Monday 21 September 2020

Will I Be Forgiven For Abortion?

What’s It Like to Abort Your Own Child?

If you are asking “Will I be forgiven for the abortion I had?” then you already feel the guilt of your sin. Perhaps you feel your guilt afresh as a result of the videos exposing the work of Planned Parenthood. What do you do with your guilt?

One young man I met on the street a few years ago knew this guilt. He had grown up in an evangelical Christian home. About twenty years old, he had rejected the God of the Bible and argued vehemently with me against the Lord's very existence. Our discussion somehow moved to the moral argument for God. Why is murder wrong? What about abortion? At that point, most unexpectedly, the hardened young man burst into tears. He buried his head in his hands and blurted out, “I don’t need any God to know abortion is wrong!” He rapidly recounted impregnating his girlfriend, taking her to the abortion clinic, paying for the abortion, and the guilt he had carried ever since - all while repeating. “I knew it was wrong!”

After a few moments, he gathered himself and looked up. He was as surprised at what he had confessed as I was; we both knew he had said far more than he intended to say. His guilt remained. No matter how much he tried to deny the existence of his Creator and Judge, he could not escape his guilt before God. Guilt is real. It doesn’t just go away with time.

Our culture may tell you, “Don’t worry, it wasn’t wrong.” But guilt cannot be wished away, and we know it because we cannot escape from God. When King David committed adultery and murder, he hid his sin for a time, but finally confessed it saying, “I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you [God], you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:3-4). Our guilt remains even though the Lord may patiently allow us to continue with life – as we try to make it appear that nothing is wrong because “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty” (Nahum 1:3).

However, the Lord promises a “guilty” verdict can be turned to “innocent.” But, we need a substitute who is qualified and willing to take our guilt and the resulting punishment of death and the wrath of God. No mere man could do it. So, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to become man, live without sin, and die like a sinner before rising from the grave. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For our sake he made him be sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus takes the place of his people in punishment, and we gain his place in righteousness. Bethany Jenkins has said it beautifully with respect to this particular sin: “Abortion says, ‘Your life for mine,’ but Jesus says, ‘My life for yours—even if you’ve killed your own child.’”

Your guilt will be taken away forever if you confess that guilt to the God you have offended. Take heed to the word of God from Isaiah the prophet and believe his promise: “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool" (Isaiah 1:18). Freedom is waiting for you if you would simply humble yourself before God. If you need some sense of where to start in the midst of your confusion, these words by Dr. David Powlison can serve as a guide. Other forgiven sinners are waiting to help you too. Talk with a pastor or another mature Christian; we long for you to experience forgiveness.

The young man I talked to that night would not confess his sin to the God he denied or trust Jesus’ saving love. But his denial did not erase either God or his own guilt. I do not know what happened to him after we parted. Because the Lord is slow to anger, my friend’s life may have gone on without much visible change. But, his guilt remains if he has not yet turned to the God of mercy. Your guilt does not need to remain.


James Faris: Child of God. Husband to Elizabeth. Father of six. Pastor of Second Reformed Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ordained as a pastor in 2003.

Today's Prayer Requests

We Are Praying With You

 

"Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." Romans 15:30 

 

Annabella Afranie | Prayer to stand firm in my faith and be strong in Christ Jesus

Carolyn Spencer | I'm just feeling a little lost and trying to find my way again my faith hasnt faltered but I have I recently lost everything in my life my home my children my dog everything that I loved Dearest of close to my heart I've lost so I'm trying to pick myself back up and it's been real real real tough

Kim | Pray for my family that everything turns out alright. Pray God give me the strength to get through it.

KB | Hi,   Please pray for me and my family and our future. I am greatly concerned about my dad. He's now stuck in a wheelchair and can no longer walk. The doctors say he may soon die from a 3rd heart attack! My mom says if he dies, we'll be stuck living on the streets!   Worse, now the doctors are now saying my mom may soon die in less than 3 years from cancer! I don't know how to live all by myself! There's no way I can pay for my dad's house since I only make several hundred dollars a month! I will need a lot more to pay for the house and to live! I'll be a prisoner in my house all alone because the doctors say I have seizures so I can't drive! I have no friends. Only my pet cat Fuji. And now he's acting like he may soon die! I'll be left all alone with no one in my life to keep me company!   I don't know what I'm going to do! So please pray for me and my family and All My Daily Prayer Requests! Thank you and God Bless! 

Joe Gbeadeh | I would like you to pray for me and my family, our churches in Liberia and Liberia as large/whole. Thanks for your support, care concern for the world.

Ravi | do pray for my promotion and Carrier aspect

TK | please pray for my daughter LEESHA to come back home she living with my in laws and they are holding her in bondage,my baby girl is only 10 years old and i miss her very much please please pray that she comes back home to me in JESUS NAME

Odette De | Please pray for me to be rich. Amen.

Patricia Agaba | I have come to say "Thank You Father" for all he has done for me and my family, the ones he is still doing and about to do, am grateful Lord Jesus and I return all my Praise to You. Have Your way in us always. Help me make a joyful noise to our God, Hallelujah!!

Pastor Dr HUMPHREY MALIPINI | I'm Pastor Humphrey Malipini in Zambia. And my mission and calling is to reach the unchurched people in remote rural areas and plant churches. Due to the high levels of poverty in these areas and the effects of Covid-19, ministry is becoming a bit difficult for us who are full time ministers. Due to covid-19 pandemic there is no income coming from the church, and we have been evicted from the house by the landlord for failing to pay 6 months arrears. Kindly please pray for me and my family, we need a financial assistance so that we continue doing the good work of the Lord despite the covid-19 pandemic. please please please pray for us, we are homeless and I don't know where to take my family.

lankanaveen | Please pray for my best future and my mother is going to write examinations which was far away from our living place it is so difficult to go in this pandemic times so please pray for postponement of examinations

Devain |  I just happiness in my Life!

DAVID MCCANN |  I ASK GOD TO HEAL THE SICK THE WEAK IN SPIRIT AND THE UNFAITHFUL. PRAY THAT MY NEW JOB BE BLESSED FOR LONGEVITY AND THAT I SUSTAIN THROUGH THIS NEW JOB MY FAMILY FOR YEARS TO COME.AMEN

Vijay | Worried about debts heart squeezes plz pray for a financial miracle in my life

Simon | Expansion of the ministry.Together for Christ.

Jennie | I ask for prayer for my son Christian. Hes 18 and is going down a dark path. I ask that God will be with him and bring him back home. Thank you

Vijay | Worried about debts heart squeezes plz pray for a financial miracle in my life immediately

Macay | Iam praying to god to guide me threw disapointmemt, and hurt, amen

Sheila Wilson | I pray that the lord increases the love between my love interest, and remove the obstacles in between us. Intertwined as one. Amen

orebek | Total healing, and grace

Vijay | Worried about debts heart squeezes plz pray for a financial miracle in my life

Alarice Banasihan | Health and Finances

Helen Todaro | Career and Relationships

Arlene | I ask a prayer for myself and my family that we may grow closer to god, especially in this time of trouble.

Oluwatobi | Mike, I pray God's purpose and plan manifest in my life, I also pray for a good job I have lost my job since ending of March due to covid19 pandemic till now I am jobless with a wife and two kids to take care. Finally I pray for God's peace to reign over the whole world. Amen

Vijay | Worried about debts heart squeezes plz pray for a financial miracle in my life immediately

PE | Hello good night I pray the Lord will touch your heart to help me,I am a single mother and I am really in need of some diaper and formula for my baby please help me please.

Missionary Aaron Langston | I just moved to Los Angeles I'm homeless and doing the Lord work. I need prayers from heaven.

Vijay | Plz pray for a financial miracle in my life

JS | Prise tha Lord I'm from India so please pray my mom health issues kidney disease please pray and director sir please kindly help me money we r so suffered sir please help

Adeolu |  I am Adeolu Ojo. I am diagnosed with kidney cyst of about 8cm, large enough to cause discomfort. Kindly join me in prayers for healing so that my Kidney will not be cut for this.

Oluwatobi | I pray God's purpose and plan manifest in my life, I also pray for a good job I have lost my job since ending of March due to covid19 pandemic till now I am jobless with a wife and two kids to take care. Finally I pray for God's peace to reign over the whole world. Amen

Dacia | Prayers for a widow and broken heart

tommie hoff | praise god ! i pray for people to be happy during these times of greef i pray that this pandemic leaves us soon amen in jesus name amen  tom

vijay | Pl pray for a financial miracle in my life immediately

b.zechariahtamilmaran | in our church 1617 sqft in cement sheet we pray it is converted into congreete.budget 10 lakhs,kindly pray.our lord jesus christ meet our emergency need.

Nyalok Tong | My prayer request today is towards being financially stable. Help me find a job. I’m struggling with bills.

