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END-TIME PROPHECY E-NEWSLETTER ... an extension of www.prophecyfulfillment.com ...
ISSUE NUMBER 21
Abortion: An End-time Challenge for Christians Part 3 – Use an unhappy time for God’s glory… Become a voice for unborn babies, who have no voice…
[Joseph said] “What seemed bad, God meant for good, in order to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20– liberally paraphrased by me and somewhat out of context, but the core meaning is preserved. You may think this verse is inappropriately used in this newsletter. I have known several men and women who were saved from abortion, later to become outstanding Christians and citizens. What a shame it would have been, if these people had been aborted. Their mothers experienced much heartbreak while pregnant. God has plans for every life, though, and these mothers unknowingly carried out His plans by giving life to their babies.)
The controversial, divisive issue of abortion defines political thought and matters of faith. If you are a pregnant woman considering an abortion, or if you are experiencing shame, guilt, or depression following an abortion, know there are people in your community ready to serve you. These people will inform you of life-affirming alternatives to abortion. They will share with you God’s grace and healing for your life. God loves you. He wants to restore you to fullness of life and restore your joy of knowing that you are His beloved daughter. Never bear your burdens alone. Jesus is ready to help now (Matthew 11:28-30): [Jesus said] “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
INTRODUCTION. See two previous newsletters in this series, Abortion: An End-time Challenge for Christians:
** www.prophecyfulfillment.com/en017a.html , God’s view of life according to Scriptures, Part 1 (newsletter issue 17)… Scriptures are quoted to demonstrate that God loves each of His children, and we have no right to shed innocent blood.
** www.prophecyfulfillment.com/en018a.html , The magnitude of the problem, Part 2 (newsletter issue 18)… examples illustrate and define America’s “war” against 50-million unborn babies since 1973.
IS ABORTION AN END-TIME CHALLENGE FOR CHRISTIANS? This three-part series links abortion and the last days. I cannot remember seeing these two topics linked before. Should they be linked? Why?
The last days are marked by increasing number of people sinning against God. In the last days, people will be self-centered, rebellious, and apostate, “as in the days of Noah.” Many people will join lukewarm, ineffective churches. Many pastors will teach false or weak, popular doctrines.
Abortion is practiced extensively in the United States and other nations. Abortion is performed only infrequently to terminate a pregnancy in which the mother’s health may be compromised or following rape or incest. By far, most abortions are performed for convenience– serving as little more than just another form of birth control. We should all grieve for these women and the lives that could have been.
Increase in abortions is an end-time problem for at least these reasons:
** Abortion contradicts the Biblical commandments to honor life.
** Abortion devalues God’s precious gift of life.
** Abortion causes a woman to grieve and experience guilt, often for years after the abortion. Satan effectively uses these destructive emotions to rob a woman of the joy of living, full fellowship with family and church, and opportunity of ministering to others in Jesus’ name.
Abortion is an end-time challenge for Christians (churches) for at least these reasons:
** Churches– believers in the Body of Christ– in concert with families must teach sanctity of life, marriage, and appropriate use of sex only within marriage. Many people now live in moral cesspools, having regard only for themselves.
** Christians must help pregnant women in all ways possible to seek alternatives to abortions, such as, welcoming the child as an honored family member or obtaining adoption. Many childless couples desire above all other desires to adopt children. Too many children are discarded in garbage bags, rather than being allowed to grow up in a loving family.*
** Christians must help women who have had abortions and experience post-abortion syndrome symptoms (as most do to some degree), showing them how to achieve God’s grace purchased for them through Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary’s cross; working with them until they know that they have achieved God’s full forgiveness; and restoring them to full fellowship with churches, families, and communities.*
*Any help we offer must be given only in Christian love, never in judgmental condemnation.
SHOULD A CHRISTIAN BECOME INVOLVED? If a Christian is not involved in the fight against abortion, his/her silence implies that he/she agrees with the practice of killing unborn children. If he/she is an advocate for “choice” (abortion), he/she should examine prayerfully what it means to be a Christian.
