IM Podcasts

Before you hit “delete,” please hear me out!

When it comes to supporting Biblical writers, several important aspects must be considered. Many of our Substack writers write for a living - I am one of them. Many, if not most, work to find simple, easy ways to support their work. The “By Me a Cup of Coffee” platform is a safe & secure way to do exactly that!

WE COULD USE YOUR HELP!

As a preacher, teacher, film producer, and writer, I do not receive a regular salary from IOM America or any other source. My wife, Jane, and I survive on what is called “missionary support,” which is 100% dependent on donors who give to sustain our baseline income to do what we do. What is donated on a monthly basis is what we use to “live on” and pay the extensive bills that come with keeping our ministry’s outreach resources active.

WHAT WE DO

Our oversight ministry is IOM America. It stands for The Institute of Ministry. It was established in 2001. We are also a tax-deductible non-profit. From our founding days, our mission has been to advance the Life of Christ, and the believer’s identity through addressing issues that rise against authentic Christianity.

In functionality, we develop or produce media, articles, essays, allegorical storylines, teaching videos, short films, and social media content to assist “seekers” and believers alike in releasing the Life of Christ from within. We have been told that our method of addressing tough cultural issues is like no other.

We are careful not to brag about numbers; however, donors need to know that our ministry reaches millions through our productions and writings annually.

WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Christian writers & media producers have a unique responsibility to present God’s Truth in the freshest and most accurate way. In our case, that requires hundreds of hours of research, writing, creativity, and production monthly. Our ministry invests an average of 10 hours a day. We are relentless at advancing the Gospel.

One of the misconceptions people have about our ministry is - since we produce high-quality media, market smartly, and post professional-looking content, the masses tend to think we are funded by deep pockets. This could not be further from the truth. We are a hand-to-mouth ministry.

Brother... because of you... I have learned so much here about not only God but His Word... AND the platform of Substack. I cannot say "Thank You" enough. I need to read and re-read many of your articles several times... I need to absorb every delicious word! Thank you! You... are appreciated!!!

Fellow Writer, Matthew Adams

March is a month we typically let our readers and viewers know of our needs. We provide two secure venues for donors to assist us: Buy Me a Cup of Coffee and direct donations through our safe online link. Our direct link is below - any amount helps.

We are members of the Buy Me a Cup of Coffee platform. It is a fun and simple way to support writers and media producers. Many Substack writers use this method. While it is one of the safest venues to raise funds, all giving through this platform goes directly to our bank through Stripe, one of the most secure online money transfer companies in America and probably the world.

What I like about this venue is donors get tons of free downloads of media and publications after they donate. It also gives those who want to refer other potential donors - while providing a mini-website inspiring others with our mission and sample “stuff” that will help them grow in Christ.

If you are interested in checking it out, click on the no-obligation link below.

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING HELPING US

Neglecting others is a serious sin in the Bible. It shows a lack of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who are in need. It also dishonors God, who cares for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized.

Neglectful fathers are fathers who fail to provide their children with the care, attention, and support they need. They may be emotionally distant, uninvolved, abusive, or absent from their children’s lives. Neglectful fathers can have a negative impact on their children’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and social development. Some of the possible effects of neglectful fathers are:

* Low self-esteem and self-worth

* Poor academic performance and school dropout

* Increased risk of substance abuse and delinquency

* Difficulty forming healthy relationships and attachments

* Anxiety, depression, and trauma

Neglectful fathers are not fulfilling their God-given role as the head of the family and the protector of their children. They are disobeying God’s command to love and nurture their children, and to train them in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). They are also missing out on the joy and blessing of being a father, and the opportunity to leave a positive legacy for their children.

Here are some Biblical statements about neglecting others:

Neglecting others is a sign of a hardened heart that does not hear the cry of the poor. (Proverbs 21:13)

Neglecting others is a form of injustice that violates God’s law and displeases Him. (Matthew 23:23)

Neglecting others is a failure to fulfill the royal law of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. (James 2:8-9)

Neglecting others is a denial of the faith and a rejection of God’s grace. (James 1:27)

Neglecting others is a hindrance to one’s prayers and a loss of one’s reward. (Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 25:41-46)

Lion of Judah Films is an outreach of IOM America. Our mission is to provide quality Christ-as-Life media to viewers who need a refreshed view of the believer’s identity in Jesus Christ. We are 100% dependent on the donors of our viewers in Christ. Consider assisting us in our mission HERE.

