Editor’s Note: I have held off on writing and publishing this post for as long as I can. I have watched many in the Christian Church along with many leaders with the loudest voices bow and “kowtow” to Donald Trump and many in his Administration. I can deal with politicians who do and say things to get reelected however I can no longer sit silent and watch the Church founded by my Savior Jesus Christ, who was the epitome of love in fact He is love, and fall for the lies and actions of a man and many who surround and support him who have shown no love for the most vulnerable among us.
The Church and many of the Church’s leaders look at two issues only, abortion, and same sex marriage. But that’s only two issues and even with these issues there is no consideration or love for the individuals that are involved. The love that Jesus demonstrated to the vulnerable is not evident. I can remain silent no longer
I also need to say a little about me before you call me a left wing liberal. I pastor a church that the Evangelicals would be proud of, and I would in most instances be labeled as a social moderate and a religious conservative.
Here's the real definition for an Evangelical. The word "evangelical" comes from the Greek "euangelion," meaning "good news" or "gospel." Therefore, at its heart, evangelicalism centers on the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Evangelicals have a high regard for the Bible as the authoritative Word of God; a focus on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross; the belief in the necessity of a "born-again" or conversion experience; and the desire to share the gospel through evangelism and social action.
Evangelicalism is rooted in core theological convictions about the Bible, Jesus Christ, and salvation. While political and social factors can influence how the term is used, they don't change its fundamental theological meaning.
One more point I need to make before you read the blog post is that I am not afraid of Donald Trump, the Justice Department, Evangelical leaders, or any other human being. So, trying to intimidate won’t work and it won’t silence me. Here is what Jesus said.
Matthew 10:26-31 NIV [26] “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. [27] What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. [28] Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. [30] And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (emphasis mine)
Donald Trump is not Savior or King
Lately, I've seen a trend that deeply troubles me: the "anointing" of Donald Trump with titles like "savior" and "king" within some in the Christian community. It's a collision of politics and faith that raises serious red flags, and frankly, we need to talk about it.
Let's cut to the chase: this isn't just a difference of political opinion. It's a potential hijacking of core Christian doctrines, and we can't afford to ignore it.
The Elephant in the Sanctuary
At the heart of this issue lies a dangerous distortion of fundamental Christian beliefs.
Christianity hinges on the belief that Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior and King. Scripture couldn't be clearer.
Acts 4:8-12 NIV [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! [9] If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, [10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [11] Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ [12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (emphasis mine)
So, when we apply those titles to a political figure we are in very dangerous territory. We are potentially putting a man in the place of God.
Yes, the Bible speaks of "anointing," but it's used in specific historical contexts, like for Old Testament kings and prophets and for Jesus. To take that concept and apply it to a 21st-century politician requires some incredibly careful theological footwork, and often, that nuance is missing. It is vital to recognize the differences in the historical context of the Old Testament, and the current political climate.
When our political allegiance trumps our devotion to God, we've crossed a dangerous line. That's idolatry, plain and simple. The blurring of faith and political ideology can lead to some very dark places.
Where is the discernment? We're called to think critically, to weigh all these claims against the whole of Scripture.
1 John 4:1-3 NIV [1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, [3] but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (emphasis mine)
Scripture Speaks, If We'll Listen
Let's not forget what the Bible actually says:
Matthew 22:21 NIV[21] “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
This is a clear separation of powers.
Romans 13:1-5 NIV [1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Respect authority, yes, but not worship it.
It is important to remember the many warnings against false prophets, and false messiahs.
A Plea for Integrity
This isn't about politics. It's about protecting the integrity of our faith. We cannot allow our devotion to Christ to be overshadowed by any political figure or ideology. I want to be clear that praying for our leaders is good. But elevating them to divine status is a dangerous game. Let's reclaim our discernment and keep our eyes fixed on the one true King who is Jesus not Donald Trump
The Church and many of the Church’s leaders look at two issues only, abortion, and same sex marriage. But that’s only two issues and even with these issues there is no consideration or love for the individuals that are involved. The love that Jesus demonstrated to the vulnerable is not evident. I can remain silent no longer
I also need to say a little about me before you call me a left wing liberal. I pastor a church that the Evangelicals would be proud of, and I would in most instances be labeled as a social moderate and a religious conservative.
Here's the real definition for an Evangelical. The word "evangelical" comes from the Greek "euangelion," meaning "good news" or "gospel." Therefore, at its heart, evangelicalism centers on the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Evangelicals have a high regard for the Bible as the authoritative Word of God; a focus on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross; the belief in the necessity of a "born-again" or conversion experience; and the desire to share the gospel through evangelism and social action.
Evangelicalism is rooted in core theological convictions about the Bible, Jesus Christ, and salvation. While political and social factors can influence how the term is used, they don't change its fundamental theological meaning.
One more point I need to make before you read the blog post is that I am not afraid of Donald Trump, the Justice Department, Evangelical leaders, or any other human being. So, trying to intimidate won’t work and it won’t silence me. Here is what Jesus said.
Matthew 10:26-31 NIV [26] “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. [27] What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. [28] Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. [30] And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (emphasis mine)
Donald Trump is not Savior or King
Lately, I've seen a trend that deeply troubles me: the "anointing" of Donald Trump with titles like "savior" and "king" within some in the Christian community. It's a collision of politics and faith that raises serious red flags, and frankly, we need to talk about it.
Let's cut to the chase: this isn't just a difference of political opinion. It's a potential hijacking of core Christian doctrines, and we can't afford to ignore it.
The Elephant in the Sanctuary
At the heart of this issue lies a dangerous distortion of fundamental Christian beliefs.
Christianity hinges on the belief that Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior and King. Scripture couldn't be clearer.
Acts 4:8-12 NIV [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! [9] If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, [10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [11] Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ [12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (emphasis mine)
So, when we apply those titles to a political figure we are in very dangerous territory. We are potentially putting a man in the place of God.
Yes, the Bible speaks of "anointing," but it's used in specific historical contexts, like for Old Testament kings and prophets and for Jesus. To take that concept and apply it to a 21st-century politician requires some incredibly careful theological footwork, and often, that nuance is missing. It is vital to recognize the differences in the historical context of the Old Testament, and the current political climate.
When our political allegiance trumps our devotion to God, we've crossed a dangerous line. That's idolatry, plain and simple. The blurring of faith and political ideology can lead to some very dark places.
Where is the discernment? We're called to think critically, to weigh all these claims against the whole of Scripture.
1 John 4:1-3 NIV [1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, [3] but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (emphasis mine)
Scripture Speaks, If We'll Listen
Let's not forget what the Bible actually says:
Matthew 22:21 NIV[21] “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
This is a clear separation of powers.
Romans 13:1-5 NIV [1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Respect authority, yes, but not worship it.
It is important to remember the many warnings against false prophets, and false messiahs.
A Plea for Integrity
This isn't about politics. It's about protecting the integrity of our faith. We cannot allow our devotion to Christ to be overshadowed by any political figure or ideology. I want to be clear that praying for our leaders is good. But elevating them to divine status is a dangerous game. Let's reclaim our discernment and keep our eyes fixed on the one true King who is Jesus not Donald Trump
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