Telos Life

Life: Does God Love Transgender People? by Anchored North

About

The interview might make some extremely uncomfortable however regardless of the topic in life, it needs to be addressed especially how God addresses it naturally and spiritually with his word and the Gospel. The gal on the left used to be transgender and has since learned what God wanted for her life and the interview is sharing that, especially what she says at the end (c.f. minute 23:33).

Anchored North Description

“A trans person/social entrepreneur and an ex-trans person/Christian came together to see if they could discuss the transgender experience and spirituality with authenticity, love, and truthfulness. Can they overcome the stigma and speak to one another with understanding?“

Life: From Growing Up Christian, to New Age, to $40,000 Business Monthly Revenue, to Jesus by Anchored North

About

Steven shares how he grew up in the church, attending a Christian school, doubting, pursuing new age beliefs including aliens, spirituality, universalism, and repenting to trust in Christ with his life and living through the ramifications.

Anchored North Description:

In high school, Steven Bancarz became obsessively curious about New Age spirituality. It wasn’t long before he was immersed in practicing meditation, lucid dreaming, and astral projection. His consciousness was awakening unlike ever before. To help others find enlightenment, he built a website called Spirit Science and Metaphysics. The platform was a huge success, and it earned him an average of $40,000 per month in ad revenue. Suddenly, he had the most profound spiritual encounter imaginable. In this beautiful and terrifying moment, he finally gained true knowledge about people, God, human emotions, and himself.

Life: Dr. Kathi Aultman's Conversion Story: From Abortion Provider to Pro-Life Advocate from Pro-Life Utah [VIDEO]

Here’s some quotes from the video:

I 'm Dr. Kathi Aultman.

00:03

I am a retired OBGYN, and I used to be an abortionist.

00:09

And I'd like to tell you the story of how I went from being someone who aborted babies

00:15

to someone who now tries to save babies.

00:19

After college I took a year off to make money to go to medical school.

00:25

During that time I met my future husband and I got pregnant.

00:29

And decided that abortion was the best option for me.

00:34

Later I regretted that decision, but at the time, I thought that was the best thing I

00:38

should do.

00:40

When I entered medical school, I truly believed that abortion was a woman's right to choose,

00:49

and I was very adamant about it.

00:51

I wanted to help women.

00:54

During my training, I learned how to do D&C; with suction abortions, and then I sought

01:07

out extra training to be able to do D&E; abortions, or dismemberment abortions.

01:22

After getting my medical license I was able to start moonlighting doing abortions at a

01:28

clinic in a nearby city.

01:30

I got pregnant during the last year of my residency, and during that time, I still continued

01:38

to do abortions.

01:40

And really didn't have any qualms about it.

01:43

I felt that my baby was wanted, their babies were not, I didn't see any problem with that.

01:50

What did change my mind, was when I went back to the clinic after delivering my baby.

01:58

I ran into three patients that changed my life.

02:02

With the first patient, I realized that I had done three of her previous abortions.

02:09

And when I objected, and didn't want to do it, staff told me that I didn't have that

02:14

right.

02:15

That it was her right to choose.

02:17

Even if she wanted to use abortion as her birth control.

02:20

She had the abortion, I talked to her there afterwards.

02:23

She still did not want to use birth control.

02:26

And wanted to use abortion as her backup.

02:28

The second patient came in with a friend.

02:31

And oftentimes the patients did want to see the tissue.

02:36

The friend asked her, "Do you want to see the tissue?"

02:39

And she snapped at her and said, "I don't want to see it, I just want to kill it."

02:45

And I wanted to say, "What did this baby ever do to you?"

02:49

The last patient had four children already, and she and her husband felt that they just

03:00

couldn't afford another child.

03:03

So, she cried throughout the whole time at the clinic.

03:08

It just broke my heart.

03:10

It was at that point that somehow, I made the baby/fetus connection.

03:18

And the fact that the baby was not wanted, was no longer enough for me to do the abortion.

03:25

I never did another abortion.

03:30

The only time I had any qualms other than that, was when I did my neonatal intensive

03:35

care unit rotation.

03:38

And I realized that some of the babies I was trying to save, were the same gestation as

03:45

babies that I had aborted.

03:47

The problem is, that I still believed that a women had the right to choose abortion.

03:53

I still believed in abortion.

03:56

And I still referred patients for an abortion.

04:00

As I began my practice though, I noticed that there were women who kept their unwanted pregnancies,

04:11

even very young girls, and they seemed to do fine.

