January 18th is Sanctity of Life Sunday.

Since 1984, Sanctity of Life Sunday, has been set aside to affirm the life and value of every person.

In an increasingly divided political world, how should followers of Christ think about and interact with the issue of abortion? As in all matters, we should look to the Word of God to be the primary source of our beliefs, responses, and missional living.

First, all Christians should acknowledge and affirm the image of God and the inherent dignity bestowed on every human being by his or her Creator. (Genesis 1:26-27) We should rightly believe that every human life is formed in the womb, by the Lord our Redeemer (Isaiah 44:24), and therefore legalized abortion is one of the greatest moral tragedies of our day.

Second, we should respond in a way that is uniquely Christian, seeking to glorify Jesus and honor the image of God in every person, including women who are considering or have experienced an abortion themselves. Christ followers should respond to sin and brokenness the way our Savior does in John 4. Jesus goes out of his way to speak to a Samaritan woman, confronting her false beliefs and even calling out sin.

But he does so while speaking truth in love, in such a way that she responds in faith and brings many others to Christ. Psalm 82:3 commands us to, "Defend the weak and fatherless, uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." May the church today respond by meeting the babies, mothers, and fathers at their point of need. We can speak out about the sin of abortion while offering compassion and hope in Jesus Himself.

Finally, as the church believes and responds to what Scripture teaches us about the sanctity of all life, God's Spirit will move us toward living a life on mission. We can do the hard work of reaching, loving, caring, and discipling anyone who finds themselves considering abortion.

Life Church is a House of Refuge.

This applies to everyone in this church and people you know who may be experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and need a place of refuge.

Here’s what we believe:

Every child, no matter how they are conceived, is an image bearer of God, knit together in the womb by Him. Please know that being pregnant is not a sin, and the child you carry is not a punishment. Regardless of the circumstances, we want you to know that you and your child are loved, and we are here to support you. While we will never encourage or support the decision to have an abortion, it is important for you to know how our church will respond to those facing an unplanned pregnancy:

Here’s what we won’t do:

This church family will not gossip about you, shame you, or abandon you. This is a House of Refuge. We will not allow the family of God to harm others with words or actions contrary to the love of God as revealed in His Word.

Here’s what we will do:

We will walk with you every step of the way, helping you carry and care for your child both before and after birth. There are people in this church ready to mentor you, throw you a baby shower, and connect you with resources inside and outside of our church. We will also encourage men to become loving fathers who protect women and children. If you are considering placing your child for adoption, please know that we will be here to encourage and support you as you make this loving decision. If anyone in this church feels led to be involved in foster care or adoption, we will walk with you and provide resources and community to help you answer this call to care for children in need of a family. Finally, if you have had an abortion or have been involved in an abortion, we want you to know that abortion is not an unforgivable sin. Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever confesses and forsakes their sin finds mercy.” If you have never gone through an abortion recovery Bible study, we will be happy to connect you to one so that you can walk in healing and freedom.

RESOURCES

LOVE LIFE - CHARLOTTE

From praying on the front lines to giving financially or serving through foster care and adoption, every Christian is commissioned by God to care for the orphan in the womb and outside the womb. Like Nehemiah rebuilding the wall, we each have a role to play in restoring what is broken.

LOVE LIFE - ORPHAN CARE

Love Life Orphan Care, a ministry of Love Life, is comprised of Christians dedicated to personally resolving the local orphan crisis in every city by placing every foster child in a Godly home.

RESTORED LIFE

Helping men, women and churches connect with restorative, post-abortive ministries, including group and private counseling, in personal and online one-to-one and group studies, and weekend retreats.

LIFE CHOICES ROWAN

A long-time missions partner of Life Church, Life Choices Rowan supports and equips women and families, often in moments of crisis - such as unexpected pregnancy, through caring, Christ-centered relationships.

NAZARETH CHILD & FAMILY CONNECTION

Nazareth serves some of the most vulnerable in our community through: Family Foster Care, Adoptions, Transitional Living Services for Young Adults, Level II Therapeutic Residential, Short-term Care, Individual and Group Outpatient Therapy, Psychiatric Services, and Outpatient Substance Abuse Therapy.

