by Chris Doyle | Mar 8, 2019
Greetings!
I’m going to be brief. Here are six quotes I read or heard this week.
I’ll let you mentally “munch” on these.
1. “By casting all disagreement as hate-based — and by destroying those with whom we disagree on a character level — we worsen both hate and politics… Enough of the moral cowardice. It’s just fine for Joe Biden to think Mike Pence is a decent guy. And it’s pretty indecent to disagree”—Ben Shapiro
2. “For the distinct minority of Democrats who describe
themselves as pro-life, the party and its presidential candidates offer a bleak
picture”—Tom
Strode
3. “On the issue of same-sex marriage, most conservative
Christians are simply interpreting Scripture faithfully. It’s not that we’re
allowing our prejudice against homosexuality to change how we interpret
Scripture, but rather that we are merely refusing to follow the culture’s lead
in twisting Scripture to claim support for what God’s Word clearly opposes”—Joe
Carter
4. “Words are not nearly as useful as silence. Social media
is a useful medium for some things, but anger is not one of them”—Justin
Earley
5. “I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working. And with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease. Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy for three more years!”—Alex Trebeck
6. “I would boo me too if I were the other team”—Russell Westbrook
by Chris Doyle | Mar 1, 2019
Greetings!
Much has happened this week involving the cultural climate
of our country. I’ll give my take on some of the bigger stories, as well as
offer some interesting articles that I recently read.
Here we go!
1. ‘Culture of Death’
proceeds to influence U.S. Senate, society
In 1995, Pope John Paul II used the term “Culture
of Death” in an address, presenting concerns of abortion as an
individual right.
He declared, “Choices once unanimously considered criminal
and rejected by the common moral sense are gradually becoming socially
acceptable.”
“Gradually,” the former pope said 14 years ago. Fast forward
to this week and see where the accepted view of abortion progressed to
basically include a true form of infanticide.
I’m specifically talking about this week’s U.S. Senate
ruling against the Born Alive Abortion Survivor’s Protection Act. The bill was
described as requiring the healthcare practitioner “To exercise the same degree
of professional skill, care and diligence to preserve the life and health of
the child, as he or she would to any other child born alive at the same
gestational age.”
This all has to do with mindset. Want to know why it’s so
difficult to eliminate entirely the practice of abortion? Because there are
those in society, especially among elected officials, who believe the reason
for opposing abortion is to “control women.” These misguided people will aggressively
defend this flawed view to the point of defending the practice of putting to
death a baby who overcame a failed abortion.
National Review’s Alexandra DeSanctis summarized
the Senate’s ruling correctly: “To oppose the bill would reveal the ghastly,
consistent principle of the abortion-rights movement — that a child’s rights
depend not on her size or location, but on whether she is wanted by her mother.”
It’s that simple, yet it’s not that easy to overcome. Albert
Mohler’s opening point on the Feb. 26 edition of The Briefing
is an excellent dialogue.
“The pro-abortion movement is
actually becoming an extended satire on Alice in Wonderland,” Mohler said. “Words
don’t matter. Arguments are thrown at the air. It is simply a matter of making
every desperate argument against a pro-life bill imaginable. Even in this case
when we’re not talking about pre-natal life, we’re not talking about human life
in the womb, we’re talking about a baby that has unquestionably been born
alive, even in the context of a botched abortion.”
2. Russ offers parental advice to Denver dad
This topic is a little deflated considering the Oklahoma
City Thunder are not doing well at this point. But I will still give credence
to Russell Westbrook who took a moment during the Thunder’s game at Denver this
week to help a dad sitting courtside with his son. The young boy intentionally
made contact with Westbrook in the middle of the contest, so the Thunder point
guard stopped to tell the dad he needed to take better care of his son and not
let him interfere with the game.
A few critics bashed Westbrook (the same ones who criticize
him about everything), but many commended him. I don’t know exactly what he
said to the dad, but you could see he offered a friendly handshake to the boy.
I also noticed that ushers came up after Russ’ little talk to confront the
courtside fans, so it appears he wasn’t the only one who was concerned about
the incident.
Westbrook has his issues, and they are well documented.
There are things he does I wish he would not do, but I do know he intends to
come across as a family man, and he cherishes his children.
Videos are shown of Russ bringing his little man, Noah, with
him to pre-game workouts. I saw him with Noah in the stands during an Oklahoma
City Blue (Thunder’s G-League team) game. He also teared up during an interview
when he was asked about his newborn twin girls.
