“Defending Life!” Job 31:5-15

Job’s Quest for Righteousnss Extends to Justice For All Vss. 5 – 8 – If I have erred, may God’s justice (vs. 8) bring correction to me Vs. 9 – 11 If I have lusted for another woman // consequence of my own wife being violated Vs Injustices toward slaves? Vs. 14 – God as Judge, accountability Vs. 15 – God shapes life in the womb

Defending Life = “The Call” of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday In the womb – preborn babies On the earth – justice that protects dignity Homeless Latter seasons of life (elderly, shut-ins)

Sober Realities in the Shadow of Roe Vs. Wade, ,762,169 abortions since 1973 USA In 1990, 1.6 million abortions In 2011, 1.06, lowest rate since 1973 Key strategies: * prevention - 50% all pregs are unplanned * adoption * stop repeats 50% already have had 1 abortion

Bible: God is the Giver of Life Job 31:15 – If YOUR life has value, doesn’t EVERY life? Jer. 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb…” Ephesians 1:3-4 – “I chose you before the foundation of the world…” We are not animals; sexuality CAN be controlled! E.g. if it can be AFTER marriage, it can be BEFORE marriage!

Life in the Womb is the Work of God "And the same one fashion us in the womb“ (Job 31:15b) “For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13) Destroying life in the womb = destroying the work of God. Selling body parts = immoral. Unite voices to call our nation to repentance

The Difference a “Culture of Life” Makes

Pray! Always the First Step! “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). * Satan despises all created in God’s image * Prayer confirms the spiritual battle!

How Can We Make a Difference? As a church family, we uphold Biblical values of: * Actively protect life! * Sexuality = sexual expression belongs exclusively in marriage * Marriage and family – 1 man, 1 woman “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4)

How Can We Make a Difference? 2 Point to resources RATHER than point fingers “Go, sin no more” (John 8:11) Choices Pregnancy Care Center * annual banquet March 10 th * monthly support * change for life - Mother’s Day to Father’s Day * volunteer counseling * baby supplies Grace: call to repentance, hope, forgiveness, healing

Get Involved in Life! Be Light Shining in Darkness! Sunday School classes adopt an outreach mission – what about baby provisions? Examples of Successes from 2015 * AWANA – Gideons; 43 Christmas stockings * Youth – Harrison Square with Bentleys * Back pack ministry = 15 to 18 per week * Sew-and-So 2,500 dresses overseas! * Occasional emergencies - fire victims - stuffed animals