Author: preacherphilstevens

The argument I have heard more than any other in favor of abortion is the one that says, “I can terminate this baby’s life because this is my body and I can do what I want.” A couple of issues are intrinsically incorrect within this statement. First of all, I can’t ever do what I want to when I want to with my body. If I decide not to wear clothes to work, I will be escorted by the cops to jail. I guess my defense could be that this is my body, and I can choose to wear clothes or not, but I have a feeling that won’t work with the judge. In fact, there are all kinds of laws on the books that prevent me from doing anything I want when I want. Secondly, the body within the woman has their own heart beat. This person within the womb has their own lungs, their own fingerprint, emotions, thoughts, and so much more. If that weren’t enough, we know that the author of all life is God Himself, and no one on earth has the right to terminate what God has begun. Abortion is just one more way that humanity thumbs its nose against God in rebellion. Our country, and our world, sound a lot like Israel in the book of Judges when they were described in a phrase, “the people did what was right in their own eyes.” Unfortunately, history also reveals that nations who reflect these values become enslaved by them.

Watch this video below. An amazing presentation that reveals the true heart of many within the so-called Pro-Choice Movement.

https://embed.reembed.com/conservativetribune.com/0gvzqH3klEy72DRRrv1bQvk0

Up until just a couple of weeks ago I had a ceiling of what I felt to be absolutely disgusting. In our country it is legal to murder our unborn. In case you were unaware of the procedure I decided to look it up. Dilation and Evacuation is one such procedure used in the abortion clinic.

A pliers-like instrument is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. The abortionist then seizes a leg, arm or other part of the baby and, with a twisting motion, tears it from the body. This continues until only the head remains. 

Finally the skull is crushed and pulled out. The nurse must then reassemble the body parts to be sure that all of them were removed. (www.abortionfacts.com)

We added to our family 7 months ago a little baby boy, Jonathan. The thought of this procedure done on him, or any baby, literally is abhorrent. However, the morality ceiling shattered as now our country discovers that not only is this and other procedures performed on the helpless, voiceless, infants of our country, but they are now selling their dead bodies for profit. That anyone would support such procedures truly reflects a darkened heart.

On another note, may it also be said that women who have performed such procedures (and those who support them) on children should know that there is forgiveness in the cross of Jesus. You are not doomed, and you do not have to live with the guilt your entire life. You will also receive no judgment from me as I am a sinner as well. However, when we have the ability to fight for those who can not fight, it is imperative that we who have the ability, should do so. God is a God of life and freedom; abortion, better yet murder, reflects all that God is not.

I’ll tell you what I know about sin, it is the most destructive force on the planet. Sin will destroy and kill more people on this planet this year then the top 5 leading diseases that will kill countless millions. You don’t have to live very long on the planet to see the devastation that sin can cause. I have personally seen it destroy families, churches, people, and now, even a nation is on life support due to the affects of sin. Sin is deceptive and feeds our sense of pride which glorifies oneself above all else. As a professor once told me, “Sin is cosmic treason against a Righteous God.”

And even though you and I know the destructive power of sin, somehow we continue to choose it over the life God offers without sin. “As it is written there is no one righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:12) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) We can’t possibly be able to have our “best” interest at heart when we realize and admit how broken we really are.

But God does have our best interest at heart. His perfect life for us is a life free of the entanglements of sin. His Laws and His Word provide the framework and reveal to us the life we were meant to have, a life of freedom found in Him. When His laws don’t seem to make sense realize you are still seeing through a broken heart. It is in these times we must see Him through faith and believe. Remember “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah55 :9) “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not on your own understanding and He will make your way straight.” (Prov. 3:5, 6)

The recent Supreme Court ruling sparked much debate on the subject of marriage. In fact, the outrage that has surfaced on both sides of the issue illustrates the importance that marriage has for all of us. For many, it is a dream they hope is fulfilled. Perhaps it is “built” within us the desire to love and be loved. For many, they may be surprised that marriage was originally instituted by God Himself in the 2nd chapter of Genesis. In fact, there are 3 things that you might not know about this institution we call Marriage.

#1 — God performed the first marriage.

On Day 6 of creation, God reached down and created man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nose the breath of life, and man became a living soul. (Gen. 2:7). In Genesis 2:18 God said that it is not good for man to be alone and from the rib of man God created woman. He brought both Adam and Eve together in the Garden of Eden and in Gen. 2:24 it reads, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

#2 — God defined the Marriage Relationship

Some may be surprised to know that marriage is not a cultural institution created by mankind. Though marriage has been “hijacked” by different cultures and governments, ultimately, marriage was originally defined by God. Throughout Scripture not only is the union of one man and one woman for a lifetime given, but even the roles of each. Found in Ephesians 5 we see the responsibilities of both the husband and wife. When marriage is followed by the definition God has set forth then it can become one of the most God-honoring activities we can take part in. When done outside of His boundaries we not only dishonor God, but we put our own lives (and others) in ruin.

#3 — Marriage was instituted even before Sin entered the world.

I think it is important to note that the institution of marriage was given even before sin entered into the world, making this one of the most pure institutions given to the world. Marriage is not a reaction to the sin of the world, but part of God’s original plan for mankind. Though the culture and popular media often make fun of marriage and though governments try to “redefine” this God-given union, know that this institution was given for mankind’s enjoyment, but it was ultimately given to glorify God.