The End Times Chronicles hosts the Lion of Judah Films videocast - a viewer/reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Biblical meekness is a quality of being humble, gentle, and submissive to God and others. It is not a sign of weakness or cowardice, but of strength and courage. It is a fruit of the Spirit that reflects the character and attitude of Jesus, who said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Meekness is also a virtue that brings blessings and rewards from God, such as inheriting the earth, finding rest for the soul, and receiving mercy and grace. Meekness is therefore an important and admirable quality for indwelt Christians to cultivate and practice.

Meek people have a special kind of power that comes from their humility, gentleness, and self-control. They are able to overcome evil with good, resist temptation, and endure hardship with patience and faith. They are also able to influence others with their kindness, respect, and wisdom. Meek people are not weak or passive, but strong and courageous in following God’s will and serving others. As Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

Here are some power-packed verses:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5, NIV) .

“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2).

“But let it be the hidden person of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:4).

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Lion of Judah Films is an outreach of IOM America. Our mission is to provide quality Christ-as-Life media to viewers who need a refreshed view of the believer’s identity in Jesus Christ. We are 100% dependent on the donors of our viewers in Christ. Consider assisting us in our mission HERE.

The End Times Chronicles hosts the Lion of Judah Films videocast - a viewer/reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Our love story started well before either of us was actually born. You see, we believe God the Father assigned us to be husband and wife on Heaven's side.

As you prepare for Mother’s Day this year, remember the greatest women in your life - your mother & the mother of your children. While many do not have fond memories or no memories at all, our ministry challenges you to remember those who dedicated their lives to raising Godly children. Today’s post is to ignite a passion to prepare for what I believe is the most significant day of the year - we celebrate Godly women!

You can get married and serve each other, but it’s only a Christ-As-Life marriage if Jesus is released through each other to each other. Both husband and wife need to grow together in their walk in Christ. You should be experiencing the overflow of the Holy Spirit with each other as both walk through the challenges of married life. Your purpose should be to serve Christ by serving the Spirit of God that dwells in each other. After that, it is a walk in the park.

The Love Bug​

While Stephen & Jane believe God assigned them to join in matrimony in Heaven, they met for the first time at a birthday party for Stephen's brother. Both were in their early twenties. Stephen was immediately smitten by the "love bug" at first glance. Jane, however, did not share the same sentiments. She had heard many "stories" about him and was more reluctant to view Stephen as a candidate for an everlasting relationship. 

The next time they met was two years after this party. During those two years, Stephen slid down a slippery slope of moral decay. He lost his job due to selling drugs through his workplace. Now unemployed, he is led to renew his relationship with Jesus through Corrie ten Boom. After this "factory reset." with Christ, Jane sends a letter sharing an employment opportunity with an organization serving the handicapped. Desperately needing a job, he applies for the position. To his surprise, he was employed.  

On the day both were to sign their contracts for employment, Stephen came out of the CEO's office to see Jane signing her contract - at that moment, he said to himself, "I'm going to marry this woman." Within a short time, after seeking her father's permission, he asked Jane to marry him. In shock, Jane said, "I can't say 'no,' but I will think about it." Stephen told her to keep the ring and put it on when she is ready. That took a few weeks. They set the next year aside to get to know one another before approaching the altar. 

Meantime, Jane continues living a moral Christ-centered life. Being a college graduate, she was educated, "smart," wise, and full of Christ. However, her soon-to-be groom couldn't read or write and was functioning on "fake it until you make it."  When Jane discovered this challenge, she taught him to read and write by using the Word of God. Both spent their one-year engagement getting to know each other through Bible studies, working together, and exploring the tenderness of an honorable relationship.

With Jane's immovable honor and Stephen’s renewed relationship with Christ, by the Grace of God, their relationship remained pure. In June of 1977, they joined the Lord in Holy matrimony. Both consider their marriage vows, and ceremony, to be the foundation of a Godly marriage made in Heaven. Each of them maintained this purity to this day.

Soon after their marriage, God blessed them with their first child, Abigail Grace. Then came number two, Elizabeth Marie, and their final blessing, Jessica Louise. Since Jane had difficult pregnancies, the doctor recommended Stephen get a vasectomy. A decision both regret to this day. 

