Hope & Healing

What the Bible Says 

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

(1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV)

Words of Hope (via John Piper)

Jesus’ Word of Mercy to Those Touched by Abortion

A word to women who have had abortions -and men who may have encouraged or even demanded it. I know you are here. I know that a message on abortion is painful for you to hear. And I want you to know that the aim is not to make you miserable. Therefore I hope you begin by receiving and savoring and resting in the forgiveness of God through the death of his Son Jesus Christ on behalf of sinners. Let this word of Jesus from my devotional reading blow like a healing breeze across your soul (Matthew 9:11-13):

The Pharisees . . . said to Jesus’ disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” [or you might add: those who give and get abortions]. But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. “But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE MERCY, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

In other words, Jesus is in pursuit of sinners, not righteous people, because he came as a soul physician to show compassion, not to commend religious observances.

That is foundational for all our preaching on social issues such as racial harmony and sanctity of life. We are speaking to each other as those who have failed. We are building on forgiveness and healing. We all start there. But, we don’t stay there. On that basis, we move forward and we call each other to radical living.

Other Helpful Resources

Click the links below find out more (audio and video alike)

• -Sexual Healing-Jeff Bethke:
• -Sex, Love, and Fairytales-Jeff Bethke:
• -Christ, Culture, & Abortion-John Piper:
• -Life-Matt Chandler:
• -Abortion: Jesus’ response-Mark Driscoll:
• -Forgiving Yourself After an Abortion:
• -Hope After Abortion: