Abortion
Father of Baby Killed in Abortion Distraught, Wanted to Be a Dad by Steven Ertelt
Some Positive News on the Abortion Front by Jordan Gonzalez
Bioethics
Not with a bang, but a whimper: the quiet demise of embryonic stem cell research by Michael Cook
Boy, 2, is the first to have cerebral palsy “successfully treated” using stem cells … now walking and talking – An amazing story of the successful use of stem cells from this boy’s umbilical cord. (While it always unfortunate to see the use of the phrase “vegetative state” –no human being is ever a vegetable–the content of the story is encouraging.)
Family Living
Now we can call him Dad by Judie Gulley – “What kind of man would marry a widow with 11 small children? Alice Lasack sometimes ponders that question as she stands in the kitchen of her family home in the small town of Lost Nation, Iowa, and stares out the window. And she remembers.” Now this is a wonderful story!
Worldview and Culture
Rotten to the core? by Joel Belz – “Pervasive corruption could be harder to correct than wrongdoing at the top.”
Things Christians Must Never Do
by James M. Kushiner, Executive Director, Fellowship of St. James (6/4/13)
This morning, dutifully following the St. James Devotional Guide, I turned in Leviticus (ok, not my favorite book), to chapter 18. I was startled by its timely message.
This chapter opens, “And the Lord said to Moses”: “Say to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord your God.’”
Then, a prelude introduces the commandments which fill the chapter: “You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall do my ordinances and keep my commandments and walk in them.”
This summary is sealed with, again, “I am the Lord your God.” The chapter ends with, “I am the Lord your God.”
Why the solemn emphasis? What exactly do “they do” in Egypt and Canaan that Israel must never do, “these abominable customs which were practiced before you”?
The chapter forbids certain sexual relations and forms of sexual intercourse. First, the laws prohibiting various degrees of what we call incest are given. Then adultery. Then the killing of one’s children by offering them by fire to Molech–this stands out as the only item not directly about sexual intercourse. (But then, again, one could [and should] note that today Molech devours children by abortion, which is tied directly to the great rise in sexual promiscuity.)
Next, there is a clear prohibition of homosexual relations, followed by a prohibition against bestiality. Today, sexual restraints are now being put aside, bit by bit. The Lord warns: “By all these [practices] all these the nations I am casting out before you defiled themselves.” The result: “the land vomited out the nation.”
Those who argue for a “progressive” modern sexual ethic for Christians neither know history nor the power of God. It closes: “So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs which were practiced before you, and never to defile yourselves by them: I am the Lord your God.”
We Christians must stand apart from societal standards in these matters. And it may cost us: as reported here, among recent Department of Justice directives to employees is “an order for workers to vocally affirm homosexuality. ‘Don’t judge or remain silent,’ the brochure read. ‘Silence will be interpreted as disapproval.’”
Christians belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not free to alter his laws and do with our bodies whatever we please: “As exiles and aliens abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your souls.” (1 Peter 2:11) “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:20) Like Israel of old, we are a people set apart. He is the Lord, not us. The use of our bodies should honor God. Without God, nations will regress to the practices of old Egypt and Canaan.
That’s what I read in Leviticus this morning. While sobering in view of current societal regress, it is also heartening to be reminded that fidelity is called for–and also possible, through Christ, in whom we are made new. gaminator hack apk
This and That
If you would like to know what is going on in the Lutheran Church in England, the second issue of the Lutheran Radio UK and The British Lutheran newsletter is out now and available for download — good articles.
Video: 4-year-old with cancer describes Heaven
Video: 2 Sisters Dying of Cystic Fibrosis Were Told They Would Never Sing … But God Gave Them a Miracle!
Video: Gospel Singers Incognito sing “Oh Happy Day” | Semi-Final 5 | Britain’s Got Talent 2013
Video: Cymbal player recovers from musical mishap with show of patriotism – “A young cymbal player in Illinois resorts to a patriotic cover up after dropping his instrument during a performance of the US national anthem.”
Video: Father and 2-year-old boy sing Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down” in viral hit