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

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” (Psalm 37:1). While we have an ever growing number of leaders who need to step down because they are not living lives worthy of their position, the remnant needs to step up and proclaim the Truth worthy of theirs. (Ezekiel 22:30, Romans 10:14)

By Todd Wagner

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.

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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 7:11) fully reveals that He is also the God of perfect mercy and love (Exodus 34:6). Christmas is when "people who walk in darkness" see a "great light." It is where "those who live in a dark land" had "light shine on them" (Isaiah 9:2) and "increase their gladness… as with the gladness of harvest, as men who rejoice when they divide the spoil" (Isaiah 9:3) for a "child was born to us, a Son was given to us”… and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Mr. Simmons is not the only one who should be singing this Christmas; in fact, he is not even the one who should be singing the loudest (Psalm 68:4). It is the remnant, the people who understand that Christmas is the fountain of our redemption (Psalm 107:2), who should be competing with the ang to see who can most loudly proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14).

Are you singing to others this Christmas? 

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. 

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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 our thoughts on Trump’s recent immigration comments.

During 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.

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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 (Matthew 10:16) as they interact with the "governors and Kings" over them (Matthew 10:17-18). Pray for Xi Jinping that the Lord would direct his heart (Proverbs 21:1) to seek peace with God (Romans 5:1) and to be a true peacemaker (Matthew 5:9) with the Taiwanese. 

Several 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.

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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 such, should be implemented, bathed in prayer (2 Timothy 2:1-2), and administered as wisely as possible (Proverbs 20:18).

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.

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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 (Exodus 20:4-6).

When our loyalty to a party or person causes us to swallow our prophet's tongue, we lose our credibility, and our favored party or person loses a true friend (Proverbs 27:5-6). The remnant's focus should be on defending principles, not parties, righteousness, not Republicans, doctrine, not Democrats. Our engagement with the culture around us should be informed and shaped by the whole counsel of God rather than our favorite Twitter account or politician. 

The church of Jesus Christ is called to be the conscience of the state, not the public relations department for a party or politician. The faithful church that exposes evils in the current administration must also rebuke imprudent rhetoric from Trump.

If someone misspeaks, and we all do, especially the more we talk or write (Proverbs 10:19), they have an opportunity and obligation to make it right by immediately retracting their words, acknowledging their error, and seeking forgiveness as appropriate (Proverbs 6:1-6). "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21). Those whose tongue produces the fruit of foolishness deserve a fool's rebuke, irrespective of our closeness to or fondness of them. Grace should be readily available to all who seek it. What human can claim to have tamed their tongue (James 3:8)? But the man who will not tame his pride to repent of his foolish tongue must be admonished and rejected as a leader until he does (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

It is not diversity of blood that poisons a society, but a rejection of the Bible, coupled with the immigration of false ideas, syncretism, and compromise, which divides and poisons it (1 Kings 11:1-14).

Scandal has hit the Senate once again after a staffer from Bob Cardin's (D-MD) office was fired following reports that an explicit video was filmed in the Senate Hearing Room and released on social platforms. 

The latest in scandals coming from Washington DC is being added to a litany of others in the current administration, includin indecent exposure on the White House lawn, illegal substances being discovered in the White House, the Navy hiring and recruiting drag queens, and Hunter Biden's indiscretions, among many others. 

(*warning: some links contain sensitive material. We chose links that did not show the most graphic pictures, but click through cautiously as sites are continually updated.)

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The Remnant's Response

Jill Biden's tweet did not age well, and neither is our country. The latest display of debauchery in our nation's capital is exactly that: the "latest display." For decades now, sin has been welcomed, defended, and practiced with ever-increasing boldness, so much so that if God does not bring severe judgment on our country, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah (Matthew 11:20-24). America's only hope is the same one the Lord prescribed for ancient Israel. Humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, turn from our wicked ways, and trust a gracious God to hear us from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). The current administration's endorsement of taxpayer-funded abortion and "gender-affirming" "sex change" surgeries, endorsement of same-sex marriages, allowance of indecent exposure on the white house lawn and worst of all its applying pressure on other nations states to follow our rebellion is inexcusable and is worsened by the support given to it by millions who call themselves Christians. Indeed, we are a land of people who acknowledge God with our lips while our hearts are far from Him (Matthew 15:8). The solution is not only Godly outrage (Ephesians 4:26) but a steadfast commitment to the totality of the mission Christ has given to us which is to make disciples that we teach to observe everything the Lord commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). Gone are the days we can measure our 'churches' success by attendance at our Christmas Eve services or by how much they like our podcast. What the world needs now, and the Lord has always intended the world to have in His people, is people who speak THE TRUTH (1 Corinthians 16:13). The church of Jesus Christ has to lead the way out of this darkness (Matthew 5:16). There is no other plan, no other possibility. After first cleaning its own house (John 2:13-17), it must get serious about calling sin sin and stop playing nice with immorality and rebellion (2 Corinthians 11:4). 

Remnant, "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time 'HAS COME' when they will not endure sound doctrine but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:1-5). 

In a high-profile abortion case in Texas, Kate Cox filed a lawsuit seeking the right to terminate her high-risk pregnancy due to a rare genetic condition known as trisomy 18 in her preborn child. This condition carries a significant risk, as only 50% of babies carried to term are born alive, and the majority of them do not survive beyond the first year.

The legal backdrop involves a Texas law that prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Despite the challenging circumstances, Cox's legal battle gained national attention when the Texas Supreme Court ruled against her after she left the state to pursue the abortion procedure. Trisomy 18 often leads to miscarriage or stillbirth, and Cox argued that the law was too vague to determine the legality of her abortion under her specific circumstances.

It was clarified that a pregnant woman in Texas does not require a court order for a life-saving abortion. The court emphasized that its ruling did not prevent a life-saving abortion in Cox's case if a physician determined its necessity under the appropriate legal standard, using reasonable medical judgment.

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The Remnant's Response

We have already given one response to this tragic story. We have also written about how those involved with leading others astray use deceptive speech (Jeremiah 9:8) and cleverly devised tales to secure others to join them. This story has been no different. The Dallas Morning News originally used this headline, "Kat Cox flees state to get an abortion," as if she was being held captive by an oppressive government and had to make a heroic escape to terminate the life of her child. (it was later amended on DMN's home page, but the original story and headline still run in other papers across the country). The Kanas City Star described the "anti-life cruelty forcing Kate Cox to flee Texas." The Washington Post headlined, "Texas woman…leaves the state for a procedure," and the Center for Reproductive Rights, the organization representing Mrs. Cox in this case, said she "couldn't wait any longer for abortion care." When the taking of a life is reduced to a "procedure," and assisting a mother in the termination of her child is "care," we have a problem. 

A necessary reminder that Mrs. Cox is clearly suffering in the midst of the tragic diagnosis she and her husband received in the midst of this wanted pregnancy, and as such, is deserving of our compassion, prayer, and kindness (Colossians 1:9-10; Romans 12:15) is that the remnant needs to be constantly on the alert to the reality that words can be weaponized to desensitize us (2 Corinthians 2:11). The psalmist reminds us that the words of ungodly are "are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good. He plans wickedness upon his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not despise evil." (Psalm 36:3-4) and so we are encouraged to be constantly alert, standing firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). 

The DMN and Kansas City Stary stories, and others like them, make it sound as if Mrs. Cox was a runaway slave being sought after by dogs and 'patrollers' (slave slang for wicked bands of men who patrolled, sought, captured, and tortured men and woman seeking to escape the horrors of the slave trade) and was in danger for her life if she didn't make it out of Texas. While that is compelling in its imagery, to say the least, it is false at its core and intentional in its effect. It's important to state plainly: Texas's abortion law includes an exception for the life of the mother. In Kate Cox's specific case, her doctors have not concluded that her situation meets the criteria outlined in Texas law for exceptions. In Texas, it is not legally justified to intentionally terminate the life of her 20-week-old preborn child due to these heartbreaking circumstances.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest men of the 20th century, once asserted, "The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children." Bonhoeffer's life exemplified this principle, as he willingly sacrificed his very existence for those in his society who were unwanted and undervalued. In doing so, he embodied the biblical call to "be advocates for those unable to speak for themselves" (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Some of our trusted close friends, Daniel and Kelly Crawford, have lived through similar heartache and, having been "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience" (Colossians 1:11), now serve others as they "comfort them with the comfort with which they have been comforted" (2 Corinthians 1:4). We encourage you to familiarize yourself with their story and especially encourage you to support them in their important work to help families like the Cox's by going here. It is not enough to make laws; we must personally engage with the hurting and support those who set themselves apart to care for women faced with an unwanted pregnancy or families facing a likely fatal diagnosis. Our friend Rick Smith has an incredible ministry advocating for children and serving families who received an in-utero diagnosis of Down Syndrome. You can learn more about his team's amazing work and how you can support them here. The remnant doesn't just advocate for life with words but also with work and generosity. These two ministries are among favorites that assist us in fulfilling God's calling on our lives to care for both the emotional and physical needs of the mother and the protection of the children in and out of the womb whenever possible. Join us.

