Abortion: A Call to Compassion and Action

 

Summary

In our exploration of the profound and complex issue of abortion, we have delved into its theological, ethical, and legal dimensions. This topic is deeply emotional because it touches the core of our humanity, linking our understanding with our feelings. I have reached a firm conviction that abortion is the destruction of a living human person, equating it to a form of murder. This belief is not just an intellectual stance but one that stirs deep passion within me. Abortion, in my view, is a monstrous evil, a crime against humanity that surpasses many others in its severity. It is a modern-day Holocaust, where millions of lives are ended before they even begin.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall the dedication of doctors who once epitomized the healing arts, contrasting sharply with those who now perform abortions. The medical profession, once bound by the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm, has shifted, and this change is deeply troubling. The unborn child is not the only victim; the mother, too, suffers, often misled by those she trusts. The abortion industry, driven by financial gain, perpetuates this cycle of destruction.

Guilt is an inevitable consequence of such actions, and it is a heavy burden. Yet, guilt is not merely a feeling; it is an objective reality when we transgress God's laws. Denial and rationalization are common ways we try to cope with guilt, but they are ultimately ineffective. True healing and forgiveness come from acknowledging our guilt and turning to God. The Christian faith offers hope through the cross of Christ, where guilt can be wiped clean, and a fresh start is possible.

God is a God of compassion, ready to forgive those who repent and seek His mercy. This forgiveness is as real as the guilt we carry, and it requires us to humble ourselves before Him. Once forgiven, we are called to act, to speak out against the evil of abortion, and to work towards a society that upholds the sanctity of human life.

Key Takeaways:

- The issue of abortion is deeply emotional and complex, touching on theological, ethical, and legal aspects. It is not just an intellectual debate but one that involves our deepest passions and convictions. Abortion is seen as a monstrous evil, equated to murder, and a profound ethical issue that challenges the soul of our nation. [01:25]

- The medical profession, once dedicated to healing, has shifted towards practices that include abortion, which is deeply troubling. The Hippocratic Oath, which opposed abortion, has been abandoned, leading to a loss of trust and respect for the profession. This change highlights the need for a return to the original commitment to life and healing. [07:30]

- Guilt is an objective reality, not just a feeling, and it arises when we transgress God's laws. Denial and rationalization are common but ineffective ways to cope with guilt. True healing comes from acknowledging our guilt and seeking forgiveness from God, who is ready to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [16:13]

- God is a God of compassion, ready to forgive those who repent and seek His mercy. Forgiveness is as real as guilt, and it requires us to humble ourselves before God, confess our sins, and trust in His promise to cleanse us. This forgiveness offers a fresh start and a new beginning. [25:01]