His critics have legitimate arguments to make about Russ’
flaws. But to find fault in him offering constructive criticism to a
father—especially while he is in the middle of a game and when he is in
ultra-competitive mode (meaning, I think he showed some restraint)—I think that
reveals the flaws of his critics.
3. More parental
instruction
WordSlingers blogger Ryan Smith has a great post this week
on how to have family worship time with young children. Check out “Family
Worship Is Hard—And Worth it.”
One of my favorite lines in Ryan’s blog is about a parent
singing worship songs with kids. “You may not be able to carry a tune but don’t
worry,” he said. “Your kids don’t need you to be a great singer; they need you
to be a faithful parent.”
4. Historic Methodist
moment involving homosexuality
I learned a lot about the history of the Methodist Church
this week. This is due to what is considered “Church
History Made Before Our Eyes,” as Mohler wrote in response to a monumental decision
made during a special General Conference of the United Methodist Church. A rather
close vote among UMC leaders determined that the denomination will uphold the
biblical teaching of the church regarding marriage and sexuality. The final
vote, as Mohler reported, was 438-384 or 53 percent to 47 percent.
Obviously, this is contradictory to how society is trending.
Also, this undoubtedly will lead to a major split among the denomination. One
fascinating observation was how church representatives outside the United
States, specifically from Africa and the Philippines, greatly factored in the
voting result.
Regarding the social trend, I blogged about this five
years ago, how we as a society have gone from tolerance to approval to
acceptance as far as the expected way to view homosexuality. If you are not in
the “acceptance” camp, you are considered a hateful person.
Not only is the UMC’s vote to uphold the teaching of
biblical marriage and sexuality historic, it is also counter-cultural by today’s
standards.
5. A New Day with
Greenway at Southwestern Seminary
Adam Greenway was approved this week to be the new president
of Southwestern Seminary. Board members elected the former dean at Southern
Seminary on Feb. 27, and Greenway, according to Baptist
Press, does not intend to make a replica of his former workplace.
“I have no intention of
trying to come and trying to create a miniaturized version of Southern or a
caricature of Southern here,” Greenway said. “I do not believe that
Southwestern needs to import another institution’s legacy. We simply need to
reinvigorate and retell the great legacy and history of this seminary for a new
generation.”
He pointed out that
Southwestern has a heritage of bringing people together who may have
differences of opinion on secondary theological matter but are committed to fulfilling
the Great Commission and supporting the local church, missions, evangelism,
preaching and pastoral ministry.
It sounds like Greenway knows
how to lead well in his new post.
6. International packing
For three consecutive years I
made travel excursions outside of the United States. This was quite a big deal
for me considering I’ve never left North America (except for one trip to Mexico
in high school) until I was 44.
In 2016, I went on a mission
trip to Paris, France (no, not Texas). In 2017, my wife and I celebrated our 10th
anniversary by visiting Ireland, which was one of my favorite trips of my life,
and I hope to return there some day and spend a week in Killarney.
Last year, I made a rather
impromptu visit (meaning it was decided in less than three months) to South
Africa to work the NBA Africa Game. This whirlwind experience lasted less than
three days, but I can now say I’ve been to Africa.
Since I’m such the world
traveler, I found a great
read about how to pack with safety in mind for international travels. Many
of these tips I’ve heard before, but they are great suggestions to consider. If
you are planning to travel abroad for your first time, consider this blog a
good resource.
by Chris Doyle | Feb 22, 2019
Greetings!
For this week’s DHD I decided to share six of my favorite Bible verses with commentary from the Life Application Study Bible. I hope these passages encourage you!
1. Prov. 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother
is born for adversity.”
“What kind of a friend are you? There is a vast difference
between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of
true friendship is loyalty—being available to help in times of distress or
personal struggle. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around
when the friendship helps them and leave when they’re not getting anything out
of the relationship. Think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Be
the kind of true friend the Bible encourages.”
2. James 1:19 – “…But everyone must be quick to hear, slow
to speak and slow to anger;”
“When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate
to others that we think our ideas are much more important than theirs. James
wisely advises us to reverse this process. Put a mental stopwatch on your
conversations, and keep track of how much you talk and how much you listen. When
people talk with you, do they feel that their viewpoints and ideas have value?”
3. Prov. 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and
do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He
will make your paths straight.”
“When we have an important decision to make, we sometimes feel
that we can’t trust anyone—not even God. But God knows what is best for us. He
is a better judge of what we want than we are! We must trust Him completely in
every choice we make. We should not omit careful thinking or belittle our
God-given ability to reason, but we should not trust our own ideas to the
exclusion of all others. We must not be wise in our own eyes, but be willing to
listen to and be corrected by God’s Word and wise counselors. Bring your
decisions to God in prayer; use the Bible as your guide; and then follow God’s
leading. He will direct your paths by both guiding and protecting you.”