Their 47 years of marriage were filled with all the "normal" challenges that come with marriage. However, due to solid Biblical discipleship through the years, both handled those challenges by releasing the Life of Christ from within. They are advocates of resolving all challenges through Christ. Both believe this approach to life's challenges IS the solution. One of the leading principles they have maintained is never to let the sun go down on your anger. For the most part, this single belief has kept the enemy at bay.

Now in their sixties, Stephen & Jane are committed to the institution of marriage - one plus one equals one.

Stephen has become a prolific writer, media producer, and discipler. Jane teaches Bible Studies, disciples women, and is a faithful encourager to her daughters and grandchildren, presently eleven of them and one great-grandchild soon to arrive. The two of them faithfully support needy children in several remote countries. They are encouragers of struggling believers worldwide. However, their greatest love is building a legacy for their grandchildren.

Portions of this post were taken from an EPOCH TIMES interview. 

View a photo gallery of their family life HERE.

THE LIFE SONG OF STEPHEN & JANE:

I have no words to describe my love and devotion to Jane. In my eyes, she is a Proverbs 31 woman who exceeds the expectations of a Godly woman. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.” Men, I found one, and I am determined to keep her.

STEPHEN PHINNEY

The End Times Chronicles hosts the IM Video Podcast, a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Biblical kindness is a fruit of the Spirit that shows compassion and love towards others. It is not just a friendly gesture, but a reflection of one’s relationship with God.

Being kind when treated cruelly is not easy, but it is a noble and powerful choice. Jesus suffered this daily in His ministry.

Being kind when treated cruelly is a way of breaking the cycle of violence and hatred. It shows that we are not defined by the actions of others, but by our own identity in Christ and His principles.

Being kind when treated cruelly is a sign of strength and courage. It takes more effort and self-control in Christ to respond with kindness than with anger or revenge. It also demonstrates that we have Jesus’s empathy and compassion for those who are suffering and acting out of their own pain.

Being kind when treated cruelly is a form of resistance and empowerment in Jesus’s Life. It challenges the expectations and assumptions of those who are cruel and exposes their weakness and insecurity. It also inspires others to stand up for themselves for the sake of Christ and for what is right.

Being kind when treated cruelly is a way of honoring God and living out the example of Jesus. Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He also showed us how to forgive and bless those who hurt us, even as He hung on the cross.

Here are some statements about biblical kindness:

Kindness is powerful. It can overcome evil and lead people to repentance. (Romans 12:21, 2:4)

Kindness is stronger than death. It does not forsake the living or the dead, but extends God’s mercy to them. (Ruth 2:20, Romans 8:38-39)

Kindness is humble. It does not boast or seek its own way, but considers others better than oneself. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Philippians 2:3)

Kindness is respectful. It gives an answer for the hope that one has, but does so with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15)

Kindness is evident. It is not hidden or hypocritical, but visible and consistent. (Philippians 4:5, Matthew 5:16)

Lion of Judah Films is an outreach of IOM America. Our mission is to provide quality Christ-as-Life media to viewers who need a refreshed view of the believer’s identity in Jesus Christ. We are 100% dependent on the donors of our viewers in Christ. Consider assisting us in our mission HERE.

The End Times Chronicles hosts the Lion of Judah Films videocast - a viewer/reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

UNTRAINED SUBSTACK WRITERS

A dynamic essay is one that engages Substack readers’ interest and attention and presents a clear and compelling thesis or perspective. However, many Substack writers are untrained in the “how” to do just that.

First, allow me to say I despise my title, “Substack for Dummies.” The reference to “dummies” is not only derogatory but also does a poor job of communicating the real challenge. My objective today is to offer practical suggestions to untrained writers to make a broader impact on their audience.

Many of my readers know that I was functionally literate throughout my childhood up through my young adult years. Today, I couldn’t tell you the first thing about proper sentence structure. So, how do I write? I use what is called Observation Learning, which is the process of acquiring new skills or knowledge by watching and imitating others who have mastered Literary English. The difference is that trained writers use sentence structure as a science, while observation learners replicate what they see. Due to my learning disability, my tutor has encouraged me to master what works for me. So, I did!

Droves of writers do not know how to explain sentence structure. In fact, it is a massive challenge for many writers and learners of English. Sentence structure is how words, phrases, and clauses are arranged in a sentence to make it clear and meaningful. From what I am told, there are different types of sentence structures, such as simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex, that have different rules and patterns. Don’t ask me what all that means because I won’t be able to explain these writing rules. However, I do understand the basic parts of a sentence, such as the subject, predicate, object, and modifier, and how they relate to each other. As for the use of proper punctuation, conjunctions, and subordination, well, I have to rely on my Grammarly software.

Since I know that there are many writers who suffer from ignorance within the literary writing world, I have decided to offer suggestions of WHAT I have learned.

Find and download dynamic software for spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes. I use Grammarly. Get the premium version - you will never regret your purchase. This version will provide suggestions and corrections no matter what platform you are writing on.

With that “must” out of the way, here are my top 10 observation learning points:

* Pick a mind-grabbing title - as in “Substack for Dummies.”

* Create an outline of what you want to say - from the beginning to the conclusion.

* Write a catchy introduction paragraph that hooks the reader and introduces the main topic or thesis statement.

* From your outline, develop a well-organized body of paragraphs that supports the thesis with relevant evidence, examples, and analysis. If you are writing a Biblical essay, reference the Scriptures frequently - with less than four cut and pasted verses.

* Always remember to have a smooth transition between paragraphs that connects the ideas and maintains the flow of the essay.

* A strong conclusion is the most important part of the essay. Eighty percent of Z-readers read the first and last paragraphs of your article - so, summarize the main points, restate the thesis, and leave a lasting impression on the reader with a power-packed punch or challenge.

* Become predictable with your own clear and consistent style, tone, and voice that suits the purpose and audience of the essay.

* Always, and I mean always, double-check reading flow, logic of thought, and proper use of grammar, punctuation, and spelling that enhances the clarity and credibility of the essay. Avoid assumptive writing.

* Master the art of inserting pictorials - pictures, dividers, and “memes” in your article/essays - preferably by graphing your own images.

* Stay engaged in continued education in creative writing and literary English courses and online media. Never stop teaching the old dog new tricks.

These are some general guidelines I use for writing a dynamic essay, but you may also need to follow specific instructions or requirements depending on the type and topic of your essay. If you are an untrained writer like me, spelling may be one of your greatest weaknesses.

To spell effectively, you need to learn the secret rules and patterns of spelling in English, as well as the exceptions and variations. Some tips to improve your spelling are:

* Read more books and articles in English and pay attention to how words are spelled.

* Use a dictionary or a spell checker to look up words you are not sure about or to correct your mistakes.

* Practice spelling words by writing them down, saying them aloud, or using flashcards or quizzes.

* Learn the meanings and origins of words, as this can help you remember how they are spelled and how they are related to other words.

Review the most common spelling errors and avoid them, such as confusing homophones (words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings), adding or omitting letters, or mixing up prefixes and suffixes. If you download the Grammarly software, it will keep track of your most common misspelled words.

WRAPPING THINGS UP

Embrace your weaknesses in writing. It is not a curse but an opportunity to grow your skill set. Don’t fall into the trap that you have to major in literary English; become an observing learner like I did. Practice my BIG TEN list. It will make a major difference in your writing. Last but not least, let someone else track your spelling challenges by consistently feeding you your common mistakes. In time, you will become a better speller.

Take time to learn from Jessica Liu, she my favorite:

Write an Eye-Catching Essay HERE.

How to Write Strong Essay Body Paragraphs HERE.

How to Write a Clearly Structured Essay Outline HERE.

How to Write a STRONG Thesis Statement HERE.

Until next time, Dr. Stephen Phinney

The End Times Chronicles is host to the IM Video Podcast, a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

LION OF JUDAH FILMS PROMOTIONAL

Ordinary Angels is a heartwarming drama film based on a true story of courage, compassion, and faith.

It stars Hilary Swank as Sharon, a hairdresser who helps a widowed father and his daughter in need of a liver transplant. The film is directed by Jon Gunn and written by Meg Tilly and Kelly Fremon Craig. It is produced by Kingdom Story Company and distributed by Lionsgate.

Ordinary Angels will be released in theaters on February 23, 2024. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of everyday miracles and ordinary angels. Watch the trailer here or visit the official website here for more information.

Lion of Judah Films & Productions is a Kansas based company focused on quality storytelling, striking visuals, and innovative design - all centered on Christ, Culture, and Creator. The combined experience of the in-house team covers amateur award-winning feature short-films, media bites, music videos, docudramas, teaching media, and other creative media content. The company consists of three departments: LION OF JUDAH FILMS, for short-film production, IM MEDIA PRODUCTIONS, for post-production (editorial, visual effects, advertising, motion graphics), and IMTV, for promoting partnership companies & ministries who produce quality Christian media & designs.

