REJECTION AT NAZARETH

BEN F. VICK, JR.

Jesus, having completed his early ministry in Judea with some success, had passed through Samaria to arrive in Galilee. He went to several places, including Cana of Galilee, where he had done the first miracle of his ministry (John 2). In Cana, he merely spoke the word to heal the nobleman's son in Capernaum (John 4:45-54). Luke records, "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up…." According to Josephus, the population of the small town located in lower Galilee is about 70 miles north of Jerusalem and about halfway between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

Indeed, the memories of thirty years must have passed through his mind. He may have harked back to the early remembrances of his mother and father, who had instructed him. Perhaps the old home place came to mind. Then there was the carpenter's shop where his earthly father, Joseph, taught him the trade. We are not told, but maybe some of his family still lived in that town. The text does not tell us any of this, but perhaps he rehearses memories of friends, relatives, and pleasant thoughts. There is nothing like returning to one's childhood days to recall good memories.

We are told that "as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day…." Since his parents were devoted Jews, he went to the synagogue every sabbath. Synagogues were built during the Babylonian captivity. A synagogue was built wherever there were ten Jews in a city or village. The Jews met in these places of assembly on sabbath days, feast days and the second and fifth days of the week. It has been said that there were 400 synagogues in Jerusalem.

Jesus "stood up for to read." In the synagogues, the law and the prophets were read and then expounded upon by the ruler of the synagogue or others. Standing was the custom for reading the scriptures; sitting for teaching (Matt. 5:1; Luke 4:20; Matt. 23:1-2). By Jesus' standing, it indicated his desire to read. All stood for the reading of the Scripture. According to the custom of the Jews, seven were allowed to read every sabbath – a priest, two Levites, and four Israelites. The law was read first, then the prophets. The book (or scroll) of Isaiah was delivered to Jesus. Scrolls were of papyrus, parchment, linen, or vellum (animal skins). Jesus opened the scroll and found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19.)

This Scripture which Jesus read is from Isaiah 61:1-2. The Jews knew that this was a prophecy referring to the Messiah. "The Spirit of the Lord" came upon Jesus at his baptism (Matt. 3:13-17). He was thus anointed ("Messiah" or "Christ" means "the anointed one"). He was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor; he was sent to heal the brokenhearted; he would preach deliverance to the captives, recover sight to the blind, to set them who were bruised at liberty.

Jesus closed the book, gave it to the minister, and sat down, indicating he would teach. He began by saying, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (4:22.)  The townspeople knew his father; they knew him as a boy growing up in their town. Luke tells us, "And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?" 

However, Jesus knew their thoughts. "And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country." (Luke 4:23.)  They thought:  You claim to be the fulfillment of this prophecy. Thus, you are claiming to be the Messiah. Ok, show us a sign as we have heard you did in Capernaum. Do the same in your hometown. Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country." He then gave two examples to show that refraining from doing signs in his hometown is not setting a precedent. He mentioned that during the three-and half-year famine, Elijah went to the widow of Serepta in Sidon and Elisha when he could have healed many lepers in Israel, healed none but the Syrian, Naaman (Luke 4:25-26).

What was the reaction to the Lord's words? We are told: "And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong." (Luke 4:28-29.) But Jesus, because his hour of death was not then, passed through the midst of them and went his way. John wrote years later, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." (John 1:11.)

There are some practical lessons to be learned from our Lord's rejection in his own hometown. Here are a few, and you may think of others:

1. Jesus was interested in reading the Bible (in this case, the Old Testament). We, too, should be interested in reading God's word (1 Tim. 4:13; Rev. 1:3).

2. The custom at that time and place was to stand up to read the Scriptures and sit down to teach. Jesus did not break tradition, even though he was the Son of God. When visiting a congregation, it has been my approach to go with whatever custom it has. Jesus did that. Alexander Pope said, "Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside."

3. We need to teach our children the books of the Bible. We need to know the books of the Bible, and where to find certain verses or passages. Jesus had no difficulty in finding the passage to read. 

4. Jesus could have quoted the passage, but he read it. He could have quoted it. So, why read it? It was the custom of the day. Perhaps also to emphasize it as the standard of authority. 

5. Jesus said, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." He made application of the passage. In teaching, there is instruction and application. A good teacher or preacher takes a passage, brings out the meaning, and then makes present-day application.

