May 19, 2009

Number20

VIEWPOINT

Abortion was a headline story in the news over the weekend.  With controversy over President Obama giving a commencement address at Notre Dame, there was plenty of heat on both sides of the issue.  Plenty of heat, but as usual, not much light. 

Political opportunity obviously trumped moral integrity at the famous Catholic university.  The President’s position is well known.  (As far back as July 17, 2007 he made a promise to Planned Parenthood that signing the “Freedom of Choice Act” would be the “first thing” he would do as president.  FOCA would nationalize abortion and overturn countless reasonable abortion restrictions agreed to by bipartisan legislatures all over America.  It would be the single most significant step in likely launching unrestricted federal funding of abortion at all stages of pregnancy.)

Two extremes didn’t attract as much attention in the news coverage.  On the negative side, Sweden has made it legal to perform abortions based on the gender of the unborn child.  While most pro-abortion advocates in the United States don’t go that far, one must ask why not?  Once the premise of destroying unborn life has been established, there isn’t a logical stopping place. 

On the other hand, a Gallup poll offered encouraging news in this country:  for the first time, a majority of those surveyed stated that they counted themselves “pro-life.”  Only 42% called themselves “pro-choice” as opposed to 51% saying “pro-life.”  Two observations emerge from the results.

First, this controversy has always been a closely divided subject in the U.S.  Americans  have never been 80% pro-choice, as claimed by abortion supporters.  Second, and more important, people can and do change.  When confronted with facts and educated with correct information, the tide can turn.  Truth is its own best advocate.  Sometimes, however, “truth is just getting its boots on while error has run around the world.” 

We should not give up – either on moral issues in society or the gospel message itself.  God’s word always accomplishes what He intends.  We just need to keep getting the message out (Isaiah 55:11; Galatians 6:9).

--------------------------

Phil Hamby handed me the column above by Jim Griffith.  I hope you’ll enjoy it as I did.  I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word.            RA

Church Signs Display Truth and Humor

As I drive past churches, I enjoy reading outdoor signs that speak to many. 

Spiritual nutrition: “The best vitamin for a Christian is B1.”

This church has been “under the same management for more than 2,000 years.”

“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”

“Don’t give up because you are having a hard time.  Remember, Moses was once a basket case!”

“Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is actually due.”

“A person’s character is like a fence. It cannot be strengthened by whitewash.”

“Prevent truth decay. Brush up on your Bible.”

“Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”

“It is hard to stumble in life when you are already down on your knees,” and “God answers knee-mail!”

“Christians are supposed to keep the faith, but not from others.”

“To belittle others is to be little, and life is too short to be little.”