NOTES ON THE SPIRIT OF DEFIANCE IN AMERICA: A CODICIL TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN A NATION GONE ROGUE

SCRIPTURE. “You shall have one law for him who sins unintentionally, whether he is native-born among the Israelites or a stranger who is living among them as a resident alien. But the person who does [anything wrong] willfully and defiantly, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one is blaspheming the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from among his people [excluding him from the atonement made for them]. Because he has despised and rejected the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be utterly cut off; [the responsibility for] his wickedness and guilt will be upon him.” – NUMBERS 15:29-31, AMP

Selah.

QUOTATIONS

“‘Freedom, that terrible word inscribed on the chariot of the storm,’ is the motivating principle of all Revolutions. Without it, Justice seems inconceivable to the rebel’s mind. There comes a time, however, when Justice demands the suspension of Freedom. Then Terror, on a grand or small scale, makes its appearance to consummate the Revolution. Every act of Rebellion expresses a nostalgia for innocence and an appeal to the essence of being. But one day nostalgia takes up arms and assumes the responsibility of Total Guilt; in other words, adopts murder and violence.” – ALBERT CAMUS, ‘The Rebel,’ 1951; edited

“Revolution and Rebellion are two words that are often confused when it comes to the appearing similarity in their meanings and connotations. Actually, there is some difference between the two words. The word ‘Revolution’ is used generally in the sense of ‘Uprising’ [principled ascending]. On the other hand, the word ‘Rebellion’ is generally used in the sense of ‘Revolt’ [seditious insurrection]. This is the main difference between the two words.” – ARON, ‘Difference Between,’ September 3, 2011; edited

FIRST THOUGHTS

REBELLION is in the wind, beloved. This despite the temporary Hiatus to memorialize ‘September 11’s 20 Year Commemoration’ yesterday. You can very nearly smell it; and it carries with it a distinct odor, rather than an aroma. It was certainly not here 20 years ago, but it is in 2021.

It displays a fierce, hideous countenance – and yes, the Graphic of Donald Trump is how I see its American Origin, or more accurately, its ‘Trigger.’ I simply have no more time to dialogue with the Spirit of Viciousness that has come to us in the last five years.

¡Se acabó! Es la hora del Martillo de Dios. “‘Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]?’ says the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks the [most stubborn] rock [in pieces]?’” – JEREMIAH 29:23, AMP

MOTIVE. To be clear: My Reason for writing this Addendum to our study of the Seven Churches of Revelation is because of precisely that: The Spiritual Ecology in America today is brimming with anger, hatred, increased violence and divisions that appear irreparable at this point.

Unless this changes, and very soon: We are careening nearly full throttle toward a Major Cataclysm of some sort.

THE PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE CHURCH. “Passive-Aggressive Behavior is a pattern of indirectly expressing negative feelings instead of openly addressing them. There’s a disconnect between what a passive-aggressive person says and what he or she does.” – DANIEL K. HALL-FLAVIN, M.D., ‘The Mayo Clinic,’ July 20, 2019; edited

I continue to offer severe critique of the Church because of the syrupy corn starch that it has been serving up for the last couple of decades and more. Yet still dares to pass around its stale, lifelessness nearly every Sunday morning, as Christians walk in Stepford Wife unison to hear the same tired messages.

It is precisely because the American Church is effectively ‘Moribund’ [in terminal decline] that this ‘Spirit of Defiance’ is beginning to rule the day. Not unlike the French Revolution, the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia or the National Socialists of Germany where The Church failed in her Duty to Truth, it is about to explode right beneath us, beloved.

Like the Jacobins in France, a significant minority in America has decided on a Path of Violent Overthrow, rather than a Principled Reformation. GEORGE W. BUSH said it perfectly yesterday at Shanksville, Pennsylvania:

“As a Nation, our adjustments have been profound. Many Americans struggled to understand why an enemy would hate us with such zeal. The security measures incorporated into our lives are both sources of comfort and reminders of our vulnerability. And we have seen growing evidence that the dangers to our country can come not only across borders, but from violence that gathers within. There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home. But in their disdain for pluralism, in their disregard for human life, in their determination to defile national symbols, they are Children of the same Foul Spirit. And it is our continuing duty to confront them.” – September 11, 2021; edited

THE CORONAVIRUS. Once again, it is The Church, by her adoption of Trump Christianity, or by her acquiescent, ‘Passive-Aggressive Silence, that is leading the way toward more Chaos. Ironically, it is COVID-19 that has rapidly become ‘The New Maginot Line’ around which we emplace our battlements and siegeworks, about whether to attack it or ignore it.

