I don’t know when I have been so moved watching an inauguration!
The inauguration of President Trump set a record for prayer with six members of the clergy offering prayers (four evangelical, one Assemblies of God). Numerous references to the name of Jesus were made. Several quotations from the Bible were given. One of the quotations given clearly states that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind, and that He gave His life a ransom for all. And this at an inauguration!
The Bible was used in administering the oath of office for both vice-president and president. Both leaders concluded their respective oaths by stating emphatically, “So help me God.” And while expressing appreciation in his speech for the nation’s military and law enforcement, President Trump stated that America’s ultimate defender is God Himself.
Undoubtedly, citizens who celebrated the presidential declaration made a few years ago that America is no longer a Christian nation cringed at the overtly spiritual tone of the inauguration. But believers across the land had reason to rejoice because we know that a nation whose God is the Lord is blessed (Psalm 33:10).
I understand that America has a long ways to go. But it was remarkably refreshing to hear national leaders call upon the name of the Lord and implore the aid and blessing of God. In a country where even the slightest references to things Christian have been strictly prohibited, the name of Jesus rang loud and clear in our nation’s capital. I’m sure the pundits of political correctness and separation of church and state were fit to be tied.
As we take a moment to delight in these things, we need to remember that the work of the church is still monumental. Laws can be changed for the better, but if the hearts of people remain the same it’s only a matter of time until those changes are reversed. The gospel of Jesus Christ changes culture by transforming hearts.
So we keep doing God’s work. We keep telling people about Jesus. We keep making disciples. And we continue to pray for our nation and our newly elected leaders. Regardless of your political persuasion, this is something incumbent on all believers (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
I close this article with the same text Franklin Graham used at the conclusion of his inaugural prayer, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).
Pastor Todd Weston
The inauguration of President Trump set a record for prayer with six members of the clergy offering prayers (four evangelical, one Assemblies of God). Numerous references to the name of Jesus were made. Several quotations from the Bible were given. One of the quotations given clearly states that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind, and that He gave His life a ransom for all. And this at an inauguration!
The Bible was used in administering the oath of office for both vice-president and president. Both leaders concluded their respective oaths by stating emphatically, “So help me God.” And while expressing appreciation in his speech for the nation’s military and law enforcement, President Trump stated that America’s ultimate defender is God Himself.
Undoubtedly, citizens who celebrated the presidential declaration made a few years ago that America is no longer a Christian nation cringed at the overtly spiritual tone of the inauguration. But believers across the land had reason to rejoice because we know that a nation whose God is the Lord is blessed (Psalm 33:10).
I understand that America has a long ways to go. But it was remarkably refreshing to hear national leaders call upon the name of the Lord and implore the aid and blessing of God. In a country where even the slightest references to things Christian have been strictly prohibited, the name of Jesus rang loud and clear in our nation’s capital. I’m sure the pundits of political correctness and separation of church and state were fit to be tied.
As we take a moment to delight in these things, we need to remember that the work of the church is still monumental. Laws can be changed for the better, but if the hearts of people remain the same it’s only a matter of time until those changes are reversed. The gospel of Jesus Christ changes culture by transforming hearts.
So we keep doing God’s work. We keep telling people about Jesus. We keep making disciples. And we continue to pray for our nation and our newly elected leaders. Regardless of your political persuasion, this is something incumbent on all believers (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
I close this article with the same text Franklin Graham used at the conclusion of his inaugural prayer, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).
Pastor Todd Weston