The End Times Chronicles is host to the IM Video Podcast, a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

They say our love is wrong, but it feels so right. We sneak around in the dark, hiding from the light of life. They say our love will bring doom, but we don't care, we only live for the moment that we mutually share. When we play, they say our love is illicit, but we can’t stop what we know is complicit. We know the risks and the pain it leaves for others, but we won't give up until death appoints us as lovers. -SR Phinney

THE ILLICIT LOVER

Suicide is a very serious and complex issue that affects many people - indwelt Christian or not. As an authentic believer in Christ, I believe that God is the creator and giver of life and that He is the only One who should decide to take a life. He has a purpose and plan for every person. When an individual decides to take their own life before He fulfills His purpose of bringing them to the end of their selfishness, a question must be asked. Is suicide an unpardonable sin against God? And… Do Christians go to Heaven if they kill themselves?

The first question that needs to be asked is: What makes a Christian a Christian?

In our society today, there is a demonic belief associated with being a Christian. Most people associate Christianity with following Jesus Christ and His teachings without being possessed or indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We call them Christ Followers. Over ninety percent of our churches and ministries use this idyllic label to describe being Christian.

I asked one of the leading Christian research institutes, which produces most of the national statistics regarding Christianity, a question. “Why don’t you separate ‘Christ Followers’ from those who believe being a Christian is having the Life of Christ living within them?” They responded with, “We don’t survey the latter group.”

Reader, that is a massive problem.

The problematic issues that come with the organic definition of what defines an authentic Christian are critical regarding the issue of “Christian suicides.” Before I address this issue, I would like for you to read an analogy my Sunday School teacher shared years ago regarding his affair with suicide.

A DANGEROUS ROMANCE

The climb up from the floor of the Valley of Recollections proved to be much steeper than I had expected. Ascending the decaying slope was not easy. There was no path to follow, nor could I see my destination. It lay beyond the silhouette formed by the canyon's rim against the night sky!

It was almost morning when I reached the top. Exhausted, I sank to the ground to rest; but my thoughts were still with those that I had left below.

As the day waited for the rising sun, in the haze of early dawn, I gradually became aware of my surroundings. A new landscape lay before me. It was no more pleasing to look at than the one I had just left behind. Stretched out before me were the hills and dark valleys of my own experiences.

Slowly, the haze began to melt from the warmth of the morning sun, and I could see that some of the higher hills of the past were closer than others. The higher the hill, the deeper was its shadow that held the valley in lingering darkness.

The sun was barely above the horizon when a chill swept up from the valley to arouse the first breeze; it was then that my past life began to take on the form of reality.

Startled, I remembered that my Mind had once had a serious affair with that same scandalous chap named Suicide! I knew his reputation, but it excited me to have a mysterious relationship that no one else could see or know. It was almost sensual, the way he stirred Emotion, who slumbered inside me. Secretly, we were meeting each other in the frequent seclusion of the deep recesses of my mind ‘within’. I must have fallen romantically in love with him. He always seemed to satisfy my need for understanding. Suicide had never once raised his voice in disagreement with me. He had fulfilled my romantic dreams of the perfect lover. Suicide wore a pleasing mask!

I am not sure how this affair began. Much like other illicit affairs, I suppose. Very innocently at first, with the usual childish flirtations. There were those little enticing glances whenever we passed by each other. But we never became serious, until . . . Then, there was that one lonely night when I realized that I wanted him. I had always known that he wanted me, too; yet, his enchanting power over me had only recently developed. It wasn't long before I found that my Mind could think of nothing else. Emotion played a deliberate part in this early romance. Emotion really is the one who brought us together, having played the part of matchmaker in all sorts of strange flirtations in my life. I know you really want to understand what happened, so let me take you back into my past. Come with me now, as I lead you through the hidden caverns of my experience.

Many past motives are now obvious to me. Inflamed passions play strange tricks upon Emotion, driving it along blind paths, where Emotion could never distinguish between Romance and Love. lt was not obvious then, but now I see that Romance is infatuated with her own concept of what she needs to satisfy the imaginary idol that she worships. Romance pursues her desire for an imaginary mate with an abandon that is shameless in its compulsion to obtain, at all costs, her climax of satisfaction. Whatever the love object may be, romantic yearnings excuse and justify the obvious errors of her course. All faults are brushed aside. All care is tossed to the wind. Romance induces a mysterious eclipse that shadows reality in the Mind.

John Stevens wrote this allegory in a book he wrote titled Suicide, An Illicit Lover. I sat under John’s teachings for multiple years. This book depicts his early struggle with wanting to end his life. Once he was freed from this lover’s grip, he became one of the all-time historical teachers of the believer’s identity in Christ.

Early in John’s life, he was a troubled soul looking for answers in all the wrong places - medications, self-contemplation, success, and a host of other self-help ideologies. He was plagued with inferiority, depression, and anxiety, which became a way of life for him. However, John became successful in negotiating the course of being released from this illicit lover by the Grace of God - by applying who he was in and through Jesus Christ.

While John was my Sunday School teacher, he was my life mentor’s best friend - Dr. Charles Solomon. These two men influenced my life so profoundly that I remain a steadfast teacher of the identified indwelling Life of Christ as the only answer to the believer’s darkest hours.

CHRISTIANS AND SUICIDE

Unsaved, Christ Follower, or an actual indwelt Christian, this topic matters. If an unsaved person or a “Christ Follower” kills themselves before receiving the Holy Spirit upon authentic salvation, sadly, they DO NOT go to Heaven to be with Jesus.

The death of a loved one challenges the core of honesty and Truth to its very core. Honestly, most lie to themselves after the death of a beloved to comfort or refute their worst fear - is Grandpa in Heaven or Hell? In fact, most pastors at the burial site lie to the family and friends of the deceased by saying Christianized phrases such as - they are resting in peace, they are in the arms of Jesus, or they are in a better place. Statistically, this is the opposite of the Truth. Jesus said the road to destruction is wide, and many are on it, and the road to Heaven is narrow, and few are on it. That Heavenly statistic is alive and well as we stare at the caskets before us.

So, what about Christians who kill themselves?

It is simply theology, folks. If the despairing person is indwelt by the Life of Christ at the point of death, and you are a real deal Christian filled with the Holy Spirit, you WILL see them on Heaven’s side. If the despairing one never actually invited the Life of Christ into their mortal being through being filled with the Holy Spirit, facts being Biblical facts, they will NOT be in the arms of Jesus.

God is merciful and compassionate, and He understands the struggles and temptations that authentic indwelt believers face in this fallen world. He knows our hearts and minds, and He is able to forgive us for any sin, including suicide, if we repent and trust in His grace at the moment of death. Suicide is not the unpardonable sin, nor does it automatically condemn a person to hell. Only God can judge the motive and condition of a life shortly before they take their last breath. Then He alone determines the eternal destiny of THAT person, and He does so based on their faith in Jesus Christ, not on their actions.

No human can answer the question of the eternal results of a person who committed suicide. Jesus said:

"You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

This is a judgment call that only Jesus can make. Furthermore, at the grave site of those who chose to end their life, we must trust in God to rightly judge the heart of the loved one lying in that casket - to refuse to question or make false proclamations to comfort our grief. We must believe that the outcome of the deceased is in God’s hands, not in our Christianized rhetoric.

I will close with words from my old Sunday School teacher:

MY NEW ROMANCE

We stand together, you and I, by the wheel of the mighty ‘ship of life’, looking first at the compass, then at the horizon before us, then to the star above. Then we know that the way is laid out before us, for the Compass is His unfailing Word to guide us; the horizon is the uncertainties of this life, but the Star is the assurance of prayer. The wheel is the confidence of His presence within us, by which we can do all things. You and I will never fear again, for the ‘mighty ship’ we now sail upon is emblazoned with huge letters of solid gold, both fore and aft, christened by the Spirit of God, with the name of His New Life. The Captain of the Lord of Hosts is her Skipper, for the Lord Jesus Christ is our strength, our victory, our life, our hope, and our salvation! Forever and ever, Amen.

I must leave you now. I hope you have found a beautiful New Romance with my Lord Jesus Christ, as we have traveled together. If you have, I won’t say good-bye but simply, “I’ll see you there, as we explore His Riches in Glory, together with Him.“

John, Dr. Solomon, I will see you soon on Heaven’s side. I have held to the teachings both of you taught me in Christ. I have heard and heeded the words of Jesus through both of you - what began in death has ended in life; a present New Life in Christ.

