“Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Table of Contents

1. Matt Gaetz Resigns

2. Abortion Leader Given Presidential Medal of Freedom

3. Laken Riley Murderer Receives Life Without Parole

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

Matt Gaetz Resigns

Rep. Matt Gaetz announced his withdrawal from consideration for Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump, citing the nomination's potential to become a distraction. His decision came after meetings with GOP senators revealed widespread doubts about his ability to secure confirmation, largely due to past allegations and his controversial political history. Trump's acknowledgment of Gaetz's withdrawal praised his decision and highlighted his respect for Gaetz's future contributions. 

While it is true that appointing government leaders is not the same as naming spiritual leaders for the church, it is also true that appointing men of character and good reputation is consistent with wisdom, as foolish and immature leaders invariably create suffering and oppression for their people (Isaiah 3:4-5).

Who we surround ourselves with determines a lot about our future. God's Word continually reminds us that "the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20) and "bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). The remnant would be wise to be in consistent prayer for President-elect Trump as he builds his administration and we can be thankful for the wisdom of our forefathers in giving the upper chamber confirmation powers for executive positions to assist the President in making wise choices (Proverbs 11:14).

Rep. Gaetz's decision to withdraw his name from consideration for Attorney General in the Trump administration appears wise given the many questions surrounding his past choices, concerns about unreleased House ethics committee findings, and resistance from members of his own political party. If, as reported, Gaetz made the decision on his own to remove himself for consideration after he met with members of the Senate, he is to be commended for removing the distraction his nomination created for the new administration (Proverbs 17:14).

All of us should be reminded that while God forgives the humble and repentant, what we do today has great implications for how we are useful to God and others tomorrow (2 Timothy 2:20-22).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Abortion Leader Given Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., to Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood president and prominent abortion advocate, during a private ceremony earlier this week. Praising Richards for championing "civil rights, reproductive equality, and voter mobilization," Biden described her as a leader of "utmost character." Richards led Planned Parenthood for 12 years, advancing abortion and aligning the Democratic Party with that as a "fundamental right." After stepping down in 2018, she co-founded Supermajority, a progressive organization for gender equity, and serves as co-chair of American Bridge 21st Century PAC.

Awards on earth do not equate to rewards in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). We live in a world that often rewards worldliness and reviles against God's standards. While Cecile Richards is celebrated for her advocacy, we must remember that human accolades cannot redefine righteousness in God's eyes (Isaiah 5:20). The work of promoting abortion as a "fundamental right" contradicts the biblical truth that all life is sacred, created by God, and known before birth (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5).

True freedom is found not in asserting human autonomy but in living according to God's will (John 8:32). As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it, discerning what pleases God rather than conforming to worldly values (Romans 12:2). Brothers and sisters, continue building one another up and spurring one another on toward deeds worthy of our devotion (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Laken Riley Murderer Receives Life Without Parole

Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan immigrant, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, a crime that fueled the immigration debate. The court found him guilty of all ten counts, including malice murder and attempted sexual assault, based on DNA and video evidence. Riley’s family expressed deep grief and called for the harshest penalty, while prosecutors emphasized the brutality of the crime and Ibarra’s predatory behavior. Federal authorities revealed Ibarra had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. Athens-Clarke District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez drew criticism for refusing to seek the death penalty, known for her progressive policies, recused herself from the case but upheld her office's stance against pursuing capital punishment, favoring life without parole instead.

As we have written before about this case, we should not need to overcomplicate the condemnation of murder (Exodus 20:13). Murder is a grievous sin against humanity and an affront to God himself. Our government exists to execute justice, at times “bearing the sword” against the wicked (Romans 13:4). 

In Laken Riley’s case, there was indisputable evidence that her life was taken by the accused and that she was brutally attacked prior to her death. While our justice system is imperfect, the Bible permits the use of the death penalty in certain contexts (Genesis 9:6). Biblical justice upholds the sanctity of life while empowering men and governments to go to extreme and definitive lengths to deter evil. In this case, our justice system opted to “spare” Ibarra’s life, a choice he did not make when he took Laken Riley’s life. As we grapple with the appropriateness of his sentencing, and our government’s liability in his being able to commit this crime in the first place, we know these things are true: 

• Our government is responsible for swiftly and severly responding to evil (Romans 13:4). 

• Vengeance is the Lord’s (Romans 12:19). 

• Healing and hope are available to Laken Riley’s family (especially given her faith in Christ) (Matthew 5:4, Psalm 147:3). 

• Forgiveness is available to Jose Ibarra (1 John 1:9). 

• God’s mercy triumphs over judgment for all of us (James 2:13). 

Perfect and final justice awaits Ibarra regardless of punishments handed out by human governments. May he avail himself to the grace of God before his final judgment (Hebrews 9:27), and may Laken’s family find comfort and peace as they wait for that day. 

_{By: Kirby Mankin}

Have a great Thanksgiving and we’ll see you Dec. 4th!

Other news you should know

📜 ‘Jesus is God’ found inscribed in Israeli prison, on display in D.C. now.

🗽 Pam Bondi tapped to replace Matt Gaetz as US AG.

🇷🇺 Putin delivers a warning.

⚾️ Ohtani wins MVP.

🙏🏻 Will Planned Parenthood get defunded?

🚺 Congress has settled their bathroom issues.

💸 23andMe needs cash.

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