“The most dangerous thing in the world is the sin of self-reliance and the stupor of worldliness.”

^{John Piper}

Table of Contents

1. Alabama’s IVF Case

2. Julian Assange Extradition Trial

3. Israel to Invade Rafah

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

6. Share this newsletter

Alabama’s IVF Case

Alabama's Supreme Court made a historical decision on Monday affirming human embryos are considered children under state law and fall under legislation concerning the wrongful death of minors. The ruling, based on the principle that such laws encompass all unborn children regardless of their location, sets a significant precedent.

The decision stems from a lawsuit filed by a group of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. Their frozen embryos were destroyed in December 2020 when a patient removed them from a cryogenic storage unit, resulting in their inadvertent dropping to the ground. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the legal recognition of embryos and raises essential questions about reproductive rights and responsibilities.

Children are a gift from the Lord. (Psalm 127:3) It is the Lord who opens the womb (Genesis 30:2). The only logical, scientific, and biblically consistent explanation for when life begins is at the point of conception (Job 31:15, Psalm 139:13, Job 1:5). While it is appropriate to refer to life by different names at different stages of development (zygote, morula, blastocyst, embryo, newborn, infant, toddler, child, teenager, etc.) each stage contains the full blueprint for the person made in the image of God to grow and develop as the Lord intended. While there is no explicit biblical restriction for “in vitro" (in glass) fertilization, it is explicit in Scripture that God's intention for life made in His image is that it should be valued, developed, and live out all the days which the Lord has ordained for him/her (Psalm 139:15-16).

Children should not be cryopreserved; they should be trained up in righteousness (Proverbs 22:6) and taught how to walk in His way (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). It is good that life is valued in all its stages, and it is part of the tragedy of our modern age that modern medicine has introduced the possibility that pragmaticism, financial considerations, or cultural norms could reduce our commitment to caring for human life as the Lord intended. We can be thankful for the high view of life expressed by the Alabama Supreme Court in this ruling and continue to advocate and care for all life, in and out of the womb, to be treated with the greatest honor and care. If you want to learn more about biblical considerations on this topic, I encourage you to watch this RTRQ and the accompanying resources created for you.

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Julian Assange Extradition Trial

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's lengthy legal battle against extradition to the United States may be reaching its conclusion after years of turmoil. Assange faces a crucial court hearing in London beginning yesterday, where he seeks to halt his transfer to the U.S. He's indicted on 18 charges related to WikiLeaks' release of classified documents. His supporters argue he acted as a journalist, while prosecutors claim he conspired to hack a Pentagon computer. Despite initial hurdles, subsequent court rulings have paved the way for extradition. Concerns about Assange's health and the impact on press freedom loom large as his fate hangs on the outcome of this pivotal hearing.

While a free press serves as a vital check on power, it must operate within proper legal constraints (Romans 13:1). "Whistleblowing" is a necessary practice when self-serving powers are abating corruption and evil, but everyone understands the need for governments, generals, and leaders to manage some information for the purposes of national security. Truth must be valued at every station, and in the pursuit of truth, wisdom must be its closest accompanying traveler (Zechariah 8:16; Proverbs 23:23).

A country's citizens have to believe their leadership is operating with appropriate transparency and accountability to constitutional limits, or they will soon rebel. When a land lacks leaders who exhibit understanding and knowledge, it will have constant trouble, and "many will be its princes" (Proverbs 28:2). Wisdom and prudence in governmental decision-making (Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 14:15) are essential for a nation's security and survival. As we have previously written, classification and declassification are both necessary for the public good, and a good public gives good leaders the respect necessary to govern (1 Peter 2:13-17).

_{By: The Remnant News Team}

Israel to Invade Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister announced plans for a ground invasion of the southern Gazan city of Rafah, disregarding international criticism, stating it was necessary to win the war against Hamas. While analysts believe such an operation is not imminent due to its complexity and the risk of civilian casualties, the IDF shared its plans to mitigate that risk. Meanwhile, the United States has urged caution, emphasizing the need for a credible plan to ensure the safety of civilians sheltering in Rafah while discussions continue between Israel and Hamas for a potential cease-fire agreement.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll in Gaza has passed 29,000 people since the start of the war.

The United States vetoed a third U.N. resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Reports are that the U.S. has circulated a rival resolution supporting a temporary cease-fire linked to the release of hostages and lifting of aid restrictions. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah.

As Israel rightly continues to destroy the threat against their nation and rescue their citizens held hostage, it is good that they continue to do so in a way that minimizes collateral damage to noncombatants (Psalm 10:17-18). Critics are right that an attempt to invade and reclaim the city of Rafah would be incredibly complex and risky; the difference between Hamas and Israel is the contrived effort to protect civilians (Psalm 101:8) versus the contrived effort to annihilate an entire nation of people.

As other countries seek to create and present solutions that would lead to the end of this conflict, we should pray for the Lord to reveal a wise plan (Proverbs 16:2-3) and raise up creative and wise leaders (Proverbs 22:29) who will pursue reconciliation and peace over prejudice, self-interest, and ethnic hatred. May the Lord continue to use this conflict to make the world long for the peace that will only come when all men humble themselves before the King of Kings (Isaiah 2:4).

_{By: The Remnant News Team}

Other news you should know

🏢 Male inmate, identifying as a muslim woman, sues chaplain for allegedly not allowing hijab outside of cell.

🇲🇽 Our neighbors down south are not happy with their President's plans.

💰 How do we feel about this?

🧁 This Great British Baking Show star’s taste only extends so far.

✝️ Is this Christian Nationalism™️?

🧑‍🦯 This meeting? We agree with Jesus’ thoughts in Matthew 15:14.

Remnant Resources

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