SANCTITY LIFE SUNDAY SERMON 
  
“They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters ...the land was desecrated by their blood.” Psalm 106:37-38 
  
Abortion is a modern equivalent of child sacrifice. The births of both Moses and Jesus were accompanied by a massive slaughter of the innocent. Both the Old and New Testaments record widespread infanticide being unleashed in attempts to eradicate the people of God. 
 
Just as God’s people opposed Pharaoh’s decree to murder new-born boys in Egypt (Exodus 1:15-22), so we need to protect pre-born babies from abortion today. Just as King Herod sought to kill the babies in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16), so abortionists are attempting to butcher babies today. 
 
The most dangerous place in the world is not Zimbabwe, Sudan or the Congo. The most dangerous place in the world is the womb. Pre-born babies are being killed in their mothers’ wombs at a greater rate than any other section of society. The mortality rate for pre-born babies varies from one in four to one in three. 
 
A growing number of Christians worldwide are coming to recognise the abortion holocaust as the greatest crime being committed in the world today. It is an urgent priority for the Church to expose, oppose and end this war against children made in the image of God. 
 
It is a Matter of LIFE and Death 
The sanctity of human life is an essential article of the Christian Faith. The Bible makes it clear that life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 44:2; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41). The unborn baby is then genetically, physiologically and organically, a distinct person. At that moment life begins. At about three weeks after conception the baby’s heartbeat can be detected. Six weeks after conception, the baby has its own life-long brain wave. 
 
If the absence of a brain wave is considered a sign of death, why then is the presence of this brain wave not accepted as a confirmation of life? Birth is not a magical act that turns a non-human into a person. Birth is only a change in environment for a life that began many months before. Every abortion stops a beating heart. Every abortion ends a brain wave. Every abortion is the murder of a helpless and innocent human being. 
 
It is a Matter of LOGIC 
It is of the utmost hypocrisy for us to denounce the atrocities committed under apartheid, or to condemn those who stood by and allowed the Nazi and Communist holocausts to be perpetrated – if we allow the abortion holocaust to continue in our own country. How incredible that South Africa has replaced apartheid with abortion! 
 
In the name of Human Rights, “pro-choicers” are depriving pre-born babies of the right to life. Instead of discrimination based upon race, we now have discrimination based upon age. Can we condemn discrimination based on race, while allowing discrimination based on age? 
 
Of what worth is human dignity if babies are denied the right to life? The right to life of pre-born babies is one of the most urgent and important issues confronting society today (Matt. 18:5, 10, 14; Isaiah 44:24; 49:15). 
 
What kind of convoluted logic and mental gymnastics can interpret the “right of life” clause in the Constitution to protect guilty murderers from execution, but not prevent innocent babies from receiving the death penalty through abortion? 
 
If the right to life of the most helpless and innocent members of society – pre-born babies – is not upheld then the Bill of Rights is a worthless piece of paper. A society that is capable of burning, smothering, poisoning or dismembering little babies deserves the wrath of God. 
 
How is it possible that a highly trained and experienced judge - after careful deliberation of all the evidences and arguments, presented by both prosecution and defence, in the calm, objective environment of a court of law - cannot choose to impose the death sentence upon a duly convicted murderer. Yet a young teenager – without the permission of her parents – can make an emotional and spur of the moment choice to have her innocent unborn baby killed through abortion! A tragic decision she may regret for the rest of her life. The parents do not even need to be informed after the fact! 
 
It is also illogical that the mother of an illegitimate baby must now obtain the consent of the father before the child can be adopted; but a married mother can have an abortion without her husband’s consent... or even knowledge! 
 
By making the murder of pre-born babies legal, easy and taxpayer funded, the “Choice of Termination of Pregnancy” Act defies all logic. 
 
It is a Matter of LOVE 
The heart of Christianity is love. Love for God and love for our neighbour (Mark 12:30-31). The golden rule by which all believers must live is: 
“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you . . .” Matthew 7:12 
 
If you as a mother would not like to be attacked and torn to pieces - then don’t allow it to be done to your baby. If you as a doctor would not like to be poisoned to death - then don’t do it to a baby. If you as a member of Parliament would not like to be snatched from your home and dismembered - then don’t legalise and finance such violence against babies: “do to others what you would have them do to you.” 
 
If we do not stand up and oppose the legalised killing of babies by abortion then the blood of those innocent children will be upon our heads (Ezekiel 33:1-6). 
 
Christians must love their neighbour - and this includes our pre-born neighbours. Caring for the fatherless, protecting the helpless, defending the innocent and speaking up for the voiceless is true Christian love in action. 
 
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this’, does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will not He repay each one according to what he has done?” Proverbs 24:11-12 
 
South Africa needs to rebuild respect for life. Everyone is made in the image of God and has the right to life - irrespective of their degrees of awareness, health or development. Everyone has been endowed by the Creator with the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty. 
 
“Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts... let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:15,24 
 
Abortion Atrocity Aided by Apathy 
It has been said that every abortion clinic (abortuary) could hang a sign outside declaring: 
“This abortion clinic is open by the implied consent of the local church.” 
 
Another person put it this way: 
“Satan is counting on each of us in the coming year to mind our own business while he gets away with murder. He is counting on us to be more concerned with our comforts, conveniences, and prosperity than with the lives of helpless babes. He is counting on us to make excuses for why we should not get involved in ‘social or political’ issues. He is counting on us to say we oppose abortion and then to fold our arms, while our actions lag far behind our rhetoric. He is counting on us to stay out of his way.” 
 
All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good people to do . . . nothing. 
  
Sanctity Life Sunday 
The strategic focus of this right to life campaign is Sanctity Life Sunday. The closest Sunday to 1 February has been selected as it is the closest Sunday to the anniversary of the legalisation of abortion in South Africa (1 February 1997). 
 
The goal is to have most pastors in South Africa preach on what the Bible teaches on the subject of abortion on that Sunday. Sanctity Life Sunday should be a solemn and serious day as we reflect on our Christian responsibility to deal with the ugly reality of abortion in our society. It should be a national day of repentance for the national sin of abortion. 
 
According to the South African Christian Handbook there are over 20 million churchgoers in South Africa. 
 
