May 17, 2024

Pro-Lifers in Prison, NFL Player's Viral Speech, TX Man Pardoned

May 17, 2024


May 17, 2024

“Men cannot preach what they do not know. We must be experts in the Word of God.“

Lottie Moon

Pro-Lifers in Prison

Lauren Handy and six other pro-life activists received prison sentences for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) by blocking the entrance to an abortion facility in Washington, D.C. Handy was sentenced to 57 months, while the others received sentences ranging from 21 to 34 months. The Thomas More Society, representing Handy, criticized the sentences as unjust, asserting that the protesters acted peacefully. They plan to appeal the convictions and challenge the constitutionality of the FACE Act.

After being sentenced to 21 months, John Hinshaw addressed the court, stating, "I stand convicted, though guiltless. I take on the guilt of this judge. Accept my love for you, judge, as expiation for your guilt."

Scripture:

  • Promises that we will be persecuted in this world (John 15:19-20).

  • Testifies that Christ calls us blessed if our suffering is for following Him (Matthew 5:10-12).

  • Reassures us that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).

  • Declares that evil (including evil rulers and rulings) has an expiration date (Proverbs 24:20).

One thing the Bible never does is call bad things "good," so neither should we (Isaiah 5:20). Rather, God works all things (good and bad) for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We can trust God to be a perfect judge who rules with perfect wisdom (Psalm 9:7-8).

It's not loving to let your neighbor endure injustice (Proverbs 31:8-9). The unequal enforcement of the (unjust) law by the DOJ under the Biden Administration is a travesty (Proverbs 17:15). While we should be willing to be persecuted for living out the implications of our faith, in an effort to love our neighbors, we also ought to advocate for just laws and equal enforcement of just laws (Micah 6:8).

By: Jamie Wilder

NFL Player Gives Viral Speech

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker sparked controversy with comments during a commencement address at Benedictine College, criticizing Pride Month, diversity initiatives, and suggesting women could find fulfillment through marriage and motherhood. The NFL distanced itself from Butker's remarks, emphasizing its commitment to inclusion, while GLAAD criticized the speech as out of touch. The backlash has been extensive, particularly on social media, with criticism aimed at Butker's views on women and his reference to Taylor Swift. The incident raises concerns about the NFL's efforts to attract female fans and highlights broader issues around gender, LGBTQ rights, and diversity.

The NFL doesn't exist to encourage or care about people; it exists to entertain and care about profits. When you value profits over prophetic truth, you end up doing pathetic things (Acts 8:18-22). The NFL doesn't like it when players or coaches speak prophetically because prophets often hurt feelings, which the NFL fears will hurt business. 

Thankfully, some players/coaches know speaking the Truth in love is the only business that matters (Romans 1:16). They know speaking truth to people is what you do if you love them (Acts 20:26-27). Avoiding hard truths so people feel "included" is what predators and profiteers do (2 Timothy 3:2-4), and we are warned to avoid being too long in the company of "men like these" (2 Timothy 3:5).

Businesses, "big tent" churches, and conference ministries who want to sell tickets and fill seats are always careful to be "inclusive." While it's good to want to include everyone at your gatherings (Matthew 11:28), it is not good to be so committed to being inclusive in your offerings that Truth is excluded (2 Corinthians 2:17). 

Faithful leaders (and leagues) hold to what is good for society regardless of how it affects their salaries or careers (Philippians 2:3-4). Harrison Butker had the courage to share his convictions and perspective on culture despite how it might lead to him getting his "butt kicked."  That is what good leaders and faithful prophets do (Jeremiah 1:17). 

Inviting others into your understanding of reality and kindly encouraging them to consider what you believe will lead to a better future for others (Romans 10:14) and proclaiming God's truth to others, irrespective of their condition or convictions, is the most inclusive and loving thing you can do (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

Had Butker in any way insinuated people who disagree with him should not be allowed at NFL games or not be treated with kindness, then he would have deserved to be criticized, but this is not at all what he did in his commencement address. 

Of course, we know the NFL's goal is not to influence people's choices beyond how they spend their Sunday afternoons, but we do want to remind them that it is also not their job to say they disagree with people who speak the Truth simply because of who they worship on "Sunday mornings."

While it is true that "familiarity often breeds contempt" (a familiar phrase and fitting Taylor Swift lyric), it is also true that people who are unfamiliar with God's nature and truth will have contempt for both Him and His people who are called to unashamedly speak it (John 15:18). 

Truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth- but don't let the haters keep you from speaking it. 

Speak the Truth in love and love those who hate you when you do it (1 Corinthians 16:14). 

By: Todd Wagner

Man Pardoned in TX

Former US Army sergeant Daniel Perry, convicted of murdering a protester at a Black Lives Matter rally in 2020, was released from prison after being pardoned by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The pardon followed a recommendation by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Abbott's request for an investigation into the case in April 2023. Perry's release sparked controversy, with critics condemning the decision as politically motivated and questioning its impact on public safety. Perry's defense argued self-defense, citing his complex PTSD and autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, while prosecutors highlighted alleged racist social media posts and inflammatory comments prior to the shooting.

The pardon extended to us through Jesus, while we were still sinners, is the foundation of the gospel (Romans 5:8). While Daniel Perry’s pardon may be controversial because there is disagreement around the facts of his case, his innocence, or the wisdom of his pardon, we know that Jesus paid the price for our sin when we were undeniably guilty (Isaiah 53:6). 

Christians can rejoice because though we endure trials (John 16:33), false accusations, hate, misunderstanding, and persecution on earth (2 Timothy 3:12), we know that we will stand clean before our King one day soon (Isaiah 1:18). 

While we wait to be set free from the bondage of broken bodies and a sinful earth, may we be found walking in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1), above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2), living peaceably among men as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18), yet ready when necessary to stand firm in the faith in love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14) fearless of the consequences or cost (Matthew 10:28). 

By: Remnant News Team

Other news you should know

 🦅 Debate incoming.

🌱 Biden makes moves to relax restrictions on this drug.

🌉 New video shows dramatic bridge rescue following a truck crash earlier this year.

🏈 America votes with dollar after Butker’s jersey trends following his speech.

🔫 An assassination attempt was made on Slovakia’s Prime Minister.

🗣 Peru speaks up re: mental illness.

📼 Biden asserts executive privilege over special counsel recordings.

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