“For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.”

Robert Murray McCheyne

Table of Contents

1. Some Christians Plan to Skip Voting

2. Porn Companies Run Political Ads

3. Hurricane Milton

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

Some Christians Plan to Skip Voting

Recent studies and polls circulating in October 2024 have revealed a significant trend among Christian voters in the United States: a substantial number, estimated in the millions, are not planning to participate in the upcoming November election. This news has sparked concern among political analysts and party strategists, particularly within the Republican Party, which traditionally sees strong support from Christian voters. A study from Arizona Christian University highlighted that approximately 104 million "people of faith," including millions of born-again and regular church-going Christians, might abstain from voting. This trend, attributed to various reasons, including disinterest in politics and dissatisfaction with candidates, could significantly impact the election's outcome, potentially reshaping key races and the overall political landscape as Election Day approaches.

The Bible reminds us, "Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves" (Romans 14:22b) and further admonishes us that if we "know the right thing to do" and fail to do it, it is sin (James 4:17). As Christians, the issue we should wrestle with is what are we (tacitly or expressly) approving in our lives and does it result in conviction? In heeding our call to pursue righteousness and godliness (1 Timothy 6:11), are we failing to do anything we know to be right (a sin of omission), resulting in the conviction of the Holy Spirit? While Romans 14:22(b) implies some flexibility in the sense that "conviction" may be a matter of an individual's heart between him and God, certain inescapable Biblical applications of Scripture must be considered when it comes to a Christian's role in choosing leadership. This is especially true in an election of leaders of a nation founded on Biblical principles by godly men, the trajectory of which we hope results in God-honoring, human flourishing that causes men to give thanks to their Creator. To abandon our right to vote is to abandon our opportunity to influence the nation for good; therefore, it is an inexcusable dereliction of duty (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:19).

Yes, we trust in a Sovereign God that appoints kings and rulers (Romans 13:1), and our hope should never be in a presidential candidate or any other political leader, for that matter (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 39:7). But we are called to action not passivity in the battle of good and evil (Ephesians 4:1; Proverbs 31:8-9)—we are to be salt and light in a dark, destructive world (Matthew 5:13-15). Salt preserves life, and Jesus warns us that when salt "loses its saltiness," it is to be trampled underfoot (Matthew 5:13). Moreover, God's immutable Word reminds us that our light is not to be hidden but rather placed on a stand to give light to the "whole house"—our very purpose is to take action (Matthew 5:14-15). 

Yet many Christians, according to this new survey, are abstaining from voting this election cycle, presumably because they do not like the options presented to them for candidates (which, by the way, may be an illustration of the failure of Christians and the Church during election primary season and perhaps even before). Unfortunately, many Christians seem to be concluding that since we do not like the options before us, we are at liberty to abstain from the election process. As stated above, this is not an option for faithful believers who know that abdicating our responsibility to influence our nation's selection of leaders only increases the likelihood that nonbelievers will choose our leaders, and we will all receive the judgment we deserve for allowing those who deny God and reject His will to lead us. We are wise to remember we often experience God's judgment in the form of leadership appointed to rule over us (Hosea 13:11). Even when God's people think they know the perfect candidate for leadership, we are often dead wrong in our choice (1 Samuel 8:7-9), failing to discern (as only God can) the matters and motives of the human heart. It's also encouraging, when faced with a choice of imperfect candidates, that the heart of any leader to whom God allows authority "… is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." So while we may have imperfect choices in elections, if we are to heed our calling to be life-preserving salt, to shine light into darkness, to make disciples, to have concern for the lost, and to reject passivity, we are faced with a choice to participate in the selection of our leadership, to be convicted by what we passively allow, or to sin by an act of omission (abstaining). In the case of imperfect presidential candidates, for example, the Biblical abiding approach may be distilled as two-fold: 1) select the "lesser of two evils" on single-issue choices that would disqualify a candidate (e.g., stance on abortion), and 2) otherwise trust that the hearts of leaders, even though imperfect, are truly "streams" in the hands of the Lord to be redirected at His pleasure. The Christian Church is the activated body of Christ continuing His work until He calls us home—reject passivity at the polls, and then rest as you serve and trust the Prince of Peace.

