Of the hundreds of laws given to the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant, here was Jesus' answer to a question as to which was the greatest commandment, "Love God with ALL your heart, and love your fellow human beings AS you love yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). In fact, Jesus said that ALL of the laws given by Moses and ALL of the teachings given by the Prophets in the Old Testament were summarized in those two commandments. But, he simplified even more how we should live in Matt.7:12, "do to others what you would have them do to you, for this one command summarizes everything else you've been taught in the Law and by the Prophets."
I've read through the entire Bible thirteen times and it's very obvious that God values ALL life. It matters not the circumstances behind our conception, where we were born, the condition of the environment into which we were born, or whether we are of a sound mind or totally normal physically (Psalm 139:13-16). God is able to use EVERY situation and circumstance, and every person regardless of their social standing, their abilities, their family name, and more for His glory (Romans 8:28). It's hard for me to understand how anyone could knowingly take the life of another human being; unless it is to defend one's self, their family, someone else, or their country. I know this is hard for some people to understand, but God loves life so much, He commands that those responsible for murdering another human being must forfeit their own right to live (Gen.9:5&6; Exodus 21:12-14; Leviticus 24:17; Numbers 35:16-31).
The idea that someone can personally be opposed to abortion (which is the taking of innocent human life in what should be the safest of sanctuaries), but not be opposed to someone else taking a human life by abortion, is a position based more on being politically correct than it is based on moral and biblical truth. It is one thing to be personally opposed to wearing make-up or hairspray, or to personally be opposed to dancing, or to be personally opposed to taking vitamins and not be opposed to others who want to. But, there are some absolutes that are always wrong or always right. And God's view of life is absolute. He values life highly. God expects us to do the same.
October is "Respect Life" month. This Sunday, Christians from many churches will be uniting to silently pray for the unborn in cities all across the United States. In Marshalltown, registration begins at 1:00pm either at St. Henry's Church, the Church of the Nazarene, or the Redeemer Lutheran Church. At 2:00pm, we will form a chain starting at Center Street and Olive Street that stretches as far north on Center Street as we have people. For ONE hour, we will pray that our society sees the truth of this unconscienable murder, that women who have had abortions would find forgiveness and emotional healing in Jesus Christ, and that God would bring an end to abortion in America and around the world. Bring a lawn chair if you can't stand for an hour. Some who drive by honk their horns in support. Others share obscene gestures. Still others will change their minds because of our peaceful, prayerful, and silent witness. I hope you care enough about life to join me and other Christians this Sunday (October 2nd) in our Life Chain Prayer Vigil from 2-3pm.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Courageous
Did You Know?
---63% of all teen suicides come from homes without fathers.
---90% of all runaways and homeless children come from homes without fathers.
---85% of children with behavioral problems come from homes without fathers.
---71% of all high school dropouts come from homes without fathers.
---85% of all youths in prison come from homes without fathers.
27% of all caucasian children in America live apart from their dads, as do 36% of Hispanic children and 65% of African American children. In a survey taken by the University of Texas at Austin, 91% of the 701 fathers questioned, agreed there is a "father-absence crisis in America." In many more homes where the dad is physically present, he is often not actively engaged in the lives of his children. Children with fathers who are involved in their lives are much more likely to enjoy school and extracurricular activities, get good grades in school, be involved in church, and overall have fewer problems than are those with dads not actively engaged in their children's lives.
Dads, moms, and kids alike need to see the movie, "Courageous." Four police officers attempt to put their faith in God after a sudden and unexpected tragedy transforms their lives. Their conviction and determination will have an infectious impact on all who see this movie! Google, "Courageous, the movie" and you will find many trailers from this Christian film that are a foretaste of how powerful the movie is.
"Courageous" opens September 30 at the Plaza 9 Theaters here in Marshalltown and discount tickets for $5.50 can be purchased by calling New Hope Christian Church (752-1612). Why not consider purchasing enough tickets not just for your family, but also for others whom you know need to see and hear this message? In the meantime, pray that those who need to see "Courageous" are made aware it is here by some form of advertisement, or they are personally invited by someone else to attend. Pray that hearts, lives, and families will be changed!
---63% of all teen suicides come from homes without fathers.
---90% of all runaways and homeless children come from homes without fathers.
---85% of children with behavioral problems come from homes without fathers.
---71% of all high school dropouts come from homes without fathers.
---85% of all youths in prison come from homes without fathers.
