Abortion is a Biblical (Not Political) Issue

On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court issued a 7-2 decision in the case known as "Roe vs. Wade." Their decision was in favor of Norma McCorvey (alias "Jane Roe") and held that women in the United States have a constitutional right to choose whether or not to have abortions without excessive government restriction. Their decision struck down an abortion ban in the state of Texas. Interestingly, in 1998, Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe) revealed that she had experienced a religious conversion, which resulted in a change of heart and her ultimate opposition to abortion.

Abortion continues to be a "hot" topic among politicians and political groups today, but abortion is NOT a political topic... it is a biblical one!  Only God is the Giver of life and no man has the right to end a life whether by abortion, infanticide, genocide, senicide, suicide or any other means. Former President, Ronald Reagan understood the balance of religion and politics. He stated with great wisdom, "We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life - the unborn - without diminishing the value of all human life."  We must see the sacred value in ALL human life.

Each year, around the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, churches across America take time to remember those people who never experienced life outside the womb, due to abortion.  It is estimated that 6 million Jews were exterminated in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and 30 million people died under Stalin's tyranny in the Soviet Union; but America surpasses their combined total with over 60 million lives having been lost to abortion since 1973. 

Many women claim they have the right to decide what happens to their body, but Mother Teresa said, "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." Ronald Reagan noted that, "Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born."  The former US Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, stated that not once in his entire medical career, did he ever see one instance in which an abortion was necessary to save a mother's life. The truth is that abortion is not a medical issue, it is a biblical issue. It is not a medical decision -- it is a selfish one. 

The following bumper sticker slogans give cause for contemplation. "Aren't you glad your mother was pro-life?" "Abortion doesn't make you unpregnant, it makes you the mother of a dead child." "If it's not a baby, then you're not pregnant." "Abortion stops a beating heart." And one of my favorites, "As a former fetus, I oppose abortion." 

The topics of abortion & adoption have prompted several projects by pro-life / anti-abortion film makers:

• Bella (2006)
• Meet the Robinson's (2007) - Theme based around adoption
• Horton Hears a Who (2008) - Theme is "A person's a person, no matter how small"
• October Baby (2011) - Powerful story of an abortion survivor
• Crescendo (2011) - Powerful short film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CafJJNETvqM&feature=youtu.be
• Gosnell (2018) - Based on true story of abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell
• Unplanned (2019) - Based on the true story of Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood employee
• AKA Jane Roe (2020) - Interview with Norma McCorvey about her journey from pro-choice to pro-life
• Final on my list is The Silent Scream (1984) in which a former abortionist teaches about the specifics of the suction abortion.

Realizing that the Bible has been proven to be supernatural by archeology, history, science and prophecy; take time to see what it says on the matter. The absolute truth of Scripture trumps any argument based on moral or cultural relativism. I've included a few pro-life Bible verses below and a link to many more:

• Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." 
• Ps 139:13-16 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place... 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." 
• Ex 20:13 - "Thou shalt not kill (murder)"

Click the following link to see more Scriptures - https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/scriptures-advocating-for-the-pre-born/

It is our prayer that Christ-followers would put their politics and political correctness aside to consider what God's Holy Word says on this matter of abortion. We pray that your view regarding the "sanctity of life" will be shaped by the truth of God's Word, rather than politics and culture.

On this anniversary of "Roe vs. Wade," let's take some time to pray for those women who are still struggling with grief and guilt following their decision to abort; for those women who are currently deciding between life, death and/or adoption; for children & families who have experienced adoption; for those medical personnel that care for these women; for Christians to have the courage to follow the teaching of Scriptures; and for our nation to truly understand that ALL LIVES MATTER.

Christians Should be Uniters; Not Dividers

The world has lost its mind, but that does not mean the Church should follow suit.  2020 was like a rerun of the early 1960's with racial tension, political aggression, and much social unrest. Add to that COVID-19, differences of opinion regarding a vaccine, and a presidential election; and you have a powder keg just waiting to blow. So, is there any hope for our seemingly broken, polarized and fractured nation? Let me answer it with an illustration.

Have you ever been in an auto accident?  I have. I was hit in the backend, while sitting still at a traffic light. You could look through my trunk and see my dashboard. Long story made short, I thought my Toyota was totaled! The insurance adjuster thought otherwise. The body shop tech (my brother-in-law at Pro-Quality Collision) said, "I can fix it." He is great at what he does, but I had some doubts. A couple of weeks later, I picked-up my car and it looked brand new. The insurance adjuster and the technician could look beyond the damage and see what was required to fix my car. In comparison, God can not only "fix" our broken nation and world; but HE said, "Behold, I make all things new."