_{By: Matthew Lopez}

Porn Companies Run Political Ads

Several in the pornography industry have launched a $100,000 ad campaign to link former President Donald Trump to Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation's conservative agenda that proposes banning pornography. 

The ads, which appear on inappropriate websites, claim that Project 2025 aims to ban pornography. Running in seven key swing states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada—the campaign hopes to sway younger male voters, a demographic that heavily consumes pornographic content, toward Dem. Kamala Harris. Polls indicate that 44% of men aged 18-29 and 57% of men aged 30-49 have watched porn in the past month. Former President Trump has said that he has nothing to do with Project 2025 and won't be implementing it if he is elected POTUS.

Pornography, like all sin, leads to spiritual death and decay, but unlike all sin, it has a profound and unique detrimental effect on our bodies and spirits (Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Those who promote this perverse industry perceive conservatism as a threat to their vision of the good life. Yet, the true danger lies in embracing a fleeting pleasure that blinds us to the deeper truth and fulfillment we are meant to pursue (Jeremiah 2:13, Hebrews 11:25). Scripture calls us to “avoid even a hint of sexual immorality,” underscoring that such practices have no place in the life of a believer (Ephesians 5:3).

While politicians on the left often advocate a more permissive stance on numerous issues pertaining to morality, we should acknowledge that neither candidate can easily claim moral superiority on many issues. Meanwhile, it is very telling to see who is behind each of the candidates’ campaigns in the final push of the 2024 campaign season. The issue of pornography transcends politics; it challenges us to choose whom we will serve (Joshua 24:15). In a world increasingly desensitized to sexual sin, let us stand firm in our commitment to truth and purity (Matthew 5:14-16). 

As we have said before, the remnant’s focus should be on defending principles, not parties or politicians; righteousness, not Republicans; doctrine, not Democrats; justice, not justices (Psalm 37:3, Exodus 20:3-4). May we, like David, declare that the lines have fallen for us in pleasant places (Psalm 16:6) and vote for those who will most advocate for policies that are pleasing to our Lord. 

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Hurricane Milton

Residents of Florida, having just suffered through the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, are now bracing for Hurricane Milton, which is projected to be significantly worse.  Florida officials are warning of “complete destruction” in certain areas. Loss of life is expected to be high, as evacuation has been difficult due to infrastructure damage caused last week by Helene.

Natural disasters cause many to ask why God allows these things to happen. After all, if He is a good God and He loves us… why? 

Some will even go so far as to blame Him for their tragedy. They misunderstand that this world and mankind are fallen. While it’s true that God will sometimes use weather events to accomplish His purposes (Genesis 7:4, 12 [flood], 1 Kings 17:1 [drought], Jonah 1:4 [storms]), such things are not always caused by Him, and when He allows them, it is because they suit His divine purpose (Romans 8.28).

But sin has had an effect on creation, too. Following Adam’s sin, God cursed the ground (Genesis 3:17-18). All of creation groans, waiting on redemption (Romans 8.19-22). Everyone is subject to this decay in the natural processes of the world (Ecclesiastes 9.11) and to the devices of Satan (Job 1:13-19).

But the Lord made clear that His control over nature and His ultimate purposes are to be trusted (Job 38-41), even if He did not make us privy to the details of His divine plan. Our comfort in times like these is a faith that we are saved and we will go to a far better place when we are delivered from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4). This should spark in us a desire to spread the Gospel far and wide and quickly.

_{By: Ken Teaff}

Other news you should know

 🇺🇸 Election day terror plot aprehended.

🐥 Are Crocs bad?

🍼 This story screams complicated.

📒 Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir had some interesting facts.

🖊 Did 60 minutes edit Kamala’s answers?

🚒 Firefighters union declines to endorse a candidate.

🎂 CO Supreme Court grants baker a victory.

Share your thoughts at [email protected]