Christianity Today was first published as a Christian magazine in 1956. As a teenager in the 60s, I often read the articles that were provided therein. Our strongly conservative Southern Baptist church occasionally provided free copies to those who attended the services.

HOWEVER, as the years drifted by, the content of this magazine began to change. The focus changed. The Gospel of Christ was exchanged for a social gospel. The dial moved from right to left, and now is about as far left as one can get.

Christianity Today was a strong Barak Obama supporter and now has shown their true colors in their sanctimonious attempt to include all Christians in their discrediting President Donald Trump. They have even attempted to use the name of Billy Graham to support their cause. Thankfully, Franklin Graham “nipped that in the bud.”

The Democrat arm of our two major political parties has fallen under the spell of Satan’s whispers. It is consumed with hate, greed, jealousy, vindictiveness, and evil on a scale never seen before in our country’s history, and there is much in our history to be ashamed. Does that mean the Republicans are little angels? Of course not, but they still retain some semblance of conservatism and decency.

Do you reader, support abortion, the horrific murder of babies? Do you support homosexuality (God does not)? Are you opposed to the nation Israel, the apple of God’s eye? Are you against actually obeying the laws and Constitution of our country? Are you opposed to the true Gospel? Would you rather not protect our country and its citizens? Is it your wish to eliminate anything related to God, specifically Jesus Christ in our schools, and everywhere else in society? Do you prefer, “Happy Holidays” to “Merry Christmas?” Do you believe there are many ways to God? This is only a partial list, but if your response is, “Yes,” then please hop on the band wagon with those who prefer to follow any and everything that is contrary to the will of Almighty God.

President Donald Trump was not elected to be the pastor or religious leader of this country. He was elected to be our President, a SECULAR position. No, he is not Mr. Perfect, but who is? The President, Congress and Judicial bodies of our government are in place for the benefit of the American people to protect our interest. President Trump is doing his best, and has accomplished much, despite the liberal arm of Congress, the media and Hollywood. There is no way he would have ever been elected or accomplished what he has to date without the help of God. We need to think about that … real hard.

There is much more I could say about this. There are many names that could be mentioned, but I am not writing to sling mud. I am writing to encourage those true Christians who may be still on the fence to look past all the smoke and mirrors and actually listen to what these people are saying and to ask the Lord God to show them the Truth. Jesus said, “… I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 emphasis mine) The liberals would have you believe they have the truth. They do not. Most everything that comes from them is a lie.

“The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.” (Ecclesiastes 10:2)

I don’t expect you to just take me at my word either, but if we are a child of God, we need to listen to HIM. I pray that God, the one and only true God of the Bible will again bless us with President Trump’s re-election. I also pray that our Lord will continue to protect him from harm, and that President Trump will listen to the advice God sends his way. How this man has lived under the strain of 24/7 attacks from every direction is beyond me. We must remember though, we do not pray facing Washington D.C. We pray facing, metaphorically, Heaven. President Trump is only a tool that God can use, but he can use him to bless us if we pray.

God gave us a glimpse of true evil in the previous Presidential administration, and we nearly got more of the same in the last Presidential election. For some reason He chose to give us another chance in our current President. If any of the Presidential nominees are elected in the next Presidential election, expect the worse because that is exactly what we will get. The Democrats have nothing to offer but socialism and failure.

Christianity Today does not represent me. The impeachment the House just voted on is nothing but a three year witch hunt and sham fueled by satanic hatred. Imagine how much more could have been accomplished by our political leaders if they had not frittered away time and money on their own selfish hatred. Even if both parties came together singing Kumbaya around the campfire while holding hands with President Trump, will that help? The obvious answer is, “No,” (but it wouldn’t hurt). The only perfect political structure is one ruled totally by God, specifically the Messiah Jesus Christ, called the Millennium (or 1,000 year reign).

 

I close with one request. If you haven’t already done so, pray for God’s guidance and His will to be done. Then look for the Truth in the Bible. Any true Christian who will consume God’s Word will readily see that Satan is having a field day with those who are supposed to be representing the American people. Here is the bottom line: This isn’t about politics. It is about spiritual warfare.

