New Page CXVI Album Available Now!

The new Page CXVI album is here! Spread the word!


(My deepest apologies to Jeff Proctor for my liberal use of exclamation points.)

Your King Comes....

Advent; The King Comes... from Erick Sorensen on Vimeo.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Only 6 days until the new album is available.

04 Holy, Holy, Holy by PageCXVI

A THEOLOGY OF WORK

When I was 19 and first starting off in the work world, I found myself in a job I didn't much appreciate. I knew I had to do it, and I knew that this was what "being an adult" meant. But really, was this all there was? I struggled and struggled for awhile, but finally, God in His grace revealed to me (through His Word) a doctrine, a viewpoint that changed my whole perspective. That is, I began to do some reading up on the idea of vocation from a biblical perspective.

Up until this point, if I heard the word vocation at all, I tended to think that it was just another word for someone's job. What I found out was that the word vocation was really the Latin word for "calling." I found out that someone's vocation was not merely their job, but their calling at any given time in life. A person didn't just happen to work somewhere, but rather at that time and place (barring anything inherently sinful) was called to work and serve his neighbor through that job. A person didn't just happen to be a parent, they were called to be Parents. A person didn't just happen to go to college, they were called to be a Student. One person could have all of these callings and more at the same time. The Scripture had made clear, after all, that we were "to do all things to the glory of God" in service to our neighbor.

All of the sudden, the seemingly mundane work I was doing on a daily basis seemed to have eternal significance. I wasn't just loading a truck with packages, I was serving hundreds of people throughout the world, by loading their packages well. God was using me to load trucks! I was called. When I went to school, I wasn't merely taking in information, I was called to be a Student!

There is much more I could write about the doctrine of vocation (as I personally think it is the most under-appreciated doctrine recovered during the Reformation), but I have written on it much before. The reason I give a brief overview of this doctrine today is because I think it helps us steer clear of two errors that we have historically seen in people's view of work:

1. Work is Meaningless-

A common view of work is that it is something that we must do just to pay the bills, or that thing we do during the week that makes it possible to do what we really want to do on the weekend. Work for many is drudgery and something to be avoided at all costs; many struggle to find any meaning in what they're doing at all. A biblical theology of work keeps us from that. From the beginning God models for us the value of work as He works for 6 straight days creating the inhabitable universe. At the end of each day, God seems to find satisfaction as He pronounces His work "Good." As Ecclesiastes says, "There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil." Work is meaningful because through it, God uses you to model Himself: Working for the good of your neighbor. As Jesus said, "The greatest commandment is this,"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and Love your neighbor as yourself." So whether you shovel dirt, fold papers, load boxes, make decisions, change diapers, etc. all of these things are means by which your neighbor is served!

2. Work is Meaning-

On the other hand, a biblical view of work keeps us from the error of finding all meaning in work. Communists and Capitalists alike have unfortunately both been bilked into seeing work this way. In the Communist scheme what matters Ultimately (since there is no god to speak of) is what you do to contribute to the broader society by your work. On the Capitalist side, "he who dies with the most toys wins." Both of these views make work idolatry (the thing to be worshipped) rather than the true God.

Notice after God is done creating the world He takes the seventh day for rest. Why? Did God run out of breath? Of course not. We're told in Exodus 20 and by Jesus that the reason God took this "sabbath rest" was as a model for us. Work was to cease for a day a week, for the purpose of paying homage to our true God. Not our boss, not our stuff, not our success, but our God who made all these things. He is Meaning, and work is merely a good gift from Him.

Tomorrow, we talk about what a Godly business looks like....

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Erick

RECEIVING FROM CHRIST....GROWING IN CHRIST....GOING WITH CHRIST....

Wrapped Up in the World...

The 5 Challenges to Christianity in So. Cal. from Erick Sorensen on Vimeo.

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

BUSINESS FROM A BIBLICAL WORLD-VIEW

Today, we're shifting topics in our study of World-View: We're going to try and find out what God has to say about business.

At first, this topic sort of seems like an easy one to discuss. I mean, who doesn't partake in business multiple times a day right? We buy from various companies over the internet, buy food at the grocery store, pay for "meals" at McDonalds, put gas in our cars and on and on it goes. We participate in business, because we are busy. Everything we watch on television is funded by companies wooing us to do business with them. We drive down the freeway, billboards and signs are everywhere seeking to give us just the right incentive to go with them, rather than the other guy! Billions of dollars are spent every year just studying how we, the consumers, make our decisions to buy products.

Is there even a need for the Bible to speak to us on this issue? Doesn't business just naturally work itself out? Not exactly Ayn Rand... The issue is an issue of stewardship, both for the business owner, and the consumer. What responsibility does the Christian business person have? What responsibility does the Christian customer have? To be a Christian in business does not mean having a business card with a Jesus fish on it; it does not just mean playing Air 1 or K-WAVE in your office. Being a Christian in business means you strive to create and sell a great product; it means working hard for the benefit of others; it means you're honest and ethical; it means you do it all for the glory of God; it then means making a profit.

For the consumer, it means thinking about what products you support; it means being wise with what we buy; it means being generous towards the Lord for the benefit of others, but skimpy toward yourself and the benefit of yourself!

We'll spend the next few days fleshing this out. Tomorrow, we'll look at a business' primary responsibility....

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Erick

RECEIVING FROM CHRIST....GROWING IN CHRIST....GOING WITH CHRIST....

WHY NO FEMALE PASTORS? PART III

BUT WHY THOUGH?

"For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor."

So far in my attempts to answer the question of why females aren't called to be Pastors, I've shown the evidence from Scripture and dealt with the possible arguments against this view. We've seen this is Scripture's teaching, but we still haven't attempted to answer the broader, nagging question of "WHY?"

The reasons Paul gives in the text are twofold:

1. Adam was created first. Here Paul is emphasizing that just as Adam was given the charge of leading His wife in spiritual matters before the Fall (He was supposed to let her know of God's command not to eat from the tree; he was supposed to protect her by God's word, but failed), so too now, the man is still given charge in leading in Spiritual matters in the home and the Church.

2. Eve was deceived. At least part of the reason that the woman is not allowed to lead in the Church is because she was the one deceived. Now, this in no way suggests that Adam was innocent in this event (as the rest of the the New Testament clearly shows: Romans 5 for starters). He wasn't even deceived; he knew better!!! Nevertheless, because of this deception, the woman is not allowed to lead within the Church in a Pastoral role. Does this mean that women are more prone to deception in spiritual matters than men? The text doesn't say directly, but may say it indirectly? I'm just not sure.

To tell you the truth, it's difficult to answer from a broader theological perspective. There are abundantly talented women that teach brilliantly in schools, at work, at home, etc.; it seems to me they'd be able to teach in the Church with no problem at all! There are women in the rest of their lives that have high powered positions of authority over many men i.e. school principals, lawyers, Senators, etc. They are gifted leaders and it seems they'd do just fine leading the Church. Why couldn't they be Pastors?

Here's really the only and best answer I can give: Because God says so. For whatever reason, in His perfect and sovereign plan for this world He has said that the Husband is to lead the home, and a Man is to oversee His Church. A wife is to submit to her husband, and a woman is not to Pastor the Church. I don't know the answer to the question "Why?" in this scenario anymore than I know it when someone is suffering. Oh, I know why suffering comes (because of sin), I know what God does with suffering (builds our character into the image of Christ), but I don't know "Why suffering?" There are some questions that God has not given us complete answers to. With these, He calls us to trust Him.

Do you trust that God knows what He is doing? Do you trust that His will for His Church is perfect? Do you trust His word over and above your reason?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Erick

RECEIVING FROM CHRIST....GROWING IN CHRIST....GOING WITH CHRIST....

HAVE IT ALL OR WANT IT ALL?

From Pastor Jamie Munson:

The American Reality

The Rich Fool of Jesus’ parable could be a poster boy for the American Dream. He worked his land, earned a good living, and planned to enjoy the fruits of his labor. But he could also pass for what is too often the American Reality. Ruled by selfishness and greed, he ignored the One who created the land, the One who made it produce a harvest, and the One who numbered his very days.

Big Idea: Stewardship

Everything we have comes from God and belongs to God: life, family, money, resources, time, job, talents…everything (John 3:27; 1 Cor. 4:7). We are stewards of what God has given us. He owns it; we use it.