- Once forgiven, we are called to act, to speak out against the evil of abortion, and to work towards a society that upholds the sanctity of human life. Our gratitude for God's forgiveness should drive us to protest and advocate for the protection of the unborn and the healing of our land. [29:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - The Emotional Complexity of Abortion
- [01:25] - Abortion as a Monstrous Evil
- [02:26] - The Severity of Abortion
- [03:17] - Comparing Abortion to the Holocaust
- [04:11] - Personal Reflections on Life and Healing
- [05:05] - The Role of Doctors in Preserving Life
- [06:43] - The Shift in the Medical Profession
- [07:30] - The Abandonment of the Hippocratic Oath
- [08:28] - The Community's Role in Abortion
- [09:15] - The Call to Action Against Abortion
- [10:10] - The Mother as a Victim
- [11:10] - The Influence of Authority Figures
- [12:05] - The Abortion Industry's Vested Interests
- [12:57] - The Role of Pastors and Guilt
- [13:45] - Understanding Real Guilt
- [14:37] - The Objective Reality of Guilt
- [16:13] - The Question of Guilt
- [16:58] - Dealing with Guilt
- [17:48] - The Ineffectiveness of Denial
- [18:44] - The Story of Cain and Abel
- [19:46] - The Prodigal Son's Realization
- [20:45] - The Betrayal of Abortion
- [21:31] - The Seriousness of Abortion
- [22:23] - Abortion and Forgiveness
- [23:17] - The Heart of the Christian Faith
- [24:09] - God's Compassion and Forgiveness
- [25:01] - Experiencing Forgiveness
- [26:01] - The Path to Forgiveness
- [26:47] - Personal Struggles with Guilt
- [27:37] - God's Promise of Forgiveness
- [28:22] - Embracing God's Forgiveness
- [29:12] - A Call to Action and Healing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 4:10 - "The Lord said, 'What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.'"
2. Isaiah 1:18 - "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
3. 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Observation Questions:
1. What emotions does the pastor express when discussing the issue of abortion, and how do these emotions relate to his theological convictions? [01:25]
2. How does the pastor describe the shift in the medical profession's approach to abortion, and what historical oath does he reference? [07:30]
3. According to the pastor, what are the consequences of guilt, and how does he suggest one should deal with it? [16:13]
4. What does the pastor say about God's readiness to forgive, and what steps does he mention are necessary to experience this forgiveness? [25:01]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's comparison of abortion to the Holocaust affect the perception of its severity? What implications does this have for how society views abortion? [03:17]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the medical profession has deviated from its original commitment to life and healing? How does this impact public trust? [07:30]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that guilt is an "objective reality"? How does this understanding of guilt differ from common societal views? [16:13]
4. How does the pastor describe the process of experiencing God's forgiveness, and what role does humility play in this process? [26:01]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt guilt for a decision you made. How did you handle that guilt, and what steps did you take to seek forgiveness? [16:58]
2. The pastor calls for action against abortion. What are some practical ways you can advocate for the sanctity of human life in your community? [29:12]
3. Consider the pastor's view on the medical profession's role in abortion. How can you engage in conversations with healthcare professionals about the sanctity of life? [08:28]
4. The pastor emphasizes the importance of acknowledging guilt before God. How can you incorporate regular confession and repentance into your spiritual practice? [26:47]
5. How can you support someone who is struggling with guilt from past decisions, especially regarding abortion, and guide them towards healing and forgiveness? [25:01]
6. The pastor mentions the influence of authority figures in the decision to have an abortion. How can you be a positive influence in someone’s life who is facing a difficult decision? [11:10]
7. Reflect on the pastor's call to speak out against abortion. What are some specific actions you can take to raise awareness and promote life-affirming choices? [09:15]

Devotional

Day 1: The Emotional and Ethical Complexity of Abortion
Abortion is a deeply emotional and complex issue that intertwines theological, ethical, and legal dimensions. It is not merely an intellectual debate but one that stirs our deepest passions and convictions. The belief that abortion equates to murder and is a monstrous evil challenges the soul of our nation. This perspective calls for a profound reflection on the sanctity of life and the moral responsibilities we hold as individuals and as a society. The emotional weight of this issue is immense, as it touches the core of our humanity and our understanding of right and wrong. [01:25]

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: How do your personal beliefs about the sanctity of life influence your actions and decisions in everyday situations?


Day 2: The Shift in the Medical Profession
The medical profession, once dedicated to healing and bound by the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm, has shifted towards practices that include abortion. This change is deeply troubling and highlights a loss of trust and respect for the profession. The abandonment of the original commitment to life and healing calls for a return to the foundational values that once guided medical practitioners. This shift not only affects the unborn but also the mothers who are often misled by those they trust. The need for a recommitment to life and healing is urgent and necessary. [07:30]

"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?" (Jeremiah 8:22, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you advocate for a return to the original values of healing and life within your community or profession?


Day 3: The Reality of Guilt and the Path to Forgiveness
Guilt is an objective reality that arises when we transgress God's laws, not just a feeling to be dismissed. Denial and rationalization are common but ineffective ways to cope with guilt. True healing comes from acknowledging our guilt and seeking forgiveness from God, who is ready to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This process requires humility and a sincere desire to turn away from wrongdoing. The Christian faith offers hope through the cross of Christ, where guilt can be wiped clean, and a fresh start is possible. [16:13]

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!" (Psalm 51:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to acknowledge guilt and seek God's forgiveness today?


