A Sacred Declaration Against the Culture of Death

Nathaniel Winslow, Lay Elder Nansemond River Baptist Church

“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” - Psalm 139:16

The Lord of Life and the Rebellion

Consider this: the very miracle of life, the crown of God’s creative work, is today treated as something ordinary, disposable, and—even worse—inconvenient. We stand in a world that has grown numb to wonder, where the divine artistry of every soul is overlooked or dismissed as mere biology.

Why is this so? Because humanity has long believed the lie that we can supplant God. The story begins, as it always does, in Eden. There, we first rejected the Giver of Life, claiming for ourselves the right to define good and evil. What followed was the great reversal: where once life reigned, death made its throne. The garden became a wilderness, and humanity exchanged the worship of its Creator for the worship of the created.

Yet, this is not the end of the story. Into this wilderness came the Author of Life Himself, not with wrath and judgment, but with mercy and grace. He entered our rebellion as a man, walked among us, and bore the cost of our sin. By His death, He shattered death’s power; by His resurrection, He declared life’s triumph. “I am the resurrection and the life,” He said. “Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

This is the gospel—a message that encompasses not only salvation from sin but the restoration of all creation. Every human being, from the unborn child to the elderly man drawing his last breath, bears significance in this incredible story. For Christ’s victory over death is the anchor of our hope and the foundation of our mission to defend the sanctity of life.

The Divine Image

At the center of this hope lies a truth so profound that, if rightly understood, should shake the world to its core: every human being bears the image of God. This is not mere sentiment, nor is it an abstract theological concept. It is the very bedrock of reality. You, I, your great aunt, and every other person are crafted by the hand of God, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Job testified, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4). This is not the stuff of vain poetry but an unyielding truth. Every person you encounter carries the divine imprint, regardless of their status, abilities, location, or circumstances.

When this truth is ignored, the consequences are catastrophic. To disregard or devalue human life is not merely an offense against humanity but a rebellion against the Creator Himself. It is the ultimate act of treason, a mutiny of cosmic proportions, and a denial of the intrinsic worth that God has bestowed upon every soul.

Human dignity, then, is not earned by our achievements or dependent on our health. It is not measured by our utility (I hear some hallelujahs here). It is given, irrevocably, by God. To deny this is to align ourselves with the forces that reject His rule and revel in destruction.

The Idolatry of Death

The worship of death is nothing new. Ancient societies sacrificed their children to false gods, believing that such acts would bring prosperity or avert calamity. The names of these gods have faded, but their altars remain. In our own time, we offer sacrifices not to Molek but to autonomy, convenience, and self-fulfillment. The stone tables have been replaced with sterilized offices and hospital beds. Places of healing, born of Christian charity, are now extermination chambers of calamitous scale.

The unborn are dismissed as mere “choices,” their lives ended to preserve the comfort of those who should protect them. The elderly and the infirm are seen as burdens, quietly ushered away in the name of mercy. What we pat ourselves on the back, and call progress is, in truth, a thin veil obscuring an ancient barbarism.

Proverbs 6:17 declares that “hands that shed innocent blood” are an abomination to the Lord. And yet, as a culture, we celebrate such acts as virtuous. We dress them in the language of rights and compassion, but beneath the rhetoric lies the same rebellion that has plagued humanity since the Fall.

The Church’s Responsibility

What, then, is the Church to do in such a time? First, we must remember our identity as a people of life. The Church exists because our Lord, who was crucified, rose again. Our very foundation is the triumph of life over death. To remain silent in the face of a culture that glorifies death is to betray the One who called us out of it.

Our mission begins with proclaiming the gospel, which speaks not only to the salvation of souls but also to the restoration of life itself. But proclamation must lead to action. We must be the hands and feet of Christ, defending the defenseless, supporting mothers in crisis, and caring for the vulnerable. We must model within our communities the truth that every life is precious, from the child with disabilities to the nursing home-bound grandmother.

And we must not be content with mere charity. The Church is called to confront the powers and systems that devalue life. This means advocating for just laws, exposing the lies of death cultists, and offering an alternative—the Kingdom of Heaven, where life is celebrated and cherished.

Choosing Life

Moses once stood before Israel and declared, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). That choice stands before the Church and the nations today. Will we capitulate to a culture that despises life, or will we stand ready behind the Lord of Life as He leads His people to victory?

This is not an easy path. To choose life is to invite opposition, ridicule, and sacrifice. It is to take up our cross and follow the One who laid down His life for us. But it is also to walk in the footsteps of the Savior, who declared, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Let us, then, as the people of God, declare with boldness and joy that every life matters to us because they matter to the Creator. Let us live in such a way that the world cannot help but see in us a reflection of the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Rekindling Our Zeal for Evangelism and Discipleship

Nathaniel Winslow, Lay Elder Nansemond River Baptist Church

"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." - Romans 12:11

Renewed Resolve: Advancing the Gospel in a Hurting World

As we pass through the gateway of 2025, we find ourselves staring down the rusted, old, double-barreled shotgun of time. It confronts us, compelling us to reflect on where we've been and where we're heading.

These past years have been tumultuous. The news cycle moves faster than ever, our lives grow busier, and the world accelerates into chaos. We feel it weighing heavily upon us. Even as I write these words, a tragedy arrives on the heels of the new year–a terror attack in New Orleans claiming the lives of at least a dozen image bearers. We live in a world that is hurting and groaning under the weight of sin and brokenness. It is all too easy to become discouraged, to allow the darkness around us to dim our hope and distort our perspective.

And yet, the turning of the calendar offers new beginnings, a chance to reflect, resolve, and refocus. But here lies a temptation, subtle but potent, to shape our resolutions and aspirations around the trivialities of this world or to allow the sin around us to frame our perspectives in an unhelpful way. As Christians, we must ensure our lives, goals, and aspirations are rooted in the eternal truth of the Gospel. 

So, as we turn toward the future, our aim should not be confined to perfecting the Pinterest-worthiness of our homes or losing the few extra pounds we've acquired since last November. While not inherently wrong, these goals are far too small for those who are called to something greater. So, I'd like to encourage you, dear friends. This year, let us be resolved to a higher, more glorious, and perilous pursuit. 

Let us storm the very gates of Hell together, armed with nothing but the Gospel of Christ and the sustaining grace of our Lord. Let us resolve to live boldly as Christians in a world steeped in sin. Let us rekindle our passion for our Lord and Master and commit ourselves to evangelism and discipleship, not as mere obligations but as joyful duties to the grace we've received.

Now, I can almost hear the objections forming in some minds:

"Oh, here we go again," someone mutters. "Another plea to tell my neighbors about Jesus. Doesn't he realize I'm not good at that? Why does he think I need to be told this again (or that it will change anything)? I do my part—after all, I support missionaries financially. Isn't that enough?"

Let me answer simply by pointing out that our King has not issued a suggestion for us to consider at our convenience. He has given us an order: to evangelize and disciple the nations. (Matt. 28:18-20) This is no optional exercise or extra credit assignment for the particularly pious—it is the sacred calling of every follower of Christ. And it's not about checking the box as if the work gains you anything you don't already have; it's about embracing a mission with eternal consequences.

If we find that these holy tasks—proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples—have become atrophied, routine, or dim in our hearts, then now is the time to implore the Spirit to revive our zeal. These are no small matters, nor are they tasks we can outsource entirely to others.

May we join Charles Spurgeon in declaring with urgency and compassion:

"Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies; and if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay, and not madly to destroy themselves. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for."1

Let these words challenge and convict us. Can we truly say we have this kind of fervor for the lost? Are we exhorting our neighbors, coworkers, and family members to turn to Christ?

This is not about guilt, dear friend, as Christ has released us from guilt and shame. No, this is about vision. Imagine the joy of being used by God to bring someone from death to life, from darkness to light, through the simple act of sharing the good news that's been shared with you. This is the mission we are called to—a mission worthy of all our effort, passion, and prayer. Let us embrace it with all our hearts.

Can we, dear Christians, recover such a fervor and resolve for the Gospel's advance? Can we be known for how we love the lost and seek to bring the light of the good news delivered to us to a world wandering in sinful darkness?

The Message That Shakes the Cosmos

In his sermon, The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis reminds us that every person we encounter is an eternal being destined for either everlasting joy or unspeakable loss.

"…remember that the dullest and most uninterested person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations."2

Or he says even more simply:

"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal."3

This truth presses upon us the urgency of proclaiming Christ. The stakes are not just high but infinitely high, eternally significant. There is no neutral ground one might stand on, we are either Christ's or we are not. The Gospel is not a self-help program or an option among many. It is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). Our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members need the Savior, and God has chosen to use His people as the instruments of that proclamation (Rom. 10:14-15).

Every single person you meet this year will spend eternity somewhere.

The new year is an opportunity to resolve afresh that our mouths will not remain silent. While we are not responsible for the souls saved, we are responsible for wielding the power of the Gospel that saves. 

The Long Game of Building the Kingdom

Remember, friends, evangelism, and discipleship are not options in the grab bag of Christian obedience. They are integral components of the singular command to "go and make disciples." No one prepares a meal, only to leave it unseasoned and uncooked. Evangelism is the front door to the kingdom, but discipleship is the wondrous architecture inside. 

