On January 13, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating January 22 as the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day. At Faith, we use this day as an opportunity to focus on issues connected to life and celebrate the ministries that offer care, counsel, and loving Christ-support for women and families navigating times of crisis. Today, Pastor John looks to the scriptures that teach the importance and value of human life at every stage, for everyone – women, men, boys, girls, babies, babies in the womb, and those who are in the last stages of their life.  

Psalm 139:13-16

13 For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 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.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Read Psalm 139:1-2, 13-16. How has society’s view of the “sanctity of human life” changed since President Reagan’s proclamation in 1984? Why has it become very political? 

2. What does it mean to be created in God’s image? (See Genesis 1:28, 9:6; James 3:19; Colossians 3:10.) Have we lost the image of God? How has God restored the image? (Galatians 3:27-29) 

3. How would you counsel someone struggling to see the value and purpose of their life? (See Psalm 139:13-16; Exodus 20:13; Ephesians 2:10.) 

4. What do all of these Scriptures tell us about God? What do they tell us about ourselves and the world we live in? 

5. Were there any thoughts that resonated with you during last weekend’s message? How does the Gospel change someone’s view of life, it’s value, and how we are meant to cherish it? (See John 3:16, 10:10.) 

6. As a result of today’s time in God’s Word, how has your view of life changed? How can you live out this truth this week? 

For Families with Kids

1. Read and pray Psalm 139 together as a family.

2. When the Bible tells us that God knows every detail about us, does that give comfort or cause worry? Why? How does it influence the way you think about yourself? 

3. If God knows our every thought, why do you think prayer is still important?

4. What are a few specific things from Psalm 139 that give you peace? List them together as a family.

5. Read v14 again, memorize it for the week as a family, write it down on several post-its for everyone in your home, and put them on your bathroom/bedroom mirrors.