Order books to assist in the war against the self-life HERE. Plus seventy other books that encourage the believer’s walk in Christ.

For Immediate Help: 602-292-2982

The End Times Chronicles is host to the IM Video Podcast, a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Humility is a central TRUTH in the Bible, and it is a quality that is highly valued by Jesus Christ Himself. According to Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Humility involves recognizing our own limitations and putting the needs of others before our own. It is demonstrated through acts of service, compassion, and selflessness that are only demonstrated by releasing the Holy Spirit.

Humility helps us develop a kinder, more connected, and more evolved outlook of ourselves and the world. It allows us to extend more compassion and empathy to others, and to become less self-involved (selfish) and more attuned with the Life of Christ and the “feelings” of others.

In summary, humility is an important quality that can help us become better people and improve our relationship with the Life of Jesus as well as with others. It is a virtue that is highly manifested in the indwelt Christian faith.

Here are some Bible verses that highlight the importance of humility:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5).

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).

Lion of Judah Films is an outreach of IOM America. Our mission is to provide quality Christ-as-Life media to viewers who need a refreshed view of the believer’s identity in Jesus Christ. We are 100% dependent on the donors of our viewers in Christ. Consider assisting us in our mission HERE.

The End Times Chronicles hosts the Lion of Judah Films videocast - a viewer/reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

When others or self makes too many decisions in the lives of others, the person who is on the end OF others making decisions for them – it sets them up to feel degraded and incompetent. It causes the “spoiled child” syndrome. Spoiled children as adults suffer from seeking the same answers repetitively without embracing victory. This is because the SC (Spoiled Child) has locked into an identity of others making decisions for them, so they continue to live without authentic forgiveness or long-term change.

Spoiled adults find long-term forgiveness to be difficult and impossible. Unforgiveness can profoundly affect our lives, especially within the context of our experiential faith in Christ vs. doing or saying the right actions/words to prove our self-righteousness. Spoiled adults HATE being viewed as incompetent. Since the SC was pressured to be perfect as a child, as an adult, they develop “pretty flesh.” Here are some of the dangers associated with not choosing Christ’s indwelling forgiveness as a permanent measure:

Spiritual Turmoil: When we harbor long-term covert unforgiveness, it hinders our spiritual resolute. In this, the individual spends most of their lives attempting to find solutions versus living the victorious Christian life. Identity shifts from Christ to the ideation of compulsively searching for what they already know. This is why they/we covertly remain in unforgiveness – it keeps the spoiled child syndrome alive; it’s all about me. It becomes difficult for these “victims” to maintain a vibrant prayer life and engage in authentic worship due to the worship of self. Unforgiveness and the spoiled child syndrome often become blended as one identity, preventing the self-induced suffering Saint from experiencing His fullness and grace.

Stifled Witness: Our ability to be effective witnesses for Christ is compromised when we hold onto extended bitterness. Forgiveness means relinquishing the desire for revenge or retaliation on self and others, even when we habitually keep it alive for identity’s sake. A heart filled with resentment dampens our testimony and undermines our ability to share God’s love with others. This creates a false sense of guilt, which throws the individual back into their horrid displaced identity cycle.

Physical Toll: Unforgiveness doesn’t just affect our minds; it can take a toll on our bodies. The stress caused by covert or overt bitterness triggers tension, anxiety, and chemical imbalances in the brain. Over time, this chronic stress weakens our physical health.

Broken Relationships: Unforgiveness can seep into various aspects of our lives. For example, resentment toward a family member can discolor our relationships with others, impact our work performance, and affect our involvement in selfless Body Life Fellowship.

God’s Forgiveness: Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others by releasing Him as the forgiver through the authentic, indwelt Christian. He taught that if we don’t forgive others, we will struggle with our heavenly Father forgiving us. Our ongoing relationship with God is hindered when we withhold His indwelling forgiveness from others. When offenders look at a believer, they should see justification in action – just as if they never sinned against you.

Forgiveness in Christ is an indwelling transformative force. It heals wounds, restores broken relationships, and sets captives free. When we forgive, we release the burden of bitterness and allow God’s grace to flow through us. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we learn that forgiveness is not weakness but strength—a choice that leads to redemption and abundant life in and through Jesus.

Listen to my full message on extending forgiveness HERE. [33 min.]

The End Times Chronicles is host to the IM Video Podcast, a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.