Christian or Charlatan?

I am wary when dealing with someone who wants something from me who begins the conversation with “I am a Christian.” When this happens I figuratively put my hand on my wallet to prevent being conned. Unfortunately, phonies abound within Christianity, and many well-intentioned people are conned. Popular culture has redefined “Christianity” to mean anyone who claims the title of “Christian,” whether they believe in the Biblical Jesus and His teaching or not. Hence, a lot of fools and foolishness are used to denigrate the name and teachings of Jesus Christ.

We know from bitter experience that not every political candidate who claims to be a Christian is one, as evidenced by their words and deeds. Not every one who claims to be a minister of Christ actually is one, as proven by their words and deeds. Due to this type of fraud, polling data on issues that are purported to be relevant to Christians are often skewed because the people interviewed may not have a Biblical worldview. So the next time you read or hear that recent polling data indicating that Christian support for pro life issues or opposition to homosexual rights is declining, remember the people being polled may not believe in the authority of scripture or worship the Jesus of the Bible.

Christians should be identified by doctrinal beliefs and whether their words and deeds match those professed beliefs. Make a list of issues that are important to you, study to find what the scripture teaches about these issues, and then vote for the candidate who holds the position most close to the Biblical precepts. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to Me,’ Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" NKJV