Jomo K. Johnson speaks on what Christians in America should be praying for during National Day of Prayer. from the Book: The Invisible Jesus - My 365 Day Journey of Rediscovering The Son of God.)
DONALD TRUMP AND EVANGELICAL SUPPORT
Then came the campaign of Donald Trump. I believe that most evangelicals dismissed the possibility of his winning. But with each of his primary victories came the surreal reality that he was going to be the Republican nominee. I waited to see how both evangelical Christians, White and Black, would respond. Thankfully, most of the African-American Christians I knew denounced both the insensitive rhetoric and actions of the nominee. Despite some of the more wealthy and fame-seeking pastors that regularly appeared on CNN, I do not believe that Black Christians by in large supported his campaign. But it was the White evangelicals that slowly but assuredly began to coalesce around the man who said that he had no need to ask for forgiveness. A man who was an unrepentant adulterer, a man who threatened forceful deportation of millions of immigrants and their families, the man who called Black people niggers and Uncle Tom's, the man who bragged about sexual assault, the man who mocked the disabled, the man who threatened violence to protesters at his rallies.
Amazingly, according to the Bible, all these things are forgivable, if you are willing to ask for it. But again, Donald Trump told a panel at Liberty University, that he saw no need to ask for forgiveness. In my estimation, for the evangelical church to either support or at least, not denounce the candidacy of Donald Trump, was more egregious that anything that Donald Trump has done. Jesus said to whom much is given much is required. For Evangelicals to be given such truth of God as they claim, but not to adhere to it in this particular area, means that a greater condemnation is required.
THE REBIRTH OF AMERICA
On November 9th, 2016, America became born-again. Electing Donald Trump President gave birth to a nation that at one time had labeled itself a “Judeo-Christian.” But that was a past life. The new birth of the country by its delivery of Donald Trump to her citizens has now remade her as a “Pseudo-Christian” nation.
JESUS WAS NOT EVANGELICAL
In the book of Revelation, Jesus gives the most scathing critique of the church ever written. This critique was harsher than any secular critic or atheistic philosopher could ever pronounce. And his rebuke is amazingly parallel with what I believe would give rise to the evangelical church support for Donald Trump. Jesus states in chapter three:
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
The American evangelical church has become so infatuated with its personal riches, pro-life stances, love for Israel, wealth and land ownership, that it has sought a candidate and President in their own likeness and image. This is why they supported Donald Trump. But the problem with seeking the prominence and prestige that comes from wealth, individually and collectively as nation, results in becoming lukewarm to the things that matter. And what matters? Two things: Character and relationships. For without character, the wealth obtained will be used only for selfish or evil means. And without relationships, you have no one to share the wealth with while alleviating the suffering of those who are poor, hurting, or marginalized. Simply put, the evangelical American church has become so earthly minded that it is no earthly good. I am a firm believer that evangelicals will soon discover Donald Trump’s Presidency to be the same.
The Bible teaches very clearly, that when religious people seek a leader after the lustful desires, then hell will soon break lose. Chaos is sure to follow. And any jobs that will come from Trump convincing a few American companies to keep in America, will soon be liquidated, when in the words of Paul Revere, “The Redcoats are coming.” But believe me, it won’t be the British redcoats this time. And it may not even be the Russians when they come to cash the check on the election that they purchased. The coming Redcoats may be the true Christ and his heavenly hosts, bloodstained from being trampled over by those who claim his name, ascending and descending to execute vengeance on the nations that have forgotten that God made man in his image, not the other way around.