04:16

And then I was seeing other women who had abortions, who were coming in with psychological

04:23

problems, and being extremely distressed.

04:26

I was also seeing complications of abortion.

04:31

And this didn't jive with the feminist rhetoric that I had so closely embraced.

04:38

So I began to be a little uncomfortable.

04:44

What finally changed me, was a very loving friend gave me an article.

04:51

Said, "Would you consider reading this?

04:53

I know what your position on abortion is, but could you just read this?"

04:57

It was an article that compared abortion to the Holocaust.

05:04

Suddenly I realized that I was no different from the German doctors who did horrible experiments

05:11

on people.

05:12

Or the Nazis who exterminated so many.

05:15

I suddenly understood why they could do what they did.

05:19

Because, I could do what I did.

05:21

I did not see the fetus as a human being.

05:25

Just like the Germans did not see the Jews as human beings.

05:30

When you don't see someone as human, you can do whatever you want to them, and not feel

05:34

bad about it.

05:36

That was the point where I became pro-life.

05:40

And after that, it took a lot of prayer, and a lot of counseling, for me to get past the

05:51

fact that I was basically a mass murderer.

05:54

And to get over the fact that I had aborted my own child, as well as so many others.

06:01

You know, I always love to meet people that I delivered.

06:07

But it's bittersweet, because I know there are so many that I will never meet, because

06:13

I aborted them.

06:16

The thing to remember, is that although we can't see who these little people are, they

06:24

ARE people.

06:25

They're still in the womb, but they are people.

06:30

And we don't know what they are going to be, or who they are going to become.

06:36

But we need to give them a chance.

Life: Foster and Adoption Stories

About

The stories speak for themselves, especially as love in real life is key factor among one of life’s most difficult situations. Below are links and information sharing foster and adoption stories. Not all stories will be full of success, as many continue with great difficulties. But love doesn’t see something as success or failure, rather, becomes the engine to fight for the good in people’s lives. Love originates with the world’s Creator God, who fights for this world with truth and love that transforms hearts and lives to do his will. One final day will be reunion of all families who have trusted in him coming together as his in heaven. Until then, this is a taste of that day and his presence — his love for people.


Ohio, America


New York, America

Man fosters over 30 kids and adopts 12, recently 5 siblings.

https://fox61.com/2019/10/18/western-new-york-man-adopts-5-siblings-so-they-can-stay-together/

Life: Botham Jean's Brother Forgives, Embraces Amber Guyger [VIDEO]

This new’s video is regarding the court case ending of Dallas, TX officer Amber Guyger accidentally shot Botham Jean in his own apartment thinking it was her apartment returning home from work. Botham Jean’s brother takes the stand testifying to forgiveness and turning to Jesus in what he desires for Amber Guyger. He asks to hug her, and with even the judge rightly tearful, she permits. What a genuine example of grace and mercy from the gospel.

Life: "We Need to Value Truth" - John Cooper Interview with CBN News [VIDEO]

Thank you John Cooper for sharing your Facebook post posing and answering the question, “What is happening in Christianity?” The above interview is also helpful and inspiring as you advocate merely what is Christian — God, the gospel, his word, etc. John Cooper even shares how he’s involved in a church, listening to pastors, reading God’s word, etc. What an encouragement to hear, especially from a musician.

Life: Atheist, Skeptic, and Cynic turned Christian - The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

About

Strobel provides great research and resources about Jesus and Christianity within this sermon in 2018. By providing and explaining the his background as well the background of Jesus, you are led as a ‘juror’ to make an informed decision. The point? Jesus. Trust him.

Telos

Even so, Lee’s sermon also helps explain “telos.”

At 33:10, Strobel captures that when God became his telos, his life changed. Prior to that point, his telos was godless. A genuine faith is not merely the believing and receiving, but believing and receiving the “who” and the “who” became his telos.

Sidenote

The term “atheist” throughout the Roman empire history during and after Jesus meant one who denied their “theists” (gods). So, Christians were known as atheists from the Roman perspective. Our current time and culture uses the term atheist in various ways, and how Lee is using the term is from his perspective in being “a”gainst all gods, especially the one of Christianity.

Life: The Inspirational Epicenter of Francine Rivers' Life and Authorship

What an incredibly helpful Christian and Christian author!

Listening to Francine Rivers as well as reading her books provides genuine and inspirational insight into how God works to bring people to trust him and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Francine retells her life story through this helpful Q and A, including growing up in a churchy household, rejecting anything religious while in college, going through abortion, college education, struggling marriage, and ultimately coming to learn of God and the gospel through relationships in their NorCal neighborhood and church community.

One can learn much through just this interview on when God affects the heart he then also aims and aligns their life. God then is the epicenter with ripple effects of others tasting of his goodness.

Per her recounting of the move back to Northern California from Southern California, I am thankful for God using a church community, two households, and one pesky eight year old boy wanting to help move in his new neighbors! God is good!

She mentions her first book after becoming a Christian, Redeeming Love, which is based on the Bible’s Old Testament book of Hosea — about God’s love for his spiritually adulteress people metaphored through sending a prophet (Hosea) to love a prostitute.

Education: The Brutally Honest High School Valedictorian's Graduation Speech About the Telos of Life

Hear Kyle reference goals, relationships, purpose, priorities, generosity, etc., as he rightly learns and shares that when God is our telos, there’s ripple effects into our life related to money, relationships, education, jobs and careers, failures and successes, and so on. God is to be the epicenter of our life, as we walk and live beloved by him to love him and others in return.

And so, what a great speech with the theme of telos (goal, aim, completion) woven throughout, especially in light of real life! Maybe the only tweak to the speech is that your “launch into life” was when conceived and born, not merely at graduation! Ha! :) But, thank you for learning, and learning the correct lessons in life — especially the most important lesson in trusting your life to God through the person and work of Jesus and all of the effects that has on life like relationships, jobs, etc.

Life: Transforming Your Life by Renewing Your Mind by Dr. Brian Morley

About

Dr. Brian Morley, philosophy professor at The Master’s University, preaches through a common, human issue in dealing with pain and evil of whether God is real and even good. Listen to the below audio link from the Pine Mountain Bible Church website with the sermon entitled “Transforming Your Life by Renewing Your Mind” Dr. Morley shares of his personal struggles and realities throughout his life journey as well as his wife’s medical diagnosis of M.S. From the workplace and relationships to physical ailments, life can be incredibly difficult; but God has something for us to learn and change through it all.

Life: If God is Good, Why is there Pain and Evil? - Dr. Brian Morley

About

Dr. Brian Morley, philosophy professor at The Master’s University, preaches through a common, human issue in dealing with pain and evil of whether God is real and even good. Listen to the below audio link from the Pine Mountain Bible Church website with the sermon entitled “If God is Good, Why is there Pain and Evil?” Dr. Morley begins with a helpful and real story about God’s existence, and then at minute 38:45-39, Dr. Morley rightfully summarizes how God transforms our perspective in life, and provides specific Bible verses in the last few minutes regarding results of life decisions, good and bad.

Life: Why I Am a Christian and No Longer Atheist

David shares his life story from childhood to adulthood, which include a crazy and chaotic journey that including thinking ants ruled the world to serving jail time because he tried to kill his dad with a hammer. David highlights how he went from atheist to Christian, even after living for years with the sincere belief God does not exist and humanity is free to live however they want.

Some who have had similar questions about God and life may find his story helpful. Some who find similar examples like them may find this relatable. Some struggling with their own issues and baggage thinking they are the only one may find this the video testimony helpful as David shares various stories, thought process, issues, reasons, and people involved in his life. Some who think God does not exist and have a litany of arguments while giving up in finding the answer may find this helpful.

David films the video testimony within the context of New York, using the subway and the other background as a metaphor to his life journey. One may initially be concerned for his safety as he walks down stairs backwards and alongside the train without looking; however, he mastered the simple video and getting his point across to his audience. Later in the video, he shares his final conclusion in believing in God after rejecting him. He also shares a C.S. Lewis quote and Bible passage to describe ‘true freedom’ in this life.

“True freedom is not having this inclination or desire to turn away from our Creator.“

“I felt like I had been fighting.“

“I finally felt at rest.”

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” - C.S. Lewis

“I stand on the words of the one (Jesus) who rose from the dead as there’s no other place to stand.”

“The Apostle Paul tried to annihilate Christianity.”

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” — Paul in the Bible passage of 1 Timothy 1:12–17 NIV

Life: A Hard Life Redeemed for God's Purposes

Over 50 years, Mrs. Joni Eareskson Tada has lived a hard life while learning God. She discovered that God is more concerned for the health of our soul and spirit than he is our physical well-being on earth. Meaning, since Genesis 3, the world has been broken, filled with difficulties, suffering, and sin. God surely does not want any suffering for any now or later. But, he has been working out his plan to redeem his created people before he makes all things anew. For now, the gospel of Jesus the Christ redeems and reconciles people to God now and forever, and one of the countless effects is the ability for local churches and the overall Christian church to engage, relate, and love one another — including those with physical disabilities.

