“Even a dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.”

John Calvin

Table of Contents

1. Kamala Harris Racial Identity

2. Gender Controversy at the Olympics

3. Top Hamas/Hezbollah Leaders Dead

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

6. Share this newsletter

Kamala Harris’ Racial Identity

Former President Donald Trump questioned Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity, claiming she only recently emphasized her Black heritage, which drew criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Trump made these comments during an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention and reiterated them in a social media post. Republican senators largely avoided addressing the appropriateness of Trump's remarks, instead focusing on his policy accomplishments. Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Raphael Warnock, condemned Trump's comments as divisive and a distraction from important issues.

Martin Luther King Jr. isn’t the only one who looks forward to the day when we can judge (and discuss the merits of voting for) others on the content of their character and not the color of their skin. All the talk about “race” in this presidential race proves that America is wildly distracted from things that truly matter (1 Timothy 1:3-4). The very idea that there are different races is antithetical to a biblical worldview, as all humans descend from “one blood” (Acts 17:26 KJV).

Ethnicity, however, is a different matter, and sadly, the media, Kamala herself, and recently Donald Trump have made more of her ethnicity than her ethics. What a person looks like in the mirror will never matter as much to God as how they reflect His image in their life and leadership (1 Samuel 16:7). Kamala’s biological descent from a Jamaican father and Indian mother matters little compared to her decades-long descent from Truth into ideologies and worldviews that mock the God who creates all men. While it is understandable that history notes “firsts” and that Kamala is proud of her ethnic heritage, it is tragic that she will be supported by some and hated by others because of her heritage (Exodus 22:21, Romans 2:11). Ethnicity should never be a marketing tool used to get others to vote for them, and it should never be used to mark others as less qualified or capable. A man/woman should “stand before Kings” (or become a “King”) because they are skilled, not because of the color of their skin (Proverbs 22:29). VP Harris’ real problem is her commitment to ethics that mock the creator (Romans 1:18-22), and Trump’s problem is his inability to stop mocking others (Proverbs 12:18). While both are unacceptable for leaders, (Deuteronomy 1:13) if we are given the choice to be ruled by an individual who proudly supports policies that mock God’s love of life and commitment to the rule of law and a person whose personal life has been a mockery of biblical wisdom yet who embraces public policies that more closely align with wisdom, we should not hesitate to choose the latter (1 Kings 18:21).

What we should do is lament that we have created a system and brought forth individuals inside that system who do not embody the skillfulness of hand and integrity of heart that mark leaders who will bless a nation (Psalm 78:72). Meanwhile, let us continue to pray for both candidates, advocate for righteous laws, disciple others so that a moral and wise electorate will increase in the land, and let us pray that the Lord will raise up among us a Godly, wise and humble leader who will be a source of blessing to men of every ethnicity and tribe (1 Kings 9:3-5). Until then, “we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Gender Controversy at the Olympics

In a highly unusual incident at the Paris Olympics, Italian boxer Angela Carini quit her bout against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds, citing severe pain from the opening punches. Carini, visibly emotional, stated that she made the decision to stop fighting due to the pain, not as a political statement regarding Khelif's participation. Khelif's presence at the Olympics has become controversial due to her disqualification from the 2023 World Championships after tests revealed the presence of XY chromosomes. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Boxing Association (IBA) have debated the fairness and eligibility criteria, but Khelif, who has a record of 37-9, continues to compete amid ongoing scrutiny over her participation.

The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif’s participation in the Olympics is nuanced, given the lack of access to public testing and definitive information (Proverbs 25:8). With several different outlets reporting different information, we are left to guess what may or may not be true about Imane’s biological sex. What is true is that Imane was disqualified in 2023 by the IBA and withdrew during the appeal process, making the ruling “legally binding.” When someone has the opportunity to gain justice through an appeal but withdraws mid-way through the process, we are left to consider whether they really have nothing to hide (Proverbs 28:1). 

People born with rare Disorders/Differences of Sexual Development (DSD) make up .018% of the population. While those individuals do face difficult and highly unique circumstances, they deserve our honor, protection, consideration, and care as image bearers (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 25:40). DSD, like all birth defects, is another part of the fall and those suffering from it deserve our empathy and prayerful care. Whether or not this diagnosis is being appropriately applied to Imane is currently beyond our ability to assess, but the reaction Imane has faced is indicative of a population tired of blurred lines, inconsistent judgments, and a blatant lack of wisdom (Proverbs 29:9) and love shown for those struggling with gender dysphoria (Romans 1:32). Whether or not Imane should be able to continue to compete at the Olympics is up to a committee that has shown from the opening ceremonies that they are not up to the task. May we remember what was so eloquently written a few days ago: outrage is not a strategy. As we seek to be steadfastly committed to truth and reason, may we be known for our love. 

_{By: Kirby Mankin}

Top Hamas/Hezbollah Leaders Dead

Israel has confirmed that Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas' military wing, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza. This follows recent high-profile strikes, including the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a Hezbollah commander in Beirut. These events have disrupted cease-fire negotiations led by U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging for a cease-fire to prevent further conflict. The situation remains tense, with potential repercussions from Iran and Hezbollah, heightening fears of broader regional conflict.

While there is a time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4), war itself should never be glorified (Matthew 5:9). The actions of Israel in combating genocidal terrorists, though grim, aim to reduce the presence of evil. Indeed, the world is never better off with more evil men in power (Proverbs 29:2).

Those who follow the Lord and "hate evil" must do so with full trust in Him (Psalm 97:10). God, who is the ultimate giver and taker of life (Job 1:21), always makes righteous judgments. Whether one has committed murder against their neighbor or harbors such thoughts in their hearts, God's compassion has granted all of humanity more time than we deserve since Adam, so we might come to know Him (Matthew 5:21-22; Psalm 145:17; 2 Peter 3:9).

It's possible to win a military battle and lose the spiritual battle. While we ought to pray for war to cease, we should prioritize praying for the eternal peace that only comes from the Father (John 14:27). Only God knows the state of each man's eternity. In this conflict, let us take a moment to pray for both America's allies and enemies to come to know Jesus as the true Messiah (John 4:25-26).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Other news you should know

🤝🏻 Key player in 9/11 planning receives plea deal.

😬 When what you meant “just didn’t come out right.”

🇷🇺 Russia freed journalist prisoner in major exchange.

🏅 Suni and Simone secure medals in women’s all ground.

🎵 Carrie Underwood will return to American Idol as a judge.

🚀 Atlas V national security related rocket launch was a success.

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