Friday, October 26, 2012

Why We Should Vote in Elections

By Pastor Bruce Oyen and Pastor David Brumbelow

    It is late October, 2012. That means we soon will decide if we keep our current President for another term, or if we get a new one. I certainly hope we get a new one with conservative moral and political views.
    Here in the USA we have the privilege of voting for our leaders, in contrast to many other countries of the world. The following excellent article (in red) is by a Southern Baptist pastor, David R. Brumbelow. It was taken from his blog spot, which is a good resource for thought-provoking articles on Bible-related subjects. Here is a link to Pastor Brumbelow's blog spot: http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/

Why Should I Vote?
David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, October 24, AD 2012

We have a responsibility to be good citizens. We should do what we can to make this country a better place in which to live. As Christians we are to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s (the state), and to God the things that are God’s” -Mark 12:17.

Scripture tells us to be respectful to the governmental authorities: Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17.

In a democracy informed voting can make a real difference for the better.
What if I don’t agree with either of the candidates?
Rarely will you agree on every detail. Ask who is the closest to what you believe on the major issues of the day. Frankly, sometimes we have to vote for the lesser of two evils.
Where can I get information on the issues & candidates?
Newspapers, local & world news broadcasts, magazines such as WORLD (
worldmag.com), Southern Baptist Texan (texanonline.net).

Ask those you respect about the issues.

Internet sources include:
ivotevalues.com; bpnews.net
Is voting important?
 Yes. In the early days of our country by one vote it was determined that we would speak English instead of German.  Two men became U.S. president by one vote. They failed to receive a majority of electoral votes, so it was determined in the House  of Representatives where they each won by just one vote.Those presidents were Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams. Every vote matters. Even if you lose, you have done the right thing. Let’s do the right thing in the right way, and leave the results to God.
What exactly should I do?
1. Register to vote at least 30 days before the election.

2. Be informed about the candidates and the issues.

3. Pray.

4. Vote your convictions.

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote . . . that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.” -Samuel Adams, one of the founding fathers of our country.

“The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” -Edmund Burke, British Statesman

"I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman.” -Evangelist Billy Graham, christianpost.com; 2012.


   

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