Praying for your Pastor
Day 20
We need pastors who will lead their churches to defend the unborn and care for the victims of abortion. What would such a pastor look like?
1. The pro-life pastor preaches a biblical view of human value. Scripture never expressly says that elective abortion is wrong, but it affirms that all humans have value because they are God's image bearers (Gen 1:26, 9:6, Ex 23:7, Prov 6:16-17, James 3:9) Hence, the clear biblical commands against the unjust taking of human life apply to the unborn just as they do other human beings.
2. The pro-life pastor equips his people to communicate the pro-life view. The pro-life case is clear: it is wrong to intentionally kill innocent human beings. Abortion intentionally kills innocent human beings. Therefore, abortion is wrong. Every single church member should know how to defend that case using science and philosophy. Pro-life apologetics should be taught in Sunday School classes, small groups, and sermons whenever appropriate. And, high school students should know how to make a case for the pro-life view before they head off to college where they'll face rival views of human value.
3. The pro-life pastor restores broken lives through cross-centered preaching. Millions of Christians feel disqualified by past sexual sins, which may include abortion. Ignoring sin does not spare people guilt; it spares people healing. Guilt-ridden men and women need tp be pointed to Jesus who bore God's judgement in their place and now adopts them into His family as dearly loved children.
4. The pro-life pastor challenges church members to live out a biblical worldview in the public square. Politics isn't a sufficient answer to injustice, but it's certainly a necessary one. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The law can't make the white man love me, but it can stop him from lynching me." If Christians don't think the government-sanctioned killing of unborn children merits a political response, then they not only misunderstand the moral gravity of the situation, but also their mandate to love their neighbor as themselves.
Pastors can't and shouldn't use church resources to endorse political candidates or parties, but they can and must teach that biblical worldview informs our political behavior - including who we choose to empower with our vote. Saying so is not wrong. It's leadership.
1. The pro-life pastor preaches a biblical view of human value. Scripture never expressly says that elective abortion is wrong, but it affirms that all humans have value because they are God's image bearers (Gen 1:26, 9:6, Ex 23:7, Prov 6:16-17, James 3:9) Hence, the clear biblical commands against the unjust taking of human life apply to the unborn just as they do other human beings.
2. The pro-life pastor equips his people to communicate the pro-life view. The pro-life case is clear: it is wrong to intentionally kill innocent human beings. Abortion intentionally kills innocent human beings. Therefore, abortion is wrong. Every single church member should know how to defend that case using science and philosophy. Pro-life apologetics should be taught in Sunday School classes, small groups, and sermons whenever appropriate. And, high school students should know how to make a case for the pro-life view before they head off to college where they'll face rival views of human value.
3. The pro-life pastor restores broken lives through cross-centered preaching. Millions of Christians feel disqualified by past sexual sins, which may include abortion. Ignoring sin does not spare people guilt; it spares people healing. Guilt-ridden men and women need tp be pointed to Jesus who bore God's judgement in their place and now adopts them into His family as dearly loved children.
4. The pro-life pastor challenges church members to live out a biblical worldview in the public square. Politics isn't a sufficient answer to injustice, but it's certainly a necessary one. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The law can't make the white man love me, but it can stop him from lynching me." If Christians don't think the government-sanctioned killing of unborn children merits a political response, then they not only misunderstand the moral gravity of the situation, but also their mandate to love their neighbor as themselves.
Pastors can't and shouldn't use church resources to endorse political candidates or parties, but they can and must teach that biblical worldview informs our political behavior - including who we choose to empower with our vote. Saying so is not wrong. It's leadership.
What to Pray for Today:
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1. Pray for Diplomacy
Pastors need to embrace their abortion-related responsibilities, but sometimes pro-lifers approach their pastors with a demanding and grace-less attitude. Pray that Christians would serve the pastors and , when necessary, challenge them in a gracious manner to be involved. |
2. Pray for Pastoral Perspective
Church leaders must trust God to protect His ministry through them when they preach controversial truths. Pray that your pastor recognizes God's sovereignty in sustaining His people even as they are challenged on this issue. |
3. Pray for More Post-Abortion Ministries at Churches
Few churches have a post-abortion ministry for church members, and yet we know churches are full of men and women who made that terrible choice. Prayerfully consider a gospel-centered post-abortion outreach within your church. |
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Foundation for Life
5726 Southwyck Blvd, Ste. 120 Toledo, Ohio 43614 phone: (419)535-5800 |
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