The State of the Union on this vital issue is shocking: As of September 2021, only 63% of Americans have been vaccinated, ranking 24^th in a Table of Nations published by ‘Sotiraparis’ on, of all days, September 11. Other studies show between 70-79% of Americans are firmly against mandated vaccinations, and 68% of Americans are ending lifelong friendships over this one issue. – cf. ‘National Review,’ May 12, 2021; ‘Changing America,’ August 6, 2021

Thus, Europe and the rest of the developed world is starting to close their doors to American tourists. We are becoming ‘The New Lepers’ to other nations, in the wake of our Deadly Disobedience, the fruit of our Trump-fueled Rebellion.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES. I recall an old television show I watched as kid growing up just outside of L.A. ‘Truth or Consequences’ was an American game show originally hosted on NBC radio by Ralph Edwards (1940–1957) in California, whose humorous antics were designed to illustrate the impact of wrong answers in a Quiz Show format.

The Point of this nostalgic sidebar is to emphasize the inexorable Biblical and Scientific Principle of ‘Cause and Effect.’ As stated by the brilliant Christian physicist, philosopher and theologian SIR ISAAC NEWTON’S Second Law of Motion, here grossly simplified:

“For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” – ‘Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica,’ 1687; edited

THESIS. Today, therefore, I shall argue that the American Church’s catastrophic Moral Failure to counter the ‘Trump Insurrection,’ now formed around ‘The Anti-Jab’ fervor midst the virus’ accelerating permutations, or ‘Variants,’ is killing us – both medically and spiritually.

THE ANTI’S. This is a somewhat Heterogenous Group also known as the largely fear-driven, ‘Vaccine Hesitancy’ folks, banded together with the more politically motivated ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ crowd. All in fierce opposition to taking the Covid Vaccines, whether by mandate or free will. They are composed mostly of Trumpers, White Evangelicals, Libertarians, culturally defined “conservatives,” QAnons, and the largely uneducated (except for Ph.D.’s!). In addition to the Republican Party, they are led by 12 key Influencers, according to ‘The Hill’ (A. SRIKANTH, March 24, 2021): Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who was banned from Instagram last month — Joseph Mercola, Ty and Charlene Bollinger — whose Twitter accounts were briefly suspended at the beginning of the pandemic — Sherri Tenpenny, Rizza Islam, Rashid Buttar, Erin Elizabeth, Sayer Ji, Kelly Brogan, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper and Kevin Jenkins.

THE PRO’S. Pretty much everyone else, the roughly 64% of us. Those most likely to get the vaccination are college graduates, master’s degree holders, professionals across a variety of career, and political moderates, and Liberals, and the majority of those identified as ‘NeverTrumps,’ though all of this is based on very sparse data. The data also imply that Mainline churchgoers are not as reluctant about the vaccines as are the more Right-Wing, fundamentalist churchgoers, who are largely in line with Trump Christianity. NOTE: For some reason, there is a plethora of information about the Anti-Vaxers, but very little on the Pro-Vaxers. Thus in order to profile this group, you basically have to flip the Anti’s and conclude: “All the rest.”

DK NOTE. The Anti-Vaxers, ironically, have made inevitable the very Mandates we all abhor, which in turn I expect to increase in the days ahead. This alone may become The Match that lights The Conflagration, beloved. COVID-19.

According to the Scriptures, these trends promise to get worse in the days ahead.

“But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them.” – 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5, AMP

TRUMP’S AMERICA. It is no longer anyone’s secret that we are watching all this unfold before our very eyes every single day. This ‘Mass Defiance of God’s Order and Common Sense,’ almost overwhelmingly inspired by the combined Trump Brigades are, ironically, the Primary Agency of the End of what ‘Time’ magazine founder Henry Luce called, ‘The American Century’ on February 17, 1941, in a ‘Life’ magazine editorial.

All of them while laboring furiously, and more violently now, to ‘Make America Great Again!’ By whatever means necessary, including a full blown, Coup d’etat.

CULTISM. A growing number of articles are beginning to cite the Anti-Vax Movement as taking on ‘Religious and Cult-like characteristics.’ Its Arcane Irrationalism is captured in a statement of Tik-Tok cult leader, sounding very much like the same rationale Pro-Choice advocates use.

“‘Today’s sermon is going to be on Unitopian Anarchy and Autonomy,’ UNICOLE UNICRON says in the opening of a sermon on YouTube. Clad in an ethereal white veil, against a background of dizzying black-and-white swirls, the leader of the self-described cult ‘Unicult’ proceeds to spend the next 51 minutes detailing thoughts on the Covid-19 Vaccine and why the Cult’s leader is not encouraging followers to get the vaccine. ‘Only you have autonomy over your own body,’ says Unicron, who uses xe/xim [genderless] pronouns. ‘Do what is right for you. Perform no medical rituals that are against your own strong intuitive knowledge of your personal health.’ Unicron then explains why xe believes contracting the virus would not get xim sick, saying, ‘I have ascended to the point where I am confident that my own experience of my own internal state and my own vibration of harmony is enough to protect me.’” – E. J. DICKSON, “Tik Tok Cult Leader Pivots,” ‘Rolling Stone,’ September 9, 2021; edited

CODA. Now hear me: I have heard many of these same phrases, rationales and arguments coming out of the mouths of Pastors and Religious Leaders! I have! And so have many of you. Do you see how far we have Fallen as a Church? So long as this primitive, very nearly ‘Neo-Gnostic Mindset’ proliferates, beloved, only One Conclusion is viable:

The Bottom of The Abyss is racing toward us. And ‘The Church’ is largely responsible. We have, as the famous WILLIAM YEATS “Second Coming” poem states it: “Lost our Centre” (1921).

THE IMMORAL AMERICAN CHURCH

This section will borrow heavily from an electrifying book by BEN HOWE entitled, ‘The Immoral Majority: Why Evangelicals Chose Political Power Over Christian Values,’ published in 2019. Like so many of us, he became disillusioned with the conservative Christian religious movement he’d always thought of as “Home.”

The following review will concentrate on TWO KEY CHAPTERS that tell this sordid tale in ways that will further warn readers of the deep ditch the Church has chosen to dig for itself in just the past five years.

Reminds of the ancient Jewish Proverb as I note the sustained Evangelical Whine against the Unsaved for the last 40 years:

“Whoever digs a pit [for another man’s feet] shall fall into it himself, and he who rolls a stone [up a height to do mischief], it will return upon him.” – PROVERBS 26:27, AMPC

What follows is a staggering, up close Morality Tale of the Seduction of the Church by the ‘most corrupt’ presidential politician in American History. And we shall live with the Consequences very likely, to the End of the Age. Selah.

ONE: THE SHIFT. “In an effort to secure [Evangelical] critical support, candidate Trump held a private meeting with a thousand value-centric conservative leaders in June [2016] … At the meeting, the endorsements of Trump by Evangelical leaders had a clear influence on those Churchgoers who might have remained on the fence.

And yet, some Christians at the meeting seemed persuaded by what Trump had to say. ‘I liked the fact that leaders that I have great respect for – MIKE HUCKABEE, DR. BEN CARSON, RONNIE FLOYD, DAVID JEREMIAH, DR. DOBSON, many of those who posed questions today – they seemed very pleased with what they’re hearing, not only on the floor today, but behind the scenes,’ [Evangelical ANN] WHITE said.

‘Hearing these men, who I really respect, testify to the fact that they really believe that Donald Trump is a Christian – maybe not the kind you and I are, or maybe, they didn’t say this, not as far along in his development as a Christian … I think that’s a pretty bold statement,’ said the Christian radio host E. W. JACKSON in his call. Several Christian broadcasters joining the call with Jackson emphasized the one question on their minds at the meeting: ‘Is Trump really a Christian?’” – pp. 27-29

TWO: STATE OF THE CHURCH. “Evangelicals overwhelmingly supported Trump’s Republican Party [in the 2018 Midterms], voting for GOP candidates at a margin of 75%, a slight dip from the 81% that went for Trump in 2016, but dips are expected in Midterms …

But hidden within those numbers is another story. There’s every reason to believe that Evangelical enthusiasm is even higher than it appears. This is because while they have maintained a 26% hold on the total voting electorate for several years running, their percentage compared to total population is going down [for Two Reasons] …

One: Evangelicalism is losing members. Two: As Evangelicalism loses members, they double down on their current path, increasing their enthusiasm to maintain higher and higher voter turnout so as to keep up the 26% of the voting electorate, despite having fewer Evangelicals overall from which to draw.

