Preface: It is almost as if all of the verses below were penned with Donald Trump in mind. This alone....should have had us giving him the old heave-ho long....long ago....but we really have no use for God's Word in these verses....as we prefer the monologue of a radio talk show host....that tickles our ears....or the sermon of a podcaster.....or a Fox evening cable personality. We have brought this disaster upon ourselves. God has judged His church.
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self (is there anyone who epitomizes this more than Trump), lovers of money, (or this) proud, (or this) arrogant, (or this) abusive (or this), disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, (or this) unappeasable, (or this) slanderous, (or this) without self-control, (or this) brutal, (or this) not loving good, (or this) swollen with conceit, (or this) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (or this) having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Tim 3:1-5 ("avoid such people"....we utterly refuse to heed this command)
"And Jesus answered and said unto them. Take heed that no man deceive you..." Matthew 24:4 (Donald Trump deceived us....but you will never see that if you refuse to read about him)
"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Matthew 24:11 (Trump came down that escalator right in the middle of evangelicalism. Ever since then....in every rally dominated by evangelicals....he gave prophecies of America that were the opposite of what God's Word says about a nation such as we are. Well-known Christian authors wrote books in support of this false prophet. Churches have been split apart....and pulpits today live in fear of upsetting their congregations....by telling them the truth.)
"Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, that they may believe what is false." 1 Thessalonians 2:11 (would not Trump's MAGA be such a delusion)
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:15-16a (look back at the fruits of the past seven years)
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world..." 1 John 4:1 (Would not Donald Trump be one)
"For there shall be false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect." Matthew 24:24 (was not "the greatest economy in the history of our country" just such a great sign and great wonder)
"....for by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:18 (This is what we have experienced on a daily basis through Tweets and rallies and talk radio)
"....but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears..." 2 Timothy 4:3 (that's what we have done)
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..." 1 Corinthians 14:33 ("fear is power"..."I bring out rage. I always have" Trump)
"...they are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and delusions of their own minds." Jeremiah 14:14 ("Our best days are yet to come")
"...they fill you with false hopes..." Jeremiah 23:16 ("winning winning winning")
"Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets." Luke 6:26 (if a congressman supports him....or seeks his endorsement.....Trump will praise them)
"in their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories." 2 Peter 2 (too many examples to list)
"Thus says the Lord GOD, woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing. Your prophets have been like jackals among the ruins..." Ezekiel 13 (Paula White et al)
"For when they say 'Peace and safety' then sudden destruction comes upon them..." 1 Thessalonians 5:3 ("and we're gonna make America"....as everyone at the rally repeats...."SAFE again")
The Apostle John wrote that there already were many...."antichrists".....that had gone out from them. Norman Vincent Peale....went out from the Methodist church....and his teachings greatly affected not only much of America....but the overall church. I would think that he qualifies as one of John's....."antichrists." Wouldn't you? Peale said that Donald Trump was his best student. My point here is that Trump in many different ways....negatively affected evangelicalism....to put it mildly....so he also fits John's description of an antichrist. So pastors....if Trump would turn out to be...."an" antichrist.....would that not change your position a little....as far as warning the sheep?
