Sanctity of Life In A Culture Of Death
January 16, 2005
Intro: Today is sanctity of human life Sunday. We recognize today the need for Christians to respond to the social issues facing us. Today, I hope you hear a message of hope, challenge and grace.
Since 1973 when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in the Roe vs. Wade decision 35 million lives of unborn children have been lost. For most of us, the right and wrong of this issue is not in debate. But often we are not sure how to respond.
Today I want to share three aspects of this debate that are key to a Christ-like response.
I. God is a lover of life
No matter how we may view God, scripture points out to us that he loves life.
“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb.”
Psalm 139:13 (The Message)
If God formed us and created us, it stands to reason that we are of value to him.
“This is what the LORD says—he who made you, who formed you in the womb.” Isaiah 44:2 (NIV)
Jesus made it clear that he came to give life.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10 (NIV)
Paul, when sharing the message of God to the philosophers of Athens put it this way:
“ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of you own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:28(NIV)
The point of all of these passages is that God creates life and loves life.
II. Man is a destroyer of life.
Our culture has placed less and less value on life. We are a culture fascinated by death.
From the earliest time, man has struggled with choosing death over life.
The first death is a murder of one brother by another.
“Now Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let’s go out into the field.’ And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”
Genesis 4:8 (NIV)
Man is fascinated by death. Our society becomes more and more violent. In 2004, the top 10 video games listed have killing or violence as a major theme. A review of some of the top rated television shows indicate shows with violence and death as a backdrop.
So, how does a Christian live with a view of sanctity of life in this kind of culture?
III. Christians are called to respond
God has a plan for Christians and a model for how we are to live our lives.
“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8(NIV)
God’s desire for us is to live just and merciful lives recognizing who he is and who we are not.
The Message version of this verse puts it this way:
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.” Micah 6:8(The Message)
Unfortunately, when it comes to social issues and Christians, we show justice without mercy.
Christians who kill abortion doctors, who blow-up clinics and who are violent in their protests are not following God’s model.
Perhaps, even worse, is the judgment and shame that Christians level at those who have had abortions.
One way that our church has decided to help in this area is through support of Care Net. We desire to make a difference in our culture, so we support a ministry focused on a godly alternative to abortion.
Countryside supports Care Net monthly in our mission budget, as well as with members of our church who regularly volunteer.
Kay Krivanek is going to come and give you an overview of Care Net’s ministry in the past year.
**Stats from Care Net
In 2004, Care Net, with the help of almost 50 volunteers from 25 different churches, provided:
• 1,112 client visits
• 237 attending Parenting classes
• 2,328 students attended abstinence presentations
• HIV testing for 112 clients
• Ultrasounds for 106 clients
• 48 clients this year were abortion vulnerable
• Only 6 have aborted that are known
• 90% of the clients who come in abortion vulnerable choose life after counseling and especially after ultrasound. To date there have been 24 lives saved in 2004
• 121 were born again Christians (1 in 6 of those who seek abortions)
• 107 accepted Christ as their personal savior through the Counselors at Care Net
• 7 are intending to place for adoption
We support Care Net and we desire for you to be involved in the work of this great ministry.
But what about those of you dealing with past choices. We see all too often women and men who have been involved in an abortion feel guilt and shame that stunts their relationship to Christ. We want you to know that today, you can be free from your hidden shame through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Scripture tells us that God is waiting to bring healing and forgiveness into your life.
“Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Jesus Christ the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
“But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
1 John 2:1-2 (NIV)
Today, you can have God’s forgiveness. No matter how guilty and shameful you feel, God is waiting for you.
We have two ladies today who have been where you are. They have dealt with the pain and shame and they are here to help you.
Today, we want to model what scripture teaches us, justice and mercy, recognizing only Christ can free us from this culture of death.
