Published on December 5, 2023, 12:37 am

In the biblical narrative of Peter’s Confession found in Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asked Peter a defining question, “who do you say that I am?” Aided by divine revelation, Peter confidently recognized Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. This affirmation of belief led Jesus to predict that His church would be established on this rock of faith and divine identity. Furthermore, He assured His apostles that no force or power—”the gates of hell”—would ever overwhelm it. This assurance is a testament to Christ’s authority and the spiritual fortification given to His church against all evil forms.

Rooted deeply within Christian doctrine, this passage underscores benevolently protective nature and supremacy of Christ’s reign. It serves as an emblematic assertion of spiritual truth meant for edifying believers – not a tool for political validation or personal aggrandizement.

However, in recent times there seems to be a troubling trend emerging within political circles – specifically around Donald Trump. During the past weekend, a group encompassing several hundred pastors congregated in Iowa to offer prayers for Donald Trump; however, their conduct appeared idolatrous rather than spiritually supportive. Within their prayers was unsettling reverence directed towards Trump far removed from conventional appreciation – one pastor even incorporated him into Peter’s Confession itself – praying for him with phrases like “the gates of hell shall not prevail against him”.

The purpose of bringing attention to this incident isn’t casting judgement on personal political preferences or commenting about Trump nor about voting in his favor; instead it highlights what could potentially occur when spiritual leaders begin blurring lines between reverence toward God and mortal figures. To equate any politician – including Donald Trump – with religious entities like the Bride of Christ signifies severe idolatry – potentially leading loyal followers astray.

As we live amidst continuous attacks threatening our ability to voice out our Christian worldview — particularly from sectors such as big tech corporations aiming to mute conservative biblical perspectives— it becomes even more crucial to keep disseminating trusted news based on real news events and maintaining our spiritual grounding. Preserving the sanctity of our beliefs in this evolving socio-political landscape requires unremitting vigilance and spirit-led discernment.