6. If the Lord's hometown people rejected him, should we be shocked if some reject the Lord's word today when it is taught? See Matthew 10:24-25. 

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

BEN F. VICK, JR.

       The oldest divine institution is marriage.   It is older than civil government and the church. In the beginning, God saw that it was not good for man to be alone; so, he made for him a help meet. The word “help” means a helper, assistant, i.e., one who assists and serves another with what is needed.” The word “meet” is defined as “a help corresponding to him i.e., equal and adequate to himself.” (BDB Hebrew Lexicon.)  Mark records, “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Mark 10:6- 9.)

God did not intend for a man to live alone. However, it was not his purpose for a man to live with a woman outside the bond of holy matrimony. Thus, he instituted marriage. The writer of Hebrews says, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (Heb. 13:4.) God made humans with sexual desire. He established marriage in which that desire is to be fulfilled. Before or outside of marriage, it is a sin.

Matthew (as well as Mark) records the confrontation Jesus had with the Pharisees concerning marriage and divorce. He wrote: “And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:1- 6)

When the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” Jesus responded, “Have ye not read….?”  Today, people do not read what God has said about marriage and divorce. Jesus said, “…he which made them at the beginning made them male and female.”  There was no  in-between-gender or transgender. God made them male and female. Then Jesus said, “For this cause….” What cause? Because God made them male and female. He did not make another man for Adam nor another woman for Eve. Homosexuality is condemned in the Bible (Gen. 18:20;19; Rom. 1:24-26; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Jude 7).

It is a lifetime commitment when a couple exchanges vows at the marriage altar. It is till death separates them. There are no marriages in the next world (Matt. 22:29-30). Paul wrote, “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” (Rom. 7:1-3.)

Cultivating a happy marriage can prevent divorce. A couple must be on the same page when it comes to finances. In handling finances, a couple should not spend more than their income will allow. Sometimes the wife or the husband can spend more money than is coming into the home. Learn contentment (1 Tim. 6:6-10). It is good to have a budget. In making out a budget, do not leave the Lord out (1 Cor. 16:1-2). 

One problem that has caused almost irreparable damage is in-laws. God said, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24.)  When a couple gets married, they start a new home. Neither the man nor the woman should be running back to their parents when trouble arises. And parents should not be busybodies in their children’s marriages.   Do not be tempted to stick your nose in their business. Proverbs 26:17 reads, “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.”

Couples should be on the same page when it comes to the number of children they will have and how they will be reared. How shall we order the child? How shall we discipline the child? It amazes me how some parents think they know more than God concerning discipline. Read and soak up these verses:  Proverbs 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15,17.

Communicating is essential in all areas of life, especially in marriage.   Expressing one’s love for each other daily is vital in keeping the romance in marriage. (Eph. 5:25,28; Titus 2:4.) Husbands and wives should be polite, saying thank you and please to each other. Sometimes couples can begin to take each other for granted. Sometimes, one needs to say, “I’m sorry.”  A plaque we have had on our wall since we married one year short of fifty years reads: “To keep your marriage brimming in the loving cup, when you are wrong, admit it and when you are right, shut up.”  Paul wrote, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” (Eph. 4:26.) Solve your problems as soon as possible. Do not go to bed angry with each other. Communication entails listening as well as talking.

Divorce is a terrible thing. It means one or both parties has sinned. It means failure. All the hopes and dreams are dashed. God hates divorce (Mal 2:16). Jesus gives only one ground for divorce: for the cause of fornication. Jesus said, “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” (Matt. 19:9.) The innocent party has a scriptural right, not an obligation, to put away their mate who is guilty of fornication. 

“THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID”

J. Petty Ezell

(Deceased)

What is the “tabernacle of David” in the fifteenth chapter of Acts? In the study of this question, let each one read carefully and prayerfully the entire chapter and study well the proceedings of the council of Jerusalem. 

  The “tabernacle of David” is evidently David’s house, or David’s family. In this most authorities agree.

What has befallen the “tabernacle of David”? Verses 16 and 17 declare that it “is fallen” and in “ruins.”

When did “David’s tabernacle,” fall or come to ruin? When one from “David’s tabernacle,” or David’s family, ceased to occupy the throne of David as king over Israel.

What did God purpose to do for David’s fallen and ruined tabernacle? Through the prophet Amos he said, he would “build again” and “set it up.” (Amos 9:11,12.)