If that’s sounds like Isolation, then I agree. And a Movement that can exist only through outreach that chooses to close in on itself is doomed. To make matters worse, it is not only the Evangelical sector of Christianity that is losing members. Christian Faiths overall is declining.” – pp. 164-165; edited, emphasis my own

DK’S TAKE. Make that read the following unmistakably horrific Impacts of ‘Trump Christianity’ on the Church and the State of the American Order.

APOSTASY. So long as Christians are exchanging their Spiritual commitments and credentials for Political-material ones, this can only refer directly to a large part of what Jesus warned about when He prophesied that in these Last Days: “And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity” (MATTHEW 24:12, AMPC).

DOCTRINES. Clearly, a Church that will so easily succumb to the wretchedness of a Donald Trump version of the Faith cannot be offering its congregations the “rich red meat” of the Gospel Message, but rather the sort of watered-down fluff that comes out of preachers like JOEL OSTEEN, whose publicly stated spiritual goal was “To make God good.” Need I comment on that heretical poison? (cf. STOYAN ZAIMOV, ‘Christian Post,’ February 6, 2021).

IMPACT. To state it bluntly once more: We are witnessing the very Death of the Church and the Republic, beloved. American Founder ELIAS BUODINOT, President of the United States Congress, Framer of The Bill of Rights, and Director of the U.S. Mint clearly stated what we used to believe:

“Let us enter on this important business [of governing] under the idea that we are Christians on whom the eyes of the world are now turned… [L]et us earnestly call and beseech Him, for Christ’s sake, to preside in our councils … We can only depend on the all-powerful influence of the Spirit of God, Whose Divine aid and assistance it becomes us as a Christian people most devoutly to implore. Therefore, I move that some Minister of the Gospel be requested to attend this Congress every morning … in order to open the meeting with prayer” – “Speech in the First Provincial Congress of New Jersey,” June 1776; edited

THE PRICE. I simply cannot say it any more clearly, nor present more penetrating documentation, though brief, to tell you this: America is committing Spiritual and National Suicide, beloved, by embracing a False Gospel, codified by the New Trump Nationalism that has replaced the Canon.

Sidenote on 9-11. As we watched once more the bloody horrors of that Day again taking place, listened to the heart rending encomiums by members of the victims’ families, I heard virtually nothing of the Jesus Christ who was the Foundation of our once noble Republic. You cannot do that anymore, it seems.

THE DEATH OF GOD. Perhaps FRIEDRICH NEITZSCHE was right after all, in his “Parable of the Madman” (1882), in a quote that reverberates down the halls of Western history to this special day:

“‘Where has God gone?’ [the madman] cried. ‘I shall tell you. We have killed him – you and I. We are his murderers’ … It has been further related that on that same day the madman entered divers churches and there sang a Requiem. Led out and quietened, he is said to have retorted each time: ‘What are these Churches now if they are not the tombs and sepulchres of God?’”

Selah. Selah.

THE TEACHING

Once more, we take to the KEY TERMS in this ancient, fiery passage to drill down further to the Core Cause of all this American Deconstruction.

ACTS DEFIANTLY. From the root word, ‘Rum’ [רוּם], translated as: “To be high or exalted, to rise up [in rebellion against]; to be haughty, extolling oneself loudly; presumptuous; proud; related to breed worms; to become lofty; daring to fight [legitimate authority]; contempt of opposition or danger; resistance that implies the derision of an adversary, or of any opposing power.”

BRINGS REPROACH. From the Hebrew, ‘Gadaf’ [גָּדַף]: “To revile or blaspheme; to cut deeply or wound; to cut off, deny favour, be ungrateful; from a root word meaning, ‘to hack;’ to censure in terms of opprobrium or contempt; to charge with a fault in severe language [or conduct]; to upbraid; to suggest blame for any thing; shame; infamy; disgrace; opposition mingled with contempt or derision.”

