Evangelicals help Trump -- who is helping the evangelicals?

By Michael Bresciani

Some reports say as high as two thirds of the evangelicals in the state of South Carolina helped Donald Trump to win the primary in that state.

Prior to the election period it was the belief that evangelicals were all; born again, church attending, Bible reading believers.

If the definition has not changed, then the latest behavior of the evangelicals would force us to abandon the old definition for an all new pedigree heretofore unknown in all of Christendom.

Definitions notwithstanding, when a person is, in fact, born again, reading and trusting in the Bible and the Lord, there would be no reasonable way to justify supporting Donald Trump for President.

There are several biblical teachings that would bring Trump's candidacy into question.

Jesus Christ knew that as the years went by, many people would either mistakenly think they were Christians and some would knowingly use falsehoods and pretense to claim that they were indeed in the fold.

Knowing this, Christ gave his followers several tests by which to ascertain the authenticity of any and all those who called themselves Christian. Here is that test in all of its simple, but profound and fully accurate way of determining the veracity of any anyone's claim.

Jesus did not exclude listening and carefully weighing a person's words, but in this test he said we would get a clearer picture by examining a person's output, their actions, and the things that they actually produce in their lives. Seems fair in a world where even unbelievers insist that actions speak louder than words.

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Mt 7: 16-20)

Now, that Trump is running for president his life is fully open to public scrutiny. After viewing what has been uncovered about Mr. Trump there remains only one more serious question; is anything in this list, "good fruit" coming from a "good tree?" Are any of these things what Christ would approve and if not, why not? Are they "good fruit" or are they the thorns and figs and thistles that Christ spoke to us about?

You decide.

A comprehensive list of Trump's past positions and current rhetoric would be too large for one article. Here then, is the short list of eight things that can be examined in the light of scripture and the teachings of Christ. If you can say any of these things seem like Christian "fruit" to you, then it may be your own definition of "evangelical" that you need to re-examine.

Involvement with the creation of casinos and the promotion of the curse of gambling. Gambling is a practice which draws mobsters, wrecks homes and destroys basic dignity in individuals. It also wastes our resources and destroys any chance at being called "good stewards" over God's blessings to us.

Involvement with highly competitive TV productions that promote the exploitation of women, greed in business and the worship of success rather than building character and Godliness.

The amassing of a fortune as an example of a worthy cause for all people in the light of Christ's words found in Matthew 16: 26. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Fostering associations with known felons, mobsters and former enemies of the United States. "How I Came To My Opinion On Donald Trump" by Dana Loesch

The distinction of being the first person in history to become a "Christian" without once asking God for the forgiveness of sin! Donald Trump: 'I'm Not Sure If I Ever Asked God's Forgiveness,' – Christian Post

Donald's use of expletives, four letter words and profanity. Is this not a clear indication that something is festering beneath the surface which has nothing to do with God? "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." (Lu 6: 45)

Not knowing God's words, but claiming to be in sync with God. This like a miracle in reverse. No one can claim to be doing God's will if they don't know what his will is in accordance with the revealed and written word of God. This is an immutability that not even Trump can escape. "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Lu 6: 46) Not being able, when asked, to quote even one verse of the bible is not rectified by the verses now supplied to him by his campaign speech writer to assuage the believers that he is in God's ballpark after all.

Leaving the purview and capacity of a mortal man to proclaim that he alone will "Make America great again." This is high pride and foolishness in the light of many scriptural warnings that indicate that God alone gives and removes the power from nations to become "great." "At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it: if that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it: if it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good wherewith I said I would benefit them." (Jer 18: 9-10)

This list is directed not so much at Donald Trump, but is aimed at those who are calling themselves, "evangelicals." If they can reject other candidates who have made open professions of faith in God, and through all of their weaknesses and faults have endeavored to follow Christ, then why does the following scripture not apply to them all? And if we reject Godly candidates for Trump – are we not rejecting Christ himself? To wit:

"He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me." (Luke 16: 10)

It is now apparent that Donald Trump is the chief RINO (Republican in name only) being followed by a band of CINO's (Christians in name only) and the media is calling them "evangelicals."

How will this combination "Make America great again?"

Here is a clue, a warning, and a prophecy – it will not.

© Michael Bresciani