Why did prominent Christian leaders support Donald Trump, and how did their theology influence that relationship? J. Derrick Lemons joins Peter Demos to examine Trump's faith advisory team, the policies that strengthened evangelical support and the spiritual framework through which some advisers interpreted political events.

Derrick is a professor and head of the Department of Religion at the University of Georgia. He directs the Center for Theologically Engaged Anthropology and co-authored "Trump and the Politics of Prayer: Inside the Spiritual World of His Faith Advisory Team" with Amos Yong.

This conversation does not attempt to determine Trump's personal standing before God. It examines how his religious advisers understood his leadership, why they valued his policy commitments and how comparisons with biblical rulers such as Cyrus and Jehu entered Christian political discussion.

Peter and Derrick also discuss prophecy and truth after the 2020 election, the danger of treating a political leader as a messianic figure and the need to humanize political opponents. Christians may participate in politics, but their hope must remain in Christ and their mission must remain the gospel.

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🔗 Connect with J. Derrick Lemons:

🌐 University of Georgia profile: https://ctea.franklinresearch.uga.edu/directory/people/j-derrick-lemons
🏛 Center for Theologically Engaged Anthropology: https://ctea.franklinresearch.uga.edu/
📕 "Trump and the Politics of Prayer" from Bloomsbury: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/trump-and-the-politics-of-prayer-9798216468950/
🛒 "Trump and the Politics of Prayer" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9798216468950

In this conversation:

· Trump's faith advisory team

· Evangelical support for Trump

· Paula White-Cain and neo-Pentecostal influence

· Cyrus, Jehu and imperfect political leaders

· Policy agreements and Christian responsibility

· Prophetic claims about the 2020 election

· Humanizing political opponents

· Keeping Christian hope out of political power

Reflection question: Have I asked politics to accomplish what Christ entrusted to His church?

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A biblical worldview is more than a collection of Christian beliefs. It is a way of understanding reality that governs our decisions, priorities and behavior. George Barna joins Peter Demos to explain the seven cornerstones that help Christians think and live like Jesus.

George is the director of research and co-founder of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. Drawing from his book, "How to Think Like Jesus: 7 Cornerstones to Build a Biblical Worldview," he explains why belief in God, human sin, salvation through Christ, absolute moral truth and the authority of Scripture must work together.

Peter and George also discuss the final two: living to glorify God and defining success through consistent obedience. They examine the difference between attending church and becoming a disciple, the need for loving accountability and the responsibility parents have to teach biblical truth to their children.

The central question is direct: Will we allow Scripture to shape our lives, or will we construct a faith that supports the lives we have already chosen?

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

🌐 Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/
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𝕏 Twitter/X: https://x.com/peter_demos

🔗 Connect with George Barna:

🌐 Website: https://georgebarna.com/
📕 "How to Think Like Jesus": https://georgebarna.com/product/think-like-jesus/
📊 ACU Worldview Assessment: https://acuworldview.com/
🏛 Cultural Research Center: https://azcu.edu/culturalresearchcenter/

In this conversation:

· The seven cornerstones of a biblical worldview

· Why our worldview determines our decisions

· Salvation through Jesus Christ

· Absolute moral truth and biblical authority

· Obedience as the measure of success

· The difference between attendance and discipleship

· Syncretism in American Christianity

· Parenting and worldview formation

Reflection question: Is Scripture shaping the life you live or are you selecting biblical ideas that affirm the life you already want?

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Christian leaders can appear successful while being driven by fear, lust, anger or pride. Dr. Dave Jones joins Peter Demos to explain how these hidden motivations can shape decisions, relationships and entire organizations.

Dave is the author of Plan to Win: How to Manage Your Fear, Lust, Anger and Pride While Building Your Christian Organization. He defines biblical winning as developing a richer relationship with Jesus Christ rather than maintaining constant success.

Peter and Dave discuss personal guardrails, worldly cravings, social media comparison and the difficulty leaders have receiving criticism. They also explain why admitting that you are struggling is not failure and how Scripture, mentorship, accountability and gratitude can help believers return to a place of trust.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

🌐 Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterdemosofficial
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterdemosofficial
𝕏 Twitter/X: https://x.com/peter_demos

🔗 Connect with Dr. Dave Jones:

🌐 Plan to Win book and free assessments: https://plantowintoday.com/
🌐 M is Good: https://misgood.com/
👤 Executive coaching and Dave's biography: https://misgood.com/drdave/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-jones-ed-d-87847312
𝕏 Twitter/X: https://x.com/themisgood
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theMisgood
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMisGood

In this conversation:

· A biblical definition of winning

· Fear, lust, anger and pride

· People, power and possessions

· Guardrails for Christian leaders

· Social media and false expectations

· Receiving criticism with humility

· Asking for help during difficult seasons

· Trusting God instead of hiding fear

Reflection question: Which motive is quietly steering your decisions right now: fear, lust, anger or pride?

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