In addition to the breath in our lungs and the food on our table, God has given us forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life through the work of Jesus: “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” (1 Pet. 1:4).

Gratitude, Greed, and Grumbling

The totality of God’s gifts is much more than we deserve. Though many Christians would nod their heads in agreement, few live as though it were actually true. Rather than gratitude for God’s grace we exhibit greed for our own gain. The difference between these two outlooks influences and directs every aspect of life:

	Gratitude	Greed
Attitude	Humility (Phil. 2:3)	Grumbling (Phil. 2:15)
Perspective	Grace: “I am a sinner who deserves death but Jesus paid the price andgave me his perfect righteousness.”	Entitlement: “I am a good person who deserves heaven—plus a comfortable, pain-free existence in the meantime.”
Desire	Jesus is enough to satisfy my life.	Jesus is not enough. I want wealth / fame / comfort / power as well.
Money	God gives. Therefore my money is his, and I use it to glorify him.	I earn. Therefore my money is mine, and I use it however I please.
Possessions	Contentment: I have enough	Covetous: I never have enough
Church	Serve as a member of God’s family	Be served as a consumer
Job	Work heartily for the Lord; cultivating thanks for God’s provision (Deut. 8:17; Col. 3:23)	Work begrudgingly for the man; becoming bitter and jealous against others (James 3:16)
Family	A blessing to embrace	A burden to escape
Future	Eternal: optimistic/hopeful (2 Cor. 4:7–9)	Temporal: pessimistic/anxious
Worship	Time, energy, and resources go to God	Time, energy, and resources go to me
Identity	Jesus and his achievement	My abilities and my achievements
Giving	Generous	Guilt- or gain-motivated (or non-existent)

Which column most accurately describes your life? In which areas are you encouraged? Where do you need to repent and seek forgiveness? Your church, your small group, and your family are following your example, for good or ill.

Three Kinds of People

Luke 19;11-28- Three Kinds of People from Erick Sorensen on Vimeo.

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Here is another taste of Page CXVI's new album. I love this band. The new album drops on November 30th.

05 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee by PageCXVI

Jesus said the American Dream is stupid.

Be Still My Soul

Another song from the upcoming new Page CXVI album.

01 Be Still My Soul by PageCXVI

WHY NO FEMALE PASTORS? PART II

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

(1 Timothy 2:13-14 ESV)

Yesterday I left off with a series of possible objections to my view that biblically, only males can be Pastors. Today, I'll try and answer those objections as well as dig into the broader Theological reasons why the Bible teaches this doctrine:

1. Isn't this just a command for that time and place?-

At first, this seems like the most logical possible objection there is to the text in 1 Timothy. After all, in 1 Corinthians 11 we're told that men shouldn't wear their hair long, and women need to go before the Lord with a head covering. We don't require these things today, so why can't women's ordination fall under the same category? The issue is basically historical, and contextual. When we look back at first century Rome, in Corinth, we see that when a woman did not wear a head covering (cloth or long hair) she was either saying, "I'm available" to the world (when she was already married) or she was usurping her husband's role as the Leader, saying, "I have the authority over him." For a man to wear long hair (at that place and time) meant that he was seeking to be effeminate or give away his authority. But in our culture, long hair and short hair have no such meaning and never have. Therefore, we don't observe the letter of the principle laid down, but the spirit of the principle laid down. The context helps determine our understanding and interpretation.

With our passage in 1 Timothy (as well as others I'm not covering), the context does not revert to something cultural, but something universal. Read what Paul appeals to to make his case: "For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor." He does not refer to local issues, or local people, but to the very first people of the human race! He appeals to the created order of things and therefore is speaking to something that applies to all people in the Church for all time. As has been said before, context is always the key.

In response, some have said that in the Church Timothy was Pastoring, there must have been women usurping authority and trying to teach the Church false doctrine. The reality is though, we have no such evidence of any practice going on. Also, when false teachers are mentioned in the letter, they are only males. If females were indeed permitted to teach and were not teaching rightly, surely they would have been mentioned by name (as are Hymenaeus, Alexander and Philetus.)

