December 12, 2018

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They’re taking the name of the Savior in vain.

On November 9 at 5:00 p.m., several clergy gathered at Planned Parenthood in Columbus, Ohio. They call themselves the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. They advertised their event as “Holy Ground: Blessing the Sacred Space of Decision.” Faith leaders and guests got together to celebrate abortion. With testimonies, prayers, and blessings, they invoked the name and the favor of God upon providers, staff, and patients.

One of them explained, “My moral duty is to speak in support of a woman’s sacred right to make decisions for herself. Christian Scripture tells of Jesus doing good and never judging or shaming anyone.” They used words from John 10:10 to claim that what takes place within allows women to “have life and have it abundantly.” Last year they did the same thing at a clinic outside Washington, D.C. A pastor there prayed, “God of grace and God of glory, keep them safe here and keep them strong, and may they always know that all that they do is for Thy glory.” They sprinkled water over the parking lot and in each room of the facility. “We sanctify this space, and we honor this place as holy.”

What if somebody believes them?

Abortion brings the heart-breaking guilt and soul-crushing grief of ending life. Its physical and psychological repercussions ripple through families and communities for generations. This evil can destroy those who take part in it. It undermines the commands and promises of God. Abortion embraces a mindset that militates against the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which proclaims He has created, redeemed, and called every human life to be His eternal treasure. These false prophets are making shipwreck not only of victims but even of survivors’ faith, salvation, and eternity.

Is it too late to declare the Savior has a better way? If we recover our motivation, if we receive education, could we change hearts and save lives? If we rise to action now, could we displace this diabolical deception with the compassion and courage God’s grace gives? With your help, we can!

Will you please give a special financial gift to Lutherans For Life this Christmas? What a once-in-a-lifetime present you will give to frightened and threatened souls! What an all-important moment you will lay before abandoned and ashamed neighbors!

This year alone, Lutherans For Life has equipped hundreds of congregations. We’ve engaged, educated, and encouraged thousands of individual Christians across the country. We’re already sharing just the right words for warning, the best words for winning over. We’re still showing effective attitudes and approaches derived directly from Holy Scripture and Lutheran doctrine. And for forty years (so far!) we’ve spoken the truth in love about procreation and pregnancy, disability and dying, embryos and aging. Thanks to so many like you, we invest our professional staff and nationwide network of volunteer communities in outreach, interactions, relationships, articles, presentations, booklets, and Bible classes.

We delight every day in the differences we’re making. Great is the reward in this front-row seat to witness the Lord’s miracles. Nothing makes joy more complete than participating firsthand in His life-giving work. We want you to be included in doing the same! Why wait even another day to send your gift and take your place alongside us in the celebration? 

Marie wouldn’t be here without it.

She’s enjoying another Christmas, an extra-special one this year, because of our Gospel message. I met Marie in January while presenting “Going Gracefully: How the Christian Gospel Invites Us to Insist on Accompanied Suffering Instead of Settling for Assisted Suicide.” I outlined the fictions and risks of euthanasia rhetoric, and I highlighted how God’s comforts exceed anything offered by using death as a solution. The Christian faith provides community rather than autonomy, purpose even amid pain, sanctity of life above quality of life, and life with grace as opposed to death with dignity. She asked me afterward, “May I have a minute of your private time?” “Of course,” I answered her, and we stepped aside from the rest. “What can I do for you?”

“I want you to know you saved a life today.”

“Oh? Please tell me more.” She recounted how she had relocated from her hometown a few years ago. Her daughter had invited her to move closer after Marie became a widow. She left behind everyone else she had grown to know. But now she was getting on ninety years old, and her daughter kept busy with all her own children and grandchildren. Feeling alone, afraid of strength waning and senses failing and health fading, Marie didn’t want to burden anybody. “I’ve been thinking about ending it all, but you’ve convinced me God still has good reasons for me to go on.” I asked her, “So what are you going to do now?” Marie said, “I think I’ll go talk to my pastor.”

Thank you for making Marie possible. We’d love nothing more than for you to help us take hold of another Marie—or a hundred. How much is that worth? With God, it’s priceless!

We can multiply your gift, and you can amplify our testimony.

Whatever a person’s age, appearance, ability, or history, the Lord who respects and protects the least of these also has forgiveness and resurrection for you!

A recent survey found 52% of Americans agreed that abortion is sin—up from 49% two years ago. Of regular churchgoers, 79% call abortion sinful. Your gift will help 100% know it—and know that Jesus saves them from all sinfulness!