"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16

"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4

"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" Proverbs 24:11-12

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all those who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9



Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Church Pamphlet - "Sanctity of Life Sunday"

“Abortion is a God issue, and I think that the first way

you see that is in Psalm 139 where it says, “I am fearfully

and wonderfully made” (verse 14). And the language that

is used is that a baby is knit together in its mother’s womb.

Well who’s the knitter? The knitter is not nature. The knitter

Is God, which means that what’s happening in a woman’s

tummy is that God is at work. God is making a human being.

Now you don’t mess with that. You just don’t get in God’s face

And say, “Let me at it! I’m going to take it out! I’m going to

chop it into pieces.” You don’t do that.”

John Piper


The Sanctity of Life Sunday –

Why do we remember?

The month of January is “Sanctity of Human Life”

month. This particular Sunday, the 24th, has been

singled out especially as “Sanctity of Human Life

Sunday.” Today, we as a Church, along with the

broader Church of Jesus Christ, take time to reflect

upon the splendor and wonder that accompanies

God’s gift of LIFE, and to remind ourselves that this

precious gift is oftentimes devalued by both culture

and society – being deprived and stolen from the

most helpless amongst us.

The necessity of the reminder of the beauty and

dignity of human life is, indeed, significant and

desperately essential for many reasons. As

a Church, this specific Sunday offers us a reminder

that the world we live in, and the ideologies under

which our world operates, are held captive by Satan.

Humanity is indeed a renegade assembly! Mankind

has forsaken the glorious Word and will of the

Almighty and are living in enmity toward His law

and name. As those who are saved by grace, it is no

secret that we live in a world that disregards both

love for God and the importance of living by the

principles set forth in His word.

Thus, today is a sad reminder. It brings to mind the

many gut-wrenching statistics that prevail in regards

to the subject of abortion. Let us not forget that today,

worldwide, 115,000 children will die at the hands of

the practice. When we compound abortion at a yearly

rate it equals a figure of approximately 42 million

children. The amount of children killed yearly by the

abortionist exceeds, by almost 10 million, the current

population of Canada. (*Note – this statistic does not

include those children whose lives are taken through

the use of the morning after pill and thorough the use

of many birth control pills.)

Today we must also be reminded that, in the USA,

43% of all abortions obtained are sought by women

identifying themselves as Protestant. (I am unsure

regarding this statistic as pertaining to Canada, but

you can be certain that our own percentage will

probably closely mirror that of our southern-most

neighbor). This statistic is as troubling as it is tragic.

That figure accounts for nearly half of the 1.21 million

abortions performed yearly in the US. Now we obviously

cannot take the above information and claim that every

women in that 43 % bracket belongs to a Church.

However, regardless of this fact, we cannot forget to ask

ourselves, “Where is the Church?” Have we forgotten our

God-given mandate to, “… rescue those being lead away

to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter”

(Proverbs 24:11)? Are we about the business of holding

out the hope of the gospel to those women who find

themselves unexpectedly pregnant with an unwanted

child, or those who are currently suffering the mentally

and physically damaging effects of post-abortion

trauma?

Today, let us remind ourselves that these babies are

living beings from the time of conception – being

intricately woven and knit together by the hands of God.

Let us remember and heartily seek to practice what

James calls, “… religion that God our Father accepts

as pure and faultless.” This year, by God’s grace, may

we be dedicated to looking,“ … after orphans … in their

distress “ (James 1:27). After all, there is no group

more orphaned, in every sense of the term, then those

whose parents seek to destroy them.

--------------------------------------------

"We represent Christ in this world. People cannot see

Him; they must look at us—to see a little of what He

is like. Whatever great work we may do for Christ—if

we fail to live out His life of love, kindness and patience

—we fail in an essential part of our duty as Christians."

JR Miller

What Can We Do?

* Pray! Plead that God would, through the use of

strong, scientific, pictorial evidence, and the

conviction of His Word, open the eyes of the pro-

choice around us and around the world.

* Educate yourself and those around you about the

process and statistics of abortion, and acquaint

yourself with the scientific and biblical nature of the

fetus. Know the facts and develop sound arguments

for the pro-life position.

* Financially support those people and agencies who

seek to make abortion unthinkable. The CCBR

(Canadian Center for Bio-ethical Reform) is located in

Calgary and is an agency worth supporting.

