A shooting occurred at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas on December 6, resulting in three fatalities and one person critically injured, who later stabilized. The incident took place on the fourth floor of Beam Hall, home to UNLV's Lee Business School. Two university police officers engaged and neutralized the gunman, who was later confirmed dead by Las Vegas police. Authorities know the gunman's identity but have not disclosed it along with the motive. The shooting prompted a campus-wide lockdown, and four individuals were hospitalized for panic attacks. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman expressed the need for government action to prevent future shootings. UNLV and other public universities in southern Nevada closed for the day.

In Texas, a shooter has been identified and charged with capital murder in a shooting spree in Austin and San Antonio that left six people dead and three injured. The suspect was arrested after a police chase. The shooter, a former Army officer, had a history of mental health issues and was involved in a domestic violence incident leading to his discharge from the military. He faced assault charges in 2022 and violated parole in 2023, leading to authorities considering him a fugitive. Despite deputies being aware of his location during an August incident, they did not arrest him due to the challenges of serving a misdemeanor warrant for assault. 

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The Remnant's Response

As we have written before, while it is good and right to create and enforce good laws (1 Timothy 1:8), it is also obvious that broken and mentally ill people will not abide by them (1 Timothy 1:9). This is why we need good and righteous men to be armed and ready to use force when necessary to stop them (Luke 22:36-38). It is foolishness to allow tyrants to confiscate weapons owned by good men, as evil unrestrained is evil unleashed (2 Thessalonians 2:7). It is the first job of the government to prosecute evil (1 Peter 2:13-14), but it is the job of good men to be ready to provide protection for others when necessary (Nehemiah 4:14). When 'deputies' fail to prosecute evil, good men must be ready to step up and stop the plague of madness before it spreads (Numbers 25:6-9).

Karen Smith, re-elected school board president of a Pennsylvania school district, was sworn in this week on a stack of banned books. Instead of the traditional choice (the Bible), Smith's husband carried a stack of various banned books for her to take her oath on, including several with sexually explicit material. 

When asked to explain her choice of books, Smith said, "I'm not particularly religious. The Bible doesn't hold significant meaning for me, and given everything that has occurred in the last couple of years, the banned books, they do mean something to me at this point…" 

Smith has long opposed the efforts to ban access to certain books, and when asked about the remaining books under review by the school board, she said, "They're definitely not going to be reviewed at this point.”

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The Remnant's Response

When a person freely declares, "The Bible doesn't hold significant meaning for me," it is fair to ask, "What exactly does?" In this case, we don't need to wonder, as Mrs. Smith made clear where her affections lie. When men reject God, they don't embrace 'nothing'; they always replace the veneration and worship of the Lord with the worship of something else, and that "something else" can best be described as "weak and worthless elemental things" which "enslave" us (Galatians 4:9) inevitably damaging those under their leadership, inevitably leading to great judgment (Jeremiah 23:1-2; Matthew 18:6). 

God is not impressed when we swear on the Bible, but we will be depressed if we don't purpose to live by it (2 Chronicles 36:16). The remnant doesn't need a hand on a Bible to be motivated to live righteously (Matthew 5:37), and the wicked won't do right no matter what they swear by (Psalm 10:3-7). Jesus was clear in His admonishment to all men concerning the foolishness of oaths (Matthew 5:34) and especially clear about playing games if and when we do (Matthew 5:35-36). 

Mrs. Smith's problem was not that she took her 'oath of office' on a stack of banned books, but that she is banning her life from THE perfect Book that would "restore her soul" and "make wise" the simple, pure children under her leadership (Psalm 19:7). Let's pray for her, the families, and the children in the school district she leads, and let us especially propose not to scoff at her decision while we say we love God's Word but fail to read and apply the Bible we wished she based her life and took her oath of office on. (Stop and hit the Bible links in this story to give yourself a start!) 

The presidents of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT testified on Capitol Hill about the increasing antisemitism on their campuses, a problem affecting higher education institutions nationwide. The Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and Israel's response heightened tensions, leading to a surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in the U.S. A report by the Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International revealed a decline in Jewish students' feelings of safety on campus post-attack. 

During the hearing, the university leaders acknowledged the rise in Islamophobia and other forms of hate and pledged to address them. The Republican-led House Committee grilled the administrators on topics such as ideological diversity and foreign university funding. The hearing shed light on the challenge universities face in balancing free speech and student safety, with university leaders defending their policies and actions since Oct. 7. The hearing also highlighted broader issues, such as the difficulties faced by universities in navigating the balance between free speech and student safety.

