“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

^{Martin Luther King Jr.}

Table of Contents

1. He Gets Us?

2. Trans Shooter at Megachurch

3. Fat Tuesday

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

6. Share this newsletter

He Gets Us?

A Christian commercial aired during the Super Bowl, featuring people having their feet washed, intending to symbolize Jesus' teachings on love and unity. However, it sparked controversy among conservatives who felt it justified certain sins and accused it of twisting biblical principles for political ends. Critics argued that the ad misrepresented Jesus' message and accused it of promoting a leftist agenda, while defenders maintained it aimed to share Jesus' love with everyone, regardless of political affiliation. Despite the backlash, some defended the commercial, viewing it as an opportunity to engage with a broader audience about faith.

The mere fact that we are discussing Jesus after something that draws as much worldwide attention as the Super Bowl is a win. Kansas City’s fourth Super Bowl victory will soon be a long-forgotten memory from ages past (Ecclesiastes 2:11), while Jesus’ Lordship and veneration will forever be at its zenith (Philippians 2:9-11). Knowing exactly Who Jesus is is undoubtedly the most significant fact in all of human history (Acts 4:12).

Jesus doesn’t need a good publicist; the public needs Jesus (1 John 5:12). We don’t need to know that Jesus ‘gets us,’ we need to know and “get” Jesus (John 5:20-23). The problem with any brief “ad spot” for Jesus is that those watching can easily “get Jesus wrong” because they are not properly exposed to the Jesus of the Scriptures. If the purpose of the commercials is to fully communicate the Truth of the person and purpose of Jesus Christ, then they are clearly a massive failure and worthy of immense criticism (Galatians 1:6-9). But that is not their stated goal. Whether or not the ads are “improving the image of Jesus” can be debated, but what cannot be debated is that they have absolutely pushed the conversation of Jesus back into the center of the public’s consciousness, where it should always be. In these terms, the campaign has been an undeniable success, and the remnant should be thankful when people ask us about the commercials because it provides all of us a perfect opportunity to represent the Truth about Jesus rightly. Nothing could be better for Christ’s image than that (Colossians 1:25-29).

Rather than being critical of the way the Servant Foundation is trying to engage others with the person of Christ, get busy doing it yourself. As D.L. Moody once said to his critics, “It is clear you don’t like my way of doing evangelism. You raise some good points. Frankly, I sometimes do not like my way of doing evangelism. But I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it.”

My advice to people who already “get” Jesus - is to get busy doing what He told you to do (Matthew 28:19-20, Philippians 1:18).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Trans Shooter at Megachurch

A woman, who has identified as multiple gender identities, entered Lakewood Church in Houston with her 7-year-old son and unleashed chaos by opening fire as hundreds gathered for a Sunday afternoon service. The incident resulted in several injuries and the shooter was fatally shot by law enforcement officers.

Ongoing investigations have already revealed the shooter's struggles with mental health issues. In 2016, she was subjected to an order of emotional detention and transferred to a medical facility. Additionally, she had a history of promoting false theories about the church and penning anti-Semitic writings. She had “Free Palestine” written on her weapon.

Another tragedy and another necessary reminder to pray for those who are suffering before we make comments about political or societal dysfunction (Romans 12:15). Meanwhile, it is unsurprising when people who embrace lies about themselves choose to embrace lies about the right way to show displeasure with others. Mental illness and sin always spread if they are not confronted (Galatians 5:9). As long as we live in a world that increasingly normalizes, celebrates, and protects foolishness and sin, we will continue to see foolishness and sin increase. Without the advancement of the gospel, we should be unsurprised that we live in a world that is only surprised that we do not join them in their insanity (1 Peter 4:4).

The way out of our societal spiral into sin and death is for the remnant to not shrink back in the face of such evil but to instead, “though we walk in the flesh…we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. So we are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). 

“Do not fret because of evildoers. Be not envious toward wrongdoers, for they will wither quickly like the grass and fade like the green herb. Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” (Psalm 37:1-3).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Fat Tuesday

Yesterday marked the end of Mardi Gras as thousands flooded New Orleans streets to partake in Fat Tuesday's celebration.

The festivities culminated in an uproar of color, music, and indulgence. Mardi Gras finds its origins in some Christian traditions, as it originally marked the season preceding the solemnity of Lent. Today, however, it symbolizes a secularized opportunity to over-eat, over-drink, and "live carefree" before the supposed disciplined period of fasting and reflection begins.

New Orleans is where the festivities are most renowned, as parades, masquerade balls, and street parties characterize the "partying" spirit of Mardi Gras.

Despite its original intentions, Mardi Gras has greatly transcended any historical Christian purpose, becoming just another excuse to embrace excess and transgression, as if the Lord is concerned with dates on the calendar when it comes to pursuing holiness and obedience (Amos 5:21). Peter encourages us, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16). 

It is tragic that what began as a pre-curser to a “time of reverence and honor in the Lord” is now a time where a “return to former lusts and foolishness” is celebrated. “Walking worthy of the calling with which we have been called” (Ephesians 4:1) is an everyday command.  

Returning to sin before a time of reflection on God’s gracious provision of the cross contradicts everything God intends for His people (Romans 6:1-2). 

_{By: Todd Wagner & Mike Wiebe}

Other news you should know

🧑🏻‍⚖️ All four of Trump's criminal cases reach inflection points this week.

🤖 OpenAI CEO cautions public on AI.

🏈 The Top 10 Super Bowl commercials.

👴🏻 This state's AG calls on Harris to invoke 25th Amendment to remove Biden from office.

🗳 Votes are in, Mayorkas you are out.

💣 We’re still digesting this.

 🪑NY flips seat in special election.

Remnant Resources

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