trump

IS POTUS DEMON-POSSESSED?

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Readers of this blog will know that I have prayed for Donald Trump’s salvation, and that he finds obedience to God’s will as prescribed in Scripture. I have, moreover, rendered myself incapable of casting judgment on his soul, noting that this is the purview of the Lord alone. Instead, I have endeavored to remain critical only of his malicious behavior. And I have speculated that the infatuation by his MAGA apologists is, in fact, a blinding by God – and a test for each of us of our own fidelity to the Lord. Only God knows if such speculation is valid.

But evidence is mounting that POTUS is not simply an unashamed and unrepentant sinner. Let’s be honest…we are long past the diagnosis of classic narcissism.  His relentless evil, hate, greed and self-exaltation can no longer simply be attributed to a debilitating mental disease. It seems far more probable that Trump is under a demonic influence.

In fact, it is quite likely, America, that the nation’s nuclear codes are controlled by a demon-possessed egomaniac.

I do not make this assertion lightly. I am exceedingly concerned that such a claim made with or without merit is one that the Lord will judge harshly. Consequently, I have prayed passionately for His guidance before putting it into the blogosphere.

The answer I receive repeatedly is this: “Speak, Tom. Donald Trump serves My purpose in testing those who claim obedience. Be strong in belief and use this time of tribulation to affirm My word. Illuminate hypocrisy and pray that those who look to Trump rather than Me to appease their fears will return to faith.”

I can do nothing myself, but I am blessed that the Lord may use me to illustrate His word and bring back the wayward.

Consider the behavioral parallels between POTUS and the characteristics attributed to malevolent spiritual forces described in the Bible:

  • Sowing Division and Discord: Satan seeks to separate man from God. He does so largely by separating man from man. It logically follows that Satan’s henchmen seek to do the same. Trump’s rhetoric, his tone and his lies are designed to foster division and hostility. What makes this especially demonic is his ambition to divide the CHURCH.
  • Deception and Falsehood: In verse 8:44 in the Gospel of John, Jesus calls the devil “the father of lies.” Scripture frequently associates deception with demonic inspiration. Trump’s lies are so self-serving, so pervasive and, to most, so blatantly false that he is assuredly under the influence of Satan – as, perhaps, are those who believe and perpetuate them.
  • Self-Exaltation: Biblical figures under malevolent influence frequently display persistent self-worship and a hopeless inability to accept responsibility for failure. Needless to say, POTUS’ unceasing boasts regarding his mental acuity, his physical fitness and declaration of unique capability (“I alone can fix it”) – despite all evidence to the contrary – provide testimony to such influence, as does his persistent propensity to shift blame for his poor decisions and outcomes. Most telling, Trump has exalted himself in social media to the status of God, a comparison only a servant of Satan would make.
  • Erratic and Volatile Speech: His verbal rants and middle-of-the-night social media posts excoriating anyone who does not bend the knee are not reflective of a man in control of his senses. That control apparently belongs to the evil one.
  • Mercilessness and Impenitence: Perhaps it is not entirely accurate to suggest POTUS is without mercy. After all, he has pardoned many who violently attacked our nation’s Capitol, who fund his campaign of retribution, and contribute to his personal and familial wealth. But God teaches us to extend mercy to our enemies. Trump’s behavior is the antithesis of such instruction as he seeks vengeance against all who defy him. And, like Satan, he repents of nothing.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

The great danger to our society, to our world, and to our church – is that we become so enamored with political power that placates our fears that we fail to recognize the evil associated with it. The Lord has equipped us for this struggle. He has graciously given us His word.

Of course, Scripture does not give us license to look into another person’s soul and pronounce a spiritual diagnosis, as barefaced as such judgment may seem. Could it be that what we are witnessing is simply the catastrophic consequence of unchecked pride, narcissism, greed, hatred and the corrupting influence of power?

I think not. I would argue that the evil perpetrated by the current administration is seeded by demonic influence. But Satan does not need to possess Donald Trump to accomplish destruction. He needs only to persuade millions of people who call themselves Christians to excuse lies, celebrate cruelty, embrace vengeance, worship power and place political loyalty above obedience to Christ.

That is where the real spiritual danger lies.

See also: TRUMP

“Expose Them!”: Scripture’s Teaching on the Works of Darkness

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“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

What constitutes the “unfruitful works of darkness?”

Adultery, perhaps? How about greed, idolatry and deceit? Hate and mercilessness must be in there as well, right? Pride? Impenitence?

I think the Apostle Paul has all of these in mind when he instructs believers NOT to participate in the sinful actions associated with spiritual darkness.

Will God’s wrath be displayed only towards those who “participate” in such behaviors…or will it be extended to those who enable, encourage and excuse them as well?

Certainly, we are ALL deserving of His ire. We all sin, selfishly and repeatedly. As Christians, however, our faith mandates that we acknowledge our sin, repent of it, and aspire not to repeat it.

The fact that our country is led by a man who revels in spiritual darkness cannot be argued. I will not judge his soul – that is the purview of the Lord alone. Similarly, I cannot pass judgment on the salvation of those who unapologetically enable, encourage and excuse his spiritual darkness. Like POTUS – and like me – they, too, will face judgment.

But scripture (Galatians 6:1) does command me to proactively and lovingly steer the brethren from the unfruitful works of darkness. Know, brothers and sisters, enabling, encouraging and excusing sin is itself sinful.

Perhaps many believe that since it is not them who seeks vengeance on adversaries or enriches themselves through political office that they are guiltless. Or that the lies they excuse and perpetuate are minor transgressions justified in the pursuit of their misguided morality. Maybe because they did not sign the executive orders cutting medical care and food assistance to the most vulnerable, they still consider themselves righteous.

But the question they must ask themselves: Will Christ judge me so when I stand before Him on the Bema Seat?

Let’s be clear: Scripture does not tell us to enable, encourage and excuse sin. IT COMMANDS US TO EXPOSE IT!

Unfortunately, many gullible Christians have been misled by the Franklin Grahams, the Paula Whites and the Robert Jeffresses of the world who seek not to shepherd their flocks to salvation, but instead mislead them in pursuit of riches and power. These are the false prophets who excuse POTUS for depicting himself as Jesus Christ, who position the administration’s political platform as a mandatory tenet of Christian theology, and applaud POTUS’ campaign of retribution.

Nary a word of exposure.

“Expose them” does not mean ignore, excuse or redefine evil. Rather, it means speaking truth, identifying sin for the evil it is, and living in obedience to God.

Jesus, of course, spent time with sinners, but He did not participate in their sin. Instead, He called them to repentance while teaching that they must leave their sin behind.

The Bible instructs Christians to neither participate in sin nor ignore it. Instead, they are to live as people of the light, allowing both their conduct and, when appropriate, their words to reveal the difference between God’s ways and the “unfruitful works of darkness.”

Let Us Not Become That Which We Condemn

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This is a difficult post to write. It requires every ounce of faith, grace and love that I can muster.

I typically find my posts incredibly therapeutic. As I bear witness to the disasters wrought by our POTUS, his administration and his MAGA acolytes, the need to vent often overwhelms me. My faith is tested, however, as I endeavor to exercise restraint in the judgment of behavior without the judgment of souls, the purview of which is the Lord’s alone.

Yet I see many who succumb to their anger and pass judgment on the salvation of POTUS and his enablers rather than their behavior – becoming hateful, slanderous, vengeful and merciless. In other words, they become the very thing we despise in Donald Trump. And just as he will be judged for his hypocrisy, so will we all.

So, I beseech you…let us not become that which we condemn. That is the very definition of hypocrisy.

Like all of us, Trump is a sinner. I cannot judge as to whether or not his sins are worse than my own, but I do pray for the Lord’s mercy – for myself, for POTUS, and for his apologists. Donald Trump needs our prayers. His enablers need our prayers. Jesus went to the cross for POTUS just as He did for each one of us. But Christ’s sacrifice is in vain if we fail to repent, to forgive, to obey, and to love.

Now, back to our regular programming…

A Biblical Perspective on Justice in Leadership

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“Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.”

Proverbs 28:5 contrasts two fundamentally divergent ways of seeing our world. There is the way of the disobedient to God – those who are morally incapable of recognizing true justice because their evil, self-centered desires distort their judgment. They are not only unable to be just; they are similarly incapable of humility, mercy, compassion and love.

Conversely, those who seek God are uniquely capable of understanding His justice because they see others through a lens forged in God’s character. His word not only defines justice, but teaches how it is to be carried out.

“You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall follow…” Deuteronomy 16:19-20a

The takeaway: Justice rejects favoritism. Justice despises corruption.

“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice.” Exodus 23:1-2

The takeaway: Truth and justice cannot be severed.

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

The takeaway: Justice is inseparable from gentleness, mercy and humility.

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1:17

The takeaway: Justice protects the poor, the oppressed and the vulnerable.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” Matthew 23:23

The takeaway: Proclamations of faith without justice is hypocrisy.

This proverb has profound implications for political leadership. One might argue, for instance, that the foremost obligation of government is to ensure justice for all. How should we assess the ability of our leaders to dispense justice in an upright and impartial manner?

Do they reject favoritism and corruption? Do they lie? Are they gentle, merciful and humble? Do they help the helpless? Do they profess faith but live in disobedience to God’s word?

Fundamentally, Proverbs 28:5 is a call to humility. Understanding justice begins not with political ideology but with obedience to the Lord—truth instead of falsehood, impartiality instead of favoritism, compassion instead of condemnation. Justice does not bend to power or personal loyalty. That standard applies equally to every political leader, every movement and every believer.

Faith Beyond Politics: Embracing Grace

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One of the paradoxes I see in today’s American church is this: many Christians who passionately identify with the MAGA movement are far more eager to control the culture than proclaim the gospel. They fight political battles with relentless energy, convinced that America must be forced back to their false biblical morality. But this raises an uncomfortable question: if one truly trusts in Christ for his salvation, why is he so fearful that faith depends upon winning political power?

The NT presents a very different picture of the Christian life. Jesus never instructed His followers to seize control of governments or compel unbelievers to behave like Christians. Instead, He commanded His disciples to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, care for the poor, welcome the stranger, and faithfully proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom.

Salvation rests in Christ—not in elections, legislation, or cultural dominance.

When so-called believers wield faith to enable false leaders who unrepentantly behave in opposition to God’s will, they send the message that Christianity is primarily about power rather than grace. Anger replaces compassion. Condemnation replaces mercy. Political victories become more important than transformed hearts.

Such hypocrisy undermines the Lord’s Great Commission. Many non-Christians reject the church before they have even heard the gospel. They do not see people whose confidence rests in Christ. They don’t see grace. They don’t see mercy. They don’t see humility. They don’t see love. Instead, they see fear, outrage, and hostility directed toward those who think or live differently.

If we genuinely believe that Jesus has conquered sin and death, we should not be driven by panic or fear. Confidence in salvation produces humility because we recognize that we ourselves are saved by grace, not by moral superiority. It produces patience because God’s kingdom advances through changed hearts, not coercion. It produces love because Christ loved us while we were still sinners.

None of this means Christians should abandon moral convictions or withdraw from public life. We should stand for truth. But Scripture consistently teaches that truth must be spoken in love. When political identity overshadows our identity in Christ, we risk becoming disciples of a movement rather than disciples of Jesus.

Every Christian should ask themselves a difficult question: Does my life make people more curious about Jesus, or more convinced that Christianity is simply another political tribe?

If our words and actions consistently communicate anger, contempt, and fear, perhaps the issue is not the state of the culture. Perhaps it is whether we truly trust the Savior we claim to follow.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

MAGA: Have You Read the 9th Commandment?

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“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16

While the Ninth Commandment is sometimes narrowly interpreted as prohibiting lying in court, the broader biblical context illustrates its intended condemnation of all forms of falsehood, slander, misrepresentation and unjust testimony that injure others.

Exodus 23 makes this fact indisputable. Verses 1 and 2 amplify the chapter’s theme:

“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice.”

These verses expand the relevance of the Ninth Commandment far beyond personal honesty. They bring condemnation of falsity and its purposeful proliferation – into the realm of public life, politics and social movements.

You, MAGA, have “joined hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.” You, MAGA, have purposefully proliferated the nonstop falsehoods that spew from your demigod’s mouth 24/7. You, MAGA, have not offered correction or pushback. Instead, you double-down on deceit because it fits your false narrative about what is moral and what is not.

Let’s be clear: your leader is NOT a moral man. Perhaps that does not matter to you since you applaud him for lowering your taxes by pulling SNAP benefits from the hungry and medical care from the sick. But your sycophantic acceptance and propagation of his self-serving lies put you in direct violation of the Ninth Commandment.

What lies, you ask? Really? Fact checkers estimate that he fabricated more than 30,000 “facts” in his first term alone. It seems he has made at least that many in the past three months regarding the war in Iran. But as a reminder, here are some whoppers:

  • The 2020 election was stolen
  • Obama was not born in the US
  • Mexico would pay for the border wall
  • He would end the Ukraine-Russian conflict within 24 hours
  • “I know nothing about Project 2025”
  • He didn’t pay off Stormy Daniels
  • “I had the largest inauguration crowd ever”
  • No new wars

Obedience to God’s command for truth does not simply mean that we should not invent lies. Equally malevolent in His eyes is the spreading of lies.

Or, perhaps you are just an apologist for POTUS’ falsehoods. That makes you an enabler. And if you are a Christian, it also makes you a hypocrite. Scripture is clear: the Lord hates hypocrisy.

But the deceit you enable and perpetuate does not merely damage reputations and put your salvation at risk; it corrupts entire systems of justice and governance. When leaders, citizens, media figures or activists knowingly spread falsehoods, trust erodes and justice becomes harder to achieve.

Viewed through Exodus 23, the Ninth Commandment is not simply a prohibition against lying. It is a call to reject misinformation, resist groupthink, avoid false accusations, and pursue justice by remaining faithful to the truth—even when the truth is inconvenient to your preferred political cause.

Blocking the Door to God’s Kingdom

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“Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” Luke 11:52

Just as the pharisees and scribes were entrusted with teaching God’s word to Israel, Christian pastors are similarly obliged to lead their flocks to knowledge of and obedience to God’s truth, opening the door to His kingdom. Yet, like the pharisees, some MAGA pastors bury that truth beneath hypocrisy, self-serving interpretations and false teaching that hide “the key to knowledge” and hinder those who seek to enter.

Jesus’ rebuke of the pharisees is equally pertinent to the false religious leaders of today, specifically those that:

  • Teach doctrines that contradict scripture – such as vengeance is often warranted, mercy is optional and love is conditional.
  • Encourage partisan loyalties over faithfulness to Christ.
  • Neglect justice, mercy, compassion and love.
  • Use spiritual authority to protect money and power rather than serve.
  • Celebrate and empower would-be kings who behave antithetically to God’s word.

Jesus accuses the pharisees of rejecting God’s conspicuous truth – blinded by their own self-absorption. They had the scriptures that pointed to the Messiah but refused to recognize Him.

Again, like the pharisees, the false religious teachers possess biblical knowledge but lack genuine faith and obedience to God. Rather, their faith and obedience are tied to the political entities that can enrich and glorify them. Consequently, these leaders fail in their obligation to open the door to the kingdom of God. They effectively block the doorway instead.

Scripture teaches us to recognize God, repent of our sins and receive His salvation through Christ. Luke 11:52 is a judgment against corrupt spiritual leadership and a reminder that genuine knowledge of God is inseparable from humility, mercy, truth and love.

The True Measure of Greatness: Service vs. Power

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An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:46-48

Where does greatness lie? POTUS believes it is in being admired, having power and wealth. Jesus, however, makes it unambiguous that greatness is manifested in serving others – particularly the powerless, the poor, the vulnerable. These are lessons that Donald Trump – the professed Christian – seems unwilling or unable to embrace.

Rather, emboldened by his acolytes, he inverts Christ’s instruction to be compassionate to the marginalized. Trump rips healthcare from the sick, SNAP benefits from the underfed, sojourners from their homes and children. Oh yes, he is empathetic – not to the weak, the afflicted or the assailable – but to the self-serving who bend the knee to his narcissism and those who pad his bank account.

Trump’s desire for acclaim to quench his insatiable ego inverts Christ’s model of humility in serving. His absurd self-absorption endangers the country, alienating allies, emboldening enemies and creating hardship for the most vulnerable.

More grievously, his proclamations of faith while behaving antithetically to a true follower of Christ are evidence of a blatant hypocrisy that weakens the Church. His false prophet apologists within the church destroy the integrity and credibility of Christian outreach to those who have yet to find faith.

Jesus’ love, His grace and His humility in obedience to the Father in going to the cross make Him great and worthy of worship. Despite his protestations to the contrary, Donald Trump is not.

He is, however, worthy of our prayers. Let us pray for his enlightenment and that he may yet pursue obedience to the Lord – the only one capable of passing judgment on our souls.

MAGA Christians: ”Why Do You Call Me ‘Lord, Lord’…”

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“…and do not do what I say?”

In Luke 6:46, Jesus is confronting people who profess allegiance to Him while refusing obedience to His teachings. Is He asking this of Donald Trump?

It would be difficult to argue otherwise.

Trump has frequently proclaimed his faith and engineered his photo shoots with the false prophet pastors of the prosperity gospel. The central issue in the passage, however, is not verbal profession, but obedience and fruit. Consider behavior that is undeniably disobedient:

  • blatant rejection of Jesus’ command to love,
  • public humiliation of anyone who does not bend the knee,
  • hateful rhetoric toward immigrants and non-whites,
  • absolute lack of repentance or humility,
  • prioritization of power and personal loyalty over constituent welfare,
  • deceit and corruption,
  • indifference toward the vulnerable,
  • adultery.

Case closed. No one can consistently display pride, cruelty, dishonesty, vindictiveness, greed and contempt and still credibly present themselves as aligned with the teachings of Jesus. The Lord is clearly asking this question of Donald Trump.

But what about those who enable, endorse and encourage POTUS’ disobedience to God? MAGA Christians…I’m talking to you. Christ’s warning against claiming Christian identity while living contrary to His commands applies to all of us. And while your demigod’s behavior suggests his case is open and shut, I believe that your cheerleading does the same.

Consider the Lord’s teaching:

  • Love your neighbor as yourself – not just those that look or believe as you do (Luke 10:27)
  • Be charitable toward the poor (1 John 3:17)
  • Have compassion for the stranger (Matthew 25:35)
  • Reject cruelty and vengeance (Romans 12:21)
  • Be merciful and you will receive mercy (Matthew 5:7)
  • Obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29)

MAGA, it appears your intent is to reduce welfare to the indigent, take healthcare from the vulnerable, remove anyone who doesn’t look like you from your orbit, and exact retribution from those who see things differently. At the very least, you enable, endorse and encourage an administration that has clearly pursued such intentions.

Again, Jesus asks “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?”

Perhaps these words from the epistle of James will resonate:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:22-25

What is your political posture? Does it reflect the character and commands of Jesus to love all others, bless those who curse you, give generously, avoid hypocrisy and bear good fruit?

Asking for a friend.

The Mercy of the Lord vs. the Mercy of Trump

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“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36

God’s mercy flows from His holiness, His righteousness, His love, and His desire that we confess and repent of our sin. Divine mercy is not arbitrary, self-serving or transactional.

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His love for those who fear Him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:10-12

God’s mercy is extended even to His enemies. It was ultimately expressed through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son – the Son who repeatedly demonstrated mercy to the humble, the poor in spirit, the helpless and even those who persecuted Him. Christ’s mercy was restorative rather than tribal.

In contrast, the mercy bestowed by Donald Trump is entirely transactional, utterly tribal in its nature. It is given only if it benefits him politically, financially or, most importantly, egotistically.

Presidential pardons are constitutional acts of executive clemency, not inherently immoral in themselves. Every modern president has used them. But the moral character of mercy depends heavily on:

  • who receives it,
  • why it is granted,
  • whether truth and repentance matter,
  • and whether mercy is applied consistently.

Donald Trump fails on all accounts. Consider these three pardons granted to political acolytes:

  • Roger Stone — Convicted of lying to Congress and witness tampering during the Russia investigation. Trump commuted his sentence in 2020 and later granted a full pardon. Critics saw it as protecting a loyal associate.
  • Paul Manafort — Pardoned after convictions for tax fraud, bank fraud, and other financial crimes uncovered during the Mueller investigation.
  • Michael Flynn — Pardoned after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI about contacts with Russia’s ambassador.

Each of these individuals lied. Of course, the house of Trump is built on falsehoods. These fabrications not only protect the perpetrators – they protect Trump. He rewards unrepentance, because remorse conflicts with his contrived narrative.

This is particularly true of the January 6 defendants. Certainly, the offenders demonstrated their loyalty to POTUS by seeking to violently overturn the will of voters, but I believe the primary driver of Trump’s blanket pardons was his demented mind – convincing himself that his concocted story of a stolen election would be more credible if these so-called “patriots” were no longer behind bars.

But not all of Trump’s pardons were rewards to loyalists who denied the truth. Many were motivated by simple greed. For example:

  • BitMEX founders Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, Samuel Reed, and executive Gregory Dwyer — Crypto executives pardoned in 2025 after pleading guilty in anti-money-laundering and Bank Secrecy Act cases. The pardons came amid Trump’s aggressive courting of crypto donors and sizable family investments in crypto ventures.
  • Changpeng “CZ” Zhao — Binance founder pardoned in late 2025 after pleading guilty to money-laundering-related violations. The pardon drew scrutiny because of Binance’s reported connections to Trump-family crypto enterprises and the administration’s broader embrace of the crypto industry.

But we had to wait until May of 2026 to encounter the most egregious of Trump’s pardons – his manipulation of the US DOJ to effectively pardon himself and his family of income tax fraud.

