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The Darkness Has Not Overcome: Lessons on Faith and Politics from Inside the Halls of Power
Former Special Assistant to President Trump, New York Times bestselling author, and evangelical Christian Cliff Sims shares the lessons he learned on faith, persecution, and politics while working in the halls of power.
We are living through a unique moment in American life in which politics has consumed everything. Even some of our churches are tearing themselves apart over political candidates, cultural flashpoints, and debates about whether certain pastors are vessels for the Holy Spirit or an unholy political agenda.
So how should Christians approach our lives in this time of strife and division? How should we respond when we find our beliefs to be more and more at odds with the culture? And how do we keep our focus on eternity when the present attractions of the world are there in front of us at every turn?
As the son of a Baptist minister, Cliff Sims grew up in the church, but while working in the highest levels of American politics, he continuously wrestles with how to live out his faith. As a presidential campaign advisor, a close aide to the President, and the right hand to America’s “top spy,” Sims experienced firsthand the cutthroat world of power politics, an environment that can test the character of any follower of Jesus.
In this book, Cliff shares lessons on faith and politics, power and persecution, weakness and grace, giving practical advice for how to let the light of Christ shine in our dark world. Recounting stories from inside the highest levels of the government—including about what’s inside the President’s “Nuclear Football, ” top secret bunkers, the West Wing, and Air Force One—Sims offers biblical insight showing that despite the darkness, light has prevailed.
The Darkness Has Not Overcome is a must-read for every Christian who has found themselves exasperated by politics, fearful about the future, or discouraged by the times in which we live.
We are living through a unique moment in American life in which politics has consumed everything. Even some of our churches are tearing themselves apart over political candidates, cultural flashpoints, and debates about whether certain pastors are vessels for the Holy Spirit or an unholy political agenda.
So how should Christians approach our lives in this time of strife and division? How should we respond when we find our beliefs to be more and more at odds with the culture? And how do we keep our focus on eternity when the present attractions of the world are there in front of us at every turn?
As the son of a Baptist minister, Cliff Sims grew up in the church, but while working in the highest levels of American politics, he continuously wrestles with how to live out his faith. As a presidential campaign advisor, a close aide to the President, and the right hand to America’s “top spy,” Sims experienced firsthand the cutthroat world of power politics, an environment that can test the character of any follower of Jesus.
In this book, Cliff shares lessons on faith and politics, power and persecution, weakness and grace, giving practical advice for how to let the light of Christ shine in our dark world. Recounting stories from inside the highest levels of the government—including about what’s inside the President’s “Nuclear Football, ” top secret bunkers, the West Wing, and Air Force One—Sims offers biblical insight showing that despite the darkness, light has prevailed.
The Darkness Has Not Overcome is a must-read for every Christian who has found themselves exasperated by politics, fearful about the future, or discouraged by the times in which we live.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
19 people are currently reading
1308 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 24, 2024
Sims worked in the office of Director of National Intelligence during the Trump administration, and he details some of the interactions he had with colleagues and President Trump during his tenure, and quotes scripture at the end of each which is analogous to the experience. One can be consumed with politics and political persuasion, so his closing words are a reminder of the overall relevance of these issues in relation to the lives of Believers:
"Jesus' death and resurrection are the most important events in all of human history. Tiberius was the emperor of Rome and Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea when these events took place, but they were not the central characters in the story--Jesus was. And he still is. So why on earth would we make politicians the central characters in our story today?" Why indeed.
"Jesus' death and resurrection are the most important events in all of human history. Tiberius was the emperor of Rome and Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea when these events took place, but they were not the central characters in the story--Jesus was. And he still is. So why on earth would we make politicians the central characters in our story today?" Why indeed.
May 8, 2024
Interesting analogies between Christian and Political Life
This book provides hope that when we feel mired in everyday stresses, we can look to the Bible for guidance in how to navigate those treacherous waters.
This book provides hope that when we feel mired in everyday stresses, we can look to the Bible for guidance in how to navigate those treacherous waters.
October 31, 2025
Great look into following Jesus at the highest level of the federal government 🙏🏼 interesting read!
March 20, 2025
One of the best books I hand listened to. Sims covers so and exp mains the truth in a way that the unbeliever can comprehend. Bringing Christ into government is so important. If we all did that, we would be a great nation continuously. Leaving Jesus out of anything will not bring blessings on whatever the anything is.
The problem is, there are few Christians, but God can still work and He does. It would be so great to have Christian leaders. Most of the world is lost and haven’t a clue that they are on the wrong path. But Christians can make a difference, a big difference.
We can never go wrong in trusting Jesus. I wish writers would stop referring to CS LEWIS. He was an Anglican who believed faith in Jesus + works to be saved. He believed in purgatory which is also a Catholic belief. To them, Jesus’s payment for sin wasn’t enough. Those that believe the above are damned. Lewis also disliked all evangelicals and had no association with them.
So to refer to his teachings is to support his beliefs as a whole. There are so many that could be referenced that are true believers, yet most do not know about CS Lewis’s true beliefs. I don’t know why Sims wouldn’t know. Maybe he does and yet doesn’t care.
The main thing is Jesus is creator, Lord, Savior, King, friend, brother, Bridegroom and so much more. Nothing happens without Him being in the midst of it and using it for His glory and our good , as believers!! He is on our side and we can always know He is working on our behalf to make us into the likeness of Christ. He is working in our nation, our families, our jobs, our sicknesses and diseases. He is our all in all.
THE DARKNESS WILL NEVER OVERCOME. Satan will not win!! But remember government is not meant to control everything. CathyR
The problem is, there are few Christians, but God can still work and He does. It would be so great to have Christian leaders. Most of the world is lost and haven’t a clue that they are on the wrong path. But Christians can make a difference, a big difference.
We can never go wrong in trusting Jesus. I wish writers would stop referring to CS LEWIS. He was an Anglican who believed faith in Jesus + works to be saved. He believed in purgatory which is also a Catholic belief. To them, Jesus’s payment for sin wasn’t enough. Those that believe the above are damned. Lewis also disliked all evangelicals and had no association with them.
So to refer to his teachings is to support his beliefs as a whole. There are so many that could be referenced that are true believers, yet most do not know about CS Lewis’s true beliefs. I don’t know why Sims wouldn’t know. Maybe he does and yet doesn’t care.
The main thing is Jesus is creator, Lord, Savior, King, friend, brother, Bridegroom and so much more. Nothing happens without Him being in the midst of it and using it for His glory and our good , as believers!! He is on our side and we can always know He is working on our behalf to make us into the likeness of Christ. He is working in our nation, our families, our jobs, our sicknesses and diseases. He is our all in all.
THE DARKNESS WILL NEVER OVERCOME. Satan will not win!! But remember government is not meant to control everything. CathyR
May 29, 2024
Biblical faith applied daily
A pastor's kid and grandkid, Cliff Sims explains how Old Testament and New Testament teachings support professional and personal survival. Rather than preaching, Sims demonstrates faith-based living. Anyone and everyone can decide to test and apply this lifestyle.
A pastor's kid and grandkid, Cliff Sims explains how Old Testament and New Testament teachings support professional and personal survival. Rather than preaching, Sims demonstrates faith-based living. Anyone and everyone can decide to test and apply this lifestyle.
February 13, 2025
I honestly thought this was going to be more about the life of an insider. It was more of a comparison between life in the Trump White House and the Christian life. It was ok, just not really what I was looking for.
October 15, 2024
A interesting and good book about faith working out in life. Sims uses many stories and examples from his time with the White House to flush out some good ideas and concepts of how the Christian is supposed to live.
One of my favorite quotes "Any of us who contribute to politics dividing the church are in the wrong, no matter how convinced we are that our political views are right."
One of my favorite quotes "Any of us who contribute to politics dividing the church are in the wrong, no matter how convinced we are that our political views are right."
July 19, 2025
A book of faith that offered details how to live a life of Faith in a very secular environment. A good read.
October 28, 2025
Listened to on Audible
August 27, 2024
Memorable quotes:
“Christianity is not a settle-in-and-live-at-peace-with-this-world-the-way-it-is kind of religion. Christianity is war on our own sinful impulses.” Cliff Sims
“Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you.” Steve Jobs
“Christianity is not a settle-in-and-live-at-peace-with-this-world-the-way-it-is kind of religion. Christianity is war on our own sinful impulses.” Cliff Sims
“Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you.” Steve Jobs
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews