“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

^{Rosa Parks}

Table of Contents

1. Russian National Security Threat

2. Shooting at KC Parade

3. TX Pastor Fired

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

6. Share this newsletter

Russian National Security Threat

Lawmakers and White House officials addressed concerns over Russia's potential deployment of a space-based nuclear weapon. House Speaker Mike Johnson and democratic Rep. Jim Himes, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, stressed cautious management to prevent panic. Rep. Mike Turner, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, urged declassification of relevant information, while National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan hinted at classified discussions. Reports indicate Russian development of space-based nuclear capabilities prompted Sullivan to schedule briefings for House leaders. Debate rages over Russia's intentions, from nuclear-powered devices to potential electronic warfare. President Biden underscores the threat's gravity, instructing Sullivan to engage with congressional leadership on the issue.

Just as the methods of evil and war shift with time, so too must our readiness to respond and confront them (Matthew 10:16). Classification and declassification both can be necessary for the protection of the public and having wise leadership who are able to exercise wisdom and prudence in their decision-making (Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 14:15) are key elements of a nation's security. 

In the end, "Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain" (Psalm 127:1b) and wise is the nation who remembers' the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness" (Psalm 33:18). We as a nation are blessed to have a significant ability to respond to military threats but would be more blessed to remember, "The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength" (Psalm 33:17-18). America and the remnant would find their greatest peace in remembering, "The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance" (Psalm 33:10-12).

_{By: Jamie Wilder & Todd Wagner}

Shooting at KC Parade

In a tragic turn of events following the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade on Wednesday, gunfire broke out, leaving one person dead and up to 22 others injured. Among the injured, eight suffered immediately life-threatening wounds, with seven in critical condition and others sustaining minor injuries. Three individuals were initially detained but one was released after it was determined they were not involved. The two remaining suspects are juveniles and have not been named by police.

Sadness will continue to ruin celebrations until sin is eradicated. The world in which we live is not the world our Father intended (Romans 8:20), and it won’t be until Christ returns to finish His plan of redemption (Revelation 21:3-5). What happened in Kansas City on Wednesday is the latest example of the sadness that befalls a nation that rejects the counsel of the Lord. We can be sure that the young people involved in the shooting were not raised in homes where “the statutes and the judgments which the LORD your God has commanded” were taught so “that they might do them in the land… all the days of their life, so that their days may be prolonged” (Deuteronomy 6:1-2).

The way out of our societal spiral into sin and death is for the remnant to step up its faithfulness and mission to be and make disciples (Colossians 1:24-27). Mere church attendance is not the solution; we need a remnant committed to tending to the Lord’s business. When we have a church as passionate about celebrating and serving Christ as the good people of Kansas City were to celebrate their NFL team, we will return to the days when we can attend Super Bowl parades without terror parading through our cities. 

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Texas Pastor Fired

The Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, dismissed its head worship pastor and elder, Aaron Ivey, after discovering inappropriate text messages with an adult male. The elders revealed a history of similar instances dating back to 2011, including exchanges with a minor, which they reported to the authorities, detailing a pattern of predatory behavior and sexual exploitation.

• Satan wants to “get us” (1 Peter 5:8).

• All of us better pay attention, or we will be next (1 Corinthians 10:11).

• Rather than shake your head at yet another failure, “those who think they stand, take heed lest you fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

• You don’t have to be next (1 Corinthians 10:13).

• Now is the time to pray for the Ivey family. Jesus’ words to Peter model how we should be praying. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 21:31-32) Let’s all be praying that Aaron returns to an authentic walk with the Savior. He would be the first to tell you that the decade-plus that he hid his sin and “got away with it” were the worst years of his life (Psalm 32:3-4). The miracle of the gospel is that his best years can be ahead of him (Psalm 32:1-2).

• The public confrontation of Ivey’s sin is not an example of the church ‘shooting its wounded’ - this is an example to be followed when a wounded leader hurts others with their sin. Austin Stone is to be commended for the way they have been forthright in their communication about Ivey’s failures, but their work is just beginning. May their continued shepherding of Ivey, his family, and those affected by his sin, be as commendable in care as it has been in correction (Galatians 6:1-2).

• Knowledge is not the key to steadfastness; authenticity and abiding with Jesus is. This is important. Almost as if to make this point especially clear, the Lord in His sovereignty allowed Ivey on a podcast with FamilyLife Radio to talk about the danger of “hiding sin in your marriage” just days before being confronted and exposed. Our enemy is a liar. He wants us to believe we are the exception to the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13) and lies that confessing our temptations and failures with others is more dangerous than isolation and deceit. May this story be a grace to God’s remnant (1 Corinthians 10:1-11) and may the Lord be gracious to each of us as we live authentically and continually abide with Him (Philippians 1:9-12).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Other news you should know

🇪🇬 Egypt builds a wall.

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan planning 'full-scale war', Armenia warns

🏈 What are these southern parents teaching their kids?

🦠 Why is this virus making a comeback in England right now?

🎤 Have you heard her testimony?

⚰️ Idaho House bill would give death penalty for those convicted of heinous sexual acts against children.

Remnant Resources

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