“Songs in the night, too, prove that we have true courage. Many sing by day who are silent by night, they are afraid of thieves and robbers; but the Christian who sings in the night proves himself to be a courageous character. It is the bold Christian who can sing God’s sonnets in the darkness.”

Charles Spurgeon

Table of Contents

1. 2024 Olympics Come to An End

2. Hamas Backs Out of Ceasefire Talks

3. Brazilian Plane Crash Kills 60

4. Other news you should know

5. Share this newsletter

Olympics Come to an End

August 11, 2024, marked the end of the XXXIII Olympic Games in Paris, France. At the top of the medal standings, the United States and China were tied with 40 gold medals each. However, Team USA ultimately led with 126 total medals, compared to China’s 91.

This edition of the Olympic Games was one of the more controversial sporting events in recent history. It featured a mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremony and formerly banned boxers competing in their respective female divisions.

With the conclusion of the Olympic Games, which started with controversy, it is a good and non-controversial exercise to reflect on the image of the Christian life that athletics gives us. Christians fight the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7), work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12), run the race (Hebrews 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27), and wrestle against rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers that reign over this present darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

So, while these Games were a sober reminder that we are living in a world that is under the dominion of darkness reigned by the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:1–3; Colossians 1:13). We would be wise to continually remind ourselves that there is a time in the future that every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11). Until then, let us test everything (2 Corinthians 2:9), hold fast to the Word of life (Proverbs 4:4), and speak up (Philippians 2:16; Ephesians 4:15). If we agree with the Word of God that He is faithful, eternal, merciful, good, righteous, and love, (Romans 3:1–4; Hebrews 13:8; Luke 6:36; Ezra 3:11) then let us call wickedness wicked and warn those of the coming judgment that they might repent, come to Christ, and begin to live (Exodus 34:7, Ezekiel 3:18–19).  As disappointed as some athletes were to return home from Paris without a medal, it will be eternally more consequential for all who fail to “discipline their body and make it their slave so that they will not be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

_{By: Jack Mueller}

Hamas Backs Out of Ceasefire Talks

Hamas rejected the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt's invitation for final negotiations over a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal planned for Thursday. This decision is a significant setback for the Biden administration's efforts to secure a deal and prevent further escalation of the Gaza conflict. Hamas cited recent Israeli actions, including the killing of civilians and a Hamas leader, as reasons for their refusal. Israeli officials view this as a tactical move by Hamas and warn that they will continue military actions if Hamas does not negotiate.

In a move that should surprise no one, (known terrorist group) Hamas has backed out of the promising ceasefire negotiations (Proverbs 25:19). In this case, Hamas has not harbored deceit; they have been clear that they have  “seven abominations which fill their hearts” (Proverbs 26:24-25). They want to see Israel and her people annihilated. They deceitfully maintain that they operate out of “concern and responsibility towards our people,” but if land or the flourishing of their people was truly their aim, paths have been presented to peaceably accomplish these things. It is their owninterests that motivate their cause, and their people continue to suffer while they stubbornly continue to operate with hate and vengeance (Proverbs 29:2, Proverbs 28:12, 28).     

It is notable that the loudest voices demanding ceasefire demand it of Israel, the recognized nation, not Hamas, the recognized terrorist group. It is as if the masses understand that while there is no use negotiating with terrorists, they lack understanding that “ceasing fire” against them will enable their continued terror (Proverbs 10:14).

_{By: Kirby Mankin}

Brazilian Plane Crash Kills 60

The bodies of all 62 victims of the plane crash in Brazil, which occurred in a residential neighborhood near Sao Paulo, have been recovered. The cause of the crash remains unknown, though some speculate it could have been due to ice formation. However, the aircraft's de-icing system was operational. Families of the victims have begun the process of identifying their loved ones at a central police medical facility. The crash involved passengers, including eight physicians, four college professors, and a 3-year-old girl, with no survivors reported.

Tragedies like this, though obviously a great sadness to those closely involved, can also serve as a great blessing to those observing from afar. Solomon reminds us that “it is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart⁠” (Ecclesiastes 7:2).

At least the wise among the living will (Proverbs 9:12).

While some may choose to take note of events like this and try and find security by avoiding flights on certain airlines or international locations, it is most important to take note of the reality that all of our days are “ordained” and “written in a book” of a Sovereign that doesn’t need tragedy to accomplish His purposes (Psalm 139:16). The prayers of the remnant should continually be for any who are suffering because of heartbreaking events like this one in Brazil, but they especially echo the passions of the psalmist who cried, “LORD, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am” (Psalm 39:4). While it may be appropriate for some to choose to take care as they consider their travel plans, it is especially necessary that all of us remember how transient we are however we plan (Matthew 6:33-34).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Other news you should know

😅 2028: Just picture the traffic.

🥉 This athlete lost her bronze medal.

🕺🏻 Unfortunately (?) this sport will not be repeated in LA28.

🤳🏻 Turkey got Instagram back after week-long ban.

> When taxation on tips is the only thing you can agree on.

🇺🇬 Tragic landslide exposes weaknesses in crucial infrastructure.

🇺🇸 Even Tom Cruise got an Olympic moment.

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