"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV) This past Memorial Day many people thought about the huge sacrifices that were made in the past and the blood that is being shed now in the defense of freedom that American`s often take for granted. Major newspapers recently reminded readers about the number of battlefield deaths that have gone on in the various wars since the founding of America. The numbers are staggering.
However, to hear about one person dying so that we can live in freedom is something that should deeply touch our hearts. When we consider the life of one member of the Armed Forces and then think about this person's life being cut short we should pause and consider what freedoms we regularly enjoy because of this person`s death.
We would all do ourselves and loved ones a major service if we revisited what we previously learned about our amazing Constitution and especially the first ten amendments that we call our Bill of Rights. Our forefathers considered these amendments as necessary for our young country to survive and prosper as a nation. Without spelling out these guarantees, there was the danger that our people would have reverted to an autocratic central form of government like the old British Empire.
Just in case, you may have forgotten the language of the Bill of Rights, so listing them here is one way for you to have easy access to this valuable information. When one brave American declared, "Give me liberty or give me death," he no doubt had some or all of these rights in mind.
Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII: In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
As a citizen of the United States and a follower of Jesus Christ, I have the right to tell you that Christ died for your sins on a Roman cross outside Jerusalem. Furthermore, you can have eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and obeying him in repentance, baptism and living as a faithful disciple of Christ. You have the right to accept or reject the invitation of Christ for eternal salvation. I hope you will accept God`s offer of love for your soul. If you refuse to become a Christian, we are still fellow citizens of a nation founded by God-fearing and wise people.
You are invited to the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Please write us with any questions or comments. David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. |
