David Platt, a pastor at McLean Bible Church, prayed for President Donald Trump. It was a model for how to pray for a leader and a nation. However, apparently some “Christians” at the church weren’t happy about it.
Platt released a letter to the church explaining how the prayer unfolded and why he decided to pray for President Donald J. Trump. The letter also revealed division in Platt’s church.
“I wanted to share all of this with you in part because I know that some within our church, for a variety of valid reasons, are hurt that I made this decision. This weighs heavy on my heart. I love every member of this church, and I only want to lead us with God’s Word in a way that transcends political party and position, heals the hurts of racial division and injustice, and honors every man and woman made in the image of God. So while I am thankful that we had an opportunity to obey 1 Timothy 2 in a unique way today, I don’t want to purposely ever do anything that undermines the unity we have in Christ.”
Platt shouldn’t say the concerns were valid. They aren’t.
Another important detail Platt revealed was his private interaction with President Donald Trump. Platt shared the Gospel.
“While I won’t go into the details of our conversation backstage, one of our other pastors and I spoke the gospel in a way that I pray was clear, forthright, and compassionate,” Platt wrote.
So, snowflake “Christians” who sit in our so-called conservative, bible-believing, evangelistic churches were upset that Platt, the former chief of the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board, took the rare opportunity to pray for the president AND present the Gospel to him.
Simply stunning.
It is sad. It is disgraceful what the church has become.
The fact Platt responded to this juvenile division in the church speaks to the seriousness of our challenge.
The Bible commands and commends prayer for leaders.
Why on earth would anyone be upset over that?
Political partisanship. These so-called “Christians” should examine themselves. If they cannot pray for President Donald Trump, then what does that say about their spiritual development? If they oppose this prayer for the president on partisan grounds, what does that say about their politics? As we’ve noted, it is almost always sinful to vote for a Democratic candidate.
This letter from Platt to his church is a warning sign—the church is heavily influenced by the sickness that pervades American culture and politics. Christian leaders have a lot of work to do if we hope to repair the damage.
TOTALLY the truth, what you point out. The church has become more of a social gathering than a place of worship of the Father…. and the members bring their social opinions and perspectives into the gathering expecting to have their views accepted by everyone else — or else. “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
AMEN!!!
Of course people are upset in the church, because the church is filled with human flesh and Donald Trump has not always been a respectful person, so it should not be so hard to realize that not everyone respects him as our current President. I often have trouble being loving and respectful myself! This presents a challenge indeed, but it should not be that surprising. I think David Platts thoughtfulness to address his church family with compassion and then speak the truth in love is much more understandable then this commentator article.
As I recall, Donald Trump has never claimed to perfect – he is as human as the rest of us, and there is not one who has not sinned – I believe that can be found in Romans… Mr. Platt is obeying go’s commands – it’s pathetic that he has to apologize to his congregation for obeying God’s Word. They need to get on their knees, and ask the Almighty’s forgiveness for their petty, “hurt” feelings! Most Christians have more “gumption” God help this country! Grow up, people- the world doesn’t revolve around you. and God put Donald Trump where he is…the gates of Hell will not prevail against him!
Agreed. The church today is sick and needs a Physician.
I feel the same way. If people in your church body are upset, As a Pastor you need to address it. He may not have done it exactly as others would like, but I think he hit the high spots. Like making a scriptural case for praying for those in leadership for instance. He prayed with our President, who walked in unexpected and asked for prayer. I think it is awesome that the POTUS walked into a church and asked for prayer. God forbid we should refuse anyone who requests prayer. Hopefully,
it was a teachable moment for many of the upset congregants and maybe those reading this article.
Most of these so called churches are nothing but Satans workshop. They don’t even pay any attention to what their bible says. They condone sins by its members so they can have large crowds which keep the preachers with big pay checks. If praying for our leader which we are commanded to do is wrong in their sight then they really need to start reading their bibles.
Amen Tammy! You have nailed the problem. The Bible commands us to pray for our leaders. If these so call Christians can not do that then I have to question their Christianity.
When I read that the President had been prayed for at McClean, I was elated that he had been in the company of Bible Preaching Bible Believing people. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see our President drawn closer to the Lord and asking for His wisdom because of his encounter there. Perhaps they felt like they were used for a photo op or something nefarious. I am not sure what their thinking was. I do know that God wants all to come of a saving knowledge of Him and that the church is a hospital for sinners and not a sanctuary for saints. If seeds were sown, may God bring the harvest and bless the sowers and the reapers even if one of them is our President and the country will benefit as well.