4. Matt. 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
“To make the Kingdom of God your primary concern means to
put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His
character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything. What is
really important to you? People, objects, goals and other desires all compete
for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don’t
actively choose to give Him first place in every area of your life.”
5. Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the Lord is good. How
blessed in the man who takes refuge in Him!”
“Taste and see” does not mean, “Check out God’s credentials.”
Instead, it is a warm invitation, “Try this; I know you’ll like it.” When we
take that first step of obedience in following God, we cannot help discovering
that He is good and kind. When we begin the Christian life, our knowledge of
God is partial and incomplete. As we trust Him daily, we experience how good He
is.”
6. Rom. 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to
work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according
to His purpose.”
God works in “everything”—not just isolated incidents—for our
good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent
in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our
long-range good. Note that God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill
His purpose. Note also that this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed
only by those who love God and are called by Him, that is, those whom the Holy
Spirit convinces to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new
mindset. They trust God, not in worldly treasures; their security is in heaven,
not on earth. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because
they know God is with them.
by Chris Doyle | Feb 15, 2019
Greetings!
Hope your Valentine’s Day was a good one! This week’s DHD
spotlights four people who have been in the news lately or have been promoted
through blogs. I’m also featuring a Christian college making a bold
announcement and concluding on a great traditional song that needs to be shared
more frequently.
Here we go!
1. Bravo Augie Boto
August Boto, interim president of the executive committee of
the Southern Baptist Convention, handled an extremely difficult issue rather well
this week.
As the Houston
Chronicle is publishing an investigative
report involving hundreds of instances of sexual abuse by pastors and other
leaders of Southern Baptist churches, Boto gave superb responses to the Chronicle. Here’s a snippet of the
Q&A narrative that the Chronicle
published featuring the
investigative reporters and Boto with “Sing” Oldham also commenting:
Q: Since the SBC does not keep stats, we went out and tried to quantify this problem. We found roughly 200 SBC ministers and volunteers and youth pastors who had been criminally convicted. We’re going to be posting those records online in a searchable database in order for people to use it as a resource…
Boto: Good.
Q: What’s that?
Boto: Good.
Q: I guess I have to ask … that’s not quite the response I expected. Why do you think that’s good?
Boto: Because your posting of it is going to heighten awareness. It’s going to harden the targets. I told you at the outset of this phone call that my perception of your doing a report is probably more positive than you would suspect. … I think sometimes people presuppose that our initial reaction to a report of Southern Baptist failure anywhere is embarrassment. I can assure you that is not my initial reaction. My initial reaction is anger.
Oldham: But not at you.
Boto: No, not at you. My initial reaction is anger that it happened.
I love how the reporters appear to be caught off
guard by Boto’s answer. I guess they were expecting him to be more defensive
and contrary.
And I especially love “Sing” Oldham’s input. I’m a
huge fan of that Southern gentleman, formally known as Roger Singleton Oldham
who serves as SBC vice president of convention communications and relations.
Sing is the perfect P.R. man, knowing that timing and verbiage are very
important.
But Augie Boto, as I said, handled his part in
exceptional fashion. I also enjoyed this comment he made to the Chronicle: “Guys, you are not my
opponent. You are not the opponent of the Southern Baptist Convention in your
reporting. You’re helping us. I’m all for shining the light of day upon crime.”
These are difficult times for Southern Baptists, but
it’s important that key leaders handle the storms well.
2.
Pratt’s pontification perfect reply
Hollywood actor Chris Pratt is saying and doing a
lot of encouraging stuff. I liked watching his interview with Stephen Colbert. Talking
about his shepherding activities and his involvement with the Daniel Fast was
great banter (“Lion fighting is sick cardio”). Pratt, for sure, is an extremely
likeable guy.
However, actress Ellen Page took exception to Pratt
mentioning his church in the interview. She tweeted that Pratt’s church is “infamously
anti lgbtq.”
I must confess. Whenever the word “infamous” or its
derivatives is used, I naturally think of the movie Three Amigos—“He’s not only famous. He’s infamous.”
But seriously, Pratt’s response
to Page’s criticism was great. He tweeted a respectful reply which included “I
go to a church that opens their doors to absolutely everyone.”