In Ephesians 2:11-18, the Apostle Paul was addressing division in the Church at Ephesus. The Jewish converts believed circumcision was required for salvation and the Gentiles objected. The issue was settled by the Jerusalem Council in AD 49 and should have removed the division, but Paul still had to address it in the Book of Ephesians, written in AD 64. It was 15 years later and they were still divided and arguing. Finally, Paul states in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works.  He states that God has reconciled all people to himself, into ONE body, through the cross! That statement should end all division in the Church; but sadly, Christians still struggle with it today.

Let's consider a few types of divisions that harm the Church (and families)...

- Preferential divisions

• Cars - Ford or Chevy
• Sandwiches - cut horizontal or diagonal
• Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy
• Toilet Paper - over or under
• Pizza - thin crust or thick
• And don't forget sports teams!

Preferences should never be allowed to divide a church, a family, or be used to draw lines in the sand.

- Political divisions

• Republicans vs. Democrats
• Conservatives vs. Liberals
• Capitalists vs. Socialists 

One of the most faithful men I know served as the Sheriff in Darlington County, SC for 24 years. He ran on a Democratic ticket (I'm a registered Republican), but we had a mutual love and respect for each other. In fact, I was honored to serve as his Pastor for 14 years and we still remain dear friends today. Another friend of mine is a Democratic State Senator in SC. We disagree on politics, but we both love Jesus, we love each other (and that man can preach)! I have a long list of people that have different views than me regarding politics; BUT most on that list love Jesus, so that means we love and respect each other. 

Rather than focusing on our differences, we choose to focus on the mission that unites us! Christ-followers should put our trust in God, We should never let the kingdoms or earth divide the citizens of heaven!

- Theological divisions

• Baptists - Independent, Southern, Cooperative, American, General...
• Baptism - Immersion, Sprinkling, Pouring...
• Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian & more.
• The list of differences goes on -- Worship Styles, Bible versions, and more.

Bottom-line -- As long as we agree on the "7 Fundamentals of the Faith," nothing else is really significant. Far too often, Christians focus on what divides us, rather than on the mission that unites us. 

Allow me to make a few key points for your consideration on the topic of unity:

1.  Unity is powerful! 

• 1 drop of water can't do much; but put those drops together and they form a river than can carve through the rocks.
• 1 termite can't do much; but a colony of termites can take down a house.
• 1 person can't move a large fallen tree; but many people can push that tree with ease.
• 1 person can make a difference; but a united Church can impact the world for eternity!

2.  Unity is NOT uniformity!

• Bodies have many different parts; but joined together, they form & function as a whole.
• Brides & bridegrooms are very different, but you can't have one without the other and together they form a marriage.
• Families have a moms, dads, kids, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, etc. They are all very different, but together they make-up a family.

3.  Unity is NOT optional!

• An organization that does not work together will become defunct.
• A dismembered body cannot function.
• The Body of Christ must be unified.
• A Church that is divided is a terrible representation of Christ to this world.
• 2 Cor. 5:20 - ...we are ambassadors (representatives) for Christ... imploring people to be reconciled to God.

So, what am I telling the world about my God, by the way I respond to politics, racism, violence, hunger, refugees, etc.?  We must be united in our mission, rather than divided over our differences!

God, help me to see people as you see them and to love them as you love them -- UNCONDITIONALLY! 

Something's wrong with this picture!

Has anyone noticed how freely our culture throws around terms like intolerant, politically incorrect, and bigoted at those who express their thoughts and opinions on almost anything except Christianity? Don't dare crack a joke about Jews, Muslims, gays, or ethnicity. Sports casters, news anchors, and radio talk show hosts have been fired for such comments; but let a late night talk show host bash Christians and for some reason that is acceptable.

Consider all of the controversy around Tim Tebow. Tebow proved that he can play in the NFL, was kept while Kyle Orton was traded, and Denver's sorry start turned into a run for the playoffs. Rather than praising him, many keep bashing him for his faith. Terms such as "Tebowing" were introduced because of his prayer posture, SNL aired a blasphemous skit, and other professionals were very unprofessional.

Well... I'm tired of "Christian bashing" being acceptable. America was founded as a Christian nation, we have a rich Christian heritage, our judicial system is based on Judeo-Christian ethic, American schools taught children to read using the New England Primer (which contained Bible verses), and the list goes on! This nation is great, because "In God We Trust!" So, as a Christian and as an American, I want someone to explain the picture below:

Why are anti-Christian bigots so eager to prey on Tim Tebow?