2. Isn't this sexist? Are you saying that women aren't as smart as men?-

I suppose the easiest way to answer this objection is to say if the Bible were saying that women can't be Pastors because they're not as smart as men, then yes, it would be sexist. But the Bible is not saying any such thing. Rather, the Bible is merely appealing to specific ways God has called men, and for that matter, specific ways, God has called women in the Church. That leads to the next point...

3. Are you saying women can't be leaders in the rest of society?

No not at all. As a matter of fact in the Old Testament we see the example of Deborah leading the nation of Israel politically (Judges 4) and Esther also ruled as a Queen. God has gifted some women to lead in society, just as he has gifted some men to lead in society. The two areas where God has not permitted a woman to lead are in the family and in the Church, as Pastors.

4. I thought Galatians 3 said that in Christ "there is neither male nor female." What gives?

Good question! Again there is some interpretive principles that need to be put into effect here in order to understand what this text means, and what it does not mean. First off, context always shows us the way forward. Second, we always must remember that we have to interpret Scripture with Scripture. That is to say, no verse of Scripture stands alone, but is understood in light of what the rest of Scripture says about the issue at hand. For example, if one were to read the Sermon on the Mount in isolation from the rest of Scripture, it would be nearly impossible not to conclude that our salvation comes purely by our works. But when we read it in light of everything else, we see that the Sermon on the Mount is meant to show us the impossibility of being saved by our works, so that we would indeed flee to Christ!

So then the context of Galatians 3 (Click the link to verify what I'm saying :) Paul is hitting on one of his major themes in his writings, which is, the Unity we have in Christ. Over and over he emphasizes this between Jews and Gentiles, so as to bring the two groups together. He then moves on to say "there is neither slave nor free, male nor female..." Some have thought therefore, this meant in the body of Christ these distinctions ceased to exist. Yet, in many other letters that Paul wrote, he specifically wrote to slaves (Ephesians 6) and specifically to free men (Ephesians 6) addressing them individually. He specifically writes to females (Ephesians 5) and specifically writes to males (Ephesians 5) giving them their individual instructions.

Is Paul then contradicting himself or is it something else? Well the rest of Scripture gives us the answer: Throughout Paul's letters, he emphasizes the importance of being members of the Body. In those discussions he shares the importance of Diversity and Unity within that Body. We are all part of One Body, but in this One Body there are many members. So in the sense of Unity, there is neither male nor female. Christ doesn't judge us or give us any standing based on these things; on the other hand, as individual members of the Body we remain male and female, with distinct differences and callings as the rest of Scripture points out.

It looks like I've already written too much, so tomorrow, I'll get into the broader Theological reasons why women are not called to be Pastors...

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Erick

RECEIVING FROM CHRIST....GROWING IN CHRIST....GOING WITH CHRIST....

WHY NO FEMALE PASTORS?

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

(1 Timothy 2:8-14 ESV)

I can't think of a more difficult Biblical topic to tackle in our day then the issue of Female Pastors. Women are in leadership positions all over the general society and have been for quite some time. There have been Queens who ruled without the aid of a King; there have been C.E.O's, C.I.A. Agents, Soldiers, Professors, etc. all leadership positions in society. Because of this, most, if not all of the Mainline Churches (the largest denominations of the various Protestant sects) have ordained Females into the rosters of the Clergy for sometime now. And yet, I am a Pastor of a Church that still believes that a woman cannot be a Pastor?! And I believe that my Church is right on the issue!? Why the difference? Why the forbidding? I'll do my best to try and answer the difficult questions with as much Biblical data as God gives. To start off, let's get down to the fundamentals and work our way out from there:

1. God is Creator of all- We believe, teach and confess that God is Creator. He created the universe, the galaxies, the stars, the fish, the birds, the mammals, the people: "Male and Female He created them." As Creator and Ruler over all of His creation, He makes the rules.

2. God Has Spoken- We believe, teach and confess that God the Creator has spoken in His holy Word, the Bible. Because it is God's Word (though penned by individual human authors), we believe that this Word cannot have error, as God cannot have error. If "all Scripture is God breathed" as Paul insists in writing to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:15-16) then like His initial creation, it must be perfect.