DESPISED TRUTH. The Hebrew here is, ‘Bazah’ [בָּזָה]: “To disesteem, defy; to disdain, think to scorn or contemn; consider worthless; despicable, vile; to have the lowest opinion of; abhor; to feel a deep repugnance toward [God or His servants]; to dislike intensely or loathe; to regard with utter disgust; to feel a strong dislike for someone or something because you think that that person or thing is bad or has no value.”

CUT OFF. Now then ‘The Consequence’ of such conduct by a so-called believer is nearly indescribable for its severity. From the Hebrew, ‘Karath’ [כָּרַת], or: “To cut down; hew timber; of things or a forward tongue; destroy the life of all things used in idolatry; permit to perish; to maim or castrate; kill or excommunicate; to be withdrawn; to root out; to break covenant; be completely consumed; exiled; be removed [from fellowship].” Implicates CHRIST’S SEVERITY: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets]. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” – MATTHEW 7:19-21, AMP

COMMENTARY. “‘Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment’ … That is, has broken it through contempt of it, despising it as a command of God, paying no regard to it as a Law of His; otherwise such who sin ignorantly break the Commandment of God: that soul shall be utterly cut off; or ‘in cutting off shall be cut off;’ most certainly cut off and entirely ruined and destroyed in this world and in that to come, as the Targum of Jonathan; and Maimonides understands it of such a cutting off, that the soul itself perishes and is no more; but such annihilation the Scripture nowhere gives us any reason to believe [still being debated to this day]: His iniquity shall be upon him; the punishment of it, no atonement being made for it by sacrifice; it shall be upon him and him only, or be ‘in him’, not repented of and not forgiven.” – JOHN GILL, ‘An Exposition of the Old and New Testaments,’ 1746-1763; edited

DK’S TAKE. The Question fairly burns down to my bones, beloved: Is ANYONE listening to the Word of the Lord concerning this Last Days ‘savaging’ of the Canon? Do Pastors not hear anymore? Or, yes, perhaps I am wrong in my interpretations of The Times.

But what if I am not wrong? What then? What then? According to the doctrinal genius of Mr. Gill, so gifted a Hebrew scholar for his time he was referred to as “Dr. John Lightfoot of the Baptists,” the brilliant Churchman, Rabbinical scholar and Cambridge University Chancellor – the outlook is grim, and here is why, Pastors.

“There was no room in his preaching for fluff. Christian living was serious business which required serious instruction. We could learn much in our day from this. Pastors are not preparing children to go to the playground but rather they are outfitting ‘Soldiers of Christ’ to head off into War.” – R. M. KANE, “Biography of John Gill: English Baptist theologian (1697-1771),” ‘Coming in the Clouds,’ January 5, 2014; edited

PASCAL’S WAGER. I have used this argument before, but it serves well here once again. To reduce it to the simplest structure possible: It is much wiser to be that I am right in these claims, then to not bet on it. If I am wrong, you have lost nothing. But oh my, if I am right, you have gained your life! – cf. BLAISE PASCAL, The Pensées (“Thoughts”), 1670; paraphrased

LAST THOUGHTS

So once again to conclude this Commentary, and bring to closure the entire Ten Lessons on The Seven Churches of Revelation, I resort to THREE SCRIPTURAL CONCORDS that I sensed I was to end with, for our Instruction for the days ahead – in addition to the Nine Sayings I presented in the last installment.

I offer these last thoughts to you for prayerful reflection, as you consider The Times, and what you are called to do in relation to them in the days immediately ahead. May they bless you with wisdom, courage and peace, all at once.

FINAL SIFTING. “For doubtless there have to be factions or parties among you in order that they who are genuine and of approved fitness may become evident and plainly recognized among you” (1 Corinthians 11:19, Amplified Classic Edition) DK: God is shaking His House more and more forcefully to give each of us our final opportunity to decide this day and all following, ‘Whom we shall serve.’ Choose well, beloved, choose well. – cf. Joshua 24:15

FALSE DISCIPLES. “I bear them witness that they have a [certain] zeal and enthusiasm for God, but it is not enlightened and according to [correct and vital] knowledge” (Romans 10:2, Amplified Classic Edition). DK: As with Christ’s stinging admonition against the “Jews who say they are Jews, but are not, but are a synagogue of Satan,” are the same things meant: To those who dare to say ‘they are Christians, but are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.’ Can you tell the difference, beloved? You must in the days ahead, no matter their zeal.