The contrast between the mercy of God and the “mercy” of Donald Trump is profound, both morally and biblically. Where the Lord’s mercy says “repent and be restored,” Trump sees repentance as weakness – and restoration as a reward for putting him above the Constitution.

Walking in Darkness with Trump

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I have said repeatedly that I neither know or judge the heart of POTUS. Only He who sits on the Great White Throne can do so. I can, however, observe his walk – as can each so-called Christian who rationalizes and enables that walk in darkness.

1 John 1:5–7 is one of the richest summaries in scripture of what it means to live in authentic relationship with God:

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

God is light. His nature is pure and true. There is no sin or evil. No deception. Only perfect moral clarity.

Authentic Faith

We, of course, are not perfect. We sin. We deceive. But walking in the light does not affirm sinless perfection. Rather, it is a lifestyle lived openly before God – one in which we pursue truth and righteousness but are honest about our sin. This is authentic faith and by the blood of Jesus Christ we are cleansed of that sin.

But counterfeit faith belongs to those who live deceitfully. Those who profess fellowship with God but thrive in darkness are living fraudulently. One’s faith is revealed in how he or she lives, not simply by what one says.

In chapter two of his epistle, James asserts, “I will show you my faith by my works” (v. 18b). Conversely, infidelity to the Lord is exposed by works of darkness.

The Walk in Darkness

I will say it again…we all sin. But those who live in darkness do so repeatedly, vigorously and unrepentantly. They see weakness in what the Lord calls strength. They treat God’s written word as a suggestion that takes a backseat to the satisfaction of their own fragile egos.

Donald Trump walks in darkness. That is not my assessment of his heart which I cannot judge – it is my appraisal of his behavior – of which GOD CALLS UPON EACH OF US TO JUDGE! Personally, I do not understand how anyone can appraise it differently.

But what of those “Christians” who do indeed gauge it differently – and thereby enable, empower and encourage POTUS’ walk in darkness?

The Normalization of Darkness

The assumption of those who sanction the darkness of Trump is that the end justifies the means – that moral compromise is acceptable to appease their worldly fears. That a strategy of deception is prudent to eradicate enemies. That silence is just fine when the truth is inconvenient.

By seeking to divide the world into “us” v. “them” like their demigod, the apologists are effectively partitioning the darkness and the light. They claim to know God while embracing a life that contradicts His nature.

However, the Lord wills that “we have fellowship with one another” in His light – a fellowship that can only be achieved and sustained when we seek to live without deception, immorality, self-centeredness and wrath. Authentic faith lived in His light is manifested in truth, compassion, humility and love. The benefit of such faith? “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4

The Wrath of God vs. the Wrath of Trump

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At first blush, it would appear that Donald Trump shares at least one attribute – and many would argue that it is only one – with God: Wrath. The fact is, however, that the wrath of God and the wrath of Trump are quite different phenomena.

The Wrath of God

God’s wrath is one of the most misunderstood attributes in Scripture. Frequently, it is imagined as violent and uncontrolled. Rather, His wrath is precise, consistent and morally grounded.

God is perfectly good. He will not and cannot ignore injustice, corruption or rebellion without compromising His own nature. Thus, God’s wrath is His holy and just response to sin and evil. As expressed by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:18 (ESV):

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

Certainly, wrath is not His default posture. Rather, He is…

“…a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty.” Exodus 34:6-7

God’s anger reflects His opposition to everything that destroys what is good, true and just. His wrath is rooted in His holiness – His complete moral purity. Of course, none of us are pure, yet God provides a way for forgiveness. His wrath and mercy intersect in the person of Jesus Christ.

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

In contrast to God’s holy wrath, consider the wrath of Donald Trump.

The Wrath of Trump

Although he may occasionally insinuate otherwise, Trump is only human. Like all humans, his anger is shaped by a limited perspective, emotion and, particularly in his case, self-adoration.

  • God is “slow to anger.” His wrath builds over time and is consistently proportional. It is holy. Trump’s anger is altogether different. It is immediate and personal – driven entirely by his fragile ego and exercised against anyone – the Pope included – who does not bend the knee to his narcissism.
  • Where God’s wrath ultimately manifests in love for His creation through His mercy and grace, the wrath of Trump manifests in hate and vengeance.
  • God’s wrath is always directed toward genuine evil – toward injustice, corruption and sin. It is never about protecting His image or defending His status. Trump, on the other hand, will wield injustice, corruption and sin to seek personal pleasure, elevate his self-image, and avenge his perceived enemies. Tragically, he often does so with the endorsement of so-called “Christians.”
  • God’s wrath, even when severe, ultimately serves a redemptive purpose. It upholds justice while making restoration possible. While the primary driver of Trump’s wrath is his self-love, the ultimate consequence is the polarization of both the constituency he is pledged to serve and the Church of God.

The Imperative to Love

If God was loving but without wrath, He would tolerate evil. If He was wrathful but without love, there would be no hope for any of us. Blessedly, scripture reveals a God who fully opposes evil while seeking to redeem people from it. His wrath is perfectly just, morally pure and purposeful.

The wrath of Trump is neither just or morally pure, but it is indeed quite purposeful. That purpose is singular: the elevation of his profoundly fragile, exceedingly flawed character. He is often aided in that purpose by hypocritical Christians who enable and encourage Trump’s rage.

In this age of polarization, Christians are called to a higher purpose – to be slow to anger, to pursue truth without distortion, to seek justice for all and, above all, to love.

Silence in the Face of Evil

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“Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this? Either way, two things are true. 1) a little humility would serve him well 2) God shall not be mocked.”

These are the words of conservative political activist Riley Gaines in response to Donald Trump’s heretical posting of himself as Jesus Christ.

BRAVO!

Gaines was not alone in chastising POTUS. As expected, many of those towards the opposite end of the political spectrum registered their indignity. Rightly so. But conspicuously absent among the those in condemning Trump’s blasphemy were many of the duplicitous grifters who curry his favor to satisfy their own egos and/or bank accounts. They masquerade as church leaders, but they are instead false prophets, serving only themselves rather than the sheep they profess to shepherd.

This episode is quite revealing about the scale of their hypocrisy.

The Bible is unequivocal regarding the responsibility to recognize and oppose evil. And while I as a layman seek to fulfill that responsibility through writing and example, the obligation of church leaders to shepherd their flocks to eternal life with Christ through obedience to His word is infinitely greater.

Thus, their silence – or, worse, their rationalization – is incriminating.

Scripture leaves no room for neutrality. Silence in the face of evil is complicity – and the consequences are severe, particularly for those who are called to be our watchmen. Failure to speak against heresy can be self-indicting.

“If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” Ezekial 33:6 (NKJV)

In his epistle, James, the brother of Jesus, puts it in simple terms that even the grifters should readily understand. This goes beyond simply avoiding evil – it includes the failure to oppose it.

“To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17

Clearly, sins of omission are on equal footing with those of commission. But more disheartening than the sin of silence is the wickedness of defending blasphemy against Christ.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil!” Isaiah 5:20

The Apostle Paul reminds us that the righteous judgment of God awaits all of us. Judgment, however, will be particularly harsh for those who enable, endorse and encourage sin:

“Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:32 (NIV)

In concluding, I defer to Paul to deliver the Lord’s wisdom to those who sin by their silence:

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

Trump: The Worthless Shepherd

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“Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.” Ezekial 34: 2(b)-4 NIV

Ezekiel 34:2–4 functions as a moral lens on leadership. Moral leaders care for the vulnerable, heal the sick, feed the hungry and seek justice for the aggrieved. They do so with truth and humility. Moral leaders do not use authority as a means to enrich or feed themselves.

It seems absurd for even his most deluded adulators to confuse Donald Trump with a moral leader. They simply cannot deny his blatant neglect – or, more accurately, his disdain – for the impoverished, the sojourner, the forsaken, and anyone that doesn’t pay him homage, cannot benefit him, or doesn’t look like him. Nor can they deny his unrepentant use of the presidency to enrich himself, his family and those who bend the knee.

And as incredulous as it is, those adulators seem not to care. They see not a corrupt, narcissistic POTUS who rules with “harshness and brutality” directed towards the most exposed – but a demigod who blinds them by stoking their fears with deceit and slander.

God spoke to the prophet Zechariah, informing him that Israel would suffer leaders (“shepherds”) who would ultimately preside over the nation’s demise. Such leaders would prefigure those of modern day.

“For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves.” Zechariah 11:16

To the moral among us, that sounds an apt description of POTUS. The Lord continued in verse 17:

“Woe to the worthless shepherd,
who deserts the flock!
May the sword strike his arm and his right eye!
May his arm be completely withered,
his right eye totally blinded!”

In these passages, God condemns shepherds who prioritize personal gain over those they lead, who fail to strengthen the weak or heal the sick, who do not seek the lost or care for the vulnerable – but rule with spite and mercilessness rather than grace and compassion.

Such is the reign of Donald Trump, the worthless shepherd.

Zechariah 11 is both symbolic and prophetic. Verses 4-14 speak of the people’s rejection of the “good shepherd” representing God’s appointed leader. Many commentators see the rejected shepherd as prophesy regarding Jesus Christ. The “worthless shepherd” described in the subsequent verses is then a foil – a false messiah, antichrist figure, or corrupt leader that the people turn to in place of the true Christ.

I do not believe it is a reach to suggest that Zechariah 11 has prefigured the volatile circumstances we find ourselves in today. There is no more compelling evidence than the fact that Donald Trump has become the most powerful person on the planet. Such a scenario could only unfold if the nation turned from the teaching and the example of Jesus Christ.

Those who enable, empower and encourage Trump have rejected the Good Shepherd. They have renounced love, compassion, humility and truth, embracing instead a morally bankrupt potentate who exalts himself, is vindictive and unrepentant, and presents himself as uniquely capable of “saving” the country. Such renunciation contrasts sharply with biblical ideals of godly leadership and is a bold rejection of the Lord’s instruction.

Contending for the Faith in the Wake of Trump

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“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude 3(b)-4, NIV

It will shock no follower of my blog to hear that the “certain individual” in mind here is Donald Trump. Spouting lies and fomenting fear, he has strategically “slipped in” among gullible Christians to maneuver his way into the White House and renew his “license for immorality.” And while I do not know his heart, his ungodly behavior seemingly denies his professed faith in Jesus Christ  – dividing the church and leading many to belief and behavior in direct contradiction to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But it will indeed surprise some to hear that I do not hate Trump. I have only Christian love for him. I pray frequently that he will open his heart to God and follow His great commandment to love others. For reasons of which only He is aware, it seems God has yet to answer in the affirmative.

And while I do not hate Trump, I do hate many of his behaviors. In Proverbs 8:13, God instructs us:

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.”

In case you’re not paying attention, Donald Trump is proud, arrogant, full of hate and vicious speech. He has many other well-documented sins as well, all of which he remains proudly unrepentant.

But I am not writing to convince POTUS to confess his transgressions and seek forgiveness. As previously noted, that is something for which I lovingly pray. Nor am I motivated by the applause of those who already despise Trump’s behavior.