Szndy | Please pray for my family and pray for me to recover from alcoholism. I've been clean since August 24th 2020. Amen.

Michaelle pierre | I'm 15 year old and I need prayer for me and my mom she's not a Christian she lives in Haiti she got nobody to help her I'm the only one she have I'm only 15 year old I can't help. She a Jehovah witness . I don't want when god come Back she won't be saved . And I also need help to have faith and god . And I also struggle to stay faithful to god .

Sheila Wilson | Please unite Paul and I in a loving relationship becoming committed together through and by Christ. Amen.

Coreen Henery | Please pray for my mother Rachel Jones who was diagnosed with leukemia and breast cancer. She also has a stuffy nise that wont go away. Also please pray for me coreen henry. I think i have some sickness in my body and i have a lot of pain all over pkease pray for healing for both of us. Amen

Vijay | Worried about debts heart squeezes plz pray for a financial miracle in my life

SANDY QUINTANA | Please pray for my family and pray for me to recover from alcoholism. I've been clean since August 24th 2020. Amen.


If you have a prayer request, feel free to reach via the contact form or send an email: businessofchrist@gmail.com 

Thursday 17 September 2020

Today's Prayer Requests

We are praying with you

"Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." Romans 15:30 

Kimberly cancer Rankin | Please pray forme. I have do?on cancer and please pray The LOrd takes me soon. I am really suffering. Also please pray people start treating me better that mea me Christians. God bless you.Kimberly

Appah Mensah Bismark | Please am Bismark from Ghana, please help me in prayer because now am not able to prayer as I use to pray. I want to be revived again.

DanizeObama | We pray at this hour that God , our Heavenly, most high Father can lift up the Clouds that has plague all nations from this Pandemic. We pray that God can trust M/D. with more knowledge in proving better medical care effects to our patients. We pray that God can send his Sea Angels to cleanse our waters from bacteria diseases. We pray that our ocean is less polluted and more water fresh resources to regions all over the World. God give us the strengths, and knowledge mentality to combat this war.

DAVIDMCCANN | PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS TO OBTAIN WISDOM FROM GOD AND PRAY THAT MY FAMILY OVERCOMES FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AND I OBTAIN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT SOON.GODBLESS YOUR MINISTRY WTH GRACE AND BLESSING AMEN

RB | thank you all and God for helping me with the needed guidance I was asking a d so badly in need for. Please pray with us to help me keep my strength up on my journey in life. Thank you God.

THERESA | PLEASE PRAY FOR ME I AM TRUSTING GOD FOR A MY OWN HOUSE.BLESS YOU MAN OF GOD

Jose | please pray for my wife Dina. She just finished last night going thru a Liver transplant operation and she is in stable condition but she needs every prayer possible. Thank you and God 3

THERESA | PLEASE PRAY FOR ME I AM TRUSTING GOD FOR A MY OWN HOUSE.BLESS YOU MAN OF GOD

vijay | Worried about debts heart squeezes plz pray for a financial miracle in my life

Tina Thorwaldson | Please pray for my friend Frank  Morrill. He might have pancreatitis cancer. Thanks

BELLA | For healing on Rowan Louie Kappelmann that he will overcome every obstacle

Teressa | Could you please put Dale Doss and june Doss for a good job for dale and vehicle to come their way. and their marriage of 33 yrs the devil not to destroy through technology 

Karen | I need prayers for my son William going through some hard times, and homeless and need prayers to help him fine a good paying job.

Athreya | I pray, Oh! Lord, that I find the sufficient strength of mind to repent of my sin and find peace in our Lord Jesus. I pray that I find sufficient strength of mind to turn away from Satan and the multifarious temptations that he has to offer. Oh! Heavenly Father, Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. SHALOM

Patricia | Kindly Pray along with me for the Lord to direct my grandchildren on the right path and deliver them from all the works of the power of darkness , leading them to their destiny and testimonies in Jesus Powerful Name  AMEN.

Jasmine Padilla | Juan and jasmine padilla perez perez pray for healing and our marriage to grow in Christ. And health to be healed from all pain and memory loss

TB | God, please continue to guide us though our lives and to help us convict the unjust of your righteous.

