As leaders in the church today, we can expect all manner of attack, or as Christ called it, “tribulation.” The source of the attacks can be traced back to the battle Christ and then Paul warned us about (Ephesians 6:12). The attacks will attempt to distract us from the most important thing, which is the harvest field (Matthew 9:37 & 38). Unfortunately, the uninformed in the secular realm and the under-informed in the Christian realm will be caught up in the lame arguments (Proverbs 26: 4 & 5; 2 Timothy 2:22 & 23). Don’t succumb to the distraction but stay focused on Christ.
For example, I have noticed a few posts about President Trump not putting his hand on the Bible while being sworn into office. Most of the memes I have observed are from known enemies of the Cross who have never opened a Bible and refuse to do the research. Oaths of office are a manmade construct. The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:34-37 that we should not make oaths and to “let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” Raising the right hand and taking an oath in front of men binds you to what you promise in their sight. Choosing to put your hand on the Bible or not lends nothing to the oath. Especially when it concludes with “to the best of my abilities, so help me God.” (FYI: George Washington spontaneously added that last part; it was not a part of the original oath. It has since been adopted). “So help me God,” is the binding that cannot be broken. We are all known by our fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). When we bind our actions to El Shaddai, God Almighty, our fruit better be true to that promise.
The real story is the Bible that the First Lady is holding. It was gifted from President Trump’s mother and came from aunts who were involved in the Hebrides Revival of 1947. That was a phenomenal time of revival rich in God’s work in a corner of Scotland. The Bible he chose not to or forgot to put his hand on still consistently reflects the verses referenced above. He is bound to his promise in front of God. The Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 & 13). God knows and will hold President Trump accountable when and if needed. We, as American citizens, will hold him accountable to the Constitution.
The church and mankind will experience much greater “tribulation” than uninformed memes attempting to make something out of nothing. Be vigilant, church, and don’t get distracted. As the watchmen on the wall, our battles are much greater. We need to tell a world searching for truth about Jesus Christ and His act of love for each of us. Christ told us to “be of good cheer.” That phrase is delivered by a single Hebrew word: tharseo. It means to be bold, daring, courageous, and confident. In that condition, we can have the peace of Christ. The peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) because He has already overcome the world. Whatever tribulation/battle we experience, He has already defeated the enemy.
Therefore, church, major on the majors. Don’t go off into denominational distractions or distractions on Facebook. The vast majority of those posting these know not of what they speak. Boldly and confidently teach God’s Word with an eye on the awakening, revival, and reformation happening everywhere. Encourage your congregation to take leadership roles in the family, church, education, government, business, etc. Join God in exercising His covenant with these United States and spread His Word worldwide. Stay focused and be blessed.