If most of these church goers could understand what the Bible teaches about when life begins, the sanctity of human life and our Christian responsibility to stand up for the right to life of the pre-born - then we could save thousands of babies from abortion. 
 
Most of the medical personnel in our country are church members. Most of the mothers go to church. Most of the voters in South Africa claim to be Christians. If Christians in South Africa could stop and look at the abortion holocaust in the light of Scripture; if we could understand something of the heart of God on this disgraceful abomination then we would be roused to action. 
 
There are over 36 000 churches and preaching points in South Africa. There are over 30 000 ministers in the country. If just half of them could be inspired to study what the Word of God says on when life begins and what is abortion; if only half of the churches in South Africa observed Sanctity Life Sunday in Bible study, repentance and prayer - then we could begin to end the legalised killing of babies in South Africa. 
 
“Could you men not keep watch with Me for one hour?” Matthew 26:40 
  
Seven Priorities to Promote the Sanctity of Life 
The National Alliance for Life (NAL) (which includes the Christian Action Network, Christians for Truth, Doctors for Life, Pro-life, and many other pro-life ministries) has identified the following seven goals as our priorities in the fight for the right to life of pre-born babies: 

To inform most Christians in South Africa about when life begins and what abortion really is. 
To inspire thousands of Christians to make a public stand against abortion in the Life Chains. 
To encourage mothers in crisis pregnancies not to abort their babies. Adoption is one loving option. 
To persuade medical personnel in SA to have no part in child killing. 
To challenge voters not to support candidates who support abortion. 
To save the lives of pre-born babies and recruit volunteers for crisis pregnancy centres. 
To mobilise most pastors to preach on when life begins and the sanctity of life on Sanctity Life Sunday.    
  
What Should You Do? 
  
Be Informed 
“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6 
Obtain and read: Make a Difference a Christian Action Handbook for Southern Africa. Write to Africa Christian Action and request free copies of “Scripture and the Sanctity of Life”; “It’s My Body” and “Abortion - The Facts”. You can also request a Pro-life Resource Catalogue. 
 
Be Interceding 
“If My people who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 
 
Abortion is a tragic national disgrace and we should pray for God to have mercy upon us and to revive His Church to oppose this evil. Pray for the mothers in crisis pregnancies, pray for the counsellors at crisis pregnancy centres, pray for the medical personnel who are faced with life and death choices, pray for those who make the laws, pray for the voters and for the judges. Pray that God’s will may be done, and that lives will be saved. 
 
Be Involved 
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it for Me.” Matthew 25:40 
Our first priority is to see that our congregation is informed, interceding and involved. Each of us must be involved in prayer and persuasion to save lives. Pray for mothers going through crisis pregnancies, for pre-born babies who are in danger of abortion and for pro-life ministries. 
 
Organise for a pro-life speaker to address your school or work place and for pro-life DVDs such as God’s Miracle of Life, Eclipse of Reason, The Hard Truth and City of Refuge to be shown to your youth group, women’s group or home fellowship. Order a copy of the Christian Action Starter Pack. Then encourage some other concerned friends to join with you in starting a Christian Action Group or Pro-life ministry in your home, workplace or church. Distribute pro-life literature. 
 
Volunteers to help at a Crisis Pregnancy Centre are always needed. Go through your cupboards and see if there are baby clothes and accessories, in good condition, that you no longer need and can donate to a Crisis Pregnancy Centre. Consider adopting a child. 
 
Start now to educate and enlist others in the campaign to end abortion. Mark your calendar and encourage others to plan now to take part in the next Life Chain, the 1st Sunday in October every year (and if possible join ACA outside Parliament on the closest Friday to or on 1st February (the anniversary of the legislation of abortion in South Africa) – for a prayer vigil and placard protest. We can all do something. We must all do something positive – to love our neighbours and to save lives. 
 
Children are a gift from God for blessing the family, the church and the world. Life is precious. We are called to love our neighbours and this includes our unseen pre-born neighbours. 
  
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” Proverbs 24:11 
 
 
Will you put feet to your faith? Lives are at stake. 
 
Dr. Peter Hammond 
 ​

1.  Jochebed, the mother of Moses, refused to comply with Pharaoh's edict. She defied the baby killing culture of Egypt and devised a bold plan to save her baby's life - right under the household of Pharaoh himself. The Exodus of Israel from bondage in Egypt and the Law of Moses - the Ten Commandments - continue to be the foundation of Western Civilisation.

2.  Ruth forsook the pagan culture of Moab and travelled to Israel to find a Kinsman Redeemer. She became the great grandmother of King David - whose descendants continue to rule. "Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God."

3.  Hannah, though jeered at for being childless, and misjudged by Eli as being drunk when praying, determined to seek a child from the Lord - in order to consecrate him back to the Lord - and she gave birth to Samuel, who at an early age learned to say: "Speak, Lord, Your servant listens." Samuel grew to be one of the greatest of Israel's prophets and the one who anointed David as the next king of Israel. (Andrew Murray's Africa Institute in Wellington sent out hundreds of missionaries under the slogan: Africa for Christ. Their building is named: Samuel - Received from the Lord, Given back to the Lord.) Hannah kept her word and gave Samuel back to the Lord for His service - and the Lord blessed her with more children.

4.  Elizabeth, childless, sought the Lord and had the privilege of raising John the Baptist - whom Jesus described as "the greatest man born to women." It was John who prepared the way for the Lord, fulfilling the prophesy of Isaiah: "The voice of the one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight'." "He must increase. I must decrease". "I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire!"

5.  Mary, the most blessed of all mothers who humbly submitted to God's will: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to Your Word." Luke 1:38. What an honour Mary had of being the earthly mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Mary instructed: "Whatever He tells you to do, do it!"

6.  Eunice, (and grandmother, Lois) who brought up Timothy in the sincere Faith (Acts 16:1 and 2 Timothy 1:5), raised a dedicated Christian who became the Apostle Paul's right-hand man and indispensable co-labourer in the Mission of winning Europe to Christ.

7.  Susanna Wesley, who gave birth to nineteen children - including John and Charles Wesley. They credited her prayerful instruction and godly example as shaping the whole direction of their lives dedicated to holiness and Revival. The Great Evangelical Awaking that they were part of transformed England and ensured that the Revolution that wrecked France would not destroy Britain.

