Monthly Archives: January 2019

Applauding The Deaths Of Our Little Ones

What a sad day. People stood and applauded. Buildings were lit up in festive pink to celebrate the event. New York State now allows abortions up to birth for any reason.

Considering the gravity of such a move, deciding whether a human being will be violently robbed of life, one might expect more somber looks. One might expect a sad-but-necessary attitude. No. They were happy.

The picture of the signing which circulated in the media shows people filled with joy. They look like a group who just declared a new holiday, another chance for fun and recreation. If this is a holiday, it is a holiday from sanity and common sense.

To add insult to injury, the New York bill is titled the “Reproductive Health Act.” The only accurate word in that title is “act.” This heinous act is an enemy to reproduction. Reproduction, new human life, will be extinguished because of this bill.

And there is nothing healthy about violently denying a baby its right to life. It is not healthy for the mother, her family, for the medical professional, for the community, and certainly not for the baby.

Advances in science over the past 20 to 30 years have consistently supported the fact that a fetus is a life. Successful surgeries on babies before they are born, amazing survival rates of children born long before their due dates, and other astounding medical treatments on little boys and girls developing inside their mothers’ wombs all place the burden of proof squarely on those who would de-humanize the fetus.

Perhaps even more powerful than the voice of science is the testimony of images. Imaging technology has enabled us to see with astonishing clarity the life of our unborn. And seeing is believing. The images are not of disease or random tissue, but of individual lives.

The persuasive power of these images is admitted by those who wish to kill more babies. More than 15 yeas ago a photographer was in the operating room when doctors were performing surgery on a little boy in his mother’s womb. The child stunned the world by reaching up and grabbing the doctor’s finger. The picture was taken, but almost destroyed.

By a strange turn of events the man who snapped that picture stood in my office several years ago. He told me about the outrageous efforts that were made to keep his picture from being published. Why? Because in this case one picture is worth millions of words and perhaps millions of lives.

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we stand for life. Each and every boy and girl is made in the image of God and deserves a chance to grow up and walk with God and enjoy his blessings.

We believe in more than just physical birth and life. We believe in spiritual life. Every person deserves to hear that God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, Jesus, so that anyone trusting in him will not perish (hell) but have eternal life (heaven), to be born again.

The voice of truth will not be denied. God’s Spirit will raise up men and women to courageously stand for life. Let’s answer that call. If our children see us retreat, then they will be more likely to retreat and our grandchildren will suffer. If our children see us stand firm, then they will be more likely to stand firm, and our grandchildren will benefit.

May God’s Spirit inspire and empower us to speak the truth in love,

Brother Richard

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What Is God’s?

Jesus raised this question with one of his most familiar sayings.  He was being tested by the religious leaders in Jerusalem.

They asked Jesus if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar.  Caesar was the leader of the Roman Empire, an uninvited and unwelcome occupier in Jerusalem and Israel.

Since the Jews hated their Roman overlords, Jesus would be risking the displeasure of the people if he agreed with paying Roman taxes.  But if he openly encouraged people not to pay their taxes then he would be seen as a threat to Rome, very hazardous.

Jesus’ response is famous.  He asked his opponents for a coin, then asked them whose image and inscription were on the coin.  “Caesar’s,” they answered.  Jesus concluded, “Then give the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God.”

The men who came to trap Jesus were amazed by his response.  They left without further comment.

The question and Jesus’ answer make it clear that the “things of Caesar” include money.  But what about the “things of God”?  Since money is at the forefront of their conversation, it is natural to ask what financial responsibility we have to God.

The Old Testament saint was instructed by God’s word to give a tithe (10% of income).  What does Jesus say to his New Testament followers?

Jesus noticed a poor widow who gave two small coins as an offering to the Lord.  Even though her money was not worth much, it was everything she had.  Did Jesus rebuke her for giving such a meager amount?  Was he troubled because she gave too much?

Jesus drew a contrast between the woman and the other worshipers.  They gave out of their wealth, but she gave out of her poverty.  Jesus praised her gift, not because of its great monetary value, but because of the great love and faith it expressed.

The Lord was not introducing a new command for God’s people to give 100% of their money in offerings.  God blesses us with work and income so that we can provide for ourselves and our families.  Jesus is honoring the widow’s special offering.

Jesus revealed his mind about giving when he told his followers this: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  The one who gives a small portion to God has a small heart for God.

The cheerful giver is not restrained by rules and regulations.  Tithing is a great starting point, but a debt of love is never paid in full because the heart of love is always eager to give.

Giving is an act of worship to God and an expression of agreement with God.  We give regularly and generously to the Lord because we love him, and we want to participate in the victory of his great kingdom work.

May God’s Spirit inspire us to be cheerful givers to him and his kingdom,

Brother Richard Foster

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