“I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.”

^{Sojourner Truth}

Table of Contents

1. Senator Intros Porn-Ban Bill

2. Joe Rogan Expands Platform

3. US Retaliates Against Iran

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

6. Share this newsletter

Senator Intros a Porn-Ban Bill

Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers proposed several bills aiming to outlaw pornography, prohibit sexting among unmarried individuals, and restrict access to explicit online material. Exemptions are provided for married couples sharing self-produced explicit content.

Furthermore, the proposed legislation seeks to abolish no-fault divorce, requiring proof of grounds like adultery, abuse, or abandonment for divorce. Critics say the bills face potential First Amendment challenges for infringing on personal freedoms. Despite backlash, Deevers persists, aiming to address youth and family issues through legislative efforts.

Every law is an expression of morality, and every good lawmaker rightly puts forward legislation that they believe is best for society. The question is not, should we legislate morality, but rather whose morality should we legislate, and should we legislate all morality?

Augustine rightly observed that divine providence avenges things that the government cannot. Some things are between the individual and God, not the individual and the government. The clearest example of this is belief itself. It is not the government's right or responsibility to prosecute unbelief, but there is no greater immorality that the Lord will prosecute than the evil of denying His goodness, holiness, and right to be worshiped (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Solomon tells us that “righteousness exalts a nation, and sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34), but it is foolishness to think we can legislate away sin; only the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of His sanctifying Spirit can accomplish that grace (Titus 3:3-7).

Paul reminds us, “the Law is good if one uses it lawfully,” and it “is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:8-10). There is no question that the things which Senator Deevers is seeking to outlaw are “contrary to sound teaching,” but it is virtue in men, not virtue in the law, that leads to societal flourishing. It is a sign of a nation's imminent collapse when we have to suggest laws against such obvious evils as are listed in this bill. Good laws help guide us, but only a good God can deliver us from such evils. Let the citizenry be aware, even if Deever’s laws are not passed, the Lord’s prosecution of such evils will be (Revelation 22:18-19).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Joe Rogan New Deal

Spotify has extended its partnership with podcast host Joe Rogan, making his popular show, "The Joe Rogan Experience," now available on multiple platforms, including YouTube and Apple Podcasts. The JRE is the most popular podcast in the world, boasting 11 million listeners an episode. The Wall Street Journal reported the new deal to be worth up to $250 million, including an upfront minimum guarantee and a revenue-sharing agreement based on ad sales. Before this deal, Spotify had invested $1 billion in the podcast space and reportedly lost half of that investment. After the deal with Rogan, Spotify's shares rose nearly 2% to $222.47 per share after the announcement.

The Psalms tell us to listen to God's instruction and to meditate on His word day and night (Psalm 1:2). As Christians, we should be discerning about what we allow into our minds through media. The apostle Paul instructs us to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). We should avoid listening to things that are vulgar, immoral or promote worldly thinking opposed to the truth of Christ.

We should ask for discernment when listening to podcasts like JRE that could defile our minds and hearts. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Our minds are renewed when we fill them with God's word and truth (Colossians 3:16). If you want to tune in to Joe Rogan be discerning, but if you want to be wise dive into God’s Word. Given most JRE episodes are 3+ hours, we would all do well to be reminded of Todd Wagner’s encouragement to us as we prioritize our lives: “Bible first, bible most.”

_{By: Cooper Wagner}

US Retaliates Against Iran

In response to a deadly attack on U.S. troops, the United States carried out a series of airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, targeting over 85 locations linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard and allied militias. The White House “telegraphed the attacks well in advance,” which may have spared lives but has been criticized as creating a space for Iran to feel emboldened in their brazen perpetration of evil against Americans. 40 people were reportedly killed. 

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi asserted his country's unwillingness to start a war, however, he has promised a strong response to the United States’ actions.  

The Pentagon also stressed its desire to avoid war with Iran, declaring the actions were solely a response to the previous aggression from Iran.

If a hot-tempered man alone stirs up trouble (Proverbs 15:18), then imagine the trouble a deadly drone strike will instigate. It is foolish that Iran’s president asserts that his country is not looking for war while funding terrorists and insurgencies that are sure to begin one (Proverbs 13:16).

Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Solomon said it better when he said, “because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

Pray for leaders commanding our troops, charged with protecting our land and people, and navigating undoubtedly complicated international relations, especially nations whose leaders have made it known that they want to see other nations entirely eradicated.

_{By: Kirby Mankin}

Other news you should know

🏆 Big wins, arrests, and announcements last night at the Grammy’s.

🇳🇦 Namibia president and anti-apartheid activist Hage Geingob dies.

🪦 Carl Weathers, star of Rocky, The Mandalorian, dies at 76.

📄 Biden's team bracing for special counsel's report on classified docs.

🗳Trump lays out criteria for VP pick, teases a few names.

🚣🏻 What is an atmospheric river? It's making it's way into California.

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