Abortion is an attack on the family and the humanity that unites us all.
- Alveda King
Perhaps a fraction of a percent of Christians today comprehend the full impact and ramifications of abortion on prayer. This is largely due to a lack of Bible study in regards to prayer in general, much less pro-life issues. While regrettable, such a condition is somewhat understandable given the distractions and temptations of modern life.
I myself was abortion illiterate for my entire pastoral career. Tragically, in much the same way, the vast majority of clergy and laity have little or no interest in clinical or contraceptive abortion. Much less it’s far reaching impact on the Church.
Look! Listen! God's arm is not amputated - he can still save. God's ears are not stopped up - he can still hear. There's nothing wrong with God, the wrong is in you. Your wrongheaded lives caused the split between you and God. Your sins got between you so that he doesn't hear. Your hands are drenched in blood, your fingers dripping with guilt.
- Isaiah 59:1-3 MSG
Life is nothing if not challenging. For some more than others. It’s been reported a handful of the world’s richest men control as much wealth as do the poorest half of the world's population. Add to poverty the physical and emotional pain of violence and war, illness and disease, abuse and neglect, and the billions of suffering start to really add up.
Turning to God under challenging conditions is as reasonable as it is popular. It’s estimated there are over 6 billion participants in just the world’s top five religions. That’s no doubt a lot of prayer.
For nearly 2.5 billion Christians prayer is as the air we breathe. A spiritual lifeline to the love and mercy, faithfulness and provision of God. The good news is that even in the First World, where the pleasures and distractions of life are plentiful, modern believers attest that prayer works. The bad news is that given the little uninterrupted time we devote to prayer, it must not work very well.
This quantum dilemma has long elicited a variety of responses. Many have moved on. Others have chosen to give prayer spiritual lip service, phoning in a petition or praise now and again. Whole denominations manipulate Scripture to suggest miraculous answers were only for a bygone age. Other denominations claim to all but walk on water.
Further complicating matters is prayer’s inherit subjectivity. On the one hand, multitudes within Churchianity profess prayer provides Divine comfort and even intimacy. On the other, to what extent if we prefer doing just about anything else?
Simply put, modern Christianity refuses to admit that prayer is broken. Even in the face of deepening spiritual darkness casting ominous shadows across the entire world, few care to tackle such a sacred cow.
That unanswered prayer is both the leading cause and product of prayerlessness is self evident. It's a vicious cycle well documented in Scripture. God blesses His people. Over time they take Him and His gifts for granted. Entitlement leads to sin. Sin grieves God and restricts answers to prayer. Unanswered prayer creates further unbelief and rebellion. Caught in a downward spiral, things go from bad to worse, making judgment in this life and eternity all but inevitable. That is, unless desperate faith and prayer can find a way to breakthrough. An unlikely remedy if we are massively offending God. Knowingly or not.
Perhaps a fraction of a fraction of a percent of Christians today comprehend the full impact and ramifications of abortion on prayer. This is largely due to a lack of Bible study in regards to prayer in general, much less pro-life issues. While regrettable, such a condition is understandable. Life is full of privileges and responsibility, distractions and temptations. I myself was abortion illiterate throughout my entire pastoral training and career. In the same way, the vast majority of clergy and laity continue to show little or no interest in clinical or contraceptive abortion. Up to and including it’s far reaching impact on the Church.
For decades I’ve reasoned with pastors and lay leaders, parishioners and nontraditional fellowshipping Christians in hope of awakening hearts and minds to not just abortion’s devastating effects on a missing generation, but on equally lost Churchianity. Tragically, the vast majority of even the most astute and sensitive seem unmoved by the pinnacle sin of this or any previous generation.
Consider the following sad but true example. While dressing for the church we were attending on the heals of the afore mentioned 25th Roe vs. Wade Anniversary all night pro-life prayer meeting, I asked my wife if I should relate my experience. Being among the better charismatic denominations and churches, the pastor frequently set aside a few minutes for attenders to stand and share impressions from God. She firmly answered “no” citing our past history of underserved alienation and grief. Knowing Churchianity’s preference for positive, feel-good words from the Lord, I sadly agreed.
That very Sunday, for the first and only time in years, during worship the pastor’s wife approached me from behind and whispered “You have a word from the Lord for us. Be sure to give it.” As she slipped away I looked up silently murmuring, “Ha Ha, very funny. You know they don’t want this word. Besides my wife will kill me.” At the end of that very service, also for the first and only time, the pastor called me by name out of the audience to come down to the alter for special prayer and anointing. As before I said nothing.
The following week, again for the first and only time, the pastor called explaining he’d just walked into his house and the Lord said, “Call Rob and tell him he’s a man of mercy.” At this point I suggested we have lunch, during which I carefully unpacked my pro-life prayer meeting’s experience of being blindsided by our corporate insensitivity to abortion and previous Sunday’s experience with his wife’s insistence that I had a word from the Lord.
Unsurprisingly, after listening politely, he decided that the church was not ready for such a word.
A few weeks later the pastor’s wife again approached during worship saying, “You still have that word from the Lord. You need to give it.” Giving her full marks for persistence I suggested we step outside. After inquiring if she had spoken to her husband, she explained they generally kept such things in confidence. Again I carefully shared my experience and conversation with her husband. As I did, tiny tears began welling up in her eyes as the corner of her lip quivered. But not in the way I had hoped. In anger she decried, “This word is Not for Us. It may be for You, but it’s Not for Us.” To which I sadly but directly responded, “You and your husband have asked three times. If you’re not interested, stop asking me for it.”
