Abortion: The Wrong Choice (Part 3 of 3) by John M. Duvall (http://www.TruthFactor.com/)
VI. One's Right Of Choice Does Not Take Precedence Over
Another Person's Right To Life.
A. The fact that God declared murder as being wrong proves that
every person has a right to life. (Rom. 1:29-32; Gal. 5:21; Rev.
21:8)
B. The only people who should fear the "sword" are
the wicked.
1. Paul wrote in Romans 13:4, "For he is God's minister
to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not
bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to
execute wrath on him who practices evil." (Rom. 13:4, NKJV)
2. Since unborn babies are not guilty of crimes or wicked deeds,
they have no reason to fear.
3. Whenever a woman chooses to abort her unborn child, she has
become a murderer and should be in fear of the sword herself.
C. Murder is wrong and shows that one's right of choice cannot
take precedence over another's right to life.
D. Consider the following:
1. Some argue that as long as the baby is in the woman's body,
the woman has ultimate say over what she wants to do with the
unborn child.
2. Others say that a baby does not have a soul until it takes
its first breath.
3. Neither of the arguments have a bearing on whether or not
a baby has the right to life.
a. The unborn baby is a human, being conceived of a human.
b. As has already been shown the unborn baby is functioning
on its own with the exception of its reliance upon the mother
for food and oxygen.
c. The unborn baby is a living human being and has every right
to life that is had by every other human.
4. Even our Declaration of Independence declares our unalienable
rights.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, which among these are Life, Liberty, and the
pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments
are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the
consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government
becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People
to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying
its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in
such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety
and Happiness." (Declaration of Independence)
5. Why are unborn babies considered by some to be excepted from
the statement, "...that all men are created equal, that they
are endowed...with certain unalienable Rights..."?
Conclusion.
A. According to Psalms 127:3, children of a heritage of the
Lord.
1. The term heritage is translated from the Hebrew word nachalah
{nakh-al-aw'} which means, "1) possession, property, inheritance,
heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion."
(Enhanced Strong's Lexicon)
2. The child is the fruit of the womb and is also considered
our reward.
3. Our children are given to us for a limited time only. Children
are our reward and are to be considered a blessing.
B. It is sad that our nation no longer respects the sanctity
of life.
1. We have leaders and citizens who are "without natural
affection" or "love" as Paul refers to in II Timothy
3:3.
2. We have leaders and citizens who are "past feeling."
(Eph. 4:19) They no longer feel the emotional pain of sin; they
have become apathetic.
3. Many of our current leaders and judges are not standing up
for the right of the unborn child. They are solders in the war
against the unborn. Consider the following example:
"NEW ORLEANS -- A federal judge on Thursday struck down a
Louisiana law aimed at banning the late-term abortion procedure
known as partial birth abortion." The law's supporters said
it outlawed the procedure doctors call dilation and extraction,
but U.S. District Judge Thomas Porteous sided with those who said
the law could be interpreted more broadly. "'This act's broad
language seems to purposefully create confusion and ambiguity,'
Porteous wrote, saying he was not swayed by the state's claim
that the law only applied to dilation and extraction." Opponents
said the law would have outlawed all abortions because it forbade
any abortion performed once any part of a fetus enters the birth
canal." (Constitution Wire Service, March 5, 1999, Lawton
Constitution)
C. What are our options in this horrible situation?
1. Fervently pray for our leaders. (I Tim. 2)
2. Spread the Truth to all of our friends, influencing others
to make the right choice.
a. There is life before birth.
b. Abortion is murder.
c. We have the responsibility to care for the helpless.
d. A baby possesses all the attributes of a living and autonomous
human being.
e. The Bible refers to the unborn baby and the born baby with
the same word.
f. One's right to choose does not take precedence over another
person's right to life.
3. Exercise your right to vote for who we feel would best represent
the Bible on this subject.
Copyright 1999, John M. Duvall, Truth Factor.
A Message For Young People (From Jim Yopp's Bible Thoughts http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/3700/)
Our young people are exposed to many teachings and practices that are not appropriate (nor right) for those who are Christians. For instance, the public school system is a wonderful opportunity for all of our children. The goal of all those who are students is to earn a High School diploma. We should be thankful to live in a country that provides such opportunities. At the same time, the school system is a device of man and does not meet the spiritual needs of the students. As far as this writer is concerned, what is appropriate for the world often corrupts what is taught in the scriptures.
Young people need to be aware that some activities of the school system are not proper for Christians. Any program that places a disciple of the Lord in a compromising position must be avoided by those who are faithful. It is so easy to be caught up in the moment that one fails to remember the standard of morality and righteousness that is characteristic of a Christian. The modern dance, some of the expressions in current music and books that contain thoughts and ideas that contradict the word of God as well as a number of other situations and temptations that the Christian will face among those who are worldlings endanger one's soul.
When dealing with peers in regard to some of the activities that are not appropriate for Christians, one does not have to be unkind. A few words of explanation as to why one cannot be involved will often bring respect from those who appreciate honesty and integrity. Young people still live in a country that allows one to be free to follow the ways of the Lord. It is not necessary (or right) for young people to sell their convictions because of the pressure from the world.
One must face, in youth as well as an adult, the choice of
proper companions. It is sometimes difficult to find friends who
hold high moral standards, but they are still to be found among
those with whom you come in contact. Always weigh the effect from
those that you, as a young person, choose to associate. "Be
not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals" (I
Corinthians 15:33).
All ages seek to enjoy (and desire) companionship and association.
Young people (and old) need to seek friends who are good, clean
companions (especially seek Christians). You can influence them
and they can influence you. As you grow older, you will learn
to value those who have given you useful advice as well as remembering
the example they set in their righteous lives.
Evil companionships are not limited to those humans one has
contact with from day to day. The music, the movies, television,
books, the internet, and all of the other mediums that convey
words, ideas, and messages can be placed in this category. What
one fills his/her mind with will influence the way in which one
thinks and lives. "For as he thinks within himself, so he
is"(Proverbs 23:7).
The language of the world is not the language of the Christian.
In the classroom, on the playground, in sports, and in other activities,
cursing has become an accepted style of speech for some. Cursing
("cussing") is not a newly discovered practice. The
problem that has arisen with the current generations is that it
has become the norm for too many young people. The filth that
is often spewed forth from the mouths of actors, entertainers,
and sports personalities has become the speech of those who should
know better. "Cussing" has never added anything worthwhile
to a conversation. Let us remember what Paul said, "Let no
corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good
for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them
that hear"(Ephesians 4:29).
Good speech builds up; improper speech tears down!
My young friend, you will live a much happier life if you will
walk by the standards of righteousness set forth in the New Testament.
You will not have to be ashamed in later life of your failure
to live in a manner that pleases God. Be righteous; choose righteous
companions; speak as one who is righteous and you will never live
to regret your attitude and behavior. Think on these things!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our weekly services are held at 1318 Griffin Road, Leesburg, Florida
34748.
Phone: (352) 365-9946 for times of services.
Web site: http://www.careydillinger.com/cocbs/cocbshp.htm
MONTHLY BIBLE READING: 1 and 2 Kings; 1 and 2 Chronicles
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
BIBLE INSIGHT is published for the members of, and
visitors to, the Church of Christ at Beverly Shores, Leesburg,
Florida, USA.
Carey Dillinger is the editor. He can be reached at the church
address or via e-mail: webmaster@careydillinger.com