Keri Williams | prayer for several very serious diseases in my whole body these are live and death diseases please pray for mercy and grace and big healing miracle from the Lord Jesus Christ desperate and very afraid need prayers and healing miracles please pray for me

Vijay | Worried about debts heart squeezes plz pray for a financial miracle in my life

LF | Pls pray for my family divine protection, spiritual strenght and approval for our land to install a satellite, for building our church and my promotion for my job and to give our diferencial.. Thank you andGod bless

Mike |  I may lose my home, on the verge. Please Pray that a miracle comes my way so I don't become homeless

Michael | My niece's boyfriend is under going cancer treatment Please pray that God gives him the strength that he needs to go through this and beat this disease

Vijay | Worried about debts heart squeezes plz pray for a financial miracle in my life immediately


If you have a prayer request, feel free to reach via the contact form or send an email: businessofchrist@gmail.com 

Church Cares for Pastor Family During Cancer Battle

Bless Your Pastor

Brian and Sandi felt called by God to pastoral ministry when they were both 45 years old. Brian left his leadership position with a national nonprofit and took a $70,000 pay cut to become a pastor.

Two years into accepting the call to become a pastor of a 250-person church, Sandi was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was told she would only live about another year. In addition to dealing with the tragic news and fighting cancer, they also were parents to three school-age children who were 9, 7, and 5 years old.

The cancer was taking its toll on Sandi and Brian in every way – physically, financially, and emotionally. Sandi went through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which left her feeling fatigued on a regular basis. Additionally, more than $100,000 in medical bills were beginning to pile up. They were having a hard time making ends meet with the medical bills, five mouths to feed, and Brian’s income. But, they were not alone.

Church families and others voluntarily rallied around them to provide financial support and free meals. They paid all of their medical bills and provided so much food that it left their refrigerator and freezer overflowing.

While much appreciated, Brian and Sandi realized that the food preparation, clean up and returning dishes were sometimes creating more work, not less. What was the solution? Church families started providing gift cards to all of the local restaurants and fast food establishments. All that Brian and Sandi had to do was pick up the kids after their school activities and ask, “Where do you want to eat tonight?” No food prep, clean up, or dishes to return. 

Instead, they were able to spend quality time as a family eating hot meals together and feeling loved and cared for by their church families and friends.

And, that’s not all. Miraculously, it turned out that the doctors were wrong. Sandi didn’t live just one year she lived eight years before God called her to heaven. And, they had a year’s supply of restaurant gift cards after Sandi passed away. As a widower and new single dad, Brian could ensure that his three hungry children, who were now teenagers, were fed.

Many churches have limited budgets and are not able to compensate for their pastors, or church staff very well. But the Bless Your Pastor's movement is mobilizing Christians and churches everywhere to show and share God’s love for their pastors and church staff. 

What can you do to bless your pastor with your time, skills, and resources? The Bless Your Pastor's website has free video training and a toolkit of resources that will encourage and empower you, your church board, and families to care for your pastor and church staff.

Churches Report Giving Boost Months after Pandemic Started

State of the Plate research

(Religion News Service) — Giving to congregations has shifted upward after churches closed their buildings earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, a survey shows. The new State of the Plate research finds that close to two-thirds (64%) of churches across the country reported in August that giving is either up (22%) or steady (42%). By contrast, in April, a similar share of churches (65%) said they had seen a drop in giving.

“This is encouraging news for churches across America,” said Brian Kluth, a former pastor who is now a national spokesperson for the National Association of Evangelicals’ Financial Health initiative. “These new findings show that most churches and their families are figuring out ways to survive and even thrive in the midst of all the challenges that the pandemic has thrown their way.”

The findings are based on responses from 1,076 mainline, evangelical, and independent Protestant churches. Seven in 10 of them had less than 200 attenders before the pandemic. A third of the responding churches were in cities or suburbs, almost another third were from towns, about a quarter was from rural areas or small towns, and 9% were from large cities.

The vast majority of respondents — 87% — said their congregations are currently meeting for in-person worship services. But more than half (58%) said the attendance in person is half or less compared with pre-pandemic times. Six percent said they had seen an increase in attendance.

A survey released in July by LifeWay Research found that 71% of Protestant churches met for in-person services in mid-July, with almost all taking some precautions to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Barna Group, in a similar survey at that time, found 49% of church leaders said they were meeting inside their buildings.

Despite the upturn in giving, Kluth said pastors continue to face financial pressures from disruptions related to the pandemic.

“Even as finances stabilize for many churches, our research prior to the pandemic showed that 90 percent of pastors feel some level of financial stress in their family and church work,” Kluth, who also is the national spokesman for the NAE’s Bless Your Pastor movement, said in a statement. “This has been an especially stressful year for pastors and church staff.”

The research, conducted Aug. 7-30 in partnership with Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax, had a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

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