Reminiscent of the Old Testament’s strange account leading to the death of wicked King Ahab, sometimes we haven’t the eyes and ears, hearts and minds to discern a word from God. Even when attributing it to Him.
Non charismatic Christianity might dismiss such a story on merely doctrinal grounds. Yet innumerable efforts, often tailored to denominational proclivities, produce no better results. For another lesson in spiritual sensitivity take a moment to examine the following passage from a well known Psalm:
“If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?” Psalms 127: 1-2 The Message
“Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you; you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.” Psalms 127: 3-5 The Message
Conscientious Christians are often involved in ministry of one type or another. As a general rule, they also tend to be at least passingly familiar, if not well acquainted with, Scripture. As such, few and far between are those willing and able to imagine they and those with whom they fellowship or even minster, might have overlooked something as significant as the case already made regarding abortion in general. Much less it’s effect on the church.
This goes double for leadership. Suggesting that after years or decades, if not entire lifetimes of study and service, members of the clergy or even lay leadership might have missed the forest for the trees seems absurd. Then again, with differing doctrines of hundreds of denominations offering various Christs and versions of Biblical truth, such an argument wears a little thin.
Furthermore, many reason that even if abortion were a cataclysmic event, it seems pointless to blame a few snowflakes for an avalanche. Even a crimson one blanketing the entire Earth in innocent blood.
In the majority of cases, this quantum contradiction reflects the systemic nature of faith and denial. To function we must choose. Choosing often equates to believe one thing while denying another. Over time, our choices become ingrained in personal and corporate belief systems. All the more so to the degree we think and/or act on our perspective faith.
So let us pray we choose well.
“God loves us so we should not doubt the love of God” is a simple example of the kind of pop doctrine enabling faith in the Divine virtues of love and mercy, to eclipse other equally important aspects of Divinity, such as holiness and justice. Try as one might, such circular reasoning is a tough nut to crack. After decades of endeavoring to do so regarding the truly devilish nature of abortion, I’ve been forced to resort to a dreadful analogy. Warning. Some truths are not for the timid.
Imagine that parents, and society at large, used abortion clinics to kill newborns and toddlers instead of embryos and fetuses. Take a minute or two and let the scenario sink in. Let the picture run through your heart and mind. Mothers, accompanied by fathers, or perhaps grandmothers, watching as doctors slice the throats of their precious little children or grandchildren. Now replay this world wide phenomenon millions and billions of times.
Consider the ramification. What might God think? In light of Jesus’ teachings regarding salvation in such famous passages as the Good Samaritan, Rich Man and Lazarus and Sheep and Goats, what might Christ require of genuine Christians? How fully would the Holy Spirit anoint the prayers, much less ministries, of those turning a blind eye? What excuse for years and decades of our apathy and inaction would suffice? How long would judgment for such atrocities tarry?
Rest assured that before God there is little or no spiritual difference between a embryo and child. We know this because Scripture conveniently records a key snippet of a conversation between Elizabeth and Mary:
“When Elizabeth heard Mary speak, the baby moved in her body. At the same time Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth spoke in a loud voice, “You are honored among women! Your Child is honored! Why has this happened to me? Why has the mother of my Lord come to me? As soon as I heard your voice, the baby in my body moved for joy.” Luke 1:41-44 Living Bible
So why do so few believers take this issue seriously? Because like everything else, our attitude about abortion is a judgment call. Once made, justification solidifies our level of response, or lack thereof. Mindful of the process, God employs a variety of means to draw attention to our mistakes, if and to the degree we are willing to see, hear and respond. Through the honest and diligent study of Scripture we are invited to grow in spiritual discerntment, learning to more fluently understand and speak the language of the Holy Spirit. Regarding modern Christianity's lack luster response to abortion, the following verse is eerily prophetic:
“Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out.” This is God’s Message: “If your sins are blood-red, they’ll be snow-white. If they’re red like crimson, they’ll be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 The Message
“So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord was working with them and confirming the word by the signs that followed.” Mark 16:19-20 Amplified Bible
“But if it’s by God’s power that I am sending the evil spirits packing, then God’s kingdom is here for sure. How in the world do you think it’s possible in broad daylight to enter the house of an awake, able-bodied man and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first? Tie him up, though, and you can clean him out.” Matthew 12:28-29 The Message
One need look no further than to the dwindling quantity and quality of personal and corporate prayer, within the rank and file of modern Christianity, to judge how well prayer works. While we all have the occasional testimonies of answered prayer, truth be told our unanswered prayers are overwhelmingly greater in number. A small success rate, similarly attested to by members of competing denominations and religions. This sad state of affairs accounts for the fact that the average Christian spends only a handful of minutes a day in undivided intercession to God. As noted, a stopped clock is right twice a day. Yet, to be of real value it must be dependable all day long. So too, failures in prayer are not only frustrating personally, but hamstring our mission to carry out Christ's great commission. So why doesn't prayer, particularly petition and intercession, work? While the Bible is full of conditions for answered prayer, few teach them. Fewer still meet them. Those regarding abortion less so.
Again, many argue that God's love is unconditional. They claim the same for salvation, and the things accompanying it. It’s true, in a certain respects, that God offers His love freely. Nevertheless, even gifts can be both free and conditional. In point of fact all are. This grave doctrinal misunderstanding is a primary reason for rampant sin in modern Christianity and the chief rationalization used to excuse it. A grave error that, along with unparalleled levels of Me-ism and the original sin of entitlement, may well represent the single greatest stumbling block facing today’s believers.
