Be warned, your toes may experience some crushing.
by Nathan A. Cherry, 04/02/2012

John Jay - First Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court

I have been working to find a way to adequately express my thoughts on the Christian’s civic duty as it relates to political involvement; as well as the pastor’s as a leader within his church. While I will continue to work on my own writing I simply cannot allow an article such as this one slip by without asking you to read it.

This article so clearly states the narrative that I, and the Family Policy Council of West Virginia seek to advance that I cannot urge you strongly enough to take a few moments and read it. Truly we are at a point in history when we need men and women prepared “for such a time as this” to boldly speak from their pulpits, their radio’s and their computers the truth that is so desperately needed within our political discourse.

Where have all the bold pastors gone?

Dr. Jerry Newcombe

During this election season, the issue of religion has come up on many occasions. But for the most part, we haven’t heard from many pastors — except, for example, from the brave priest from Indiana, with his denunciation against the Obama administration’s move to force Catholic agencies to fund contraceptives and abortifacients against their consciences.

Another outspoken minister has been Dr. Robert Jeffress of Dallas, who was castigated about half a year ago for stating he preferred a Christian politician to a Mormon one. He was simply quoting founding father John Jay, first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, who said, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers” (October 12, 1816). First Chief Justice or not, one of only three authors of The Federalist Papers or no — that’s too politically correct to say nowadays.

Many of the controversial issues of our day, such as abortion and marriage, have become political. But in reality, they are simply moral issues that have changed into political ones.

Read the rest of this entry »

by Nathan A. Cherry, 01/27/2012

Martinsburg, WV – As a die-hard New England Patriots fan I am accustomed to being the only one rooting for my team. As with other great dynasties, if you are not a fan you have no trouble rooting against the dominating team. One team I have never been a fan of is the Denver Broncos. It is easy for me to root against them and enjoy watching them lose. Until recently…

I have to admit that I am an unashamed Tim Tebow fan. I love his competitive spirit and never-give-up attitude. But most of all I love how he refuses to separate his faith from his public life as a football player. He is a Christian first and a football player second. He boldly shares his faith whether he wins or loses and does so without apology. Even when the critics bash him – for his faith or his football – he smiles and gives all the glory and credit to his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

So when the Broncos beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first play of overtime during their first playoff game this year I was jumping and screaming like a crazy man. Then it hit me, they were headed to New England for a round two matchup that would be epic. And I was okay with that because either my team would win, or Tim Tebow would continue to write a Cinderella story that God is authoring in the life of this bold Christian.

And while some people would eagerly claim that Tebow has had no effect on the NFL and his lasting legacy would not be one very well remembered, such a claim, for me, came crashing down during the Patriots/Broncos game when I saw a commercial of a bunch of kids reciting John 3:16. I can’t begin to share all the amazing things about this video and the fact that it aired on national television during one of the most watched games of the entire year. (For more coverage on this amazing story please see this article or this one.)

But when cirtics of Tebow and his faith start railing against this young man that simply desires to live out his faith in a real way I get a little hot under the collar. The fact is, this is what we all should be doing, boldly sharing our faith with anyone and everyone that will listen. And just in case you think it doesn’t make a difference take a look at these quotes Focus on the Family received as a result of the commercial:

“Both my sons just saw your commercial and gave their lives to Christ as a result…Thank you. #John316.”

Similarly, another woman said:

“Thanks for running the John 3:16 ad during the Broncos/Patriots game. My husband is not a believer, but he was so taken by those precious kids that he became emotional watching it. Thanks for reaching out in such a warm, compassionate way.”

The religious freedom we enjoy today is a direct result of bold Christians that fought for the right to express their faith in every facet of their life, public and private. Tim Tebow is merely a visual reminder of how every Christian should be living out their faith. That visual reminder is threatening to those that oppose religious liberty and the religious convictions that many Americans hold dearly.

In a world where liberals and atheists are seeking to remove all mention of God from the public sector – like schools, sports leagues, clubs and the work place – Tim Tebow is a threat. His boldness is inspiring millions to exercise their faith and that just won’t do for religious suppressors.

Watch the video below and be inspired by one of the most famous verses in the Bible. But, be reminded of the fact that we as Christians are supposed to be “salt and light” in a dark world. Be reminded that we can’t be either if we suppress our convictions or allow threats to stifle the grace and truth that lives in us. (If the video doesn’t appear please refresh your browser).

As for Tebow’s impact on the NFL, when was the last time you saw the Bible read during primetime television? Enough said.

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