Cameras just captured President-elect Donald J. Trump heading into St. John’s Episcopal Church this morning with his family as he prepares to take the oath to be President of the United States. First Baptist Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress is giving the sermon, which is entitled “When God chooses a leader.”
The sermon is based on the story of Nehemiah, because Jeffress feels Trump shares a similar story to the Old Testament figure. “Nehemiah kept plowing forward, and I see those qualities in Donald Trump,” Jeffress said. “He’s going to do what’s best for this country.”
He also noted that “Nehemiah built a giant wall around Jerusalem to protect the city.”
Here’s footage of Trump heading into the service.
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Jeffress is also on Trump’s faith advisory council. Faith leaders have had a prominent role in the early stages of the incoming Trump administration. At least six prominent figures – including Franklin Graham, James Dobson and Jerry Falwell Jr. have supported Trump.
Jeffress denounced Trump’s vulgar comments about women, but maintained it still wasn’t enough to make him vote for Hillary Clinton. For Jeffress, like several other faith leaders, they seemed to be willing to overlook serious potential character flaws in order to get a more conservative leaning candidate on the Supreme Court.
Jeffress also said he was tired of “namby-pamby, pantywaisted, weak-kneed Christians” who didn’t get involved when they weren’t fans of the party nominee.
You can follow the ceremony here: