this week, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won his fourth election. This is a flicker of light in a vast darkness. I was beginning to think the days of conservative world leadership is almost extinct.
Winning this election has major significance that applies to the United States, as well as the world throughout. The mainstream media paints a negative picture, but our country needs Israel to remain strong and able to withstand the threats in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is a strong leader and a powerful communicator, and I personally believe we need more international leaders like him.
The Perils of PCUSA and Other Churches
I have shared my concerns more than once about the dangers of society’s acceptance of same-sex marriage. Baptist Press released a report “Gay marriage festering in CA, AL and PCUSA” of churches including those affiliated with the largest Protestant denomination to broadly accept the growing push of changing how marriage has been defined biblically.
It is one thing for an entity of government to approve, but for those who identify themselves with the Body of Christ to openly accept such heresy and immorality would lead to insufferable consequences.
“A century ago, apostasy was the denial of Christian miracles. Today, it is the denial of Christian morality” – Trevin Wax
“Whoever marries the spirit of this age will find himself a widower in the next” – William Ralph Inge
Bosworth now a believer
A friend brought to my attention an article in the Oklahoma Gazette on Brian Bosworth, former NFL and OU linebacker who was a trend setter in the 80s, especially for impressionable young men in Oklahoma such as yours truly. I had the Sooner 44 jersey. I wore the flattop. Yes, the Boz made me look like a minion.
But this article reveals that Bosworth experienced a life transformation. He stars in the movie “Do You Believe?” which comes out in theaters tomorrow, March 20. While appearing in another Christian movie, Bosworth admits he “came to accept Jesus as his savior” after attending a screening of the movie at a church in Chickasha.
Brian doesn’t seem to be “The Boz” any more. The article states, “Bosworth embodies his belief of acting positively. But he said he doesn’t consider himself a hero for helping strangers in need. Rather, he is simply a servant.”
Easter is coming
I’ve been enjoying my pastor’s series on John 18-19. Last week he shared from John 19:23-29, pointing out how Jesus on the cross demonstrated His obedience to His Father, His love for His mother and His humanity in His suffering.
Time is drawing nigh when we annually celebrate His resurrection. He is Risen… He is Risen INDEED!
by Chris Doyle | Mar 13, 2015
I had a busy week. I was involved in a very important conference early in the week, and tonight I will work my fifth basketball game in the last seven days.
So with the little energy I have to exert, I present my thoughts of six timely topics in the latest edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
- Notions about Norman
The University of Oklahoma had a busy week as well, but the results involving the university’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity will go beyond the past seven days.
So much can be debated from different aspects that came from the promotion of the video featuring the frat members, but here are some takeaways to consider:
Social media is a powerful tool. I don’t know what the timeframe was from when the video was posted until the wildfire of responses came, but it seems almost instantaneous. Be aware of how widely spread something posted on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and other social media sources can occur throughout the world.
People unaffiliated with the subject of the video or message, etc. can quickly view this material, and if it is deemed offensive, controversial or misunderstood, unexpected penalties or consequences may result.
Racism is our society’s major offense. You may disagree with how OU handled the fraternity, but this is a fact. Racism will not be tolerated by those who are in a position of public leadership. Keep in mind, a longtime owner of an NBA team lost possession of his team last year after his racist remarks emerged that were made privately and were recorded illegally.
If former L.A. Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling can face an immediate punishment under those circumstances, college kids willingly promoting such through a video don’t have a chance. Be advised, it would be best if you put away any racist perspective and make it your ambition to live in such a way that even non-Christians respect you (I Thess. 4:11-12).
- Report from Gospel & Sexuality Conference
I’ve mentioned previously about “The Gospel, Sexuality and the Church” Conference, and the event occurred on Monday and Tuesday. The majority of the sessions will be available for viewing at bgco.org in the coming weeks.
Almost 600 people representing churches across the state attended this conference, which I thought was a major success. Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, were the lead speakers for the conference, and both gave some powerful perspectives and guidance.
Since I was involved in behind-the-scenes duties of the conference, I was able to watch the audience on the first night. It was evident by seeing expressions on everyone’s faces, they were attentively taking in what the speakers had to say about issues that, as Mohler said, are some of the most fundamental issues the Church has ever had to confront.
