Quote of the day:

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened."

_{- Billy Graham}

Today’s Headlines

Israel Updates

• Netanyahu and Gantz (opposition leader) have agreed to temporarily unite governments to “wipe Hamas off the face of the earth.”

• US SoS Blinken is expected to land in Israel today to meet with officials to create a safe passage for civilians out of Gaza (and he’s reportedly going to meet with the President of Palestine on Friday).

• Gaza is supposed to face incredible challenges as food/water/fuel runs out.

• Lots of eyes on Israel to see if they’re obeying international laws of warfare and acknowledging fundamental human rights related to food, fuel, water, and medicine.

• Israeli airline planning to fly on Sabbath for the first time in 40 years to move reservists/medical teams/security forces.

• Death toll in Gaza over 1500, Israeli death count over 1200.

• 27 Americans have died.

Here is a timeline of events from the beginning of the war until now, showing you which media outlets have covered different events.

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The Remnant's Response 

Something about the horror of war and the death inevitably joined to it brings clarity to hard-hearted men (Isaiah 37:1). What was seemingly an impossibility for agreement in the Knesset (Israel’s ruling body) just weeks ago has quickly come to pass as warring parties agreed to create a unity government in light of an actual war with Hamas. Jesus was the one who warned, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25). As dangerous as political divisions are in a time of war, an even greater danger to any family, community or nation is division in worldview (2 Corinthians 6:14). And even greater danger than a nation being at odds internally is a nation that is at odds with the God of eternity (Proverbs 14:34; Amos 1:3-2:6). Unbelieving Israel, and Islamic Palestine are currently two such nations who would do well to remind themselves of the curses which await indifference to the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:15-67). So would America (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Meanwhile, the recent attacks on Israel by those committed to destroying the Jewish people are unjustifiable and deserve a full and severe response (Psalm 9:3-5; Romans 13:3-4). Sadly, the enemies of Israel have once again proved the truth of Golda Meir’s statement, “If the Arabs put down their guns, there would be no more fighting. If the Israelis put down theirs, there would be no more Israel.” Until Christ returns (Revelation 19), let us keep praying for the peace of Jerusalem, both with its neighbors and their soon and coming King (Zechariah 12:10).

CT Employees Exclusively Give to Democrats

Between 2015-2022, Christianity Today employees made 73 donations, all to Democratic candidates. These donations were made by various members of their executive and editorial staff (including their President and CEO) at times while they were reporting on politics, in violation of the ethics put forward by the Society of Professional Journalists. According to the FEC, there has been no record of any donation to the GOP from a CT executive since 1991. Many evangelicals see CT drifting left, not representing biblically-based values. Though individuals can donate freely, the one-sided giving confirms suspicions that CT prioritizes woke politics over Christianity. The Christianity Today coverage has promoted progressive views on issues like gun control while ignoring conservative legislation on gender/sexuality. Many say readers should be aware of this bias, as the magazine no longer reflects most evangelicals' biblical stances, especially on life and sexuality.

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The Remnant’s Response:

If someone wants to read about 'Christianity Today,' they should not subscribe to a magazine; they should open their bible. (Proverbs 30:5-6; Matthew 5:17-19). Resources like the Remnant News, including the magazine above, are only as useful to you as they are faithful to the "mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1). The job of every faithful person is to be a faithful messenger of their master, not a likable melody maker going along with musings of the day (Matthew 11:7-10). Reading TRN will be of no use to you if we don't rightly divide the word of Truth' (2 Timothy 2:15). Every single person has a bias, which is why all writers, speakers, journalists, pastors, Dads, Moms, teachers, etc. must pay 'close attention to themselves and their teaching so they can "ensure salvation for themselves and those who hear them" (1 Timothy 4:16). While those who seek to influence others will incur a "stricter judgment" (James 3:1) every reader/listener is responsible for who they listen to and who they follow (Proverbs 14:7).

As far as supporting candidates who are comfortable with being associated with the morality expressed in the Democratic Party Platform while writing for a magazine that is titled "Christianity Today'- suffice it to say it pretty much sums up and illustrates that too many 'Christians' today are 'tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind and of doctrine' (Ephesians 4:16). As J.C. Ryle said, "He that is not zealous against error, is not likely to be zealous for the truth," and there is plenty of error within the convictions of the Democratic Party (it should be noted that this does not necessarily mean that reading 'magazines' written by staff who donate to the Republican Party would mean the opposite is true).

Scalise Backs Down

House Republicans nominated Steve Scalise as their choice for speaker, but in light of his failure to garner the votes needed to win the full House vote, he removed himself from potential speakership just 24 hours later. Despite beating Jim Jordan 113-99 in a closed-door vote, several Republicans had said they wouldn't back Scalise without rule changes, stalling the speaker election again. Scalise has struggled to unite the fractured GOP conference after Kevin McCarthy's historic ouster last week. The thin Republican majority and empowered far-right faction make governing difficult for any speaker. The leadership vacuum leaves the House paralyzed and unable to govern, including responding to urgent issues like dealing with the atrocities and attacks by Hamas in the Middle East.

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The Remnant's Response:

Leadership is hard (Jeremiah 20:2, 4, 7). The small group of congressmen who have stood up to the status quo in Washington to stop the continued fiscal irresponsibility, which has created over 33 Trillion in federal debt, have to weigh their larger goals against the cost of keeping our government in gridlock in the face of current crisis. One could argue now (Proverbs 18:17) is the time to persevere and effect real change, while others could contend (Proverbs 18:13) that they are contentious and uncompromising. There is a reason the Lord has told us "how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity" (Psalm 133:1). There is a time to tear apart and a time to sew together, A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:8). As horrible as it is, now is the time that Israel is at war with Hamas. The remnant should be praying that God lets our elected representatives know "what time it is" in D.C.

May the One who holds and directs the hearts of Kings (Proverbs 21:1) direct the hearts of our congress and in the conflict between nations. May the God of all peace (2 Thessalonians 3:17) bring peace to Gaza and our government. May leaders in the Middle East and D.C. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:3-4). May the remnant continually pray for peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), for 'kings and all who are in authority' (1 Timothy 2:1-2), and may we especially live in such a way that others see our good works and glorify our Father Who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16) as we live with hope during our time spent in this world wrecked by sin (1 Peter 1:3-7).

 Other news you should know

🚨 Major cities (LA, NYC) are beefing up police presence after a Hamas leader calls for worldwide jihad today.

🌗 How to watch this weekend’s solar eclipse.

🏈 Sergio Brown was found and may find himself in prison.

💃 From the red carpet to the Kansas City, Taylor Swift is in her “just make a headline” era.

🇬🇧 The UK joins the ranks with other nations (we’re looking at you, America) unable to distinguish a man from a woman as they mistakenly award a man with “Woman of the year.”

 Remnant Resources: Weekly Picks

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