Of many quotations I could use, I will use only the following few, which may prick the conscience of any Christian.
** Irish orator and philosopher Edmund Burke (1729-1797) summed up a person’s responsibility to stand against evil by proclaiming: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle (384-322 BC) pointed out more than two millennia ago: “Nature abhors a vacuum.” If Christians do not stand up for unborn babies’ right to live, our silence allows abortionists to promote and perform abortions without opposition.
** A Christian will be judged by his/her words, whether good or bad (Matthew 12:37): [Jesus said] “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Our words should be in defense of life for all persons, including unborn, handicapped, or elderly persons.
** God has called us to speak for unborn, innocent children being led to slaughter: (Psalm 82:3-4): Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked. AND: (Proverbs 31:8-9): Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. AND: (Proverbs 24:11-12): Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, "Surely we did not know this," does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?
** If a Christian knows the right thing but refuses to do it, he/ she sins (James 4:17): Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
** God commands us to fight for our faith (Jude 1:3b): I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. A damnable lie widely circulated in America is a “separation of church and state” provision in our Constitution. Read the Constitution for yourself. This provision is not present. Fight for your faith (while there is still a little freedom in America), and do not be silenced by anyone.
** Remember: Each of us will be held accountable for our individual actions, whether good or bad, not for the collective actions of a nation or society. America permits abortions, but you will be held accountable only for your sins– not America’s sins.
WHAT CAN A CHRISTIAN ACTUALLY DO? Following are a few suggestions you may wish to use to combat the evil of abortion. You undoubtedly will think of other ways to defend life. Remember that I am an American, and I write only about conditions of which I am familiar in my nation. If you live in another nation, you may need to modify my comments.
Always minister in love: Whatever you do, it must be done in love. Show Christian love for a woman, whether she is contemplating an abortion or has had an abortion. God judges us for our individual actions. We must leave judgment of others to Him. Paul teaches us about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians, chapters 12 and 13. We may become so fixated on the spiritual gifts in chapter 12 that we overlook the last verse in this chapter (1 Corinthians 12:31b): …And yet I show you a more excellent way. This verse leads into the following chapter (chapter 13). In this chapter, Paul writes elegantly about this “more excellent way,” as he explains love. Jesus commanded us to love one another (John 13:34-35): “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” And when Jesus’ enemies tried to trick Him, He taught about the only two commandments of importance, including (Mark 12:31): “And the second [commandment], like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these [two commandments].”
Anyone who ministers in Jesus’ name while having hatred or contempt in his/her heart disgraces both him-/her-self and Jesus. I add, but I hope it is unnecessary: Never use violence (arson, bombs, or assassinations) in defense of life. Use only persuasion and prayer, never violence.
Church membership is more than being a Sunday morning pew warmer: I always encourage people to join a good church. By “good church,” I mean a church patterned after the one in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13). If you belong to a church patterned after the one in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), should you flee as quickly as possible from this “lukewarm” church to join a Philadelphia-type church?
Believers in Jesus are told (Acts 19:25-41) to assemble together as “called out ones” (Greek: ekklesia)– called to be in the world, but not of the world. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (see Matthew 25:1-13) is Jesus’ portrayal of His betrothed bride, the Church, awaiting His (the Bridegroom’s) return. Christians are not called out from the world only to listen to pastors’ three-point sermons on Sunday mornings and to grudgingly throw a little something into offering plates. We are called out to work for God’s Kingdom and to harvest souls. In Jesus’ time, the bridegroom and his party returned unannounced late at night to call out his bride for the wedding (a picture of the Rapture). The wise virgins (church members) kept (still keep) their lamps filled with oil (a symbol of the Holy Spirit) and their wicks trimmed to give light (a symbol of spreading the Gospel of the Light of the world, Jesus). They went (we will go) rejoicing to the wedding (the marriage to the Lamb). Foolish, lazy virgins (church members) let (still let) the oil in their lamps dry out (no Holy Spirit in them) and kept unburnable wicks (did not/ do not share the Light, Jesus, to the world); they did not go (will not go?) to the wedding. In many ways, Jesus told us to stay busy working for Him until His return. Stay busy for the Kingdom! Be ready, when Jesus returns for His church!
