On a recent appearance this week on the Jim Bakker Show, Pastor Paula White, a member of President Trump’s evangelical advisory board, spoke of Trump’s appeal, how America is in a season of transition, and repeatedly shared that Trump is a Christian.
Catch the full show here; a show snippet can be viewed above.
While we are called to speak truth to power in love, our hearts are grieved by the loud, consistent, perverted use of the gospel of Jesus Christ to unequivocally endorse Trump without likewise holding him accountable for “anti-Christ” words and actions. The evangelical community grows more silent and complicit with each outrageous comment, tweet, and unjust policy of this administration – all while Bible-thumping many go-to verses below.
May we all have ears to hear – what’s the Spirit of Truth saying to the church?
Perspective vs. Truth
“God removes and sets up kings.”
“The powers that be are ordained by God…”
Truth. The Word of God declares in Daniel 2:21 that God removes and sets up kings. While the U.S. has a different type of governmental structure, where there are checks and balances that create a shared government power, the POTUS is the closest resemblance to a king, but without the iron fist of absolute power.
Nonetheless, as followers of Christ, we are to find ourselves subject to the authority of our government, as unto the Lord (Romans 13:1-2). We are also admonished to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:2) so that we will live not only peaceably – but in godliness and honesty. Simply put, Kingdom citizens are to be godly, law-abiding citizens with integrity here on earth.
Updated: My Pastor brings up an important point. If God sets up kings, Pastor White, and “fighting against the plan of God is fighting against the hand of God”, for how much does America have to repent for dethroning kings, presidents, and leaders of sovereign nations that “we” didn’t prefer, installing those “we” did? Who gave America the right to act as god over the hand of the Almighty God? Sadly, there’s probably another manipulation of scripture to justify America’s behavior.
“President Trump is a Christian. He loves prayer.”
Interesting. The word of God says that “with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). But, whose mouth?
Let’s be clear, I cannot confess salvation with MY mouth for you, and you cannot confess salvation with YOUR mouth for me. Likewise, neither can any evangelical confess Christ with their mouth for Trump. And, when you have a mouth that lies as much as Trump does, unapologetically, on the consistent – only God can judge whether the heart matches the words spoken. Or can we, also?
Matthew 7:15-20 tells us that good trees bear good fruit, and bad trees bear bad fruit. Simple, right? What Christian fruit does Trump bear? As the body of Christ, commanded to judge each other righteously, how should we judge Trump’s words and actions – “babe in Christ” or not? Salvation may start at the “sinner’s prayer”, but the work of conversion and obedience is another story.
It would serve evangelicals better to allow Trump to use HIS mouth to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and bear fruit that resembles one who follows the instruction, leading, and commandments of God.
“Principalities cannot control Trump because he surrounds himself with Christians.”
Really? Trump cannot control Trump – and he’s surrounded by Christians. So, are Christians surrounding territory already controlled by principalities? Are Christians “in the way” of Trump’s true salvation and deliverance – because he’s so pumped up by “God sets up kings”?
Lord help us in the day when the body of Christ is no longer salt and light. Let us not be a wall blocking others from seeing the Truth, or a veil that won’t let the fullness of Light in.
“Had God not divinely intervened through the Church, the Church in America would have been an underground church in 5 years.”
Pastor White’s perspective that God used the Church to place Trump in the White House and how that somehow “saved” the church from an underground existence invokes much thought. One, it explains why many evangelicals feel embolden to Trump – he was “God’s man to save the church’s religious freedom”. Two, the Church “putting Trump in position” breeds a false sense of pride and pseudo-arrogance that “WE were the history makers, WE ‘helped’ God make this happen.”
Has anyone read that the Church will be hated and suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12-13)? So, we take pride in a feat that delayed the inevitable? Is this an attempt to bring back the great “glory days” of western religious patriotism, while Trump empowers the sin of racism and white supremacy (unchecked by many evangelicals)? Will there come a time when evangelicals deny their support of Trump?
Yes, you can condemn and denounce the sin and disobedience of a “king” and still be in right order with God. Just ask Samuel (1 Samuel 15:23).
“America can’t be blessed killing babies… so Donald Trump…”
Just so we understand, Pastor White. Is abortion the big black sin of America – once it’s gone, we’ll be cleansed and free from bondage? Forget all the other killings in America – just focus on the unborn, because God has more respect for babies’ lives?
Do not be deceived, Team. All souls belong to God, and He cares equally about them no matter the “years of life”. And, while we’re condemning murder, don’t forget – those who hate are just as guilty as murderers (1 John 3:15).
“America, enlargement and deliverance is coming. America is in a season of transition.”
Into what? Prosperity or judgment? Blessings or payday for our sins?
Consider this. Could the raising up of President Trump be ordained by God to expose the hearts of His people? President Trump represents the very line of demarcation between submission to the HIGHEST power and submission to power. Let us not be confused – Jesus Christ sits higher than the one who sits in the Oval Office. The POTUS will have to answer to God, bow both knees, and confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord – whether Trump ever feels the need to repent or ask God for forgiveness.
“Our country… we want our Supreme Court to look like Neil Gorsuch… With 2 more appointees, we will be able to turnover demonic laws and decrees that have held this nation in captivity.”
Ok. Evangelicals, do you have an understanding that this country was founded on religious freedom – which means freedom OF and FROM religion? The atheist, Buddist, or Muslim has as many rights as a citizen in America as any Christian.
How long will the lies ring out that we are a “Christian nation”? Were those Christians, perhaps weak in the “thou shalt not kill, steal” department, who murdered native Americans and stole their land?
So, What’s the Play Call?
Examine where your heart is – for that is where your treasure lies (Matthew 6:21). Does your heart yearn for political power, money, and access on earth? Do you treasure love of country more than love of others – friends or foe?
Be sure that your heart conforms to the gospel of Jesus – not bending the gospel to conform to your heart. God help us.