8.  Elizabeth Whitefield, a widowed inn keeper, said to her son George: "I expect more from you than from all the others." George Whitefield grew up to become one of the most effective Evangelists in history. Revival blessings accompanied his open air proclamation of the Gospel throughout the British Isles and North America.

9.  Ann Judson, the mother of modern missions, gave her life winning the people of Burma to Christ.

10.  Ann Moffat, the devout mother of Robert Moffat, beseeched him, as he headed off to the world, to become a sailor, to promise her that he would begin each day with God and that he would end each day with God. She then kissed his forehead. Robert testified, that "It was that promise and that kiss that made me a Missionary." Robert went on to be the first to translate the whole Bible into an African language. Robert also had the privilege of inspiring David Livingstone to come as a Missionary to Africa with his stirring speech of "the smoke of a thousand villages where the Gospel of Christ has not yet been heard." Moffat and Livingstone opened up Africa for the Gospel of Christ. What an impact Mrs. Moffat had on the history of Africa through her faithful discipleship of her son. Robert later testified that it was his mother, Ann, who had filled his mind and heart with the exciting exploits of Moravian missionaries and other Gospel pioneers across the seas.

11.  Amelia Taylor prayed above the chemist shop her husband ran: "Dear God, if you should give us a son, grant that he may work for You as a missionary to China." Their home schooled son, Hudson Taylor, who was reading by age 4, grew up to do just that, launching the China Inland Mission, which mobilised over a thousand missionaries to China in his lifetime. CIM became the first truly interdenominational Faith Mission and the largest Mission organisation of the Greatest Century of Missions.

12.  Mary Slessor's mother, (also Mary) dedicated her two sons to missions to Nigeria, but they both died before they were old enough. So Mary Slessor went as a Missionary to Calabar, in Nigeria, in their place. She was called Eko Kpukpro Owa (Mother of all the people) for her tireless work in adopting abandoned children, fighting the slave trade and ending the killing of twins. Mary Slessor of Calabar transformed Nigeria through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Courageous and fearless, she confronted witchdoctors and saved lives.

The Highest Privilege
There can be no greater privilege than raising the next generation. There can be no more strategic priority than giving life and raising precious Covenant children to love, honour, obey, worship and serve our Great God and Saviour.

Multi-generational Blessings
Do you have a vision of what God can do in, with and through you and your children? Do not settle for less than God's best. Make the fulfilment of the Great Commission your supreme ambition. Make disciples and teach obedience to all things that the Lord has commanded. Pray that the Lord of the Harvest would use your children to advance His Kingdom. The safest place in the world is in the centre of God's Will. Intercede for your children, even before they are born, like Amelia Taylor did. Bring up your children in the sincere Faith, like Eunice raised Timothy. Consecrate your children to the Lord's service, like Hannah gave Samuel back to the Lord, who had so graciously provided him.

Strategic Priorities
"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren." Deuteronomy 4:9

This is God's instruction to you as a parent:
"To train up a child in the way he should go" Proverbs 22:6. To diligently teach your children in your house, and as you travel, from the first thing in the morning to the last thing at night (Deut. 6:7). To care for, provide for, nurture and love children in the Lord is a most rewarding and vital calling. Mothers have a great privilege and great responsibilities. Families are the basic building blocks of society. As goes the home, so goes the church and the nation.

The Birkenhead Drill
Hence the women and children first cry of the Birkenhead and Titanic - by chivalrous men who respected mothers.

Solid Foundations for Life
From their earliest years, children need to be taught to fear God, to love His Law, to read His Word, to love and honour and worship our Lord Jesus Christ and to desire the triumph of His Kingdom on earth.

Honour Your Mother
Parenthood is so fundamentally important that God's Word comes to all of us to honour our mothers: "Honour your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

"Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father and keep My Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:3

The Curse of Egalitarianism
"Cursed is the one who treats his father or his mother with contempt." Deuteronomy 27:16

Egalitarianism is a curse. Failure to respect our parents is a terrible sin. (Many often have greater respect for secular Humanist Hollywood stars and actors than for their own parents).

"The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out and the young eagles will eat it." Proverbs 30:17

Restoring Respect
'"Honour your father and mother' which is the first commandment with a promise." Ephesians 6:2

"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly…" Leviticus 19:32

We need a revival of respect for the elderly and we need to value and prize mothers for the precious jewels that they are. We need to rise up and become a blessing to our mothers who sacrificed and served us so diligently.

What does God want you to do to show honour, respect and appreciation for your mother and grandmothers?

Let us be careful to be doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Dr. Peter Hammond
Frontline Fellowship
P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town South Africa
mission@frontline.org.za
www.frontlinemissionsa.org

For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
 

Why do Christian leaders compromise and praise blasphemous communists?

Why do so many remain silent about the colossal crimes of communists who have murdered multiplied thousands of Christians?
 
Praising a Persecutor
We have heard some unbelievable praises and eulogies for the man who destroyed one of the greatest countries in Africa. Robert Mugabe, a Marxist blasphemer, who boasted that he was greater than Jesus Christ, who had ordered the massacre of missionaries, who unleased the North Korean trained 5th Brigade to slaughter tens-of-thousands of Matebele in the 1980s, who since 1990 ordered that no visas be granted to any missionaries to Zimbabwe, who destroyed one of the finest agricultural economies in all of Africa, leading to catastrophic starvation where more than half of the population of Zimbabwe fled the country, is now praised in eulogies from Christian ministries and politicians! 

​Really Racist
This is actually racist hypocrisy. If Mugabe had been a white person, he would have been roundly condemned. But just because of his race, he is given a free pass. Those who praise Mugabe prove themselves to be racist hypocrites. Despite colossal corruption, crimes and cruelty, selfishness and senseless stupidity, Mugabe is praised. Why? What did he ever do to help the people of Zimbabwe? Yet, despite Mugabe being one of the most selfish, self-serving, corrupt and cruel dictators to oppress the long suffering people of Zimbabwe, he is praised just because he was black!
 
Double Standards
No white person guilty of such crimes and catastrophic ruin would have been praised. Yet, even some Christians praise this enemy of Christ – why? Just because Mugabe was black? Is that not a racist position? To use such double standards to praise a black man for what any white would have been rightly condemned. As though you cannot expect any better from a black leader! As though the people of Africa do not deserve any better than to be oppressed by a dictator like Mugabe.
 