* Something as simple as placing a bumper sticker

on your car that echoes the evils of abortion can cause

others to think about their position on the subject.

*Consider volunteering at the Calgary Pregnancy Care

Center - located in downtown Calgary (www.pregcare.com).

*Strongly promote, and support, adoption. Consider

whether or not God might be leading you to personally

serve the unborn through adoption. A good book

for those considering adoption is, “Adopted for Life,”

by Russell Moore.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

“The pro-choice position always overlooks the victim’s

right to choose. Blacks didn’t choose slavery. Jews

didn’t choose the ovens. Women don’t choose rape.

And babies don’t choose abortion."

Randy Alcorn


What Are YOU So Afraid of?

This morning, I sat as I always try to sit, on the couch for a few quiet minutes before my day begins. As I sat in momentary solitude, I stumbled upon a fascinating and hopeful article by The (online) Huffington Post entitled, "Tim Tebow Super Bowl Add: Woman's Group Pressure CBS." You might wonder what would have sparked my interest in such a title? Despite my love of football, my almost total lack of knowledge on the subject would have to truthfully conceal that I do not know what team Tebow plays for, nor am I sure of what position he holds. However, when I view his name in both news and or media I always think of one thing: Abortion. This connection might seem odd to some of you, I cannot help but draw it - here's why.

Tim Tebow's very earliest beginnings were fraught with uncertainty. He was born to Christian missionary parents Bob and Pam Tebow on August 14, 1987. At the time of his birth his parents were situated as missionaries in the Philippines, and his mother became ill with an infection caused by a pathogenic amoeba. Because of the drugs being used to treat the infection, doctors advised an abortion in order to preserve Pam's life. But, regardless of medical recommendation, Bob and Pam decided to continue with the pregnancy. The decision may not have been an easy one. On this point I cannot venture to even speculate. However, despite the uncertain outcome of the situation, Tim's parents thoroughly grasped the obvious - there was more then one life at stake in the decision to abort. As a result, Tim was born - alive and healthy.

From such precarious beginnings, Tim Tebow thrived and went onto become the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. However, my interest lies not in Tebow's football stats, impressive as they may be. I am much more interested in the very public stance that he has taken in regards to abortion, especially his latest endeavor. Apparently this year's Super Bowl will be hosting a commercial funded by Focus on the Family that will feature Tim Tebow, his mother Pam and, a probable anti-abortion message. The football player had this to say regarding the anticipated controversial nature of the commercial, "I know some people won't agree with it, but I think they can at least respect that I stand up for what I believe. I've always been very convicted of it (abortion) because that's the reason I'm here, because my mom was a very courageous woman. So any way that I could help, I would do it."

And as you can imagine the critics are already buzzing! Among those particularly piqued are a national coalition of women's groups who fear that Tebow's message, as reporter David Crary puts it, "... is likely to convey an anti-abortion message." Jehmu Greene, president of the New York Woman's Media Center made the following remark upon the subject, "An ad that uses sports to divide rather than to unite has no place in the biggest national sports event of the year – an event designed to bring Americans together." But the most interesting, not to mention scathing criticisms centers not around the Tebow family, but was made regarding the Christian principles of Focus on the Family. "By offering one of the most coveted advertising spots of the year to an anti-equality, anti-choice, homophobic organization, CBS is aligning itself with a political stance that will damage its reputation, alienate viewers, and discourage consumers from supporting its shows and advertisers," stated a letter written by the Woman's Media Center. A spokesman for Focus on the Family, Gary Schneeberger, explained away all concern, stating, "There's nothing political and controversial about it (the commercial). When the day arrives, and you sit down to watch the game on TV, those who oppose it will be quite surprised at what the ad is all about."

Despite the flurry of negative opinions, CBS has stood by their decision to support the commercial, stating that the add is "appropriate for air." However, some sports fans do not agree. "If you're a sports fan, and I am, that's the holiest day of the year," wrote national columnist for CBSSports.com Gregg Doyle. "It's not a day to discuss abortion. For it, against it, I don't care what you are. On Super Sunday, I don't care what I am. Feb. 7 is simply not the day to have that discussion."

Phew! What grips me most about the scathing nature of the controversy is the fact that not one of the protesters has actually viewed this commercial. That privilege will postponed until game day. However, the spirit behind all this hullabaloo cannot be ignored, and as I sit here, I silently ask myself, "What are they so afraid of?" The very likelihood that this impending commercial will contain a strong pro-life message is more then enough to send woman's rights groups scurrying to the nearest post office, letter in had, demanding that CBS rethink the stance on the use of such inappropriate material. Is Super Sunday, as Gregg Doyle said above, an inappropriate day to, "discuss abortion?" I don't think so.

According to last year's statistics, the average global viewership of the Super Bowl was just over 100 million people. So I think that it is very safe to assume that, this year, around 100 million people (and possibly more) will be viewing this supposedly controversial add. So again I query, "What's the immediate threat?" How could an appropriate, possible pro-life commercial lasting 30 meager seconds harm the conscience of the American public?

One of the greatest benefits of controversy is the fact that it causes the person being opposed to stop, stand back, and wonder, "Why?" ... especially in such an obscure circumstance as a "probable" pro-life commercial. If the pro-life message had no pictorial credence, no scientific evidence to support its claims, and no truthful basis whatsoever, then no possible threat could be detected by the pro-choice community. They would simply dismiss pro-life doctrine, and this upcoming commercial, as inconsequential. Who, in their right mind, would bother wasting time in order to refute something obviously and utterly ridiculous? However, this is not the case. Abortion kills - it stops a beating heart, dismembers, and tares a tiny body to shreds. We have the pictorial evidence to prove it, and the pro-choice community knows it. They obviously want to silence the message.


Sunday, January 24, 2010

Our First "Sanctity of Life Sunday"

Today was the first "Sanctity of Life Sunday" my Church has participated in "celebrating." I found the day to be filled with both great anticipation and sorrow. The word celebration doesn't really seem to fit, but for lack of a better word, I use it. Abortion was the subject of choice, and the Pastor's sermon did well to tackle the weighty and perverse nature of the practice. When considering the beauty and sanctity of life, especially when reflecting upon the Author of it, there is much to reverently and joyfully celebrate. And, indeed, when the Pastor introduced his sermon with the reading of Psalm 139, I found myself humbled and awestruck by the intimate delicacy which God uses in dealing with His children. Not only does He both, "search and know," us in the most enveloping fashion, but He bears the total responsibility for our initial introduction to life itself. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" Psalm 139:13-14. Therefore, it can be said with the greatest of confidence that life is to be treasured and fully respected. The creation of flesh and spirit are never a waste, but rather a vastly complicated and intimate process.

But again, when considering the central nature of today's sermon, I hesitate (even cringe) to use the word "celebrate." There is certainly nothing worthy of invoking joy or jubilation when considering the barbaric and shameful topic of abortion. It is a demonic affront to both God and the life wrought by the careful work of His hands. However, the world sees things a little differently. Society fights for the freedom of choice and ardently demands that a woman's "right" to abortion be recognized. When the government diminishes the purity of truth in order to match up with popular or minority opinion, in this case, the pro-choice community would concede themselves a victory. Then comes the inevitable celebration in honor of "women's rights everywhere." Thus, the merrymaking begins. In all seriousness and actuality, these pro-choice rebels are hosting a party, and death is the guest of honor.

In their fight for reproductive rights, these abortion seeking crusaders have failed to reckon with several obstacles - the most formidable being God himself. As Psalm 139 clearly states that the credit in the fashioning of a human being, both soul and body, belong directly to God - and him alone. Nobody can claim the "right" to destroy what the King of Kings has created. The rest of the obstacles cover a vast deal of ground ranging from pure and undeniable logic to the witness of scientific evidence. The principle question that must be considered when debating an ethical position on the subject of abortion is, "What is the unborn?" Psalm 139 clearly answers that elementary inquiry.

And so I am left both sorrowful and rejoicing over our Church's very first "Sanctity of Life Sunday." Even as I despair over the death and destruction left in the wake of legalized abortion, I celebrate the beauty of life and the creative power of God. Life is, indeed, a most pleasant and beautiful thing. Abortion is, indeed, a most horrific deed - the shaking of a puny and rebellious fist into the face of God. I take solace in remembering that, one day, God will rightly hold mankind accountable for the death and dismemberment of what He has so marvelously created. What a terrifying day that will be.


