February 2, 2024

China Hackers, Abortion Protestors, Big Tech in Congress


February 2, 2024

"To make real progress in the Christian life, we must begin to unlearn much of what we have learned in the world; we must begin to see and understand everything in the light of God's Word.

Hudson Taylor

FBI Warns Of China Hackers

FBI Director Christopher Wray's testimony revealed China's aggressive cyber targeting of U.S. infrastructure amid potential Taiwan conflicts, citing imminent threats to critical systems like the power grid. Recent indictments highlighted China's illicit activities, emphasizing ongoing dangers. Wray urgently called for increased funding to counter this menace, noting a significant cyber capabilities gap where Chinese hackers outnumber FBI personnel 50 to 1. Security directors voiced concerns about inciting societal panic reminiscent of the Colonial Pipeline attack. Wray disclosed the successful elimination of Chinese malware attacks on U.S. businesses, stressing continuous collaboration. Gen. Paul Nakasone advocated for the renewal of provisions that are crucial for national security against threats like fentanyl trafficking, amidst the profound U.S.-China cyber disparity.

We have no idea of the horrors we are protected from every day. Not just because we have an FBI, CIA, Department of Homeland Security, etc., but especially because we have a God who sees (Genesis 16:13, Proverbs 15:3). The remnant knows we serve a sovereign Lord and knows that because He is above all things, nothing comes our way that does not pass through His perfect and wise hands (Job 1:12). We may not like what he allows anymore than Job did, but we can be sure that He is the One who allows all things. It is good that our “three-letter organizations” are awake; it is better that the Lord, in His grace, continues to protect us. Indeed, “Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain (Psalm 127:1b).

America’s greatest threat is not Chinese Hackers, Muslim extremists, or domestic terrorists. America’s greatest threat is our indifference to the sovereignty, goodness, and the necessity of the protection of God. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a), but beware the nation that mocks Him and turns aside from His ways (Joshua 23:12-13, Jeremiah 18:9-10). So while it may be appropriate for Director Wray to appeal for more resources to close the cyber capabilities gap between us and those who intend to harm us, it is infinitely more important that the remnant continually reminds first themselves and then their fellow citizens that the “sin gap” keeping us from nearness to God is our larger and most imminent problem (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 1:18-22). 

By: Todd Wagner

Abortion Protestors Face Jail

In a federal trial in Nashville, Tennessee, six pro-life activists have been found guilty of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The U.S. Department of Justice stated they were convicted of felony conspiracy against rights for blocking the entrance to the Carafem abortion clinic in 2021.

According to reports, the protest was "a peaceful demonstration by entirely peaceable citizens – filled with prayer, hymn singing, and worship – oriented toward persuading expecting mothers not to abort their babies."

The defendants face up to 10.5 years in prison, with fines up to $260,000, and will be sentenced on July 2.

In a broader context, House Republicans introduced a resolution to repeal the FACE Act, arguing it's being weaponized against Americans for their pro-life beliefs.

It is incredibly sad to watch the moral compass of America spiral into an utter free fall. You can now steal nearly a thousand dollars worth of merchandise from a department store and receive a misdemeanor “slap on the wrist.” Yet singing praise and worship music peaceably in front of a building that is murdering innocent lives and you may face “10 years in prison.” Isaiah reminds us of a better way, and guarantees trouble, if we don’t quickly return to a better way (Isaiah 1:16-20).

Day by day, Americans have failed to inform our decision-making processes with the reproof, correction, and training in righteousness found in God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16), and so we have a land that increasingly calls evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). We have completely neglected our responsibility to “train in Biblical righteousness” (Proverbs 22:6), and instead have created a morality of our own, which guarantees trouble of our own making (Proverbs 14:12).

Let us pray for the strength and continued courage of the individuals who have been “found guilty” in Nashville, for wisdom for the attorneys handling their case, and especially for the strength and courage to imitate their faith and actions ourselves. May all the remnant follow them in following Christ and may our lives be a “fragrant aroma” to our Lord and land (Ephesians 5:1-2).

By: Mike Wiebe and Todd Wagner

Big Tech & Child Exploitation

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled "Big Tech and the Online Child Sexual Exploitation Crisis," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg offered a direct apology to families affected by the issue, acknowledging their suffering and stating, "I'm sorry for everything you have all been through." Facing tough questioning from senators like Josh Hawley, Zuckerberg expressed remorse but hesitated to accept personal responsibility for compensating victims. The hearing underscored the urgent need for regulation and bipartisan efforts to protect young social media users, with lawmakers advocating for measures such as the Kids Online Safety Act. Despite Zuckerberg's pledges to address safety concerns and defend Meta's efforts, families like Mary Rodee, who tragically lost her son after exploitation on Facebook Messenger, remain skeptical, emphasizing the ongoing necessity for action.

It is a good thing that we see unity (Psalm 133:1) across political divisions in addressing the significant issue of child exploitation within big tech. Scripture calls us to protect children and nurture them in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Those who lead the innocent astray stand condemned (Matthew 18:6) and those responsible must be reminded that their "apologies" should be accompanied by genuine repentance and action (James 2:26). "Big tech" means big business, and big money often clouds the minds of big shots like Zuckerberg from prioritizing the safety and protection of children over profits (1 Timothy 6:10). While the remnant demands others operate in ways that protect society, it is imperative that we first look inward and remain steadfast in guarding our own hearts and interactions with social media and the society we are called to serve (Matthew 7:3-5, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 5:16). We have a meta-problem in our land (Ecclesiastes 3:16), and Meta is just one manifestation of it. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14 and remind yourself how to step up and lead our country out of its trouble.
By: Jamie Wilder and Todd Wagner

Other news you should know

🧨 More war?

🏧 This bank just cut thousands of jobs, then rewards shareholders.

🤠 Musk seeks Tesla shareholder vote on moving incorporation to another state.

📈 Over 100 abortion businesses have closed since Roe v. Wade overturned.

🚔 NYPD officers beaten by a young group of migrants, suspects freed without bail.

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