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« September 26, 2006 | September 26, 2006 | October 5, 2006 » Pastor's PagePosted on September 26, 2006 ...
One of the great blessings of our lives is the liberty we experience as Americans. Patriots have died, veterans have served, and even today brave military personnel are in harm?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s way defending and protecting the liberties we live under every day. The religious freedom we know allows us to worship and serve our God in the way we see as fitting and proper. Therefore, Christians should be among the most appreciative and active people to exercise good citizenship. One of the basic privileges we have as Americans is the right to vote. Voting is simply a matter of good stewardship under God. Yet, voter turnout is consistently disappointing. Simply put, failure to vote is a shame and dishonor to the ideals of democracy, to our founding fathers, and to the millions who have given their lives in defense of our country. Some research I have done indicates that Tennessee ranks at or near the bottom among all 50 states both in regards to eligible citizens registering to vote and in registered voters turning out to vote during elections. Are you registered to vote? Deadline for voter registration for the November election is October 6th. The ballot in Tennessee this year contains an important amendment to our state constitution that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. I pray that Christians will become knowledgeable about issues and then exercise the precious opportunity to vote their values. If you are not registered to vote, materials are available for you in the church office. In 2000, Tom Kirkpatrick, Adam Kirkpatrick's father, was dying of a terminal illness. With only a few days before leaving this world and going to heaven, Tom made the effort to get to the polling station during the early voting days and cast a ballot in the forthcoming election. I love that story because it tells of a man who truly understood the privilege of voting. Do you? This week, our students participated in the See You At the Pole prayer time at their schools. On Election Day, Christians should say, See You at the Poll as we prayerfully participate in this fundamental expression of liberty. - Jay |
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North Cleveland
Baptist Church · 2815 North Ocoee Street · Cleveland,
Tennessee 37312 · (423) 476-8524 |
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