ATTENTION: SCROLL DOWN to get TODAY'S article entitled in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. PLEASE be sure to note the various PRAYER REQUESTS listed BEFORE and AFTER the posted article. (NOTE the list of DAILY prayer requests for the persecuted church.) They ALL deserve your intercession. THANK YOU.
PRAYER ALERT:
1) Pray for Asia Bibi and her family to finally be able to leave Pakistan and danger. - "A Deadly Legal Limbo: Why Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi's Life Is Still in Danger" - CBNNEWS.COM, 11-13-2018; http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2018/november/a-deadly-legal-limbo-why-pakistani-christian-asia-bibis-life-is-still-in-danger [2/13 - Her children are now in Canada but she and her husband are still in hiding in Pakistan.]
2) Leah Sharibu is a courageous Nigerian Christian teen girl held captive by Boko Haram. The Islamic militia is threatening to kill or enslave her because she won't renounce Jesus Christ. Pray that the UN will intervene in her release. [2/13 - TODAY marks ONE YEAR since she was kidnapped.]
3 PRAY that the present uproar at our southern border will be resolved without further violence. PRAY also that our leaders will finally implement an effective border policy that will prevent these incidents in the future.
ATTENTION!
WALK FOR LIFE 2019 - I will again this year participate in the fundraiser for Thrive Orlando, the pregnancy center here in Orlando that I've been helping for several years now. I am trusting God to raise up sponsors who will together contribute $500 by March 30th (the day of the Walk) I challenge YOU to go to my funraising page and sponsor me as generously as you can. Every gift adds up and so none is too small.
https://secure.ministrysync.com/ministrysync/event/website/?m=4220989
PERSONAL UPDATE: 1/25- Note my latest entry in the JOURNAL section on the right side of this page.
2/20 - PRAY for the President and others in leadership (1 Tim. 2:1-3)
Heavenly Father,
I pray that you will guide President Trump to seek YOU with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength in the New Year. May he act with wisdom and strength against those whose actions would bring harm to this nation and the world now and for generations to come. I pray that you would strengthen his marriage and deepen the love he and his wife Melania share. Pray that you give them wisdom to speak into the life of their son Barron. Please protect him and his family and others in our leadership from physical harm that any might seek to do against them. May all that our President does bring honor and glory to YOU and cause him to draw in closer relationship with you. I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen. P.S. - 3/27: I just finished reading the newly released book, "The Faith of Donald J. Trump" that the public library had and sent to me. Greatly recommend you read it to better understand our 45th President.
(from Intercessors For America) As the Lord Leads, please pray:
*President Trump and Secretary Pompeo as they map out possible agenda items for the summit next week with Chairman Kim.
*For the relationship that the U.S. has with Austria to be reflected in a good rapport between President Trump and Chancellor Kurz.
*For the ongoing trade negotiations in an attempt to avert or delay the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods.
*For guidance for Congress as they work with and respond to President Trump's national emergency declaration.
*For plans that President Trump is making for his summit at the end of this month with Chairman Kim Jong Un of North Korea.
*For those taking part in the last-minute negotiations with China ahead of the expansion of tariffs on March 1.
*For the negotiators in China to be able to secure a workable end to the “trade war” in time to meet the March 1 tariff deadline.
*For unity in Congress as they work to solve the many pressing issues that face the nation.
*For guidance for President Trump as he works on a variety of issues this week and that God’s will would be accomplished through him.
*For President Trump and his advisers as they weigh staying with the decision on troop withdrawal from Syria.
*For solutions to be found for the migrant crisis in Latin America—not only the migrants headed toward the U.S. and already on the southern border, but of migrants leaving nations like Venezuela in massive numbers.
*For wisdom for the President and Secretary of State Pompeo as they continue to seek ways to pressure Iran to consider renegotiating the failed nuclear arms deal.
*For wisdom for President Trump as he makes decisions concerning trade, that his decisions (esp. regarding trade and tariffs) would have a positive impact on the economy.
*For wisdom for President Trump as he continues to make decisions concerning those who will fill the vacancies in the government.
*For unity for Congress and that, over the next two years, they would act in a way that honors God and accomplishes His will.