Be fearless in proclaiming the truth: Too many Christians bow their heads, nervously wring their hands, and mumble, “I’m just a poor sinner saved by grace.” If this describes you, I do not know if Jesus is ashamed of your behavior, but I am ashamed! We are all “poor sinners.” Get over it! Seek forgiveness of your sins now. Then, start working for the Lord and your family and neighbors. Self-pity is unworthy of a Christian. When you are reborn (see John 3:1-7), you are a child of God. You are a co-heir with Jesus for all of God’s eternal blessings. When you defend and work for God, let all persons agree: “There goes a Christian!” Never let anyone doubt that you are a reborn child of God.
Keep informed: If you are poorly informed about facts and issues, you will lose credibility in any discussion you may have with people with pro-abortion views. Knowledge is power!
** Know current news about life issues: LifeNews.com sends free of charge by daily or weekly email an excellent newsletter about abortion and other life issues. Subscribe to this informative service: www.lifenews.com/ .
** Know about Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood is the leading provider of abortions in America. Like lemmings jumping off a cliff, American politicians, members of the fringe (“mainstream”) media, Hollywood fluff-heads, business leaders, feminists, and others unequivocally embrace Planned Parenthood. Know the origins of this organization. It came from a movement to rid the world of an excess of “undesirable” people. People targeted by Margaret Sanger’s genocidal movement included black people. Even so, Obama, America’s first black president, passionately embraces Planned Parenthood’s goals. See such references as: www.ewtn.com/library/prolife/pphistry.txt , AND: www.nrlc.org/news/2004/NRL07/margaret_sanger_and_planned_pare.htm , AND: www.blackgenocide.org/sanger.html .
** Know about fetal development: It is beyond the scope of this newsletter to discuss fetal development. Certain Websites discuss fetal developmental milestones. See representative articles in this Google search: www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS260US261&q=fetal+development .
A remarkable diagnostic tool is 4-D ultrasonography. See examples of 4-D ultrasonograms at: www.layyous.com/ultasound/ultrasound_video.htm .
Any woman who views an ultrasound of her unborn baby, watching limb movements and beating of heart, surely cannot believe an abortionist’s lie that her pregnancy is nothing more than a clump of cells in her womb. This “clump of cells” is most definitely a developing human baby. I serve on the board of directors of my county’s crisis pregnancy (pregnancy resource) center. We cannot afford 4-D sonography equipment, but we have the earlier generation sonography technology. Every month, several abortion-minded women break down in disbelief or tears, after seeing sonograms of their babies. They decide on the table that they cannot kill their babies. This technology saves lives!
Listen to fetal heart beats:
www.fetaldopplerfacts.org/facts/dopplers/fetal-heartbeat-doppler-sounds.php
. Does a “clump of cells” have a
beating heart? Protect our daughters and granddaughters: Being a young person today is enormously difficult. Young people are bombarded with sexual messages and pressures from many sources– peers, the Internet, music, television, and movies. Help protect some semblance of their innocence until adulthood and marriage.
** Fight for God (1 Timothy 6:12a): Fight the good fight of faith…. Fight against those who would destroy the innocence of your children and grandchildren. Even fight ferociously, as a mother bear might fight for the safety of her cubs. Weakness to the point of letting others be destroyed is not a Christian trait. We have developed a gentle Jesus myth. Jesus was gentle, of course, when He came nearly two millennia ago as the Suffering Servant (First Coming). When He returns at the Second Coming (Revelation, chapter 19), He will be King of kings and Lord of lords; He will be mounted on a white steed; He will wear robes soaked in blood; He will carry a sword and a rod of iron; and He will have eyes as blazing fire. He will return to abolish sin with force, not through gentle persuasion. (Although Jesus will use force at His Second Coming to abolish the forces of Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet, we do not have license to use physical force against abortionists. Our "force" must be non-violent at all times.) Take courage and bravely fight the good fight against sin.
