Can’t Have It Both Ways

Can we agree that abortion is murder?

First from the biblical account we must agree that abortion is murder.  The Ten Commandments, recorded for us in the book of Exodus-written by God on stone tablets given to Moses on the Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:1 KJV)-the prohibition.  The text reads, “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13 KJV)  Of course this is the section of the commandments that address the issue of man’s relationship with man, therefore, I believe that it speaks plainly and pointedly at the issue of abortion.  Because abortion is murder!

Other places in Holy Writ we see the dire straights of the issue of murder.  We see with particular interest, what Numbers decrees:

And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. 17 And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. 18 Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. 19 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him. 20 But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die; 21 Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.

Numbers 35:16-21 (KJV)

Then there is that most commonly used phrase, “An eye for an eye,” found in Exodus 21:24, but seldom do we hear from the preceding verses:

"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life..."

Ex 21:22-23 (KJV)

Now, there is much more to be said, and many more verse to cover, but let me get to the heart of the issue.  Abortion is as much murder as any other sin perpetrated on society.  It is a much so as a man pulling a gun in the ‘hood and killing a ten year old child; a man sneaking into a crowded theater and opening fire killing and injuring dozens of people.  Abortion is as wrong as a man getting drunk on a local tavern and driving head-long into a van loaded with adults.  Abortion is murder, because it is the taking of a life.

            Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb    I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Isaiah 49:1 (KJV)

Some would say the formation of a child in the womb of a mother is not alive until birth, that there is nothing more than a fetus developing in the womb as a mass of tissue.  But I beg to differ with you.  From research, and my own humble understanding of the development of a child in the womb of a mother, that is a child with childlike features growing inside the womb of the mother.  It is taking nourishment, growing and development personalities and bodily functions as the weeks turn into months.

Conception-one egg and one sperm out of hundreds of eggs and millions of sperm unite to create on embryo.  (What a miracle work by God!)

First Trimester-Within the first four weeks the fetal growth involves the spinal cord, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, the heart and lungs.  By eight weeks the face is forming, arms and legs are moving, the baby’s heart begins beating and the brain and other organs form.  In 12 weeks the baby grows to 3 inches long weighing 1 ounce.  During this time the baby begins to move toes and fingers, fingerprints are present, there is smiling, frowning, sucking, and swallowing.  The baby begins to urinate and the sex of the child can be discerned by this time.

Second Trimester-During the second three months the baby kicks, can hear and has a strong grip.   At 16 weeks there is a strong heartbeat present and the skin is transparent as fingernails and toenails form on the tiny little hands and toes.  The baby is now able to rollover in amniotic fluid.  At the 20 weeks mark the heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope, there is hair on the head, eyelashes and eyebrows, and the baby can suck  the thumb and may have hiccups.  At 24 weeks the baby is 11 to 14 inches weighing 1 to 1 ½ pounds, the skin is covered with a protective coating and the eyes are open.

Third Trimester-By this time the baby is very active.  At 28 weeks there is initial breathing and movements, as body fat begins to develop.  At 32 weeks the baby will be experiencing periods of sleep and wakefulness and respond to sounds.  During the 36 to 38 week period the baby will be 19 or more inches long weighing more than 6 pounds and less active.  It is during this time the baby will gain immunities from mother

While the precious life is growing in the womb of the mother, God is the one forming and shaping that baby into His purpose, His plan, for that little life.  We know not what God has in store for that little bundle, but we know that God has a plan.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Since all of these are true, then how it that some vow that abortion is the only option for those who do not want the baby God has planted in the womb.  Sure, there was a man who gave his seed, but friend at that point the whole process is out of our hands.  God takes the seed, joins it with the egg and begins to form and develop the child for his pleasing.  It is by His hand that the little body, with legs and arms, adorned with toes and fingers is beginning to take shape.  It a man interrupts that development and takes away the baby is that not murder-cold bloodied, premeditated murder?

There are so many other options available for this child, should the mother not want the child, protected in the womb.  There may be family who would raise the child, or a young couple in the neighborhood.  There are adoption agencies with couples who would love to have a newborn baby.  There are children’s homes, family ministry, counseling, and so much more to offer, taking away the potential nightmares that abortion brings to the mother.

