I am a spirit-filled, evangelical, charismatic, non-denominational, “You want some of this here,” Child of the Most-High God. I also understand what it is to be a Christian and practice the attributes of my faith and belief in Christ according to the Word of God.
While there are far too many who label themselves as “evangelicals” there seems to be a
contradiction in the terms related to those who may defer to the basic tenets of evangelicalism. Upon further study of the term itself, there are those who aspire to the usage of the term, yet practice something otherwise.
Case in point: Jerry Falwell, Franklin Graham, Paula White (to name a few), and the handkerchief head “negroes” who support Donald the “Dump/Chump.” Not only they but anyone who calls themselves “evangelical Christians” and supports Dumps beliefs, are just as deplorable of their “Deplorable in Chief.” But this is only the tip of the iceberg of obvious racial hate, misogynistic thought, religious intolerance, denial of basic human needs (Obamacare, welfare, etc.), flagrant braggadocios sexual assaults against women, not paying laborers who are worthy of their hire, not paying taxes that supports the needs of all (like we all do), inciting violence, attacks on the innocent, makes fun of the disabled, and blaming Hillary for what Bill did. Ok, enough of that. What do evangelicals believe?
First, evangelical theology is committed to a high view of Scripture. That would be the ones that tell us we must confess Christ as our Lord and savior, follow His direction and do so through repentance and forgiveness of sin. Donald Trump says that he has never felt the need to repent or ask for forgiveness for anything, ever. That means that anyone calling themselves his supporter believes what he believes and in their upholding of his behavior or the lack thereof, they disqualify themselves as evangelical.
Second, evangelical theology is largely based on an individual approach to the Christian faith. A Christian is a follower of Christ. They were called “Christians” because their behavior, activity, and speech were like Christ Jesus. The word Christian means, “follower of Christ” or “belonging to the party of Christ.” So in order to be a follower of Christ one would be obligated to do what Christ would do in any and all situations in their lives. Right? If that is true, would Christ hate and deny immigrants and sojourners a place to live in His peace, or practice racial bigotry, hatred, and discrimination? Would Christ disrespect His government leadership in favor of the likes of Putin and Kim Jong Un or any other unsaved maniac?
I am sure Christ would never deny the sick the right to be healed, the hungry to go unfed, the homeless to not have shelter or protect the richest in the land over the needs of others. Right? Nor would Christ grope, rape, abuse, and call women or anyone else derogatory names, or cheat on and divorce all of His wives, if He had one, then brag about it.
A third distinctive of evangelical theology is an emphasis on missionary work. My Lord and savior would do everything in His power (and He has all power) to bring others to God by demonstrating the love of the Father. This is in an effort to win them to His word, will, and way through doing good works for everyone, not denial of basic human rights.
The fourth important distinctive of evangelical theology is its focus on the essence of the gospel: the death and resurrection of Jesus and what it means, which is the basis of our belief system.
Anyone who practices something else is just a hypocrite, all of them and He does not know them. But we do, by their actions. They are your neighbors, friends, church members, and possibly family and the Word says we are to separate ourselves from them. So let’s do just that when we VOTE.
Enough is enough. Be a true witness for Christ and make your godly values known at the ballot box.