How would God do this? He swore with an oath to David that of the fruit of his loins he would raise up one to sit on David’s throne, and David and Peter declared that he “spoke of the resurrection of Christ.” (2 Sam. 7:12; Ps. 16:8-10; Acts 2:25-36.)

When was this promise and oath fulfilled?  Jesus of Nazareth was “of the seed of David” (2 Tim. 2:8), “of the fruit of his loins” (Acts 2:30), “offspring of David” (Rev. 22:16), “root of David” (Rev. 5:5), “son of David” (Matt. 9:27; 12:52) and was born “in the city of David” (Luke 2:11). When God raised Jesus, this son of David, from the dead, exalted him at his right hand, gave him “the key of David” (Rev. 3:7), “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18), made him “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36), “King of kings” (1 Tim. 6:15) and Lord of lords” (Rev. 17:14), David’s tabernacle was then rebuilt, and set up, God’s oath and promise had been fulfilled, and Jesus, David’s son, was the anointed ruler on his father David’s throne.

Why was God to “build again” and “set up” David’s fallen and ruined tabernacle? We are not left to guess. “That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called.” (Acts 15:17.) If Christ who is “the root and offspring of David,” the “seed” and the “son of David,” and therefore of the tabernacle, house, or family of David, is not now on David’s throne, then David’s tabernacle has not been rebuilt. If David’s tabernacle has not yet been rebuilt, and if, as some contend, it will not be rebuilt and set up till the second coming of Christ, then not one Gentile that lives or has lived on earth has ever been saved or ever can be saved till after Christ’s second coming. We live and labor in vain, and our loved ones who have died without God and having no hope in the world (sic). 

David’s tabernacle must be rebuilt before the Gentiles could “seek after the Lord.” If the Bible teaches that the Gentiles have sought the Lord and are saved, then I know that David’s tabernacle has been rebuilt and set up. This I purpose to prove, and here are my witnesses:  Peter, Paul, Barnabas, James and “the prophets: (1) Peter’s speech in the Jerusalem council was positive and emphatic that he was chosen of God, that the Gentiles by his mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. (Acts 15:7-11.) (2) Paul affirmed that God had approved of his ministrations among the Gentiles by miracles and signs. (Acts 15:12.) (3) Barnabas testified that the Gentiles had been saved and that God had shown his approval by wondrous signs and wonders. (Acts 15:12.) (4) James fully indorsed Peter’s speech and attested the fact that God had chosen from among the Gentiles a people for his name, and clinched the argument by saying, “To this agree the words of the prophets,” quoting Amos 9:11,12 as follows: “After these things I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called.” (Acts 15:16–17.)

That it is abundantly proven that the Gentiles have sought the Lord, and are saved, none can or will deny. Therefore, “David’s tabernacle” has been rebuilt and set up, and Christ with “the key of David” is now the anointed ruler on David’s throne. (Acts 2:30-36.)

The doctrine that Christ is not now on David’s throne invalidates the Gentiles’ hope, strikes at the fundamentals of the scheme of redemption, sows discord among brethren, and necessarily affects the fellowship, joy, and peace that should prevail among the children of God.

“So then let us follow after the things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another,” “giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:3.)

Gospel Advocate

August 29, 1929.

Editors Note:  Jeremiah wrote, “Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not? O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.” (Jer. 22:28–30.) This passage clearly shows that no descendant of Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah or Coniah) would sit upon the throne of David and rule in Judah.  Zedekiah was Coniah’s nephew and was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar.  Solomon reigned on David’s throne and Solomon’s throne was God’s throne. (1 Kings 2:12; 1 Chron. 29:23).  It was called David’s throne, but only in the sense that he occupied.  It was God’s throne or rule. From the Babylonian captivity until Christ ascended to the throne in heaven, the tabernacle or house of David was in ruins. (Acts 2:29-36).  But when the church was established, the house of David was restored, and the gospel was for both Jew and Gentile. 

WHAT IS WRONG WITH GAMBLING?

BEN F. VICK, JR.

        Many people in the world, in this country, and even in the church would say, "Nothing." I grant that there are some reasons against gambling which, in my judgment, are not valid. However, there are some excellent reasons for not gambling. 

