Sanctity of Life: Defending the Preborn
Every human life—from the very moment of conception—holds infinite, non-negotiable value in the eyes of God.
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, High Point AG Church continued its month-long Sanctity of Life series. Following missionary Dylan Shope’s eye-opening presentation on human trafficking the previous week, we welcomed guest missionary Aniela Chis representing Human Coalition.
As an Assemblies of God congregation, High Point firmly maintains an unwavering pro-life stance rooted in scripture. Aniela brought a message that was both sobering in its statistics and radiant with gospel hope, reminding us that defending the pre-born is not a political debate, but a spiritual assignment centered on the Imago Dei—the image of God.
The Sobering Reality of the Abortion Crisis
Aniela opened by highlighting staggering numbers that reveal the sheer scale of the abortion tragedy:
Worldwide: Abortion is the leading cause of death globally, claiming over 73 million lives in 2025 alone.
Nationwide: Approximately 3,000 children are aborted every single day in the United States—translating to roughly one child lost every 30 seconds.
Visualizing the Loss: Over one million lives were lost to abortion in America last year. That is equivalent to wiping out the entire student body of six elementary schools every single day.
While these numbers are overwhelming, the gospel calls us beyond statistics to see the real human beings on both sides of the issue: the pre-born child whose life is at risk, and the frightened mother facing an unplanned pregnancy.
1. Our Worth Is Established Before We Perform (Genesis 1:26–28)
Our modern culture frequently measures human value by productivity, independence, influence, or physical ability. Scripture, however, offers a radically different foundation.
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27
Before a child ever speaks a word, earns a degree, holds a job, or contributes to society, they bear the Imago Dei—the image of God.
Human dignity is derived from our Creator, not our circumstances or developmental stage. Because every pre-born child bears God's image, their right to life is absolute. Furthermore, as James 3 warns us against using our tongues to curse image-bearers, our commitment to life means honoring the dignity of everyone involved—including the mother, the father, and those with abortion in their past.
2. God Knows and Values Us in the Womb (Psalm 139:13–16)
King David writes eloquently of God's intimate relationship with humanity before birth:
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb... Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” — Psalm 139:13, 16
David’s worth did not begin when he was anointed king or recognized by the world; he was fully known and loved by God while still unformed in the womb. This truth compellingly obligates the Church to speak up for the pre-born, who cannot speak for themselves.
Meeting Women at the Point of Need
Behind every abortion statistic is a search bar. When facing an unplanned pregnancy, thousands of women turn to their phones late at night asking: "How will I pay rent? How will I finish school? Who will help me?"
Human Coalition strategically targets these digital search spaces to connect abortion-minded women directly with life-affirming care:
Meeting the Real Needs: Through tele-care clinics, registered nurses, and social workers, women are provided with housing support, medical care, job placement assistance, and childcare solutions.
The Power of the Ultrasound: Statistics show that when an abortion-minded woman views an ultrasound in a supportive environment, 80% choose life for their baby.
The Role of Fathers: When the father of the child is present for the ultrasound and offers support, the likelihood of choosing life increases significantly. Men are called to step up into faithful, protective responsibility.
National Impact: Over the past year alone, Human Coalition received over 66,000 calls, conducted 12,000 tele-care sessions, provided nearly 400,000 services, and rescued 2,809 babies from imminent abortion. Since 2010, they have helped rescue more than 36,000 children!
Gospel Grace for the Post-Abortive Heart
Roughly 40% of women in Christian churches have been directly affected by abortion. Aniela openly shared her own journey of facing an unplanned pregnancy at age 17 and carrying the weight of shame and isolation before experiencing the overwhelming redemption of Jesus Christ.
The message of the Church must hold two truths simultaneously:
Uncompromising Truth: Abortion takes an innocent human life and is a tragedy.
Infinite Grace: There is no sin deeper than the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus.
For anyone carrying grief, guilt, or regret from a past abortion, the cross offers complete forgiveness, supernatural healing, and freedom. The Church must be a safe sanctuary where stories are brought into the light and transformed by God's grace.
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. The Image of God (Imago Dei)
Scripture: Genesis 1:26–27; James 3:9–10
Question: How does the biblical truth that every human being is created in the image of God establish human value?
2. Personhood in the Womb
Scripture: Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:5
Question: What do these passages reveal about God’s active relationship with a child before they are born?
3. Advocating for the Defenseless
Scripture: Proverbs 31:8–9; Isaiah 1:17
Question: Scripture commands believers to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." In what ways are the pre-born the most defenseless group in society today, and why is advocacy a biblical duty rather than merely a political stance?
4. Innocent Blood and Moral Responsibility
Scripture: Deuteronomy 19:10; Proverbs 6:16–17
Question: God explicitly states that hands that shed innocent blood are an abomination to Him. Why should the shedding of innocent pre-born blood weigh heavily on the conscience of the Church?
5. Overcoming Fear and False Dichotomies
Scripture: 1 John 3:17–18; Matthew 25:40
Question: We can protect the child while simultaneously caring deeply for the mother. How can the local church practically demonstrate love to mothers facing unplanned pregnancies so they never feel abortion is their only option?
6. The Essential Role of Men and Fathers
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:8; Joshua 24:15
Question: Statistics show a dramatic rise in life choices when a father steps up to support the mother and view the ultrasound. What role should Christian men play in combating the abortion crisis and restoring a culture of fatherhood responsibility?
7. Digital Mission Fields and Modern Solutions
Scripture: Matthew 5:14–16; 1 Corinthians 9:22
Question: Human Coalition reaches women searching online during moments of panic. How can believers use modern technology, social media, and digital resources to share life-affirming truth and hope?
8. Applying Gospel Grace to Post-Abortive Guilt
Scripture: Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 103:12
Question: How can a small group create a safe, judgment-free environment for individuals carrying the hidden pain or grief of a past abortion to receive Christ's forgiveness and healing?
9. Distinguishing Human Worth from Productivity
Scripture: Luke 12:6–7; 1 Corinthians 12:22–25
Question: Society often values people based on what they can produce or contribute. How can we actively combat this mindset within our families, workplaces, and church culture?
10. The Church as the Answer to Crisis
Scripture: Galatians 6:2; Matthew 5:13
Question: Aniela stated that "the Church is God's response to the abortion crisis." What unique spiritual, relational, and material resources does the Body of Christ possess that governmental or secular institutions lack?