Day 4: Experiencing God's Compassion and Forgiveness
God is a God of compassion, ready to forgive those who repent and seek His mercy. This forgiveness is as real as the guilt we carry, and it requires us to humble ourselves before Him. Once forgiven, we are called to embrace this new beginning and live in the freedom that comes from being cleansed. God's promise of forgiveness is a source of hope and renewal, offering us the opportunity to start afresh and live a life that honors Him. [25:01]

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace God's forgiveness and extend it to others in your life today?


Day 5: A Call to Action and Advocacy
Once forgiven, we are called to act, to speak out against the evil of abortion, and to work towards a society that upholds the sanctity of human life. Our gratitude for God's forgiveness should drive us to protest and advocate for the protection of the unborn and the healing of our land. This call to action is not just about words but about living out our convictions in tangible ways that make a difference in the world around us. [29:12]

"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What specific action can you take this week to advocate for the sanctity of life and support those affected by abortion?

Quotes


I personally have to endure an inner struggle with my own passions because I have reached a verdict. I am totally convinced through the evidence that I have tried to set before you in our discussions that abortion involves the destruction of a living human person, that it is a kind of murder. [00:01:17]

I am convinced, ladies and gentlemen, that this is the most profound ethical issue that has ever touched the soul of the United States of America and I don't think it is going beyond the bounds of decency to describe it as many opponents to abortion have as a new Holocaust. [00:03:28]

I remember when I was a young boy, I almost lost my life. The most ill I ever was was when I was ten years old and I was stricken with double pneumonia and that was a time when pneumonia was indeed a life threatening disease. [00:04:56]

Up until just a few years ago, every licensed physician in the United States was required by law to take the Hippocratic Oath and if you remember, Hippocrates in antiquity was a man who was so committed to the healing arts and to the promotion of life that he had stated on more than one occasion his vehement opposition to abortion. [00:07:23]

If you really believe that abortion is murder, if you really believe that this involves the killing of a living human person then it’s not enough to have fireside chats about it. We need rise up to speak at every opportunity, to protest in outrage against this assault of innocent victims because that unborn child is a victim. [00:09:23]

On the one handed, I would think that any woman who contemplates abortion who goes through the anguish of the moral struggle that it involves, “Should I or shouldn’t I?”, “Is it right? Is it wrong?” There's a sense in which I am persuaded that at the deepest recesses of her heart and the depth dimension of her soul that woman knows, she knows that that is not right. [00:10:44]

I see no difference fundamentally between the doctors who performs an abortion for money than Murder Incorporated. We are receiving financial remuneration to destroy human lives and so it is in the vested interest of that doctor to convince the woman who is having the abortion that it’s perfectly healthy, normal, and routine for her to do it. [00:12:34]

I want you to understand if you are in that position, yes I do want you to feel guilty. I want you to feel guilty enough that you will turn from that kind of behavior but, ladies and gentlemen, I cannot impose guilt on you. I can’t impose guilt on the doctor. I can’t impose guilt on the woman, or on the pastor, or on anybody who votes for abortion. [00:13:45]

Real guilt is not determined by feelings but by real states of affairs and, ladies and gentleman, if you have broken the law of God with respect to the sanctity of life, if you have killed where God forbids you from killing then you are guilty. You may not feel guilty but you are guilty. [00:15:49]

I remember a passage from the Old Testament where the prophets speaking for God says, “Come, let us reason together. If your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. If they’re as crimson, they shall be purified.” We hear the prophets announce the intent of God to reach down to His people who are paralyzed, and crippled, and racked with grief over their guilt. [00:23:56]

God has made a commitment to you that He stands ready to forgive you totally and completely if you will but come to Him and humble yourself before Him though your sins be as scarlet, they may be purged with hyssop as they are like crimson, you can be as white as snow. [00:28:35]

I pray that once you experience the forgiveness of that that you will be driven by gratitude to speak, to pray, to write, to protest until our land has been made clean, that our land may no longer be divided but that we may be healed and drawn together with an unswerving commitment from every sector of the land to the absolute sanctity of human life. [00:29:42]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Oct 04, 2018. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?