            A mother who submits to regular doctors visits will see this growth, this miracle of the birth process.  Through Sonograms, hearing the heartbeat, and getting an understanding of the process the mother gains a clear understanding of this wonderful miracle.  That mother who immediately thinks that abortion is the only option misses the most wonderful thing that can ever happen.  They miss the pleasure of bringing life into the world.  Abortion produces death not life.

            For years advocating the education and acceptance of those who have mental and physical handicaps, strong disagreements were common.  It is easy to say that since a child is going to knowingly be born as a Down’s Syndrome child, or other serious, life-long situations, that this is a serious mistake to bring this child into the world of normal people.  May I ask this question: “Who are you to tell God who do not want a what He planned as special for you?”  He planned a child like this for some dear friends of mine and they would not trade the years they have had with her for anything.  They have loved her and nurtured her, patiently working with her at home, in educational surroundings and at church.  Now she is in her forty’s living in a group home and could not be better adjusted than she is now.  If they had not had Christian doctors, a loving family, a strong support system and values that are based on biblical principles there daughter would have not had the impact she has had on so many lives.

            Someone strikes a nerve with me when they say abortion is wrong except in the case of rape, incest, or sexual abuse.  Why is that an exception?  Do these situations nullify the Word of God regarding His design and will of a purpose for an unborn child?  These situations are unfortunate, unthinkable and a violation of the freedom of a woman, but to pass that judgment on to an unborn child is reprehensible.  Put the offender in jail, lock them away from society and throw away the key.  For the pregnant female there is counseling and therapy available, there is hope for recovery and there is a forgiveness from God.  But the baby is innocent and needs to be given all the freedoms that are afforded him or her.  If the mother and the family do not want to keep the child, then adoption is the best option.  Give life to these children of such a sorry, sad beginning and let them grow up in a world of love and acceptance.  Allow God to work out His ultimate good and plan and purpose in that child’s life.

            There is a word here for those who think that abortion is an easy out for a lifestyle of sexual freedom.  This is a choice the male and female make-yes, it takes “two to tango”-and that choice should be always to choose not to have sex until marriage.  Far too many teenagers think that sex is a wonderful thing to indulge in; then there is an unwanted pregnancy.  The first thing they do is decide that abortion is the best, only option. 

            The option should have been made before the act of sex took place.  The option not to have a child by not having sex should have been the first and only option.  While some think that conceptions are the answer, this is far from the truth.  Contraception’s are not fail proof, therefore should not be the answer for premarital sex.  This applies to the adults as well the teenagers.

            In conclusion, let us return to the title of this blog.  Folks, you can not have it both ways.  Abortion in wrong in all cases whether it is an unwanted pregnancy or rape, incest, or sexual abuse, as God is the master designer as He creates His masterpiece.  This is a not a black or white issue, a culture issue; this is a moral issue and it needs to be addressed as such.   

            

Alabama Legislative Compensation Amendment, Amendment 8 (2012)

While there are eleven amendments on the ballot for the upcoming General Election to be held in Alabama on November 6, there are two I am currently interested in.  These two amendments are very important to our state and need to be studied and review by every person going to the polls to vote.  In this blog, and upcoming blogs related to these two amendments be warned, be educated and go vote the way you see you need to vote. 

Today, look at Amendment 8, the Alabama Legislative Compensation Amendment, Amendment 8 (2012):

An overview

The Alabama Legislative Compensation Amendment, also known as Amendment 8, is on the November 2012 ballot in the state of Alabama as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment. The measure would provide that the compensation paid to legislators would not increase during term of office. The measure would also establish the basic compensation of the Legislature at the median household income in the state and would require legislators to submit signed vouchers for reimbursement for expenses.  The formal title of the proposal is House Bill 276.

The ballot language that voters will see on the ballot reads as follows: “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to repeal the existing provisions for legislative compensation and expenses and establish the basic compensation of the Legislature at the median household income in Alabama; to require legislators to submit signed vouchers for reimbursement for expenses; and to prohibit the Legislature from increasing the compensation or expenses payable to its members.” (Proposed by Act 2012-269)  You will then be asked to mark, “Yes” or “No.”

This bill is supported and was sponsored in legislative session was Mike Ball.  There is no defined opposition to the bill as yet identified.

Again, be aware that the path to the ballot action followed Article XVIII of the Alabama Constitution which says that it takes a three-fifths (60%) vote of the Alabama State Legislature to qualify an amendment for the ballot.