Rather, I write, as Jude shares in verse 23, to “save others by snatching them from the fire.” I pen these words because, like Jude, I am “compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

Thus, instead of castigating his enablers despite the damage their hypocrisy brings upon the church, I petition – beseeching them to turn from their implicit endorsement of Trump’s antics that are in direct conflict with the word, will and example set forth by Christ Jesus.

My rationale for such an appeal to the Christian brethren who enable Trump is twofold. First and foremost, such encouragement coming from the church is blatant hypocrisy. One cannot credibly attest to Gospel faith while undermining everything that faith advocates – such as humility, mercy, kindness, repentance and, above all, love. Such hypocrisy sabotages evangelical outreach. How can we bring people to Christ when segments of the church are facilitating immorality and disobedience?

Secondly, such fawning at the feet of POTUS only endorses and enables his ungodly behavior – lighting the fuse of his narcissism. Rather than encouraging Trump to love and repent, the apologists douse him in kerosene on the road to the eternal fire. They do him no favors. As Christians, our mandate is to turn people TO God, not away from Him.

Christian brethren, I, like Jude, beseech you to contend for the faith. Do not be led by the ungodly, nor share in their immoral pursuits, subjecting yourself to similar judgment. Instead, lead the faithless to faith by an example of humility, patience, generosity and love. That, after all, is the example that our Lord Jesus set before each one of us.

What Do YOUR “Itching Ears” Want to Hear?

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“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NIV)

I have a particular fondness for the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. But I think these words from the Apostle Paul to his protégé Timothy are best consumed in the blunt vernacular of the New International Version (NIV).

The message is a warning – a warning about a spiritual pattern Paul declares will happen among people, particularly those within religious communities. This is yet another of his prophetic proclamations that has blatantly manifested in sects of the Christian church today.

The aggrieving party: Those factions of the church that stubbornly remain apologists for a POTUS that behaves in a manner contrary to the commands and living testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ – empowering, endorsing and encouraging disobedience that is scripturally and morally evil.

Consider what Paul means by “sound doctrine.” His epistles teach us that sound doctrine is rooted in the Gospel of Grace. It is not merely abstract theology but instruction that produces godliness and self-control. For Paul, true doctrine aligns with Scripture and manifests in a lifestyle that reflects Christ’s character. Love. Peace. Mercy. Kindness. Gentleness. Generosity. Humility. Truth.

Paul cautions that the transgressors will no longer pursue the righteousness of sound doctrine, but instead seek leaders who tell them what they want to hear – that they are not the aggrievers but the aggrieved. Those leaders are quite willing to manipulate the vulnerable for personal gain.

“In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” (2 Peter 2:3)

That time has arrived.

Rather than illuminate God’s truth, these leaders – one POTUS and his self-serving sycophants, in particular – fan the flames of bigotries, misogynies and misplaced fears, leading the susceptible to “turn aside to myths.”

What myths? That minorities are stealing their jobs. The wealthy are overtaxed. The poor are lazy. The sojourner is a criminal. Elections are being stolen. Climate change is a hoax. Welfare is theft. Mercy is weakness. Retribution is honorable. Hate is justifiable. Love is overrated.

I plead with my brothers and sisters in Christ: Do not reject sound teaching. Do not turn from the truth of the Gospel even when it is uncomfortable. Do not be manipulated. Turn instead from the worthless shepherds that traffic in self-serving lies and venom. Stay rooted in Scripture. Love your neighbor. Follow the teaching and example of our Lord Jesus.

Related: TRUMP

Withstanding Trump: Trust in God

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding.”

I have Proverbs 3:5 bookmarked in my NKJV Bible. I need constant reminding that my ways are not His ways (Isaiah 55:8) – and not my will, but His, be done (Luke 22:42).

Candidly, I do not understand why God made Donald Trump the single most powerful person in the world. Nor do I understand why He has blinded so many to the evil POTUS perpetrates against anyone that does not bend the knee.

Evil perpetrated not just against his political foes. Evil not just against the poor, the sick, the frail and the sojourner. Evil not just against black or brown. Evil not just against the people of this country over which he proclaims himself king.

No, this country is not big enough for the narcissist that is Donald Trump. He must unleash devastation on the entire world order. He does so SOLELY for two reasons: (1) to satisfy his prodigious ego, and (2) to enrich himself, his family and his accomplices. And it absolutely astounds me that so many are either blind to this evil or, worse, tolerate it out of self-interest.

Of course, scripture reminds me that God has put Trump in office to accomplish His purposes – not mine. The fact that I do not understand what those purposes are is quite discomforting – as is the fact that POTUS’ distressing disdain for God’s word is emboldened by many white evangelicals.

But I will trust God. I can share my lament with Him as does the future King David in Psalm 13:1-2, knowing that my confusion and fear are not hidden from Him:

How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

I can urgently pray to Him, seeking the Lord’s intervention, as David does in verses 3-4:

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

And I can trust in God’s steadfast love and be confident of rejoicing in His salvation, as does David in verses 5-6:

But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13 reminds us that lament can coexist with trust – and prayer can transform despair into hope. David’s appeal demonstrates that it is in faith – not faithlessness – that we bring our sorrow and doubt to God.

Trusting in God does not require political passivity or apathy. Nor does it encourage withdrawal from justice, advocacy and civic responsibility through blind obedience to the state.

Rather, trusting in “Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23) is a central posture of our faith that shapes how we must respond to uncertainty, to conflict and to injustice. We do so in humility and with conviction, rootedness and resilience.

And we remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:19:

“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Related: Spiritual Truths through Music: Trust in God; TRUMP

The Sons of Disobedience

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“For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7 (NKJV)

In his epistles, the Apostle Paul thrice uses the figurative phrase “sons of disobedience.” He does so not to define people of biological descent, but to characterize those in rebellion against God – lives marked by defiance, unbelief and resistance to God’s will.

The sons of disobedience persist in sin without repentance. In these verses, Paul is specific that such sin includes sexual immorality, covetousness and idolatry; that is, a life conforming to worldly desires. He further asserts that such a life is influenced by spiritual forces opposed to God in which one walks “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…” (Ephesians 2:2)

Notably, the apostle declares that we were once all among the sons of disobedience, having been born into a fallen state as the descendants of Adam. Ephesians 2:3 continues:

“…among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”

Good news, however, comes in verses 4-5:

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)…”

By God’s loving grace, through faith which manifests in repentance and obedience, we are no longer sons of disobedience but become the adopted sons of the everlasting God.

In Romans 8:13-14, Paul contrasts the sons of disobedience with the sons of God:

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

That is, those who yield to the Holy Spirit rather than be led by the worldly desires of the flesh are the sons of God.

Such a distinction is particularly relevant in today’s volatile and divisive political climate. For example, does Donald Trump fit the biblical description of the sons of disobedience? How about those who empower, endorse and encourage him?

Such questions are actually relevant because of those seven words comprising Ephesians 5:7:

“Therefore do not be partakers with them.”

Whether or not Trump fits the description of a son of disobedience as described by Paul seems to require nothing more than objective observation. He is an adulterer. He covets power, money and exaltation – and he lies, sues and slanders in pursuit of them. He genuinely hates those who stand in opposition to him. Most grievously, he is unrepentant in all of it. These are indisputable, observable behaviors.

But because “sons of disobedience” describes a spiritual condition known only to God, I am incapable of making such a judgment. Christians are called to evaluate actions and fruit – not to declare knowledge of one’s spiritual identity.

Instead, I will simply defer to Paul’s warning not to be partners in their sin. I appeal to those who endorse behavior that is in direct conflict with God’s commands for repentance, forgiveness and love to consider whose sons they want to be. For they, too, will stand in judgment before the bema seat of the Lord.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Isaiah 5:20

Related: Do Not Tolerate the Unrepentant

“Put Away the Evil Person”

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“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13

In the first of his two canonical letters to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul addresses how Christians should relate to those inside the church who persist in serious, unrepentant sin. In these verses, three critical questions are answered:

  • To whom is Paul alluding?
  • What defines an evil person?
  • How are believers to respond?

To these, I add a fourth:

How are Christians to reconcile the professed faith of Donald Trump with his persistent, unrepentant sin within the context of Paul’s missive?

It is the inability to credibly reconcile these facts – and the hypocrisy that stems from it – that, I believe, present the greatest peril to the growth of the Christian church in America today.

“Anyone Named a Brother”

Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church is to disassociate from those who claim to be believers but continue in blatant, ongoing sin. He is clear that his directive does not apply to non-Christians. While the church is obliged to judge those within, it is only God that will judge those outside.

Let us consider the faith of POTUS. Is he a Christian or does he profess his faith only to manipulate the devotion of his apologists? While I believe all evidence points towards the latter, I cannot know his heart. Thus, for the purposes of this assessment, let’s take him at his word and consider him a brother in Christ.

Paul exhorts those in the church not to keep company with sinful brethren – to “put away from yourselves the evil person.” He offers a brief but poignant description of how those evil persons behave.

“The Evil Person”

Paul leaves little room for interpretation. He is unequivocal in his portrait of the evil person and the specific behaviors that make him so – behaviors that not only warrant, but demand, disassociation from the church. Sexual immorality. Covetousness. Idolatry. Hate. Fraud.

I do not judge Donald Trump’s heart. I do, however, judge his behavior. Sexual immorality? Check. Covetousness? Check. Idolatry? Hate? Fraud? Check, check, check. Those behaviors – for which he insists he is unrepentant – are indisputable, even to the most ardent of his sycophants.

To be sure, Christians should acknowledge the sin nature intrinsic to man since his creation. We know believers will struggle. Jesus went to the cross specifically for that reason.

I humbly confess to each and every one of these sins…and more. But Christ’s relentless, incalculable love finally found its way to my diseased heart. Of course, I am only human and I still sin – hopefully with less intention and gravity – but my trust in God allows me to both confess it and repent of it.

Confession and repentance are demonstrative of – and essential to – a genuine faith. POTUS proudly and emphatically concedes neither.

“Put Away from Yourselves the Evil Person”

Paul’s command reflects his concern for the spiritual health and integrity of the church. Quite simply, Christians are not to tolerate persistent, unrepentant evil in the community from those who profess their faith. Such profession is disingenuous and hypocritical.

Again, the apostle’s instruction does not apply to non-believers. His message is clear that while the church is responsible for judging the brethren, God alone judges those outside of it. Paul’s concern is the hypocrisy evident in the refusal to repent while claiming Christian identity – and the damage overt hypocrisy does to the church.

I believe such hypocrisy extends to those who empower, endorse and encourage “the evil person.” This, of course, includes the abundance of Trump apologists, false preachers, self-serving politicians and others who profess Christ but enable his evil behavior – particularly those who fail to offer correction.

It is important to note that Paul’s instruction to remove the evil person from church fellowship is mandated not only to stem the damage of hypocrisy, but to provoke healing in the sinner. Judgment inside the church is about the body’s credibility and the restoration of the sinner. It is not about punishment. Instead, separation is intended to make clear that the behavior is incompatible with obedience to the Lord.