The word "unconditional" fails to appear a single time in Scripture. The word "if" occurs over 1,400 times. In fact, the word "if" often introduces more than one condition, as in the case of 2 Chronicles 7:14's perfect formula for repentance. Here God Himself states in the most emphatic of terms and circumstances that IF His people will complete four requirements…
A. HUMBLE THEMSELVES
B. and PRAY
C. and SEEK His Face
D. and TURN from their WICKED WAYS...
THEN (and only then) the He will:
E. HEAR from Heaven
F. and FORGIVE their SINS
G. and HEAL their Land
Aborting Our Prayers?
The theme of conditionality is constant throughout the Bible. Nowhere more so than in the multitude of Scriptures dealing directly and indirectly with abortion. This includes any reference to violence or murder, particularly those referring to the shedding of innocent blood. The Bible repeatedly states those participating in an/or tolerating the shedding of innocent blood are aborting their own prayers. While some passages on this subject require connecting the dots, others are crystal clear:
"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil. They hatch the eggs of vipers and spin a spider's web. Whoever eats their eggs will die, and when one is broken, an adder is hatched. Their cobwebs are useless for clothing; they cannot cover themselves with what they make. Their deeds are evil deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands. Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood." Isaiah 59:1-7 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s
The above passage is just one of more than 150 pro-life passages dealing with the effectiveness of abortion as a weapon against the Church, should we fait to do all that is required to end this unthinkable betrayal of God, our offspring and our own souls. While such Scriptures are marginalized, we do so at our own peril. Keep in mind that in the Bible’s record of Earth’s greatest spiritual battle, Jesus declared that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Seen in such light, each of these passages is vital to the welfare of modern Christianity. Furthermore, all of the greatest and most often reoccurring tenants of Scripture emphasize our sacred duty to love others. Surely this includes bearing and raising our children to become a generation of godly offspring.
Isaiah, one of the most insightfully powerful prophets to walk the Earth, clearly understood God's passion for the helpless and needy. The Book of Isaiah not only contains the Old Testament's most comprehensive prophecies concerning the coming of Christ, but mirrors the Messiah's complete identification with the needy and least of humanity:
"Why this frenzy of sacrifices?" God's asking. "Don't you think I've had my fill of burnt sacrifices, rams and plump grain-fed calves? Don't you think I've had my fill of blood from bulls, lambs, and goats? When you come before me, whoever gave you the idea of acting like this, Running here and there, doing this and that— all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship? "Quit your worship charades. I can't stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings— meetings, meetings, meetings—I can't stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You've worn me out! I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I'll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I'll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you've been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don't have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless. "Come. Sit down. Let's argue this out." This is God's Message: "If your sins are blood-red, they'll be snow-white. If they're red like crimson, they'll be like wool. If you'll willingly obey, you'll feast like kings. But if you're willful and stubborn, you'll die like dogs. That's right. God says so." Isaiah 1:11-20 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
Aborting Communion and Worship?
Few experiences are as meaningful to Christians as communion and worship. We often feel closest to God and one another when sharing the body of Christ. We anticipate enjoying the presence of the Lord as He inhabits the praises of His people. But Scripture directs us to examine our feelings in light of God's Word. To the point of working out our salvation with "fear and trembling." Yet billions today continue to ignore alarming trends within modern Christianity and society at large. Even when indicative of what may be history’s most devilish attack against Christendom.
The ramifications of abortion in regards to prayer and fellowship, communion and worship, represents a devastating aspect of the most insidious sin to befall mankind since eating Eden’s forbidden fruit. Though not in itself the final temptation, it may in fact be the seed from which it germinates.
Abortion's meg-holocaust reveals much. The implications of globally murdering well over a billion pre-born may only be eclipsed by Churchianity’s Biblical illiteracy that could allow such a slaughter to go ostensibly unchallenged for half a century. Heedless of Scripture's most dire warnings, formerly Christian nations have embraced and exported abortion worldwide. Such actions and/or inactions on the part of society at large, and modern Christianity in particular, are far removed from Christ’s commands regarding the treatment of others. Not to mention that of our own souls.
Rather than acting the Good Samaritan, the majority of Catholics and Protestants have played the part of the Priest and Levite. If not the thieves themselves. In the story, which is not a parable, why did the Priest and Levite pass by? Fear of assault? Apathy for travelers? Disdain for Jericho? Or perhaps they were busy about God’s work. Certainly authentic priestly and levitical duties may have been pressing.
So why aren’t we told? Christ’s silence seems to emphasize it doesn’t matter. And remember, Jesus is responding to the ultimate question of “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Contextually, it would be reasonable to assume that while we are not told the spiritual state of the Priest and Levite, prior to or during their passing by the victim left "half dead,” upon doing so they unwittingly lost whatever salvation they may have had.
While the preceding explanation seems overly harsh, it is nonetheless the most logical interpretation. One having significant consequences regarding abortion and the Church. Thankfully, Jesus explains in detail the appropriate response from the Samaritan:
He had compassion on the victim: This does not suggest that the Priest and Levite were without compassion altogether. Rather, unlike the Samaritan, their compassion failed in this life and death instance.
He stopped to help: There are several possible reasons the Priest and Levite passed by on the other side. What ever these were, the Samaritan's compassion and understanding of the situation physically and/or spiritually moved him to approach.
He offered immediate and long term aid: While the oil and wine for the victim's wounds were helpful, should the Samaritan's aid had stopped there, he too would have failed the test.
