Tuesday, October 18, 2011

180 Movie Clarity 2

Last week I attempted to apply some of the 180 Movie tactics by putting Janie and Adrian through a few of the Holocaust scenarios. The scenarios Ray gave us in 180 have the ability to bring such clarity to the abortion issue.

During our discussion Janie and Adrian opened up and shared some of their personal abortion experiences with me. I wasn’t prepared for that at all. The effect their short stories had on me was quite profound. As they shared their experiences, my heart became very grieved. Adrian shared something with me that was very difficult to hear. But I believe that the Holy Spirit allowed me to hear their shameful acts that I might experience a greater degree of compassion for these two young people.

For the unregenerate person, so many of life’s choices are disappointing and regrettable. I think you’ll be able to sense the disappointment and shame in Adrian and Janie’s tone.

This is another good reason to use abortion as a spring board for the Law and Gospel. 57 million babies have been “legally” killed in our country since 1973. Not only are these babies being killed, but for each one of them, how many other lives are ripped apart because of that one abortion?

There are mothers, fathers, siblings, extended family, friends and the myriads of individuals who participated in the abortion through their council and/or support. I read somewhere that the estimates are around 200 million individuals in the US who have been affected by abortion. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau there are approximately 312 million people living in the U.S.

That means that over 60% of the people in our country have been affected by abortion. It would seem to me that Christians would have compassion on these post-abortive individuals. It should be the Christians who understand what it is to be forgiven by a gracious GOD and because of His mercies, we, out of gratitude, would endeavor to bring about true healing for these 200 million people in our country. They are your next door neighbors!

So how do we promote the spiritual healing of these people? Convert them to be pro-life and religious? Absolutely not! As Ray demonstrates in the 180 Movie, we must press people up to the standard of GOD’s moral law to help them see they’re sin is exceedingly sinful before a Holy GOD and they are on their way to Hell. At that point we do our best to express the deep mercy, grace, and love of GOD for sinners in and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christian – 60% of our country has been affected by abortion. If you endeavor to talk to people about it, you’ll find out what I’m finding out – people are willing to share their experiences with you. Get out of your comfort zone, be obedient to Christ and proclaim the Law and Gospel to these hurting people.



It is true – the Bible is filled with examples of GOD’s people turning away from Him to idols – “a way that seems right to man.” The way that seems right to man always results in disappointment, shame, grief, and ultimately death and Hell. But GOD’s Word is also filled with stories of His great patience, mercy, grace, and love toward His people.

In Isaiah 54:1 God likens His unfaithful people to a barren woman. His people were to be a blessing to the nations but they failed miserably and instead became as a woman without a husband. The Holy Spirit calls it, “the reproach of your widowhood.” To be barren and without a husband in their society brought great reproach, disgrace, and shame to a woman and her family.

However, in spite of the fact these unbelieving, disobedient people turned away from the One True GOD to idols, He says this,

“Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
For your Maker is your husband,
The Lord of hosts is His name;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.
For the Lord has called you
Like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,
Like a youthful wife when you were refused,”
Says your God.
“For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
But with great mercies I will gather you.
With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,”
Says the Lord, your Redeemer.
Isaiah 54:4-8 (NKJV)


Christian, shouldn't we be heralding this GOOD NEWS? In spite of the fact that men and woman have sinned against GOD by breaking His moral law, GOD offers terms of peace. In spite of the fact that men and woman have brought great shame upon themselves through the act of abortion or assisting someone in the act, there is forgiveness of sins and right standing before GOD through the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Love them, by telling them, with your mouth!

For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to
shame.” Romans 10:11 (NKJV)


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