Ignoring Christian Africans
There are Christian Africans who deserve positive recognition for genuine achievements against all odds: Tertullian, Cyprian, Origin, Athanasius, Augustine, Samuel Ajay Crowther, Jonas Savimbi and Prince Gatsha Buthelezi amongst many others. But they are not normally recognised for their achievements, because they were Christian.
 
Telling People What They Want to Hear
One understands why Marxists like Malema praises Mugabe, but why would Christians like Cheryllyn Dudley of the ACDP, praise Mugabe and make the tyrant a victim of whites, apparently not responsible for his own actions over 37 years of “leading” Zimbabwe? Perhaps cowardice is the answer. Fear of “public opinion” and a desire to say what people want to hear, instead of what is true.
 
A Snare
The Word of God commands us not to be afraid of any man (Deuteronomy 1:17). We are warned that the fear of man will prove to be a snare (Proverbs 29:25). The Scriptures tell us of those who would not say anything about Jesus publically for fear of the Jews (John 7:13).

They Loved the Praise of Men
"Even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." John 12:42-43
 
Compromise
Even the Apostle Peter, who was normally so bold and brave, gave in to compromise and cowardice when "he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the Gospel…" then the Apostle Paul rebuked them openly (Galatians 2:12-14).
 
What Are We Afraid of?
Fear of disapproval, fear of being embarrassed, fear of being ridiculed, fear of unpopularity, fear of being misunderstood and being lied about, fear of failure, of suffering, pain and death, fear of loss and sacrifice can all too easily lead us to stay seated when we should stand up, to stand still when we should step out. To remain silent when we should speak up, to remain passive and inactive when we should fight for what is right.
 
The Herd Instinct
Selfish desires for fame and fortune, health and wealth, comfort and ease, safety and security all too often seduce us into choosing the way of least resistance, going with the flow, following the crowd, chanting the politically correct mantra, burning incense before the image of Caesar, bowing before the world's idol, compromising our principles, stifling the still small voice of our conscience, resisting the Holy Spirit, quenching the Spirit, grieving the Holy Spirit, disobeying the Bible and dishonouring God.
 
The Fear of Man
"Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die and of a son of man who will be made like grass? You forget the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; you have feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor… and where is the fury of the oppressor? But I am the Lord your God, Who divided the sea whose waves roared - the Lord of hosts is His Name. And I have put My Words in your mouth…" Isaiah 51:12-15
 
People Pleasers Become Traitors
People pleasers make traitors (John 12:43). "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." Gal. 1:10
 
You Cannot Serve Two Masters
Remember that Christians in the Roman Empire were not persecuted for worshipping Christ, but for refusing to worship Caesar.
 
Destructive and Shortsighted
Compromise and cowardice hurts everyone concerned. Cowardice is destructive and shortsighted. In Revelation 21:8, cowards are at the top of the list of those who will be condemned by God for all eternity - thrown into the Lake of Fire.
 
Deceitful
"Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Proverbs 27:5-6 
 
The Paralysis of Fear
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to do our duty in spite of our fear. Some rational, God given sense of caution can protect us and our loved ones and prolong life. But if fear paralyses us into inactivity, neutrality, compromise, cowardice, defeat and disobedience, then it is evil.
 
The Spirit of the Age
The prevailing Arminian, Antinomian, Egalitarian, sinner-friendly, Prayer-of-Jabez, self-centred, superficial, sensational, materialistic, cheap grace and easy believism produces wets, wimps and weeds and it is gutless. It is spineless and yellow-bellied. We are not called to be popular, but faithful.

Stand Firm and Refuse to Compromise Your Faith
The Great Commission is not about how to win friends and influence people, but how to make disciples of all nations, teaching obedience to all that the Lord has commanded. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego we need to stand firm in the Faith, no matter what the cost. We are called to submit to God, to resist the devil and he will flee from us (James 4:7). God alone is worthy of our worship. We must not bow to any idols. “Our God, whom we serve, is able to save us and He will. But even if not, be assured, we will not bow before your idols. Nor shall we serve your gods!”
 
Christian Courage
We are called to overcome the world: "Because He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4. The Will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you. Where God guides He provides. God gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him. 
"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us."  Romans 8:37
 
The safest place in the world is in the centre of God's Will. Duty is ours, the results are God's. God's servant is God's responsibility. At the Congress of Cults organised by the Romanian Communist Party, Sabina Wurmbrand told her husband: “I do not need a coward for a husband!” Rev. Richard Wurmbrand stood up at Communist rally broadcast live to the nation and quoted 2 Corinthians 6:14-18: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God and they shall be My people.’ Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you and you shall be My sons and daughters’, says the Lord Almighty.”
 
A Place to Stand
Like German Reformer, Martin Luther, who dared to defy the collective might of the Pope of Rome and the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire when he refused their threats and demands to recant, we need to be able to say: "My conscience is captive to the Word of God…Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise, so help me God. Amen."
 
In the Light of Eternity
As Swiss Reformer, Ulrich Zwingli declared: "They can kill the body - but they cannot kill the soul."
 
Storm the Gates of Hell
"Some like to live within sound of chapel bell - I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell." C.T. Studd
 
Be Strong
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
 
Be Very Courageous
As God commanded Joshua: "Be strong and of good courage… only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, that you shall mediate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:6-9
 
Do Not Be Afraid
"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed… for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." 2 Chronicles 32:7-8
 
Remain Steadfast
"Only let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that… you remain steadfast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the Faith of the Gospel and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake…" Philippians 1:27-29
 
Fearless
Then with David we can say: "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around." Psalm 3:6; "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid… though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may arise against me, in this I will be confident." Psalm 27:1-3
 
Protected
"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noon day… for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." Psalm 91:5-11
 
Trust
"I called on the Lord in my distress; the Lord answered me… I will not fear. What can man do to me? It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes." Psalm 118:5-9
 
Faith
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2 
 
The Fear of God is Liberating
Our Lord Jesus taught us that we should not fear man who can only kill the body, but rather we should learn to fear God alone who can destroy both body and soul in hell forever. The fear of God will free us from the fear of man. The reverential awe, respect and fear of God is liberating.
 