He brought the victim to a place of care: There he personally attended an apparent stranger until the next morning. The inference is the Samaritan personally enters into the life and death struggle for this victim.
He pays for further aid: The Samaritan pays the innkeeper to continue care and then returns to his own business. He promises to check back on the condition of the victim and to see if more money is required. The Samaritan goes the extra mile to assist an unknown person's needs. Again, tellingly Jesus uses this example to answer the question of how to attain Heaven.
Jesus commands those who would "inherit eternal life" to "Go and do likewise.” Sadly, the compassionate care of the Good Samaritan is as different from modern Christianity’s response to abortion as night and day. Thus this sin, not to mention a long litany of others, strongly suggests we've so grieved the Holy Spirit as to be disqualified from approaching God with anything less than continued and radical repentance. Doing so reveals widespread presumption. If not profanity. Attitudes and actions clearly failing the spirit, if not the letter, of Paul’s communion test:
“Let a man [thoroughly] examine himself, and [only when he has done] so should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discriminating and recognizing with due appreciation that [it is Christ’s] body, eats and drinks a sentence (a verdict of judgment) upon himself. That [careless and unworthy participation] is the reason many of you are weak and sickly, and quite enough of you have fallen into the sleep of death. For if we searchingly examined ourselves [detecting our shortcomings and recognizing our own condition], we should not be judged and penalty decreed [by the divine judgment]. But when we [fall short and] are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined and chastened, so that we may not [finally] be condemned [to eternal punishment along] with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:28-32 Amplified Bible - Emphasis QC’s
“The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.” Mark 10:13-16 The Message
“And whoever receives and accepts and welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives and accepts and welcomes Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:5-6 Amplified Bible
“Beware that you do not despise or feel scornful toward or think little of one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always are in the presence of and look upon the face of My Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew: 18:10 New International Version
Equally chilling is the New Testaments continual reiteration and reinforcement of the great commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Clearly the pre-born qualify as our most consummate neighbor. Two souls sharing the same body. Such a unique bond reveals abortion is the very antithesis of godly love. Thankfully, the tenor of Scripture is clear that all babies go to Heaven. Pre-born and otherwise. But what’s to become of those prematurely sending them their? Here again, in Revelation’s record of Jesus’ judgment of His seven churches, and/or church ages, modern Christianity more closely resembles Laodicea, whom Christ threatens to “vomit you out of My mouth” than it does Philadelphia, who’s name loosely originates from brotherly love. Or perhaps even those who love the womb, from where brothers are born. Strong’s Concordance renders the meaning of Philadelphia in this way:
- Philadelpheia 5359. Filade/lfeia Philadelpheia; from 5361; Philadelphia, a city of Lydia:—Philadelphia(2). 5361. fila & delfov philadelphos; from 5384 and 80; loving one's brother:—brotherly(1). 5384. fi/lov philos; a prim. word; beloved, dear, friendly:—friend(12), friends(17). 80. a) delfo & v adelphos; from 1 (as a cop. pref.) and delfu & v delphus (womb); a brother: —believing husband(1), brethren(170), brethren*(13), brother(111), brother's(8), brothers(40). - Emphasis QC’s
“He said, “Go and tell this people: ‘Listen hard, but you aren’t going to get it; look hard, but you won’t catch on.’ Make these people blockheads, with fingers in their ears and blindfolds on their eyes, So they won’t see a thing, won’t hear a word, So they won’t have a clue about what’s going on and, yes, so they won’t turn around and be made whole.’” Isaiah 6:9-10 The Message
“Frauds! Isaiah’s prophecy of you hit the bull’s-eye: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it. They act like they’re worshiping me, but they don’t mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy.” Matthew 15:7-9 The Message
“I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.” Amos 5:21:24 The Message - Emphasis QC's
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse. Malachi 4:5 New King James Version
Before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" God will send Elijah (or the spirit of Elijah as with John the Baptist).
Malachi is last of a long list of prophets giving advice along these lines.
Notice it's God initiating the action.
He will "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children" and vice versa. Apparently children and parents are at odds.
Should this effort fail, God will strike the Earth with a curse.
Notice it's God cursing. Not sinful society or even the Devil. Though Omnity may well use either or both.
"And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, And if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name,” Says the Lord of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do not take it to heart. “Behold, I will rebuke your descendants and spread refuse on your faces, the refuse of your solemn feasts." Malachi 2:1-3 New King James Version
Crucial Points
Malachi's alarm is directed towards God's people and their leaders in particular. This is a dire warning. The Church is the Light of the World. If the light in Churchianity has become darkness, “how great is that darkness.”
God threatens to curse His people. In fact He claims to have already done so. Such a warning suggests that the church of Malachi’s day was blind to their state. Again, sounds a lot like Revelation’s Laodicea. Perhaps like us, they made excuses as to why their prayers were going unanswered, their children were being lost to the world, and their solemn feast were ignored.
God declares He will even curse their blessings... Harsh words, with "cursed blessings" an ominous description of our current condition. "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Under such circumstances, aren’t our pillars of blessing; i.e. personal salvation, family, church and community, cursed to crack and crumble?
When the authors of the Old Testament wished to emphasize a point they did so using the Jewish oracular device of repetition. Rather than an exclamation point, they repeated the word directly or with synonyms. Maximum emphasis is expressed by repeating a word or thought three times. An example of this is found in Isaiah chapter 6 were the angels glorify God by crying "holy, holy, holy."