*For God’s will to be accomplished through the efforts of our leaders regarding foreign policy.
BE Prepared TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST ABORTION
(...because ALL Babies Matter! - http://www.lifenews.com/2017/03/01/why-do-unborn-babies-matter-just-because-they-are/ : Go to: LIFE Training Institute - http://prolifetraining.com/resources/five-minute-11/
Be Prepared TO ENGAGE WITH THE PC CULTURE:Go to:"Tactics" -
http://townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams/2016/04/29/tactics-n2154983
"Don't Argue the Exceptions - Beating Bad Arguments For Abortion and Transgenderism" - by John Stonestreet, Breakpoint.org, May 25, 2017; http://breakpoint.org/2017/05/breakpoint-dont-argue-exceptions/
-------------------------------------------
"A DEBATE TO WATCH - MIKE ADAMS VS. WILLIE PARKER, THE CHRISTIAN ABORTIONIST" - by John Stonestreet and G. Shane Morris, Breakpoint.org, February 18, 2019; http://www.breakpoint.org/2019/02/breakpoint-a-debate-to-watch/ [NOTE: This debate is scheduled for TOMORROW, FEB. 21st]
Abortion, in and of itself, is a moral horror. But for abortion activists to claim the name of Jesus Christ in order to justify killing unborn children, that crosses over into new territory. I’m not talking about the moral gymnastics of equivocation employed by so many Christian progressives to justify abortion in extreme cases, as wrong and harmful as that is. I’m talking about Christians actually celebrating and promoting abortion as God’s work. For instance, those mainline Protestant priests and pastors who pray God’s blessing over abortion clinics. That’s just blasphemy.
Dr. Willie Parker is a self-proclaimed follower of Christ who’s even willing to go further. He calls himself a “Christian abortion doctor” that does “the Lord’s work.” Parker has been a favorite spokesman for the pro-abortion movement for some time now, landing puff-pieces and interviews with TIME magazine, where he self-appropriates the civil rights mantle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That’s sickeningly ironic, considering a disproportionate number of babies killed by abortion are black.
In his book, “Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice,” Dr. Parker claims he began terminating pregnancies after an “epiphany” inspired by one of Dr. King’s sermons, the one on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Once again, the irony of using a parable about saving a life in order to sanctify taking lives seems lost on him.
As are scientific facts. For example, Parker claims that human lives don’t begin at conception because sperm and egg are both alive prior to conception. From this he concludes that “life is a process and not an event.” Ignore for the moment that reproductive cells are not human individuals, if Parker’s argument is true, and all living cells are morally equivalent to all humans, then it isn’t clear why he thinks it’s wrong to kill newborns, toddlers, or even adults!
He also says, “You can’t answer scientific questions with religious answers.” But no religious answers are involved here. The existence of a unique and whole human life from the earliest stages of development and pregnancy is settled science.
Writing at Townhall.com, pro-life educator Mike Adams has called Dr. Parker out on those and other strange and inaccurate claims, like the idea that first-trimester babies don’t have any distinct body parts. He then quotes Parker’s book, in which the good doctor admits: “I make sure I find every part, and I place them together, re-creating the fetus in the pan.”
Adams writes scathingly, “Willie Parker may be one of the most skillful abortionists in America. But he is also one of the least skillful liars I’ve ever encountered.”
As they said in the Old West, “Them’s fightin’ words.” And thanks to a bit of persistence on Adams’ part, it looks like the two will be facing off, not in the town square at high noon, but in a debate at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington on Thursday February 21st.
Let me just say, you don’t want to miss this. And thanks to my friends at Summit Ministries and Ratio Christi, this debate will be live streamed. I know not everyone likes debates, but it’s past time someone confronted the heretical nonsense of using the name of Jesus Christ to justify abortion. And I can’t think of a better person to do that than Mike Adams.
Too many American Christians—especially young Christians—fail to make the connection between being personally pro-life and unashamedly opposed to legal abortion. They’re especially vulnerable to compassionate-sounding arguments like those of this “Christian abortion doctor.” They need to hear the superiority of the pro-life position.
If you live near Wilmington, go to this debate if you can get a seat. If you don’t live near Wilmington, it will be live-streamed for free worldwide. Once again, the date is Thursday February 21.
Come to BreakPoint.org, and we’ll link you to where you can sign up. Why not put together a watch-party with family, friends, church members, small groups, or Christian school? I can’t think of a better way to not only expose them to the case for life, but also to how deadly the lie is that abortion could ever be the Lord’s work.
RESOURCES
"Parker – Adams Debate Signup" - Hosted by Ratio Christi, sponsored by Summit ; https://www.summit.org/resources/mike-adams-debate-signup/
----------------------------------------
PRAYER MATTERS:
"To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world." - Karl Barth; "Prayer is inviting God into a seemingly impossible situation and trusting/resting in His love and grace to accomplish His perfect will in His perfect time and for His greatest glory. Intercession is the one of the great privileges AND responsibilities for EVERY believer." - Stan
“INTERCESSORS ARE THE RUDDER” – A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT - Wanda Alger, June 28th, 2017; https://www.getamericapraying.com/blog/
I was recently given a word by my good friend, Bill Yount. His word greatly encouraged me as an intercessor. Working for Intercessors for America, I soon realized it was not just a word for me, but for all who have been praying for our nation, wondering if their prayers are truly making any difference. Bill told me, “I kept seeing you as a small rudder on a huge ship. Hidden, but giving guidance. Although it seemed slow it was turning the whole ship. Patience was needed to see the impact of your…ministry. I sense the Lord saying, ‘Don’t jump ship! I’ve made you the rudder!’ ” I was immediately touched in my spirit by this encouragement, knowing that our seemingly small place in prayer was having a great impact.
James 3:4 talks about the power of a small rudder to steer a large ship. In this scripture about the power of our tongue, consider the power of prophetic intercession! In the Forerunner Commentary on this verse we read, “…rudders manipulate the course of immense ocean vessels with a slight movement of a pilot’s hand. Since it is underwater and aft, the rudder of a ship does its work UNSEEN. A passenger is ignorant of its movements most of the time. Yet, when it is in proper working order, the rudder holds more power over the ship than the wind. The wind will blow, toss, even destroy the ship’s rigging, but the rudder guides the ship exactly where it directs.”
This is God’s promise to the intercessors in this hour of national turbulence. Don’t stop praying! Your prayers have great power to turn the ship! Continue praying, interceding, and discerning the workings and movements of the Holy Spirit, being faithful to God’s commands. As we come together to declare God’s faithfulness, this nation will, once again, head in the direction that God intends. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Regardless of the winds of adversity and the fires of the enemy, God’s people have a power that cannot be matched. Let us join in faith and continue to pray and speak of God’s faithfulness in order to bring God’s people and this nation into the fullness of God’s plans. Note this additional encouragement from God’s word:
Colossians 2:15 – “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (ESV).
Psalm 33:8-11 – “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
Wanda Alger, IFA Field Correspondent
PRAY FOR AMERICA: THANK GOD for His many blessings on America throughout it's history. May we then ask that AMERICA once again be a blessing TO GOD, by once again submitting to HIS will in our affairs - both personal and national - that He may truly "heal our land." (2 Chron. 7:14) Short of that, we should not be saying "God Bless America"but instead "God be merciful towards America!"
PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS: 1) Pray for President Trump and his advisers, that they would select Godly leaders at the federal level who will be accountable to do an excellent job (or be fired!) ; that he would seek God's wisdom and be enabled to lead our country effectively in the years ahead; and 2) Pray our leaders at every level of government will Spirit-filled, leading us with Godly wisdom and integrity; that they will only pass legislation and enact policies that will benefit Americans today as well as future generations and NOT do any lasting harm.
SUPREME COURT: PRAY that the justices will only hand down decisions that are Constitutionally sound and in the best interests of our country now and for future generations.
World-Wide Prayer Requests:
PRAISE GOD for the continuing recent successes against ISIS! Pray that coalition forces will be able to fully destroy the leadership and infrastructure of ISIS.
*For believers in Syria and in this region as they navigate so much uncertainty. May they remain faithful to God through these most difficult times as He sustains them with peace and His Spirit's strength.
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Praying Through the Open Doors World Watch List for persecuted believers:https://www.opendoorsusa.org/take-action/pray/monthly-prayer-calendar/
In February, Open Doors is focusing on the Top 5 places in the world where it’s most dangerous to be a Christian. In these countries, being a follower of Jesus is a death sentence for not only you, but also your family. This month, we invite you to join your hearts with ours as we pray for believers in the darkest places.
February 20 | YEMEN - Please pray with a fellowship leader as he leads others in studying the Word. Pray specifically that this leader’s wife will become a believer. She’s asking a lot of questions but is fearful. Pray that Yemeni husbands will mirror Christ’s love as they reach out to their wives
*Names changed to protect identities
STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM - OpenDoorsUSA.org
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.- 2 Tim. 4:16
SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THOSE WHO SUFFER
The Apostle Paul knew exactly what it was like to be alone, to be deserted by all who called themselves “brothers” and “sisters.” A former colleague who has done considerable travel among the persecuted says, “It is hard to believe that Christians are the largest persecuted group in the world today. But it is even more difficult to believe that this is so seldom mentioned in our gatherings and church services. More Christians know the names of their favorite actors than their fellow believers who are in prison.”
He continues, “With every trip something in my heart breaks as I hear the echoes of suffering:
I remember the echoes of an Egyptian mother as she shared how her young boy was stuck in a haystack because she refused to deny Jesus.
I remember the sounds of weeping as fellow students in Indonesia shared how Sariman, their co-student, was hacked to death.
I remember the cries of anguish as we walked from church to church that was burned to the ground on the island of Lombok.
I remember the tears of Rebecca in Iran as she showed the picture of her father who was stabbed to death for sharing the gospel.
I remember the voice of Pastor Daniel in Vietnam as he shared how he was chained to the ground for six months.
I remember the fear of Grace from Sudan as she shared how her church was attacked and her friend was shot through the head.
Oh, I remember the cries of Caleb in Eritrea as he shared with tears how two dear friends were executed in front of him because of their faith.
And I remember the tears of Joy in the southern Philippines as she shared how her fiancé was shot to death in their church in Mindanao.
But, most all, I remember the deafening sounds of silence every time I return home.
RESPONSE
How can I be silent today? How can I not speak on behalf of those who suffer? How can I desert those that belong to the same body that I belong to and who desperately need the encouragement of my intervention?
1) Pray for Asia Bibi and her family to finally be able to leave Pakistan and danger. - "A Deadly Legal Limbo: Why Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi's Life Is Still in Danger" - CBNNEWS.COM, 11-13-2018; http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2018/november/a-deadly-legal-limbo-why-pakistani-christian-asia-bibis-life-is-still-in-danger [2/13 - Her children are now in Canada but she and her husband are still in hiding in Pakistan.]
2) Leah Sharibu is a courageous Nigerian Christian teen girl held captive by Boko Haram. The Islamic militia is threatening to kill or enslave her because she won't renounce Jesus Christ. Pray that the UN will intervene in her release. [2/13 - TODAY marks ONE YEAR since she was kidnapped.]
3 PRAY that the present uproar at our southern border will be resolved without further violence. PRAY also that our leaders will finally implement an effective border policy that will prevent these incidents in the future.
ATTENTION!
WALK FOR LIFE 2019 - I will again this year participate in the fundraiser for Thrive Orlando, the pregnancy center here in Orlando that I've been helping for several years now. I am trusting God to raise up sponsors who will together contribute $500 by March 30th (the day of the Walk) I challenge YOU to go to my funraising page and sponsor me as generously as you can. Every gift adds up and so none is too small.
https://secure.ministrysync.com/ministrysync/event/website/?m=4220989PERSONAL UPDATE: 1/25- Note my latest entry in the JOURNAL section on the right side of this page.
