The Sanctity Of Human Life

What this episode covers

More than 60M abortions since 1973. That is equivalent to the populations of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada combined! Imagine every human being in those states disappearing. That is roughly 19% of the population of the United States today. I don’t typically preach topical sermons, but today is the 50th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade and the first year since the Supreme Court of the United States overturned it. It seemed like an appropriate year to join with many churches around the nation who are recognizing our need to continue to battle in this most crucial ethical war of the last several centuries. Moral issues that are culturally controversial don’t disappear, but they do tend to swing in the direction of those who are the most vocal. Now is not the time to go silent. At the same time, there is really nothing to gloat about. Despite the fact that Roe vs. Wade has been overturned, more than 90% of planned abortions are still taking place in America. Those who want an abortion can find the means to get one. While we should celebrate the overturning of any unjust laws in our nation, we ultimately want to see our nation repent. We pray that advocates of abortion would begin to promote the sanctity of human life. While I do think a scientific and philosophical case can be made for the pro-life position, it is the biblical case that I want to discuss today. The unfortunate reality is that seven out of ten women who receive an abortion identify themselves as Christian. The Christian Church has not adequately equipped our children to value life more than their reputation. They would rather end the life of their unborn child than suffer the humiliation of an unplanned pregnancy. When we rightly understand the value of life we will truly praise the Giver of life. Read Psalm 139:13-16. God Made Us In the Womb (Ps. 139:13-16) God formed us… קנה typically means to buy or acquire. Because God formed us, we belong to him. Only God can give life, and only he has the right to take life. Job speaks of the value of his servants based upon the fact that the same God made them both in the womb (Job 31:15). They have equal value before the God, to whom they owe their existence. In these verses, David specifically credits God with creating three things: 1. “unformed substance” = embryo 2. “frame” = skeletal system 3. “inward parts” = internal organs 3,000 years ago, David knew—through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit—what science has now confirmed through medical technology. Dr. Steve Jacobs recently surveyed 5,577 professors in biology departments from over 1,000 institutions around the world…96% of them affirmed the view that human life begins at fertilization. That is when a distinct human being begins to form. Let us take a moment to marvel at the miracle of life: Within 24hrs — The zygote divides and multiplies, and continues to do so every 12 to 15 hours. By week 2 — Three layers can be differentiated: 1.) Inner — breathing and digestive organs 2.) Middle — bones, muscles, organs 3.) Outside — skin and nerves. 22 Days — Heart starts beating, before most women know they’re pregnant. Individual cells begin to contract > synchronize contractions > heart develops at 1M cells/sec w/ blood totally separate from mother’s. 32 Days — Begins developing arms and hands. 40 Days — Brain waves are measurable. 42 Days — Vertebrae begins forming. By week 8 — All major organs are working. Babies can feel. By week 11 — Smiles and frowns. By week 13 — Sensitive to light and sound. Responds to music, loud noises, and mother’s voice. By week 17 — Rapid Eye Movement, dreaming. Full-term — 60,000 miles of vessels working to bring nutrients in and dispose of waste. David models the only appropriate response to the miracle of life…namely, to give God praise. When we wonder at the intricate design of humanity we ought to acknowledge the Designer. Despite all o

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