The work of discipleship is slow and intentional–the kind of labor that builds cathedrals, not the kind that pitches a tent. In the words of the late R.C. Sproul, "We are called to make disciples, not converts. A church full of people who profess Christ without being discipled is like a house built on sand–it will not stand." Discipleship strengthens the foundation of the church, ensuring it will endure through every storm.

The Gospel marches forth on these two legs: discipleship and evangelism. They are part of a continuous cycle—evangelism opens the door to the Gospel, while discipleship nurtures and equips believers to grow in faith. These disciples, in turn, go forth to evangelize and disciple others, fulfilling the mission of "disciples that make disciples." This ongoing pattern reflects the exponential growth of the early church as new believers carried the light of Christ to those still in darkness. Our mission today is no different.

Let us learn from Jesus. Discipleship is walking with people, teaching them to obey what God requires of them through the law. It is a process that takes years, builds relationships, and strengthens the faith. It is not just about stuffing their head with Bible trivia; it's shaping lives around the Word of God until their default settings are oriented to obedience to King Jesus.

Discipleship is not something (unfortunately) that the church can program into fruition. It's living life like Christians. It's raising spiritual children (especially your own physical children!) by letting them watch how you follow Christ and then teaching them to do the same. Let's be a people that disciple. That means opening your Bible, opening your home, and opening your life.

The Power of Christ Compels You

Jesus didn't just save us from something; He saved us for something. He saved us to His glory, His Kingdom, and His Gospel. Spread the good news and raise disciples who will carry it further still. You'll burn out fast if not motivated by Christ's love. But when driven by the joy of your salvation, Christian, nothing can stop you. As we sing, "If our God is for us, who can stand against us?!"

A New Year's Battle Plan

Now that your heart is stirred and your resolve is set, let's not spin our wheels. Our efforts must be purposeful. The battle plans are laid, but everyone must report to their post. Where will you bolster the front lines, Christian soldier?

Pray for the Lost:

The mission begins and ends on our knees. Pray for the salvation of those around you—family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and those you encounter as you move through the daily rhythms of life. Ask God to open their hearts to the Gospel and give you boldness to share it. Pray for the barista at your coffee shop, the mechanic who changes your oil, the young girl serving you at the restaurant, and every other image-bearer God places in your path. Remember, no encounter is accidental, and every person you meet is in need of the Savior.

Proclaim the Gospel Boldly:

Evangelism is not reserved for the gifted few. Speak the truth of Christ wherever you are placed. Do not dismiss the power of your testimony! Every Christian has a miracle to share; you were once dead in your trespasses and sins but born again to new life. Do not dismiss the power in that story. The efficacy of the Gospel does not depend on your eloquence but on God's ability to save (Isa. 55:11, 1 Cor. 2:1-5).

Commit to Discipleship:

Evangelism opens the door; discipleship paints the walls, hangs the paintings, and prepares the meals that fill the rooms with the pleasing aroma of God's love. Walk alongside others in their faith, teach them to obey Christ, and grow in grace. Invest in lives that will outlast you, whether it's your children, friends, or a new believer.

Reorient Your Priorities:

Let the Gospel shape your calendar, your commitments, and your love. Make time for the things that matter eternally. Restructure your life to reflect that Christ and His Kingdom come first.

Encourage your Church:

The Christian life is not a solo mission. Build up your fellow believers (and humble yourself enough to be built up by your fellow believers) with words of encouragement, acts of service, and a spirit of unity. A healthy church is the greatest conquering force on earth.

Be a Christian mentor and evangelist like the one who brought the saving power of the Holy Spirit to bear in your life. Fight for Christ's Kingdom. Pray, proclaim, disciple, prioritize, and encourage. The victory belongs to the Lord, but the call to battle belongs to you. Step forward boldly.

The Stakes are Eternal

Let us not forget what we're fighting for. Sharing the Gospel is not just inviting someone to church or trying to change their worldview. You're pulling them out of the fire (Jude 1:23). When you intentionally disciple someone, the effect ripples through the generations, and spiritual children yield spiritual grandchildren and so on to a thousand generations. You are the continuation of a long line of saints that ensure the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham that his offspring will be uncountable, as the stars in the sky (Gen. 15:5). We will stand in eternity with a multitude of people, all there because God is good to save and the faithful were obedient in the proclamation of His goodness (Rev. 19:6-8).

This is war, folks! And wars are not won by those who serve half-heartedly. Do not be so easily distracted. Renew your focus, temper your resolve, and gird your loins. Let's resolve to live as men and women who believe that Christ is King and that His Kingdom will not fail.

And one day, when we stand before the throne, we will see the faces of those who heard the Gospel because we proclaimed it and who grew in grace because of faithful discipleship. On that day, it will all be worth it.

Run the race well this year, Christian. Your King is worthy. 

Notes

1. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, "The Wailing of Risca," The Spurgeon Library, accessed January 3, 2025, https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/the-wailing-of-risca.
2. C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: HarperOne, 2001), 45.

Ibid., 46.

By: Brian Lee, Pastor for Worship and Administration, Nansemond River Baptist Church

The colder weather is slowly creeping in, the hustle and bustle of the Fall is upon us, and that means that sooner or later…. the Holidays will arrive. 

Perhaps this magical time of year starts the day after Halloween as you pull out your Christmas Tree and get it decorated for the remainder of the year.  Maybe that means you are busy making plans with family members to see who is going to travel or host. Maybe you draw straws to find out who is going to cook the turkey for Thanksgiving or perhaps draw names to find out which niece, nephew, or cousin you will buy a gift for.  There are so many traditions to keep up, so many treats to bake, so many recipes to find, gifts to buy, decorations to unpack and put out, parties to plan (and attend), events to shuttle kids to and from, Hallmark Movie Marathons to watch. The excitement builds and builds, week after week, but so can the anxiety.

 For some, the mere thought of the Holidays can elicit fear and anxiety as we think about all the things we have to do to get ready for them so we can “enjoy” them.  Perhaps we make grandiose statements as soon as the first leaf hits the ground such as, “This year, I’m getting everything done early so I can just relax and enjoy the season.” It can sometimes seem like preparing for the Holidays is the final boss on a video game that you must defeat to win the game and have some peace and quiet.

Whatever the case may be, whether you look forward to the Holidays with joy and excitement (much like many of our children do) or you look forward to them with dread, anxiety, and hypertension, it can sometimes feel like the Holidays are this unavoidable freight train barreling towards you at full speed with no intention of slowing down or braking.  You think of the daunting to-do lists, the weight you’ll inevitably gain because those Christmas cookies are just so irresistible, or the fear of failing to get the right gift and disappointing someone you love.  Perhaps the year has been challenging, and you just can’t do the Holidays like you had wanted to, with all the things you had hoped you could. Maybe it’s your first holiday without a beloved family member, so you’re carrying a weight of grief with you that makes you feel guilty for any hope or joy you might feel during the Holidays.  Christian, I have three words for you.

 Prepare… Him… Room…

 In the popular Christmas song, Joy to the World, there is a line that says, “Let every heart, prepare Him room.”Have you stopped to think about what that means or even how you are to go about doing that? Is it just a phrase we happily sing through on a Sunday morning or as we’re driving around in Holiday traffic, listening to the radio, trying desperately to keep our sanity and Christian witness intact? In all the busyness we’re caught up in, have you stopped to ponder how YOUR heart might prepare Him room?

I think back to a Charlie Brown Christmas when Charlie Brown is searching for the meaning of Christmas, what it’s all about, why this particular season is so busy, and everyone is in such a frenzy.  He, like many of us, seemed hopeless.  That is until Linus says his famous line: “Lights, please. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’.”

The account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2 frames what this season is all about.  The Birth of Christ.  Not the stores, the traditions, the gatherings, or goodies.  All those things are fine to participate in, but the caution we must take as Christians is not to let those things be THE most important thing.  We must remember the WHY, which is the Birth of Christ. Without Christ, there is no joy.  Without Christ, there is no hope.  Without Christ, there is no Christmas. The excitement, joy, and hope that we sing about during the Holidays come from the very fact that we have good news to share! Just as the angels heralded the coming of Christ to the shepherds in Luke 2, we should also herald the message of the gospel.

So how do we do that? Among the chaos that can sometimes be the holiday season, how do we keep the main thing the main thing?  How do we keep the message of the Gospel at the forefront while dealing with the noise of the chaos around us? Christian, Prepare Him Room.  Take time as you wrap gifts to ponder the gift of the Gospel. Maybe write a favorite passage of Scripture on the tag that directs the recipient to the Gospel. As you bake cookies and take in the sights, remember that the Gospel is the Good News, and it is beautiful. As you prepare for guests to arrive and are making up the guest bed, remember that Christ has gone to prepare a place for you (John 14:2-3). As the day draws closer and the excitement builds, remember the angels proclaiming the coming of Jesus to the shepherds in the field and their overwhelming excitement as they rushed to the city to tell everyone the things that they had seen (Luke 2:15-20). Prepare Him Room.

