Is 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, NKJV

Mt 13:31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” 33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

What I am NOT saying… I am not saying… We live in utopia (Christian society) That all forms of inhumane treatment have been eradicated That sin is gone That illegal forms of evil do not exist That we can excuse inhumane treatment

What I am saying… I am saying… Jesus changed the way people think Jesus changed the mindset of an entire culture People think differently because of Jesus’ teachings Even those who do evil are aware of the right that they oppose

About the Evangelical Covenant Evangelical Church Acknowledges and values the history and decisions of Christians of the Past Many don’t Lift the Bible out for today only Doesn’t sweep it under the rug Isn’t bound by it

A Brief History A.D. 33 Jesus died and rose again A.D. 33-100 Apostles took gospel to known world A.D. 100-300 Christianity spread met underground/ in secret Organized into bishops/ deacons/ elders Leaders began writing theological documents to distribute with NT copies A.D. 300 Constantine comes to power Makes Christianity official religion of Roman Empire The teachings of Jesus become cultural mores

Ps 139: 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. NIV

1. Jesus’ teachings place a high value on human life John 1:14 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. The fact that God became a human elevated humanity to a position of value Ps 139 states that we were fashioned/formed by God in the womb

2. Human life was of little value in the Roman world prior to Jesus Infanticide Gladiatorial contests Abandoning children

3. Jesus teaches that every human life matters John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

4. Jesus offers forgiveness to all There is a sin that is unforgiveable Mt 12: 31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Abortion is not an unforgiveable sin But there will be consequences- grief

5. As our culture becomes less and less guided by the Bible, we are prone to dishonor various types of life The unborn The aged The ill Those with disabilities What are we giving up if these groups lose the right to life?

So What? Compartmentalize your beliefs Wade through the messiness As an American- guided by the Constitution and Bill of Rights As a Christian- guided by the Bible Following Jesus triumphs over citizenship Wade through the messiness Be willing to disagree and take a stand Be compassionate Be respectful but firm in your faith Face the consequences of your belief