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The Remnant's Response

If you didn’t get a chance to watch any of the hearing, I would encourage you to watch three minutes of it here:

The inability of these three college presidents to answer a simple question without qualification illustrates that it wasn’t just during Isaiah’s day that the Lord brought judgment to a land by making 'the wisdom of the wise men perish, and the discernment of their discerning men to be concealed.' (Isaiah 29:14). The foolishness of the responses given by these three university presidents to Rep. Stefanik is so impossibly inept and wrong, and the outcry against it has been so dismissive and ignored, that it is seemingly impossible to believe. As Stefanik said to them, 'this is the easiest question to answer yes to that they will ever be asked in a congressional hearing.' When watching those 'who profess to be wise, become fools' (Romans 1:22), it is good to remember that 'the foolishness of fools is deceit' (Proverbs 14:8) and not simply ignorance. The wicked have no rules (Psalm 50:19); they make 'a mockery of justice…the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.' (Proverbs 19:8)

While the congresswoman from New York, herself a graduate of Harvard University, was excellent in her questioning, it would have been great to see her pivot her questioning using the words 'all women,' 'all blacks,' 'all homosexuals,' 'all whites,' 'all faculty and college presidents' instead of 'all Jews' to see if their 'it depends on context' answer would have remained. One can only hope had Stefanik asked, 'Does calling for the lynching of black persons or the stoning of transgender students constitute as harassment?,' that the answer would have been a sharp, clear, and fast YES.

Context does not excuse evil…but evil character hides behind context.

Now is the time to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30) and speak out against the foolishness being propagated by elitist progressives. Silence in the midst of foolishness is the support of foolishness, and the support of foolishness is sin (Ephesians 5:11). As Edmund Burke said, 'All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.' The last time 'good' men were silent when the call for the genocide of the Jews was unaddressed, it wasn’t long before the world was at war.

Speak now, friends, before millions, and you, suffer for your silence. (Jeremiah 1:17)

Fox News commentator Guy Benson and "husband" Adam Wise welcomed their first son, Conrad, born on Nov. 25 via surrogate. Benson, who is well recognized for The Guy Benson Show on Fox Radio, consistently advocates for politically conservative ideologies, stating, "I'm a Christian, a patriotic American and a free-market, shrink-the-government conservative who happens to be gay." 

The birth of Benson's son sparked a heated Twitter debate amongst conservatives on the topics of surrogacy, assisted reproduction, and gay marriage. Many denounced Benson's situation as "wicked," asserting it had no place within the conservative movement. In contrast, some conservatives voiced support for Benson, underscoring the diversity of opinions within the conservative community. The incident highlighted an ongoing conversation about the interplay between individual beliefs and conservative ideology.

The Remnant's Response

Labels are only useful when defined. When we are asked if we are liberal, our response should be, "'liberal' in regards to what?" Jesus is "liberal" in His offer of life to all who come to Him seeking mercy (Matthew 11:28), and His followers are clearly called to be "liberal" in their generosity (Romans 12:8), and they are praised when they do so (2 Corinthians 9:11-13). May all the remnant be "liberal" in our giving, especially in this season in remembering God's gift of His Son.

When we are told that someone is "conservative", we seek to understand what that person is 'conserving.' Clearly, Mr. Benson and Mr. Wise are not conserving a biblical understanding of marriage (Matthew 19:4-5, Genesis 2:24) or morality (1 Corinthians 6:9). Benson may well, as he attests, want to 'conserve' free markets, historical First Amendment rights, and celebrations on July 4th, but that doesn't mean he wants to conserve historic judeo-christian truths related to morality. One can be 'conservative' in regards to fiscal policy and 'liberal' in regards to social issues and still be welcome within "conservative political" groups or parties who want to have a "big tent," but when it comes to conserving "the faith" (Jude 1:3) and being welcome within the "party" of the faithful, there is no such option (1 Corinthians 5:1-5). Regarding God's people, we must conserve Truth and speak out loudly against any liberality regarding sin (1 Corinthians 5:6). Meanwhile, the core meaning of the word "liberal" is to liberate, or bring liberty and freedom, which is the very thing our gracious Father has accomplished for us through Christ, "to the praise of the glory of His grace which He freely" bestowed on us" (Ephesians 1:3-6). We can be thankful for the "liberality" of a kind and gracious Heavenly Father but we must never forget that we were "called to freedom" and we are to conserve (retain) "the standard of sound words which you have heard... in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:13). It does a man little good to conserve lessor things; Mr. Benson would be better eternally better off marrying himself to wisdom than Mr. Wise. Meanwhile, all of us should be admonished daily to "not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13) by conserving Truth in all things. We especially should conserve a biblical understanding of family, the call to procreate, and the necessity of having a mother and Father in the home for the good of our children. Rather than arguing over whether or not a man is conservative, the remnant should persist in being liberal with the gospel and conserve all the Truth in their teaching if they want to be a part of God's political agenda (Matthew 28:19-20).