2/20 - PRAY for the President and others in leadership (1 Tim. 2:1-3)
Heavenly Father,
I pray that you will guide President Trump to seek YOU with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength in the New Year. May he act with wisdom and strength against those whose actions would bring harm to this nation and the world now and for generations to come. I pray that you would strengthen his marriage and deepen the love he and his wife Melania share. Pray that you give them wisdom to speak into the life of their son Barron. Please protect him and his family and others in our leadership from physical harm that any might seek to do against them. May all that our President does bring honor and glory to YOU and cause him to draw in closer relationship with you. I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen. P.S. - 3/27: I just finished reading the newly released book, "The Faith of Donald J. Trump" that the public library had and sent to me. Greatly recommend you read it to better understand our 45th President.
(from Intercessors For America) As the Lord Leads, please pray:
*President Trump and Secretary Pompeo as they map out possible agenda items for the summit next week with Chairman Kim.
*For the relationship that the U.S. has with Austria to be reflected in a good rapport between President Trump and Chancellor Kurz.
*For the ongoing trade negotiations in an attempt to avert or delay the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods.
*For guidance for Congress as they work with and respond to President Trump's national emergency declaration.
*For plans that President Trump is making for his summit at the end of this month with Chairman Kim Jong Un of North Korea.
*For those taking part in the last-minute negotiations with China ahead of the expansion of tariffs on March 1.
*For the negotiators in China to be able to secure a workable end to the “trade war” in time to meet the March 1 tariff deadline.
*For the relationship that the U.S. has with Austria to be reflected in a good rapport between President Trump and Chancellor Kurz.
*For the ongoing trade negotiations in an attempt to avert or delay the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods.
*For guidance for Congress as they work with and respond to President Trump's national emergency declaration.
*For plans that President Trump is making for his summit at the end of this month with Chairman Kim Jong Un of North Korea.
*For those taking part in the last-minute negotiations with China ahead of the expansion of tariffs on March 1.
*For the negotiators in China to be able to secure a workable end to the “trade war” in time to meet the March 1 tariff deadline.
*For unity in Congress as they work to solve the many pressing issues that face the nation.
*For President Trump and his advisers as they weigh staying with the decision on troop withdrawal from Syria.
*For wisdom for the President and Secretary of State Pompeo as they continue to seek ways to pressure Iran to consider renegotiating the failed nuclear arms deal.
*For wisdom for President Trump as he makes decisions concerning trade, that his decisions (esp. regarding trade and tariffs) would have a positive impact on the economy.
*For wisdom for President Trump as he continues to make decisions concerning those who will fill the vacancies in the government.
*For unity for Congress and that, over the next two years, they would act in a way that honors God and accomplishes His will.
*For God’s will to be accomplished through the efforts of our leaders regarding foreign policy.
*For wisdom for President Trump as he continues to make decisions concerning those who will fill the vacancies in the government.
*For unity for Congress and that, over the next two years, they would act in a way that honors God and accomplishes His will.
*For God’s will to be accomplished through the efforts of our leaders regarding foreign policy.
BE Prepared TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST ABORTION
(...because ALL Babies Matter! - http://www.lifenews.com/2017/03/01/why-do-unborn-babies-matter-just-because-they-are/ : Go to: LIFE Training Institute - http://prolifetraining.com/resources/five-minute-11/
Be Prepared TO ENGAGE WITH THE PC CULTURE:Go to:"Tactics" -
http://townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams/2016/04/29/tactics-n2154983
"Don't Argue the Exceptions - Beating Bad Arguments For Abortion and Transgenderism" - by John Stonestreet, Breakpoint.org, May 25, 2017; http://breakpoint.org/2017/05/breakpoint-dont-argue-exceptions/
-------------------------------------------
"A DEBATE TO WATCH - MIKE ADAMS VS. WILLIE PARKER, THE CHRISTIAN ABORTIONIST" - by John Stonestreet and G. Shane Morris, Breakpoint.org, February 18, 2019; http://www.breakpoint.org/2019/02/breakpoint-a-debate-to-watch/ [NOTE: This debate is scheduled for TOMORROW, FEB. 21st]
Dr. Willie Parker is a self-proclaimed follower of Christ who’s even willing to go further. He calls himself a “Christian abortion doctor” that does “the Lord’s work.” Parker has been a favorite spokesman for the pro-abortion movement for some time now, landing puff-pieces and interviews with TIME magazine, where he self-appropriates the civil rights mantle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That’s sickeningly ironic, considering a disproportionate number of babies killed by abortion are black.
