“While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation.”

^{Maya Angelou}

Table of Contents

1. Trump NY Penalties

2. Russian Opposition Leader Dead

3. Other news you should know

4. Remnant Resources

5. Share this newsletter

Trump NY Penalties

Donald Trump and his business were found liable for inflating asset values in paperwork, leading to a $355 million penalty and a three-year ban from serving as an officer for any New York corporation. The ruling detailed how the Trump Organization misrepresented asset values on Statements of Financial Condition, influencing loans from Deutsche Bank. Critics argue that while Trump's conduct was dubious, the punishment seems excessive, especially considering that no one incurred financial losses, raising concerns about targeted civil prosecution for political motives. Trump plans to appeal the verdict.

While the American justice system is widely considered to be the best in the world, it is not the perfect justice system and never will be as long as sinful men inhabit the land (Psalm 82). The remnant knows nothing on this earth is perfect except the Word of God rightly interpreted and understood (Psalm 19:7, 2 Timothy 2:15), and they should lead the way, advocating for the pursuit of its embrace (Colossians 1:28-29). Meanwhile, there is something especially destabilizing in a culture when the judicial system is weaponized to prosecute political opponents. It is not a good sign that both liberals and conservatives are convinced that this is increasingly the case in America. While Trump appeals this ruling, the remnant must continue to "appeal" to everyone we know (2 Timothy 4:5), aspiring that our land makes righteousness and justice the foundation of our government even as it is the foundation of God's throne (Psalm 89:14).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Russian Opposition Leader Dead

Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader and fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, died at 47 in a remote Arctic penal colony, sparking international outrage and accusations of foul play. Navalny's death came amidst a 19-year prison sentence widely seen as politically motivated. Russian officials claimed his demise resulted from "sudden death syndrome," but his allies alleged murder, demanding a transparent investigation. President Biden directly blamed Putin for Navalny's death, highlighting the increasingly authoritarian nature of Russia's government. Navalny's activism, marked by large protests and social media exposure of Kremlin corruption, garnered widespread support. His passing leaves a significant void in Russia's opposition movement and raises concerns about the regime's suppression of dissent.

While communism was officially disbanded when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, authoritarian roots have endured in the Russian "Motherland." Constitutional amendments passed in 2020 now allow Putin to potentially stay in power until 2036. That same year, Navalny was poisoned by a lethal nerve agent from the Novichok group. Furthermore, the authorities suppress dissent and independent media and have passed anti-missionary laws in an effort to tamp down Protestant Christianity within its own borders.

While it's crucial to await the outcome of investigations before reaching conclusive judgments (Proverbs 18:17), we don't necessarily have to wait for such investigations to assess the nature of the ruler and authorities in Russia. Whether it's ourselves, our neighbors, or leaders in foreign nations, we are all known by our fruit (Matthew 7:16).

Everyone would be wise to be wary of the growing trend among influencers and news personalities who portray Russia as a righteous standard for America and the West. While America is far from flawless and has its own unique historical and present flaws, instead of glorifying Russia or Putin, we should focus on learning from their mistakes and strive to improve our own country. God's Word, not the increasingly secularized America or an authoritarian Russia, should serve as our moral compass (Ephesians 5:10). Any individual or government that sanctions murder or prosecution of dissident voices does not deserve our praise but condemnation as we aim to "have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Other news you should know

🇦🇷 Maybe we should take a note from Argentina.

🦠 Something we’ll all try to keep a beat on.

👑 London mayor snubs queen?

🗳 Michigan primary could get interesting.

💍 First “Christian” country legalizes same-sex marriage.

👮🏻 NYPD has a dance team?

Cop or Drop?

Remnant Resources

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