Trump’s sinful actions are indisputably incompatible with Christian morality – as is his stubborn unwillingness to repent of them. But those in the church who fail to hold him accountable for those evil behaviors are far from faultless. They are not only complicit in Trump’s evil behavior but put their own standing in the church at risk. For as Paul warns in verse 33:

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Final Words

Today, 1 Corinthians 5:11–13 is usually applied through the practice of loving church accountability, not social shunning or moral policing of society. Much to the dismay of Christian Nationalists, Paul’s words do not call upon the church to enforce Christian morality on the wider culture. Believers are to engage the world outside the church with humility and love, not condemnation. “Those who are outside [the church] God judges.”

Nor are those inside the church who sin, confess, repent and seek change the target of Paul’s admonition. He is unambiguous in calling for the church to disassociate from those asserting belief but are persistently vile and remorseless. Because Donald Trump unabashedly professes his faith, I believe Paul is commanding the church to hold him accountable, offer correction and, hopefully, initiate discipline that is restorative. Those in the church who fail to do so put their credibility and integrity in jeopardy – as well as that of the church.

“Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:32

Related: TRUMP

Hypocrisy as an Impediment to Evangelism

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

The resurrected Jesus Christ’s Great Commission to His followers as expressed in Matthew 28:16-20 is to spread the gospel to all nations.

Evangelism is not easy for most of us. Sharing the gospel in a meaningful and compelling manner necessitates that we have considerable familiarity with God’s word. Some feel that they may not be sufficiently well-spoken to articulate His word in an impactful manner. But perhaps the greater challenge is that rarely are we gifted an audience that is enthusiastic about hearing the Lord’s plan for our salvation.

The challenge of a receptive audience is one often made more severe by a perceived hypocrisy on the part of some Christian evangelists – a perception that diminishes the credibility of the evangelist and the audience’s willingness to lend an ear.

When questioned by a scribe as to which is the first commandment of all, Jesus responded:

“The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

That these passages encompass the Lord’s response to a single question confirms that the love of God and love of neighbor cannot be separated. In fact, love of God is manifested in the love of our neighbor. Loving others is how we love God. Matthew 25:40 implies precisely this when Jesus says to His sheep:

“…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”

The importance of loving our neighbor is intensified when viewed through the lens of the Lord’s instruction in Matthew 5:44 to:

“…love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

This is the heart of a Christian. Although we often fail, God, in His abundant mercy and grace, forgives us. But reckless disregard and contempt for God’s word has no place in that heart. Instead, we are to have godly remorse of our disobedience, repent of it, and endeavor to sin no more (see 2 Cor 7:10).

At the National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2020, Harvard professor Arthur Brooks echoed the Lord’s command to love your enemies. President Donald Trump responded to Brooks’ exhortation by saying, “I don’t know if I agree with you.”

As the president’s disagreement was not with Mr. Brooks but with God, it was an appropriate opportunity for his Christian advisors to deliver suitable correction.

Instead, when asked about POTUS’ comments, one such advisor who pastors a Dallas megachurch replied, “I think the president was completely right in what he said.” This comes from a man who is purportedly guiding his flock to eternal life through obedience to Christ. He should also be intimately familiar with Psalm 12:8:

“The wicked prowl on every side,
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.”

Exalting vileness is precisely what this Texas pastor has done. Would not direct contradiction of God’s word comprise “vileness?”

His is not alone. While many would characterize Mr. Trump’s often hateful behavior toward others as a vile transgression of God’s greatest commandment, he remains virtually uncensored by much of the evangelical community.

It is not my intent to debate the heart of Donald Trump. I would rather pray for a repentant heart that will lead to his salvation. However, it is imperative to point out the hypocrisy on the part of those who should know better. Their failure to censor, to correct and to disavow is at the root of that hypocrisy. Romans 16:17-18 is absolutely clear:

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Certainly, there are many teachers within the church that note God’s boundless grace and use ungodly behavior as a teaching opportunity. They lovingly reprimand the abuser and encourage repentance.

That, however, was not the case for this Dallas pastor. Nor is it so for more than a few in the evangelical community. Instead, by turning a blind eye to unrepentant disobedience of God’s word, they empower, endorse and encourage such disobedience. In other words, they exalt it. To nonbelievers, this represents a noxious hypocrisy on the part of those who would teach them God’s word. How then, can the unenlightened be receptive to hearing the gospel if the credibility of the messenger is so compromised?

Finally…

Hypocrisy is an accusation sometimes levied at the Christian Church. Such disparagement can often be attributed to a lack of understanding or context – and is simply the persecution of His disciples foreshadowed by Jesus in the gospels.

Frequently, however, such criticism is credible based on persistent behavior – or the implied endorsement thereof – that clearly runs contrary to well-known Christian principles.

Such endorsements by significant segments of the Christian community – particularly evangelical celebrity leadership – foment the claims of hypocrisy by non-Christians. They are not wrong.

Scripture commands us to share the Gospel, to testify of the Lord, and to bring as many to Him as we are able. To do so, we must be living testimonies to the word of God. We must be women and men of humility and integrity. Above all, we must demonstrate – in word and deed – what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. Only then can we have the ear of non-Christians and the credibility to articulate a persuasive case for Jesus.

The Antichrist? Maybe not, but POTUS is pedal-to-the-metal on the road to Armageddon

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Two years ago, I authored a post originally titled “Avenues to Armageddon.” A slightly edited version was reposted a year later as “Armageddon: Humanity’s Fragile Existence and Faith in the Last Days.”

I noted in that post that the Doomsday Clock was, at that time, sitting at a mere 90 seconds before midnight. It has subsequently moved a tick closer.

My intent was to bring awareness that the last days may indeed be upon us – yet those of us in Christ can take comfort in the knowledge that we have salvation in Him. Scripture is clear that such days, if not already here, are forthcoming.

I also speculated on the potential origins of the global apocalypse that would precipitate Armageddon. Among them:

  • Nuclear annihilation;
  • Cataclysmic climate change rendering our planet uninhabitable;
  • A global pestilence;
  • A technology meltdown or incursion rendering defense, financial, governmental and other systems inoperable leading to universal chaos;
  • A technology takeover of global systems driven by irresponsible management of artificial intelligence enterprises;

Let’s consider each of these, briefly examining the policies and actions of the Trump administration that make each scenario more probable.

Nuclear Proliferation: The Trump administration has pulled out of or scaled back involvement in several multilateral treaties or agreements critics considered essential to help restrain or provide transparency in nuclear arms. This includes the 2019 withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) allowing both the U.S. and Russia more freedom in the deployment of intermediate‑range missiles increasing tensions in Europe and Asia – and the 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA (better known as the Iran Nuclear Deal) prompting Iran to step back from compliance and step up nuclear efforts. Trump’s rhetoric has also increased tensions based on his stated belief that the U.S. must “greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability.”

Cataclysmic Climate Change: The administration has rolled back several regulations related to emissions and pollution including The Clean Power Plan, vehicle efficiency and emission standards, and protocols limiting methane leaks from oil and gas infrastructure – all of which led to a dramatic increase in greenhouse gases. Executive Order 14162 formally withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord while the administration also pulled back from funding and commitments related to international climate cooperation. Moreover, fossil fuel development is being fast-tracked while clean energy initiatives are being blocked. Perhaps most dangerously, Trump seeks to repeal the government’s endangerment finding that carbon dioxide emissions harm public health. Should that occur, the EPA could no longer regulate auto or power plant emissions.

Pestilence: Several Trump actions have increased global vulnerability to future pandemics and undermined preparedness. Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization in 2020 has weakened the potential for global coordination during a public health crisis while sowing international distrust of this country as a partner in global health. The NSC’s Pandemic Office – tasked with pandemic preparedness and response – was dismantled by Trump in 2018. Trump’s appointment of Robert Kennedy, Jr. to the post of Health & Human Services Secretary has fomented vaccine apprehension, cast unwarranted skepticism on medical science, completely upended such agencies as the FDA and CDC, and eroded public trust. His “big, beautiful bill” has dramatically damaged the U.S. health system by reducing access to vulnerable populations, increasing costs for insured and undermining the financial viability of healthcare providers – further crippling this nation’s pandemic response.

Technology Melt-Down Resulting in Global Chaos: I don’t know that I can pin this one on POTUS, but there is clearly a scenario in which the technological systems we rely on are compromised. With seemingly every global actor seeking to infiltrate the computer systems of its enemies – and often its allies – there is interminable vulnerability to universal chaos. There is one system, in particular, that fits within the apocalyptic prophecies of many Christians – the global financial system. Specifically, some see Revelation 13 as intimating a one-world government and single world currency as precursors to the apocalypse. Logically this currency would be digital, making Trump’s recent 180-degree flip on cryptocurrencies thought-provoking. His pre-2021 criticism contrasts with his 2024 acceptance of crypto donations, pro-crypto rhetoric and, significantly, the Trump family’s aggressive participation in crypto projects that have produced personal gains estimated to be $500 million to $2 billion. Interestingly, his rhetoric towards Canada, Greenland and other sovereign nations may hint at aspirations to lead a one-world government.

Irresponsible Management of Artificial Intelligence Enterprises: Hollywood has essentially prophesied of the threat posed by AI for more than 40 years. Way back in 1983, the movie WarGames dramatized the potential peril associated with AI and military computer systems. A year later, Terminator projected similar warnings that AI, given unwarranted autonomy and control – particularly in military scenarios – can act against humanity. The Trump administration remains unmoved by such prognostications. Instead, POTUS has revoked the Biden-era Executive Order (14110) that required safety tests, comprehensive reporting on high-risk AI systems and ensured transparency in AI development. One of Trump’s first EO’s upon returning to office was 14179, shifting focus from risk mitigation to the promotion of unencumbered AI development for commercial and military purposes.

Trump has often intimated that he believes he is fulfilling a divine role or mission, particularly when it aligns with political goals or audience expectations. Perhaps he genuinely believes he is doing “God’s work” in a spiritual sense. I am of the belief, however, that such rhetoric is more likely a strategic narrative to con and connect with religious supporters.

I actually do believe he is doing God’s work, albeit unwittingly. Throughout scripture, God uses people of questionable character to accomplish His will.

No, I do not believe it is God’s will to promote hate, bigotry, the pursuit of money and power, the further subjugation of the poor, and the destruction of His creation. Rather, I believe God is using Donald Trump to show beyond all doubt that the last days are upon us.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Indeed, this seems not only an apt description of the human race in these last days, but of the man who today is ostensibly the leader of the free world.

To be clear, that is my assessment of his behavior – not his heart. I cannot and will not judge his heart – only the conduct that stems from it. I pray each day that he will open that heart to God and, like King Manasseh of Judah, seek repentance and enjoy the Lord’s divine mercy in his own last days.

Related: The Deception of Trump-Love

He Can’t Help Himself

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Donald Trump is not shy about professing his Christianity. He often surrounds himself with religious leaders who display their fealty – many of whom are active practitioners of the heretical prosperity gospel and declare POTUS to be the hand of God.