** Lead your children by example: A Godly family, in which mother and father live in love and fidelity, will shape children far more than school or books. Even if one parent is missing from the home, the remaining parent can lead the children into virtuous lives by example.
** Take your children to church with you: Reduce teen sexual activity by worshiping at a good church with your sons and daughters. Insist that your church’s youth department do more than sponsor party events. Your sons and daughters need to know the use of sex only in marriage. They need to respect the sanctity of the marital bed, saving themselves only for their spouses. Your sons need to know that other peoples’ daughters and sisters are not placed here just for their sexual gratification– to serve as their sex toys. Your children have only one childhood and only one time to enjoy the innocence of childhood and youth. They grow up far too fast. Help them preserve their innocence as long as possible. Help them develop healthy, God-honoring views about sex and family.
** Girl Scouts and abortion– and an alternative: STOPP International (STOPP = Stop Planned Parenthood) reports a disturbing relationship between some councils of Girl Scouts and Planned Parenthood, radical feminism, and lesbianism. You may argue that girls will learn this information on their own, but we should try to let children reach maturity with some semblance of innocence– and we should teach these matters in homes and churches. See www.stopp.org/scouts/ for more information. Investigate objectionable programs in which the Girl Scouts in your area may teach girls and young women.
The daughters of some Christian families in my community join American Heritage Girls, an alternative to the Girl Scouts. For more information about American Heritage Girls, see: www.ahgonline.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=18722 . American Heritage Girls’ mission is to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. There is no connection of the American Heritage Girls with Planned Parenthood or other abortion-promoting organizations.
As far as I know, the Boy Scouts of America remains an outstanding organization for boys and young men.
** Encourage abstinence until marriage classes: Encourage your church and your children’s schools to emphasize and teach courses on sexual abstinence until marriage.
** Homeschooling/ parochial schools: If your family can afford to home-school your children or send them to a Christian school, you will be amazed at the difference this will make in their lives. A Christ-centered, Christ-honoring education is priceless.
Your purse is a powerful weapon– use it: I keep a mental list of organizations which have announced support for or have been exposed as supporters of Planned Parenthood and other abortion-promoting businesses. I write a pointed email to the business’ CEO, objecting to his/her company’s promotion of the war against unborn babies and vowing never to spend any more money in that company’s business. Importantly, I keep this promise by “walking with my money.” There are in my community stores of several national chains which fund Planned Parenthood, and I drive past them to shop with a competitor. I admit my list is getting longer, but I try not help fund any abortion-promoting business through money I have earned by hard work. I have tried to be ethical in earning that money, and I try to be ethical in spending it.
Your vote is a powerful weapon– use it: Elected officials forget they are your servants and work for you. Please, do not you forget this important master-servant relationship! Do not follow the lead of politicians, most of whom are corrupt (especially at the national level), without a fight. You probably know your country’s needs better than your elected officials do. You almost certainly know God’s will better than the majority of elected officials.
In America, Democrats tend to be pro-abortion and Republicans, pro-life. It may offend a Democrat to vote for a Republican, or vice versa. Vote for issues of importance to you, however, not on party lines. If you vote for any politician– Democrat or Republican– who strongly promotes abortion, you have given that politician your vote of confidence that you, too, support abortion. I personally weigh issues much more strongly than party lines or gimmicky campaign messages. When you enter a polling booth, cast your vote in favor of unborn babies. Unborn babies cannot vote, but you can vote for them.
Demand that your church stand for life: Some of America’s most cowardly men and women seem to stand in church pulpits. Many pastors completely avoid abortion issues because they realize one-fourth of women sitting in their church’s pews have had abortions, and they are too cowardly to mention the subject. And yet, these women often suffer in silence and may be engaging in destructive post-abortion conduct (such as, promiscuity and substance abuse). These women need to know that God’s tender love and mercy extend to them, regardless of their past conduct. They need to know how to have their sins forgiven (and forgotten) by God. Any post-abortion woman in church who suffers guilt hears from Satan, not God. Satan, the Accuser, burdens these women with guilt for past deeds, and keeps them from enjoying full relationship of joy and service in God’s Kingdom. A church should break Satan’s hold on these women.
