Quote of the day:

"If Christ is not all to you, He is nothing to you. He will never go into partnership as a part Savior of men. If He be something, He must be everything, and if He be not everything, He is nothing to you."

_{- Oliver Heywood}

Today’s Headlines

Russell Brand Abuse Allegations

Four women have recently accused comedian and actor Russell Brand of sexual assault between 2006 and 2013. You can read more here (*warning sexual content*). Several other women accused Brand of abuse, harassment, and predatory conduct. Brand categorically denied the allegations, stating that all his relationships were consensual.

Brand first gained fame as a stand-up comedian before becoming a primetime TV host, BBC radio star, and Hollywood actor. He now promotes himself as a wellness guru on social media, podcasts, and at a live festival, with an estimated 28 million followers. YouTube has suspended monetization for Brand on his channel for the time being.

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The Remnant's Response 

The fact that Russell Brand and Andrew Tate are some of the more well-known ‘influencers” of our time explains why we are where we are as a people. As C.S. Lewis has said, we cannot “laugh at honor and be shocked to find traitors in our midst,” we should expect it (Galatians 6:7).

When wellness is being taught by England’s three-time “shagger of the year” and manhood is defined by a fool who prides himself in creating a “bombastic, wheeling-and-dealing, pimplike identity” for the sake of furthering his brand, we are on a race towards destruction (Proverbs 13:20). Even before these men were charged with potential crimes, Brand and Tate were men to whom “doing wickedness has been a sport” (Proverbs 10:23).

While we hope the truth comes to light regarding Brand and Tate’s guilt, there is zero question we are guilty of gross stupidity and violence against ourselves for elevating their celebrity and voice. (Proverbs 26:8). Wise men leave the presence of fools (Proverbs 14:7).

The Lord has told us that it will be a sign of His judgment when we are led by “lads” and capricious children (Isaiah 3:4); if our world is to be revived, it is time to put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11).

While Brand and Tate cannot be defended in their depravity, it should concern us that mere accusations against individuals can turn into verdicts. Both men need to be admonished for their self-acknowledged immorality, but we must be careful before we celebrate demonetizing their platforms before they are indicted and tried. The remnant should have already noted and questioned the wisdom of supporting businesses that advertised on Brand’s channel. Still, it is a cause of concern when companies can punish/deplatform/cancel you when it suddenly becomes trendy to do so. There is plenty that these men have done that should have long ago been rejected by our world. But giving authority to those who control distribution systems or means of commerce to act as tribunals and juries before facts are established is dangerous. Wise men should never have platformed Brand to begin with, but we should watch carefully when we see accusations turn into executions (Proverbs 18:17).

United Nations

The 78th UN General Assembly is underway, tackling crises like climate change, poverty, and oppression. Around 145 leaders, including President Biden, are attending, though key Security Council members are absent.

In his address, Biden stressed unity and cooperation, acknowledging global interconnectedness. He expressed a willingness to cooperate with China while managing competition responsibly.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for accountability for Russia's "war crimes" in Ukraine and for upholding international order. Biden pledged strong support for Ukraine's peace efforts, holding Russia solely responsible. Both underscored the world order's vulnerability due to the conflict and planned further discussions.

The General Debate offers countries a platform to voice concerns. Comprehensive coverage is available via UN streaming over the next six days.

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The Remnant's Response:

It is good that men work to bring peace on earth (Matthew 5:9), and it is also good for men to remember that until the Prince of Peace returns and establishes His rule, there will forever be "wars and rumors of wars" (Matthew 24:4-8). With countries like Ukraine, Russia, China, and the U.S. all part of the "United Nations," the name itself mocks and illustrates the futility of its purpose. Students of God's Word know that the vision of all nations living in harmony and unity will only be fulfilled when Christ returns to establish the New Heavens and the New Earth (Revelation 21:3-4). Only when God eradicates sin will men no longer need to "learn war" (Isaiah 2:4). For decades, the words of the prophet have stood in haunting judgment on the "Isaiah wall," staring across the street at the nations as they gather each fall in New York. This sculpture, given as a gift to the U.N., carries the same message.

We encourage you to stop and read this famous text.

Until the day described comes, it is our responsibility to prayerfully work to bring "His Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). We do this by following the teaching of the coming King and doing all we can by His power to encourage others to do the same (Colossians 1:28-29). Nowhere in God's word are we permitted to stop striving for God's ideal, even when we know it will never fully come until He brings it Himself (1 Corinthians 15:58). As we continually strive for personal holiness (Philippians 3:13-17) and do all we can to live in peace with others, we must stay ready to make war when evil will not relent (Romans 13:3-4).

American and Iranian Prisoners Released

The release of five Americans held captive in Iran for years was confirmed on Monday, allowing them to finally return home. This prisoner exchange was part of a complex deal in which President Biden approved releasing five Iranian prisoners held in U.S. custody and unfreezing around $6 billion in Iranian assets held by South Korea.

While both presidents praised the agreement as a potential trust-building measure, it has faced criticism over rewarding Iran financially. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are expected to remain high due to disputes over Iran's nuclear program. Tehran claims its nuclear activities are peaceful, but its recent uranium enrichment reaching levels near those needed for weapons has raised international concerns.

The Biden administration asserts the freed Iranians present no security threat to the U.S. However, opponents argue the deal sets a concerning precedent by appeasing Iran and enabling its nuclear ambitions. This prisoner swap represents a minor step toward diplomacy between two nations with a deeply strained relationship. Significant hurdles remain before substantial progress can occur on the complex issues dividing the U.S. and Iran.

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The Remnant’s Response:

Franklin Delano Roosevelt is credited with saying, "No man can tame a tiger into a kitten by stroking it. There can be no appeasement with ruthlessness." As we observed last week in the Remnant News, good men and good governments make war on evil; they do not negotiate with it (1 Peter 2:14). Though our government claimed the billions included in the deal would only be used for humanitarian purposes, Iranian leadership has already definitively said it will be spent "wherever we need it." It appears that our leaders didn't pay nearly enough attention to Proverbs 26:8 when deciding once again to trust a nation whose leadership has consistently shown little commitment to keeping its word. It is also likely that our leaders have failed in similar ways that aren't as reported by our media (Romans 3:10-13).

It is also important to remember that we do not have the same access to information that our elected officials and military leaders do, so it is difficult to speak with great certainty on the overall wisdom of the exchange. What we can be sure of is that five Americans and their families are grateful to be returned to the "land of the free" and rejoice with them at their homecoming (Romans 12:15). Even more, we can be thankful for the ransom that our King has paid for us (Galatians 3:13-14) in delivering us from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). Let us never forget the miracle and kindness of that exchange.

 Other news you should know

🏋🏽 The Strongest Man on Earth competition is coming to the DFW metroplex in 2024.

⛽ Prices at the gas station reach high for the year.

🧸 Roaming bear captured at Disney, and it wasn’t the singing kind.

🏈 11.1 million people tuned in to watch Coach Prime in action.

😅 It’s chill; you can now wear sweatpants to Congress.

 Remnant Resources: Weekly Picks

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