Daly Focus Blog
The passing of the renowned theologian Dr. R.C Sproul draws to an earthly close an extraordinary and well-lived life. He was 78.
As founder of Ligonier Ministries, the beloved pastor was a popular guest on the Focus on the Family radio broadcast in addition to appearing in The Truth Project, a Focus video series.
In Christendom, “R.C.”, as he was called, was a venerable giant, a discerning voice of wise biblical interpretation and counsel. When Dr.
Time Magazine unveiled its “Person of the Year” today, and its choice is at once unconventional but not at all surprising.
In a tradition dating back to 1927, the publication has historically selected a person who makes significant news during the past year. As a result, past winners have run the gamut. Recipients have included Adolph Hitler (1938), the Ayatollah Khomeini (1979), the American Soldier (2003) and the Ebola Fighters (2014). President Donald Trump won last year, an acknowledgment of his surprising electoral victory.
Gerald Harvey Jones, a former industrial arts teacher who would go on to become one of America’s most highly regarded painters by creating masterpieces that hearkened back to simpler times when virtues such as faith, courage, patriotism, hard work, and compassion were revered, has died. He was 84.
“G. Harvey,” as he was known to his fans and collectors, was a friend of mine, as he was to many around Focus on the Family. A man of incredible generosity, Gerald began a tradition in 1987 of commissioning a yearly painting for the ministry, which we were then able to make available to our friends.
As one who grew up an orphan, I applaud the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Ways and Means Committee for the action taken today to restore the Adoption Tax Credit (ATC). Our friends and listeners responded to our calls to contact members of Congress and amend the initial proposal. In turn, our elected officials have heeded our plea.
The ATC is a vital tool supporting the life-affirming and life-saving act of adoption. It is a crucial part of a pro-life and pro-family policy agenda.
Last month Focus on the Family was proud to be part of the nationwide theatrical release of “MULLY,” an award-winning docudrama that shares the inspiring true story of Charles Mully.
More than 100,000 people around the country showed up to watch Mully overcome personal tragedy and poverty to achieve wealth and power – only to give it all up to help rescue more than 12,000 children living on the streets of Kenya.
And now, “MULLY” is back for an encore showing on Thursday, Nov.
Not again.
That was my first thought Sunday when I learned about the tragic shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
As you know by now, 26 people were killed when a gunman burst into the 11 A.M service of the small congregation and opened fire.
The youngest victim was a pre-born child. The oldest was 77. The church pastor’s 14-year-old daughter was also murdered.
Additionally, 20 congregants were wounded.
Reports today suggest the gunman was deeply disturbed and motivated by a dispute with his ex-wife’s family.
It was 500 years ago today that Martin Luther was famously reported to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door of a Wittenberg church.
At the time, Luther only wanted to talk about his opposition to the sale of indulgences to absolve sin; he never thought his call for debate would lead to changing the religious and cultural history of the world.
But that was, of course, what happened – and Protestant Christianity was born.
“How did it go?”
It’s a question we’ve been asked many times since Oct. 5 – the day close to 500,000 students across the nation in all 50 states celebrated the fourth annual Bring Your Bible to School Day. Well, I’m proud to give you an update.
But first, let’s remember back to what was happening at the beginning of the month. Many people in the U.S. were worried were worried about family members in Mexico after the country’s two big earthquakes and in Puerto Rico after the catastrophic Hurricane Maria.
The 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is fast approaching. On Reformation Day, we remember how Martin Luther, a German monk, nailed his 95 Theses on the door of a Wittenberg church on Oct. 31, 1517.
But while Martin Luther is closely associated with his opposition to selling indulgences – monetary payments to receive forgiveness for sin – fewer people today know he was also instrumental in helping change the way Christians look at marriage.
Before the Reformation took place, celibate service to God was often seen as the highest calling.
I didn’t want Hispanic Heritage Month (which is celebrated between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15) to end without recognizing the many Hispanic men, women and families in the U.S., and the contributions they make to our country.
Recent stats put Hispanics and Latinos at about 17 percent of the total U.S. population, or 56.5 million. They’re a varied group of people: Hispanics can come from any of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries around the world, and each country has its own culture, cuisine, and customs.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
