In a deeply moving episode of the “Politely Rude” podcast, pro-life advocate Abby Johnson and author Robin Gerblick have brought to light the often-hidden wounds of abortion and the profound healing that can be found through faith in Jesus Christ. This conversation is a testament to the enduring power of Christian values and the importance of faith in overcoming life’s deepest regrets.

Abby Johnson, a stalwart in the fight against abortion, opened the episode by reaffirming her commitment to defending the unborn and highlighting the profound harm that abortion inflicts not only on children but also on women. “I think everyone knows that my primary fight in our culture today is the fight against abortion, the fight against the murder of the unborn in the womb,” she stated, setting the stage for a heartfelt discussion on the subject.

Robin Gerblick, who has personally experienced the devastating impact of abortion, shared her story with raw honesty. Her journey began in 1973, the same year Roe v. Wade was decided, and it led her down a path of pain and confusion until she found solace in her Christian faith. Reflecting on her past, she recalled, “I just moved to San Diego to start attending college, and he was my boyfriend, for sure, but also the love of my life.”

Gerblick’s experience at a clinic was one of isolation and pressure, highlighting the lack of support for women facing unplanned pregnancies. “There’s just no support, there’s no anything, and you’re just told … you need to have an abortion,” she recounted. This narrative is all too familiar in a society that often normalizes abortion, a point Johnson emphasized by noting, “It’s really interesting how normalized abortion has become, and how the abortion industry has done such a great job … of making abortion feel normal and compassionate for women.”

For Gerblick, the aftermath of her abortion was akin to “40 years of wandering in the desert,” a poignant reference to the Israelites’ journey in the Old Testament. She grappled with feelings of shame and a loss of self-worth, seeking validation in all the wrong places. “I was so desperate for love and so desperate for validation and worth,” she confessed.

However, it was her encounter with Jesus Christ that marked the beginning of her healing. “He could do what no other man on Earth could do, and that was love me unconditionally. And that was a life changer for me,” Gerblick shared, illustrating the transformative power of divine love.

A pivotal moment in her journey came when she visited a crisis pregnancy center and saw images of fetal development for the first time. Overwhelmed with emotion, she named a small model of a 10-week-old fetus “Grace,” symbolizing the life she lost and the grace she found in Christ.

Gerblick’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of naming and grieving one’s past, a process she believes is essential for true healing. “Although with our faith we know that we’re forgiven, we also have to be able to forgive ourselves,” she explained, emphasizing the need for self-compassion and understanding.

Her message to women carrying the burden of abortion is one of hope and redemption: “There is grace for them.” She has encountered women who have carried their secret for decades, urging them to find solace in the Savior who came to deliver us from our burdens.

Through her book, “Giving Up Grace: The Spiritual Rebranding of the Soul,” Gerblick chronicles her journey of redemption, offering a beacon of hope for others seeking healing. “Sometimes you need to give up the grace you don’t know in order to get the grace that you really need,” she concluded, pointing to the transformative power of Jesus’ grace.

In a world that often strays from traditional values, this podcast episode serves as a poignant reminder of the healing power of faith, the sanctity of life, and the enduring strength found in embracing Christian principles.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

In today’s rapidly changing world, where moral relativism often takes center stage, the role of church discipline in maintaining the integrity of faith communities cannot be overstated. While most Protestant churches in the United States have policies to address significant misbehavior, the practice of formalized church discipline has become increasingly rare. This trend is concerning, especially for those who value the preservation of traditional Christian values and the moral fabric of our society.

A recent survey by Lifeway Research, which included over 1,000 Protestant pastors, revealed that only one in six pastors reported their church had disciplined a member in the past year. This statistic is not indicative of a lack of sin within congregations but rather reflects a reluctance to confront it. As Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, pointed out, “The infrequency of church discipline is not because church members aren’t sinning.”