In his book, “Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice,” Dr. Parker claims he began terminating pregnancies after an “epiphany” inspired by one of Dr. King’s sermons, the one on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Once again, the irony of using a parable about saving a life in order to sanctify taking lives seems lost on him.
Writing at Townhall.com, pro-life educator Mike Adams has called Dr. Parker out on those and other strange and inaccurate claims, like the idea that first-trimester babies don’t have any distinct body parts. He then quotes Parker’s book, in which the good doctor admits: “I make sure I find every part, and I place them together, re-creating the fetus in the pan.”
As they said in the Old West, “Them’s fightin’ words.” And thanks to a bit of persistence on Adams’ part, it looks like the two will be facing off, not in the town square at high noon, but in a debate at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington on Thursday February 21st.
Let me just say, you don’t want to miss this. And thanks to my friends at Summit Ministries and Ratio Christi, this debate will be live streamed. I know not everyone likes debates, but it’s past time someone confronted the heretical nonsense of using the name of Jesus Christ to justify abortion. And I can’t think of a better person to do that than Mike Adams.
Too many American Christians—especially young Christians—fail to make the connection between being personally pro-life and unashamedly opposed to legal abortion. They’re especially vulnerable to compassionate-sounding arguments like those of this “Christian abortion doctor.” They need to hear the superiority of the pro-life position.
If you live near Wilmington, go to this debate if you can get a seat. If you don’t live near Wilmington, it will be live-streamed for free worldwide. Once again, the date is Thursday February 21.
Come to BreakPoint.org, and we’ll link you to where you can sign up. Why not put together a watch-party with family, friends, church members, small groups, or Christian school? I can’t think of a better way to not only expose them to the case for life, but also to how deadly the lie is that abortion could ever be the Lord’s work.
RESOURCES
-------------------------------------------
"A DEBATE TO WATCH - MIKE ADAMS VS. WILLIE PARKER, THE CHRISTIAN ABORTIONIST" - by John Stonestreet and G. Shane Morris, Breakpoint.org, February 18, 2019; http://www.breakpoint.org/2019/02/breakpoint-a-debate-to-watch/ [NOTE: This debate is scheduled for TOMORROW, FEB. 21st]
Abortion, in and of itself, is a moral horror. But for abortion activists to claim the name of Jesus Christ in order to justify killing unborn children, that crosses over into new territory. I’m not talking about the moral gymnastics of equivocation employed by so many Christian progressives to justify abortion in extreme cases, as wrong and harmful as that is. I’m talking about Christians actually celebrating and promoting abortion as God’s work. For instance, those mainline Protestant priests and pastors who pray God’s blessing over abortion clinics. That’s just blasphemy.
Dr. Willie Parker is a self-proclaimed follower of Christ who’s even willing to go further. He calls himself a “Christian abortion doctor” that does “the Lord’s work.” Parker has been a favorite spokesman for the pro-abortion movement for some time now, landing puff-pieces and interviews with TIME magazine, where he self-appropriates the civil rights mantle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That’s sickeningly ironic, considering a disproportionate number of babies killed by abortion are black.
In his book, “Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice,” Dr. Parker claims he began terminating pregnancies after an “epiphany” inspired by one of Dr. King’s sermons, the one on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Once again, the irony of using a parable about saving a life in order to sanctify taking lives seems lost on him.
As are scientific facts. For example, Parker claims that human lives don’t begin at conception because sperm and egg are both alive prior to conception. From this he concludes that “life is a process and not an event.” Ignore for the moment that reproductive cells are not human individuals, if Parker’s argument is true, and all living cells are morally equivalent to all humans, then it isn’t clear why he thinks it’s wrong to kill newborns, toddlers, or even adults!
He also says, “You can’t answer scientific questions with religious answers.” But no religious answers are involved here. The existence of a unique and whole human life from the earliest stages of development and pregnancy is settled science.