Friday, January 22, 2010

Sanctity of Life Sunday - January 24th 2010

Note from the author - {I must begin with a confession - I've been neglecting my blog as of late. Just as I find the reality and magnitude of abortion to be disparaging, I find it equally discouraging to sit and type, knowing that my eyes are the only ones who view these words. For the most part they seem to lay dormant and neglected; a fading whisper amongst a multitude of websites and blogs.

I have recently been confronted with how sinful my bleak outlook and dull frame of mind truly are. Indeed, I think it a sobering deed to even construct, and re-read, those lasts sentences. I find my eyes to be so blind to the reality of my own sin and the corruption of my own selfish heart. I am guilty. To be completely forthright, I find that I love and seek the vanity that accompanies human recognition and praise. As the absence of new posts can attest, I must, I do, love the praise of men more then the happy task of completing the work that God has required of me. He has laid upon my heart a great burden for the lives of the unborn in such a way that, when I am most focused on my task, I cannot go a two days without dwelling on (sometimes to the point of despair) the evils of abortion. I have often been told, by a Pastor and friend, that, "The heart of the matter is, indeed, the matter of the heart," and the exhibition of fruit that issues forth from my own heart in respects to this matter has been rotten as of late. For those whose eyes do stumble upon this post, I ask that you bare with me. My faults are great, but my task is unmistakably clear. I must do, I must write, I must remind myself, and others, that abortion and death do not sleep. For those who find themselves in a similar situation to that which I described above, I hope and pray that you do not despair as I have ... and do. Regardless of whether no one, one person, or a hundred people read this post, it should not concern me. The most important thing is to obey God ... and write. Satan has not relinquished his hold on the most vulnerable among us, and he continues to smite and destroy our young through the gloved and sterile hands of men and women employed to do his bidding. The reality of this should be reason enough for me to write all the more adamantly, all the while knowing that I write with the strength that God provides for the task He has commissioned. }

I want to being this post by reminding the reader of a very specific, increasingly large, number. That number is 40 million, and it is the number of those children killed by abortion, worldwide, on a yearly basis. Now, I know that it is easy to grow cold towards the reality that lies behind the statistical data of, "40 million." When one surveys the statistics they seem hopelessly unbelievable. I had to check, and recheck that specific statistic before using it above, as I was so sure that the number had been over estimated and blown out of proportion. But it cannot be denied.

When you dwell upon the magnitude of "40 million," do not merely view the number - survey the reality. Do you see these children in your mind's eye? Imagine 40 million little bodies: they are torn limb from limb, miniature feet, hands complete with fingernails, a heart that used to beat, laying in a basin full of blood - do you see them? They have no voice, they cannot retaliate, they can do nothing but silently succumb to the fate that awaits them at the hands of the abortionist. Can you see them?

I know that the above approach does well to tug at the emotional strings of the reader. If you live without the benefit of "emotional strings," then you don't fully grasp the reality of the situation at hand. It has been scientifically proven that life begins at conception. The offspring of humans are undeniably, precisely, and obviously made from the genetic material that forms the framework of all humanity - they are by definition human beings. Regardless of their size, their location, their level of development, and level of dependency, the fact that humans beget humans does not change. A tiny human being is still a human being. "It" is not a lump of cells, or an unfeeling mass of tissue. The child that is growing and developing inside of the womb is being intimately and wonderfully constructed by the hand of God himself. As John Piper so eloquently says, "You don't mess with that."

This Sunday is "Sanctity of Life" Sunday. It has been a day specially set aside to view the reality of abortion anew with a clear vision. Let us be reminded, this Sunday and every day, that abortion destroys a child created in the image of God. It destroys a person ... a life ... and stops a beating heart. Take the time to educate yourself about the practice of abortion, know and understand the statistics involved, lovingly offer the hope of the gospel to those women and men who are living with the guilt of participating in the sin of abortion, and pray that God would grant the mercy of a fresh and untarnished vision to those around us who do not believe in the humanity of the unborn. And when discouragement comes, as it well may, do not despair. Instead, place all your imperfect efforts and troublesome sorrows into the hands of the Almighty, Sovereign, God - who has promised to work all things, even discouragement, together for our good.