Syrians fleeing ISIS crossing into Turkey

I saw this picture on CNN.com and it truly broke my heart. I don’t know the individuals in the picture, but my heart truly does go out to them. I have 4 children, including a 5 month old son, and I can’t even imagine having to flee for my life in such a way. I truly don’t care if this is a Muslim family, a Buddhist family, or if they don’t believe there is any god at all; my heart goes out to this family and every family who only seek to live in peace.

As believers, and as the Church, I pray that we are doing all we can to help. May we pray for them and their path to freedom as well as their relationship with God. There is one thing I do know, and that God loves the people in this picture, and all who are fleeing for their lives, as much as he loves me.

As Americans we are so often narrow minded and forget that there is a big world out there filled with people whom God created. May we see this world as God sees it.

” I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” Revelation 6:9

I realize the verse above refers to a future event where world-wide hatred for followers of Christ is empowered by Satanic passion, but has anyone noticed the smaller scale of hatred for Christians here in 2015. I am horrified by the pictures and videos of Christians being slaughtered in the ISIS controlled areas. Recently, in Kenya’s Garissa University 148 Christian students were martyred by Islamic terrorists. In a time where tolerance is the “catchphrase”, persecuting Christians is becoming “en vogue.”

I am also tremendously humbled. These men and women around the world who have died are my Christian brothers and sisters. I am amazed of their faith and the “reckless” abandon of their own life. They understood that this life is passing and the greater reward is found in the afterlife.

May we remember the words of Jesus,

If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. ²¹ But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent me. ²³ He that hates me hates my Father also. (John 15:18-23)

” I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” Revelation 6:9

I realize the verse above refers to a future event where world-wide hatred for followers of Christ is empowered by Satanic passion, but has anyone noticed the smaller scale of hatred for Christians here in 2015. I am horrified by the pictures and videos of Christians being slaughtered in the ISIS controlled areas. Recently, in Kenya’s Garissa University 148 Christian students were martyred by Islamic terrorists. In a time where tolerance is the “catchphrase”, persecuting Christians is becoming “en vogue.”

I am also tremendously humbled. These men and women around the world who have died are my Christian brothers and sisters. I am amazed of their faith and the “reckless” abandon of their own life. They understood that this life is passing and the greater reward is found in the afterlife.

May we remember the words of Jesus,

If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. ²¹ But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent me. ²³ He that hates me hates my Father also. (John 15:18-23)

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

When priests of old wrote the Scriptures and came to the Name of God they would get a new pen, write His Name, and then break the pen. His Name reflects who He is. He is completely other than you or I. He is all-powerful. He is all-present, He is all-knowing. We are bound by time, and He is outside of time. He is the King, the Creator, and Sovereign over angels, humanity, even nature. God was not voted on by the Universe to be the King. He was, He is, and always will be the Lord of lords.

Unfortunately, within our culture today it is popular to defame the King. We curse His Name. We deny His authority, and some have even built grandiose philosophies to exclude Him. His commandments have been considered old fashioned and so we now redefine who God is to justify our sinful desires. Reverence for God has hit an all-time low, and our moral compass distorted by relativism and a lack of absolute truth. It is not our job to decide what command we will obey, but submit to His authority in all things.

I echo the preacher who once said that if he had 1,000 lives he would give every one of them to the LORD. Believers shouldn’t cower in the face of adversity, with the King on our side we should rise to the occasion. May we reflect our God in everything we say and do. Live for Him and love Him with all of our heart, mind and soul. May we be servants worthy of His Name.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:20

For anyone who knows me, you might be surprised to hear that I don’t believe Christians should automatically vote Republican. I do believe that for the follower of Christ there is a right or wrong way to vote though. Remember you are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), and everything (including your vote) belongs to God. Ultimately, whomever you vote for should be done after prayer asking God for which candidate your vote should be cast for, and not, who you personally believe should receive your vote.

With this in mind, I believe there are principles in God’s Word that should help the Christian determine where your vote should be cast. First of all, I do believe that our government needs to be fiscally responsible. God has given resources to our great country and we should use them wisely. Constantly moving our country into more and more debt is insanity and we leave our children a debt they will never be able to repay. However, I don’t care how much money a politician believes he can put in my pocket, I will never vote for a candidate solely on this basis.

I believe for the follower of Christ the vote should be determined based on morals and biblical values. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Prov. 14:34) I will never vote for a candidate who supports the death of unborn babies. Life is the primary aim of God. Jesus came that “we might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Abortion is the blight on our country today as slavery was in the 18th and 19th centuries.

I will never vote for a candidate who does not support the biblical, God ordained definition of marriage. Marriage is a God-given institution, and therefore, He is the One who defines it. We do not have the right to change that definition, especially so that we can satisfy our sinful desires.

Many believe you should not mix politics with religion, and I do believe that the government should not have the right to meddle in the affairs of citizens and tell them how to worship God. The issues above are not religious in nature (as some would make it to be), but morally grounded in what is right. As believers we worship God and one of the ways we can do this is through our vote. God will bless our country, but only to the extent that we are obedient to Him.