The Remnant News

Remnant Writers

Factual, digestible news that offers a clear Biblical stance on today's issues. Business, political, and cultural news informed by the Good News.

  1. 01/03/2024

    Israel Supreme Court - Jan. 3, 2024

    Israel's Supreme Court has nullified a controversial judicial reform passed in July of 2023 that aimed to limit the court's power in overturning laws deemed unconstitutional. The reform, known as the "reasonableness" bill, faced widespread opposition, triggering nationwide protests. Critics of the reform argued that the law severely undermined the country's democracy by weakening the judicial system, making it difficult, if not impossible, for courts to challenge state rulings it deemed “extremely unreasonable”. The Supreme Court's decision to strike down the law follows months of internal turmoil and reflects concerns about potential damage to the democratic characteristics of Israel. The ruling is a setback for the Netanyahu government's broader series of judicial reforms, which included attempts to increase government power over appointing judges and reduce the Supreme Court's oversight capabilities. Remnant Response The Bible does not promote a single form of government over another. However, it does promote justice, accountability, equality, and the rule of law (1 Samuel 8:1-20; Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 17:18-20). We believe that every nation would be best suited to be led by men who have memorized this law (Joshua 1:8), and dedicated their lives to its full and complete execution. It is long past time for us to repent for our lack of abiding by the book of the law (2 Kings 22:8-13). The law should be dedicated to promoting justice and the flourishing of mankind. Any attempt to prioritize the self-interest of rulers at the expense of the vulnerable in society will lead to judgment upon and suffering in a land (Isaiah 10:1-3). We wrote a response to the Reasonableness Bill being passed on July 26, 2023, you can read it in full here. By Kirby Mankin

    2 min
  2. 01/03/2024

    Harvard President Resigns - Jan. 3, 2024

    Harvard President Claudine Gay has resigned amid mounting criticism over her response to antisemitism on campus and allegations of plagiarism. Gay, formerly a professor of government and African and African American studies, faced scrutiny for her handling of Hamas's attacks on Israel and received criticism for equivocal responses. Additionally, she was accused of plagiarizing other academics in multiple instances across academic papers and her Ph.D. dissertation, which the Harvard Corporation previously dismissed as “inadequate citation not reaching the level of misconduct”. On Monday, additional plagiarism accusations were circulated by the Washington Free Beacon. Gay's resignation comes after a statement of support from the governing board. Read her letter of resignation here. Remnant Response Harvard is an institution that originally “shielded” itself with the claim that truth was at the center of their purpose, a claim which is much easier to aspire to than it is to actually live out. (Proverbs 20:6) This tendency of committing to one thing only to be later found doing another is often referred to as “mission drift”, and it is a problem today we find universally existing in much more than Ivy League Universities. (Matthew 15:18) Founded in 1636, Harvard’s original mission was to serve its students by committing: “To be plainly instructed and consider well that the main end of your life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ. The school “originally employed exclusively Christian professors, emphasized character formation in its students above all else, and rooted all its policies and practices in a Christian worldview… Harvard began as a school to equip ministers to share the Good News.” (Quote from, Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches) Today, Harvard, and its rival Yale, which ironically was founded 80 years later by a group of pastors who saw and were concerned by the increasing secularization of the school in Cambridge, have both been swallowed up by a “way which seems right to man but leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12) Recent graduates may still find the words on their Harvard diploma which read, Christo et Ecclesiae around the word Veritas, translated, “Truth for Christ and the Church” but because there is so little truth being taught for Christ by the church we have a country that is increasingly universally secular. The solution is for the remnant to be consistently “plagiarizing” the Scriptures in word and deed (1 John 3:18) and to be found “trusting in the Lord and doing good” (Psalm 37:3) instead of “fretting because of evildoers” (a href="https://biblia.com/books/esv/Ps37.1" rel="noopener...

    3 min
  3. 12/22/2023

    A Crime He Didn’t Commit - Dec. 22, 2023

    Glynn Simmons, 70, was exonerated in Oklahoma after serving over 48 years for a 1975 murder conviction in a liquor store robbery. The National Registry of Exonerations reported this as the longest wrongful sentence in the U.S.. Simmons was declared innocent by Judge Amy Palumbo, who found evidence had not been disclosed to his defense. Released on bond recently, Simmons faced flawed identification and contradictory witness testimony. The amended order stated "clear and convincing evidence" that he did not commit the crime. Simmons, diagnosed with cancer, may receive up to $175,000 in compensation and has the option to file a federal lawsuit. ________ The Remnant's Response This story is heartbreaking and the latest example of our broken world, which has us all groaning and longing for redemption (Jeremiah 12:10-12). There is no way to give this man back the years stolen from him; the suffering and injustice that Mr. Simmons endured would not be compensated if he was given $17,500,000, much less the $175,000 he "might receive." It is hard to imagine the emotions he must have felt when the news reached him that he was going to be declared innocent of all charges after decades of wondering if a provision for freedom would ever come. When God's word tells us that in light of our salvation, we should 'greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while… we have been distressed by various trials" (1 Peter 1:6), it is important to remember that the "little while" for some is a lifetime. When hope finally comes, darkness is pierced, and the God who works slowly acts suddenly; the only right response is to imitate the angels on the first Christmas morning (Luke 2:14). But our story of redemption and freedom is even more miraculous than Mr. Simmons's. Yes, we live in a broken world, imprisoned by sin, jailed by the weakness of our flesh, and tormented by the hopelessness of our condition, but unlike Mr. Simmons, we deserve our fate; all of us are guilty, and none of us is innocent. We stand rightly condemned by a just God who allows us to live in the effects of our choosing (Romans 3:23, 6:23a). Left to ourselves, we can do nothing but await a full and righteous condemnation from a holy and righteously angry God.  Except for Christmas. Christmas is when the God of perfect justice (Psalm...

    3 min
  4. 12/22/2023

    Texas in Trouble - Dec. 22, 2023

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed three bills into law aimed at deterring illegal immigration at the Texas-Mexico border. Senate Bill 3 allocates $1.54 billion for border barrier construction and allows spending on state troopers for patrols near a housing development. Senate Bill 4 establishes a state crime for illegal border crossing, likely leading to a legal showdown with the federal government. Another Senate Bill 4 increases the minimum sentence for smuggling immigrants or operating stash houses. Critics argue that making illegal border crossing a state crime is unconstitutional as immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Texas has bussed nearly 83,000 migrants to cities around the country, including flying 120 individuals to Chicago this past week.  ________ The Remnant's Response We have written extensively on the immigration issue before noting that God’s word encourages discernment in welcoming others, not indiscriminate amnesty or irresponsibly open borders (Exodus 22:21, Exodus 23:9, Deuteronomy 10:19, Leviticus 19:33-34).  Meanwhile, Texas’s actions exemplify what others should do when they forsake their God-given responsibility (Ezekiel 22:30). When leaders do not faithfully execute their jobs, others are forced out of their “tranquil and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:2) to take action (Ephesians 5:11). The Lord is appalled when foolishness and evil overtake a land, and no one acts (Isaiah 59:15-16).  We encourage you to re-read the biblical principles shared here, which not only inform our understanding of law and borders but also remind us of our responsibility to love our brothers.  Please also reread...