If your pastor will not reach out to these hurting women, remind him/her that he/she is not serving God. Speak boldly (yes, even to a pastor). Polls show that a large and increasing number of the clergy are becoming apostate. If necessary, remind him/her of this frightening warning (Matthew 7:21 -23): [Jesus said] "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day [Judgment Day], 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'”
Remember: If your church stands for nothing, it will fall for anything.
Ask your pastor to consider, as a minimum:
Observe Sanctity of Life Sunday: Sanctity of Life Sunday is observed in America on the Sunday before January 22. (January 22 is the infamous day in 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court decided the Roe v Wade and Doe v Bolton cases.) Sanctity of Life Sunday this year will be January 17, 2010. Ask for a pro-life sermon, or at least a pro-family sermon, on this Sunday. There are pro-life sermons posted on the Internet. For example, your pastor can go to SermonCentral.com, www.sermoncentral.com . At this site, type in “abortion” in the key word search box, and more than sixty prepared sermons will be available to be preached in your church. Or, if your pastor emails me, I will even write a pro-life sermon for him/her.
Ask for life- and family-affirming activities for your church that Sanctity of Life week. Our nation is stained with the blood of innocent unborn babies; our families are crumbling. Your pastor needs to lead your congregation’s families into the righteousness demanded by God!
Programs to strengthen marriages and families: Ask your pastor to provide programs and training to build strong marriages and families. Satan is attacking marriages and families with a vengeance. If our families fail, our churches and nation will fail.
Programs for young people: Ask your youth minister to teach your church’s young people about abstinence until marriage (using the gift of sex in a manner pleasing to God); preparation for marriage; and similar issues. As peer pressures mount and popular culture deteriorates, the morality of many young people is in serious decline. Building strong, morally upright young people for the future is of critical importance.
Deaf pastors: I wrote previously about “walking” with your money or votes to support pro-life endeavors. If your pastor refuses to affirm innocent life and families from the pulpit and refuses to reach out to women who are pregnant or suffer post-abortion distress, is it time for you to find another church?
If your pastor is deaf to your pleas that your church must stand up for life issues, he/she will not hear the door close when you leave for another church, a church which preaches the Bible with authority and boldness. Find a pastor who is not ashamed to declare, “Thus saith the Lord….”
Sow your spiritual seed in fertile ground, if you hope to share in the end-time harvest of souls. Jesus taught us the Parable of the Sower, which I am taking liberty in deviating from its original intention by this presentation. In this parable (Matthew 13:18-23), Jesus said seed was sown. Some seed fell on stony ground, where it could not grow. Some seed fell among weeds, where it was choked out. Some seed fell on good ground, and it produced a harvest. Every Christian has seeds (spiritual gifts and love). If you sow your spiritual seeds in a “stony” or “weedy” church, you may have difficulty in reaping a spiritual harvest of souls. If you sow your seeds in a “good” church, your harvest of souls can be great. You only have one life to invest for the Lord. Invest it wisely in a good church, a church which actively works for the Lord.
Advertiser accountability: The influence of television on Americans should never be underestimated. Programs stay on the air through sale of advertisement time to corporations. These corporations want you to watch the program and hear their commercial messages. They do not wish to offend you. If you are offended by the content of a program, contact the advertising corporation and complain. Have friends, family, and church members also complain. Virtually every advertiser has a Website, which will have a “Contact Us” section. Many major corporations/ advertisers can be found on the “All My Faves” Website, www.allmyfaves.com/ . Click on the company’s logo, and you will be directed to that company’s Website. Remember to be forceful and bold, but maintain Christian language.
Good news– and challenges: Recently, there is good news.
** Polls from several polling corporations show that a majority of Americans now claim to be pro-life– the first time this has happened since abortion was legalized. Americans claiming to be pro-life increased by seven per cent during the first nine months of the presidency of the most ardent pro-abortion president America has ever had– Barack Hussein Obama. Pro-life advocates are beginning to turn public sentiment against abortion, and we are starting to win! Keep up the pressure on politicians who represent you! Now, is the time for a bloodless (non-violent) revolution in America! America will not survive, unless we elect God-fearing leaders who regard the pleas of God-fearing constituents. I ask your forgiveness if you are offended by mild swearing, but I wish to repeat a line from the 1976 movie, Network, said by the movie character Howard Beale: “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” We may start to change the political culture in America, when you and I really tell our government and corporate leaders that we will no longer tolerate the slaughter of unborn babies and we demand change NOW!
** Some abortion clinics are closing or are reducing advertising budgets and clinic hours because of the steady opposition of local pro-life groups. If we start making the previously lucrative abortion business less profitable, many will close. We can, then, start ministering to women in Christian love.
Other projects: There are other projects in which your church can participate. For example, my wife and I will participate in two pro-life events just this month: (1) A community-wide peaceful Prayer Life Chain will be held, in which many hundreds of Christians from our church and other congregations will stand along the busiest parkway in our county, praying, and holding signs with pro-life messages. For more information, see: http://nationallifechain.org . (2) My church has organized and will sponsor a Walk for Life. Each participant pays a small “entry fee,” which is divided equally among our county’s right-to-life chapter and the pregnancy resource (crisis pregnancy) center. Also, consider 40 Days for Life: Persons from around the nation are gathering for forty days (September 23 – November 1, 2009) to pray for life. For more information, see: www.40daysforlife.com .
Your church can devise and participate in pro-life projects to raise community awareness and much-needed financial support of non-profit organizations reaching out to pregnant women.
Pray: Believe that prayer will be effective (James 5:16b): The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Pray for several needs, including:
** Pregnant women considering abortion, that the Holy Spirit will touch their hearts to convince them that the precious children in their wombs are gifts from God, not burdens.
** Abortionists and other abortion clinic workers to convict them of the carnage they inflict upon little babies and to cause them to work as others in the medical field are called to do– to save, not destroy lives. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead them to salvation.
** America (or your country) that our land will no longer be polluted with the blood of innocent persons.
** For leaders to have the wisdom and courage to remove the curse of abortion from our land.
** For healing of our nation, that we will reserve sexual activity to marriage and will no longer kill unborn babies to cover our mistakes of improper sexual activity (2 Chronicles 7:14): [The LORD said] “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
If you are pregnant and do not know how to pray: Prayer is nothing more than talking to God, who is your Father in Heaven. If you do not know how to pray but want to pray for God’s guidance, I will write a first prayer for you. Repeat as much of the prayer to which you agree and feel represents your own thoughts. Next time, say your own words to God. You can pray with others, if you desire, but we are also taught to pray alone, directing our thoughts only to God (Matthew 6:6): [Jesus said] “… When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father [God] who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
A PRAYER FOR GOD'S GUIDANCE Dear Heavenly Father, my God in Heaven: Father, I need your help now. I am pregnant, and troubled by doubts. Can I– should I– give birth to my baby? Please help me. I am so lonely and frightened. Please put Your strong, loving arms around me. Hold me safe and secure. Comfort me. Speak to my heart. I am sad and hurting. I cry out to You: Please help me! Show me Your purpose for my life– and Your purpose for my unborn baby's life. Wipe the tears from my eyes. Give me hope. Return joy and laughter to my life. I am confused. As I pray to You and read Your words written to me in The Holy Bible, open my eyes and ears; clear my mind of all distractions; and focus my thoughts only on You, myself, and my baby. I want to know Your perfect will for my life and this pregnancy. I need to talk to people who love me. Send people into my life now who will love me and give me good advice– advice offered in love and best wishes for me and my baby. Keep Satan and persons who carry Satan’s lies away from me. I need understanding from others. Open the hearts of those who love me, especially my family. I ask that they will shower me with unconditional love, regardless of any mistakes I have made. I need strength. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will always be by my side to give me courage, guidance, and strength– and to comfort me. Open my mind and heart, that I may clearly hear the Holy Spirit’s gentle and loving voice, as He speaks to me. I need peace in my life. The Bible promises "peace that passes all understanding" to those who seek and know You. I turn my cares over to You. Calm the conflicts raging in my mind. Jesus promised to take burdens from my shoulders, and carry them on His shoulders. I give my burdens to Him. With His help, I believe I can bear the load I now feel. Please bring me peace and rest. Father, without You, I can do nothing; but with You, I can do anything. Be with me at all times, and most especially now. Show me what decisions I should make now, and be with me the rest of my life. Please forgive me of my sins. Please guide, help, and strengthen me, that I will not commit these sins again. Holy God, I love You as Father, as Son, and as Holy Spirit. Thank You for all You have done for me in the past; thank You for all You are going do for me now; and thank You for all You will do for me in the future. I know that if I trust You, the best days of my life are ahead. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, I pray. Amen. WWJD? It was popular several years ago to have bumper stickers or bracelets, which bore the letters WWJD (standing for What Would Jesus Do?). I personally do not care much for slogans, but this question raises an important issue. If Jesus were living on Earth today, what would He do?
