The Remnant: Wednesday, July 12th

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Quote of the day:

"The Word of God is like a lion. You don't have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself."

- Charles Spurgeon

July 12th, 2023

Today’s Headlines

Ukraine Denied NATO Membership

NATO leaders have declined to provide Ukraine with a clear timetable or conditions for membership, leading Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to call the stance absurd. The NATO summit communique stated that Ukraine would join the alliance when allies agree and conditions are met, although, those conditions remain unclear.

Zelensky criticized NATO for delays in the process, accusing the organization of providing Russia with motivation for its invasion. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg defended the decisions made at the summit, emphasizing a positive path forward for Ukraine's membership but acknowledging that it cannot join during the ongoing conflict with Russia. The summit also saw pledges of support from Western nations, including military aid and financial assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

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The Remnant’s Response:

As to whether or not NATO should welcome others into their alliance, there are too many details and factors that are not available to us to be able to comment fully. What we do know is God's Word warns us that He does not look kindly on those who turn a blind eye to injustice or suffering (Proverbs 24:11-12). NATO's commitments and an explanation of their thoughts on Ukraine can be found HERE. If Ukraine were declared to be a member of NATO, Russian aggression against them would be commensurate with declaring war against 31 other countries in Europe and North America, and we would be living in the middle of WW3. There is a reason we are commanded to pray for those in authority(1 Timothy 2:1-2), and there is a reason we want to always place our hope for peace solely on the One who will ultimately bring it (Isaiah 9:1-7). May the Prince of Peace come quickly and may we be courageous, compassionate, and ready to give an answer (Rev 22:12) for our response to aggression and evil wherever it shows its face.

Bank of America Fined

Bank of America has been fined $250 million by federal regulators for engaging in illegal practices, such as opening credit-card accounts without customer consent and double-charging fees. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that the bank obtained credit reports unlawfully and withheld credit-card rewards from customers. Bank of America has been ordered to refund approximately $80 million to affected customers. Bank of America has faced previous fines after the 2008-09 financial crisis but has largely remained out of trouble since then.

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The Remnant’s Response:

The Proverbs are riddled with wisdom principles about dealing with untrustworthy individuals, and these principles easily apply to organizations and corporations. (See Proverbs 11:3, Proverbs 4:14-15). Meanwhile, Proverbs 20:17 would have been a good warning for Bank of America executives, "Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel."

Proverbs 10:9 warns us that those who fail to walk in integrity should walk in the assurance that they will eventually be found out. This should be a sobering reminder to all of us. We can be certain that even if we escape the notice of the (CFPB) a day is coming where we will have to give an account before the Creator. (2 Cor 5:10) While Fortune 500 companies may easily absorb even millions of dollars in fines and restitution, no man will endure the judgment waiting for those who have not found forgiveness and grace at the cross. No man should have confidence in their salvation who consistently embraces a life of fraud and unlawful actions. (Matt 7:17-21)

If you are currently in a place where you are hiding sin, hoping you won’t be found out, today is the day to repent, seek forgiveness from God (1 John 1:9), and confess your sins to others that you may find healing (James 5:16).

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Mass Stabbing in China

Tragedy struck in southern China as a knife attack outside a kindergarten claimed the lives of six individuals (3 children, 1 teacher, 2 parents) and left one injured. The incident occurred in Hengshan town, Lianjiang, Guangdong province, early in the morning on July 10th. Authorities believe this attack was targeted and intentional, A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing. This unsettling event adds to a series of mass stabbings that China has faced in recent years, with schools and kindergartens often being targeted.

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The Remnant’s Response:

In times of tragedy, our initial response should be to mourn alongside those who mourn (Romans 12:15). Today, countless individuals are grappling with the painful loss of their loved ones. We take solace in the fact that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18). Let us be reminded that a significant part of God’s nearness and comfort comes from His people (2 Cor 1:3-4). As the 16th-century nun Teresa of Avila wrote, “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours." While her ecclesiology can be questioned, her exhortation to love others in Jesus’ name is spot on.

There is plenty of need to speak truth regarding the weapon used in this attack, but we will save that for another day. Right now, we will pray for those suffering and remind ourselves that evil has many tools. We should make ourselves busy boldly reminding everyone we can that hope has one source (Hebrews 10:19-23).

Other news you should know:

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his father, as the first father-son duo to both win the home run derby. Jr. was just 8 years old when his hall of fame father won.

A major shift is happening in the US as there is an ever-growing migration South. Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas surpassed the GDP of the Northeast region that includes Washington, D.C., and the 11 states from Maryland up to Maine. More insights can be found here.

In a controversial move, Biden sends cluster bombs to Ukraine.

Bud Light is no longer one of the Top 10 most popular beers in America. The beer had previously held the number one seed for 20 years.

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