I am incapable of judging Trump’s heart and, thus, his faith. That alone is the realm of our God in heaven.

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5, NIV)

But I am quite capable – obligated, actually, as are we all – to judge the defiance to God’s word that is plainly on display and gives evidence of a cankerous soul.

The problem for POTUS – and for all of us given the political clout granted him by his sycophants, including those in the Supreme Court – is that while he professes his faith, he is entirely impotent in the face of his narcissism. That is, he is utterly incapable of taking any action that does not make him feel good about himself. Needless to say, this is problematic for the leader of our nation.

In a previous post, I argued that Trump appears ignorant of the wisdom proffered by Solomon in Proverbs 28 in which he warns against greed, dishonesty, corruption and pride in leadership. The king, Solomon, that is, praises honesty, compassion, justice, generosity and accountability.

Honestly, I don’t know if POTUS is a wise man. Whatever wisdom he may indeed possess is smothered by his lack of humility, his compulsion for vengeance and his indifference to the truth. He acts not on the basis of wisdom – and certainly not on God’s great command to love your neighbor – but on his enormous, uncontrollable self-worth.

This personality disorder has manifested in so many ways that are not only devastating to the constituents that Trump has pledged to serve, but to our democracy and way of life.

  • Nowhere is his narcissism on greater display than his prioritization of personal fealty over professional competence and institutional integrity. Many officials have been fired or sidelined for not showing personal loyalty, even when they were fulfilling their legal or ethical duties. Such behavior undermines legislative effectiveness and stifles candor.
  • Trump’s leadership is further compromised by decision-making that is impulsive, ego-driven and entirely self-serving. The cost: collaborative, evidence-based policymaking.
  • His rhetoric typically centers on grievance and personal slights, intensifying divisions and deepening the “us v. them” narratives that preclude national healing and unity. Witness his deranged holiday tweets.
  • Dangerously, POTUS has unpretentiously normalized falsehoods. He flouts truth in order to create a narrative that feeds his monumentally narcissistic character. And while the most blatant and notorious example is that of his knowingly false claims of election fraud, his ceaseless fabrications run the gamut from trivial to treacherous – from cheating on the golf course to denying credible government statistics, making false claims about immigrants, denying climate change, characterizing white supremacists as “very fine people” and pretty much anything else that comes out of his mouth.

A textbook example of Trump’s treachery is the recent firing of BLS chief Erika McEntarfer, guilty only of being the messenger to the disappointment of the Trump economy. Concerned that the monthly jobs report reflected poorly on his performance, POTUS immediately looked to scapegoat McEntarfer, knowing his minions would be fooled by his maneuvering. Trump not only cruelly upended the life of a civil servant, but compromised the integrity of future reports. He didn’t do this because of anyone’s incompetence or deceit – he did it ONLY to escape any accountability for bad numbers and to intimidate McEntarfer’s successor.

This is the man in charge of the nuclear codes. This is the man elected to care for our hungry and indigent. This is the man charged with caring for the afflicted. This is the man who is supposed to be a custodian of our planet. This is the man some believed would deliver world peace.

This is the man destined to be an example for our children.

When to Disobey: Biblical Insights on Authority

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“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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2 NIV)

In his letter to Christians in Rome, the Apostle Paul advocates for submission to government authorities, arguing that they are God’s servants to maintain order and justice.

Similarly, the Apostle Peter instructs the faithful to submit to rulers, thereby silencing critics and honoring God.

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:13-15)

As we see, the Bible addresses obedience to government authorities in several key passages, emphasizing a general principle of respect and submission to those in power, while also recognizing God’s ultimate authority. However…

How are we to respond in situations where those in positions of authority mandate or coerce behavior that is contrary to God’s word? This is a crucial question in light of the current administration’s assault on the poor, the sick and the sojourner – an assault that is clearly at odds with the Lord’s commands for love, charity, hospitality, patience and grace.

Blessedly, God definitively affirms that His authority – as revealed in scripture – is supreme. That is, when human authority conflicts with His word, civil disobedience is not only merited, but mandated.

“We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29)

These words, delivered by Peter in response to the high priest’s command to remain silent regarding culpability in the death of Jesus, clearly establish that obedience to God takes precedence when authorities contradict His word.

Such obedience was demonstrated by Daniel who continued to pray to God despite a royal ban (Daniel 6) – and by his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refused King Nebuchadnezzar’s edict that his image was to be worshipped (Daniel 3). In both cases, they respectfully disobeyed unjust laws and accepted the consequences, putting their trust in God.

Christians are called upon to obey just laws that align with biblical commands to respect civil authorities. But when legislative mandates directly contradict God’s commands, Christians are not only permitted but obligated to respectfully disobey.

We must respond to governmental directives that promote injustice, violate human rights, subjugate the disenfranchised and demand behavior that contradicts God’s law. Christians are called on to advocate for the oppressed and to oppose corruption and injustice, especially in the face of the political status quo. This is not partisanship; this is a commitment to truth, to mercy, to righteousness, to love, and to God.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:20, as Christians “our citizenship is in heaven.” We must view all earthly powers through that lens. Loyalty to a nation or political party must never override our loyalty to Christ and His commands.

Scripture teaches us that judgment is coming for those that choose to reject the Lord’s commands for compassion and love. I believe punishment will be rendered not only to those who legislate the oppression of the vulnerable, but also those who enable, empower and encourage disobedience through their advocacy.

Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,
to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people. (Isaiah 10:1-2a)

In conclusion, those who would resist injustice and pursue righteousness must do so with humility…and in prayer. We must advocate for change with respect and love, even while strongly opposing unjust laws. Engagement should be marked by grace, not hatred, slander or division. This is what God demands of us. Our posture matters.

For the Lord is our judge,
the Lord is our lawgiver,
the Lord is our king;
it is he who will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)

False Teachings: The Hypocrisy of the Prosperity Gospel

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”

Titus 1:15-16 (NIV)

I have been unyielding and unwavering in my criticism of our current POTUS – and the Christian communities that support him. As a passionate and studious Born-Again Christian, that criticism has been entirely grounded in scripture.

These two verses from the Apostle Paul in his letter to Titus seemingly offer opportunity to rebut POTUS’ professed love of Christ and the misguided Christians that empower him. But to do so would be taking these verses out of their intended context.

In his letter, Paul is specifically referencing leaders within the church – particularly those teaching false doctrine. Applying it directly to a political leader outside the church stretches its context.

So let’s put the spotlight on those church leaders that endorse, enable and empower POTUS by leveraging their church leadership to deceive those whom they are to faithfully lead to Christ.

I preface these comments by acknowledging that God alone will judge the hearts of those to whom I have alluded. I cannot and will not do so. But I will judge their words and behaviors in the context of scripture. And I will pray that God sees in each a repentant, compassionate and faithful soul – just as I pray He sees that in me.

Here I will focus on the individual POTUS appointed to lead the White House Faith Office. This woman, void of formal theological training, is a zealous proponent of the prosperity gospel, asserting that faith and financial giving will lead to material wealth, physical health and personal success.

Most theologians believe this to be a distortion of biblical teachings. For instance, 1 Timothy 6:9-10 clearly warns of the evils of such material aspirations:

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Her willingness to beguile those whom she should be leading to Christ becomes particularly evil when, instead, she leverages those relationships to enrich herself through highly questionable appeals. This past Easter season, for example, this pastor encouraged followers to give her $1,000 and receive in return “seven supernatural blessings” based on Exodus 23: God will “assign an angel to you,” “be an enemy to your enemies,” “give you prosperity,” “take sickness away from you,” “give you a long life, “bring increase and inheritance” and “give a special year of blessing.” Oh, and she’ll also send a Waterford cross.

Contrary to her implication, God is not a divine vending machine. Scripture is unambiguous that He prefers love, compassion, humility and sacrifice to cash. The Christian theology is one that worships God – not use Him.

Ironically, this pastor seems to have conveniently skipped past verse 1 of this same chapter which warns as follows…

“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”

… while verse 2a offers wisdom to those who may be vulnerable to dubious solicitations:

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”

In his letter to Titus, Paul is writing about false teachers and those who undermine Christian teaching through hypocrisy and moral failure. Those who claim to know God but live in disobedience to His word are the subject of his warnings, representing the greatest threat to the Christian Church in their hypocrisy.

As to why POTUS deemed this individual to be the right choice to lead the White House Faith Office, one can only speculate. I have my thoughts but leave the reader to nurture their own. However, as with many similar choices, this one was made with fealty to him in mind – not to serve the faithful in this country.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them —bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”

2 Peter 2:1-3

Lessons from Proverbs 28: Leadership and Its Consequences

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

My current Bible study finds me in Proverbs. The book is traditionally attributed to King Solomon and contains vast wisdom and instruction on moral behavior. Unfortunately, Solomon’s inability to adhere to his own teaching led to the rupture of his realm into two kingdoms – and initiated a downward spiral of failed kingships across Israel and Judah resulting in ceaseless wars and, ultimately, exile.

Solomon’s is a story of failed leadership. We may be nearing a time when history will repeat itself – a time in which failed leadership precipitates the division of our own country into two (or more) “kingdoms” – and triggers the fragmentation of the global order.

Much of the wisdom related to leadership – and the ignorance of failed leadership – can be found in the 28th chapter of Proverbs. This chapter contrasts the deeds of the righteous and those of the wicked, teaching that true wisdom is more than just the discerning of moral behavior; it is living it.

Let’s get specific.

“When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.” (v. 2, NIV)

Stability is the result of wise leadership, creating peace and order. Conversely, poor leadership leads to division and chaos.

Where are we today? I lean to division and chaos. Peace and order seem but a pipedream.

“Evildoers do not understand what is right,
but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” (v. 5)

Justice is rooted in righteousness. Just leaders are guided by the Lord’s commandments for compassion and, above all, love for others – ALL others, not just those that look like them. Evil leaders are led instead by personal interest.

I see very little compassion within this country’s current leadership. Actually, that is generous. I see NO compassion. I observe only disdain for those that do not look like, think like, or bend the knee to POTUS. The only love I see is self-love.

Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse. (v. 6)

Integrity is essential to wise and effective leadership. Integrity is reflected not by wealth, but by truth and selflessness. Those preoccupied by riches will abuse their leadership to increase them.

Consider the current administration. POTUS frequently visits and promotes his own properties, receiving exorbitant  payments from political groups, foreign dignitaries, and government officials. Campaign funds have been frequently spent at those same properties. Foreign governments have booked rooms and events at Trump properties – evoking ethics complaints and violating the Emoluments clauses in the U.S. Constitution. And rather than divesting in the Trump Organization, POTUS empowers family members to leverage his brand to enrich his businesses through media, mobile services, cryptocurrencies and more. His greed obstructs his ability to care for his constituents.

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (v. 13)

I’ll admit, I don’t know if POTUS conceals sins. But those that remain unconcealed are quite prolific. Of course, we all sin…me more than most. But while I seek the Lord’s mercy, Trump remains utterly unapologetic and unrepentant in his iniquity. This reflects his immense arrogance and enormous pride. He is effectively putting his morality above God’s.