Joni brings to bear on listeners the endearing and enduring word of God to stabilize and encourage anyone of us to live a hard life in a redeemed way for God’s purposes. Her opening words are sown throughout her message and great challenge to pastors at the end. Let God’s gospel bless the poor in spirit and create a truth-filled love for others — regardless of their similarities or differences. The single unifying factor for the church is God and God alone, who loves and redeems his creation for his purposes that we are allowed to participate in — even if that means suffering.

Life: American Deception and Genocide of Generations

Life: American Deception and Genocide of Generations

The below video reveals a discussion hosted by Amelia Bono and several kids about the topic of abortion, mainly in the American context which has been a debate raged on from the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade to allow abortion (murder of babies inside the mother’s womb at any time before birth). Since then, groups have formed and normally understood as pro-choice (for abortion) and pro-life (against abortion). The video along with several issues is part of Bono’s attempt to bring a personal, heavy experience comfortably into the mainstream life of culture that bears and bares influence on the next generations. The video conveys — through the aesthetics, including smiles, music, and lighthearted discussions — a permissibility to talk about abortion and for one to conclude that abortion is good, compassionate, easy, whimsical, and part of God’s plan.

Plainly, this is horrific, awful, and evil.

Life: Detailed Abortion and Planned Parenthood Story from a Mom, Abby Johnson

Life: Detailed Abortion and Planned Parenthood Story from a Mom, Abby Johnson

Abby Johnson, a mom and now former director to a Texas Planned Parenthood Clinic, retells her story through her book, below video interviews, and the Unplanned Movie in Spring 2019. Her story reveals the truth about abortion, Planned Parenthood, motherhood, babies, pregnancy, and sharing the truth to others. She shares about her life before and after her own abortion in 2000, even though her parents and church community had been pro life (i.e. against abortion). Abby provides helpful insight into the thinking, emotions, the unknowns, deception, pain, suffering, forgiveness, and grace. Her story provides a real look at the historical impact on our present time of the United States Roe v. Wade court decision in 1973 permitting the states protection of women to decide in aborting their baby within the three trimesters of pregnancy.

Life: A Cautionary Story of a 'Christian' Living Contradictory

As described by and from Apologia Studios and Jeff Durbin:
”This is the story of Jeff Durbin. Ninja Turtle. Johnny Cage. Nightwolf. MTV Television-series' Star. Video Game Character. Martial Arts Master. Drunk. Addict. Idolater. This is the story in which God, the author, turns darkness to light and redeems everything. If this moved you, please, consider sharing it. For more, go to apologiaradio.com.”

Jeff describes throughout the video about his growing up years, Karate and Martial Arts, work and business ownership, accomplishments, marriage and family, and what led him to trust in Christ Jesus and his good news to the world.

Jeff opens up about his ‘teenage’ years as well as learning about God, church, the Bible, and a seemingly ‘Christian conversion experience’ to then live later on in a contradictory life vs. a genuinely changed, Christian life — humbled and broken before God and entrusting him with the entirety of one’s life.

God loves us, and he works in and on us to live for him — now and forever.

Life: The Intense Story of a Drug and Alcohol User's Overdose

Life: The Intense Story of a Drug and Alcohol User's Overdose

Anchored North shares another film of one’s life story coming to trust in Jesus to live as a Christian — changing into a different person. Anchored North has produced several films so far, and in this film entitled “The Overdose: The Unbelievable Story of an Ecstasy User,” Jeff (now a Christian preacher and pastor), shares about his life before coming to know and trust God, and the details are intense and unbelievable. Jeff grew up in Japan and worked in the martial arts world which included his work for the Ninja Turtles Franchise.

Jeff reveals how he left his wife and family (even new born son) in pursuing more alcohol, cocaine, and ecstasy use. Jeff mentions that the amount of drugs and alcohol increased as seemingly small amounts were like ‘a cup of coffee.’ A trip to Las Vegas and an awful night of drug abuse almost killed him. He prayed to God to heal his overheating body while he was soaking in an ice bath, and in a moment, he also though about giving up. Within a moment of time, the heat went away and his life spared. However, as Jeff says, his life still did not change, and he went back to using.