    2 min
  5. 12/22/2023

    China Wants Taiwan for Christmas - Dec. 22, 2023

    China Wants Taiwan for ChristmasDuring a summit in San Francisco, Chinese President Xi Jinping informed President Joe Biden that China intends to reunify Taiwan with mainland China, emphasizing a preference for peaceful reunification. Xi refuted predictions by U.S. military leaders on a specific timeline for the reunification and urged Biden to support China's goal of peaceful reunification with Taiwan publicly, but the White House rejected the request. The meeting highlighted China's increasing aggression toward Taiwan, with concerns raised ahead of Taiwan's presidential election. Despite tensions, Biden reiterated the "One China" policy after the summit, recognizing Beijing as the sole legal government while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan. ________ The Remnant's Response Peaceful reunification is a beautiful language (Matthew 5:9), but how or if it can be accomplished remains to be seen.  Pray for leaders of both superpowers (1 Timothy 2:1-2), specifically regarding the delicate handling of what is called the "One China policy," a nicely named but difficult-to-administer "agreement." Delicate note: Before anyone speaks too rashly on the topic (Proverbs 18:13) it is good to consider how they might feel if China had a “One America" policy but supported an independent California and placed a military base there while also dealing more favorably with Sacramento than they did Washington D.C.. While the analogy is grossly imperfect, given the fundamental difference between a totalitarian Chinese government and a constitutional democracy like we have in America, it will give some insight into the significant struggle before us to maintain peace in the region (Proverbs 18:17). Communism is no friend of humanity and its evils should be constantly addressed and steadfastly resisted (Isaiah 1:17). Pray also and especially for the church in China and Taiwan, that they would be the unifying force which supernaturally models wisdom and grace to a world that is quick to assign blame to others who have wronged them and hates to forgive. Pray they would speak up in the face of any injustice or tyranny around them and be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves (a href="https://biblia.com/books/esv/Mt10.16?utm_source=mail.theremnantnews.org&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=december-22-2023"...

    2 min
  6. 12/18/2023

    Israel Update - Dec. 18, 2023

    Israel UpdateSeveral European allies and domestic protesters are urging Israel to implement a cease-fire amid mounting concerns about its conduct in the 10-week-old war in Gaza. The calls for a truce come after a series of shootings, including the killing of three hostages who were waving a white flag. Some protesters are urging the Israeli government to renew hostage negotiations with Hamas, whom Israel aims to destroy. The U.S., while providing military and diplomatic support, is expressing growing unease over civilian casualties. The war has devastated northern Gaza, leading to the displacement of nearly 85% of its population, who now rely on limited humanitarian aid. Amidst international pressure, Israel remains committed to its goal of eliminating Hamas despite calls for a political solution and concerns over civilian casualties. ________ The Remnant's Response See this past Remnant Response discussing why Israel (or any nation attacked) has a right to defend itself against evil. Here, we also discuss that just because Israel is too often referred to as “God’s land,” those who are directing its government and military are not necessarily “God’s men” and, as such, will make egregious mistakes and sometimes endorse behaviors that do not represent God’s best. War is ugly, necessary, messy, always unwelcome, and filled with ‘innocent’ suffering. Human justice is not perfect justice, but it is God’s instrument for today (Romans 13:1-4) and, as...

    2 min
  7. 12/18/2023

    Trump’s Immigration Tirade - Dec. 18, 2023

    Former President Donald Trump sparked controversy at a New Hampshire rally, claiming immigrants, including those from Africa and Asia, are "poisoning the blood of our country." He echoed these sentiments on Truth Social, linking illegal immigration to "poisoning the blood of our nation." Critics, including the Biden campaign, likened his language to Adolf Hitler's, who used "blood poisoning" in his manifesto.  Republican rival Chris Christie condemned Trump's remarks as "disgusting," criticizing fellow Republicans for tolerating such rhetoric. Trump's focus on immigration, a campaign theme, led to heated debates, with allies in Congress prioritizing border policies. This isn't the first time Trump used the term "blood poisoning" in criticizing immigration, drawing mixed reactions from politicians. ________ The Remnant's Response Before reading this response, please check out 12 principles to help you think biblically about immigration law, border security, and our responsibility to provide hope for the world. These biblical principles make a clear case that nations have a right and responsibility to protect their borders. Meanwhile, any talk of immigration, whether legal or illegal, being a problem because it causes "blood poisoning" is both foolish and unsupportable when looking at God's word.  If you want to make sure error doesn't 'immigrate' into your thoughts about politics, then build a wall of conviction that will help you resist the constant urge to defend a particular political party or politician. Oswald Chambers, the celebrated author of the devotional "My Utmost for His Highest," was right to remind us to "beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to God." Iain Murray, the founder of the great reformed publishing house Banner of Truth, exhorts, "Faithfulness to God is our first obligation in all that we are called to do in the service of the gospel." Both are correct. God's first command was to love nothing more than Him (Exodus 20:3), and His second was not to worship or idolize anything more than Him (a...

    4 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Factual, digestible news that offers a clear Biblical stance on today's issues. Business, political, and cultural news informed by the Good News.