Time to Judge The Character of This Movement I read in the newspapers that in Texas a big abortion debate roiled the capital for a week or so. The pro-abortionist advocates, whom I shall call “pro-deathers”, eventually lost the debate and the pro-lifers won. Governor Perry now has signed into law a bill that will outlaw abortions after twenty weeks. I am pleased he has done this, as I have much concern for the women who are persuaded to undergo this trauma and the lifelong grief it causes for them, and for the slaying of infants also. It is what you have probably not read that makes this controversy so interesting. Have you ever heard it said, “You can judge a man’s character by the company he keeps”? Keep that saying in mind here. The real story in Texas revolves around the people who were demonstrating in favor of abortion “rights” (which is misusing the word, since the unborn child doesn’t seem to have any rights – not even what our Founding Fathers wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”: the right to life being given first). Here is what you did not read about the protesters that represent the abortion clinics, now fondly called (by me ) The Dr. Kermit Gosnell Clinic Network. I do this to honor one of their most famous colleagues, now in prison. First, if you did not think that the pro-deathers (as opposed to pro-lifers) look upon their cause as a religion, think again. Abortion is sacred to them. In a story written on July 3, 2013, reporter Tad Cronn shared that those opposing abortion restrictions (the pro-deathers) were gathered outside the Texas Capitol in Austin. A group of Christian pro-lifers were observed gathering across the way from them, when the pro-abortionists, excuse me- the pro-deathers began shouting, “Hail, Satan!” In fairness, they were chanting other things also. But “Hail, Satan”? Pardon me, but this seems over the edge. Now, in case you don’t believe this (and I agree it is incredible), a video has been posted on the internet (http://acahnman.blogspot.com/2013/07/texas-capital-abortion-supporters-chant.html). If you have internet access, you will see the Christian pro-lifers singing the hymn “Amazing Grace” while the pro-deathers are chanting; following the hymn one woman walks up to the camera and shouts “Hail Satan!” Well, I guess we know which side she represents. During the debate, the pro-abortionist protesters – excuse me again, the pro-deathers - were removed from the Capitol gallery for screaming during the legislative session. They were also asking one another on Twitter what consequences would follow if they should rush the floor in mob fashion, and the merits of assaulting police. Yes, these are the proponents of the pro-abortion movement. They also put little girls up to holding signs that read, “Stay out of my mommy’s vagina”. Cute, isn’t it? I thought it was the abortionist doctor who invaded mommy’s vagina, but I must be wrong. A member of the Texas Department of Public Safety stated, as reported in The Texas Tribune, that confiscation of bricks, paint, a jar of urine and eighteen jars of feces had occurred. These lovely items were confiscated from the pro-death protesters. These would have been taken into the Capitol in hopes of throwing them upon the legislators as the bill was being debated. Nice touch, protesters. Planned Parenthood and pro-abortion politicians must be very proud of these people. They are all the same tribe. It is time to judge the character of this movement by the people who represent it.

The Pastor’s Pen By Rev. Joel Cochran The Chapel in Marlboro The Church’s Prophetic Voice Is the Church, meaning all churches collectively, supposed to have a prophetic voice? Is a local church – part of the Church collectively - to address personal and social ills and warn of the consequences? I think so. But it is not enough to proclaim the consequences of behavior. We who are the Church, each of us, should model the behavior that invites positive consequences. In other words, we should live what we proclaim. People desire to see that there are positive benefits to believing and obeying God – and they want to see it in our lives. 1 Peter 2:12 says, “Live such good lives among others that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” The prophetic voice of a local church is not merely words, but also works. Good ones. Your good deeds that help a community become healthier. Helping the community to have wholesome activities for kids; helping a community survive danger or recover from disaster. The prophetic voice includes not only sermons declaring the consequences for behavior, but deeds like building houses for the poor, feeding the hungry, providing sports leagues for the children (especially those who like sports but who are unable to compete in school), and caring for the one whose life is in a wrecked state. The prophetic voice is heard when in a lesson or sermon warnings are raised. It is also heard whenever members of the local church try to help a person rebuild a life or marriage; whenever a member of the local church volunteers to work with children and visit lonely widows and widowers who have few friends. The prophetic voice is heard not just when we move around in our familiar comfort zones, but when we move outside the comfort zones of our lives in an effort to help, encourage and bless others. It was Francis of Assisi who said, “Go into the world and preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.” I think the words of Francis fall a little short of our goal – which is to make Christ known among the nations. But his words certainly emphasize the importance of letting others see Christ’s redemptive grace at work in us. In our day, the prophetic voice of the local church is alarmed and issuing warnings against the unraveling of the moral fabric of society. We realize that the well-being of the next generation and the future prosperity of the nation may very well be at risk. People seem to not understand that behavior has consequences. They cannot live dishonestly today and expect everything to be all right tomorrow. We need to warn against careless livings, using the words of the scripture: “You will always harvest what you plant” (Galatians 6:7 – NLT). Along with this message, the prophetic voice of the Church needs to engage in redemptive activity, preventing destruction where it can and providing healing where it can. Yes, you need to do something to make your community a better place. It was Martin Luther King who said, “It is always the right time to do the right thing.” Let’s regain the prophetic voice. Proclaim the truth of the Bible, remind people of the consequences of choices. Long respected and time tested principles of morality need to be represented in our statements and in our conduct. Living these truths is necessary for our own peace of mind. Then ministering with compassion and love to those whose lives have been affected by tragedy; those who have made bad decisions and are hurting; and those who are abandoned by others would all contribute to … The Church’s prophetic voice.