I’m glad to see each of you on this Lord’s Day. We’ll turn to Genesis 43 this morning. The title of the sermon is “Genuinely Transformed.” We’ve been seeing an amazing Old Testament picture of how God brings people to Himself, and under His blessing. I know many of you are praying for people who do not know Jesus. I hope today, and the past few sermons give you hope!

Please plan on being here at 5 p.m. on June 26 for our “Value Them Both” speaker. There is more information about that in the bulletin today. And we will have childcare. However, I want to take this space to elaborate. The word “abortion” brings up a number of emotions. In over 25 years of ministry, I talked to women who had an abortion. And men who encouraged it. And family members who thought it was a good idea. The regret that exists in these people is tragically deep. Therefore, it needs to be clearly communicated that if you fit in any of those categories, you don’t need a special measure of forgiveness from God. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. There are not certain sins that require more sorrow, more pleading with God, or need extra grace. He is a gracious God, overflowing with compassion, and His mercies are new every morning.

Having said that, abortion is THE justice issue of our time. It is THE civil rights issue of our time. Abortion takes life from the most innocent, and most vulnerable population in the world. So the Bible says “seek justice, correct oppression” (Isaiah 1:17), “Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psa 82:4), “do not shed innocent blood” (Jer 22:3), and “do not murder” (Exo 20:13).

We cannot turn a blind eye from this issue. It is easy to look back at those who lived under totalitarian regimes. We say “why didn’t they do something?” or “why didn’t they say something” That will surely be said of us in the absence of inaction. On the other hand, we can help impact a positive outcome. We can work toward justice on this issue. We will pray that abortion is outlawed on the state level. And we pray that hearts will be changed on a national level.