Sermon Prepared by James McCullen
Email Preach Him with Dr. Jim

Questions and Answers about Abortion

Prov 1:1-10 (NAS) 1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion, 5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching; 9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, and ornaments about your neck.  10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent

Introduction
In my opinion the pulpits of America are too silent on the subject of abortion. I believe many people do not know what the Bible has to say or the guidance it will give to someone contemplating this on the subject. The text today does not speak directly to abortion. In fact most Biblical guidance is more inferred than it is a specific word on abortion.

The Bible does not say as an eleventh commandment thou shalt not abort the unborn. If it did would that change America's thinking? The Bible does say thou shalt not commit adultery. The sins of mankind have not changed God's Law. God's Law will have an affect at judgement time.

Today I want to answer some of the questions or statements made by the so called Pro-Choice Crowd. Please follow in your outline.
 
 

A.    Medical Experts agree that life begins at conception

    1.    1981 Testimony before the Supreme court.
        a.. Dr. Sherrom Leshune Professor of Genetics at U of Deacar in Paris.
        b.    Dr Jamie Gordon of the Mayo Clinic
        c.    Dr. Roth a professor at Harvard University.

B.    Three Criteria of What A Human Being is.

    1.    Heart Beat.
    2.    Brain Waves
    3.    Finger Prints.

C.    The Scripture say life begins at conception.
Psa 22:9-10, Psa 51:5, Psa 139:13-16, and
Jer 1:5
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." (NAS)

Illustration
I have a twenty-dollar bill in my pocket. What gives it that kind of worth? It certainly isn't the value of the paper and ink. Is it not what is printed on it - the Great Seal of the United States and the signature of the Secretary of the Treasury and a few other things? The money has value because of the images printed on it and what they represent.

Application

The Unborn have great value. God said so.
 
 

A.    The right to choose is not an absolute, unlimited right.

    1.    A white man can no longer choose to own a Black Man.
    2.    You can have a business but you can't falsely advertise.
    3.    We have free speech but you can't holler "FIRE" in a public BUILDING.
    4.    You can not choose to Murder someone.

B.    The right to choose may ignore another's rights.

    1.    Can one person choose to rape another?
    2.    Can one Nation choose to eliminate a race of people?
    3.    If choice is given to a baby will they choose abortion.?

Illustration Case Study #1: "Touching Lives at the Gates of Hell"

By Deborah Giles A member of River of Life Mission Church in Montgomery, Ala., Deborah Giles is director of The Sidewalk Counselors of Montgomery. [Source: Light, July/August 1997]

It is a hot summer afternoon and I have been standing in front of the abortion clinic for about one hour handing out literature to those going in for appointments. A young couple takes my literature, but they do not want to talk, so they just go into the clinic. About thirty minutes later the young man comes out to get something from his car. I watch and notice that he is counting hundred dollar bills. This is the money he will use to pay for the termination of his unborn child. When he gets out of the car, I ask him how he can do it?

What if that is his only son? He may never see him play ball or take his first steps. I do not know at the time that this young man plays football for a local college. As providence would have it, we talk for another fifteen minutes and I find out that he loves the young lady but this is her decision. I encourage him to go in and tell her that he loves her, that they should leave and work this out the right way.

He goes back in the clinic promising to ask her to leave. Thirty minutes pass, the clinic door opens and out walks this special young couple. She runs over to me and thanks me for being there and informs me that they have decided to go home, plan a wedding and have their baby. I encourage them to come to Christ and get into a local church.

Application

Have you ever talked any one out of proceeding with an abortion?

Some women need the right to choose with the Biblical and correct moral climate.
 
 

Introduction
If someone says I am against Abortion but I am in favor of a woman having a choice. Stop them when thy say I am against abortion; and ask them why they are against abortion. President Clinton has said this and so has the governor of this state.  They both need to be asked these questions.

A.    To be Pro-Choice about abortion is to be pro-abortion.
    1.    A woman choice in the matter eliminates a life.
    2.    Do you think an aborted baby cares whether the mother was against abortion but for a woman's
            choice?

Illustration
In America 150 years ago you could own a slave. Suppose someone said "I am opposed to slavery but I think a person should have the right to own a slave if they want to. Kind of a ridiculous thought isn't it. Today it is ridiculous whether the governor, President, or some Preacher says it.

B.    It's Legal but is it morally right.

    1.    In 1858 The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court said "A black man has no right which a white
            man is bound to respect"
    2.    In 1973 the supreme Court Judges also made a judgement that the Real Chief Justice does not
            approve of.

Illustration
In this town I asked some preachers to come on my little TV program and let's discuss social issues like abortion etc. I got the answer well I am against abortion but several of my people have strong opinions on those matters and I would not want to upset them.   I tell you we better be concerned about up setting the Lord.

Application

In this congregation probably everyone has within their extended family someone who has had an abortion or paid for one to be done. I am not wanting to place a burden of guilt on anyone. I believe Jesus blood can cover any sin if the person is willing to confess, repent, and believe.
 
 

A.    This case is very rare.

    1.    Dr C Evert Coop said "In 38 years as a Pediatric Surgeon he was not aware of this situation
            happening.
                a.    If two lives are at stake, the life that can be saved, should be saved.

Illustration
James Merrit a rather prominent preacher in Georgia says his dad was told by the doctor "I don't know whether I can save your wife and the baby. Which one do you want me to save? His dad said do your best to save them both but if a choice has to be made I chose my wife. James says my dad made the right choice.

Application

Most everyone agrees the life of the Mother should be saved. But if the life of the baby is lost this is not an abortion.
 
 

A.    Handicapped people can be used by God in a mighty way.

    1.    WE HAVE HAD David Miller here on two occasions he has a progressive disease. But he was
            born with this handicap. He says handicaps are not handy.

B.    Handicaps do not change the value of a human life.
 

Illustration
Helen Keller is another great example.
 

Application

I have recently made contact through the Email with a younger preacher in Mississippi.   He wrote me to share how he has used some of the material I put out on the internet.  He has a 14 month old baby boy wit a severe handicape.  I asked him to tell me about him and I get tears in my eyes just talking about it.  He said at first they wee mad about having a child with this kind of a handicape but he said today I would not trade him for any healthy boy.    He has taught me much.
 
 

Introduction
Some lawyers regularly say "if the Law is on your side use the law. If truth is on your side use truth. If you have neither the law or the truth attack your opponent." The Pro-Choice crowd attacks their opponents.

A. But Abortion is not a gender issue.

    1.    Abortion is a Life Issue.
    2.    Abortion is a Moral Issue.
    3.    Abortion is a Spiritual Issue.
 

Conclusion

A Lady who managed an abortion clinic has been saved and giving a strong witness today.

Forgiveness is available for those who have sinned in the matter of abortion.    Wisdom from God is available for any who are thinking about abortion.

Parts of this sermon were adapted from a sermon taken from a James Merrit through the Southern Baptist School Library of Jacksonville Fla.