How to Help a Shepherd Give Leadership on Life Issues
This article outlines practical suggestions from members of the National Pro-Life Religious Council (and revised by Lutherans For Life) on ways to encourage pastors to speak up for life.
Defending the Right to Choose
Defending the phrase “a woman’s right to choose” requires knowledge. It requires knowledge of what is being chosen. Everyone knows that this phrase is not referring to a woman’s right to choose a new dress or new shoes. It refers to choosing an abortion. Defending the “right to choose” requires knowledge of abortion. The purpose of this booklet is to help people understand what defending the “right to choose” involves.
Speak Up For Life
“Speak Up!” That’s what Lutherans For Life encourages God’s people to do! It is tragically true that too often the Church, as a whole, has failed to speak up For Life or has done so weakly. It is also especially disappointing since God Himself has never been silent when it comes to life. On the positive side, there are many congregations, pastors, and teachers speaking up, speaking out, and speaking well on life issues. For that we are grateful!
Why, God?
The question came up in a Bible study I led on the value of human life. “Why does God allow abortion to continue?” I had heard it before. I had asked it before. There is no answer. We do not know. We are not in a position to counsel God. (Romans 11:34)
Real Love/Real Life
Real love is NOT “soap opera love” —passionate and intense but selfish and temporary. It is NOT an “until somebody ‘better’ comes along” kind of “love.” Real love is God’s kind of love—“Agape” love. The kind of love that is a forever love—protecting, trusting, and hopeful. It remains forever, even when life is difficult.
Life Wins at the Theater
Movies have had a powerful influence on the abortion debate … In the past year, a positive trend has appeared in movie theaters. There appears to be an acknowledgement of the sanctity of pre-born life coming across in films with broad public appeal.
Life Wins!
I know the constant pressure and, oftentimes, frustration of wanting to be part of a winning team. I’m a Minnesota Vikings fan! I can hope, but nothing guarantees that by choosing the Vikings I’ll be supporting a winning team. However, when you choose life, you are on a winning team. It’s guaranteed, because life wins! Jesus Christ defeated death and He gives us the victory! The Easter season is a great time to be reminded of that. It’s important to be reminded of that. We experience frustration when death appears the victor.
Is Abortion Allowed In Cases Of Rape Or Incest?
Place two newborn babies side by side on a table. Call together medical specialists, scientific professionals, social engineers, and leading theologians. Have technicians measure the size of the babies, examine their bodies, observe their behavior, draw blood, and perform reaction tests of all sorts. Then let the experts tell us which baby is the product of rape. They can’t!
In the Hand of God – A Life Sunday Sermon
The Book of Job is about life and death, about the cosmic battle between the Creator of all life and the ruler of this world who wants to destroy life. The fate of man, embodied in Job, is at stake, for the battle is being waged over Job’s life. His love for God is being tested. Satan is the one who attacks Job, and the real issue is whether Job is willing to let go and completely trust in the mercy of God. Will Job finally place himself in the hand of God? Job’s suffering shows him that he is nothing, and that God will restore this prodigal servant to full communion with God—to real life—for Job’s suffering proves that no one can restore that communion with God except God Himself, who must return to His fallen creation in human flesh to die so that He might make all things new.
Jesus’ Big Hands Of Blessing – A Life Sunday Sermon
Hands communicate. They tell us so much about a person. A hand reaching down to help someone up says, “I’m on your side. I’m here to help.” A hand caressing another hand or a cheek tells someone, “I love you. I want to be close to you.” A hand beckoning someone to come near or waving “Hi,” lets you know, “You’re welcome here, come on in.” If you see someone’s hands moving rapidly while talking, you know the person is excited about something.