I understand the Bible stands opposed to abortion.  However, does that same stance apply to egg or sperm donation or receiving a donation of that sort?  Adoption is always an answer to infertility, but could this be one as well, or it is changing God's natural order too much?

 

Sincerely,
In-Vitro Inquirer

Dear In-Vitro Inquirer,

The sanctity of life must be observed at all times because all new life is made after the image of God (Gen. 1:26).  It is not the in-vitro fertilization that is wrong.  The wrong is in any purpose of man that does not treat a new life as a person in God’s own image.  Technology is constantly changing, and technological advances are not inherently bad… as long as they are used in a way that respects God’s laws.  God gave mankind dominion over the world to subdue it and use it in whatever way we see fit (Gen 1:28).  Automobiles, computers, cell phones, the internet, nuclear power, etc. are all wonderful things if used in a godly way… and potentially horrible things if used immorally.  Medical advances are no different.

A husband and wife seeking infertility treatment so that they may bear children is a perfectly appropriate use of the technological advancement that we now have.  Where we see things going wrong is when fertility treatments, in-vitro fertilization, “test tube babies”, etc. are used to further things like homosexual couples having children, organ farming (where they grow babies to dissect them for stem cells or body parts), cloning/human testing, and other malicious and immoral behavior.  Oftentimes, clinics will fertilize multiple eggs and then destroy the ones that are not used – this is no different than abortion.  Ultimately, artificial fertilization procedures must be undertaken with extreme caution and regard for the lives that will be created.  These lives are children and deserve the future, homes, parents, and opportunities that God intended for all children to have.

Medical science has gotten itself into a lot of trouble because mankind does not value human life the way God does.  Every child – even as early as the moment of fertilization – should be treated with the utmost care and devotion.  Children are to be cherished.  Technology does not cause sin; sin is caused when people use technology in an immoral way.

Well, I'm 23; I already have two kids out of wedlock (four years old and one year old); their father and I broke up. I'm staying with my aunt, and I have gotten myself pregnant by another man who wants nothing to do with this. Should I keep this baby?? Part of me believes God gave me this baby for a reason, and it's still a blessing, and He wouldn’t give me anything if He wouldn’t help me out... but part of me doesn’t want to bring this baby into the world, and I can’t financially take care of it in the best way, and I don’t want to deprive my two kids already. It would be almost impossible for me to give my child away to someone else (adoption) after carrying it the whole time and bonding with it. What should I do?? I have been asking God, but I don’t know how to hear His answer for me... please help me and don’t judge me. Thank you so much.

Sincerely, A Family Alone

Dear A Family Alone,

You obviously recognize that you’ve got a great deal of problems and struggles ahead of you, but harming an innocent child won’t make things easier. God provides all of the answers to life in the Bible (2 Pet 1:3). The Bible teaches very clearly that abortion is wrong. A baby in the womb is just as much a life as it is when it leaves the womb. John the Baptist leapt in his mother’s womb and was referred to as a baby (Lk 1:41). Even in your statement, “Should I keep this baby?” - you recognize that it is a human being that you carry in your womb. That life is precious and made in the image of God like all human life (Gen 1:26).

The technical answer is that it is wrong for you to get the abortion. But there is more that you need to know. If you have the courage to bring your child into this world, God will bless you for that decision. When we are faithful, God doesn’t allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able (1 Cor 10:13). Even though you will face many trials as you struggle through the days and years ahead, God will take care of you and your children. God always provides for the needs of the righteous (Ps 37:25). It won’t always be easy, but you will be taken care of. God will cause all things to work together for your good… even this struggle will become a blessing if you trust God (Rom 8:28). We here at AskYourPreacher are praying for you as you show the courage to obey God and raise your children faithfully (Pr 22:6).

My grandchildren have told me several times that one of their friends uses some by-words that sound pretty bad. They also said that the parents use these words, so the friend thinks the words are okay. The words used also included a racial slur. Since these people are christians, and I am sure this is not appropriate language, what, if anything, can these young people say to their friend about the language without upsetting the parents?

