“Christians are not called to timid waiting but to bold anticipation. Advent is a season to prepare our hearts and ready our lives for the King who comes to reign.”

Charles Spurgeon

Table of Contents

1. United Healthcare Murder

2. SCOTUS Hears Transgender Case

3. French Government Collapses

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

United Healthcare Murder

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel in a targeted attack, with surveillance suggesting the suspect waited for him before firing multiple shots. The gunman fled on an electric bike, and evidence, including shell casings, video footage, and a recovered cellphone, is being analyzed. Police described the attack as premeditated but have not determined a motive, though Thompson's wife mentioned previous threats. Thompson, a father and healthcare executive, faced backlash earlier this year over alleged improper coverage denials by UnitedHealthcare. The investigation is ongoing as more information comes to light.

It should go without saying that whatever the reason for this murder, it is a tragedy, which is only increased by the fact that Mr. Thompson leaves behind a wife and two sons. Murder and fatherlessness were not in the Lord’s original plans for His creation (Genesis 1:31). Whatever the reason for the hit on the United Health executive, wisdom would not have us speculate too loudly about what the victim may have done to provoke it (Proverbs 18:13). While we do know that the assassin went to some trouble to leave clues on the ammunition (depose and defend were found on two of the casings), we will not know the true motive of the crime unless the killer is captured, or other information is revealed.

 We do know that one of the many horrible consequences of the mishandling of the Covid pandemic is the normalization of people wearing masks and covering their faces in ways that previously would have been seen as suspicious or even dangerous (Proverbs 22:3). The fact that we continue to allow anti-social behaviors to go unchallenged will continue to bring trouble to our land (Galatians 6:7). Meanwhile, all wise men should be reminded that tragedy does not just befall the wicked (Luke 13:1-3) and that while God does offer forgiveness to our repentance, he does not promise tomorrow to our procrastination (Exodus 34:6-7) and the day of judgment is closer to all of us than we often consider (Hebrews 9:27).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

SCOTUS Hears Transgender Case

The Supreme Court is hearing United States v. Skrmetti, a case where the federal government is challenging Tennessee's law banning gender-transition procedures—such as surgeries, hormone treatments, and puberty blockers—for minors. Tennessee's law was upheld by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. However, the Biden administration argues the law violates the 14th Amendment by discriminating based on sex, as certain hormonal treatments are permitted for specific medical conditions in one sex but not the other. The government contends minors should have access to these treatments for gender transition purposes.

Mutilation of children, both physical and chemical, is evil, yet our own government is trying to stop one state from protecting children from that evil. How do we honor God in this scenario?

Christians are commanded to submit to the government which God instituted (Romans 13:1-2), not only to avoid the wrath of that government but for conscience’s sake. If we revere God, in all good conscience, we will revere the authority that He has granted to human governors (1 Peter 2:13-14). Even when those rulers are unjust, we are to suffer the injustice in order to glorify God (1 Peter 2:17). Bear in mind that Paul and Peter wrote these letters during the reign of the emperor Nero, who was brutally persecuting Christians daily.

Yet, while Christians default to obeying the government, Scripture makes clear that we are allowed to act in civil disobedience to the authorities if they command evil. The Hebrew midwives (Exodus 1:17), Rahab (Joshua 2), Obadiah (1 Kings 18:4), and many others resisted the rulers and instead did what was right. 

Resisting the ruling authorities if their decrees contradict God’s commandments is not only allowed but is expected and demanded of the faithful. There is an ultimate law to which we must adhere and that law is above the laws of men (Acts 5:29), and speaking out and standing firm to protect defenseless children is our duty (Proverbs 31:8-9).

_{By: Ken Teaff}

French Government Collapses

France's government collapsed after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote, with 331 out of 577 lawmakers voting against him. Appointed by President Macron after a deadlock in July's election, Barnier's term was marked by opposition from both left- and right-wing coalitions over tax hikes and spending cuts. His exit was the first in France since 1962. Macron, unable to call another election until summer, must now negotiate for a new prime minister. The instability raises concerns about France's $3 trillion debt and its potential impact on the EU. Despite low approval, Macron remains president until 2027, with his failed electoral gamble contributing to the crisis.

Political leaders, no matter how secure they may seem, are ultimately subject to God's will (Daniel 2:21). This development should serve as a stark reminder that no matter how powerful or influential the leader, their ultimate authority is under God's direction (Proverbs 16:9)

Unlike governments on this side of heaven, we, human beings, are created for eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Likewise, We are created with a desire for things that last: houses that can withstand all elements, marriages that continually flourish, and a Kingdom that will never collapse with a King that will always prove to be powerful (Matthew 6:19-20).

As CS Lewis noted, "Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists." Thankfully, God has provided a perfect solution to every desire that the world could ever give us – Himself. As the Psalmist once wrote, "For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things" (Psalm 107:9).

Christians, whether they be in France or not, should pray for our government officials to lead with wisdom and to maintain peace when it is possible among them (1 Timothy 2:1-2, Romans 12:18). When times are rocky, lean on the Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6-7). He will never fail you (Psalm 145:13).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Other news you should know

💊 Trump and RFK met with Pfizer and other Pharma execs.

🌝 NASA delays trips to the moon (again).

🎁 Giving was up this year.

🥊 The Secret Service hearing got tense.

🛒 Walmart is rolling back prices and some of their DEI policies.

🎶 End of an era, coming to a country near you.

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