In the aftermath of former President Donald Trump’s unprecedented conviction, controversial Pastor Mark Driscoll began pleading on social media for Jesus’ return ahead of Election Day in November.
“Lord Jesus, we would humbly request that you return before November 5,” he wrote on X.
Lord Jesus we would humbly request that you return before November 5 š
— Pastor Mark Driscoll (@PastorMark) May 31, 2024
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was convicted last Thursday on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up an alleged sex scandal that could have negatively impacted his 2016 campaign.
Several prominent Christian voices reacted late last week to Trump’s historic conviction.
The Rev. Franklin Graham said the U.S. is “at a crossroads,” noting the former president’s conviction “raises questions about whether our legal system can be trusted.” He encouraged Christians to “pray for our nation, for Godās guiding hand that this republic will be one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.”
Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship urged believers to “pray for America like you never have before.”
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Others who are more critical of Trump, like Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today and the former president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, pointed to perceived problems with the Republican’s character.
“The question is what it has always been ā fit or unfit,” he argued. “And the answer was obvious all along. Character matters, still.”
As for Driscoll, he urged his followers on social media to keep in mind there is no politician who can solve the problems plaguing society. Rather, it is only God who can remedy what ills the world.
“Government can’t fix spiritual problems; it’s ultimately a God problem,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “Trusting in politicians won’t solve it ā repentance and faith are the only way forward.”
In a TikTok he posted last fall, Driscoll encouraged Christians to “maintain sobriety” during election season, acknowledging he finds neither Trump nor President Joe Biden appealing.
@pastormarkdriscoll My thoughts on the election. . To be honest, if you're filled with the Holy Spirit it's obvious the options stink. Unfortunately, that's reality. Make an effort to maintain sobriety despite the difficulty. . For more content like this check out the link in my bio. #election #politics #culture ā¬ original sound – Pastor Mark Driscoll
He said, “Make every effort to maintain sobriety despite the difficulty. And the truth is we’re going to have two candidates, both of which are old. I would like somebody who is younger. They are both in the flesh. So we have a Democrat in the flesh, and we have a Republican in the flesh. If you’re filled with the Holy Spirit, your options stink, but welcome to America.”
Trump himself responded to the verdict moments after the conviction was handed down.
The former president described the weeks-long trial as “rigged” and “disgraceful,” noting the “real verdict” will come when Americans enter the election booth on Nov. 5.
“We didn’t do a thing wrong,” he said. “I’m a very innocent man, and it’s OK.”
You can read more about that ā and see legal scholars’ perspectives on the case ā here.
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