- This is a point at which the Mainline Churches and Evangelical Churches disagree; long ago, mainliners gave up the idea of "an inerrant Bible" preferring to use the word "inspired." That sounds fine, but what that practically ended up meaning was "Sure, God wrote through these authors, but their own opinions, errors and limited thinking unfortunately got into the mix as well." But then, where does this "finding of errors" stop? What or who becomes the authority in determining what is error, and what is true? Science? Theologians? Me? You? The doctrine of inerrancy hinges on God's perfect Personage, and His claims to have written this book. As 2 Peter describes it:

"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:19-21 ESV)

3. God's Word is Binding- So then, if the Bible is God's perfect word, what it says has ultimate authority for faith and conduct. It tells us what to believe and what to do. It does not tell us everything (for example, that vitamins are good for us), but what it does clearly speak of, we are obligated to obey whether it makes any sense to us or not.

4. God's perfect Word says- In the Church, "a woman is not permitted to teach or exercise authority over a man." So then, God is the Authority; in His authoritative Word He says women can't teach or exercise authority. Because the position in the Church where a person both teaches and exercises authority over a man is the position of Elder, we hold that a woman cannot be an Elder/Pastor (in the New Testament they are the same office). A woman can teach a class at Church to a group of men; a woman can teach and exercise authority over children and other women, but she cannot be an Elder/Pastor.The only question that remains is "Does this passage really say what it appears to be saying?" Tomorrow, I'll take that up.

As you can imagine, there are many, many objections to this point of view from both Godly people and not so Godly people. Let me list a few, and tomorrow, I'll try and answer them:

1. Isn't this just a command for that time and place? (There are indeed commands like that)

2. Isn't this sexist? Are you saying that women aren't as smart as men?

3. Are you saying women can't be leaders in the rest of society?

4. I thought Galatians 3 said that in Christ "there is neither male nor female." What gives?

I'm sure there's more I'll think of by tomorrow, but if you have any comments or feedback you'd like to share on this issue, please let me know, and I'll be happy to discuss it....

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Erick

RECEIVING FROM CHRIST....GROWING IN CHRIST....GOING WITH CHRIST...

CHRISTIAN FEMINISM?

Is it possible to be a Christian and a Feminist? There are so many possible ways to answer that question that it’s hard to know where to begin. So let’s begin with some basic definitions:

1. Feminism- a doctrine that advocates equal rights for women (Princeton’s definition)
2. Christian- Someone, who being saved by Christ from the condemnation of their sins before God, now seeks to conform their life to the teachings of their Master as revealed in Scripture.

Can these two words come together to describe someone? Well, since a Christian is someone who seeks to conform their lives to Scripture, let’s see what that Scripture has to say about it:

1. Genesis 1 & 2 clearly show that just as man was created in the image of God, so woman was created in the image of God. They are distinct, and different, but both created in His image. Therefore, both have the same infinite value, but also have differing roles.
2. Galatians 3 also confirms this is true not just for the general creation, but especially so for the Christian Church. Paul writes, ‘For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

So, if Feminism truly is what the above definition states, “A doctrine that advocates equal rights for women,” not only can a Feminist be a Christian, but every Christian should be a Feminist! Unless that is, one can come up with a Scriptural proof somewhere that teaches women are not equal to men; but no such text exists. As a matter of fact, one could say that Christianity really was the first Feminism! Who found the risen Jesus? Women. Who funded some of Jesus’ ministry? Women. Who were called to be Deacon/Leaders in the Church? Women. No other system on earth at the time had anything close to the sorts of rights that were granted women within Christianity. So it’s no problem for Christians to say “Women should be paid equally for the same job that a man does; women should have the opportunity to run for political office, host a talk show, fly a plane, etc, etc, etc.”

So what then is the problem? Why would it seem (implied in the initial question) there is conflict between Feminism and Christianity? The answer is that the definition above would not be an accurate description of what most modern Feminism is. If some Feminist organization does truly just seek women's equality, again, we have no issues. But unfortunately, much of modern Feminism has almost nothing in common with the earlier feminism of Susan B. Anthony or Elizabeth Cady Stanton, which indeed did fight for equal rights for women. The earlier feminism really did focus on women gaining the right to work, vote and be freer in the society without having the permission of a man. They were Pro-Life, and abhorred abortion, believing that one of God’s greatest gifts to women was actually the ability to give birth.

