#does that not absolutely reek of the mark of the beast to anyone else?

[ainsi-soit-il]

The older I get, the more I think the Antichrist is any person or ideology who risks eclipsing Jesus in your life.

He's anybody or anything you put your hope in before you put it in Jesus. He's anybody or anything that tries to present itself as a solution that eclipses Jesus. He's anybody or anything that demands your allegiance and commitment in a way that rivals or attempts to mimic Jesus.

That may not be a single person (though it might be). It might be a movement, or an ideology, or any number of things. But whatever it is, be vigilant and examine your soul.

I say this now because some stuff I saw/heard during the inauguration ceremony today doubled-down on some of my concerns for the American Church. I've had these concerns all through the election season, but I feel like some of what I saw just confirmed that we have a problem with how we Christians view our political leaders in this country.

So, regardless of where you stand politically, be on your guard spiritually, and fix your eyes upon Jesus.