Appreciating God’s Design for the Human Body

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Appreciating God’s Design for the Human Body,” we’re exploring a familiar passage from the Old Testament. Psalm 139 expresses wonder at God’s creativity: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Our guest is best-selling author Philip Yancey, who shares how every aspect of the human body’s design points to the glory of God our Creator.

Did you know:

• Bone is the only hard material within the body. It’s more versatile than wood or steel in handling compression and forces of stretching. Bones are also perfectly proportioned – thick enough that they don’t break easily, but not so big and thick that they inhibit us from everyday activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs.
• Blood sustains every part of our bodies at every moment. Every one of the 40 trillion cells in our bodies is linked together by 5 to 6 quarts of blood traveling through 60,000 miles of vessels.
• On average, our lungs expand and contract around 17,000 times a day, ventilating enough air to fill a medium-size room or to blow up several thousand party balloons. Receptors throughout the body constantly monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to determine how much oxygen is needed. Our bodies are so dependent upon oxygen, that we can survive no longer than five to six minutes without it.

Philip encourages us to understand that the more we learn about our human bodies, the more we can appreciate God’s design for the “body of Christ” – each of us within the Christian community. Our creation in the image of God is one way He reveals His nature and character.

Hear my conversation with Philip Yancey on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Philip Yancey’s book (along with his co-author, the late Dr. Paul Brand) called Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. To make your pledge, or for more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Before I close, I want to mention Focus on the Family’s See Life 2021. Focus is combining the convenience of an online experience with the power of an in-person live event. This engaging pro-life initiative premiered across Focus on the Family’s websites and social media channels on Friday, July 16^th. Each Friday, another episode of See Life 2021 will debut, offering powerful testimonies from women and men whose lives have been impacted by abortion and practical information about the pro-life movement for families. Then, on Saturday, August 28^th, See Life 2021 will culminate with a LIVE celebration of life at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas-Fort Worth. We’d love to see you there! For details, visit FocusontheFamily.com/seelife.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: life July 27, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura