“God only knows what he would do with a few men who cared only for him. He would save thousands and astonish the universe.”

William Booth

Table of Contents

1. Olympic Opening Ceremony

2. Kamala’s Campaign

3. Hezbollah Rocket Kills 12

4. Other news you should know

5. Share this newsletter

Olympic Opening Ceremony

The Paris Olympics faced a controversial start with multiple moments during the opening ceremony. A reenactment of "The Last Supper" and a nude singer representing a Greek God faced backlash from watchers all around the world. While the spectacle received praise from the French President and the LGBTQ community, it was condemned widely by conservative and religous groups and publically by French Bishops. With an impressive show of boats floating along the Seine and a comeback performance by Celine Dion, the Opening Ceremony was notably clouded by these controversies. 

The wise Christian has long stopped being shocked by sin, (Romans 3:10-12) including their own (Romans 7:18-19). The still wiser Christian will never stop grieving over sin’s relentless destruction in the lives of men, (Proverbs 1:32) especially their own (Psalm 32:2-5).

When sinners sin, they are just fulfilling their job description (Psalm 51:5). We should not be surprised, but we should be moved (Acts 17:16, 2 Corinthians 5:20). It should humble and change our heart's response when we stop to consider the Lord's first response to sin was not to bring about the penalty of death but to make provision for it (Genesis 3:8-9, 21). We also see this response when Christ came into the world, and we are told, "God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17).

But make no mistake, the patient God of grace is aware of the mocking of the wicked (Psalm 10:3-4) and in due time He will prove to them that He has not forgotten or been indifferent or blind to their scoffing (Psalm 10:11). Make no mistake, the Lord is wildly aware of their rebellion and will soon enough "rebuke them to their face" (Psalm 50:21). Today we see the fulfillment of Jesus' Words, "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed" (John 3:19-20). The question that the remnant must ask is, are those lost in darkness seeing the light of God's love and truth in us? We should not be surprised at their sin, but they should be convicted and drawn to God's love by our excellence in living (1 Peter 3:15-16), our evidencing of God's kindness (Romans 2:4, Colossians 3:12-15), and our faithful declaration of the gospel of peace and coming judgment (Romans 10:14-15). Today is our day to boldly share Christ's love and boldly propose a better way. 

Outrage is not a strategy; outreach is (Matthew 28:19-20, James 1:20).

To close, I'll paraphrase my son-in-law, who shared some thoughts on his Facebook page. Christians who open their mouths in these moments but never open their mouths to share the gospel or pursue the lost should consider they may be as much of the problem as what we watched and should know that they are to be a part of the solution if they repent and change their ways. To follow Jesus is to fish for men (Matthew 4:19). To not fish for men means you aren't following closely to Jesus (John 10:27).

Get busy, friends.

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Kamala’s Campaign

Kamala Harris's campaign is facing scrutiny as certain facts seem to be "scrubbed" or harder to find on the Internet for curious or undecided voters. Certain news outlets appear to be correcting or denying previous language that dubbed Harris Biden's "border czar.” While another website has archived a report that showed Kamala to be the “most liberal Senator” in 2019. As an attempt is made to quickly course-correct from a Biden/Harris ticket to a Harris/ ticket, campaign managers on both sides scramble to present their candidate in the most appealing light to the public.

Two things are "forever," the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8)... and the Internet (Reality 101). While this most often works against mankind, there are some cases where the archives of the Internet serve us. In this case, we are well served to remember that we will give an account for our actions - the deeds done, words said, things thought, and comments posted (Romans 14:12).

The wise know to be above reproach as we live in the midst a crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15), the media (and powers that be) work tirelessly to preserve and promote their own agenda and best interests. When the world clings to the words/reports/accounts of men, we hold firmly to the Word of life alone (Philippians 2:16). We need not worry if history will remember Kamala Harris - or any leader - as the one who did or didn't do this or that, we need only worry that we are found faithful as we seek the truth and advance the Kingdom as we await the soon-coming return of our Master (1 Thessalonians 5:21, Luke 12:43-44).

_{By: Kirby Mankin}

Hezbollah Rocket Kills 12

A rocket fired from Lebanon struck a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, killing 12 children and injuring 44 people. Israel blamed Hezbollah for the strike. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday backed Israel's assessment, saying "every indication" suggested the strike was a rocket fired by Hezbollah. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant promised that Hezbollah would "pay the price" for the attack.  This tragedy comes just days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the U.S. Congress. Many Western officials are urging de-escalation. Israel is considering a significant retaliatory response.

The recent attack starkly highlights the grievous nature of violence against the innocent. The Bible firmly condemns such acts: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) and "Cursed is anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood" (Deuteronomy 27:25).

Israel's response must be guided by justice and wisdom. Scripture advises leaders to act with prudence (Proverbs 11:14). It is essential that any retaliatory measures are carefully considered to avoid further civilian casualties and uphold the principle of protecting the innocent while swiftly and severely responding to evil (Proverbs 24:11, Ecclesiastes 8:11).

The Middle East has had various nations and factions at war with each other for centuries. This should grieve us as it grieves the Lord. God hates hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-19). As far as it is up to us, we should pursue peace in every area of our lives (Romans 12:18).

As we mourn with those who mourn, let us continue to pray that the Middle East would not only experience peace but also come to know the Prince of Peace, who has already won a far greater war on our behalf (Romans 12:15; Isaiah 9:6; 1 Corinthians 15:57).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Other news you should know

🦅 Google doesn’t wanna help you search this.

🤸🏾 Simone Biles is dominating in spite of an injury.

🦸🏻 The Marvel universe just won’t quit.

🇻🇪 Venezuela awaits important election results.

🔥 California wildfire is consuming thousands of acres an hour.

🎶 Fans swarm a hill in Munich just to catch a glimpse of the music.

🥇 Keep up with the 2024 Olympic medal count.

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