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Proverbs 1:7
 
Dr. Peter Hammond
Livingstone Fellowship
P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: mission@frontline.org.za
Website: www.livingstonefellowship.co.za
www.hmsschoolofchristianjournalism.org

See also:
Mugabe’s Legacy in the Light of Eternity
Exposing Hypocrisy
The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

Unwelcome
Shockingly, when Abby finally left Planned Parenthood and became pro-life, “members of the vestry and the minister at the Episcopalian church asked me not to come back!” What does this tell us about the state of all too many churches today? “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13. “Deliver those who are drawn toward death and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?” Proverbs 24:11-12

Unknown
When Shawn Carney, campaign Director of 40 Days for Life, commented to Abby that they often wondered if their praying at the fence outside Planned Parenthood was achieving anything at all, Abby Johnson reported that it is was well known within Planned Parenthood that whenever there were pro-lifers praying on the sidewalk outside, their clients kept on driving past and “the no-shows soared up to 75%!” “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing!” “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.” Proverbs 31:8

Faithful Perseverance
Praise God for those who have been faithful in pro-life prayer vigils, sidewalk counselling, Life Chains, Marches for Life, placard protests and 40 Days for Life initiatives, crisis pregnancy counselling, adoptions and so many other vital aspects of pro-life and abolitionist ministries. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His Name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.” Hebrews 6:10-11

Prevention is Better than Cure
However, prevention is so much better than cure. If only Abby’s family and church had adequately prepared her to see through the lies of Planned Parenthood, to understand the times and to know what God's people ought to do in this wicked, defiled and apostate generation. Imagine how much better it would be, if some time in each calendar year, every Christian church invited a pro-life speaker to deal with the issues, explain when life begins, what the Bible teaches concerning life beginning at conception and our Christian duty to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to rescue those being led away to death and to hold back those staggering towards slaughter. Imagine if Sunday schools and youth groups were all diligent in education and discipling young people so that they would recognise the lies, traps and temptations of the Planned Parenthood abortion industry. “…Woe to the shepherds… The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost… So they were scattered… My flock became a prey… Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against the shepherds and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.” Ezekiel 3:2-10

Outrageous Scandal
It is bad enough when pagans kill their children. It is a completely outrageous scandal that so many millions of Christians have had abortions. Even while I was studying at Baptist Theological College, I came across students whose girlfriends had had an abortion, even though that was completely illegal in South Africa in the 1980s. One wife of a student described to me how “something died” within her when her father (a deacon of the church) took her to the airport, to send her off to England to have an abortion and how he “prayed to God for Journeying Mercies as he sent me to kill his grandchild!” To say that there is criminal complicity and cowardice within the Christian church on the subject of abortion, would be a gross understatement. “They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood. Thus they were defiled by their own works and played the harlot by their own deeds. Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people, so that He abhorred His own inheritance. And He gave them into the hand of the Gentiles and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them and they were brought into subjection under their hand.” Psalm 106:37-42

Apostates for Abortion
It is bad enough that there are apostate denominations like the PCUSA and United Methodist Church, whose so-called ministers conduct prayer services at Planned Parenthood abortion clinics thanking God for the facility and praying for their protection from pro-life protestors while serving the community – with abortions! United Methodist Church apostate false ministers have conducted cheerful blessing services outside these abortuaries wearing t-shirts proclaiming: “Thank God for abortion!” So-called Christians have sprinkled rose petals around abortuaries, praying for God to protect “all those who come to the facility for reproductive health services!” “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.” Proverbs 17:15

Criminal Complicity of Churches
Then there are abortionists who are not only members of so-called churches, but even deacons and elders! George Tiller was an American abortionist from Wichita, Kansas, who gained national attention as the Medical Director of Women’s Healthcare Services, one of only three clinics in America providing late-term abortions, meaning third-term, virtual infanticide of viable babies who could have survived if they had been born at that time. Tiller served as an usher during Sunday morning worship services at the Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita. On 31 May 2009, Tiller was assassinated at his church. “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him… hands that shed innocent blood.” Proverbs 6:16-17

Abortion Supporting Abominations
In the United States of America, religious denominations which support abortion include: The United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist Association, Metropolitan Community Church, Presbyterian Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church and the United Methodist Church. “For both prophet and priest are profane; yes, in My house I have found their wickedness… and caused My people Israel to err… They also strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns back from his wickedness… Profaneness has gone out into all the land.” .Jeremiah 23:11-15

The Sin of Silence
Shocking though those examples of apostasy are, what can we say about Bible-based churches, Evangelicals and Pentecostals who are so silent on the issue and so derelict in adequately preparing their members to understand the issues involved, ignoring the world war of worldviews, ignorant of the battle for the heart, passive in the battle for the mind, forgetting the battle for the family, fleeing from the fight for life, that some of their own members not only seek abortions during a crisis pregnancy, but actually work for Planned Parenthood, or Marie Stopes, abortion clinics and even perform abortions! “His watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.” Isaiah 56:10. As Reformer John Calvin, commenting on this verse, said: “A minister who fails to preach against evil is worth less than a barkless dog.”

Love in Action
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. We are to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbour as ourselves. Christ’s last command should be our first concern, to make disciples of all nations, teaching obedience to all things that the Lord has commanded. We have to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus said that we are to be like the Good Samaritan, “go and do likewise.” How can we walk past on the other side of the road while babies are being killed in our city? “But if they had stood in My counsel and had caused My people to hear My Words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings.” Jeremiah 23:22

Fight the Good Fight of Faith
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11).
"Who will rise up for Me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for Me against the workers of iniquity?" Psalm 94:16

Alerted to the Abortion Agenda
The first time I attended a pro-choice meeting, it was in the Rondebosch United Congregational Church. Dr. Marge Dyer, of the Abortion Rights Action Group, was aggressively promoting abortion, in the church hall! This was while abortion was illegal in South Africa. At the time, 1990, my wife was pregnant with our first child Andrea. For us it was shocking to hear the callous remarks of, not just Marge Dyer, but some of her supporters speaking during the discussion time. One woman said, that 21 years ago, she had wanted an abortion, but the laws of South Africa prevented it. Now her daughter is 21 and there is not a day that goes by that she does not regret that she did not have her aborted! “Can a woman forget her nursing child and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you.” Isaiah 49:15