Writing at Townhall.com, pro-life educator Mike Adams has called Dr. Parker out on those and other strange and inaccurate claims, like the idea that first-trimester babies don’t have any distinct body parts. He then quotes Parker’s book, in which the good doctor admits: “I make sure I find every part, and I place them together, re-creating the fetus in the pan.”
Adams writes scathingly, “Willie Parker may be one of the most skillful abortionists in America. But he is also one of the least skillful liars I’ve ever encountered.”
As they said in the Old West, “Them’s fightin’ words.” And thanks to a bit of persistence on Adams’ part, it looks like the two will be facing off, not in the town square at high noon, but in a debate at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington on Thursday February 21st.
Let me just say, you don’t want to miss this. And thanks to my friends at Summit Ministries and Ratio Christi, this debate will be live streamed. I know not everyone likes debates, but it’s past time someone confronted the heretical nonsense of using the name of Jesus Christ to justify abortion. And I can’t think of a better person to do that than Mike Adams.
Too many American Christians—especially young Christians—fail to make the connection between being personally pro-life and unashamedly opposed to legal abortion. They’re especially vulnerable to compassionate-sounding arguments like those of this “Christian abortion doctor.” They need to hear the superiority of the pro-life position.
If you live near Wilmington, go to this debate if you can get a seat. If you don’t live near Wilmington, it will be live-streamed for free worldwide. Once again, the date is Thursday February 21.
Come to BreakPoint.org, and we’ll link you to where you can sign up. Why not put together a watch-party with family, friends, church members, small groups, or Christian school? I can’t think of a better way to not only expose them to the case for life, but also to how deadly the lie is that abortion could ever be the Lord’s work.
RESOURCES
"Parker – Adams Debate Signup" - Hosted by Ratio Christi, sponsored by Summit ; https://www.summit.org/resources/mike-adams-debate-signup/
----------------------------------------
|
PRAYER MATTERS:
"To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world." - Karl Barth; "Prayer is inviting God into a seemingly impossible situation and trusting/resting in His love and grace to accomplish His perfect will in His perfect time and for His greatest glory. Intercession is the one of the great privileges AND responsibilities for EVERY believer." - Stan
“INTERCESSORS ARE THE RUDDER” – A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT - Wanda Alger, June 28th, 2017; https://www.getamericapraying.com/blog/
I was recently given a word by my good friend, Bill Yount. His word greatly encouraged me as an intercessor. Working for Intercessors for America, I soon realized it was not just a word for me, but for all who have been praying for our nation, wondering if their prayers are truly making any difference. Bill told me, “I kept seeing you as a small rudder on a huge ship. Hidden, but giving guidance. Although it seemed slow it was turning the whole ship. Patience was needed to see the impact of your…ministry. I sense the Lord saying, ‘Don’t jump ship! I’ve made you the rudder!’ ” I was immediately touched in my spirit by this encouragement, knowing that our seemingly small place in prayer was having a great impact.
James 3:4 talks about the power of a small rudder to steer a large ship. In this scripture about the power of our tongue, consider the power of prophetic intercession! In the Forerunner Commentary on this verse we read, “…rudders manipulate the course of immense ocean vessels with a slight movement of a pilot’s hand. Since it is underwater and aft, the rudder of a ship does its work UNSEEN. A passenger is ignorant of its movements most of the time. Yet, when it is in proper working order, the rudder holds more power over the ship than the wind. The wind will blow, toss, even destroy the ship’s rigging, but the rudder guides the ship exactly where it directs.”
This is God’s promise to the intercessors in this hour of national turbulence. Don’t stop praying! Your prayers have great power to turn the ship! Continue praying, interceding, and discerning the workings and movements of the Holy Spirit, being faithful to God’s commands. As we come together to declare God’s faithfulness, this nation will, once again, head in the direction that God intends. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Regardless of the winds of adversity and the fires of the enemy, God’s people have a power that cannot be matched. Let us join in faith and continue to pray and speak of God’s faithfulness in order to bring God’s people and this nation into the fullness of God’s plans. Note this additional encouragement from God’s word:
Colossians 2:15 – “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (ESV).