Sincerely, Watch Your Mouth

Dear Watch Your Mouth,

By-words or euphemism are used today as “soft” swearing. Instead of actually using a four-letter word or the Lord’s name in vain, people will alter those words (often by only changing a letter or two) to expressions more socially acceptable. The problem is that the meaning still remains the same. It is very similar to when television stations bleep-out bad language – everyone still knows what was intended.

Christians are supposed to avoid all unwholesome speech and crass language (Eph 4:29). Our language should always edify and build up other people. This is exactly why euphemisms and by-words are bad for christians to use. The euphemisms have the same intent as the ‘swear’ words. We should always talk in such a way that we impart grace and goodness to those who listen (Col 4:6). Secondarily, euphemisms give enemies of the gospel an opportunity to condemn christians. When we use by-words, our enemies can argue that christians are only using a language loop-hole; the intent behind our words is the same. Paul tells us to carefully watch our language, so that we never give enemies of Christ the opportunity to condemn us (Tit 2:8).

As for what your grandchildren can say to their friend… not much can be said. They can always request that their friend not use words like that around them and then explain why. You can remind your grandchildren that a true friend won’t use words to purposefully offend. Even if the friend will stop out of respect for your grandchildren, it is a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, euphemisms are so common amongst God’s people that it will take a lot of teaching and time to rid christians of the habit.

My son and his "girlfriend" are coming to our house for a four-day visit. They have been living together for eight years and are not married.  Neither one is living a godly life.  My question: how do we handle the sleeping arrangements? And what do we tell them? They are arriving in a couple of days, and we need to handle this matter gently in order to keep our relationship. They have not spent an overnight at our house and limit their visits, and I'm sure this is the reason.

Sincerely, Empty Nester

Dear Empty Nester,

You cannot aid them in a sinful relationship. Their eight-year relationship is sinful and tragic. It is understandable that you want to keep a working relationship with them, but you can’t keep that relationship by compromising your morals. If you wish to live a godly life, you can’t yoke yourself to ungodly behavior (2 Cor 6:14). If your son were involved with the sin of murder, would you harbor him from the law? Though more socially acceptable, what they are doing is just as sinful.

Your relationship with them is strained because you choose a path of morality that makes them uncomfortable (Jhn 3:20). You can remove the strain from the relationship simply by ceasing to care about godliness. Of course, that would remove the value of your influence in their lives. You are indeed the salt of their life that constantly reminds them of their responsibility to their Creator (Matt 5:13). Make your stand and speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). Regardless of what they choose, you can sleep with a clear conscience knowing that you obeyed God rather than men (Act 5:29).

I was baptized as an infant in my parents' church.  I know that baptism is supposed to be an (adult) individual's decision to follow the calling of God and to repent of an (adult) individual's sin.  Still, I can't help but think that my baptism was at least partially valid since it was done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  If/when I get baptized as an adult, could it be a baptism that is done just to make sure I'm saved - so not necessarily to be re-baptized, but as a just-in-case?

Sincerely, Not A Little Kid Anymore

Dear Not A Little Kid Anymore,

There is no authority or example of infant baptism in the Bible. Infant baptism does nothing but get the child wet (and often crabby). The fact that it was done “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” doesn’t make a difference. To do something ‘in the name of God’ is to proclaim that you are doing it by the authority of God. Many people proclaim to do things by God’s authority and yet are completely wrong. Jesus Himself said that many people will say that they had God’s authority and yet will be rejected by God on the Day of Judgment (Matt 7:21-23). Infant baptism is a great example of this principle. God never condones or commands infants to be baptized, and yet (sadly) many, many churches do it and claim that they do it by God’s authority. Infant baptism is a false teaching, pure and simple. It ignores the authority of the Scriptures (1 Jhn 4:6).

Biblical baptism is for those capable of repenting (Acts 2:38). It is an adult decision and is a requirement for salvation (1 Pet 3:21, Mk 16:16). This is the only baptism that can truly be said is done “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19). If someone has been baptized in this way, they never need to be re-baptized. If you haven’t been baptized in this way… you never were really baptized into Christ’s baptism in the first place.