You have got to read this commentary by Todd Starnes. He points out that we would never be permitted to treat a Muslim, or a minority, the way that people are treating Tim Tebow due to his Christian faith. Click on the following link to read the post http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/?s=tebow&x=3&y=4

Congratulations President Obama on another first

Congratulations on so many "firsts" Mr. President! Just to name a few, you are the first mixed race president (1.20.09), the first President to skip the Salute to Heroes Ball, honoring Medal of Honor recipients (1.21.09), the first President to bow to a Saudi King (4.2.2009), the first President to brew beer in the White House (2.6.11), first President to host "transgender" meeting at White House (5.5.11), first President to fail so miserably in providing economic leadership that the US Credit Rating has been downgraded for the first time in our history from AAA (8.5.11).

Among the reasons cited by S&P were our political instability and increasing debt. If the US Treasury Note is not a AAA value, then what is? But, even the world is watching our lack of leadership and growing debt! I'm no National Debt expert, but according to my personal calculations, the National Debt can be broken down approximately as follows: per taxpayer is $1,026,138; per citizen is $176,281; and per family is $669,103. When President Bush left office, the National Debt was approx. $10 trillion, and in just three years under President Obama, we are now over $14 trillion and climbing! Just to pay the interest on the National Debt would cost every US citizen approximately $11,644 annually -- that's just to service the interest on the debt! At what point will we stop the insanity and think about the future? Again, I am not a National Debt expert, so you may want to do your own calculations; but these numbers are astounding.

So, again, congratulations Mr. President on leading the United States of America to another first. God help us!

Debt Ceiling Debate is Political Maneuvering

As Washington continues to bicker over the Debt Ceiling, I grow increasingly tired of seeing the American people used as political pawns. The rhetoric used by the President and Speaker Boehner during their televised comments just fueled the fire last night. This whole debate is ALL ABOUT POLITICS! Have we forgotten that John Boehner and Harry Reid had already agreed to a 6 month plan, but President Obama would not accept it. He didn't want this topic to come up during the 2012 election year. Obama KNOWS what is best for the country, as evidenced by his 2006 vote AGAINST RAISING THE DEBT CEILING when he was a US Senator. In fact, the Democrats in the Senate voted unanimously AGAINST it. The President has proven his ability to flip-flop on the issues, but he still offers no real leadership and has offered no plan of his own to date. He offers no original thoughts and simply criticizes anything that doesn't carry through the reelection year --- What does that tell you? It tells me that he is more concerned about keeping his office, than doing what's best for the country.

To add more fuel to the fire, it was reported this morning that General Electric (GE), the 4th largest company in the US is moving its headquarters to China. What an irony that the CEO of GE, Jeffrey Immelt, is the Chairman of President Obama's "Council for Jobs and Competitiveness." It is also ironic that GE has avoided paying taxes? So, by "balanced approach," the President really means we "MUST" increase taxes on the wealthy, so he can continue granting tax break favors to his friends (like Immelt) and corporations such as GE. More political games and no wonder no one believes what he says!

These debt ceiling discussions (in my opinion) are nothing but political maneuvering, without any real consideration of what is best for our country. Our credit rating is at risk, the economic recovery is at risk, and the reelection of those in Washington should be at risk! It's time to make some serious changes in Washington. My suggestion is term limits for all politicians, so they get back to representing the people, rather than protecting their reelection to office.

More "Separation of Church and State" Nonsense

I am so tired of hearing people misquote the Constitution with regard to the "Separation of Church and State." This morning, I was watching another debate over removing the Ten Commandments from schools in Giles County, VA and heard the CNN anchor state that this was a First Amendment issue, dealing with the separation of Church and State. FALSE! On any other topic, the media would check the facts; but they seem ignorantly content with misquoting the First Amendment. The words "Separation of Church and State" DO NOT even appear in the First Amendment!

The words, "Separation of Church and State," were first used by Thomas Jefferson in his letter of response to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802. The group was concerned that the government would breach its boundaries and try to interfere in religion. They wanted to keep the State out of the Church. President, Thomas Jefferson, responded, "...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make 'no law respecting and establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church and State."

In its true context, the First Amendment is to protect the freedom of religion by keeping the State out of the Church. Even Wikipedia gets this one right, "...the amendment prohibits the making of any law respecting an "establishment of religion," impeding the free exercise of religion, infringing on the freedom of speech," etc. The desire for a freedom of religion (without government interference) goes back to the Pilgrims, and is one of the premises upon which this country was founded.