Psalm 33:8-11 – “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
Wanda Alger, IFA Field Correspondent
PRAY FOR AMERICA: THANK GOD for His many blessings on America throughout it's history. May we then ask that AMERICA once again be a blessing TO GOD, by once again submitting to HIS will in our affairs - both personal and national - that He may truly "heal our land." (2 Chron. 7:14) Short of that, we should not be saying "God Bless America"but instead "God be merciful towards America!"
PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS: 1) Pray for President Trump and his advisers, that they would select Godly leaders at the federal level who will be accountable to do an excellent job (or be fired!) ; that he would seek God's wisdom and be enabled to lead our country effectively in the years ahead; and 2) Pray our leaders at every level of government will Spirit-filled, leading us with Godly wisdom and integrity; that they will only pass legislation and enact policies that will benefit Americans today as well as future generations and NOT do any lasting harm.
SUPREME COURT: PRAY that the justices will only hand down decisions that are Constitutionally sound and in the best interests of our country now and for future generations.
World-Wide Prayer Requests:
PRAISE GOD for the continuing recent successes against ISIS! Pray that coalition forces will be able to fully destroy the leadership and infrastructure of ISIS. *For believers in Syria and in this region as they navigate so much uncertainty. May they remain faithful to God through these most difficult times as He sustains them with peace and His Spirit's strength.
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Praying Through the Open Doors World Watch List for persecuted believers:https://www.opendoorsusa.org/take-action/pray/monthly-prayer-calendar/
In February, Open Doors is focusing on the Top 5 places in the world where it’s most dangerous to be a Christian. In these countries, being a follower of Jesus is a death sentence for not only you, but also your family. This month, we invite you to join your hearts with ours as we pray for believers in the darkest places.
February 20 | YEMEN - Please pray with a fellowship leader as he leads others in studying the Word. Pray specifically that this leader’s wife will become a believer. She’s asking a lot of questions but is fearful. Pray that Yemeni husbands will mirror Christ’s love as they reach out to their wives
*Names changed to protect identities STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM - OpenDoorsUSA.org
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.- 2 Tim. 4:16
SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THOSE WHO SUFFER
The Apostle Paul knew exactly what it was like to be alone, to be deserted by all who called themselves “brothers” and “sisters.” A former colleague who has done considerable travel among the persecuted says, “It is hard to believe that Christians are the largest persecuted group in the world today. But it is even more difficult to believe that this is so seldom mentioned in our gatherings and church services. More Christians know the names of their favorite actors than their fellow believers who are in prison.”
He continues, “With every trip something in my heart breaks as I hear the echoes of suffering:
I remember the echoes of an Egyptian mother as she shared how her young boy was stuck in a haystack because she refused to deny Jesus.
I remember the sounds of weeping as fellow students in Indonesia shared how Sariman, their co-student, was hacked to death.
I remember the cries of anguish as we walked from church to church that was burned to the ground on the island of Lombok.
I remember the tears of Rebecca in Iran as she showed the picture of her father who was stabbed to death for sharing the gospel.
I remember the voice of Pastor Daniel in Vietnam as he shared how he was chained to the ground for six months.
I remember the fear of Grace from Sudan as she shared how her church was attacked and her friend was shot through the head.
Oh, I remember the cries of Caleb in Eritrea as he shared with tears how two dear friends were executed in front of him because of their faith.
And I remember the tears of Joy in the southern Philippines as she shared how her fiancé was shot to death in their church in Mindanao.
But, most all, I remember the deafening sounds of silence every time I return home.
RESPONSE
How can I be silent today? How can I not speak on behalf of those who suffer? How can I desert those that belong to the same body that I belong to and who desperately need the encouragement of my intervention?
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I think this debate between a pro-life Christian and a pro-choice Christian (an abortion doctor) has been long overdue - it's time to settle this. I don't think I can watch the debate (I'll be working), but if it's available afterwards for viewing, that would be great.
ReplyDelete-herb
Stan,this is being hosted by the organization we work with now, Ratio Christi! Please do be praying that God would protect everything from video equipment to the speakers and that He would grant supernatural wisdom and clarity to the pro-life debater.
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