Malachi also uses this method to describe the level of repentance being employed by a remnant of the church of his day. Chillingly, their sin against God was so grievous that even this intensity of repentance was being rejected.
"And this is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and crying; So He does not regard the offering anymore, Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands..." Malachi 2:13 New King James Version
"Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the LORD has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit?" Malachi 2:14 New King James Version
"But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? Malachi 2:15 New King James Version
"And why one? He seeks godly offspring." Malachi 2:15 New King James Version
What excuse can we give God for aborting over 60 million of our offspring and thereby turning the womb into the most dangerous place to be in America? Are the blessings of Christians living in the best and worst of times cursed? They are when up to 80% of the children we've not aborted loose what little faith they have in their twenties. Clearly we are failing to provide Him the “godly offspring” He demands.
Few today are troubled by such concerns. Scriptural or not. Modern Christianity prides itself on projecting and instilling an air of confidence. We rest assured communion and worship provide sure foundations on which Christianity, and therefor we ourselves, stand. Each are held in the highest regard, and rightly so, by billions of Catholics and Protestants alike.
Communion for the Catholic and worship for the Protestant are exalted for many reasons. Not the least of which is the anticipation that God is particularly present at these times. Whether literally in the body of Christ for the former, or by inhabiting the praises of his people for the latter. Like Moses on holy ground, QC recognizes the vital role both sacraments hold. For this very reason, given the solar eclipse cast by abortion's holocaust, we must proceed with extreme caution. Ever mindful that once again as referenced, "our God is a consuming fire."
As in Christ’s Good Samaritan, physically and/or spiritually we may well have left a generation all but "half dead." Like the Priest and Levite we’ve corporately, and in most cases individually, failed to rendered compassionate and commensurate aide. Remember, for decades the church has had the means to end abortion in a single day by just sending 1% of church attenders to have a pro-family picnic in front of the entrance of abortion clinics. Such a simple and passive rescue technique could hardly be thwarted by arrests given the sheer numbers involved. Certainly not for more than a day or two.
QC acknowledges the whole of modern Christianity finds such reasoning as distracting as a red herring. Not too mention down right insulting. It’s inconceivable that hundreds of millions of good hearted and sincere believers could be so universally off page as to have our very blessings cursed. And the by none other than God Himself. Nevertheless, the Bible is replete with warnings and commands, examples and prophetic advice evidencing as much. Many testifying that God's people have often been so tragically deceived that their faith was in vain.
Likewise, living faith, the kind that complies with Scripture's conditions for salvation by grace, is repeatedly modeled and described in detail. The crucial question posed to each generation, culture and individual, is which do we possess? Answering this question correctly has less to do with sentimentality or tradition, than with accurately interpreting Scripture and sensitivity to its Author.
Charles Spurgeon, the highly esteemed “Prince of Preachers” was once asked how he upheld Biblical authenticity so well. He suggested the task was as simple as defending a caged lion. "One need only, let it out of its cage.” The same may be said for interpreting Scripture. Though there are minor differences in what may be somewhat flawed modern translated and paraphrased versions, Christianity’s fundamental messages and major tenants are so often repeated and emphasized as to be impossible for the honest reader to miss. Though apparently not ignore.
Thankfully there are many excellent Bible study aids. Among the safest is that of the Rule of Unity. While not linear in layout, Scripture interprets itself quite clearly when given an honest chance. Throughout its various styles and themes, its different authors supply us with an ever clearer picture as to its meaning on a myriad of topics. Through a vast quantity of texts on many diverse subjects, repeating meta-messages are refined and focused, providing a quality of understanding that has amazed Bible students and scholars for millennia.
Biblical references on a topic can be either direct or indirect. Examples of the importance of both are plentiful in Scripture. Direct references are generally, though not always, quickly apparent. A vital passage in Amos 5 regarding abortion and worship, to be discussed later, is such an example. Indirect reference take more effort, though interestingly the more important the theme the more they abound. An example of an indirect reference would be the return of Joseph and Mary from Egypt after having been warned to flee, thereby protecting the child Jesus from the slaughter of Bethlehem’s young boys. The gospel writer explains this was in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy, “out of Egypt I called my son.”
Interestingly, the original Old Testament passage cited makes no mention contextually of the Messiah’s parents whisking the Christ child away from harm. Rather it’s an account of the exodus of Moses. Even so, we are told embedded within this passage is an indirect prophecy of the toddler Jesus’ evading Herod. This is one example of the more than 150 pro-life Scriptures contained in the Bible. We do well to note that Herod’s slaughter of the innocents is of such villainy that it forever defines him. Completely eclipsing any good he may have accomplishment during his reign.
A sobering thought in light of the numbers of Herod’s slaughter compared to that of modern day abortion. Estimates of 1st century Bethlehem boys two years old and younger may range in the hundreds or few thousands. While tragic, this pales in comparison to over a billion clinically aborted in just the last few decades.
Relating to this same event, is a prophecy by “the weeping prophet” Jeremiah. His reminder of woe is a quantum flash backward to Genesis, providing a future prophecy to be fulfilled in the life of Jesus over 600 years later. Jeremiah captures the somber moment that took place a millennia before declaring: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.” Here we find Rachel, living 2,000 years before Herod’s slaughter. Sensitive to God’s regard for children, Rachel was inconsolable. How few today can say the same. Even with a billion or more children slaughtered in our lifetime. More chilling still is that this worshiper of God had developed her tender and insightful heart without a single page of the Bible or any church history to draw from.
