Contact: Rev. Jim McGarvey, 954-235-3482

FORT LAUDERDALE, March 29, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Speaking at the Rally For Religious Freedom last Friday, pro-life advocate Rev. Jim McGarvey of Church for Life, told the crowd, "...two Biblical mandates...should guide our prayers and response" to the Obama administration's recent Health and Human Services mandate.

"First, the Church must begin by repenting of its own sin." In Peter's words, "It is time for judgment to begin with God's household."

According to a recent report from the National Association of Evangelicals, "Eighty percent of unmarried evangelicals between the ages of 18 and 29 have had sex. That's 4 out of 5...' ("Insight", Spring 2012)

He called the Church to repent of its complicity with abortion. "One study found that 43% of women having abortions identify themselves as Protestant and 27% as Roman Catholic. (AGI 'In Brief' 2008) That's 70% of all abortions."

"The healing of our land depends more on the Church repenting, than anything anyone else can do," he said. "I almost hesitate to cite 2 Chronicles 7:13,14 because it is so often quoted...it could very well be the most under-practiced quoted Scripture in the Bible."

"No mention of the sins of politicians, judges or others in authority," he said, "No, it's, 'if my people' -- that's us. That's where we must begin. Our repentant prayer will unlock the outpouring of God's healing upon our land."

Secondly, based on Paul's words (1 Timothy 2:1-6), "we must involve ourselves in intercession for President Obama and those who govern us." He continued, "Have you ever wondered why the command to pray for those in authority is followed by a clear declaration of the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God...Could it be that God wants to change the heart of those who serve Him in government and bring revival to our land -- in response to our humility, repentance, and obedience in prayer?"

"I ask you, to join me in taking a stand for religious freedom. But may it be from a posture of bowing in humility and repentance before God, first of all me, for my sin and you for yours, the sin of the Church and then the sin of our nation."

You can read the full text of Pastor McGarvey's message at www.churchforlife.blogspot.com Church for Life: Serving the Church in its response to America's abortion crisis.