Africa Christian Action
The same week that my daughter Andrea, was born in February 1991, I launched Africa Christian Action and started planning the first pro-life actions. Since 1991, we have been co-ordinating and conducting annual Life Chains throughout South Africa. I have led over 100 pro-life protests, marches, prayer vigils and sidewalk counselling outreaches at abortuaries, mostly in and around Cape Town, but also throughout Southern Africa. On far more than a thousand occasions, I have lectured, preached and dealt with the abortion holocaust and what the Scriptures teach concerning our responsibility to love our neighbour and rescue the perishing. However, important as the work of pro-life protesters, sidewalk counsellors, adoption agencies, crisis pregnancy centres and lobbyists are, of far greater importance is the discipleship ministry of the Church. It is a complete and utter disgrace that churchgoers seek abortions and that church members are involved in the abortion industry. “…Another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done…” Judges 2:10

The Battle for the Heart
That is why films like Unplanned are of great importance. We need to see that this film, as well as Gosnell and other pro-life films, are shown at local schools, churches, youth groups and on university campuses, especially at Medical schools!

The Battle for the Mind
Even more important, are Biblical Worldview Seminars and Summits, so that our people may understand the times and know what God’s people should do. In this world war of worldviews, every one of the Ten Commandments are under relentless attack. Every Christian doctrine is being undermined. Every family is facing unprecedented pressures. There is a war against the womb, a war against children, a battle for our minds, a battle for our hearts and a battle for the family itself, the basic building block of society. As goes the family, so goes the nation.

Education Has Become a Battlefield
Classrooms have become battlegrounds. The philosophy of education in the classroom in this generation will inevitably become the philosophy of government in the next generation. Parents must ensure that their children are brought up in the fear of God and thoroughly discipled in the Faith.

The Culture War
The cinemas are a major battleground. Praise God for Christian filmmakers like the Kendrick brothers and in South Africa, Frans Cronje. We certainly need more of them. Praise God for Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman, who directed the Unplanned film. We need Christians who will be involved in the cultural battle. Radio presenters, editors of community newspapers and magazines, Sunday school teachers, school teachers, pastors, youth leaders, missionaries and Evangelists all have a vital role to play in Evangelism and Education.

Discipleship
This includes discipleship, to ensure that Christians are not gullible and naïve, as Abby Johnson says that she was when she entered Planned Parenthood. It is a stunning indictment on all too many churches that the subjects of morality and ethics seldom receive sufficient attention in sermons or Sunday school lessons. “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2

Unprepared Young People are Easy Targets for Humanists on Campus
Statistically, over 75% of children from a church background stop attending church within four years of entering a secular university. If any army was to lose 75% of their men in battle, it would not be considered a defeat, but a catastrophic disaster! Evidently most churches are not adequately preparing their young people for the challenging realities, pressures, temptations and threats in the real world. Praise God for Answers in Genesis, Focus on the Family, Way of the Master and other cutting edge ministries which are preparing young people.

The World War of Worldviews
That is why we have been organising Biblical Worldview Summits since 1991. Our goal is to equip, encourage and empower Christians to know what they believe, why they believe it and how to defend it in argument and how to lead people to Christ. The next Biblical Worldview Summit near Cape Town will be 3-9 January 2020. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

School Ministry
Guest speakers from Africa Christian Action have presented Traffick Proof, Fight the New Drug and Pro-Life presentations at school assemblies wherever we have been invited. We have driven throughout the country and continent conducting services and outreaches in schools, at churches and in communities. However, the vast majority of schools do not invite pro-life, pro-family guest speakers to address their school assembly. So how can we reach them?

Ammunition Designed for the Battle for Hearts and Minds
We have produced books like The Ten Commandments – Gods Perfect Law of Liberty (also Die Tien Gebooie); the Old Testament Survey and the New Testament Survey; Make a Difference – A Christian Action Handbook for Southern Africa; Porndemic – How the Pornography Plague Affects You and What You Can Do About It; The Rise of the GayGB and the Pink Inquisition; Practical Discipleship (also Praktiese Dissipelskap); Answering Skeptics; Putting Feet to Your Faith; Reforming Our Families; Fantastic But True – A Manual for Working in Children’s Ministries; Biblical Principles for Africa (also Bybelse Beginsels vir Afrika and Principles Bibliques pour l’Afrique); Renaissance or Reformation; The Power of Prayer Handbook; Discipleship Training Manual and many other resources to help equip and empower Christians to understand the times, rightly divide the Word of truth and be effective in making disciples and teaching obedience.

Audio Visual Resources Available Online
We are averaging over 1,400 meetings a year, but recognise that we need to also use modern technology to reach the multiplied millions throughout Africa. Africa for Christ! Many videos, audios, sermons and lectures are now available on our www.FrontlineMissionSA.org website. Every week we are attacking these issues on our From the Frontline podcast, as well as new initiatives, such as Firm Foundations series, organised by John and Hunter. Salt and Light (Radio Tygerberg 104FM), overseen by Abrie. Radio Cape Pulpit (729AM) gives me an opportunity every Friday morning at 7:30am, to give a 10-minute Christian Perspective on the News. In addition we receive numerous other radio and TV opportunities on a weekly basis. I average 450 meetings each year. Many of the lectures, sermons, PowerPoint presentations and radio interviews are recorded and available online on our various websites.

We Are at War
But far more needs to be done. The world’s media, government schools and the debased Hollywood entertainment industry are pumping out vast quantities of disinformation, distortions and distractions, defiling, degrading and destroying entire generations. The situation is desperate. The need is urgent. Every Christian needs to recognise that we are involved in a world war of worldviews. This cultural clash is more serious than all other wars combined, because the lives and eternal destinies of literally billions of people and future generations are at stake. My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).

Support this Unplanned film and start a discussion in your church, school, work place, or home, over what we can do to ensure that none of our members, family, or friends, could say: “I never knew. No one warned me.”

What are you doing to fulfil the Great Commission?

Can you not do something more for God?

Be informed. Be interceding. Be involved.

May God make us more bold and brave for Him.

Yours for the fulfilment of the Great Commission

Dr. Peter Hammond
Livingstone Fellowship
P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: mission@frontline.org.za
Website: www.livingstonefellowship.co.za
www.hmsschoolofchristianjournalism.org


To listen to a related radio interview on From the Frontline, click here.