I believe this was a good start. Church leaders were able to come away with the advisement of being available and open to those among the homosexual community while also holding to biblical principles and yielding to the power of the Gospel.
- Meaningful moments with Mohler
As I mentioned, I was assigned some administrative responsibilities of this conference. My most important assignment was being Dr. Mohler’s “chauffeur,” providing him transportation to and from the airport, hotel and venue.
Spending time in the car with one of our great denominational leaders was a quality experience for me. On the way to the airport, Dr. Mohler shared what he was going to preach this coming Sunday, which is on the death of Abraham in Genesis. He shared some trivial aspects from the passages on Abraham, and I was just eating up this information.
I love discussions on the Bible, and I regret not having such discussions as often as I did in the days of my youth. I remember spending time at my friend Brent’s house and having lengthy Biblical discussions with his dad. Those are priceless moments.
Though it wasn’t lengthy, having that time discussing Abraham with Dr. Mohler reminded me I need to spend more time having similar discussions.
- Franklin speaking frankly
In previous DHDs I have commended Franklin Graham and the leadership he has been showing in sharing the Gospel and speaking to the masses on social issues. I appreciate this remark he made this week:
“Listen up–Blacks, Whites, Latinos, and everybody else. Most police shootings can be avoided. It comes down to respect for authority and obedience. If a police officer tells you to stop, you stop. If a police officer tells you to put your hands in the air, you put your hands in the air. If a police officer tells you to lay down face first with your hands behind your back, you lay down face first with your hands behind your back. It’s as simple as that. Even if you think the police officer is wrong – YOU OBEY. Parents, teach your children to respect and obey those in authority. Mr. President, this is a message our nation needs to hear, and they need to hear it from you. Some of the unnecessary shootings we have seen recently might have been avoided. The Bible says to submit to your leaders and those in authority ‘because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.’”
- Trading Durant is foolish talk
I can’t believe people were talking earlier this week about the notion of the Thunder trading Kevin Durant. Someone asked me a few days ago what I thought about this trade possibly happening. I said it was the dumbest thing I heard all week.
I could elaborate, but I thought I would share the exceptional remarks by Thunder G.M. Sam Presti:
“It’s ludicrous to assert that we would trade Kevin. There’s no way to measure what he represents to our organization on and off the floor. He has helped build this organization from the ground up and personifies the Thunder: past, present and future. When he’s done playing there will be streets names after him throughout the state and younger generations of Oklahomans will learn about the role Kevin has played in elevating this community in ways beyond basketball.”
This should be great music to Thunder fans’ ears. It definitely was to mine.
- Enjoy Spring Break!
Spring Break will be observed by many next week. I won’t directly participate, but a great result of such school vacations is less traffic during peak commuting hours.
Those of you who will be spending next week with your kids, enjoy! And share some time discussing Biblical topics. You will be amazed how much your kids will appreciate these moments later in life.
by Chris Doyle | Mar 6, 2015
Greetings! The sun is shining. It’s starting to feel warmer. Everyone should be feeling better after the crazy week we had. This week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen won’t cover the craziness that ensued after the school closings, etc. on Wednesday, but I’m glad everybody (as far as I can tell) has calmed down from that fuss.
Instead, I have six other current, fascinating topics in which to discuss. Enjoy!
- Harrison Ford’s Fall From the Sky
I’m glad to hear one of America’s favorite actors is going to recover from his plane crash. That was wild to read on social media last night as I’m getting ready to watch the Thunder-Bulls game (again, I don’t want to talk about it).
Most will admit Ford’s acting career is on the downswing, but the action/sci-fi flick legend will hold high regard from many movie fans. I mentioned him in a movie review I wrote on 42, the latest film on Jackie Robinson, and I stated the obvious that Ford stole the show as famed Brooklyn Dodger owner Branch Rickey.
If Ford is able to continue his acting career, I hope he chooses similar roles to Rickey because I think he would fit the mold well of depicting historical characters. You know what would be a great one for him (this just hit me)? I wonder if he would be up to play a biopic on John Wayne. That would be a fascinating one to see him play.
