Dear Friends,

The sum of God's law is simply this: love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Each of the Ten Commandments, therefore, puts hands and feet on what some have called "the law of love."

This week, I'm reminded of the importance of the sixth commandment which is "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). The Shorter Catechism asks, "What is required in the sixth commandment?" The answer: "The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others" (Q. 68). So what does love for our neighbor look like according to the sixth commandment? We love by preserving life.

And what does the sixth commandment forbid? "The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tends thereunto" (Q. 69). The sixth commandment shows us that there is no love in the unlawful taking of life.

God's law is simple and yet profound. It's no wonder the psalmist declared: "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple..." (Psalm 19:7).

January 22, 2014 marked the the 41st anniversary of the Supreme Court's tragic decision on Roe v. Wade. A man-made law was passed which tramples upon God's law of love.

What can we do? Let's start with fervent prayer as a church and as individuals. Pray for our nation to conform to God's perfect law. Pray for justice. Pray for the rights of the unborn.

Secondly, let's be prepared to give a reasonable defense for our faith. Below are some articles to help us: