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A Special Message from Dr. Timothy M. Hill, General Overseer


96

A Special Message from Dr. Timothy M. Hill, General Overseer



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As you know, it is now only two weeks until Election Day – November 3, 2020.  Regardless of your political affiliation or your position on the issues facing our nation, it is imperative that you exercise your right to vote.

Many states have made it much easier to vote, either through mail-in ballots or through early voting. Whether you take advantage of one of these opportunities or you vote on Election Day, the voices of God-fearing Christians need to be heard at the ballot box. There is too much at stake for us not to speak up by voting.

I encourage you to view the attached video – and then share it with your friends, family, and neighbors.

In addition, I encourage you to pray for our nation and our political leaders. We need a true healing in this land. May God bless you greatly as you exercise your civic duty to vote.

Timothy M. Hill
General Overseer

Click or tap on the video play button above to view the video.


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Hill Shares Video for Pastors and Members of the Church of God


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Hill Shares Video for Pastors and Members of the Church of God

Cleveland, TN—Church of God General Overseer Tim Hill has released a video message directed toward all pastors, ministers and laity in the denomination. He addresses current world situations and offers encouragement from a pastor’s heart.

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One of the largest mission organizations in the world is challenging the next generation of young Christians to “fight back against the cultural attack on your faith” — as recent research shows an alarming drop in the number of under-30s embracing Christianity.

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DISCLAIMER: Content of articles posted on Faith News come from various sources and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Church of God, Church of God Communications or the Church of God Internet Ministry. 

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96

A Special Message from Dr. Hill on Abortion



“My Heart and Thoughts about Governor Cuomo’s Announcement Concerning Abortion in New York”

by Dr. Timothy M. Hill
General Overseer of the Church of God

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God help us!

Usually my reflective articles come under the heading “Let’s Talk About It.” However, in considering the heartbreaking matter of abortion and the undeniable value that God and His Holy Word place on human life, I have to ask, “What’s There to Talk About?” Indeed, there is plenty to pray about, and pray we must, but all the talking we do will not change God’s infallible word about the sanctity of human life.

On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court in the infamous Roe v. Wade decision held that a woman has a constitutionally protected right to have an abortion. In subsequent cases before the nation’s highest court, the right to abortion has been further affirmed and defined, specifically in the 1992 case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey. In these cases, the U.S. Supreme Court created a protected right that cannot be found in the Constitution. Not only was this act of judicial activism outside the parameters of the court’s authority, it was in direct contradiction to God’s Word and the beliefs of a majority of Americans.

And then just a few days ago on the 46 anniversary of the Roe decision, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced to a cheering crowd that he had signed a law that legalizes abortion basically up until birth. Notably, New York was the first state to legalize early term abortions back in 1970. This updated version of the law, known as the “Reproductive Health Act,” now allows even “non-doctors” to conduct abortions. Further, the new law allows for abortions up until the mother’s due date if the woman’s health is considered to be endangered, or if the fetus is considered “not viable.”  Sadly, in “celebration” of the passage of the new law, Governor Cuomo directed the 408-foot spire on One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, and the Alfred E. Smith Building in Albany to be lit in pink to “celebrate this achievement and shine a bright light forward for the rest of the nation to follow.”

Most assuredly, the rest of the nation should “not” follow the New York example. The United States is already headed toward judgment for the immoral actions permitted, and even encouraged, in our society.  America must repent of sins already committed and refuse to even consider going down the path taken by New York.

Based on the latest data available, approximately 882,000 abortions took place in the United States in 2017. There were approximately 885,000 abortions in 2016 and 913,000 abortions in 2015. It is reported that since the Roe decision in 1973, an estimated 60 million abortions have been performed in the United States alone. That is 60 million human lives.

According to a 2013 United Nations’ report, only nine countries in the world have a higher abortion rate than the United States.

My goal here is not to participate in a judgmental tirade nor in a vicious verbal spew of religious-sounding rhetoric that exacerbates a problem more than helps it. Instead, I would prefer to magnify and extol the Sanctity of Life and focus on ways the Body of Christ can be a critical and crucial presence in this particular arena of national crises.

An incredible statement concerning the Sanctity of Life is provided by Focus on the Family and contained in what is known as the “Life Ethic.”  (See https://www.focusonthefamily.com.)