The vast majority of well known Feminist organizations today are fiercely Pro-Choice (almost all of them support the right to partial birth abortion which is exactly what it sounds like: deliver a baby somewhat out of the womb, then stab it’s skull with scissors; there is no, literally NONE, no scientific evidence that suggests there is any reason to allow this procedure to continue.), promote deviant sexual behavior and “sexual expressiveness” and almost always promote “other spiritualities” (if you needed any sort of proof, just go to NOW’s website). Lost in this of course is any actual love and admiration for those traits that just may be…wait for it….gulp….inherently feminine (more on that tomorrow).

In closing then, let me put things this way: If one holds to the technical definition of Feminism, than Christians should support Feminism. But if one means by Feminism the right to abortion, sexual deviancy and "other spiritualities" than it’s hard to see how the two world-views are compatible at all.

Tomorrow, relating to this, I’ll cover the question “If the Bible teaches women are equal, why aren’t they allowed to be Pastors?”

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Erick

P.S. It is entirely possible that I am not seeing something accurately in my posts, so please feel free to e-mail or comment anytime to discuss disagreements, or questions you may have. I really do welcome the discussion!

RECEIVING FROM CHRIST....GROWING IN CHRIST....GOING WITH CHRIST....

New Page CXVI Song

Here is one of the new songs that is going to be on the new Page CXVI album, Hymns III, that is set for release on November 30.

02 Be Thou My Vision by PageCXVI

I LOVE BEING A LUTHERAN...

The Reformation- Being re-formed by the Gospel from Erick Sorensen on Vimeo.

GOD IS "PRO-LIFE" PART IV

GOD IS PRO-LIFE

HOW TO HELP

Last week I briefly laid out the case for being against abortion. We saw that it is thoroughly biblical, inescapably reasonable and by every possible scientific and philosophical definition, the killing of an innocent human being. God says that we, as His people, are to stand up for the rights of the innocent and victimized (read the 5th commandment for starters, then read the whole book of Amos, finally move on to James in case you weren't sure about this fact.) But how in the world do we go about this? Below, I'll offer 5 recommendations that if put into place, can significantly make an impact:

1. Pray- I can't say it enough, but God calls us to constantly seek, knock and ask for what we need. "Pray without ceasing."

2. Support local Crisis Pregnancy Centers- What is a Crisis Pregnancy Center? Generally speaking, a Crisis Pregnancy Center is the antithesis to Planned Parenthood. Whereas Planned Parenthood has no problem encouraging people towards the option of abortion, Crisis Pregnancy Centers seek to show the other alternatives the Mother has. They show an ultrasound (usually in color) to the Mom so she can see for herself that what is in her body is not a reptile, or some floating piece of goo, but an actual human being. They talk with the mother about giving the child up for adoption. Some offer childcare for the baby to be, job placement for the Mom, and much, much more. Support them financially, or with your time, talents, anything. They almost always need help.

3. Familiarize yourself with Pro-Life and Pro-Choice arguments- I know for many of you, the issue is so emotional that you can't even stand reading the rhetoric of the other side, but if we are to win the argument in the culture, you must. Conversion on this issue will not come from the top down (meaning legislation, though that would be appropriate still, because it is the protecting of life!), but in real life conversations. The truth is, most people that are "pro-choice" haven't really thought about it all that much; they need to be shown the overwhelming evidence of your argument. But in order to do this, you need to know the sorts of arguments even the most skilled pro-choice advocate will bring up in order to persuade them and others around. For a fantastic resource in this regard, check out this teaching series from Stand to Reason called "Making Abortion Unthinkable." The arguments here are absolutely unassailable.

4. Support Pro-Life Causes- Notice I did not write "support Democrats", or "support Republicans". What I wrote was support Pro-Life causes. I'll leave it to your own conscience to decide how best to do that...

In sort of a related topic, recently someone asked me whether it was possible to be a Christian and a Feminist. Tomorrow (and maybe the next day), I'll attempt to answer that question.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Erick

RECEIVING FROM CHRIST...GROWING IN CHRIST....GOING WITH CHRIST....

GOD IS "PRO-LIFE" PART III

WHAT ABORTION ACTUALLY IS:

(CONFRONTING THE RHETORIC OF THE PRO-CHOICE MOVEMENT)

Let me begin this post by saying that I don't want to post this. It would be vastly more comfortable if we could all stay inside the safe fog that is the rhetoric of the pro-choice movement. "Who are you to tell a woman what she should do with her body?" "A woman should have the right to choose." "It's about women's rights." Or the line of most young males with no backbone: "That's a personal choice; I could never understand what it's like to be a woman in that position."

Note: This is a line that can only be said by the unthoughtful, since we constantly, male and females, make judgments about things that are right and wrong. For example, I have never heard anyone say this about someone choosing to shoot up heroin: "That's a personal choice; I could never understand what it's like to be a person in that position." No, if they're any sort of friend to their drug addicted friend, they actually try and make a case for why shooting up heroin is bad for them. But for some reason when it comes to ending the life of babies, we just aren't sure about it's morality? The reason I think is because we have convinced ourselves of the lie that whatever is in the womb of that mother is something in some way different than, like, a real human baby. The choice movement has come up with insane distinctions such as "viable fetuses vs. unviable fetuses" to determine when the most moral time for an abortion might be. All the while, no one is really dealing with the question, "Viable or not, is what is in the mother an actual human being?" So to answer this question, I am going to do two things today.

1. Detail the development of a baby in the womb

2. Detail the sorts of abortion procedures given to these babies in the womb

The resource I have for this information comes from www.lifesitenews.com. Admittedly, this site is biased, but the information contained therein can be confirmed by multiple sources elsewhere. This site just compiles the data in the most organized fashion.

Here is what legalized abortion looks like:

There are many methods of abortion. The procedure used depends largely upon the stage of pregnancy and the size of the unborn child. Dr. J.C. Willke, in his book, Abortion: Questions and Answers (Hayes Publishing Co. Inc, Cincinnati, 1985), has divided the methods of abortion into three main categories: those that invade the uterus and kill the child by instruments which enter the uterus through the cervix; those that kill the preborn child by administration of drugs and then induce labour and the delivery of a dead baby; and, those that invade the uterus by abdominal surgery.

Dilation of the uterus is required in cervical methods of abortion. The usual method of dilation is to insert a series of instruments of increasing size into the cervix. A set of dilators, metallic curved instruments, are used to open the cervix sufficiently to accommodate the instruments of abortion. In contrast with a normal birth, where the dilation occurs slowly over a period of many hours, the forceful stretching by the abortionist to open the cervix takes a matter of seconds. This premature and unnatural stretching of the cervix can result in permanent physical injury to the mother.

Laminaria (dehydrated material, usually seaweed) is sometimes used to reduce damage to the cervix. Inserted into the cervix the day before the scheduled abortion, it absorbs water and swells, gradually pushing open the cervix in the process.

At Eight Weeks

At eight to nine weeks the eyelids have begun forming and hair appears. By the ninth and tenth weeks the preborn child sucks her thumb, turns somersaults, jumps, can squint to close out light, frown, swallow, and move her tongue.

At this early stage of development, suction abortions are performed using a smaller tube, requiring little dilation of the cervix. This is called "menstrual extraction." However, if all the fetal remains are not removed, infection results, requiring full dilation of the cervix and a scraping out of the womb.

Suction Aspiration

This is the most common method of abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. General or local anaesthesia is given to the mother and her cervix is quickly dilated. A suction curette (hollow tube with a knife-edged tip) is inserted into the womb. This instrument is then connected to a vacuum machine by a transparent tube. The vacuum suction, 29 times more powerful than a household vacuum cleaner, tears the fetus and placenta into small pieces which are sucked through the tube into a bottle and discarded

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

This method is similar to the suction method with the added insertion of a hook shaped knife (curette) which cuts the baby into pieces. The pieces are scraped out through the cervix and discarded [Note: This abortion method should not be confused with a therapeutic D&C done for reasons other than pregancy.]

At Twelve Weeks

By the end of the third month all arteries are present, including the coronary vessels of the heart. Blood is circulating through these vessels to all body parts.