        Gambling is big business. Billions of dollars are spent and made worldwide in the realm of gambling. We are inundated with advertisements – on the radio, television, internet, and phones. One cannot watch a ball game without seeing commercials before, during, and following games. The National Football League once opposed gambling's being connected to their sport. But not so any longer. The NFL saw casinos, online gambling sites, and millions of foolish people were playing fantasy football and making a great deal of money; so, they wanted in on the action. They tossed out their principles and have partnered with Caesars Entertainment, Draft Kings, and Fan Duel. These are "the official betting partners" of the NFL.

Once, past commissioners of the NFL spoke out against gambling. Pete Rozelle suspended Paul Horning and Alex Karras in 1963 because they placed bets on NFL games. Rozelle said that if New Orleans got casinos, he would use his influence to keep the Super Bowl from being played there. The present commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, was once asked what threatens the integrity of pro football. He said, "Gambling would be No.1 on my list." That was 2012. Sports commentators give the odds on a horse's winning a race or the outcome of a ballgame. The media push lottery tickets. One can buy tickets at any service station and other places. 

So, what is wrong with gambling? Everybody does it, we are told. Of course, that is not a good reason for gambling. One's chances of winning are even less if everybody is gambling. The only winners would be the gambling establishments and state governments, which reap some benefits.

The root problem of gambling for most people is covetousness. Most people who gamble put money down with the desire to gain larger rewards. Nobody gambles to lose, but all who gamble lose. Paul told the young preacher Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Tim. 6:6-10.)  Jesus warned, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15.)

Gambling is addictive. Years ago, when I was officiating a middle school basketball game, my officiating partner was on his phone before the game talking to his bookie to place bets. Between quarters he was on his phone talking to his bookie. At halftime, he was talking to his bookie. After the game, he was checking with his bookie. I read of a man several years ago at a casino in Las Vegas who won the World Series of Poker. He was asked what he planned to do with his winnings. Without hesitation, he said, “Gamble it and lose it.” There was a man who had no shame in his addiction to gambling.

Do you want to see how addiction to gambling can ruin a person’s life? Look at the life of Art Schlichter, former quarterback at Ohio State and the Indianapolis Colts. His gambling habit started in high school and has continued throughout his life. Dana Benbow wrote of Schlichter: “After a run of prison sentences that spanned two decades – brought on by a gambling addiction that led to financial fraud, theft and shattered an NFL dream – former Indianapolis Colt quarterback Art Schlichter has been released from prison.” (The Indianapolis Star, September 2, 2021.) Shortly before he was scheduled to be released, even within the prison walls, he was getting women outside the prison to place bets for him. He was also betting with other inmates. He has spent time in almost 50 prisons or jails through the years. Franklin (Ohio) County Court of Common Pleas Judge Chris Brown said in August of 2020 that Schlichter had not earned his freedom and would need to serve his remaining sentence, which concluded in 2021. Judge Brown said, "He is past the point of rehabilitation." Further, he said, "I have no faith he is going to get out and conduct (himself appropriately)." (Ibid.)

There are three classes of gamblers: (1) Those who play to win. (2) Those who play to recoup their losses. (3) Those who play to pay their debts. All end up being losers. The only way to avoid becoming addicted to gambling is never to place the first bet. This includes buying lottery or raffle tickets or playing the slot machines at a casino. You will not have a problem if you never start down that road.

Gambling corrupts society. Wayne Jackson wrote, "Gambling has never contributed to the betterment of humankind. It has been responsible for much evil. It will never make one a better person or influential for righteousness. It corrupts, wastes, and addicts. Gambling does not even make reasonable common sense. Christians will totally avoid the practice. Moreover, they will expose it as a godless work of darkness.” (Eph. 5:1.) Jackson also stated, "Gambling has been a blight upon this nation. It feeds the monster of organized crime. Nevada is almost completely enslaved to 'gambler-gangster' forces, according to congressional investigators." (The South Florida Avenue News, Vol 43, No. 46, November 18, 1992.)  It has corrupted many a politician whom the gambling establishments have influenced. 