- Hillary’s emails
Hillary Clinton is the projected frontrunner for the Democratic Party’s candidate in the next Presidential election. As it stands right now, the former first lady, senator and secretary of state doesn’t have much of a challenge against other Dems.
As you may have heard, Clinton has admitted to using her private email address while she was serving as secretary of state, and evidence may come to light relating to the Benghazi Scandal. Clinton and her husband are skilled politicians. They know it is best to get scandalous matters out of the way well before the election, and she will play this very shrewdly with the help of the mainstream media painting a negative picture of her accusers. She may come away with some bruises but no permanent marks that could prevent her from getting the candidacy.
If you are not familiar with Trey Gowdy, I would encourage you to do a search on the U.S. congressman from South Carolina who is a former prosecuting attorney. His interrogations are masterful, as he grills whoever is in front of him while he presides from whatever committee he may be serving.
Probably his best and most legendary appearance on a committee panel has to be when he was questioning the former IRS commissioner. Search for that on YouTube and enjoy the entertainment value. It is such a fantastic exchange, it makes Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson look like schoolyard children.
If it ever happens that Gowdy and Clinton meet in a congressional hearing, boy that will be fun to watch. It would go down in history with RFK-Hoffa, Oliver North’s Iran-Contra hearing appearances and Anita Hill-Arlen Specter as some of the most legendary interrogations on Capitol Hill in the last century.
- Huck has them howling
I had the chance to hear Mike Huckabee speak this week at Oklahoma Baptist University’s Green & Gold Gala. I realize I’m being politically biased in DHD this week, but I enjoyed hearing the former Arkansas Governor speak. He has a warm, homespun demeanor that all political stripes can enjoy, and he openly stated he put politics aside for the evening and told funny stories and anecdotes that entertained the audience.
He told of one experience when his son unplugged the deep freeze that was full of frozen food which thawed. The Huckabees were in a dilemma. They had to figure out what to do with all this food that was going to go bad.
So instead of throwing all the food away, they invited all their neighbors and friends over for a huge smorgasbord. Huckabee shared funny remarks his guests made and how everyone enjoyed the free food at the Huckabees’ expense.
I admit, I probably would have concluded to throw the food away and would’ve remained upset about the incident. But I learned from Huckabee’s flexibility and innovative generosity. As he concluded, we can either throw it away or give it away.
- Next week’s BGCO Conference gained attention
I have mentioned before about the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma hosting a very important conference on March 9-10. The conference will address “The Gospel, Sexuality and the Church: Equipping the Church to respond to sexual issues with convictional kindness.”
This conference is going to handle issues similar to a national conference that happened last October in Nashville, Tenn. I attended that conference and gave a perspective on things I learned. I hope next week’s conference at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City will have a similar effective result.
The Oklahoma Gazette featured a story about the conference. They don’t offer as positive of a perspective, but the paper was more objective than I anticipated. One fascinating phrasing I found in the piece was “so-called Biblical marriage.” I thought it was humorous. My question would be to the writer, how did marriage originate?
Fellow Christians, I do ask for your prayers for this conference. I will be involved as a moderator of one breakout session titled “What to Do When a Loved One Says I’m Gay” which will feature singer/songwriter Dennis Jernigan. I’ve shared about Jernigan and his wonderful story before on Word Slingers.
- Frank Page at State Indian Evangelism Conference
Tonight I get to hear Executive Director Frank Page of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee speak tonight at the State Indian Evangelism Conference. Page is an excellent speaker, as I had the chance to hear him preach a couple of years ago.
Something you should know about Page, his daughter committed suicide, and he wrote about this tragedy in his book Melissa. Brian Hobbs wrote a review about Page’s book, and you can read it here.
- Heading to watch High School Basketball Playoffs
This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love watching championship tournament basketball. I especially enjoy high school championship basketball. In about an hour and a half of the time that I am writing this, Erick and Lomega will have a rematch of the 2013 Class B Girls State Championship Game. I wrote about Erick’s coach Justin Janz in a recent edition of the Baptist Messenger. Read the story here.
I remember that game and how dramatic it ended. So I’m going to end this week’s DHD to say I will be pulling for Erick as they pursue another state title.