I believe: ** He would love all persons, including women who are considering an abortion or who have had an abortion. ** He would try to turn these women’s hearts toward God, the Father. ** He would be heartbroken that millions of unborn babies are aborted each year. ** He would speak out boldly against abortion. ** He would warn any person who performs abortions or actively promotes abortion that he/she may forfeit his/her soul for encouraging others to sin through taking the lives of innocent unborn babies.
An important distinction: An important distinction must be made. I believe a woman who makes a mistake and has an abortion, sins, but this sin can be forgiven and forgotten by God. We all sin, and God's grace is always available for us. I believe, though, that any person who misuses his/her talents by working in an abortion clinic or who promotes and defends the practice of abortion, may sin to such a degree that he/she may lose his/her soul. It is fearful to disobey God day after day, year after year. If you work in an abortion clinic or support abortion activities, please repent before it is too late. Fall to your knees in prayer, and use your medical knowledge to save– not destroy– lives. Use your advocacy skills to protect– not kill– lives.
In the spirit of the title of this WWJD section, ask these questions: ** Would Jesus perform abortions? ** Would Jesus advise young women to have abortions? ** If Jesus were elected to a public office, would he promote and vote for abortion programs? (This question in itself is intriguing for another reason. Do you believe Jesus could win an election?)
WWJD may not be such a bad question, after all, and it certainly applies to the abortion debate.
SOME GOOD NEWS AND HOPE– SOME CHALLENGES: Pro-lifers are making some progress (at least in the United States). For example:
** The number of abortions performed annually, even though alarmingly high, is actually decreasing a little.
** For the first time since the 1970s, recent polls show that a majority of Americans are now pro-life.
We are starting to win, but we have much work ahead of us. For example:
** The federal government in all three branches is strongly pro-abortion. Obama is the most adamantly pro-abortion president we have had. The Pelosi-Reid Congress is probably the most pro-abortion congress in our history. The Supreme Court maintains at least a strong 5-4 pro-abortion majority. We can expect no relief from executive orders, legislation, or court interpretations. “We the People,” to use a phrase becoming less and less remembered, must do the things that need to be done in our homes and communities, ignoring Washington’s errors and blunders.
** Planned Parenthood continues to rake in huge sums of money from governments, corporations, and private donors.
** Voices in the entertainment and news media business are strongly pro-abortion and belittle persons with pro-life and pro-marriage views. I hope Americans watched David Letterman’s “confession” about committing serial adultery with women who worked as his assistants, while being married and having a young son. The audience laughed, cheered, and applauded. Shame! Or, Hollywood celebrities defended movie director Roman Polanski, who admittedly drugged and sodomized a thirteen-year old girl, arguing that he should not be held accountable for this heinous crime because he is so talented. Again, shame!
** Many young people are morally bankrupt, unashamedly and unrepentantly defiling the sanctity of the marriage bed.
** More than one-million unborn babies are ripped apart, thrown in garbage bags, and incinerated each year in America.
** The “healthcare reform” bill, soon to come out of Congress, likely will provide funding for abortions. Pro-life taxpayers will witness their taxes being used for abortions. Read more about the healthcare bill and abortion funding: www.nrlc.org/AHC/Index.html .
