by Brian Hobbs | Dec 25, 2018
Merry Christmas! I’m so thankful and thrilled the day is finally here. The day in which we officially celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to seek and save lost sinners like you and me.
I know many people who grow frustrated at Christmas, because we focus on too many other things besides the actual birth of Jesus.
I cannot help be reminded of another group of people who grow frustrated about something else birth related. I’m talking about people who grow frustrated at pro-life Christians who focus, in their opinion, solely on protecting life in the womb, but not showing enough concern for children after the birth happens.
“Pro-lifers are just pro-birth,” I read someone say online.
About that perspective, I get that. I don’t agree that’s the case as often as critics say. But it is true that our Christian convictions about the sanctity of human life apply to all of life, from womb to tomb.
That means Christians must do everything we can to help vulnerable people from every walk of life. This includes, of course, the unborn who face an abortion culture of death that seeks to kill and destroy (much like Herod tried to kill Baby Jesus). But it also extends to caring for the poor, the sick, foster children, the homeless, refugees, immigrants, the disabled, the elderly and others.
If you look at the life of Jesus Christ, He had compassion on people during their suffering. In fact, He saw brokenness as opportunity to share His love, grace and healing with them (Matt. 9:36).
As we move from Christmas to a New Year, each of us in the pro-life camp should look for ways to care about the people God has placed around us; those who are in the womb and those who are born.
By caring for the least of these, we not only obey the commands of the One who came that first Christmas, but we also are serving Jesus Himself (Matt. 25:40-45).
by Caleb Moore | Dec 24, 2018
If you listen very carefully on Dec. 25, you can hear a sound that only happens once a year. It’s the sound of millions of pieces of wrapping paper being torn simultaneously all across the globe.
Little kids are always excited to see what they got, but they may also be equally as excited to tell their friends what they got. I remember the first day of school after Christmas break; everyone would be talking about what it was that they got that year for Christmas.
We all wanted to be the kid who got the latest video game console or new bike. It seemed like the better present you got the cooler you became.
Even as kids we often used material possessions to find out where we belong on the social ladder.
This carries over into our adult lives. We might not talk about what we got, but we can be guilty of bragging about what we got our children or spouse.
This attitude isn’t just limited to the holiday season either. It’s really hard not to brag when we make a big purchase like a house or a car. I’m guilty of announcing a new car on social media like it was a new baby.
This kind of social bragging is what some commentators think Paul was talking about in 1 Thess. 4:11 when he wrote, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands…” There are lots of ways we are ambitious, but rarely do I think of myself as being ambitious to be quiet.
This is totally contrary to a celebrity-driven world where everyone wants to be known, and if they can’t be famous they at least want to be popular. When two guys meet each other for the first time one of the first things we ask is “What do you do for a living?” Sometimes this is an innocent question, but other times, it’s a way of gauging the worldly value of another person.
Paul continues to write why he would call them to such a life. In verse 12 he continues, “so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
God wants our daily lives to speak great volumes, not just carefully selected moments that make us look good. Another way of saying this is that your character is more important than your career or what you own. We simply don’t live by the rules the rest of the world lives by.
Reading 1 Thess. 4:11-12 made me think about the things I pursue. Before today, I don’t think living a quiet life was on my list of pursuits, but it’s a good truth to be believed. Our lives speak volumes when we are truly loving and respectful on a daily basis as we preach the grace of Christ to all who will listen.
by Chris Doyle | Dec 21, 2018
Greetings!
I’m definitely in the Christmas spirit, as I sit in my usual chair, Olive laying by my side and with Christmas music playing on my cable TV (Currently it’s Elvis singing “Blue Christmas”).
If you have been reading DHD regularly, thank you! I appreciate your faithful perusals, and I hope you are able to celebrate Christmas with loved ones and close friends. And may you truly find comfort in understanding the powerful message “God and sinners reconciled,” as it’s sung frequently this time of year.
Lots to cover this week in my six timely topics. Here we go!
- Rainer’s retiring
Thom Rainer is fairly known in Southern Baptist circles. He heads up the national resource center known as LifeWay Christian Resources. This is the group that offers literature for Sunday Schools and Bible Study groups, as well as other material goods needed for church work, which can be a whole gamut of supplies – from Lord’s Supper cups to sheet music for church choirs. They also offer workshops and conferences for various church ministries.