And that’s how all churches should operate. There
are those of whom we disagree, but that doesn’t mean we discard. Welcome
anybody and everybody who desires to worship the Lord and study the Bible with
you.
3.
Reading Rosaria
Speaking of someone who relates to the LGBTQ
community, Rosaria Butterfield’s book “The Gospel Comes With a House Key” was reviewed
this week by WordSlingers’ blogger Karen Kinnaird.
I’ve said in previous DHDs that I’m a huge Rosaria
fan and have been since I first heard her speak at a conference in Nashville,
Tenn. about five years ago. A former English and women’s studies professor at
Syracuse University, Rosaria’s lifestyle embraced the LGBTQ worldview. However,
after meeting with a pastor and his family over multiple dinners, she made a profession
of faith in Christ and is now a pastor’s wife who lives in North Carolina.
I have not read this book, but I can understand
Karen’s conclusions, as I’m familiar with Rosaria’s passion for evangelism
through hospitality.
4.
Caleb continues
Another regular DHD personality is Caleb Freeman. I wrote
about his appearance at a recent OU basketball game, where he was recognized as
honorary sixth man.
It’s exciting to see the progress Caleb has made since
his car accident in Dec. 2017. God is moving in a powerful way through this
young man.
5.
Louisiana College makes bold decision
Baptist Press reported
this week that Louisiana College (LC) has withdrawn its membership from the
Council of Christian College and Universities (CCCU). The decision was made by
LC President Rick Brewer, stating the school is distancing itself from the
organization’s decision to endorse legislation “to add sexual orientation and
gender identity to the list of federally-protected classes.”
“Sometimes the answer to
such matters is to agree to disagree,” Brewer wrote. “But the import
and impact of the ‘Fairness for All’ initiative calls for Louisiana College to
respectfully disagree with the CCCU’s stance.”
This is the second institution of higher learning DHD
has featured within the last few weeks that made profound decisions based on
biblical instruction on sexuality and marriage. The Jan.
25 DHD reported on Montreat College making major decisions that led to
increased enrollment, and one decision included no longer affiliating with
PCUSA churches, which now have a more liberal stance on sexuality and marriage.
6.
The words of Jesus Loves Me
I went to a concert last night of the Singing ChurchWomen of Oklahoma. There were some great moments of powerful singing and worship. One song the ladies sang was a variation of the well-known children’s song “Jesus Loves Me.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve reflected on how
powerful they lyrics are of that song, written in 1860 by Anna Warner. So I
decided to conclude this week’s DHD by featuring the words of “Jesus Loves Me”:
Jesus loves me! This I
know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! This I
know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”
Jesus loves me still
today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.
Jesus loves me! He who
died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.
Jesus loves me! He
will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.
by Chris Doyle | Feb 8, 2019
Greetings!
Thanks for reading. I hope you’re staying warm.
Here’s my take on six topics that involve stuff that
happened this week.
Enjoy!
1. State of the Union
Address
I had to work a ball game Tuesday night, so I did not get to
see the SOTU address live. I have seen portions of it, and I am pleased with what
I watched, as well as with the reviews I have read from people I admire and
respect. Even those who regularly criticize President Trump appear to be mostly
mum about the speech.
By now, you’ve seen and read all about Trump’s address this
week. One fascinating thing I take from it is how such a unifying declaration
resulted after such a controversial build-up. Remember when Speaker Pelosi
wasn’t going allow the address to happen? She claimed it was “unsafe” to
deliver amid security concerns.
I am also encouraged with President Trump emphasizing
Sanctity of Life when he said “All children, born and unborn, are made in the
holy image of God.” Albert Mohler said this statement is “virtually
unprecedented” comparing previous presidential speeches. I hope this comment
has a lasting impact that will challenge future political views regarding the
life of the unborn.
Quoting Mohler once again, he said abortion is “the only
sacrament that still remains amongst the secular political left, and they treat
it exactly as a sacrament to be protected and to be cherished at all costs.”
You need to listen to Mohler’s Wednesday edition of The Briefing
to get an excellent review of the SOTU address.
It’s true. Abortion is a major priority of liberal
politicians, and they believe it is to be upheld regardless of pregnancy stage.
I made a commitment to never vote for anybody who even
claims to be moderate on the issue (which is impossible to be). Regardless of
party affiliation, I will not vote for a Republican or a Democrat who is not
wholeheartedly pro-life.
2. Rose Day report
The Rose Day observance and rally at the Oklahoma State
Capitol was an awesome experience. It seemed like attendance was near record
high. If not, it sure seemed like a whole bunch of people walking the many
floors of the edifice of never-ending construction (I can’t remember the last
time I’ve been at the Capitol when it wasn’t under construction).