Confession and humility strengthen a leader’s character – and his ability to serve rather than be served. Ultimately, this is most disqualifying of our current POTUS as a leader of men: he believes that he – and those that share his idols and prejudices – are to be served rather than to serve.

In Proverbs 28, Solomon warns against greed, dishonesty, corruption and pride in leadership. He praises honesty, compassion, justice, generosity and accountability.

Unless one is lost in the bubble of Fox “News,” it is evident that POTUS remains ignorant of Solomon’s wisdom. It is also likely that were he acquainted with it, his pride, like that of Solomon, renders him incapable of abiding by it. Let us pray that history does not repeat itself.

As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. (Proverbs 27:19)

See also The Tragic Fall of King Solomon; The Righteous v. the Wicked

I Was a Republican…Until I Found Christ

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Anti-tax. Anti-welfare. Anti-immigration. Anti-affirmative action. For too much of my life, I was pretty much anti-anything that would hinder my accumulation of wealth and prestige…and give it instead to those who were too lazy to get a job and make their own way.

I was the poster boy for the GOP. Trickle-down economics? Gimme some of that. I surmised that the extra money I had in my pocket as an affluent, well-educated citizen would eventually find its way into the hands of those who couldn’t figure it out on their own. They were, after all, lucky to be living in this country rather than a foreign land where the freedoms they enjoyed as Americans were suppressed.

That is, if they indeed were Americans. More likely, many came here unlawfully to sponge off of our overly-generous welfare system.

Global warming? Who cares? Wasn’t my problem. Future generations would figure out the climate thing…if it really was a thing.

After all, it’s all about TODAY. Why worry about the mushrooming national debt incurred to fund my tax cuts? That was just another burden that could be pushed down the road to my kids and grandkids. Of course, they would be insulated by familial wealth accumulated thanks to GOP dogma.

Born Again

I’m not proud of it, but that’s a pretty good description of my disturbing perspective. I wince as I read and re-read what I have admitted. But I become physically ill in the knowledge that the horrible things I confessed to comprise the societal blueprint for our POTUS and his GOP acolytes.

I am forever thankful that the Lord, in His boundless love, led me to Him. I became a new creation – one passionate to understand His will for those of faith. He opened my eyes and my heart to that of which I was being truly “anti-:“ Anti-love. Anti-grace. Anti-mercy. I was, in essence, anti-Christ.

My awakening led me to change many things in my life, including my political affiliation. I was compelled to leave the GOP – not for the Democrats who have challenges of their own – but to re-classify as unaffiliated. Still, I could no longer be part of a political constituency whose leadership demands followers subvert the character of Jesus Christ.

Consider:

  • Jesus was compassionate and loving. He demonstrated deep care for the suffering, the marginalized, the poor, the sick and those considered outcasts (e.g., lepers, tax collectors, Samaritans). He healed the sick, fed the hungry, forgave the sinful and welcomed the sojourner.
  • Jesus was humble and obedient. In His time on earth, Jesus lived simply, serving others rather than being served. His humility was demonstrated by washing the feet of His disciples…and His obedience to God the Father by going submissively to the cross.
  • The Lord preached mercy and forgiveness, teaching that “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” He also embodied it, forgiving those who betrayed, denied and crucified Him.
  • Jesus was courageous and just in the face of religious hypocrisy, injustice and oppression, even when it put His life at risk.
  • He spoke the truth, and did so with conviction and profound wisdom.

The Greatest Commandment

In summary, Jesus’ character was defined by love, compassion, humility, integrity, mercy, justice, faithfulness and truth.

All of this is reflected in the Lord’s teaching of the greatest commandment:

“The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 29-31).

I do not know the heart of Donald Trump, nor those of his groupies. I only know what I see from him…and what I do not. For instance, I do not see love. I do not see compassion. I do not see humility, mercy or truth. What I see instead are political and social pursuits that do not simply subvert – but invert – the teaching of Christ.

I see hate rather than love; cruelty rather than compassion; narcissism rather than humility; disdain rather than mercy; lies rather than truth.

One more thing I do not see: those in Trump’s orbit speaking truth to power. And with the exception of American heroes like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, much of the GOP is in lock-step with their demigod.

For many years, I was among those cloaking myself in the American flag – justifying the pursuit of self-serving political and societal ambitions as patriotic and just. But just as Trump is who he is, the sycophants among the GOP are what they are. And as I came to understand, God sees the hearts, minds and souls of those that enable, empower and encourage the inversion of God’s will.

I, for one, refuse to be one of them. I pray you will as well.

Manifesting Faith Part II: The Righteous vs. The Wicked

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“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:18-20)

In my most recent post (The Manifestation of Faith), I spoke to how those who come to faith in Christ Jesus become more like Him – more loving, more merciful, more humble and more obedient. We also become repentant of our sin.

As God, Jesus had no need for repentance. It was and is, however, foundational to His message:

“…but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)

There is, of course, the flip-side of the coin – the unrepentant. Psalm 36 teaches of those who have given themselves over to sin:

1There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2For he flatters himself in his own eyes,
When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates.
3The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit;
He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4He devises wickedness on his bed;
He sets himself in a way that is not good;
He does not abhor evil. (Psalm 36:1-4)

In fact, the Psalms offer an appropriate framework for drawing distinctions between the righteous and the wicked. In the Psalms, the “wicked” are broadly defined as those who are ungodly, rebellious, and characterized by evil actions and attitudes. They reject God’s authority, prioritize their own desires, and pursue self-interest at the expense of others.  They are contrasted with the “righteous,” who are those faithful to God and live according to His principles.

My very favorite psalm – Psalm 1 – exemplifies this contrast, juxtaposing the blessed (righteous)  and the wicked. The former delights in God’s law and is fruitful in doing so; the other circumvents God’s word and associates with those who mock God:

1Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalm 1)

A deeper dive into the contrast between those whose faith manifests in righteousness and those who neither believe or trust in God’s goodness, provision and justice, uncovers some distinctive attributes. Specifically, the “wicked” as characterized in the Psalms:

  • Demonstrate a profound self-centeredness and lack of humility, prioritizing their own ambitions rather than those of our Lord God.
  • Actively engage in acts of violence, oppression and deception against others.
  • Make the accumulation of wealth, possessions and accolades their idols rather than the pursuit of God’s will.
  • Remain rebellious and disobedient towards God, actively opposing His word and unwilling to either acknowledge or submit to His authority.
  • Refuse to acknowledge their misconduct, remaining unrepentant of their sinful behavior.

The “righteous,” of course, are not without sin. But they strive, unsuccessfully at times, to live by the will of God – to be led by the Holy Spirit. They seek not to profit at the expense of others, but to find fulfillment in His word and obedience to it. And they wait patiently for the Lord to fulfill His promised return.

In closing, we must nonetheless remain vigilant in our faith while remaining patient for:

The wicked prowl on every side,
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men. (Psalm 12:8)

Clearly, the world exalts vileness. We are witness to it every moment of every day – in our politics, our communities, our economies – even in our churches. Everywhere.

In His time, God will put down the wicked and lift up the faithful. Psalm 50 gives warning to those who exalt evil – and offers hope to the faithful.

16But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to declare My statutes,
Or take My covenant in your mouth,
17Seeing you hate instruction
And cast My words behind you?
18When you saw a thief, you consented with him,
And have been a partaker with adulterers.
19You give your mouth to evil,
And your tongue frames deceit.
20You sit and speak against your brother;
You slander your own mother’s son.
21These things you have done, and I kept silent;
You thought that I was altogether like you;
But I will rebuke you,
And set them in order before your eyes.
22“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Lest I tear you in pieces,
And there be none to deliver:
23Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:16-23)

When Loyalty is NOT a Virtue

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , 2 Comments

My bible study currently has me in the book of Ruth. In scripture, Ruth stands a pillar of loyalty – a woman whose profound faithfulness and selfless love is rewarded by God’s blessings of family and prominence in the lineage of King David and, thus, Christ Jesus.

The Bible emphasizes the merits of loyalty in marriage, family and friendship. Most importantly, scripture accentuates the importance of loyalty to God.

To characterize loyalty as a virtue would thus seem to be a no-brainer.

I would argue, however, true virtue manifests not in loyalty itself but in that to which one chooses to be loyal. Certainly, loyalty can be a virtue reflecting trust, commitment and a sense of responsibility – one which inspires support and sacrifice.

Conversely, loyalty can be corrosive – particularly if it manifests in allegiance to something or someone that is immoral, corrupt, abusive and/or vindictive.

There is no person alive more demanding of loyalty among his acolytes than Donald Trump. This demand, of course, is for personal loyalty to him – not to the country to which his political minions have pledged allegiance. POTUS revels in the litmus tests he accords his followers, such as their championing of the false, stolen election narrative.

The Ironies of the Ultimatum

Such demands are perfectly reflective of his narcissism, his insecurity, and his blatant self-centeredness. Needless to say, there are several fascinating ironies here.

For example, in making personal loyalty rather than competence the determinant in building his administration (see Hegseth, Gabbard, Kennedy, etc.), Trump not only weakens the country but demands disloyalty to the Constitution. His insistence that VP Mike Pence invalidate the 2020 election is but one of innumerable episodes in which Trump has demanded his truth supersede that of our nation’s laws.

Chillingly, his frequent and self-validating falsehoods demonstrate disloyalty to God. For while the rectitude of loyalty may be situational, the Lord does not compromise on truth.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Proverbs 12:22, NKJV

Ironically, loyalty is not a quality Trump is capable of reciprocating. Pence was loyal to the point of humiliation. In return for his nearly four years of groveling, POTUS offered tacit approval of a mob’s intention to “hang Mike Pence.” Needless to say, Trump’s infidelities reveal his inability to maintain loyalty within his marriage.

The Great Danger

The examples of Trump’s abuse of his office to exact retribution upon those who fail to bend the knee are profuse. Beyond Pence. Beyond Comey. Beyond Bolton, Kelly, Barr, Mattis, Vindman and more. In virtually each instance, it involves Donald Trump putting himself above the people and the Constitution of the United States to satisfy his fragile ego.

This, ultimately, is the greatest danger of his presidency. A man whose ego is so brittle – one which can only be satisfied by bullying the rest of humanity into submission – should not oversee this country’s nuclear arsenal. Nor its global leadership. This is what his followers fail to comprehend.

A Final Irony

Trump, in his narcissism, believes that the declarations of loyalty by the GOP’s congressional lemmings are genuine. My guess is that such declarations are, by and large, insincere – that their true allegiance is not to POTUS but to their own relevance and power. These legislators were first-hand witnesses to the persecution of true patriots like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger – who remained loyal not to a man, not to their careers, but to their oath to uphold the Constitution.

Actually, most were far more than indifferent witnesses – they were the persecutors themselves – condemning those with the integrity to speak truth to power – in order to gain favor with the man who could smile on their political fortunes.

Perhaps we can conclude that loyalty is a conditional virtue – one that only becomes virtuous when it is grounded in wisdom, fairness and ethical purpose. These all seem to be absent in the demands of Trump and the posturing of his followers.