Again, consider this in light of Jesus’ warning, “to whom much is given, from him much will be required.” Communion and worship are conduits by which we may draw near to God and He to us. Since Eden’s fall, mankind and creation itself groans for the wholeness and bond we were created to enjoy with our Creator. With Christ’s appearing, life, death, resurrection and ascension, an even greater opportunity for unity is extended to those seeking God’s Kingdom and righteousness. Communion and worship are designed to be sensitive responses to the person of God. Our response to God requires a level of genuine faith. Such faith, like we ourselves, exists three dimensionally as reflected by the commitment of our minds, hearts and wills. Unfortunately, many today are taught that merely one or two of faith’s aspects are all that is necessary.
This is clearly not the case. For example, should you find yourself in a burning airplane you might be told that a parachute had been provided for your safety, and that jumping from the plummeting plane and opening the lifesaving device would save you. You could believe this to be true. You could be completely convinced in the reliability of the parachute and be eternally grateful to its Provider. You might desire to be saved from peril, even moved to song and tears of thanks for Providence’s provision. Even so, should you refuse to act on your belief and emotion, regardless as to your reasons why, aren’t you and your “faith” as good as dead? Central to our theme of abortion, in regards to modern communion and worship, is its impact on our success in approaching God. The Bible foretells a time when “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ." It will be clear on that day, to all, if and how we have pleased and/or displeased He to Whom noting is hidden. Unfortunately, it will be too late then to alter our thoughts, feelings and actions. Today however, if we will hear His voice, there remains time to examine ourselves in this regard. Though we, “see in glass darkly” Scripture reveals much. Even the "thoughts and intentions of the heart." Our relationship to Omnity may be measured in several ways. God’s miraculously answering prayer has always ranked among the top indicators of a right relationship with Him. For those who fear God, the Bible abounds with great and precious promises. God even offers to share His goodness and glory with those who pursue Peter’s additions to faith. Over time each of us becomes expert in gauging the attitude of others by the signals they send through posture, movement and expression. Such non verbal signals often reveal as much or more than the words we use to communicate. God’s halo data is revealed in His Word. Given time and study, we can learn to read God’s attitude clearly. We can become sensitive to not only His every Word, by which man shall live, but discern His very tone and facial expression. This holds true for abortion, as well as a host of other important themes.
Aborting Our Salvation?
Scripture clearly teaches that grievous sin, particularly the shedding of innocent blood, will short-circuit prayer. Further, Christ Himself repeatedly taught the importance of loving our neighbor. Again, a mother and her pre-born child are the consummate of neighbors. Two souls sharing one body.
As referenced, this make it or break theme is reinforced by all of Christ’s most in-depth teachings regarding salvation itself. As in such notable passages as the Rich Young Ruler and frightfully more so in the Rich Man and Lazarus. In fact, when Jesus was asked the question of all questions as to how to get to Heaven, He replied with His famous story of the Good Samaritan filled with pro-life overtones. As is His prophetic parable of the Sheep and the Goats.
Nonetheless abortion continues relatively unopposed. Modern Christians vote and support liberal politics and candidates unabashedly pro-abortion. Conservative Christians endorse and elect political and even spiritual leadership clearly PINO (pro-life in name only). Exemplified in hundreds of ways. For a somewhat humors and insightful political example see the short video from The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh show’s 100th episode. Others withdraw from the political and even religious system entirely, citing it’s flaws and failures to promote the Kingdom of God. An objection Scripturally supportable, but only for those doing more not less. Prophetic Christians endeavoring to embrace the rigors of radical discipleship. Men and women diligently seeking to be filled with all the fullness God, aspiring to continually walk in discernment with the hope of emulating Paul’s “demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”
Thankfully, there are numerous ways to be authentically pro-life. Some more strategic than others. As a sidewalk counselor I had the privilege of meeting a handful of women who for the better part of a decade stood vigil on Christ’s behalf. A demanding post, For years they prayed and pleaded, loved and wept. Often alone. Once hoping to rally some troops, a then middle aged mom named Cindy visited 74 of the leading churches in town. She merely asked that a line or two be added to their Sunday bulletin inviting those interested to join them at the abortion clinic on an upcoming Saturday for prayer and show of support. She sadly reported 70 declined even such an infinitesimal effort as a small mention in a single weeks church bulletin.
The senior pastor of one of the larger “spirit filled” churches invited Cindy into his office. He kindly inquired why she was making abortion such a big deal? He reasoned, “Abortion is no different than any other sin. The women can be forgiven and the babies all go to Heaven.” As my pro-life mentor, I had never witnessed Cindy without lovingly wise, and when necessary, firm words for any of the many hundreds of mothers and fathers, grandparents and even security guards as they entered and exited the abortion clinic. Yet in the pastor’s office she recalled standing in stunned silence. Years later she still regretted having no response.
As she lamented over her experience I knew exactly what should have been said. She should have agreed that thankfully all children do go to Heaven. She should have confirmed that post abortive women can be forgiven, though not half so lightly as Churchianity imagines. She should have denounced the lie that “abortion was no different than any other sin.” Then, fixing the pastor with Cindy’s own brand of friendly but firm gaze she should have replied, “For you. For you and your entire church. For the sake of hundreds of thousands of good church attending Christians in Fresno who’s ignorance and apathy are pushing God’s patience to the limit:
“Don’t you realize how patient he is being with you? Or don’t you care? Can’t you see that he has been waiting all this time without punishing you, to give you time to turn from your sin? His kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.” Romans 2:4 Living Bible
And what of his assertion that post abortive women can simply be forgiven?