So, why do we allow people to continually misquote and misuse the First Amendment? When will we demand that the First Amendment be properly interpreted? Evidence of the UNITY between Church and State is all over Washington, DC and woven deep into the fabric of our nation! Remember our national motto, "In God We Trust."

What Happened to Common Sense in America?

Why are those patriotic Americans who are outraged by recent anti-American displays being labeled as intolerant, racists, hatemongers, etc.? Could it be that plain old common sense is not as common as it used to be in America? Consider the examples that follow:

• On July 4, 2010, the day America celebrated her Independence, Mexican flags were flown and prayers offered up in Spanish in the city of Hyrum, Utah. While there is nothing wrong with the Mexican flag or the Spanish language, there is something terribly wrong and offensive about the timing of such displays during an Independence Day parade. That showed a terrible lack of common sense.
  
• At Ground Zero in New York City, a mosque is being proposed. Those speaking out with patriotic concerns, and/or with respect for the 9/11 victims and their families are being branded as predjudice, intolerant and racists. Such comments reveal poor judgment, a lack of sensitivity, too much effort to be politically correct, and a terrible lack of common sense.


• Muslim Day has been hosted annually at Six Flags since 2000. This year, the celebration will be held on September 12 -- the 9/11 weekend! According to a report on Fox News, the group setting up the event (ICNA - Islamic Circle of North America) is suspected of contributing financially to the 9/11 attacks, has anti-American sentiment posted on their website, and is known to have contributed financially to Hamas. So, why are those opposing Muslim Day at Six Flags being labeled intolerant? It sounds like their concerns are simply a display of common sense.


• Giving illegal aliens the same benefits as tax paying citizens is ludicrous. This kind of stupidity enrages hardworking Americans. Let's help them file the paperwork to become legal, then let them work for the American dream. Giving free benefits to illegals makes as much sense as paying unemployed people almost as much to stay home, as they would make working for two years. Simple common sense will tell you that unemployment is going to rise under those conditions.

Common sense reminds me that I had no part in selecting my place of birth, but I am proud and blessed to be an American. I thank God for the freedoms that I enjoy and for those who fought for them. While America is hated by some, common sense reminds us that we are a nation that others will risk everything to be part of. Many Haitians and Cubans risked everything, on small boats and homemade rafts just for a chance to live in America. Mexicans cross our borders daily for the chance at a better life. Jamaicans, Guatemalans, Puerto Ricans, and so many others "choose" to live in the USA. In fact, common sense reminds me that my ancestors, like most of your ancestors, "chose" to live here and can be traced back through the lines of Ellis Island.

I am proud to be an American and agree with Aaron Tippin ..."I pledge allegiance to this flag, and if that bothers you, well that's too bad." Common sense tells us that no one is forced to live in the USA and the door of freedom swings both ways.

Religion and Politics...

Christians SHOULD be involved in politics! Seems too many people have believed the lie, "Separation of Church and State" as it has been fed to us over the past several decades. The original intent was NOT to keep the church out of the government, but rather to keep the government out of the church!

I don't care if you are Democrat, Republican, Tea Party, coffee drinker, or sand bagger --if you are a Christian, your worldview and biblical beliefs should override all party lines! Christ-followers should be voting according to biblical truths and values, not according to a political party. Some say Christians have no place in politics -- I DISAGREE! The Constitution, our legal system, the inscriptions in Washington, and more -- ALL prove that America was founded as a Christian nation! So, Christians should be actively involved in politics, running for office, and exercising their right to vote.

Too many professing Christians are worried about being "politically correct." Others are just ignorant on the issues. The recent health care issue was a great example. There was no question that health care needed to be fixed, but how could ANY believer vote for health care reform that opened the door for abortion? The Bible teaches that God hates murder and specifically in Prov. 6, it mentions "those who shed innocent blood." During the Health Care vote, the United Methodist Church was listed in support of the bill. How could any Christian, much less an entire denomination, offer support to a political issue that stands in contradiction to biblical instruction?

In the early 1980's, the Moral Majority brought Bible believing people together (across denominational lines), and encouraged people to vote in line with biblical teachings. That movement made an impact on our nation! Who will rise up to unite the body of Christ on political matters now that Jerry Falwell, D. James Kennedy, and other godly men have passed off the scene? If God did raise someone up, I wonder how many "professing" Christians would attack that person because he or she is not of their denomination, they worship differently, they use a different Bible version, has read books by authors they don't approve of, or attended a church growth conference they think is "satanic." We can't even get along with each other... how are we supposed to stand united against our common adversary? (1 Peter 5:8)

I encourage true Christ-followers to put God first, put your differences aside, and start working to make America once again, "One Nation Under God."