It’s hard to fully explain LifeWay to non-Southern Baptists. Consider it like explaining Braum’s to a non-Oklahoman.
I’ve met Thom Rainer and consider him a down-to-earth guy, but I heard he’s quite the savvy business man, plus intelligent evangelical scholar who has a heart to help the local church reach people for Christ.
Rainer announced a few months ago that he will be retiring. At 63, he’s at the point to consider such a life decision.
I recommend a fantastic article by Sarah Zylstra titled “Thom Rainer’s LifeWay Legacy.” It’s lengthy, but worth taking a few minutes of your Christmas break to find out more about Rainer, his leading of LifeWay, as well as some background history about LifeWay, which has been a significant part of Southern Baptist history.
- Planned Parenthood does not help pregnant employees
National Review writer Alexandra DeSanctis gave commentary on the New York Times reporting Planned Parenthood discriminates against its employees who are pregnant.
“Is it any wonder that a group that profits from ‘terminating pregnancies’ and offers little to no pregnancy care would neglect to have policies in place preventing managers from overworking or discriminating against pregnant mothers on their own staffs?” DeSanctis asked.
Personally, I’m just impressed that the Times would give such a report against the world’s largest abortion provider.
- A secular view for non-drinkers
Drinking alcohol is a regular debate issue among Christians. Have you ever discussed the issue with a non-Christian teetotaler?
Check out the article “Why people don’t drink: it’s none of your business,” and you might find some new aspects for supporting alcohol avoidance. It’s in a major Canadian news source, The Globe and Mail, and it definitely doesn’t use the same vernacular you would find in most Christian circles.
I don’t share to get anybody riled up on the drinking issue. I just found the article interesting.
- Great movie reviews
This morning, I posted two movie reviews by Michael Foust, WordSlingers’ entertainment writer. He’s got two good ones on Mary Poppins Returns and Aquaman, both debut this weekend.
I always enjoy Michael’s viewpoints on movies. He has encouraged me to go to the theater a few times. But I took special note on what he had to say on the Mary Poppins sequel. From a family-friendly critique, he gave it a rating of 4.5 out of 5, which I believe has to be his highest ranking yet.
I admit that I had mixed feelings, but now my curiosity is up on Mary Poppins Returns.
As far as Aquaman, I’m not surprised at all with what Michael said, especially with his report that the movie is too long. I am an anti-DC Comics movie guy. I’ve been disappointed with most of these Justice League-affiliated flicks. I thought the first Superman movie was too long, and with Michael saying Aquaman ends with a way-too-long fight, it sounds similar to Superman.
Though I’m not surprised, I am disappointed because I agree with many how OKC Thunder center Steven Adams resembles the actor playing Aquaman.
- One of the best ‘Briefings’
Are you tired yet of me raving about Al Mohler’s daily podcast The Briefing? Well, I’m at it again.
Mohler gives a great perspective about Defense Secretary Jim Mattis submitting his resignation and about the potential government shutdown.
Mohler does not give regular criticisms of President Trump. He has been fair in his commentary of our nation’s leader, even demonstrating support at times. But I pay attention when Mohler speaks about Mattis stepping down.
“No one observing the administration up close would be surprised in the least of this development,” Mohler said. “The timing itself might be surprising, but not the fact that Jim Mattis and Donald Trump have come to the end of their working relationship. But the big question that now looms over Washington is who will be the next United States secretary of defense. That’s an extremely important question, but here’s where Christians understand this is not just the question of one person following another person, of one personality replacing another personality. The question is going to be front and center. What is the picture of the world, and what is the worldview of the individual that President Trump will now nominate to be the secretary of defense.”
Mohler’s thoughts about the possible shutdown is intriguing as he broke down the ways Americans are affected when a government shutdown occurs. But then he offered a heightened warning.
“When it comes to this kind of shutdown,” Mohler said, “there is also incredible political pressure inside the beltway, as it said, inside Washington DC. It’s because just about everyone in the continuing government enterprise of Washington DC finds some level of pain in this kind of partial government shutdown, and when Washington is in pain, given the concentration of media and cultural attention in Washington, eventually it’s as if the whole nation shares that pain.”