In the quiet of the night, before turning in for the evening, or perhaps in the quiet of the morning before anyone gets up, sit in the quiet, in the soft, warm glow of your Christmas tree, and thank God for the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Take time each day to remember Jesus. Let every heart prepare Him room this Holiday Season.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Pastor Brian

By: Nathaniel Winslow, Lay Elder, Nansemond River Baptist Church

As the curtain drops on another political rodeo, soon half the country will be chanting "Hallelujah" as if the Millennium has been ushered in. Meanwhile, the other half is stocking up on canned goods, convinced that doomsday clocks are about to strike midnight. If you’re feeling the tug of this emotional merry-go-round, hang on, because it’s time to disembark. There's an exodus to be made from this chaos—one that leads us not only to some calm but, more importantly, Kingdom-focused clarity.

From Tribalism to True Love

Political divisiveness has always fed our tendency toward tribal warfare, making us pounce at each other like feral cats over a scrap of ideological tuna. Indeed, “elections have consequences”—so said former President Obama, though that line has now become everyone’s favorite club for beating the “other side.” But here’s the problem: When everyone’s hacking away at each other with their partisan swords, who’s around to patch up the social fabric? It’s time for Christians to pick up the needle and thread, and that means applying a healthy dose of grace ointment, not a cheap “can’t we all just get along” balm to the burns we’ve suffered as the house divided burns around us. Jesus teaches us in the Beatitudes that “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), and “peacemaker” here doesn’t mean push-over. It means making a tangible difference where others want to continue torching the place.

If we, as Christ-followers, can’t transcend the sniping and tribal carnage, who will? Our love isn’t some bumper-sticker sentimentality. It’s grit. It’s real love—it’s that 1 Corinthians 13, love-your-enemies, take-the-log-out-of-your-own-eye love. Loving your neighbor and enemy alike is to embody the gospel and, Lord willing, offer an open door to the Kingdom itself. So, instead of plotting your next social media flamethrower moment, think about inviting the “enemy” over for coffee or tea, listening, and finding a way that you can both come away looking more like Christ. You might find that grace does more work than your best arguments.

From Anxiety to Supplication

Love for neighbor and enemy also includes that particularly inconvenient creature: your elected official. Moreover, we’re called to pray for the whole lot of them. Don’t roll your eyes—this is a matter of eternal seriousness. Before you take this last chance to fume all over again, recall the Bible tells us to fear God and honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:17), even when said emperor has a knack for driving us all nuts. The truth is, God has never relinquished His throne, and no election result has so much as nudged His sovereign plans (Daniel 2:21). Our job, dear saints, is to be in right standing with the law, and that doesn’t just mean paying taxes. It means praying, even giving thanks, for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Now, why would God put such a tall order on us? Because prayer isn’t just our celestial 911 hotline. It’s our alignment tool. When we lift our voices to God, we submit our anxious hearts to His refining work, letting His Spirit soften our jagged edges. In praying for our leaders, even the ones who rile us, we’re more likely to trade in vitriol for mercy. And God, ever the brilliant strategist, uses that shift to conform us to the image of Christ Himself.

From Mind Fog to Mission

Having tuned our hearts (hopefully), let’s focus the mind. Our purpose was never to live or die by the success of some candidate or platform. Yes, we vote and engage as our consciences and the Spirit direct. However, we can’t make politics our holy grail. That’s a trapdoor straight into the abyss. We can’t build the Kingdom by just waving a flag, no matter how noble the cause may seem. Politics is not the mission; discipleship is! By putting our hope in human systems, we’re setting ourselves up for spiritual whiplash. Christ’s words in the Great Commission, “Go, therefore, and make disciples,” don’t come with a footnote about ignoring or alienating people with bad political ideas.

Our work, our real work, is eternal, and it’s unchanged by the chaos of election cycles. As long as Christ is on the throne (Matthew 28:18-20), our marching orders remain firm. So, snap out of the anxious election fever and hone in on the Kingdom mission, lest we miss the whole plot.

From This Dust to The Kingdom

Amidst all the sound and fury of political pageantry, remember that neither party can fill the deepest, truest desires of the human soul. Those desires find their anchor only in the One who, despite being rejected, has become the cornerstone of an unshakable Kingdom (Acts 4:11). One day, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Christ alone is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). That, my friends, is the reality that underpins our hope.

So, hold tight to that hope. Let the peace and grace of Jesus permeate your interactions, whether in victory or defeat. Let the truth of God’s Kingdom be a light in this temporary chaos, for it’s in that Kingdom, not our teetering nation, that our true citizenship lies.