Quote of the day:

“Courage is the root of all other virtues. If this virtue is impaired, you will find all other virtues weakened."

^{- St John Chrysostom}

Today’s Headlines

Hostage Negotiations

Hamas released two elderly Israeli women hostages on Monday, but further negotiations stalled over Hamas' demand for fuel in exchange for releasing 50 captives. One of the two women, Yocheved Lifshitz, communicated that though they were treated "gently" in captivity, they went through "hell" in their capture. She also said that Hamas seemed organized and everything appeared to be "planned in advance." Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas have discussed a deal to release more hostages in return for steady humanitarian aid and fuel to Gaza. However, Israel wants all hostages freed before allowing fuel delivery and is concerned Hamas could steal it for military use. Reports also suggest that Hamas already has sufficient fuel but is clearly prioritizing it for their own purposes. The surprise release of two Americans on Friday put pressure on Israel to continue negotiations for the remaining 210 hostages before launching any potential ground invasion.

IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus was on MSNBC, offering clarity on Northern Gaza evacuation demands, the hostage situation, Humanitarian aid, and Israel's perspective. As you seek to understand the reality of the situation, we highly recommend you listen to his 6-minute interview.

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The Remnant's Response

The age-old adage, "You don't negotiate with terrorists," finds its wisdom in the even older proverb, "When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, but the upright are concerned for his life" (Proverbs 29:9-10). We see this playing out in our day with how Hamas is consistently found guilty of using hostages and their own women, children, and other non-combatants as cover for their operations, not to mention their specific targeting of women, children, and other non-combatants when invading neighboring Israel. Meanwhile, we must continually be discerning when digesting news reports about the conflict, as evidenced by the contradictory and false reports related to the death total and the author of the Gaza hospital explosions. Propaganda is an effective weapon when making war, and only the discerning ear is able to produce a wise tongue (Proverbs 10:13). This is why the remnant must be careful with what they ingest (Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 15:14), how they digest what they ingest (2 Timothy 2:15), and especially take care what they attest to others (James 3:1). The Lord does not look lightly on talebearers, promising destruction on "those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit" (Psalm 5:6). There is no moral equivalence between Hamas' behavior on October 7th (2 Samuel 4:11) and Israel's military response (Romans 13:3-4). Only the naive believe promises made by evil men (Proverbs 14:7), and only evil men make the case that punishing the wicked is unwarranted (Proverbs 28:4-5).

Icelandic Women Walk Out

On October 24, 2023, women across Iceland, including Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, went on strike as part of a campaign for gender equality, marking the 7th such strike since 1975. The strike aimed to raise awareness about systemic wage discrimination and gender-based violence Icelandic women face. President Gudni Johannesson acknowledged the strike, praising the activists for “changing society.” Though ranked #1 worldwide for gender equality, organizers said Iceland has not sufficiently addressed intersections of gender, race, and class injustices, including for immigrant women. The government is researching wage disparities between male- and female-dominated professions to address the gender pay gap. Icelandic employers historically allow employees to participate in strikes without penalty, and men were encouraged to take on extra responsibilities in solidarity.

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The Remnant's Response 

The only intersection that creates problems is the intersection of man, made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) with sin (Isaiah 59:1-19). (Note: the use of the word man does not mean only male). Everything else is a symptom of the problem. Every problem on earth finds its origin in people suppressing the truth of God in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Everything else is a symptom. We have a world riddled with “symptoms” because we have a world wrecked by sin (John 10:10). Want to know why there are quarrels, conflicts (James 4:1), and labor disputes? Want to know why there is war and tension in the Middle East (Proverbs 16:7)? Want to know why there are marital problems (1 Peter 3:7)? It is the intersection of man and sin. Want to know why there is lust and murder (James 4:2)? Man has left the ancient paths where life is (Jeremiah 6:16) and, in hostility to God, become friends with the world (James 4:4).

If Icelanders, or any of us, want to understand why there is no peace, unity, or hope, look no further than a lack of repentance and continued confidence in the strategies of men (James 4:6-7). Only one thing will bring peace: humanity cleansing their hands from sin in mourning and weeping (James 4:9). Until we humble ourselves before the Lord (James 4:10), any solution will be temporary and fleeting, and it will be said the nation “has not sufficiently addressed” the problem. If you are having problems with your spouse, your neighbor, your employer, or anywhere in your life, the remnant has a solution for you. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8).

Texas Judge

Dianne Hensley, a Texas justice of the peace, sued the state for the right to refuse performing same-sex marriages due to her Christian faith, while still being allowed to marry opposite-sex couples. After the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide in 2015, Texas justices of the peace were told they must marry all couples or none. Hensley chose to only marry straight couples for a few years, turning gay couples away while offering alternative officiant referrals. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct disciplined her for violating impartiality rules. Hensley's lawyers argue she should be able to cite religious freedom to avoid participating in same-sex marriages if an alternative is provided. The Texas Supreme Court will hear her case this week in a lawsuit that gay rights advocates warn could erode protections if she prevails.

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The Remnant's Response 

The remnant can be thankful for courageous examples like the one set by Dianne Hensley, who is willing to face conviction for misconduct to preserve her convictions. While being accused of misconduct and potentially losing her job is not pleasant, faithful men and women have endured far greater threats and consequences as a result of standing firm for biblical truths. (Daniel 3, Daniel 6, Acts 7, Hebrews 11:36-38) Unless more courageous men and women speak out and stand firm against the aggressive claims of the LGBT+ community and other like-minded “progressives”, (1 Corinthians 16:13) there is little doubt that our world will accelerate in its embrace of foolish ideologies and practices. (Romans 1:28-32) As others have observed, “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” The remnant often needs to be reminded that the Lord expects His followers to be revolutionary agents of grace, (2 Timothy 4:1-2) unafraid of the consequences (Matthew 10:28) and always ready to love others by speaking truth in the face of error. (Matthew 10:16-22) Today, our world needs revolutionaries more than ever. Progress is good when advancement means improvement, but starting with perfection (Psalm 19:7) means any change is perversion. What our world today labels as progress is truly perversion, and the prophetic remnant cannot remain silent in the face of threats or persecutions. (Matthew 10:38) Now is not the time to be silenced by threats or intimidation; it is time to imitate our Lord and speak out against the follies of this age. (Matthew 10:25-27) “Christians” who are slow to speak out and stand firm should be cautious in assuming their standing with Christ. (Matthew 10:32-33) As we wrote on 10/16, we often hear that those who speak the truth in love on these matters will be “canceled” and on “the wrong side of history.” We are told it will cost friendships, careers, income, and “social credit.” Jesus told his followers not to be surprised or deterred. (Matthew 10:19-27) The question isn't if you'll be canceled or on the wrong side of history, but who you want to be canceled by and on which side of eternity you wish to stand. (Matthew 10:28, Jeremiah 1:17).

 Other news you should know

📲 Over 30 states sue Meta for knowingly using features to hook children to its social media platforms.

🏀 The NBA tipped their season off last night, how'd your team do?

📉 Is anyone surprised? Americans' confidence in media matches 2016 record low.

⚾️ Rangers v. Diamondbacks it is.

🏠 House set to vote on Mike Johnson today for speaker of the house.

 Remnant Resources: Weekly Picks

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