- Mohler’s Christmas address
I conclude this week’s DHD with the closing of today’s edition of The Briefing. Mohler gives an unusual Christmas presentation by speaking from the Gospel of John, and I think it’s fascinating how he weaves the two verses John 1:14 and John 3:16 together.
Mohler said, “One interesting way to understand what John is telling us in his gospel is to go immediately from chapter one, verse 14, to chapter three, verse 16. Just hear the words as they run together. ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. And we have seen his glory. Glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. That who so ever believes in him should not parish, but have eternal life.’ So the glory that was beheld in Christ was not just the glory of the incarnate Son of God. It was not merely the glory of the preexistent Word. It was the glory of the Son sent by the Father to save sinners because the Father so loved the world that he gave his only Son that who so ever believes in him might not parish, but have everlasting life.”
Do yourself a favor and listen to Mohler share “We really do believe” Scroll down to that final segment that’s a little more than five minutes and hear this powerful presentation that is an excellent explanation of the Christmas story.
by Michael Foust | Dec 21, 2018
The Disney musical Mary Poppins Returns (PG) opened in theaters this week, more than five decades after the Oscar-winning original was released.
Michael Banks is a young widower and father of three who is facing eviction from the London home he inherited from his father.
It seems the struggling Banks unwisely used his house as collateral on a loan, and he’s now three payments behind.
But that’s OK. His father owned shares in the local bank that can be redeemed for enough cash to pay down the loan. If only he could find the paperwork.
He searched the attic. He combed the bookshelves. He even asked the bank if they had proof of the transaction. Everything came up empty.
With an eviction pending and the children still mourning the death of their mom, the Banks family sure could use some cheer.
Then an old friend drops from the sky underneath a big umbrella. Her name is Mary Poppins, the woman who served as a nanny for Michael and his sister Jane when they were children. She wants to take care of Michael’s children—Anabel, John and Georgie—during the family crisis. Who knows? She even may help the family keep their home.
The Disney musical Mary Poppins Returns (PG) opened in theaters this week, more than five decades after the Oscar-winning original was released. Just like the 1964 version, the sequel takes place on Cherry Street Lane in London. This time, though, the setting is the Great Depression—the “Great Slump” as they called it in the U.K.—and families across the city are barely making ends meet.
The movie stars Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place) as Mary Poppins, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (who wrote the music for Moana) as the lamplighter Jack, and Ben Whishaw (the voice of the bear in Paddington) as Michael Banks.
Blunt is the perfect fit for the role that Julie Andrews popularized. The movie may not be as good as the original—what is?—but it’s still very, very good.
It has the same feel, the same look, the same pace.
Like the original, it features goofy songs and quirky scenes (my favorite: the room where everyone is upside down). Like the original, it showcases a mixture of animation and live action (my favorite: Mary Poppins and the kids “enter” a painted scene on a family bowl, interacting with the animals and characters). Like the original, it has catchy, toe-tapping songs (Trip a Little Light Fantastic is a good one).
From beginning to end, Mary Poppins Returns almost seems like a movie made in the ‘60s.
Warning: minor/moderate spoilers!
(Scale key: none, minimal, moderate, extreme)
Violence/Disturbing
Minimal. Georgie is kidnapped by cartoon character thieves in a truck. A chase scene ensues, and his siblings are able to get him back. We also hear the children discuss how much they miss their mother.
Sexuality/Sensuality/Nudity
None. We hear a song that mentions a “birthday suit.”
Coarse Language
None. We hear the British word “bloody.”
Life Lessons
The lessons in Mary Poppins are ones we all can learn: live life with joy, slow down, learn to laugh more, recapture the simple pleasures of your younger years.
Worldview
Just like the 1964 film, Mary Poppins Returns doesn’t tell us where she gets her powers.
“One thing you should know about Mary Poppins,” one person says when her “magical” abilities are questioned. “She never explains anything.”
But the word “magic”—a concept that repels some moviegoers—is never used. Perhaps that’s because the story of Mary Poppins isn’t about magic. It’s about childhood.
The 1964 and the 2018 films are a celebration of the things that make childhood great— imagination, creativity, wonder and laughter. All are gifts from a creative God.
The films are a recreation of what children might do if they had the “power” to act out their imaginary worlds. It’s a joy to watch (and hear).