If you attended, thank you for participating! I’m sure you
agree, it was an amazing experience.
Jen Bricker, the keynote speaker, was wonderful. I loved the
standing ovation that happened near the end of her speech. I think she was even
impressed. I especially enjoyed how she said she felt loved being surrounded by
the many in attendance who value life. You can find out more about her at the Rose Day website.
I also sent roses to my elected officials, including my
state house rep and senator. Neither of them are pro-life, unfortunately. I did
get to talk to my senator, and she was kind and receptive. I did give her a
list of upcoming pro-life bills that will be considered this congressional
session and told her I will be paying attention to how she votes. I pray that
maybe the many who visited her on Rose Day, as well as God’s intervention, will
lead her to reconsider her view on abortion.
3. Comparing Northam
to the Pences
Here’s another topic involving Mohler. In his Thursday
edition of The Briefing,
he discusses an article written by Washington
Post columnist Richard Cohen. The article attempts to compare the
controversy involving Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and the teaching decision of
Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence.
I’ve mentioned Mrs. Pence in a previous DHD and the
ridiculous accusations that media critics are making about her being a
part-time art teacher at a Christian school. Cohen decided to use the recent
media frenzy surrounding the racist photo in Northam’s medical yearbook as
prime opportunity to call out the Pences in what Cohen considers equal bigotry.
Mohler gives an excellent response to Cohen’s misguided
claims, especially involving his argument surrounding the misuse of Scripture.
It would benefit you to hear Mohler’s explanation or read the transcript,
specifically on this issue.
4. About the Green
New Deal
A couple of months ago, somebody contacted me about
criticizing Alexandria Ocascio-Cortez, when I wrote in a DHD that her views on
certain issues were incorrect and nonsense. The problem was, the writer said, I
don’t provide enough substantive justification.
Well, this week, the New Green Deal was released, which AOC
co-authored and has been promoting through the media. I will hold back personal
commentary, but I will mentioned that the New Green Deal includes removing 99
percent of all cars; removing oil, natural gas and nuclear energy as power
resources; no longer traveling by airplanes; rebuild all buildings to make them
energy efficient; free houses and education for everybody, as well as jobs and financial
support for those who are unable or unwilling (??) to work.
Let me be clear, nowhere in the previous paragraph did I
offer personal commentary. I did not say AOC or the New Green Deal is nonsense.
I just presented a summary of what is proposed.
I’m curious to how American society responds to these proposals
and how AOC and her supporters are setting examples themselves that reflect
what is mentioned in the New Green Deal.
That has always been my concern about extreme
environmentalists. Their lifestyles don’t seem to reflect their views. This
reminded me of an article Matt Walsh wrote in 2017 titled “Climate
alarmists, I can’t take you seriously until you start living like the Amish.”
In fact, check out this excerpt from the
article and see if you find Walsh’s list ironic:
“I can only imagine how I would react if I actually believed that the extinction of all mankind was imminent, and my lifestyle was directly contributing to it. At a minimum, I would not drive a car anymore. Ever. At all. I would ditch electricity. I wouldn’t eat any kind of meat. I wouldn’t buy mass made consumer products. I wouldn’t give my money to any company that sells items made in factories with giant smokestacks. Those smokestacks are literally killing people. How could you continue shopping like everything is normal? What kind of monster are you? If I were you, I would live as John the Baptist, eating locusts and wild honey out in the desert. Lives are at stake, are they not? The end is near! Why are you so relaxed about it? Have you even started building the ark yet?”
Maybe the New Green Deal writers took a lesson from Walsh’s
proposal?
5. Saving hymns
I enjoyed reading a piece by Leland Ryken titled “Can
Hymns Be Saved From Extinction?” I love the many familiar hymns, and I
appreciate Ryken intention of valuing these cherished songs as poetry.
His suggestions remind me of my dad. Ryken said hymns “contain
so many allusions to the Bible.” My dad made it a custom to read from a hymn
book as part of his daily quiet time.
Whether or not, your church sings the hymns, I would
encourage you, whenever you come across a hymnbook, to skim the pages and read
the lyrics of these great songs of faith.
6. Charles Stanley
the photographer
I conclude with mentioning an article I read about the
well-known Southern Baptist preacher Charles Stanley. I had no idea he was a
shutterbug.
Check out “Charles
Stanley: photography an ‘awesome opportunity’” and read how his photos have
affected those who hear him preach.