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Abortion
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A
wise sage of old wrote, “there is nothing
new under the sun.”
Nearly everyone has an opinion on abortion. What I
am sharing in this folder you have undoubtedly heard
before. However, I want to let my voice be heard on
this subject.
Prior to my retirement, I pastored an inner-city non-denominational
community church where it was not “politically
correct” to publicly speak on the subject of
abortion. The majority of the members of that church
knew where I stood personally. However, in the congregation
a number of the members and attendees were pro-choice.
The leadership of this congregationally-run church
were of the opinion that if I took a vocal public
pro-life position it would alienate some within the
congregation as well as in the community. |
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A
number of the leaders believed that it was better to avoid
this subject. I am now convinced that this was not the best
decision. I also realize that as a male I allowed myself
to be intimidated and therefore did not take a public stand
on abortion. I hate to admit it but I did not publicly raise
my voice against this evil practice. I remained silent,
at least publicly. I was often reminded by the feminist
element of the congregation that as a male, “You
don’t know what women think or feel about abortion.”
I was also told on a number of occasions, “How
dare males try to legislate their views of morality over
a woman’s body.” But the most vocal criticism
I heard was, “A woman has control over her own
body and no one has the right to tell her what she should
or should not do with it.”
I differed with each of the aforementioned arguments, yet
sadly remained silent for fear of either losing the pulpit
or alienating some.
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I
retired from active pastoring in 1996. Since then
I’ve had time to do a lot of serious introspection
of my years that I spent pastoring. I began preaching
in 1948 as a teenager and began pastoring while still
in Bible College in 1954. Since retiring I no longer
have to appease any segment of people nor placate
the ruling body of a church, i.e., church board, elders
or congregation. I am free to be myself, to be the
person God called me to be. I will no longer compromise
on any issue regardless of how controversial it may
be. I now regret that I kept silent on this issue
for so many years. I confess and repent of my past
inaction. Abortion is not a political issue as some
want us to believe. Abortion is both a moral as well
as a biblical issue. |
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It
is a matter of life and death! It is not a matter of women’s
rights. Rather, it is a matter of human rights. Abortion
prevents the basic right of the unborn infant to be born,
to live life, and to be a member of the human family. I
am convinced that abortion is an aspect of murder! Murder
is sin. Murder violates the command of God that states,
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
This is one of the basic guidelines that God has given to
humankind in what we call the Ten Commandments. These guidelines
must not be taken lightly, ignored nor violated.
As a Christian I am convinced that abortion violates Scripture
and everything that the Gospel of Christ represents! In
reading the Early Church Fathers we discover that abortion
is not new nor is it unique to our culture. Abortion was
prevalent in the pagan Roman Empire. The early churches
in their refusal to compromise opposed abortion. Let’s
face it, abortion is another form of holocaust. In fact,
many more babies have been killed since abortion was legalized
in our country than the huge number of Jews and others who
were killed during the dark days of Hitler and Stalin. |
Though
I am neither Roman Catholic nor Eastern Orthodox,
I appreciate that these groups have refused to back-off
and compromise on abortion. It is tragic to see so
many Protestant churches advocating abortion. Whatever
happened to the protest in Protestantism in speaking
out against abuses, wrongs and sin? Why are so many
theologically liberal Protestants at the forefront
of advocating abortion? There was a bygone day when
Protestantism would have been incensed and would be
leading in opposition to a moral evil such as abortion.
But alas, much of Protestantism has become lukewarm
and has lost its reason for existence. |
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It
can be likened to the lukewarm church of the Laodiceans
that we read of in Revelation 3: “I know your
works; you are neither cold nor hot. So, because you are
lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you
out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered,
and I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are
wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I
counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that
you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep
the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to
anoint your eyes so that you may see. I reprove and discipline
those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Listen!
I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice
and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you,
and you with me.” (vv. 15-20) NRSV. |
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What
a sad commentary on Christendom, Protestantism in
particular. Christ is standing outside of the Church
knocking to enter once again. This is the picture
of much of Protestantism today. To a great extent
Protestantism has all but abandoned its original premises
in favor of popularity and acceptance. It has largely
accepted the mores of Western society.
In
the fight against abortion it is unfortunate that
some “crazies” in the pro-life camp have
committed dastardly deeds including bombings and killings.
Such actions of violence are contrary to the very
heart of authentic Christianity. Those ‘Christians(?)’
who ‘claim’ that God leads them to commit
violent deeds are not hearing the Voice of God. Rather,
they are either mentally unbalanced and/or are hearing
the voice of the enemy of humankind, i.e., Satan.
The devil can and often does speak to and through
professed Christians. |
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We
must always keep in mind that Satan is the arch liar and
deceiver. Violence always begets violence. It is not in
accord with the teachings of our Savior; Jesus who is the
Prince of Peace!
BELIEVERS
TAKING ACTION
What can each of us do to combat abortion in a Christlike,
godly manner?
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PRAY:
I am convinced that the most effective weapon believers
have against the evils plaguing our society is prayer.
As Christians pray, the strongholds of Satan crumble.
See - 2 Cor. 10:3-5. |
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RAISE
OUR VOICES loudly, clearly and lovingly. The key is
being motivated by the love of Christ. The world will
not listen to our complaints unless and until we do
so in a manner in which our Savior spoke out and dealt
with those who opposed the things of God. |
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BEFRIEND
PREGNANT WOMEN who do not know where to turn. It’s
easy to condemn and lash out. Unfortunately Christians
are all too quick to condemn and that without compassion
or offering solutions. Christians should be showing
forth God’s love, concern, and kindness seasoned
with gentleness. There is no place for holding and
exhibiting a judgmental attitude and cruel mean spirit.
These women need the love of Christ displayed through
the people of God. |
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ACTIVELY
CALM DOWN THE EXTREMISTS in the pro-life camp. Screaming
and hollering accomplish little of lasting results.
Scripture teaches that love covers a multitude of
sins. Those women who may have had an abortion must
know that upon confessing and repenting of this sin,
God forgives and God forgets!! Love works! See - 1
Corinthians chapter 13. |
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WORK
FOR BETTER LAWS in adopting procedures. The high costs
involved in adoption are out-of-sight for most people.
These need to be brought in line so that deserving
men and women of modest financial means may be able
to adopt. |
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I confess that I was silent for too long. I’ve asked
God to forgive me. Now, I plan on being silent no longer!
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