The other day, my youngest son and I discussed what it would be like if zoo animals could buy groceries at the local store—you know, if they had money and human brains. If you set his story to music and added a few goofy words, I bet it would sound a bit like a song in Mary Poppins Returns.
Sponsors
For children, Subway likely is the most well-known partner.
What Works
Mostly everything. If every sequel to a classic was this true to the original, I’d want more of them. Some moviegoers will say the music isn’t as catchy as the 1964 soundtrack—and they’re likely right—but I wonder if our attachment to that classic film is based on nostalgia. For example, will the moviegoer in 50 years automatically prefer the original music? That’s a good question.
What Doesn’t
I’m being picky, but it would have been nice to have another “G” rating on a Mary Poppins film. The chase scene is what warranted the “PG.”
Discussion Questions
- Why is imagination and laughter so important in a child’s life? In our lives?
- Why do we forget the simple pleasures in life as we age?
- What is your view on the “magic in movies” debate? Does Mary Poppins Returns have magic?
Entertainment rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Family-friendly rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Rated PG for some mild thematic elements and brief action.
by Michael Foust | Dec 21, 2018
The DC Comics film Aquaman (PG-13) opens this weekend, telling the story of a superhero who can breathe water—and whip the bad guys.
Arthur is a tall, muscular and tough young man who has—it’s easy to say—a unique background.
His father was a lighthouse keeper, and his mother was Atlanna, the Queen of the underwater world Atlantis. They met one stormy night when she washed up on shore, nearly dead, and was nursed back to health. Shortly thereafter, they married, and soon after that, Arthur was born.
Arthur is only half-Atlantean, but he nevertheless has the other-worldly abilities of his mother’s species. He can breathe water. He can see in the dark. And he can dart through the ocean faster than a speeding dolphin. People call him “the Aquaman.”
What Arthur no longer has, though, is a mother. Atlanna left him and his father long ago, fearful that the war-driven people of Atlantis would kill Arthur, a “half-breed.” He hasn’t seen her since.
Although Arthur has lived much of his life on land, he now is being called back to the sea. That’s because his half-brother—Orm—is trying to unite the seven kingdoms of the sea and start a war with the people of the land (That’s us). The goal: destroy humanity and prove that the creatures of the sea are superior.
Can Arthur stop them?
The DC Comics film Aquaman (PG-13) opens this weekend, starring Jason Momoa (Justice League) as Arthur/Aquaman, Patrick Wilson (The Phantom of the Opera) as Orm, and Amber Heard (Justice League) as Mera, Arthur’s romantic interest and a former citizen of Atlantis.
The film follows Arthur as he tries to take his rightful place as the king of Atlantis from Orm, who is younger. In sharp contrast to Orm—who wants only war—Arthur is striving for peace. As his mother once predicted, “He could unite our worlds one day.”
Aquaman has plenty of rough edges (more on that below) but is entertaining enough for a superhero flick. That said, the first half of the movie and its emphasis on backstory is more compelling than the last half of the film, in which the story gets overshadowed by mythical minutia and a CGI-battle-fest.
Warning: minor/moderate spoilers!
(Scale key: none, minimal, moderate, extreme)
Violence/Disturbing
Extreme. The film begins with Aquaman saving a submarine from underwater pirates and beating nearly everyone on the ship to a pulp. They try to kill him with guns, but he’s immune to bullets. We see a tidal wave nearly kill an elderly man. We see destruction on the beaches. We watch Arthur battle his brother in a gruesome fight that would make MMA fans squirm. Scary, alien-like sea creatures attack Arthur and Mera at night. Multiple times during the film, we see people and creatures speared. The underwater battle scene at the end is ultra-violent and long—too long.
Sexuality/Sensuality/Nudity
Minimal/moderate. Arthur’s parents exchange a kiss, as does another couple later in the film. We see his pregnant mom lying in bed, with her hand on her belly. Mera’s form-fitting outfit (which she wears throughout the film) is low cut.
Coarse Language
Moderate. About 18 coarse words: h-ll (5), s–t (3), a– (3), d–n (2), b—ard (2) SOB (1), d–k (1). b–ch (1).
Other Positive Elements
The film has several touching family-centric scenes. Arthur’s tearful mother leaves him as a toddler, saying it’s “the only way to save him.” Arthur/Aquaman shows mercy to several victims, refusing to kill them when he has the upper hand. Arthur and his father maintain a relationship when he’s an adult, and we see them hug.