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)

Grant Phillips

Email: Phillip5769@twc.com

Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready: https://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

Depression is an ugly beast that rides on the backs of many people. It plays no favorites. Rich or poor, male or female, child or adult, it doesn’t matter. Everyone, sooner or later, smells its rancid breath. Some folks cope with it and move on, and then there are others who cannot handle the pressure and break under the load.

My wife and I have had the sad experience of attending two funerals of friends who could no longer take the pressure. One of those friends took their life five years ago. The second, who was an even closer friend, took her life last month.

The pain of loss and tragedy was even greater this time since the young lady was like a daughter or younger sister to my wife.

Both of these dear souls professed being a Christian, and they both suffered tremendously from circumstances that had arisen in their lives. I realize that you and I are thinking that nothing is so bad that we should take our life, but you and I are thinking rationally with sound minds. These tortured souls could see no relief.

Maybe this is why the Lord God says to His own children:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34)

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6)

The apostle Peter warned us that Satan traverses the earth seeking someone to devour. He is like a lion hunting its dinner. When he finds the herd, he zeros in on the weakest prey and charges after it.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Life can be very hard and is often most unfair. We can all attest to that, but a Christian has the Lord Jesus Christ on his/her side. Sometimes we forget that. As we look around the world today, any wise Christian can easily see the world is falling apart around our ears, but Jesus said, “… I am with you always, even to the end of the age…” (Matthew 28:20) He also promised three times, in the very last chapter of the very last book of His Word that He will soon return and take us unto Himself.

A person choosing suicide fails to realize the effect on those they leave behind, and they fail to consider the finality of their action. Maybe they think those they leave behind will be better off without them. Maybe they just want out. But we come back to one point; they are not thinking with a sound mind. A sound mind will follow the Holy Spirit’s lead.

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11 emphasis mine)

What is the attitude that Jesus had? Jesus depended totally upon the Father … no matter what.

You and I cannot overcome the problems of this life through our own power. In this passage we have just read, the world threw many severe problems on Jesus’ back also. He could have said, “Forget this, I’m out of here,” but instead He suffered and died for our sake. His victory over the grave assures us that regardless of what we have to endure, we have victory in Him.

As we have already heard from the apostle Peter, Satan wants to destroy anyone who belongs to God. He hates God, and he hates us. He will wreck our lives if he can (Job could tell us a thing or two about that) and play with our minds (Peter could chime in here). This is why it is so very important to stay in daily fellowship with our Father in Heaven. We must feed upon His Word and allow His Spirit to work freely in our lives. The apostle Paul said:

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you…” (Colossians 3:1-5a)

Our problems on earth are only temporary. Eternity never ends.

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Will a Christian lose their salvation if they commit suicide? If the individual ever called upon Jesus to save them, nothing will separate them from the love of God.

Nothing Separates The Christian From God

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Our Salvation Is Guaranteed For Eternity

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

We Cannot Lose Our Salvation

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Jesus Forgave ALL Our Sins

“But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from ALL sin.” (1 John 1:7 emphasis mine)

Suicide Is Not The Unpardonable Sin

Some of you may also have a friend or family member that has chosen to take this unnatural leap into eternity, and are wondering if this is the unpardonable (unforgiveable) sin. It is not. This sin is unique and Jesus mentions it in Mark 3:22-30. It was the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit’s work through Jesus Christ while He was upon the earth, claiming that Jesus’ work was via Satan and not the Holy Spirit.

When Satan is beating us over the head with earthly problems that seem more severe than we can bear, we can give up or we can lean on Jesus, who suffered far more than we will ever comprehend. Heaven is watching. Don’t let Satan win.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Out of all the suicides committed in this country, I don’t believe many are from true Christians (my opinion), but nevertheless, true Christians will sometimes “throw in the towel” and give up. Please do not allow Satan an ounce of victory. Lean upon Jesus and ask Him to strengthen you.

Anyone who has stood outside around a campfire on a cold night knows the farther you get away from the fire, the colder you get. It is also true that the further we get from God as a Christian, the more vulnerable we will be to Satan’s cold lies.

Grant Phillips

Email: Phillip5769@twc.com

Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready: https://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html