On the heels of the controversial congressional hearings regarding alleged acts of antisemitism at Pennsylvania, Harvard, and MIT universities, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill has tendered her resignation alongside Penn's Board Chair, Scott Bok.

Magill faced scrutiny for her handling of perceived antisemitism on Penn's campus, particularly during the congressional hearing where she, along with other university presidents, refrained from stating whether calls for the genocide of Jews would violate the university's conduct policy.

Following Magill's resignation, attention has shifted to Harvard President Claudine Gay, who is under pressure for similarly failing to condemn antisemitism clearly and is also facing allegations of plagiarism in her 1997 Ph.D. dissertation.

Despite calls for her removal, Harvard University's board unanimously supports President Claudine Gay, expressing confidence in her leadership to address societal issues. This backing comes amid ongoing criticism, with over 700 faculty members, the Alumni Association, and 800 Black alumni supporting President Gay. The board acknowledges the need for a more robust response during the hearing, as calls for her resignation persist from lawmakers and a conservative group planning mobile billboards. Billionaire Bill Ackman accuses President Gay of damaging Harvard's reputation and questions her academic integrity, prompting an independent review that found no violation of research misconduct standards.

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The Remnant's Response

"It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right" (Proverbs 20:11)… and as Presidents Magill, Gay, and Kornbluth (MIT's president) showed, you can also distinguish yourself with conduct that is foolish and not so bright. Lacking the courage and/or conviction to condemn an obvious evil has brought appropriate criticism and loss of support for them and the institutions they represent. When leaders fail to do what is right, it is not only costly, it often appropriately costs them the privilege of leadership (1 Samuel 15:26). While we may not be surprised that weak and "woke" university presidents fail to speak with clarity on obvious moral issues, it should horrify us when pastors and others who should know better do the same (Jeremiah 2:8-9). When those who claim to know the Lord fail to speak with clarity and lead with conviction, when they "forsake the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13) the right response is to "be appalled, O heavens, at this, And shudder, be very desolate" (Jeremiah 2:12). And the wiser, even more righteous response is to repent (Jeremiah 3:12-14).

The decline in Americans' trust in higher education and other similar institutions is a logical outflow of the decline in America's trust in the "One Whose name we should lift on High" (Psalm 145:1). When "one generation" fails to "commend the Lord's works to another," and then abandons the "splendor of His majesty" (Psalm 145:4-5) for the foolishness of the wisdom of men, it is unsurprising that the next generation will speak foolishly and arrogantly (Jeremiah 4:22). We can thank God that there is still enough clarity in our country that some level of outrage has been shown, when those entrusted to lead some of the biggest names in higher education, have proven themselves so incapable of responding to even the simplest of questions.  

The fool eagerly sips from a cup of folly, unaware of its bitter blend (Proverbs 13:15), while the wise, with discerning hearts, choose the fountain of knowledge (Proverbs 13:14), finding refreshment (Proverbs 3:8) in the sweetness of its taste (Proverbs 24:13-14). "The backslider in heart will have his fill of his ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his" (Proverbs 14:16). Let us be mindful of the cup we raise, for in its contents, we taste the consequences of our choices.

As the presidents witness a range of varying outcomes resulting from veering away from fidelity to God's truth and failing to lead with courage, the remnant should be reminded that "every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36-37).