The heart beat ranges during this fetal period from 110 to 160 beats per minute. All blood cells are produced by the liver and spleen, a job soon taken over by the bone marrow. White blood cells, important for immunity, are formed in the lymph nodes and thymus.

Vocal chords are complete, and the child can and does sometimes cry (silently). The brain is fully formed, and the child can feel pain. The fetus may even suck his thumb. The eyelids now cover the eyes, and will remain shut until the seventh month to protect the delicate optical nerve fibers.

14 weeks: Muscles lenghten and become organized. The mother will soon start feeling the first flutters of the baby kicking and moving inside.

15 weeks: The fetus has an adult's taste buds and may be able to savor the mother's meals.

16 weeks: Five and a half inches tall and only six ounces in weight, eyebrows, eyelashes and fine hair appear. The child can grasp with his hands, kick, or even somersault.

At Eighteen Weeks

The fetus is now about 5 inches long. The child blinks, grasps, and moves her mouth. Hair grows on the head and body.

20 weeks: The child can hear and recognize mother's voice. Though still small and fragile, the baby is growing rapidly and could possibly survive if born at this stage. Fingernails and fingerprints appear. Sex organs are visible. Using an ultrasound device, the doctor can tell if the child is a girl or a boy. The one on the left is a baby girl.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

This method is used up to 18 weeks' gestation. Instead of the loop-shaped knife used in D&C abortions, a pair of forceps is inserted into the womb to grasp part of the fetus. The teeth of the forceps twist and tear the bones of the unborn child. This process is repeated until the fetus is totally dismembered and removed. Usually the spine must be snapped and the skull crushed in order to remove them.

Salt Poisoning (Saline Injection):

Used after 16 weeks (four months) when enough fluid has accumulated. A long needle injects a strong salt solution through the mother's abdomen into the baby's sac. The baby swallows this fluid and is poisoned by it. It also acts as a corrosive, burning off the outer layer of skin. It normally takes somewhat over an hour for the baby to die from this. Within 24 hours, labor will usually set in and the mother will give birth to a dead or dying baby. (There have been many cases of these babies being born alive. They are usually left unattended to die. However, a few have survived and later been adopted.)

At Six Months

Seen here at six months, the unborn child is covered with a fine, downy hair called lanugo. Its tender skin is protected by a waxy substance called vernix. Some of this substance may still be on the child's skin at birth at which time it will be quickly absorbed. The child practices breathing by inhaling amnionic fluid into developing lungs.

Prostaglandin Chemical Abortion

This form of abortion uses chemicals developed by the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Co. which cause the uterus to contract intensely, pushing out the developing baby. The contractions are more violent than normal, natural contractions, so the unborn baby is frequently killed by them -- some have even been decapitated. Many, however, have also been born alive.

Hysterotomy or Caesarean Section

Used mainly in the last three months of pregnancy, the womb is entered by surgery through the wall of the abdomen. The technique is similar to a Caesarean delivery, except that the umbilical cord is usually cut while the baby is still in the womb, thus cutting off his oxygen supply and causing him to suffocate. Sometimes the baby is removed alive and simply left in a corner to die of neglect or exposure.

At 30 Weeks

For several months, the umbilical cord has been the baby's lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred from the mother's blood, through the placenta, and into the umbilical cord to the fetus. If the mother ingests any toxic substances, such as drugs or alcohol, the baby receives these as well.

32 weeks: The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming.

Partial-Birth Abortion

Five steps to a partial birth abortion:

1. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's legs with forceps.
   
2. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
   
3. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.
   
4. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the skull.
   
5. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.

At 40 Weeks

The baby, now approximately seven and a half pounds, is ready for life outside its mother's womb. At birth the placenta will detach from the side of the uterus and the umbilical cord will cease working as the child takes his first breaths of air. The child's breathing will trigger changes in the structure of the heart and bypass arteries which will force all blood to now travel through the lungs.

Tomorrow, we'll talk about how we should deal with those who are pro-choice, or who have had an abortion. We'll also begin to deal with our next topic, Feminism and Christianity.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Erick

RECEIVING FROM CHRIST...GROWING IN CHRIST....GOING WITH CHRIST...