Girls Gone Bible: Jesus x Politics

Episode Release Date: January 24, 2025
Hosts: Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma
Podcast Description: Hosted by Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma, Girls Gone Bible explores all things Jesus and life, featuring two imperfect girls serving an absolutely perfect God. They aim to foster unity and promote biblical values amidst life's challenges.

Introduction to the Episode

In this thought-provoking episode titled "Jesus x Politics," Angela and Ari delve into the delicate intersection of faith and political engagement. Drawing from their unique experience of praying at a Trump rally, the hosts aim to provide listeners with an inside look into their hearts and the complex emotions surrounding their involvement in a politically charged environment.

Background: A Moment of Prayer in the Political Arena

Angela and Ari begin by recounting their unprecedented opportunity to lead the opening prayer at a Trump rally in Washington, D.C. This event marked a significant moment for them, blending their faith with a high-stakes political setting.

Notable Quote:
Angela shares her initial stance, saying, “Ari and I love Jesus with all of our hearts and we are not here to merge politics and Christianity together. That is probably the trickiest thing you could ever do.” (01:23)

Preparation and Spiritual Guidance

Leading up to the rally, both hosts experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Ari speaks candidly about her nervousness and the spiritual preparation that grounded her during this time.

Notable Quote:
Ari reflects, “I was really nervous. I wanted to honor God and I wanted to... come from a place of unity and love and acceptance.” (05:45)

Angela emphasizes her reliance on God's voice, highlighting the importance of prayer and seeking divine guidance before stepping into such a prominent and potentially divisive platform.

Notable Quote:
Angela states, “I rely on Jesus... there's so much prayer that went into it, and there was so much in me that was like, Jesus, I am so okay with you not allowing this to happen.” (04:42)

The Experience at the Rally

Upon arrival at the rally, both Angela and Ari describe feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and divine presence that reassured them of their purpose.

Notable Quote:
Ari shares, “When we got there, it was almost like the peace of God fell upon us, and I felt complete peace. I knew we were supposed to be there.” (06:30)

During their prayer, they observed tangible shifts in the audience's demeanor—hands on hearts, people crying, and a collective reverence for Jesus, which contrasted sharply with the rest of the event's tone.

Notable Quote:
Ari recounts, “It was a room full of people that just had a love for Jesus... it was truly one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.” (13:08)

Reflections on Politics and Christianity

A central theme of the episode revolves around distinguishing between political affiliations and the kingdom of God. Angela and Ari stress that their mission is not to align with any political party but to uphold biblical values and promote unity among believers.

Notable Quote:
Angela clarifies, “There are two sides, but it's not Republican and Democrat. It's either the kingdom of God or the kingdom of hell.” (02:XX)

The hosts discuss the complexity of merging faith with politics, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining unity in a divided political landscape.

Notable Quote:
Ari adds, “All we ever want to do is preach the name of Jesus and we want to be followers of Jesus and be humble and keep our eyes on him.” (21:15)

Scriptural Insights and Theological Perspectives

Angela and Ari intertwine their discussion with biblical references, grounding their viewpoints in scripture. They highlight passages that emphasize prayer for all people, the authority of God over earthly rulers, and the distinction between God's kingdom and worldly politics.

Notable Quote:
Referencing First Timothy, Angela states, “First Timothy, chapter two, verses one to two and four, say, I urge you first of all to pray for all people... Jesus wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (19:XX)

They also discuss Jesus's interactions with political figures of His time, illustrating His approach to governance and personal integrity.

Notable Quote:
Angela explains, “My kingdom is not of this world. He reigns somewhere else. And regardless of who's president, it doesn't change whether Jesus is king or not.” (32:XX)

Promoting Unity Over Division

A significant portion of the episode focuses on breaking down barriers and fostering unity among Christians, irrespective of their political beliefs. Angela and Ari emphasize that true followers of Jesus should transcend partisan lines and work towards collective harmony.

Notable Quote:
Angela passionately shares, “If you're on the other side, you are just as much a follower of Jesus as everybody else.” (23:39)

Ari echoes this sentiment, advocating for humility and love as the foundational principles that should guide interactions, especially in politically charged settings.

Notable Quote:
Ari prays, “We just have to be in the image of Jesus... some kind of humility just falls upon us all.” (24:XX)

Challenges and Personal Growth

The hosts candidly discuss the internal struggles they faced after the rally, grappling with both praise and criticism from different quarters. Angela shares her journey of overcoming doubt and reaffirming her commitment to their mission.

Notable Quote:
Angela reflects, “I was like, maybe they don't know better. And that's not for us to judge. That's not for us to beat them down. That's for us to let Jesus deal with that.” (35:XX)

This introspection leads them to reaffirm the importance of staying true to their values and the message of love and unity that they aim to spread.

Conclusion: A Call to Follow Jesus and Embrace Unity

In wrapping up the episode, Angela and Ari reiterate their unwavering commitment to following Jesus and promoting biblical values over political agendas. They encourage listeners to seek unity, love one another, and prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else.

Notable Quote:
Ari concludes, “That's what it was all about for us... We hope that you guys can see our viewpoint and those who feel discouraged by us and understand that Angela and I really, all we want is unity and love and people to know Jesus.” (42:25)

Angela adds a heartfelt farewell, extending love and blessings to their audience, emphasizing the inclusive and loving nature of their community.

Notable Quote:
Angela warmly states, “You are welcome here, you are loved by us. We bless you in Jesus name and I just pray that God would be with you. But we love you and we want you here.” (51:48)

Final Thoughts

Girls Gone Bible: Jesus x Politics offers a sincere and introspective exploration of navigating faith within the often tumultuous realm of politics. Angela and Ari provide valuable insights into maintaining spiritual integrity, fostering unity, and promoting the message of Jesus amidst divisions. Their personal experiences serve as a testament to the power of prayer, the importance of staying true to one's beliefs, and the relentless pursuit of love and understanding in a divided world.

(Note: All timestamps are approximate and correspond to the moments referenced in the transcript provided.)