I had the privilege of meeting Eloise within that same cadre of three faithful sidewalk counselors. All of which just happened to be Protestant charismatics moms. A larger than average hispanic grandma in her late 50’s, Eloise had a unique and powerful style. She loved and wept. Scores of times I watched as she reasoned and pled with girls and women entering the abortuary. Many of whom were Hispanic like she herself. Even after they went in, she stood alone on somewhat swollen feet before the black walls of one way plate glass. Begging as tears rolled down her face she would cry, “Mija (beloved girl or daughter) don’t do this. God gave you a precious gift. You should love and protect it. I know you can hear me. Change your mind and come out or you’ll regret it the rest of your life. We can help you. Please… Please don’t let them kill your beautify baby. ”
Knowing of what she spoke, she meant every loving word. Decades before, while caring for several children of her own, she found herself in poverty and pregnant again. Her harrowing choice to abort left a lifetime wound. Healed through equivalently deep and abiding repentance, she literally oozed Christ’s love and mercy as a sign of warning and reproof.
Mankind’s pinnacle sin of abortion is quantum in a variety of ways. For example, it’s hardly just like any other sin. Even so, as with any other sin, it does require the event and process of genuine repentance. Like faith itself, honest and heartfelt repentance encompasses our entire mind, heart and will as required by 2 Chronicles 7:14’s perfect formula for repentance.
The New Testament reiterates this principle in multiple ways. Putting the penance in repentance, Scripture reinforces the need for a change of both attitude and action as exemplified in the old adage, "When is a thief not a thief?” The Bible’s answer is not when someone merely confesses. Not even when a thief stops stealing. That's just an out of work thief. But rather:
"If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need." Ephesians 4:28 New Living Translation
In this regard, I’ve never personally witnessed a greater example of genuine repentance than Eloise. It was around Mother’s Day she unknowingly left her greatest impression. Attending a church service at a ministry where I served as administrator, I inwardly groaned as an otherwise unusually gifted and perceptive pastor rolled out yet another flag waving motherhood sermon. Even going so far as to invite a supposed charismatic prophetess to provide positive and personalized “words from the Lord” for mothers in attendance. On this auspicious Sunday, once again there was no discernment or caution about abortion’s attack on or by mothers. Literally claiming to speak on behalf of the same Holy Spirit who’s work in the womb had been ripped apart over a billion times, there was no brokenness much less rebuke. No prayer or prodding for God fearing mothers to rise up and become authentically pro-life. Of course this was only one of hundreds of thousands of similar Mother’s Day sermons preached around the world that day. And millions since Roe vs. Wade.
When next I saw Eloise it was at the abortuary. In usual form she wept through and against it’s darkened glass walls. Reminiscent of the tears of another woman millennia ago:
“Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look! See this woman kneeling here! When I entered your home, you didn’t bother to offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You refused me the customary kiss of greeting, but she has kissed my feet again and again from the time I first came in. You neglected the usual courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has covered my feet with rare perfume. Therefore her sins—and they are many—are forgiven, for she loved me much; but one who is forgiven little, shows little love.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:44-48 Living Bible
Today there are many opportunities for individuals, churches and organizations to have a pro-life impact on people within their communities. For some simple ideas click the link: Change.
For an overview of being authentically pro-life click the link: Authentically Pro-Life For an in depth report on serious church and denominational objectives and strategies to enable the church to have a comprehensive pro-life, pro-family and pro-mission strategy click the link Objectives
UPDATE: Roe vs. Wade Overturned
To the joy of countless millions, on Friday 6/24/22 the landmark decision Hobbs vs. Jackson by the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe vs. Wade. Thus auspiciously ending 50 years of national tyranny against 60 million pre-born.
Or at lease throwing the decision to allow mothers to continue conspiring with physicians to murder the offspring within their wombs back to America's 50 individual states...
Nor does it address the more subtle yet sinful and deadly issue of contraceptive abortifacients, prevalent throughout society and modern Christianity.
While I now live in North East Texas, years ago I spent nearly 100 Saturdays at Central California clinics warning and imploring up to twenty girls a day to spare their babies. Via public parking constraints, forced to pass near I implored, “If God gives you the gift of a child don’t let anyone harm it” while handing them carefully explicit literature.
Often alone, sometimes there would be nearly a handful of us. On a good day, one or two mothers would listen and change their minds.
On many other occasions none at all.
As in Christ's end time parable of the Sheep and Goats, there I discovered Jesus in His smallest and most innocent form. Totally dependent for “food” and “drink,” “naked” and “in prison” in the very womb of His mother. There I watched as He was repeatedly carried, “Like a lamb to the slaughter,” into a medical clinic. A most solemn and sorrowful scenario with grave spiritual ramifications.
One repeated in Fresno alone over 50,000 times.
In over two years I don’t recall a single member of the clergy or even lay leader joining us. Though I understand the odds may have somewhat improved through the influence of 40 Days For Life.
Only a fraction of fraction of a percent of ordained ministers have served as a director of a leading pro-life organization. Far less still have had the honor and responsibility to act as a leading liaison to over a thousand churches in state wide pro-life political initiatives.
With well over thirty years in strategic Christian service, including more than a decade of pastoral ministry and pro-life activism, the author is privileged to belong to a select fraternity. This and other articles and books represent a culmination of this experience. Using such depth perception, this commentary is intended to introduce the true nature of the challenge presented by abortion. Particularly to modern Christianity.