Even though the fight is hard, join the fight for life and do not despair (Galatians 6:9): And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. And (2 Thessalonians 3:13): But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
How do you contact your elected officials? Find the postal mailing and email addresses and telephone numbers of your elected federal and state officials at www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml . Express your opinions in your own words. Be forceful, but polite. Strongly urge protection for unborn children. Never threaten violence.
Abortion is a challenge for Christians living in the last days. Without opposition, any evil practice will easily flourish. Stand up and speak out for things that are right! You are the voice for unborn babies who have no voice. You speak for Jesus in His absence.
IF YOU ARE NOW PREGNANT AND ARE CONSIDERING AN ABORTION… IF YOU HAVE EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING AN ABORTION (POST-ABORTION SYNDROME):
Pregnant? Post-abortion syndrome? If you are pregnant and think abortion is the only solution for your situation, there are several options for you. If you suffer post-abortion symptoms (guilt, depression, and so forth), there are also several options for you.
Pastoral support: Talk over your pregnancy with your pastor. You may be embarrassed, but he/she has heard even more than this. You need to be shown the heritage of the next generation the Lord entrusted to you for your care.
Pregnancy resource centers: Scattered throughout America are pregnancy resource centers (crisis pregnancy centers). Christian women counselors, some of whom may have had abortions themselves, will arrange for a pregnancy test, perhaps an ultrasound examination of your baby, and explain options to you. There are more options than abortion. You may be given financial support (such as, infant formula and diapers). Some of these centers can be found at: www.pregnancycenters.org ; or, 1.800.395.HELP.
Professional care: You may need professional help for post-abortion symptoms. Do not hesitate to ask your family, personal physician, or local emotional health services for help.
I re-emphasize: If you are pregnant and considering an abortion, or if you grieve because of a past abortion, there are people in your community waiting to help you. God is always available to you through prayer. Don’t face this burden alone.
IF YOU TRULY REQUIRE AN ABORTION: There are instances in which a mother’s life is endangered because of a continued pregnancy. With modern obstetrical care and medical advances, such instances are rare. Discuss such situations with God (prayer), your husband (if present), and your obstetrician(s). God surely will understand, if you are faced with such a sad dilemma and choose abortion in order to stay alive as your family’s wife and mother.
INVOLVEMENT IN LOCAL GROUPS: There are groups in your community which can use your participation, assistance, and financial support. These groups include:
** Right-to-life organizations: To find a right-to-life chapter near you, go to: www.nrlc.org/states/index.html . Click on your state, to find your state right-to-life chapter. From the state site, you can locate the county right-to-life chapter nearest to your home.
** Pregnancy resource centers: Go to: www.pregnancycenters.org/advantage.asp . Answer a few questions online about your location, and you will be shown the center nearest to your home.
FINALLY– listen to a beautiful pro-life song: Kathy Troccoli has written a beautiful, touching song, A Baby’s Prayer. This song is written as though an unborn baby prays for his/her mother and for life, after hearing the mother discuss an upcoming abortion. Listen to this song (with tissues handy) at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fJF_vdt3hw. I wish every abortion-minded woman would first listen to this You Tube clip.
MUCH MORE: I wish I had the space to discuss this topic in even greater detail. There are many ways to serve God, pregnant women, and your community. Please find one or more of these ways, and defend life.
DISCLAIMER: I cite only references that you, an email subscriber, can access– The Holy Bible and Websites. I believe information from these Websites is accurate, but Internet sources can contain errors. Exercise discernment, as you read these sites. Take courage, though. We will win!
CONTACT ME: If you have questions, comments, or especially if you need to know how to become a Christian, please contact me. I will be honored to try to help you in any way possible.
Raymond Finney 2119 Middlewood Drive – Maryville, Tennessee U.S.A. raymondfinney@ymail.com – (865) 984.1424
Unless otherwise stated, Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version.
May God bless and protect you and your family. Maranatha! Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20b)
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