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Life Abundantly In Spite Of Our Culture

Jesus tells us John 10:10 - I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. We see in Genesis that God values creation, creativity, beauty, abundance, bounty, growth and multiplication. God desires fruitfulness for his creatures and us. God has put the same nature in us as he has so that we rejoice at the birth of a child. So why does culture push as in the opposite direction? Some are knowing pushing that way. Others, of which there are probably many, are just swept along for the ride.

God's Intent vs. Cultural Messages: - lets put them on the balancing scale.

Abortion - Jeremiah 1:4-5 - Psalm 139:13-16. God knows us even before we were formed. God loves life and abortion is painful for him. They were created in his image. Since 1973 there have about 64 million babies killed. Think of all the talent that has been killed. Just as Jesus was compassionate towards the women at the well we to need to be compassionate towards caught us in this issue.
Homosexuality - God created male and female to complement each. It is vital to be fruitful. Leviticus 18:22 - Romans 1:27 - Matthew 19:5 - Matthew 5:28
Choosing not to have children - We are told to in Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful and multiply. The world advocates to build a career and acquire material wealth. As a result children may be viewed as an inconvenience. This may well account for a current birth rate of less than 2.0. A birth rate of 2.1 is needed to maintain a current population. Be a rebel. Start a family.

Much of culture around us celebrates that which is not God's design. We need to know the good shepherd and act as a gate keeper for our children and community because God's desire is for them to experience the abundant life. It is a call for action to advocate for what is right. We also need to care for those who struggle with these issues and others. We need to demonstrate empathy and compassion for those who struggle. When we do our church and culture will benefit.

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