During California’s 2005 Prop. 73 Parent’s Right To Know initiative I produced the pro-life political DVD entitled “Protect Me…Please” to be shown in hundreds, if not thousands of churches, prior to or on election Sunday. Groundbreaking, the 3 minute video featuring post abortive laments of teenage girls, made the front page of both the LA Times and San Francisco Chronicle. Prop. 73 failed by a narrow margin.
During the subsequent Prop. 85 initiative I achieved another milestone. For the first time, four leading Protestant state denominations, the Southern Baptists, Assemblies of God, Calvary Chapel and Foursquare, officially endorsed a political initiative. Again Parent’s Right to Know (PRK) was defeated.
Our third attempt in 2008 with Prop 4. affectionately dubbed “Sarah’s Law” failed as well. More than political, my involvement was spiritually motivated. After having spoken to thousands of Christians across denominational lines, it was clear that far less than 1% of either clergy or laity had the vaguest notion of the scale of abortion’s true threat to either the pre-born or the Church.
As a topical Biblical commentary, Quantum Christianity was designed in recognition of the need to examine and handle truth carefully and honestly. Scriptural and otherwise. The nationalized legalization of clinical abortion, and its apparent overruling, presents a perfect case in point.
A faithful handling of the Old and New Testament requires would be students and adherents to develop spiritual discernment on a variety of subjects crucial to Biblical Christianity. The lack of which has produced hundreds of differing denominations espousing various Christs and versions of the gospel. Tragically, many of the hopeful insights inherent in Christ's command to "Judge with righteous judgment" continue to go largely unrealized within modern Christianity.
Such is certainly the case when considering the American church's 50 year track record in regards to an appropriate response to abortion. Or more accurately, the lack thereof. Both clinically and contraceptively.
Bear in mind that church attending Christians could have ended abortion in a single day, 365 days a year, for 50 years, by simply sending 1% of our congregations to have family friendly picnics in front of every abortion clinic in America. With thousands peacefully blocking entrances, even should there be numerous arrests, the sheer numbers involved would shut down all abortuaries in a single day. With 99% more now authentically pro-life Christians waiting for a chance to join cause.
Yet nothing could be further from the case. Then or now.
Nor have we seriously addressed the widespread use of abortifacient contraception throughout Christendom. A topic that many, if not most, churches and even pro-life organizations know or speak little about. Most often chemical in nature, early term abortions are a result of various forms of birth control and other devices. Abortions of this kind happen before the mother is aware of her pregnancy. The exact numbers are unknown. Some estimates suggest the daily total of these types of abortions may be surprising large. In the U.S. alone perhaps between 834,000 to over 4,000,000 per year (Dr. Bobmir Kuhar, Infant Homicides Through Contraceptives Pg 27.) Lower estimates range around 100,000 to over 1,500,000 annually (Randy Alcorn: Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions? How Often Does the Pill Cause Abortions?)
Thus the compelling need to rethink Jesus' directive to “Judge with righteous judgment” should be abundantly evident.
But is it? Throughout the Hobbs vs. Jackson decision by the Supreme Court celebratory posts and podcasts, sermons and ceremonies, is there any awareness of the reality of the seriousness our situation? Or brokenhearted repentance in light of the depth of our failures?
Are any of today's joyful messages cognizant of the Bible's repeated warning that God is not mocked.
- “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. Galatians 6:7 AMP
- For they sow the wind [in evil] And they reap the whirlwind [in disaster]. Hosea 8:7 AMP
Is our revelry tempered with the sobering fact that while abortion is currently the pinnacle sin of mankind, it's only the tip of the iceberg? One floating in a Water World of immorality unleashed by the continual and increasing tsunami of the 60's sexual revolution redefining and/or eliminating traditional marriage and family.
These devilish sociopolitical engineering undoubtedly ushered in such modern woes as career felon George Floyd's sainthood and efforts to undermine criminal justice. Antifa and BLM riots and violence. CRT and orchestrated racial tensions. C19's plandemic and goal overreach. Medical interference and harmful vaccines. Woke agenda and transgenderism. Biden's malevolent war on Ukraine and America's economy. All part of the Great Reset.
And these are just the highlights. All coordinated and choreographed by the clearly visible and menacing Iron Triangle of liberal global politics, media and corporations.
Yet even now, modern Christianity, up to and including the vast majority of Prophetic Christians, refuses to discern the clearly repeated handwriting on the wall. And having done so, to enter the crucible of James 4's Prayer of Anguish in hopes of James 5's reconciliation to, and empowerment by, God.
Particularly the Person of the Holy Spirit, Whom we continue to annoy and grieve, if not profane and blaspheme.
Instead, across America, Laodicea is masquerading as Philadelphia. Lauding the Supreme Court for Hobbs vs. Jackson while the highest court in the land continues to sidestep or support all the devastating atrocities mentioned above. Many of which modern Christianity has yet to Scripturally repent of, up to and including sins of clinical and/or contraceptive abortion. In regards to commission and/or omission.
Mankind’s current pinnacle sin of abortion is spiritually quantum in a variety of ways. For example, it’s hardly just like any other sin. Even so, as with any other sin, it does require the event and process of genuine repentance. Like faith itself, honest and heartfelt repentance encompasses our entire mind, heart and will. As required by the previously mentioned passage in 2 Chronicles 7:14’s perfect formula for repentance.
Pro-Life Series Articles
- AbortionNo.org (graphic content)
More information
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