FEVER PITCH: Holistically Pro-Life

 
Introduction
We are continuing in our series titled FEVER PITCH.  For the past three of weeks, we have talked about “hot button” topics in our culture that have reached a fever pitch and we are learning together how we should respond to these topics in a biblical manner and in ways that bring glory to God.  The structure of our mornings together has had a different feel to them as we watch videos of our discussion panels who talk openly and honestly about these current issues.  so far, we have talked about “Socialism vs Capitalism”, “Racial Equality”, and “Sex and Gender.”  This week is another topic that people have intense moral, spiritual and emotional convictions.  
 
Sanctity of life or being pro-life has been a controversial topic for many decades and will continue to be the center of heated debate for years to come.  The topic of abortion vs. anti-abortion has intensified to the point where people have been publicly shamed, thrown in jail, and ironically murdered over their convictions and beliefs. But when we talk about being pro-life does this only mean we only fight for the lives of the unborn or does being pro-life cover more?   
 
Today’s video discussion panel will speak more specifically to this issue and our biblical response to how the church can be holistically pro-life.  Remember, the questions discussed in the video were asked by the students in our ministry at the 43rd Street Campus.  Some of these questions include, how can we show grace about such a sensitive issue?  Why is it important to advocate for life? Is abortion the only pro-life issue? And what should the church do about women who had an abortion in their past?  Let’s see what our panel has to say…
 
At the core being pro-life means that you support life over death.  I understand this is a very general and broad definition, but true, nonetheless.  I believe pro-life means more than being anti-abortion.  It is true that the topic of abortion is the most prominent discussion when talking about pro-life, but it covers so much more.  So, the question is since we are holistically pro-life what does this mean?  This certainly can also affect our views on the death penalty, suicide, and euthanasia. As Christians we support life of all people.  The Bible very clearly tells us that humanity was made, formed, and created in the image of God.  All humanity is created by God so this means all humans have intrinsic worth.  We value every person because we believe anyone can be saved. And if anyone can be saved, then everyone is worth saving.  Since we value ALL life, EVERY life, and the WHOLE of life—from conception to natural death... we must also value justice for those lives.
 
So, what does this say to us as Christians or more importantly what does the Bible, God’s Word, have to say to us about the importance and sacredness of life?  

1. Psalm 139:13-16:  You are intricately and wonderfully made by God.  The Psalmist, King David, writes a song of praise to God the creator for making humanity such a wonderful and complex entity.  But more specifically David is praising God because humanity belongs to the LORD and was made by Him, for His glory, and His purpose.  He values you so much that God has our plans, paths, and purposes mapped out because he is sovereign over all.   
   
   
2. Job 31:15:  Once again we see that we are created and formed by God.
   
   
3. Jeremiah 1:5: God speaks to Jeremiah to show that he has a purpose.  God created him and appointed him to be prophet to the nation of Israel.  This was Jeremiah’s calling.  As a prophet Jeremiah had a difficult life.  The people he ministered to never responded to his message of repentance, his family disowned him, and he died alone… One could say that he died a failure at his calling.  Yet, his life was of great value, importance, and purpose because was formed and called God.  His seeming failure was not in fact failure.  God never promised him success, He only called him to be His prophet.
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4. Exodus 20:13:  This is the most “to the point” scripture passages and is the sixth commandment that speaks of the value of life.  Since life is created by God, only he has the authority to give it or take it.  The right to kill, or murder does not belong to us.  This commandment tells us that we should value the sanctity of life from conception to death.  All life is precious to God, and we have no right to murderously take an innocent life no matter how young or old.  We are created in the image of God; we are his image bearers, so this gives us the call and duty to be protectors and preservers of life.
   
   
5. John 10:10:  God is a life giver and Jesus came to give life and to give it abundantly.  This means that Jesus has come to give life more than anyone would expect or anticipate.  The thief (who is Satan) desires to steal, kill, and destroy.  

 
Conclusion
Theologian, J.I. Packer writes, “(The sixth commandment) rests on the principle that human life is holy, first because it is God’s gift and second because man bears God’s image.  Human life is thus the most precious and sacred thing in the world, and to end it, is God’s prerogative alone.  We honor God by respecting his image in each other, which means consistently preserving life and furthering each other’s welfare in all possible ways.”  
 
We are created in the image of God; thus, all life is sacred; your life, a baby’s life, a supposed failure’s life, an elderly person’s life… EVERY life… EVERY life matters.  It is God who determines life or allows a life to end.  But we know that the Bible tells us God is a life giver, and Satan is one who desires to devalue and destroy life.  It is not up to you, me, or any other person to take the life of any innocent person.  Life is a gift from God and this gift is precious, thus we must be willing to protect it, fight for it, and ultimately live it in the abundance that Jesus came to give us.