“The holiness of God is traumatic to unholy people.”

R.C. Sproul

Table of Contents

1. Pastors and “Never Trump”

2. Candace Owens vs. PragerU

3. Food and Pharma on Trial

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

Pastors and “Never Trump”

Pastor Ray Ortlund of Immanuel Church in Nashville deleted a social media post endorsing Kamala Harris for president after receiving backlash. Ortlund explained that his post was misinterpreted, but many criticized his stance, especially due to Harris' pro-abortion views, which some felt conflicted with Christian values. In response to criticism, Ortlund suggested that while abortion is evil, he believed other issues, such as the threat to the rule of law, were equally significant. Despite the backlash, Ortlund maintained his perspective but chose to remove the post to avoid further controversy.

It is sad but unsurprising that yet another pastor has endorsed Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris. Members of the remnant, like Apostle Paul, should always marvel and be heartbroken at how quickly others desert a position grounded in righteousness and gospel Truth for something less (Galatians 1:6). This is not the first time individuals have “abandoned the One Who formerly called you” by embracing leaders whose campaign promises promote death over life (1 Corinthians 15:26; John 10:10), gender disorder over creation order (Romans 1:26; Genesis 1:28, 5:1), and multiple other biblical issues. 

Ray Ortlund’s recent statement on X is a textbook example of Christian word splatter (Proverbs 10:19), which, to his credit, he took down because “it was being misinterpreted.” Christians, whose way of life should be committed to following the ways of Christ (John 14:6), cannot simultaneously follow a leader whose primary platform is full of the encouragement of death (1 Kings 18:21). Harris’ candidacy aligns more with the religion of Molech (Leviticus 20:2) than the

God of the Bible (Exodus 21:22-23). Following his endorsement of Harris, Ortlund’s statement, “Always Jesus,” comes across as cheap sloganeering and lacking in biblical reflection. For years, leaders in “evangelicalism” have been rightly admonishing members of Jesus’ church to avoid making an idol out of political solutions, but too many have also wrongly insinuated or outright claimed that anyone who supports Donald Trump must be guilty of such idolatry. Tragically, some who previously recommended rejecting both candidates have now begun to endorse individuals whose positions are full of immorality and foolishness. Ortlund, and others like him, have moved from warning others to be discerning to now showing a lack of discernment of their own by endorsing someone like Harris who though she may model more comportment than Trump also clearly embraces less biblical conviction. 

Has Ortlund made his endorsement based on which of the two candidates most aligns with the Christian worldview? It appears not. While it is understandable that some people of faith are unable to support President Trump because of character issues or his softening his convictions regarding the dignity of life and other issues of morality, it is not understandable that they then go on to endorse a candidate with even more obvious problems (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The drift from complacency to complicity is often slow but always deadly (Proverbs 24:30-34).

Christians have never expected perfection when it comes to supporting presidential hopefuls. If they did, they would never have been able to vote for any candidate (Romans 3:10-11). The glaring shortcomings of both candidates are a reminder of our fallen condition (Romans 3:23). The Bible, however, encourages us to advocate for freedom whenever the opportunity arises (1 Corinthians 7:21a). If one candidate promotes greater protection of life, creation order, gender, and marriage, the choice becomes more obvious. Christians should vote in a way that most reflects the biblical standard of righteousness (Micah 6:8) but not hold to an unreasonable standard of perfection. Only death and the Lord’s “completing what he began” in us (Philippians 1:6) at the moment of glorification (Romans 8:29-30) will produce the miracle of perfection in any of us. Until then, we will always be voting for imperfect persons, and we must do so by choosing the candidate most likely to advocate for policies consistent with the wisdom of God (Deuteronomy 1:13).

_{By: Todd Wagner & Logan Nyquist}

Candace Owens vs. PragerU

In a recently published letter, Dennis Prager addressed Candace Owens' controversial comments regarding Jews, Zionism, and Israel. Prager objects to her claim that Israel was founded by "Frankists," suggesting this perpetuates harmful medieval "blood libel" accusations against Jews. He highlights Owens' assertion that Israel serves as a haven for pedophiles, indicating a broader, unfounded conspiracy about pedophilia within Israeli society. Prager defends Israel's historical significance as a vital American ally, arguing that Owens' rhetoric fosters suspicion against Jews. He expresses concern that her comments harm Jewish-Christian relations and ultimately invites her to reflect on the impact of her words, offering to engage in further dialogue.

Just as Jesus Christ stands alone as the perfect man (1 Peter 2:22), we must acknowledge that no person, organization, or nation is without flaws, and this includes podcast hosts, comentators, journalists, and entire nations of people (Isaiah 53:6). No individual, institution, or nation is above scrutiny (Galatians 6:1). Critique is essential in our pursuit of truth, and the best criticism is always motivated by love and infused with intergrity (Proverbs 27:6).

When claims are made without evidence, they can sow division rather than foster understanding (Titus 3:10-11). As Scripture reminds us, "The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy" (Proverbs 12:22). Instead of being thrown to and fro by any and every worldly theory, we must strive to be both discerning and innocent (Ephesians 4:14, Matthew 10:16).

As the remnant, we are called to uphold God's Word as our foundation, engaging thoughtfully and responsibly (John 17:17). When we wield our words, they must used for good, ensuring that "no corrupting talk" comes from our mouths (Ephesians 4:29).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Food and Pharma on Trial

In a pivotal Senate roundtable led by Senator Ron Johnson on September 23, 2024, Dr. Casey Means outlined the dire state of American nutrition. Highlighting the pervasive use of toxic pesticides like glyphosate and the presence of 'forever chemicals' such as PFAS in food, Dr. Means criticized regulatory bodies for conflicts of interest that compromise food safety. She pointed out the health risks posed by these chemicals, found even in food packaging, and discussed the broader issues like food deserts, where access to healthy food is severely limited. This testimony underscores a call for urgent reforms in food policy, emphasizing the need for a diet free from processed additives to combat metabolic diseases and improve national health. The discussion aims to foster a new approach to food production and regulation in America.

Sadly, a lot of the problems Dr. Means addresses are preventable in theory yet overwhelmingly difficult in terms of effecting change.

In her Congressional testimony, Dr. Means describes the problem as spiritual in nature, and I believe her point is poignant and worthy of further consideration. God's word calls us to be set apart (1 Peter 1:15-16) and to resist the temptation to conform to all the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). We know that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with them (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). These passages are not expressly limited to our food intake (and, notably, at times, the Bible reminds us not to get caught up in legalism or what we should eat or not eat) (1 Corinthians 10:25-27; Romans 14:1-3). Yet, we should strive to bring glory to God in how we love (John 13:34), how we respond to conflict (Ephesians 4:32), and how we eat and drink (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The Remnant is wise to consider for ourselves what food and drink we allow in our body (Daniel 1:8-16; Daniel 10:2-3; Romans 14:22). May all we do, whether eating or drinking, bring glory to God and avail us the opportunity to testify to the knowledge of the One true God and way of life (John 17:3; Isaiah 43:10).

_{By: Matthew Lopez}

Other news you should know

 🌀Helene has caused over 150 deaths.

😬 Tim Walz silent in response to abortion question.

👎🏻 Diddy faces another 120 victims in case.

🎂 Jimmy Carter is first US President to reach 100 years of age.

🧪 Chemical fire at a lab in ATL causes 90,000 residents to shelter-in-place.

🛢 Dockworkers strike set to have major upper hand.

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