The presidential inauguration often includes a National Prayer Service meant to unify the nation. However, this year’s event at the Washington National Cathedral sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills.
At the center of the issue was an Episcopal bishop who, instead of offering a unifying prayer, used the moment for a political message. Hibbs called it a “debacle” and questioned, “Is there anything more sinister than this that would be a planned debacle?” He also criticized her credentials, stating, “According to First and Second Timothy and Titus, she’s not a bishop.”
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Beyond critiquing the bishop, Hibbs expressed concern over those advising Trump on religious matters. “Whoever’s picking Trump’s religious exposure makes me cringe. I’m terrified,” he admits. “If I were Trump, I wouldn’t accept another invitation to a church. Wouldn’t do it. It’s too risky.” He urged Trump to surround himself with “a handful of people that say, ‘Mr. President, here’s what’s going on.’” Without proper vetting, he warned, “somebody already screwed up the first day out of the gate. Not good.”
Hibbs made it clear that Trump must be more cautious about who he allows to influence his religious engagements. “We don’t need him to be worried about or thinking about where he goes and speaks next at some church,” he states “He needs a group of solid, Spirit-filled believers who are not in it for the spotlight, who can vet these things properly.” He believes that many of the so-called faith leaders given access to Trump’s events were politically driven rather than biblically sound. “Who on his team, who in PR, who as a Spirit-filled believer is the one doing this? Or is there a Spirit-filled believer doing it at all? I get a little skeptical. It’s scary.”
Hibbs warned of deceptive leaders, citing 2 Timothy 3:1: “But know this, that in the last days… perilous times will come.” He elaborated, “There’s going to be those in the last days who look religious, but they deny the power of God… and from such people, turn away.” He noted that religious leaders using their platforms for political activism instead of spiritual leadership is a serious concern, particularly when they leverage their influence to manipulate believers.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
Pastor Hibbs is spot on! I appreciate his Biblical knowledge. There is no such thing as “progressive Christianity” This woman is a political activist, period.
Exactly!!!! And not “just an activist” … She’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing…there IS a severe warning for Ll who “claim Jesus Christ but who are NONE of His …. Matthew 7:22-23
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
That woman was evil.Pray God sends a real Godly person.Please send this to Tramp.
Beware of sheep in wolf’s clothing!!
God pray protection over President Trump in Jesus name. Amen.
Preaching the WHOLE Bible for the WHOLE Redeemed of the Lord Jesus Christ …. Very true Pastor Jack …. Whatever you do … never back down Pastor … Our President Trump needs to hear this truth.
Certainly if Trump thinks that turning to Kenneth Copeland and Paula White for spiritual guidance is a smart move somebody who is not a false teacher needs to meet with him and explain the difference between sound doctrine and false teachers with false doctrine!