The Lamp of the Body

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“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Matthew 6:22-23, NKJV

These verses, spoken by the Lord Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount, have particular relevance in today’s politically-charged culture. How we see and respond to the exceptional circumstances confronting this world reveal the integrity and faithfulness of our hearts.

As one whose eye was in need of correction for much of his adult life, I am particularly appreciative of the Lord’s teaching. My “bad eye” saw the world only as an opportunity to pursue false idols – those that satisfied my insatiable pride. Wealth. Gluttony. Lust. You get the picture.

My body was “full of darkness.” Praise God, He saw fit to perform a vision correction at a time of particular desperation. My eye – for the first time in my adult life – became a lamp that illuminated His word and His will.

A “good” eye allows light to enter the body and irradiate the heart – characterizing a faithful servant, spiritually focused and aligned with God’s truth. What truth is that? We need only revisit the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount – specifically the Beatitudes.

As I came to see, God treasures humility, empathy, repentance, mercy and a righteousness that comes only through faith. He blesses the pure in spirit – those that serve Him with an undivided heart – indifferent to the adoration of peers. He rewards the peacemakers who bring reconciliation rather than anxiety. This is evidence of a “good eye.”

“But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

Unfortunately, we live in a world with poor eyesight. Too many – including countless Christians – fail to see God’s truth and blessings, obsessing instead on the temporal, the self-serving and the immoral. They witness, for example, a POTUS whose behavior is vindictive, dishonest, pompous, merciless and corrupt. Their bad eye sees not a man in need of a changed heart that will save his soul – but a redeemer to be encouraged and empowered.

Such are those deceived by darkness – selling out their righteousness while hiding behind the bluster of a demigod. I know. My demigod was my pride by which I rationalized my disobedience.

And just as I pray to God for the salvation of Donald Trump and the blessing of a new heart, I ask Him also to give those incapable of seeing their hypocrisy new eyes that will illuminate their souls. For as warned by Scottish author and minister George MacDonald:

 “One day you will be compelled to see, nay, to feel your heart as God sees it; and to know that the cankered thing which you have within you, a prey to the vilest diseases, is indeed the center of your being, your very heart.”

Are your thoughts and actions guided by God’s truth? Do you strive to emulate the love, mercy, humility and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? If so, your eye is good and your body is full of light.

If instead you exalt and empower the behavior of those who consistently, flagrantly and unapologetically demonstrate disdain for God’s word, your heart may indeed be a “cankered thing.”

“If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

A Test of Faith

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , 4 Comments

In a post shared in May of 2023 (Navigating the Deception of Trump-Love: Insights on God’s Sovereignty and the Works of Darkness), I argued that Donald Trump’s ascension was the work of God – that Trump’s immorality and narcissism were so blatantly obvious and patently evil that only God could blind so many to these truths.

As one who believes in the inerrancy and infallibility of scripture, I view Romans 13:1 as confirmation:

“…there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Left unanswered in that prior post is the question of why? – why would He who knows all and sees all elevate this man to the highest office in the land?

I had no answer in May 2023 and chose not to speculate on God’s reasoning. Instead, I acknowledged that His ways are higher than my ways, and that I am to trust in God.

I continue to trust in His purposes. But that trust no longer precludes me from speculating as to what those purposes might be.

Scripture leads me to believe that the Lord God will test His creation. Such stalwarts of faith as Abraham, Moses, Job, Peter and Paul were often put to the test to build character and deepen their dependence on God. They passed far more often than they failed. But, as descendants of Adam – the first to fail his test – each bungled God’s trials at times. Thankfully, we have a merciful, loving God. Our failures – of which there are many – are forgiven through repentance, faith and the Lord’s work on the cross.

So, does God test us? Of course, He does. God tells us as much in scripture:

I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:10)

Thus, my answer to the “why” question is this: God has elevated Donald Trump in order to validate and deepen our faith.

I suspect that my take on this subject will raise the ire of the MAGA acolytes who believe POTUS to be a demigod put on earth to single-handedly bully a misguided world into obedience with their righteous morality. I am of the belief, however, that God’s intentions are somewhat more obscure. I look to the Bible – specifically, Deuteronomy 13 for clues as to what those intentions might be.

Verses 13:1-4 are as follows (NIV):

“1If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, 2and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” 3you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.”

Let’s see if we can put some modern-day context to these verses.

Deuteronomy 13 is a warning against false prophets and those who would lead others into idol worship. Let’s be clear…Donald Trump considers himself a prophet, essentially proclaiming himself God’s hand to fulfill a higher purpose. This alone, however, does not make him a “false” prophet. Nor does Trump’s promise of a return to power – even when “the sign or wonder spoken of takes place.”

Rather, Trump identifies himself as a false prophet by exhorting his acolytes, “Let us follow other gods and let us worship them.”

What are those objects of Trump’s idol worship? They are visible for all the world to see: Wealth. Power. Deceit. Lust. Gluttony. Envy. Retribution. It is his unrestrained and unrepentant pursuit of these that make him false – and condemns those that encourage, enable and follow in his idol worship.

How do these harmonize with such core Christian values as love, truth, forgiveness, humility, fidelity, hospitality and righteousness? Please ask yourself this question…because God is asking it of you. Again…

“The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.”

There are consequences to disobedience – and the failure to remain steadfast in the face of enticement to idolatry. As a reminder, Jeremiah 17:10 tells us that the Lord God searches the heart and tests the mind “to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”

Do not exalt those who would lead you to worship false idols. Do not be led by those who repudiate the Lord’s commands for love, humility, truth and justice. In doing so you not only encourage but enable hate, deceit, retribution and greed.

Related: Evangelicals & Trump: Mutual Abuse of Biblical Proportions

The Cancer of Hypocrisy in Evangelical Christianity

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Anyone who has perused the pages of this blog knows that I am not a fan of a Donald Trump presidency. They will also know that I pray for his repentance and his salvation.

My concern with the return of DJT to the White House has little to do with democracy, policy or the direction of our country. I have put my trust in God, knowing that His ways are not my ways. And the Lord has warned us repeatedly that turbulent times are in front of us.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NIV)

Rather, my anxiety has far more to do with what Trump’s re-election says about the leadership and the integrity of the white evangelical Christian community in this country.

Donald Trump is, after all, the poster child for 2 Timothy 3:1-5. I confess that I do not know his heart. Only God does. But I can observe his behavior. What I witness is a narcissist, a lover of money, a proud, boastful and abusive man without love for his neighbor – unmerciful, slanderous, adulterous – well, you get the picture. This point cannot be argued; the evidence is prima facie. And let’s not forget that he is a twice-impeached convicted felon, has been found liable for sexual assault, faces four outstanding criminal indictments and has proudly boasted of how he impresses women by grabbing them by the p**sy.

Read that last paragraph one more time. This is the man white evangelical Christians were instrumental in returning to office. Instead of having “nothing to do with such people,” as instructed by the Apostle Paul, they have empowered, endorsed and encouraged the evil so forcefully illustrated and condemned in scripture. Wow.

I am ready for the turbulent times before us. Prayer and scripture have prepared me. I will strive to glorify God by living my faith. I will, of course, fall short and seek His mercy and grace – knowing that it is the only path to eternal life.

Unfortunately, however, many are unprepared, vulnerable to the disingenuous faith of those who seek righteousness not through God’s mercy and grace but through their noble morality. They seek to legislate their morality to coerce behavior they believe make them “good people” – removing the choice to be obedient to God out of love. In their moralism, like the Pharisees, they fail to see grace.

The vulnerable bear witness to the hypocrisy. Is it surprising that they build a wall around themselves and project an unwillingness to hear God’s word given that the messenger is so compromised? In these last days, we must encourage a willingness to hear and live the Gospel – not push those who have yet to accept Christ to the edge of the cliff through hypocrisy, selfishness and hate.

As Christians, our aspiration must never be to simply be a “good person.” Such a mindset puts the focus on our own conduct rather than on the saving grace of Lord Jesus. We are sinners in need of a savior. Our one and only goal must be to be more like Christ.

Evangelicals & Trump: Mutual Abuse of Biblical Proportions

Tom Ratkovich, , , , 5 Comments

Unless one sees the world through Trump-colored glasses, the use and abuse of the evangelical community by the former POTUS is astoundingly blatant. To those outside that community – as well as many within it – DJT’s ceaseless and unrepentant falsehoods, adulteries, invectives and narcissistic behavior suggest that he has yet to find his way to Christ. Yet his pandering to evangelicals has earned him widespread support among them.

Surely, one must question whether Trump truly subscribes to the conservative Christian agenda – or simply says what they need to hear to get their vote. Personally, I find it difficult to believe, for example, that he truly opposes abortion given his reputed carnal behaviors and the assertion by at least one of his partners that he disdains contraception.

That said, I truly wonder who is using who. While Trump obviously says what he must to get the evangelical vote, those same voters accept whatever they must for a man who promises a world that conforms to their legislative morality. They are not only enabling Trump’s moral corruption, they are encouraging it – committed to the belief that his hatefulness, spite and vengeance can be overlooked because they are the specific traits that will ensure the fulfillment of their righteous agenda.

Through their advocacy, these “Christian” supporters are selfishly discouraging DJT from displaying the mercy, grace and love commanded by Christ and essential for his salvation.

For instance, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

James’ discerning restatement of this truth is particularly relevant here:

“Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.”

James 2:13

Christians understand that we are undeserving of the Lord’s mercy; yet we need it for our salvation. In His unfathomable love and grace, He is most willing to give it. But as James cautions, to get it from God we must give it to others. Without His mercy, we are fated to eternity outside the presence of the Lord – and in someplace very unpleasant.

Yet, this is precisely that to which these cheerleaders would condemn Trump. Rather than offer correction as we are instructed to do in scripture – endeavoring to save his soul by encouraging obedience to God’s word – these “Christians” douse him with kerosene on the path to the eternal fire.

At the National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2020, Harvard professor Arthur Brooks echoed the Lord’s command to love your enemies. Former President Donald Trump responded to Brooks’ exhortation by saying, “I don’t know if I agree with you.”

As the president’s disagreement was not with Mr. Brooks but with God, it was an appropriate opportunity for his Christian advisors to deliver suitable correction.

Instead, when asked about DJT’s comments, Dallas pastor and Trump advisor Robert Jeffress replied, “I think the president was completely right in what he said.”

Donald Trump is who he is and he will face the judgment of our just and merciful God. But those who turn him from God by enabling and encouraging his disobedience will also face judgment.

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Matthew 18:5

Navigating the Deception of Trump-Love: Insights on God’s Sovereignty and the Works of Darkness

Tom Ratkovich, , , , 3 Comments

“Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

Ephesians 5:8(b)-11 (NKJV)

More often than not, the posture of our neighbors seems to defy reason. Built in to our human nature is an expectation that others should see the world as we do. It seems a rare occasion that they do so.

Continue reading “Navigating the Deception of Trump-Love: Insights on God’s Sovereignty and the Works of Darkness” →