2021 March news letter article

​Greetings friends!
 
Some of you know that I am a big fan of stand-up comedy.  Those of you that are comedy purists know that “stand-up comedy” might be a bit redundant, but hey! I want to remain approachable, even to those of you whose taste might not yet be as refined as mine, haha!  I have great respect for those that view nothing as sacred with a healthy dose of self-deprecation and a heavy sprinkle of cynicism.  I might be such a fan of comedy because a willingness to make jokes about any issue, and an equal-opportunity approach to pick fun at everyone, could very well be the last bastion of speech that is truly free.
 
I didn’t really listen to them before that time, but since March 14, 2020, I have become a consumer of pod casts.  I listen to [possibly too many] comedy programs, others on current events, history, Carolina, politics, sports, religions, and the Christian faith.  I prefer to use the Google Podcasts app; I know there are many others out there if you have any kind of device connected to the internet (my secret is to listen at 1.8 speed!).  In addition to an audio-only format, I have also begun to consume some new sources of information and entertainment through YouTube.  Allow me to make a dozen recommendations – in order – that might bless you and your family as they have blessed me in the past eleven-and-a-half months.
 
POD CASTS
-“Albert Mohler | The Briefing” by R. Albert Mohler, Jr. – Dr. Mohler is the head of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky.  This comes five mornings per week (less than 30 minutes) and is an analysis of news and current events from a biblical worldview.  I don’t always agree completely with his analysis, but he is a help to me as I formulate my opinions.

-“The World and Everything In It” – This comes five mornings per week (about 35 minutes) and special episodes on random weekends.  This is largely a news report, but there is analysis from various Christian points of view.

-“Knowing Faith” by Training the Church – This comes thrice per month or so.  It is hosted by deep-thinking theologians and walks through passages of scripture, explains how they shape systematic theology, and apply them to our society.

-“Ask Me Anything Podcasts” by LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network – This comes out weekly and is an interview format with my former pastor, Dr. J.D. Greear.  The title is pretty self-explanatory, but it ranges greatly across a host of topics.

-“Christ and Culture” by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary – Hosted by my theology professor, Kenneth Keathley, this comes out once every couple of weeks.  Dr. Keathley interviews experts on medicine, social issues, politics, etc. and discusses how the Church can speak truth into these things.

-“The Empowered Advocate” by The Pregnancy Network – This is an overtly pro-life program produced by a Triad non-profit care center on the front edge of offering alternatives to abortion.  Join us in praying through how we might partner with this great organization in the months ahead!

-“United? We Pray” – This comes out monthly and I listened casually until July.  Since the summer, I have greatly valued this insightful, biblical view on how the Church can work to improve race relations in our country.
 
YouTube CHANNELS
-“First Baptist Church of Walnut Cove” – If you aren’t already subscribed, what are you doing with yourself!?!  Get it together! and remain informed of what we are doing as a church.

-“KeithAndKristyn Getty” – This couple might be the best hymn writers in a century.  Be blessed by their music.

-“Dude Perfect” – Conner Rothrock is responsible for turning me onto this channel several years ago.  These gentlemen have a tremendous Christian witness, and have supplied me with light-hearted entertainment a lot recently.

-“Andrew Liggitt” – Andrew & Katherine continue to bless us as they share new music they are writing, and we get to look in on the boys playing instruments!
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-“JStuStudios” & “MoreJStu” – I don’t know why there are two channels, but Justin Stuart and his best friend Andrew are young men that share their Christian witness very well.  I’m nearly too old to appreciate their humor; this recommendation is for our elementary/middle school students and their families!  It’s pretty mindless entertainment for adults, but the kids will enjoy it!
 
I’ll share my political, sports, and comedy favorites with you too, so ask me about them!  Please share with me what some of your favorite things are.  Are there any kinds of “infotainment” that have been a blessing to your heart since the CoViD-19 fog rolled in around us?  If they’re that good, I’ll use my blog page to share your recommendations too!
 
For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight;
for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise!
--A.J.