Gambling affects the gambler's family. The gambling addict takes money away from the family. It takes food off the table, clothes from the children, and bills go unpaid. Family members cannot trust their gambling-loved ones with money. Besides the money taken from the family, Gambling also takes one's time from the family. It affects one's mental health, which cannot be good in the home or society. The psychological effects of gambling start slow at first and eventually build up to disastrous levels. At first, gamblers will be entranced by the idea that 'winning is fun,’ but the house will win most of the time. Gamblers are often emotionally stressed; their behavior becomes more erratic as they become short-tempered. Research has shown that gamblers feel guilt and regret spending money at casinos. The psychological effects of gambling will fully show after the gambler lashes out at their love ones. A gambler's mental health will deteriorate over time and might pose a danger to those around him.

WOE TO THEM WHO CALL EVIL GOOD

BEN F. VICK, JR.

Isaiah proclaimed, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; That put darkness for light, and light for darkness; That put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isa. 5:20.)

The overturning of Roe vs. Wade has caused the abortion-rights people to march in the streets all over this country. The media gives these marchers most of the attention. They carry signs that say, "Abortion Is Healthcare." These advocates cry that the Supreme Court on June 24 took away a woman's right to choose. They claim it is a constitutional right to choose abortion. 

To call abortion healthcare is absurd. It is calling evil good. Murder is not healthcare. That is precisely what abortion is. It is intentionally taking the life within the womb. The Bible and science teach that at conception, a new life begins, regardless of how small. The life in the womb has its own DNA, different from the mother. What does the Bible teach? Of course, those wanting abortions do not concern themselves with what the Bible says. 

Moses wrote, "If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life." (Ex. 21:22–23.) If her fruit departs, yet no mischief follows, the child is born prematurely and lives. But if any mischief follows means the child dies, then life for life. The life in the womb is just as valuable to God as the life outside the womb. The response is often, "Suppose the mother's life is at stake?" Then a choice has to be made, but those are rare occasions. What if the woman is raped and becomes pregnant? Two wrongs never make a right. There is still a child within the womb. Murder is just as wrong as rape. 

Life begins at conception. The baby begins its life at conception. It is a life before 15 weeks. Every woman knows it. It is "unnatural affection" (Rom. 1:31) for a woman to take her child's life. Job, in his distress, cried, "Let the day perish wherein I was born, And the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived." (Job 3:3.) He was a child at conception. How did he know that? The Holy Spirit inspired him to write those words. Jeremiah wrote, "Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4–5.) Jeremiah was Jeremiah while in his mother's womb. Who said so? God did!

The representative who recently said that abortion was compared to child sacrifice was right on target, the media to the contrary notwithstanding. The only reason most women have an abortion is that the child born would disrupt their lives. They sacrifice the life of the child for their own wants and desires. Suppose an ultrasound shows the baby is not normal? Abortion is still murder. Children born with various health issues are still a blessing. Suppose the ultrasound shows the baby will be stillborn? In that case, it would not be the woman's fault if the baby were born dead. She would not be guilty of killing the baby and having the guilt for the rest of her life. Grief would be better than guilt. 

Luke records, "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:" (Luke 1:41.)  Elizabeth, by inspiration, said to Mary, "… with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy." (Luke 1:42–44.)  The word "babe" in verses 41 and 44 is translated from a Greek word (βρέφος) which is defined as "a child that is still unborn, fetus, child." It is also applied to a child born. Mothers brought their children (same word but in the plural) to Jesus (Luke 18:15). 

Paul was a person before he was born. To the churches of Galatia, Paul wrote, "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace," (Gal. 1:15.) He was a "me," not an "it" before he was born. He was a person, not a mass or a glob. 

Abortion is NOT a right found in the United States Constitution. Judge Robert Bork stated it well:

From the beginning of the Republic until that day, January 22, 1973, the moral question of what abortions should be lawful had been left entirely to state legislatures. The discovery this late in our history that the question was not one for democratic decision but of constitutional law was so implausible that it certainly deserved a fifty-one-page explanation. Unfortunately, in the entire opinion there is not one line of explanation, not one sentence that qualifies as legal argument. Nor has the Court in the sixteen years since ever provided the explanation lacking in 1973. It is unlikely that it ever will, because the right to abort, whatever one thinks of it, is not to be found in the Constitution. (The Tempting of America, 1990, p. 112.)

It is murder, plain and simple. Millions of babies have been murdered since 1973. That is calling evil good. No one should go into the voting booth and vote for someone who supports murder. Abortion is a moral issue, brethren. But we are told that we take a woman's choice away. No, in most cases, she made that decision before conception. Planned Parenthood? In some cases, it should be called Planned Murder.