Evangelical voters have a serious problem with their understanding of the Gospel and how Jesus served the poor. They belong to Christian churches that emphasize the teachings and authority of the Scripture, especially the New Testament.

But the leading Republican presidential nominees are seeking to win the nomination by profiling the works of the flesh. To even consider Donald Trump or Ted Cruz as their nominee exposes the real beliefs of these evangelical voters.

Jesus began his preaching and teaching by saying, “Repent — for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” His first teachings express how his disciples should treat one another and that love conquers all. The Gospel that evangelicals say they follow identifies certain sins that Jesus rejects. This does not mean you can cuss, create strife and bear false witness against your opponent and still win an election.

Evangelical voters also have a target on their backs. Does anyone see Jesus’ teachings in any of the evangelicals’ actions and statements?

Even God gives man choices, while the Republican Party wants to legislate our God-given freedoms.

To those evangelical voters: Do not bring the creator into your own understanding of bigotry and hatred.

In closing, my evangelical friends should reflect on Matthew 7:24. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and man.”

EARL BRADLEY

Henrico County