Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

On today’s post, I’ve shared some words I prepared for our church this past Sunday. I pray you’ll be encouraged.

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Good morning, church family.

Today, we partner with other Great Commission Baptist churches to observe Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.

Because of the weight of these matters, I’ve prepared a few words to guide our time.

In Jesus’ sacrifice, God reconciles broken and sinful humans to himself—because He loves us.

None of us are special in and of ourselves, but God in Genesis 1 declares each of us “special” in His sight. Humanity is highlighted among the rest of creation with the privileged title, “Imago Dei”—Image Bearers of King of the Universe.

As Christians, we operate with this Imago Dei lens, which sees all people as valuable and dignified because we are created for a relationship with the Most High.

So, as we, the church, grow in Christ together, we continually take on the heart of Christ, and our hearts will celebrate and cherish ALL HUMAN LIFE. At the same time, we will be increasingly burdened by the tremendous ways people are abused, neglected, exploited, tormented, and murdered.

On this Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, we are reminded that doctrine drives direction.

Doctrine Drives Direction

We believe all humans are equally valuable in God’s sight. But we also remember we are prone to wander into our own lives of self-interest. So today, with an opportunity such as this, we must work to re-clarify our view of people. All people.

We are called to mourn the suffering and death of other persons—no matter who they are.

We are called to support the relief of the needy here in our community and around the world, whether by war or natural disaster.

We are called to stand up for those most hurt by prejudice—including ethnic minorities and persons of differing socio-economic means.

We are called to defend the defenseless and marginalized: Women & Children in unsafe situations, orphans or displaced children, persons with physical or mental special needs, and hospice patients nearing the end of life.

In particular, we are overwhelmed by the staggering number of unborn babies that are aborted each year. For the past five years, abortion has been the leading cause of death worldwide. We grieve over the more than 44 million babies that were killed in 2023.

And while we are called to take action to protect the most vulnerable, like the unborn, we are, at the same time, called to extend the heart of Christ toward those who may have been the abuser or taken advantage of another, or even someone who has considered or undergone an abortion. That may be you in the room right now. As Christ’s ambassadors, we don’t condemn … but plead with you to repent from sin and trust in Jesus.

The Battle Before Us

Church, the apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6, we do “not wrestle against flesh and blood but against … the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” To that end, as the church, may we not underestimate God’s invitation for His people to engage in this supernatural war for the dignity of all humanity. May we be people who pray fervently that things will change.

So, how can we take action?

Number 1, pray.

Number 2, there are plenty of ways we can effect change as people of grace and truth.

My encouragement today is to learn more. I want to point your attention to two organizations.

The first is local and specific: Crosspoint supports the Foothills Care Center as they seek to counsel and assist those with unexpected pregnancies.

The second is an organization called Stand for Life. You can learn more about the holistic pro-life movement, womb to tomb, and discern how you can get involved.

[Prayer]

Father, please show your mercy in this world.

Where there is suffering, would you give your presence? Where there is injustice, would you bring your peace?

We pray that you would end these atrocities that we see everyday.

Would you end war? Would you end abortion? Would you allow humanity to flourish?

And so we pray, for Jesus to move. Bring about your healing work and deploy us as your agents of compassion and reconciliation.

Amen