Pro-Life Talking Points by John Piper

Existing fetal homicide laws make a man guilty of manslaughter if he kills the baby in a mother’s womb (except in the case of abortion).

Fetal surgery is performed on babies in the womb to save them while another child the same age is being legally destroyed.

Babies can sometimes survive on their own at 23 or 24 weeks, but abortion is legal beyond this limit.

Living on its own is not the criterion of human personhood, as we know from the use of respirators and dialysis.

Size is irrelevant to human personhood, as we know from the difference between a one-week-old and a six-year-old.

Developed reasoning powers are not the criterion of personhood, as we know from the capacities of three-month-old babies.

Infants in the womb are human beings scientifically by virtue of their genetic make up.

Ultrasound has given a stunning window on the womb that shows the unborn at eight weeks sucking his thumb, recoiling from pricking, responding to sound. All the organs are present, the brain is functioning, the heart is pumping, the liver is making blood cells, the kidneys are cleaning fluids, and there is a fingerprint. Virtually all abortions happen later than this date.

Justice dictates that when two legitimate rights conflict, the limitation of rights that does the least harm is the most just. Bearing a child for adoption does less harm than killing him.

Justice dictates that when either of two people must be inconvenienced or hurt to alleviate their united predicament, the one who bore the greater responsibility for the predicament should bear more of the inconvenience or hurt to alleviate it.

Justice dictates that a person may not coerce harm on another person by threatening voluntary harm on themselves.

The outcast and the disadvantaged and exploited are to be cared for in a special way, especially those with no voice of their own.

What is happening in the womb is the unique person-nurturing work of God, who alone has the right to give and take life.

There are countless clinics that offer life and hope to both mother and child (and father and parents), with care of every kind lovingly provided by people who will meet every need they can.

Jesus Christ can forgive all sins, and will give all who trusts him the help they need to do everything that life requires.

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Why Fast? by John Piper

1. For Jesus to come back (Matthew 9:14-15)
2. For help in a new venture in ministry (Matthew 4:1-2, Acts 13:3)
3. To avert some danger or threat (Ezra 8:21, 2 Samuel 12:16)
4. To express sorrow and loss (2 Samuel 1:12, 1 Chronicles 10:12)
5. To express repentance and grief for sin (Joel 2:12-13)
6. Not for the praise of men (Matthew 6:16-18)

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The Current Recession by Joshua Harris

This recession can be good if we allow it to open our eyes to folly of greed and covetousness.

This recession can be good if it helps reset our definition of ‘need.’

This recession can be good if it makes us more aware of our helplessness and God’s faithful provision.

This recession can be good if it helps us see that only King Jesus and His kingdom are worth living for.

This recession can be good if it encourages us to lay up treasure in heaven.

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John Calvin’s Earthly Difficulties

Calvin faced great difficulties during his life and ministry. He and his wife, Idelette, lost three infant children. After just a few short years of being happily married, Calvin became a widower. Roman Catholic opponents declared the deaths of the infants and his wife as divine judgment, but the Reformer replied that God had blessed him with a multitude of children in the faith. … modern medical scholars have ascertained the Reformer suffered from chronic tophaceous gout, chronic pulmonary tuberculosis (consumption), irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones and migraine headaches. Such debilitating health issues would cause many to waiver in the Christian walk, let alone ministry. Calvin was determined to press ahead despite the difficulties and to encourage others to do the same.

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