EMAIL LIFE CHURCH

If there are specific ways we can serve you, pray with and for you, please email us. If you have questions about resources for you personally, or would like to know how you can serve others, we would be happy to connect with you.

Prayers.

God's people recognize the gift of life given to us by our Creator. We are called to protect and care for all life, regardless of age or stage, since all people are created in the image of God and have inherent value. Therefore, let us "learn to do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

  • Almighty God, Heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children:  Give us calm strength and patient wisdom so to train them, that they may love all that is true, and pure, and lovely, and of good report, following the example of their Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

  • Eternal Father, bless the mothers who choose to bring their children into the world, even when they themselves are in hard times. Thank You that they recognize their child is created in Your image (Gen. I:27), And that You have a plan for their lives (Jer. 1:5). Bring these families peace when they face hardships of any kind. Remind them to find encouragement in You, As you have already overcome the world John 16:33).

    We pray that they feel secure in Your promise. Holy Spirit of God, protect these children. Leave them not needing for anything as You promised in Matthew 6. Clothe them, feed them, and bless them. We pray that these children grow up to love You. Guide their paths so that they follow Your will. Help them to achieve great things in Your name for the glory of God. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

  • Father God, we know there will always be those who disagree with you.

    We too were blinded by selfishness and human desires before you rescued us from the darkness… God, we pray that you give us compassion for these people we disagree with. You instruct us to clothe ourselves with kindness, patience and gentleness (Col. 3: 12). Human anger does not produce the righteousness that You desire (James 1:20). Give us the kindness to speak with love to those against us. Give us the patience to understand their hearts. Give us the gentleness to avoid being harsh against them. We know that being pro-life means every human being is made in the image of God, And that applies to those with pro-choice views.

    Let us see them as You see them: loved of God. Worthy of compassion. Give us wisdom, as well, to avoid the anger and rage of petty social media wars. Remind us that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent (Ecc. 3:7). Being aggressive is not the best way to support the cause of life. You have said we must make sure our enemies never go hungry or thirsty (Matt. 5:44). If this is true, then how much more should we talk to them in love? Help us to remember that we must love as You love and speak as You speak. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

  • Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for the pregnancy resource centers (PRC) all across America and the world. May you guide those who are seeking an abortion facility to find a PRC, And allow their hearts to be receptive so they may hear the truth about life in the womb. We pray that all who enter the doors of PRCs choose life. Give those who work in these centers wisdom and grace, so that they can treat the women who visit in a way that honors You and shows Your love.

    During such wicked and violent times, we also pray for the protection of all sidewalk counselors, staff, and volunteers. Use Your mighty hand to protect the facilities themselves. Put a stop to anyone who may want to harm the PRCs, and bless them with financial protection, so that they will never need to close their doors.

    May Your name be glorified with everything that the pregnancy resource centers and other pro-life organizations do because it is Your love that empowers them. May the way they bless their communities bless You, the Lamb of God.

  • Almighty God, your truth endures from age to age: Direct in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may speak your truth to make the heart of this people wise, its mind discerning, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  • Almighty God, whose Son took upon himself the afflictions of your people: Regard with your tender compassion those suffering from anxiety, depression, or mental illness; bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their needs; help them to put their whole trust and confidence in you; and restore them to strength of mind and cheerfulness of spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  • Lord of Peace, thank You for loving me. Thank You for looking past my sin and seeing the clean heart You gave me. I know that nothing can separate me from Your love (Romans 8:35-39). Thank You for Your forgiveness, which is more generous than any human being can offer. I know You have removed all of my offenses (Psalm 103:12). Thank You for helping me to know I am not my abortion. I find my identity in You. I am Your daughter, loved and redeemed whom Your Son died and resurrected for (I John 2:2). Save me, please, from the voice of guilt and shame. Instead, lift me up in Your name. Give me peace and grace which can only be found in You, Lord. Amen.

  • Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.