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php

Amendment 8 provides that the compensation paid to legislators do not increase during term of office.  This proposed amendment would make legislative pay relative to Alabama’s annual median household income. Furthermore, this amendment supports the idea of a modest and decent salary to support a Citizen Legislator.

http://ccofal.org/alabama/alabama-constitution.phtml

My Opinion

Do you remember March 20, 2007?  I do and will never forget that day.  It was the day that the majority of Senators of our state voted to increase their salaries by 62%.  Some would say that there was nothing wrong with this, but I say there is, and it is such a travesty, that it is engraved on my mind forever.

These Senators, many of them businessman or otherwise employed within the state government at the time, as part-time representatives of the people, increased their own pay without the voice of the people.  They voted and sent word to the State Comptroller that they were deserving of a raise that put their part-time pay as more than a full-time teacher.  Without warning to the ones who elected them to their high ranking position, they said that we were not paying them enough and they would take care of the issue, vote a raise and go back to doing very little work to earn that money.

Amazingly these public officials, employees of the people, told us that they deserved a raise and took care of the problem they perceived without our assistance.  Within days, the rest of our legislators, our House of Representatives signed on and they too were making more than teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.  The working man in the state was outraged; and rightly so!

This amendment, which will appear on the ballot November 6, is a way to make this not happen again.  They will not have the right to give themselves a raise and they will have to be accountable for the expenses as a legislator of the state.  The yearly income will be the median income of our state.  While I have strong feelings about the fact these part-time employees of our state will be making as much, or more than the full-time workers in our state government, this bill gives guidance and instruction of the people to their tendency to act as Statesman at in issues which they have not right to act.

More to come!     

November 6, 2012 General Election: Amendment 6

While there are eleven amendments on the ballot for the upcoming General Election to be held in Alabama on November 6, there are two I am currently interested in.  These two amendments are very important to our state and need to be studied and review by every person going to the polls to vote.  In this blog, and upcoming blogs related to these two amendments be warned, be educated and go vote the way you see you need to vote. 

Today, look at Amendment 6, the Alabama Health Care Amendment, Amendment 6 (2012):

An overview of the amendment

From www.ballotpedia.org the following information is found and is helpful in an overview of the bill.

“The Alabama Health Care Amendment, also known as Amendment 6, will appear on the November 6, 2012 ballot in the state of Alabama as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment. The measure, according to the text of the amendment, would prohibit mandatory participation in any health care system. The formal title of the proposal is House Bill 60, and was introduced by multiple state representatives in 2011 state legislative session.”

The synopsis of the bill, as presented to the Alabama Legislature, reads as follows:

This bill would propose an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to prohibit any person, employer, or health care provider from being compelled to participate in any health care system.

The ballot language of the proposal reads:

“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to prohibit any person, employer, or health care provider from being compelled to participate in any health care system.”  You will then be instructed to vote: “Yes” or “No.”  A yes vote will allow this proposal to become law in the state and be added to the amendments of the state constitution.  By voting yes, no one will be forced by the federal government to participate I any health care system, which would limit options and/or force certain procedures to be followed.  By votind no, the federal government will be able to force the Obama Health Care Act on the state and we will have to-we must-follow the mandates of that act in the state, thus taking away our sovereign rights in regards to health care.

Supporters of this amendment include State Representative Phil Williams commented: “We want the people of Alabama to know that if we're going to join a program like that we're going to have it on a ballot and you and me and everyone will be able to vote and decide if we want to join a national health plan or not."

As for opposition to the proposed bill, there have been no formal opposition identified.

It is important to understand that according to Article XVIII of the Alabama Constitution it takes a three-fifths (60%) vote of the Alabama State Legislature to qualify an amendment for the ballot. The measure was passed during the last day of 2011 state legislative session, officially sending it to the ballot in 2012 for public vote.

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php

According to www.blog.al.com and www.ccofal.org a YES vote on November 6 for Amendment 6, the OBAMA Health Care Opt Out proposed bill would prohibit mandatory participation in any OBAMA Federal health care system.  This amendment has the purpose of challenging the overreaching Obama care and gives citizens legal authority to legally opt out of mandatory Obama Health Care. A Yes vote is an anti-Obama Vote.

Voters in Alabama, Arizona, Missouri, Montana and Arizona will be asked to vote on language challenging or opting out of insurance reforms as outlined in the Obama Affordable Care Act, including the individual-or employer-mandated coverage.

Alabama voters to have their say on a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the new federal health care plan from being enforced in Alabama. The bill by Rep. Blaine Galliher, R-Gadsden [will] go to voters in a statewide referendum in the next general election in November 2012,

“It's important for us to understand that although what we're doing today, I think, is symbolic, when you look at the federal health care bill there are portions in the bill that in my mind are going to send health care costs in the state skyrocketing,” he said. “The general attitude of Alabamians is they do not want this intrusion from the federal government," he added. Galliher said officials from Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the largest health insurer in Alabama, have told him the federal plan would increase its costs by $58 million in 2014, and those costs would be passed on to consumers. Approval of the bill would lend support, Galliher said, to Attorney General Luther Strange's lawsuit opposing the federal plan.

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/03/alabama_could_opt_out_of_feder.html 

http://ccofal.org/alabama/alabama-constitution.phtml

My Opinion

While there will be more to follow on this issue in this blog at a later date, I for one would like to remind the federal government we are a sovereign state and therefore are not to told or held captive by them for the health care of our own people.

More to come!

Roadside Pulpits

Election 2012 #2

As I share these articles which are a few years old, I pray they illustrate for you the importance of making your voice count. 

Today’s article is one that I hope you will pay close attention to and be prepared to share with others along the way.

A BreakPoint Commentary

Is It a Sin Not To Vote? : Christians In the Public Square

Is it a sin not to vote?

That's a question that's been very much in the news in the wake of the supposed exposé by David Kuo, author of TEMPTING FATE.  Kuo, a former aide to President Bush, says he became disillusioned when he heard administration staffers call evangelicals "nuts" and "goofy."  He was also bothered that staffers used political judgments in deciding where to hold briefings.  Really?  What administration since George Washington has not considered politics when scheduling meetings?  As for the "nuts" charge - assuming it's true - well, I've probably used the same term myself to describe some overly zealous brethren.

Kuo's book is of particular interest to me because he credits my book KINGDOMS IN CONFLICT with both launching his political career and warning him about evangelicals in politics.  I'm flattered that my writings influenced David, but he really needs to read my book more closely.  And as a Christian who has worked with President Bush on issues ranging from AIDS to sexual trafficking to slavery in Sudan to prison rape, all of which the president delivered on, my experience could not be more different from what David describes.

Does this mean I'm in the president's pocket?  I've met with the president on numerous occasions and unapologetically consider him my friend, but he has never once asked me to support him.  Nor has he asked me to endorse him politically, something I wouldn't do.  In fact, I've criticized his decisions when I've disagreed with them.  If this is what it means to be manipulated, give me more of it!

David Kuo is right, however, about one thing: Christians involved in politics must maintain their independence; without that, we play into the hands of those - Republicans and Democrats - who would use us.  Both parties are doing and saying things to attract so-called values voters.  And I say good: I'd like to see Republicans and Democrats work to protect innocent human life at every stage, stop AIDS, end the destruction of the family, and take care of prisoners and the poor.

But Kuo is dead wrong to suggest that that Christians ought to enter into a time of "fasting" from politics.  These words, which I wrote in 1987, that so influenced David are true today: "Christians need to influence politics for justice and righteousness."  But we must do so "with eyes open, aware of the snares ... Today Christians may find themselves suspect - I have experienced this myself - to the very people on whose side they are fighting.  But that is the price they must pay to preserve their independence and not be beholden to any political ideological alignment."  That's what I wrote in 1987; that's what I mean today.

Fasting from politics is the exact opposite of what I taught David Kuo, however.  Only by continuing to fight for our beliefs, regardless of the temptations, compromises, or being called "nuts," can we achieve the kind of moral reform and protection of human rights that Christians throughout the centuries and in every culture work for.

This is why Christians must never "fast" from politics.  And it's why Christians, of all citizens, ought to be lining up to vote.  Do your civic duty because you'll do your duty to God in the process.

And to abandon the battle on behalf of the sick and the suffering, the prisoner and the unborn: That would be a true sin.

Copyright (c) 2006 Prison Fellowship Ministries.  Reprinted with permission.  "BreakPoint with Chuck Colson" is a radio ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries. Charles Colson; 11/1/06.