The Focus on the Family statement, in part, is as follows:


“Human beings are created by God in His image. Therefore every person, from conception to natural death, possesses inherent dignity and immeasurable worth—including preborn children, elderly individuals, those with special needs and others marginalized by society. Christians, then, are called to defend, protect, and value all human life.

In short, human life is sacred and respect for human life should be at the center of all we do. In order to put the “life ethic” into words and practice, it helps to consider where it comes from, what it looks like and how can we incorporate it into our daily lives.

The Bible establishes that human life is sacred in Genesis 1:27: ‘So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.’ (ESV)

To be created in the likeness of God means that each human bears His image and with it, a value beyond our unique characteristics or individual attributes. Nothing else in God’s created order has the distinction of reflecting His image; it’s a privileged status reserved only for humankind.

This is a bit of a mystery as God’s image in us isn’t something tangible we can see, taste or feel; yet it establishes our significance and worth at the highest level.  The Bible says we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14). From the miracle of life in the womb to the body’s ability to regenerate cells and tissue for healing, we see God’s amazing fingerprint at work.  Humans are breathtaking creatures embodying a touch of the Creator Himself and reflected in the wonder of human life.

Contrary to cultural messages, our value isn’t determined by our ethnicity, race or gender; nor by our age, ability or location.  It’s our divine membership in the human family that sets each of us apart as sacred. Men, women and children (including preborn children in the womb) should be respected, regardless of their mental capacity, physical ability, or social position. Some people may not exhibit attributes of God or behave in ways that recognize their own value yet their intrinsic worth remains.

The concept of human dignity comes from the sanctity of human life.  Since humans are made in God’s image, we hold a distinctive status that sets us apart. Human dignity is bestowed upon us by God.

All around us should be reminded of the value of all human life by speaking out for ‘those who cannot speak for themselves’ (Proverbs 31:8). Look for opportunities to talk about and live out your belief regarding the truth of the Sanctity of Life. Teach your children and grandchildren to respect all human life and demonstrate that respect in your own word and actions.

Together we can live out and communicate the beauty, wonder and reverence our Creator intended for each person in the human family. We must also communicate the message and overwhelming reality of God’s forgiveness and grace to anyone who calls on the Lord’s name, regardless of their sin.“


I applaud Focus on the Family for this statement exemplifying LIFE. In addition, you can find numerous articles, statements, and position papers regarding abortion and the Sanctity of Life on the Church of God website.

I encourage you to CHOOSE LIFE!!

Tim Hill

 


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Dr. Timothy M. Hill, General Overseer, Encourages Voting


96

Dr. Timothy M. Hill, General Overseer, Encourages Voting



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As Election Day in the United States approaches, Dr. Timothy M. Hill, General Overseer of the Church of God, released the following statement:


“With only seven days left before Election Day here in the United States, I find it incumbent upon me as a religious leader to encourage participation by every registered voter in the election process.  Although many have talked about the importance of this election, it is my belief that we as a country are experiencing a crucible moment in our history.  We only have to look at Scriptures and witness times when God’s people minimized their focus on foundational core values that He commanded them to follow.  I feel in my heart that we as a nation are at a place where we are adjured to stand up, exercise our right and privilege to vote, and affirm our Judeo-Christian values.

I am not, under any circumstances, saying that our right to vote follows one particular candidate or one particular party.  However, if we are God’s people, I believe we must honor and protect the sanctity of life, as well as the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, stand for racial equality, and stand against that which seeks to dishonor God and His will.  Further, I believe it is critically important that we honor and pray for the preservation of Israel.

As a body of Christian believers, we must unite together for what is right and acceptable to God.  We must make our voices heard from our houses and church houses all the way to the White House.  I ask you to join with me in prayer for God’s sovereign will to be accomplished in this election and in our nation.

While we may have different opinions about how this election will be contextualized, we all have not only a right, but a responsibility, to express our opinions and choices in the voting booth.  So, if you have not already cast your vote during early voting, I encourage you to take the necessary time on Tuesday, November 3, and vote for the candidates of your choice.  If you pray and vote based upon biblical principles and guidance, I’m confident that the future of the United States will be strong.

May God bless you greatly as you exercise your civic right and responsibilities.”


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