The data shows that more than half of pastors reported no formal discipline during their tenure, with many unaware of any previous instances. This trend is particularly pronounced in Mainline denominations, where 70% of pastors reported no knowledge of disciplinary actions, compared to 47% of Evangelical pastors. Methodist pastors were the least likely to have engaged in church discipline, with 82% stating it had never occurred.

Larger churches, however, are more likely to engage in discipline, with only 35% of pastors at churches with 250 or more attendees saying no one had been disciplined. As McConnell explained, “The more people you have in your church, the more likely someone’s behavior warrants discipline.”

Despite the infrequent enforcement, about 80% of churches have formal discipline policies. Yet, responsibility for administering discipline varies widely, with some churches involving elders, pastors, or even the entire congregation in the process. Mainline pastors were nearly twice as likely as Evangelical pastors to report no discipline policies, highlighting a significant divide in how different denominations approach this critical issue.

The biblical foundation for church discipline is clear, with passages like Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 5 outlining the process for addressing sin within the church. Jesus himself provides a framework for confronting sin, emphasizing the importance of repentance and restoration. The lack of discipline has led to a range of issues within the church, including “sexual assault allegations, greed, heresy from the pulpit, normalization of divorce and premarital sex, cowardice when it comes to confronting sin in our culture, biblical illiteracy, and more.”

The purpose of discipline, as highlighted by the study, is not punitive but restorative. Around 83% of pastors said their churches aim to “lovingly and biblically confront unconfessed sin,” with Evangelical pastors showing stronger agreement than their Mainline counterparts. McConnell emphasized the dual benefit of confronting sin: “Confronting unconfessed sin is both for the benefit of the local church and the individual.”

In a time when the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred, the need for churches to uphold biblical principles through discipline is more critical than ever. By doing so, they not only preserve the purity of the church but also provide a moral compass for society, reinforcing the values of faith, family, and freedom that are the bedrock of our nation.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

The recent decision by the NCAA to bar Louisiana State University outfielder Derek Curiel from using Kanye West’s “God Is” as his walk-up song during the College World Series has sparked a significant conversation about faith, freedom, and the role of Christian values in public spaces. This decision, which has reverberated across social media, raises questions about the priorities of organizations that are supposed to represent the diverse values of American society.

Derek Curiel, a young athlete known for his outspoken Christian faith, expressed his disappointment over the NCAA’s decision. “I’m a little upset that the NCAA didn’t allow the song to be played. They only played the instrumental version. They didn’t let the words play,” he stated. This situation not only highlights a potential bias against religious expression but also underscores the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs.

The NCAA’s stance, reportedly due to the artist rather than the song’s Christian content, has left many questioning the consistency of its policies. As sports commentator Ben McDonald pointed out, the song was allowed throughout the year and during regional play, making the sudden change all the more perplexing. McDonald encouraged Curiel to “never apologize for who you are and what you believe,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who value individual responsibility and the courage to uphold one’s faith.

Louisiana’s Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill weighed in, stating, “The NCAA made a terrible call no matter how they explain it” and asserting that “truth is truth, no matter who sings it.” Her support for Curiel as a “great role model” reflects the broader commitment to promoting figures who embody strong moral character and Christian values.

Curiel’s journey as a collegiate athlete is marked by his unwavering dedication to his faith. His Instagram profile boldly declares “Jesus Christ is King,” and he lives by the motto “For God, For My Family, For the Love of the Game.” In a recent interview, Curiel shared, “My confidence comes from the Lord,” emphasizing that his faith provides him with strength and purpose. “I pray continually in the outfield honestly,” he added, illustrating how his relationship with God is integral to his daily life and performance.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to defend the rights of individuals to express their faith openly and without fear of censorship. In a time when traditional values are often challenged, it is crucial to support those who stand firm in their beliefs and to advocate for a society that respects and upholds the principles of faith, family, and freedom. As Curiel continues to inspire others with his commitment to Christ, he exemplifies the kind of leadership and integrity that is essential for the future of our nation.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source