See also:
Hypocrisy
Compromise and Cowardice
Abortion is Murder

​“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant and to those who remember His commandments to do them.” Psalm 103:17-18
 
The Bible tells us that God seeks “godly offspring...” Malachi 2:15. When God established His covenant with Abraham, He said: “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant... you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.” Genesis 17:7-9
 
A Parent’s Priority
As a parent, one of my greatest desires and priorities is to bring up my children “in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4. I am to “train a child in the way he should go...” Proverbs 22:6. My greatest concern is that my children grow up to love the Lord with all their heart, with all their soul, with all their mind and with all their strength. I pray that my children will grow to love, trust, obey, worship and serve God more consistently and effectively than I have done.
 
We are to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wonders He has done...so that the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born and they in turn will tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands. They would not be... stubborn and rebellious... whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to Him.” Psalm 78:4-8

“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9
 
On the day of Pentecost the apostle Peter declared: “Repent and let every one of you be baptised in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord your God will call.” Acts 2:37-39
 
“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:5

​Scripture Memorisation
Scripture memorisation is also a vital tool in discipleship; “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word... I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:9-11
 
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in your heart richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16-17
 
If we build our children’s lives upon the rock of God’s Word, then they will stand in the storms of life that most surely will assail them (Matthew 7:24-27). “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
 
A Gym for the Mind
Some of the memorisation projects that we have given priority to, with our young children, have included: The Lord’s Prayer, The Ten Commandments, The Apostle’s Creed and the Evangelism Explosion Gospel presentation. These cover four key areas of life: How we are to pray - The Lord’s Prayer; How we are to behave - The Ten Commandments; What we believe - The Apostle’s Creed; and How we are saved - the Evangelism Explosion Gospel presentation.

​Laying Solid Foundations
In the light of the overwhelming pressures which assail families and the relentless temptations that surround young people today, parents must take extra-ordinary steps to ensure that our children are raised in the love and fear of the Lord. We need to lay solid foundations and form good habits, which will discipline, disciple, strengthen and prepare our children for lives of godliness and productive service in their congregations, communities and countries.
 
Reading Time
Before my children could even walk or talk, I began a routine of reading time. It has been a high priority for us to instil a love of reading, especially a love for the Scriptures in our children. We want to stretch their minds and their muscles, train their hands and their hearts. We want them to love knowledge and “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” For this reason, reading time has been a daily priority.
 
Invest in Books
We have invested in books. We may not have been able to afford all the technological equipment which is considered essential in many families, we have no hi-fi, surround sound, blue ray, etc. We have acquired DVD and CD players. But we have always had tonnes of great books. I regularly made raids on Focus on the Family bookshops and we avidly devoured James Dobson and Doug Wilson materials on child rearing and the family. We also obtained and went through the whole tape series on Growing Kids God’s Way and the Pearl’s No Greater Joy series. Answers in Genesis has also been a treasure-trove of great resources for our family.
 
Bible Before Bed
I firmly believe that one of the most important parts of any Christian family with children should be Bible stories and prayer before bed. This has always been an enjoyable and vibrant time of fellowship, either cuddling up together on the couch or on the bed, using colourful storybook pictures where possible and regularly asking questions and involving the younger children in these great stories from God’s Word.
 
Scripture Before Supper
It is essential that we establish Bible centred homes. There are many ways that we can do this. As the evening meal tends to be the most important time of fellowship in our family, we established the principle of Scripture before supper. Sometimes this included reading a chapter of the Psalms, or Proverbs each night, on other occasions we have worked through some kind of devotional book. Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening is one of my favourites.
 
Daily Devotions
Sometimes we maintained a practise of devotions first thing in the morning, on other occasions devotions have been held after dinner. The important thing is that Scripture, Psalms, hymns and prayer should be a daily part of every Christian home. This does not mean that these family devotions need to be long. In fact, particularly in families with small children, we have found it wise to keep family devotions short, cheerful and focused. Children thrive on repetition and so we can incorporate basic memorisations of the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Apostle’s Creed where even three, or four-year old children can have an active part in the devotions.

Courage to Stand Alone
We need to be aware of negative peer pressure and bullies. Our children need to have spiritual backbone and the courage to stand up for their convictions and to fight for the Faith. They need to be taught to “Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you” James 4:7.
 
Traps and Temptations
Temptations and traps of the devil surround and press in on young people today demanding their attention and allegiance: Hollywood stars, rock idols, sports idols, political idols, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, hip-hop, rap, rebellion and rock ‘n roll, gangster-pimp noise masquerading as music, fashions, fads and worldly friends. “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong...” Exodus 23:2.
 
Do Not Allow Technology to Enslave You
We also need to be aware of technology (such as cell phones and computers) encroaching on our lives. Technology is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. We need to ensure that technology is a servant in our lives and not the master. Cell phones and telephone calls should never be allowed to interrupt family devotions, Bible studies and church services. Our children need to know that all technology should be switched off for prayer meetings, family devotions, church services, etc.
 
Attitude is Everything
Far more serious is the rebellious attitude that is so often fuelled by much of Hollywood films and the noise which masquerades as music. “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” (1 Samuel 15:23). Attitude is everything. Protect your child from influences which war against his or her soul.
 
Educating by Example
My children need to see that I love God and His Word wholeheartedly. They need to see the priority I place upon our family and our study of God’s Word and worship of the Lord. They need to see how I respect my elders and how I love God’s creatures. They need to see that I do not allow myself to be distracted by phone calls when it is time for family devotions.
 
Character Development
I want my children to learn to be brave, to be dependable, faithful, disciplined Christians of integrity; People of their word who can be depended upon to honour their commitments. They need to learn to be unselfish, to always put personal feelings and selfish interests aside in order to do what is right, to care for the weak and needy and for the lonely. To rescue stray animals, to help those who are in greatest need and to serve the Lord sacrificially. For me to teach this to my children, they need to see these priorities and principles at work in my life, consistently.
 
A Father’s Duty
As a father I have a God-given duty to provide for and protect my children and to be an example to them as I disciple them and train them to be God-fearing Christians who will love and serve God, His people and His creatures wholeheartedly. “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9
 
Dr. Peter Hammond
Frontline Fellowship
P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: mission@frontline.org.za
Website: www.FrontlineMissionSA.org

This article is adapted from a chapter from the book Reforming Our Families and is available from Christian Liberty Books, PO Box 358, Howard Place 7450, Cape Town, South Africa, Tel: 021-689-7478, Fax: 086-551-7490, Email: admin@christianlibertybooks.co.za and Website: www.christianlibertybooks.co.za.

Basil of Caesarea
There have always been Christians who made a pro-life stand. In the early church one of the early bold names that shines is Basil of Caesarea. He lived in the 4th century. Basil came from an influential family and studied at the great schools of his days in Caesarea Constantinople, Athens and Rome. He studied law and then entered the ministry. He led 18 church services a week, except during Easter and Christmas, when there were more. In addition, he taught children, and he visited and encouraged the sick and needy. Basil set up one of the very first non-ambulatory hospitals in the world. Through his work in hospital, he discovered a guild of abortionists in Caesarea. They gave pregnant women herbal potions to induce abortions and used surgical means to kill unwanted babies. The bodies of these children were sold to Egypt, where the collagen was used to make the cosmetics which Egypt was famous for at that time. Basil was horrified. He approached the city officials. He was shocked to find that all this was perfectly legal and always had been.

Early Christian Pro-Life Movement
He preached sermons on the sanctity of life. He mobilised members of his church to care for women going through crisis pregnancies. He exercised the full weight of his personal and family influence to actually change the laws. He began to educate people in the cities, so they could understand the issues involved. He prayed imprecatory prayers against the abortion guild, declaring them to be anathema. He staged public protests against Egyptian traders who were helping to support the abortion trade by funding collagen. Basil taught that she who has deliberately murdered a foetus must bear the full penalty of murder. Moreover, those who aid her, who would give abortifacients for the destruction of a child conceived, are murders themselves, along with those mothers who receive it. He challenged the tradition of Paterfamilias under Roman law, where parents could kill their children of any age. He campaigned to make this illegal. So passionate was Basil in his concern for life that one night, he and several deacons went outside the city to dismantle the old infanticide shrine. This direct action would have jeopardised their standing in the community, because it was illegal to damage property. But he had this irrepressible spiritual imperative to save lives.

The Edict of Valentinian
As a result of Basil's stand against abortion and child-sacrifice, the Emperor Valentinian, took the first step towards the full criminalisation of child killing in AD374. This was the decree of Emperor Valentinian: "All parents must support their children conceived. Those who have brutalised, or abandoned, should be subject to the full penalty prescribed by law."

The Didache
All the early Church Fathers agreed with Basil that life begins at conception and abortion is murder. The Didache is the oldest Christian teaching, the oldest Christian book in existence. It dates right back to the time of the Apostles: "There are two ways, the way of life and the way of death. The difference between those two ways is great. Therefore do not murder a child by abortion, or kill a newly born infant." The Didache was part of the Catechism process used for teaching new converts.
​

The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
Whatever you did unto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it unto Me, whatever you did not do unto one of the least of these My brethren, you did not do it to Me, says the Lord Jesus. The greatest command is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbour as ourselves. One way we can show this is by loving God and rescuing babies. Loving our neighbour, including our unborn neighbour, Rescuing those who are being lead away to death. "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and the needy." Proverbs 31:8-9

"Rescue those being led away to death…"
Proverbs 24:11

​Dr. Peter Hammond

Livingstone Fellowship
P.O. Box 74
Newlands 7725
Cape Town
South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: mission@frontline.org.za
Email: info@ReformationSA.org
Website: www.FrontlineMissionSA.org
Website: www.ReformationSA.org
Website: www.hmsschoolofchristianjournalism.org

Books, Audios,Data Disks and boxsets are available from
Christian Liberty Books, 
PO Box 358,
Howard Place
7450,
Cape Town,
South Africa,
tel: 021-689-7478,
fax: 086-551-7490,
email: admin@christianlibertybooks.co.za 
and
website: www.christianlibertybooks.co.za
Prices exclude postage.

The Abortion Holocaust
Every year we lose more babies to abortion than the combined death tolls of crime and car accidents! Since 1 February 1997, over 1,200,000 babies have been killed in South Africa, by abortion, legally, officially, with taxpayers' money.

"Rescue those being led away to death, hold back those staggering toward slaughter."
Proverbs 24:11

Legalised abortion is a national disgrace.

"Who will rise up for Me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for Me against the evildoers? Those who condemn the innocent to death."
Psalm 94:16-17

Dr. Peter Hammond

Livingstone Fellowship
P.O. Box 74
Newlands 7725
Cape Town
South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: mission@frontline.org.za
Email: info@ReformationSA.org
Website: www.FrontlineMissionSA.org
Website: www.ReformationSA.org
Website: www.hmsschoolofchristianjournalism.org

Books, Audios,Data Disks and boxsets are available from
Christian Liberty Books, 
PO Box 358,
Howard Place
7450,
Cape Town,
South Africa,
tel: 021-689-7478,
fax: 086-551-7490,
email: admin@christianlibertybooks.co.za 
and
website: www.christianlibertybooks.co.za
Prices exclude postage.

See also:
Do Christians Care?
ABORTION IS MURDER
National Repentance

​​“They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrifice to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood. Thus they were defiled by their own works, and they played the harlot by their own deeds. Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people, so that He abhorred His own inheritance. And He gave them into the hands of the gentiles, and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.” 
Psalm 106:37-42​

The pagan religions practiced child sacrifice. One of the many pagan gods, Baal, was worshipped as the key to fertility and prosperity. To entice Baal to bless their land, mothers were required to present her firstborn child to the priest. Baal was represented by a huge stone, or brass, statue carved in the image of a bull’s head and the upper body of a man. The arms were extended to receive babies and fire belched from a hollow area in the chest.

​As the priests of Baal carried each baby up the stairs and laid the victim in the arms of the horned idol of Baal, the baby was consumed in the flames. This was the religion of Baal and of those who worshipped Asherah. The Ammonites who worshipped Molech and the Phoenicians who worshiped Kronos also practiced child sacrifice. These pagan religions required the parents to have their children pass through the fire as a sacrifice to their demon gods.