How could ANYONE that calls himself a follower of Christ be upset when the Pastor is doing his duty in obeying what I Timothy 2:1-3 says? For that matter how could a “Christian” be upset at the Pastor, or anybody else praying for someone? I’m SICK of Political Correctness in the world and the fact that it has now invaded the Church is one of the many things that shows just how far down the ‘Church’ has gone.
Amen Liz!! These so called Christians need to take a refresher course in the Bible. They will either repent or recognize that their hearts are stone cold. In which case they need to open their hearts to the teachings of Jesus.
Where there are few, there also are thousands of Christians that believe Gods word! It may not always be what we want. But His word is Always right! Bless you Brother Platt for listening to you Lord and you prayed for our President Donald Trump!! Prayers for You sir!!
When someone walks into a God fearing church, everyone should make them feel welcome it doesn’t matter whom that person is rich, or poor, black, or white, or any nationality we as Christians are supposed to love all people and that pastor did what he was commanded to do by our savior, he should never have had to give anyone a reason why he prayed for President Trump..
I am appalled at the people of that Church, our Bible tells us to pray for our leaders as well to obey the laws of the land, and no one is doing that. Why do you all think we have all the evil in this world today? Because of self-righteous people who think they are better than anyone else. I love everybody no matter the color of their skin. The Bible tells us we are all made in Gods image. So what does that tell you? You all need to hit the altars. I pray and repent daily as I am told to do so in Gods word. What is wrong with you people? The Pastor did as the Lord led him to do, and yet you are condemning him? We are not the judge! Keep up what you are doing to this man of God and see what God has to say to your judgment day! I don’t want to be in your shoes. I have to answer and wear my own. God bless this Pastor for obeying God! Wake up, people!
AMEN Jeannie! I also am appalled at all the people that claim to be Christians but hold a special grudge against our sitting President. I firmly believe that God put him in that office to turn this country back to himself. We survived through 8 long years of a corrupt administration and I believe that God was not pleased with them. They proved to be liars and thieves which did not please God. President Trump May not have always lived a righteous life but I believe that God has turned him around and he is doing the best he knows how. I believe he loves this country and the people but I don’t Believe ANYONE in the Democratic Party can say that and be telling the truth. They are just money and power hungry. All Christians if they believe the Bible should be praying for our President. That is a command from God!
Thankful for a man of courage and conviction who follows the biblical directive to pray for those in authority- shame on the weak spined few who object
AMEN Fred! If they cannot pray for our sitting President then they are disobeying God’s command. I feel sorry for them at Judgement day!!!
True. Even the worse person who comes throughout our doors in every church wanting a pray, should not be deny of that opportunity. Thanks for been so courage pastor Platt.
These type of attitude is what keeps many people from attending church!
God bless pastor for praying for our president.
Yes Norm! God will bless him for obeying his command to pray for those in authority. But he should never even try to apologize to his members because their concerns were not valid. They in turn need to examine their hearts and read their Bibles to understand why their concerns were not valid. If they do not then change their hearts then their is no hope for them. I pray they change before their judgement day!
“Either you’re for me or against me.” Time to cull out the herd.
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Shame on the author of this article.
Why?
Platt wrote that note. It is a sign of the trouble in the church that he even had to do that.
Basic grammar tells you whatever was in quotes is NOT from the author themself, but from someone else. This quote is from David Platt. The author agrees that it was right to pray for the president, he just felt like an apology was not justified as Platt did nothing wrong in view of God’s Word. You may want to remove your comment perhaps after rereading this, no?
Funny that this post that I am replying to is made in such a general sense. No facts posted, no point made. Just a general ditzy reply to the article. I’m sure that if the person were asked why they posted, they’d not have a valid reason for posting it. If they did try to reply, they’d just ramble in the moment, without any sort of reasoned defense for their statement. It’s what people who call themselves believers do, today. They make a general, lifeless, comment, and expect their words to carry weight. It’s unfortunate that so many other lemmings will take hold of the thought and begin to make up stuff as they go along, getting caught up in emotions, without any logic to guide those emotions.
GENUINE CHRISTIANS WOULD REJOICE IN THIS. WE ARE CALLED TO PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS AS WELL AS OTHERS. TO READ THIS IS SHOCKING!
GENUINE CHRISTIANS WOULD REJOICE AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRAY FOR ANYONE. WE ARE TOLD TO PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS. I WAS SHOCKED TO READ WHAT SOME PRETEND TO BE CHRISTIANS GOT UPSET ABOUT THE PASTOR PRAYING FOR THE PRESIDENT.
This is a great article! Christians need to wake up and understand what is happening in the churches and take a strong stand against the lukewarmness!! We need to hold up our President in intersession and stand with him, not against him!
Bible says to pray for our leaders that means all of them not just the ones we like so I Agree with the pastor
I was so touched that our President chose a church where he may not have been appreciated by the pastor. Our President was asking for Prayer ! What is wrong with a church who wants to disobey the Command of God in 1 Timothy 2. What is wrong with a church who does not appreciate a President who defends our Freedom of Religion? What is wrong with a church who is not supportive of a Pastor who stands for Life, Liberty and thePursuit of Happiness?
Thank you, David Platt, for being gracious and praying for one seeking God !
Trump was looking for political cover of the religious kind to distract from many horrid policies he has promulgated, including allowing the mentally ill to purchase lethal firearms. He is using Christians as political fodder and door mats.
What advice did Jesus have for the rich? Did he acquiesce to leaders of the day, or call them out for hypocrisy?
And, perhaps prayer for him, in all that he does, is what’s needed. Eh?
Point made. Score one for prayer.
biblehub.com/1_timothy/2-2.htm
This is a truly sad reflection on people who call themselves Christians. Sadly, they are not. It seems the Christian Church is suffering with serious issues regarding the true teachings of Jesus the Christ around the world. Those who behave in this way are already lost.
Shame on that pastor.We are supposed to pray for our leaders.shame on the people of that church who were hurt, so they say.I hope that preacher is preaching sin,hell and the blood of Jesus.
Matthew 22:29 (KJV)
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
We are commanded to pray for those in authority over us. That is why Christians have always prayed for all the previous Presidents, whether they were “saints or sinners”. There is NO Godly reason NOT to pray for our President Trump. It is right to pray for them to repent of their sins and follow the leadership of Our Lord.
The mistake this pastor made – in my opinion- was to apologize to some “HURT” folks. I think he did that because his wallet might be “hurt” if he didn’t backtrack his intentions. There is no other reason for him to have done what he did and send a letter out. He made the situation much worse and the hurt ones are still hurt because he prayed for someone they didn’t approve of. So his letter was a waste of time and he caused more trouble than was necessary. What was a beautiful gesture turned into a political mess because he wasn’t strong enough to stand up to his convictions. Sad state the church is in these days.
Seems the devil has entered his church. I pray for those who I feel are not on the side of what I right, as God would expect. No one should have been upset that he prayed for God to guide our President. Whether you like him or not he IS the President and needs God in his heart and on his side. If you are upset that a preacher did what is expected of him the I think you need to request those prayers too.
No wonder the churches in America are in the worst attendance on record. Nor are the sinners interested in attending a church, when we Christians, can’t do a simple prayer for a standing president who by the way was put there by God himself…you know there’s scripture that states that our Lord is very much in our business, and He selects and puts individuals in power or takes them out at His pleasure. I’m glad not to be a baptist, being Pentecostal has it’s problems and issues, but I know I’m saved and ready to go! Keep in mind baptist, the world is watching!!!
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There are several Christians that give lip service to God but their hearts are far from him. If they don’t repent and walk in the light their candlestick will be removed. We all should be glad and rejoice that the president relies that he needs prayers and God’s guidance.
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Although someone has commented that ‘not everyone respects him as the current President’, CHRISTIANS, as followers of Christ, should not be moved by that, but by the Word of God that tells us that all authority is of God. People do not know the Word of God well enough to understand how that can apply to evil men, but it does. God over-rules and the OT Scriptures provide illustrations to underscore what He has said. Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” is straightforward enough, but when you consider that the vast majority of the Kings of Israel and Judah were evil kings, what can you say? On top of that read the story of Cyrus and note that God loved him. Isa 44:28, “…Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid”, and many such more examples. Note that Romans 11:36 says that , “ALL things are of Him, to Him, and through HIM”, and Proverbs 16:10, “A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment”. Without understanding God’s control of all things we may certainly be found in rebellion against Him, thinking we do Him a service. Prayer is ALWAYS in order with the exception, (also found in Scripture) concerning those that willfully and knowing rebel against God. Jer 7:16, “THEREFORE PRAY NOT THOU FOR THIS PEOPLE , neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee”. But, in President Trump’s case he is not only in authority, but he sought prayer! Praise God for that.
Amen. We,are suppose to be following what it says in the bible to pray for our leaders whether they are good or bad. Prayers can change them. Says pray for them so we we will be able to live peacefully in our communities & country. Also when a cohntry is so out of balance like we are & under God’s judgment & ordered to repent & turn back or be destroyed. God will give you leaders to fit you & your condition to punish you in order for you as a nation to turn back
repent & accept Jesus in your heart.
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