October 25, 2023
Dear CLC family,
Please consider the language on Issue One and vote biblically.
I imagine that this statement might come as a surprise to you. After all, I have stated multiple times that I am not a political person. In fact, I typically steer clear of political talk. I remain consistent with that stance. You see, I do not consider this to be a political side or point of view, rather I view it as a moral and biblical one. The church family stands with a simple understanding. We believe the unborn human being is a human being and, therefore, has a right to life. We also desire to help women heal emotionally from past decisions because Jesus is about grace and forgiveness. You need to know that our country has a huge industry that profits by preying on vulnerable women, killing millions of babies, and burdening women with untold mental and emotional anguish. I am not willing to stand by and remain quiet while people are being misled.
There has been an increasing decline in biblical and theological literacy, along with philosophical and moral understanding. Many who “attend church” may be more familiar with modern culture’s perspective than with the traditional Christian perspective on abortion. So, here are some helpful resources:
a conversation about abortion from November 2021
a simple understanding of abortion from a biblical perspective
a deeper dive into the morality and philosophy of the issue
If passed, Issue 1 will enshrine the “right” to abortion in the Ohio constitution. Before you vote, I strongly encourage you to be educated by reading what is in the proposed amendment and see the language for yourself.
Additionally, as a parent, Issue 1 will remove your rights. This means that the adults in schools and other educational communities you have come to know and love will no longer be able to partner with you in raising your children. Though it takes a village to raise a child, a child will have the right to make life-altering changes to themselves without parental approval. They will parent themselves.
Certainly, there will be a few who gather with the CLC Family who will not agree. Therefore, let us remember a few things:
This is not a shaming thing; it is a revealing thing. It is our responsibility as followers of Christ to bring light into dark conversations (Ephesians 5:8). And when we reveal the truth, let us do it with grace (John 1:17).
We are to be for life. We support the lives of mothers, preborn children, and fathers. We are for everyone and desire to help them live life to the fullest as they know and trust Jesus (John 10:10).
God is God and we are not. We choose to submit ourselves to the truth of God’s Word with the understanding that His Word alone causes great offense. We seek to encourage, rescue, and guide people with God’s Word because he gets to define life.
Pray, Listen and Vote.
Regardless of the outcome, God is always in control. James 4:13-17 teaches,
“Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise, you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
Sincerely,
Pastor Gordon Hayberg
Lead Pastor