27% of all caucasian children in America live apart from their dads, as do 36% of Hispanic children and 65% of African American children. In a survey taken by the University of Texas at Austin, 91% of the 701 fathers questioned, agreed there is a "father-absence crisis in America." In many more homes where the dad is physically present, he is often not actively engaged in the lives of his children. Children with fathers who are involved in their lives are much more likely to enjoy school and extracurricular activities, get good grades in school, be involved in church, and overall have fewer problems than are those with dads not actively engaged in their children's lives.
Dads, moms, and kids alike need to see the movie, "Courageous." Four police officers attempt to put their faith in God after a sudden and unexpected tragedy transforms their lives. Their conviction and determination will have an infectious impact on all who see this movie! Google, "Courageous, the movie" and you will find many trailers from this Christian film that are a foretaste of how powerful the movie is.
"Courageous" opens September 30 at the Plaza 9 Theaters here in Marshalltown and discount tickets for $5.50 can be purchased by calling New Hope Christian Church (752-1612). Why not consider purchasing enough tickets not just for your family, but also for others whom you know need to see and hear this message? In the meantime, pray that those who need to see "Courageous" are made aware it is here by some form of advertisement, or they are personally invited by someone else to attend. Pray that hearts, lives, and families will be changed!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
10 Year Anniversary of 9/11
We all remember what we were doing and where we were, when we heard the news 10 years ago about the attack on America by Islamic Jihadists. I want to share with you some thoughts from a video by, The Skit Guys, that you can watch on God Tube at the following address: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KKLW6GNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=09/08/2011
"I Corinthians 13 says, 'now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror' (v.12). It goes on to assure us that one day, 'we will see everything with perfect clarity.' Until that day comes, we have three things that will enable us to not just deal with the problems and issues of life, but actually help us overcome and conquer those problems (Rom.8:37): faith in God, unswerving hope, and love (v.13). Through our shock and horror from the events of that day, something else happened ten years ago. Although evil intentions appeared to be a success, our country embraced the complete opposite of what was intended. Instead of division, there was unity. Instead of confusion, there was clarity. Instead of falling apart, we banded together. But then again, that's the way one nation under GOD, will always respond."
The Proverb writer reminds us that, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of true knowledge" (1:7). That verse infuriates our increasingly secular society. When the U.S. Supreme Court banned the Bible from public schools in 1963, Justice Potter Stewart blasted the ruling with his dissenting remarks. "It led not to true neutrality with respect to religion, but to the establishment of a religion of secularism." Sadly, we often see this religion of secularism disguised with Christian clothing.
I say all that because much has been made about New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to forbid the saying of prayers from the upcoming ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. His actions, and the ones of many others who continue to assault our Christian heritage should not surprise us. Satan has always incited rage against God and those who follow Him (Psalm 2). (refer to our podcast of my sermon on Psalm 2 from August 14, 2011) On Sunday night, September 11, 2011 at 6:45pm, New Hope Christian Church will remember and reflect upon the happenings ten years ago that would have crumbled any other nation, but instead turned our nation to the Lord. And yes, we will pray, repent, and seek the blessings of the only God who created us, saves us, redeems us, and continues to sustain us. We invite and encourage you to attend.
"I Corinthians 13 says, 'now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror' (v.12). It goes on to assure us that one day, 'we will see everything with perfect clarity.' Until that day comes, we have three things that will enable us to not just deal with the problems and issues of life, but actually help us overcome and conquer those problems (Rom.8:37): faith in God, unswerving hope, and love (v.13). Through our shock and horror from the events of that day, something else happened ten years ago. Although evil intentions appeared to be a success, our country embraced the complete opposite of what was intended. Instead of division, there was unity. Instead of confusion, there was clarity. Instead of falling apart, we banded together. But then again, that's the way one nation under GOD, will always respond."
The Proverb writer reminds us that, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of true knowledge" (1:7). That verse infuriates our increasingly secular society. When the U.S. Supreme Court banned the Bible from public schools in 1963, Justice Potter Stewart blasted the ruling with his dissenting remarks. "It led not to true neutrality with respect to religion, but to the establishment of a religion of secularism." Sadly, we often see this religion of secularism disguised with Christian clothing.
I say all that because much has been made about New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to forbid the saying of prayers from the upcoming ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. His actions, and the ones of many others who continue to assault our Christian heritage should not surprise us. Satan has always incited rage against God and those who follow Him (Psalm 2). (refer to our podcast of my sermon on Psalm 2 from August 14, 2011) On Sunday night, September 11, 2011 at 6:45pm, New Hope Christian Church will remember and reflect upon the happenings ten years ago that would have crumbled any other nation, but instead turned our nation to the Lord. And yes, we will pray, repent, and seek the blessings of the only God who created us, saves us, redeems us, and continues to sustain us. We invite and encourage you to attend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