AN ANGRY GOD. Now this is the more controversial claim I lay before you, reminiscent of Jonathan Edward’s famous, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon delivered on July 8, 1741, in Enfield, Connecticut. It was the Catalyst for America’s desperately needed First Great Awakening. He began with the following Scripture: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense, in the time when their foot shall slide; for the day of their disaster is at hand and their doom comes speedily” (Deuteronomy 32:35, Amplified Classic Edition). THE POINT: God is ‘furious’ with His people, beloved. Of that I am certain, vastly more than in Edward’s day, I hasten to add. Know this, and fear Him right and proper – the Foundation of your Rescue.

IN SUM. My final proposal to you all is that there is a ‘False Church’ and there is a ‘True Church’ among us Americans– the very insinuation of DR. JAMES MONTGOMERY BOICE made in 1996, reviewed in our last outing.

Now to the severest Blow of the Cudgel given me, to the dismay and probable hatred and venomous replies of many:

You cannot be devoted to Donald Trump and be a true follower of Jesus Christ!

TEN REASONS WHY. As early as 2016, some of us already knew the Biblical Reasons for why this must be so. I say again: Must be so! I borrow from two Religion Sociologists writing for the Dallas Morning News in that pivotal year when America was deciding her Fate, to cement my argument: CHRISTOPHER PIEPER AND MATT HENDERSON.

Their analysis was entitled, “Ten Reasons You Can’t Be Christian and Vote for Donald Trump,” published on November 6, 2016; edited. NOTE: Their exegesis was both accurate and embarrassingly elementary: A child could grasp it! Selah.

The following passages are rendered in the New American Standard translation (NASB).

HE LACKS COMPASSION. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

HE APPEALS TO FEAR AND ANGER. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” – 1 John 4:18

HE IS ENAMORED WITH GREATNESS AND EGO, NOT WITH ‘GOODNESS’ OR SERVICE. “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:5-8

HE LIES – A LOT. “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who breathes forth lies shall perish.” – Proverbs 19:9

HE IS HOSTILE TO WOMEN. “But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.” – Colossians 3:8

HE SPEAKS ABOUT HIS DAUGHER IN DISRESPECTFUL AND SEXUALIZED WAYS. “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he grows older he will not abandon it.” – Proverbs 22:6

HE DOES NOT LOVE HIS ENEMIES, BUT CULTIVATES ANTAGONISM. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:43-44

HE DOES NOT MODEL SACRIFICE OR ALTRUISM. “But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” – Matthew 19:30

HE DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE FOR THE POOR. “Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” – Matthew 19:21

HIS LOVE OF MONEY EXCEEDS HIS LOVE FOR GOD AND OTHERS. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” – Matthew 6:24

FINAL WORD. I have labored for no fewer than 1,825 days – five long years – to dismantle the flimsy arguments that dare to say Christian support of Donald Trump is sanctioned by the Scriptures. So let me be absolutely clear after that many days and nights of studying, praying, writing and pleading with the Church:

No! No! I say again, No! You cannot justify supporting this man by The Book of books. And if you still try, as I have outlined in myriad passages from God’s own mouth, the Penalty you shall pay for Violation of His Statues is immeasurable. In Sum:

You shall very likely perish.

I love the Great Reformers and those who followed – such as Jonathan Edwards and John Gill and Leonard Ravenhill and David Wilkerson and Russell Moore and Mark Galli and Beth Moore and a tiny host of much lower or ‘lesser magistrates,’ who have dared to ‘Speak Truth to Corrupt Power,’ to both Ecclesiastical prelates, and to Civil rulers.

So, forgive the insinuated comparison to a great man at a great moment, whose shoelaces I am not fit to tie. Still, his words burn in my soul:

“If, then, I am not convinced by proof from Holy Scripture, or by cogent reasons, if I am not satisfied by the very text I have cited, and if my judgment is not in this way brought into subjection to God’s word, I neither can nor will retract anything; for it cannot be either safe or honest for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise; God help me! Amen.” – MARTIN LUTHER, “Speech at the Imperial Diet in Worms,” April 18, 1521; edited

TO ALL. I have done my best, and sense I have come to the End of something, and the Beginning of something else, though I am not sure what. Pray for me. Love you all.

Ever your servant, DK

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