May 20, 2024

Iranian President Dead, Biden Speech, Putin in Beijing

May 20, 2024


May 20, 2024

“A man with God is always in the majority.“

John Knox

Iranian President Dead

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian were involved in a helicopter crash while traveling to inaugurate a dam project. Late last night the remains of the crash were located and it was widely reported that there were no signs of life onsite. The cause of the crash remains unknown though rough weather was recorded earlier in the flight. The incident stands to exacerbate Iran's existing turmoil, including conflicts with Israel and the United States, economic challenges, and general unrest in the Middle East.

It is not just the hearts of "kings" that are in the hands of the Lord (Proverbs 21:1). God also unashamedly claims responsibility for elevating and removing them (Daniel 2:21), and He clearly states that He accomplishes His purposes any time and any way He wants (Isaiah 45:7).

We do not yet know the human explanation for the helicopter's trouble, but we do know that whatever the earthly explanation, there is a sovereign God involved in the incident and a sovereign judge waiting to "speak" to those whose time for judgment has now come (Hebrews 9:27). This particular Iranian president has overseen the first direct attack on Israel in his nation's history with the recent launch of over 300 missiles and numerous drones. His nation backs armed terrorist militias throughout the Middle East region, and during his administration, Iran has furthered its efforts to have nuclear assets, supplied weapons to Russia, and has increased their ties to China as well. We also know that the Lord, at times, uses human agencies to accomplish his purposes and that both the U.S. and Israel, the CIA and Mossad, are happy to blame weather-related tragedies" when an “accident” was anything but an accident. 

We don't know, and likely never will know the whole truth about this incident, and this is why the remnant must always focus on the truth it does know rather than waste time and credibility speculating or speaking authoritatively on what we do not (2 Timothy 2:23).

We know life is a vapor and can end suddenly for all of us (Psalm 144:4).

We know God is a righteous judge (Psalm 7:11).

We know that God does not delight in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23), and we know that the Lord expects us individually to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44), always being willing to share the hope of the gospel with everyone everywhere (Matthew 28:19-20).

Finally, we know that one day, every nation and every King will bow in humility and submission before the Lord (Psalm 86:9), and that the wise and humble do so now (Psalm 32:6).

Pray for the nation of Iran. The Lord is doing a great work there through His people who daily risk their lives and freedom to bring the hope of the gospel to a land under the oppressive Islamic state that has no tolerance for "infidels."  Raisi himself is known to have been a willing participant in a government commission that condemned thousands of political prisoners to death and imprisoned journalists and others they deemed to be "political activists." Payback is coming for all who persecute others (Psalm 75:8), even as redemption is coming for those who trust in and faithfully wait for the coming of the God who lifts up the righteous (Psalm 75:9-10). Be found among the faithful waiting for Him when He returns (Matthew 25:1-13) or your day to return to Him comes (Psalm 139:16).

By: Todd Wagner

Putin Visits Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Harbin, China, marked a significant step in the strengthening economic and military partnership between the two nations amidst mounting pressure from the West. His meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping showcased not only strategic alignment but also a rare display of personal rapport. While their joint statement criticized the United States and pledged enhanced collaboration in crucial sectors like energy and defense, the absence of tangible commitments underscored the complexities within the alliance. Despite challenges such as the lack of progress on key projects like the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, the visit highlights Russo-Chinese relations amid escalating global tensions and economic uncertainties.

It is never a good feeling when “enemies” conspire against you (Psalm 31:13). While man remains largely victim to the powers that may be (Ecclesiastes 4:1), the believer finds assurance that our task remains the same regardless of what comes to pass (Psalm 37:3, Jeremiah 29:6).

When trouble seems foreboding, we are called to “have no fear of bad news” but to “remain steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7). When the media thrives off a cycle of fear-mongering what-ifs, we must thrive off the truth that with a living God on our side (1 Samuel 17:26b) and a guaranteed victory (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) we need not fear attack, spiritually, physically, economically, biologically, or otherwise.

We know how the way of the wicked ends (Psalm 73:17, Romans 12:19), and while God owes no kind of “protection” to America, He does watch over the way of the righteous… may we be found as such (Psalm 1:6).

By: Kirby Mankin

Biden Commencement Speech

In his Morehouse College commencement speech, President Biden emphasized faith, manhood, and democracy. He condemned white supremacy and called out "extremist forces aligned against the meaning and message of Morehouse." Addressing protests over U.S. support for Israel in Gaza, he called for a cease-fire and acknowledged the humanitarian crisis. Biden reflected on the graduates' experience during a time of "racial reckoning," emphasizing that true manhood involves respect and dignity, not "tough talk" and bigotry. 

"What is democracy when Black men are being killed in the streets?" he asked. "What is democracy when a trail of broken promises still leaves Black communities behind? What is democracy when you have to be ten times better than anyone else to get a fair shot?"

While acknowledging the painful history of racism, it's vital to remember that man's worth has always been rooted in our image-bearing identity, not our skin color (Genesis 1:27). Even despite society's shortcomings and our world's broken nature, our future is not determined by our skin color, socio-economic status, or circumstances, but rather by an all-powerful God (Isaiah 46:9-10). Scripture says that all men are created by God, for God, even the wicked, for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4). As believers, we are told that we are created with a unique purpose prepared in advance for us (Ephesians 2:10). As Christians, we are called to bear true witness, valuing each person beyond historical injustices and superficial distinctions (Exodus 20:16).

President Biden's speech failed in that it appealed to old ideas and stereotypes, discouraged confidence in our democracy, and encouraged a victim mentality rather than providing a call to unity, hard work, hope, and personal responsibility. Rather than encouraging the future leaders he stood before, he highlighted broad historical failures, encouraged individuals to see themselves as an oppressed class, and had them look to him as a solution to injustices others have and would continue to cause them. 

It's campaign season, and it's only going to heat up from here. Our prayer is that the remnant will moor themselves to Christ over any politician, commentator, or institution (Colossians 2:6-7).

By: The Remnant News Team

Other news you should know

🗳 This bill could make things interesting.

🏀 Timberwolves beat the Nuggets last night in Game 7.

👎🏼 Sean Combs, Diddy, apologizes for viral video of inexcusable behavior (TW: abuse).

🇹🇼 Taiwan has a new President.

🔫 Trump made a visit to the NRA, vows to protect gun rights.

🗽Will we get a VP debate too?!

🇮🇱 Conflict among the Israeli War Cabinet leaves many wondering whats next.

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