Thoughts On President Trump | How Should Christians Respond?
There’s so much division in the United States over Donald Trump. Some say he’s one of the greatest Presidents ever. Some say he’s a racist. Some hate him, some love him. How Should Christians respond? The answer is simple, and it should not change according to who sits at the oval office.
Exodus 9:16 – But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
We see GOD raised Pharaoh into power SO THAT His name would be proclaimed.
John 19:10,11 – So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
So, Pilate would NOT have authority unless God gave it to Him. In this case, God has even given Him authority over Jesus and has the power to kill Him. What makes us think we are so special?
Romans 13:1 – Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
So NO ONE is in power unless God puts them there. Your vote did not make the final decision. God calls us to be in subjection to governing authorities.
Romans 13:2 – Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
So, from parents to bosses, to political leaders, to resist authority is to OPPOSE the ordinance of God.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The ‘condemnation’ (some translations say ‘judgment’) is not from God. Remember:
there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1).
and…
The one who believes is not judged (John 3:18).
TAKE AWAY:
- Trump is not in power because of Man. GOD PUT HIM THERE.
- To retaliate against him is to retaliate against God.
- It’s okay to legally protest (peacefully), vote, debate. Just follow the law of the land.
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