Other Stuff You Might Want To Know
Aquaman curses. He drinks (a lot). And in between, he beats people up. In fact, he wants to fight. He reminds me of the old WWE pro wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (That’s not a compliment). He’s a different, grittier kind of superhero. Some fans will love the character. And, at times, the shtick indeed is hilarious. But I prefer more wholesome superheroes. Still, he has plenty of positive qualities.
Life Lessons
The movie gives us lessons on selflessness (Arthur’s mother), self-sacrifice (Mera, Arthur, others), courage (Arthur), loyalty (Mera), humility (Arthur) and the bond within a family (Arthur and his parents).
Worldview/Application
Like all DC and Marvel films, the story of Aquaman involves myths and characters with God-like qualities.
Still, there are plenty of positive characteristics in the film. As Lord of the Rings creator J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote: “Inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the true light.”
Aquaman is a tough superhero who (mostly) practices mercy. And when he doesn’t show mercy, he later regrets it.
He’s also humble, as we see when he initially rejects calls to become king. He wants justice for the world. He opposes evil. Perhaps that’s why our society likes superhero movies so much. Deep down, we’re looking for a hero to defeat evil and save us. We’re looking for a savior. Thankfully, we already have one. We can read about Him in the pages of Scripture.
What Works
The underwater scenes are beautiful and impressive. Perhaps the most amazing element: the way each character’s hair floats in the water as they talk to one another and interact.
What Doesn’t
Superhero movies often are heavy on CGI and light on story. In the back half of the film, this one is exactly that.
Discussion Questions
- List three selfless acts in the movie. List three acts that reflected mercy.
- Should Arthur’s mother have left him?
- Why was Arthur hesitant to lead his people?
- Why are moviegoers so enamored with superheroes? Is it only for entertainment?
Entertainment rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Family-friendly rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language.
by Amy Spear | Dec 20, 2018
Getting in the car with three little kids is a lot harder than one might think. So many things to grab and remember as you are trying to walk out the door.
Keys, purse, phone, at least two pairs of shoes because you know they don’t have them, sippy cups, binky, diaper bag, snacks— OK, well that’s all I can carry—oh yeah, my drink! Needing that extra hand, you sit your cup down, for one moment, to forget it the second it leaves your grasp.
Then off you go, and BAM! It’s gone! “Oh man! I really wanted that!” Too late now. As you see it fly down the road into the gutter.
Well, a coke is one thing, but what about my husband’s mini iPad!? Wade had just bought himself a new iPad, and as he was walking out the house, with kids in tow, he sat his new toy on the hood of his car. With dread in his heart a few hours later, realizing what he had done, he set out to find if what he feared was true. After searching for a long while, he finds his new toy in a busy intersection, smashed to pieces!
He was mad, to say the least. Mad it was wasted money, mad it couldn’t be fixed, mad he hadn’t really got to enjoy it at all, but mostly just mad at himself for being so careless!
We all get this way from time to time; careless about what we are doing. We get distracted only to find out, after the fact, what a mess we made. At those times do you beat yourself up? Do you let it ruin your day because of a careless mistake?
Could you offer grace? Yes, grace to yourself for making a mistake? Seems like an odd request, but forgiving ourselves appears to be really hard. We don’t like to mess up. It makes us feel stupid, inadequate and forgetful.
My son verbally calls himself a “dummy” when he messes up. Angry that he, once again messed up, he begins to self-condemn. He moves from making a simple mistake to calling himself the mistake!
As adults I think we do this in more subtle ways. Yet, our self-talk, name calling, and self-defeat, is destructive all the same.
If we let our mistakes control our thinking of who we are, we have already been defeated. We might as well pack our bags and just head to the couch with a gallon of ice cream.
God offers us grace. We offer grace to others. Let’s try to offer grace to ourselves every once in a while.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Cor. 12:9).
God made each of us and loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins, our mistakes (John 3:16). Yes, we need to repent of our sin and call on Him to forgive us. But once we do, let’s remember that He cast them as far as the east is to the west (Psalm 103:12). Therefore, we can move past those mistakes and move forward to what God has in store for us!
Ultimately, we are weak individuals who will make mistakes, a lot of mistakes! Let’s lighten up on ourselves and offer some grace!