In Arlington, Virginia, a powerful explosion went off in a suburban neighborhood near Washington DC, triggered by a suspect firing a flare gun. Police, responding to gunfire reports, engaged in a confrontation with the suspect during a search warrant execution, resulting in gunfire exchanges and a massive blast. The suspect, responsible for discharging multiple rounds, is currently missing. The home was completely destroyed, though responding officers only received minor injuries. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, prompting evacuations and shelter advisories for neighbors. Representative Don Beyer of Virginia expressed profound concern and commended first responders for securing the area amidst the chaos.

The missing suspect's social media posts indicate he was a conspiracy theorist with a massive distrust of governmental authorities, white people, and the police, accusing all of stalking and spying on him and his home, which was covered with aluminum foil.

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The Remnant's Response

As we have noted before, ideas have consequences, and bad ideas have victims.

Given the number of bad ideas the suspect in this case embraced, we are fortunate not to be reporting on more victims. If you drink from the fountain of speculation, you will soon find stupid thoughts and actions spilling from your life. "Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly" (Proverbs 16:25). 

The remnant knows it cannot "walk in the way of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers" (Psalm 1:1) lest we learn their ways and find a snare for ourselves (Proverbs 22:24-25). The wise know they cannot pay attention to foolish and ignorant speculations (2 Timothy 2:23) but must invest in the wisdom and Truth the Lord makes available to us so we will find a garland of grace on our heads instead of aluminum foil on our house (Proverbs 4:1-9). The wise know Truth is knowable, and we must avoid the "dainty morsels" that make their way into our innermost being and rot our sensibility (Proverbs 18:8). God's people know, find freedom in (John 8:32) and traffic in the Truth (Psalm 1:2). They have a discerning mind (Psalm 119:66) and don't waste their time being taken "captive through philosophy and empty deception" (Colossians 2:8). They leave the presence of fools (Proverbs 14:7) and follow the good shepherd (John 10:11) who grants them the ability to be shrewd while remaining innocent (Matthew 10:16). 

The path of speculation is slippery, and the wise are quick to take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). The chaos that awaits those who reject Christ is immense, so while it might be entertaining fireside conversation to consider conspiracies, it is excellent conduct to anchor yourself only in the time tested certainty of God's word (Proverbs 30:5-6).

Finally, it is good to be reminded that the most dangerous "conspiracies" are the ones that come out of the mouths of false prophets and teachers who create new truths that lead many away and lead to the ruin of the beauty God intends (Ezekiel 22:25-29). The remnant's job is to stand in the gap against the lies coming from compromised pulpits, confused societal prophets, and corrupted politicians to keep the explosion of God's indignation from coming to their neighborhood (Ezekiel 22:30). Now is the time to speak. "See something, say something" is not just a pithy slogan Americans should have embraced after the terror of 9/11; it is the command in God's Word for every citizen of heaven (Proverbs 24:11-12).

A coalition of 19 Republican Attorneys General, led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, is opposing a new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rule, labeling it discriminatory against Christians and detrimental to the foster care system. The rule, named Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements, mandates foster parents to adhere to a child's self-identified gender identity.

The AGs argue that this indirectly echoes a 2021 Supreme Court ruling against Philadelphia's refusal to contract with a Catholic social services group over same-sex foster parenting. They contend that the rule would undermine faith-based organizations in the foster care system, limiting available homes and increasing costs. Citing the duty of Christian faith to care for children, the AGs stress the importance of faith-based groups, asserting that the proposed rule would push them away and exacerbate the strain on the foster care system.

AG Marshall accuses President Biden of harassing states like Alabama by tying federal funding to ideological conformity, vowing to defend the faith-based foster care community against such pressures. As of 2022, there were reportedly 391,000 children in foster care, and HHS anticipates an increase to 416,500 by 2027.

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The Remnant's Response

Caring for "orphans and widows in their distress" is at the heart of what James calls "pure and undefiled religion," but so is "keeping oneself unstained by the world" (James 1:27). It is impossible to care for orphans or any child if caring for them is defined by yielding to "their self-professed" understanding. The remnant knows it is the job of the mature adult to train them up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), not affirm them in their childish understanding (1 Corinthians 13:11) or foolish rebellion (Proverbs 23:13-15).

As is evidenced by the deceitfully named “Safe and appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements” rule, we live in a world that “drags iniquity with the cords of falsehood” (Isaiah 5:18) and does so purposefully using words that seek to flatter us as we do it. (Psalm 5:9)

Deceptive tongues cannot seduce the remnant; we must persevere in righteousness (Psalm 5:8) and remain steadfast, knowing that the Lord will hold all men guilty and in contempt in their rebellion against Him (Psalm 5:10). We can be thankful for AG's like Steve Marshall and for any political party that stands up against the destructive lies of secular elites and progressive ideologues. 

The Biden-Harris administration's aggressive promotion of transgender ideology, which exists with the full support of their apostate political party, can best be explained by reading Paul's words to the remnant in Rome, "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so" (Romans 8:7). American and its children are in trouble because America is increasingly being organized around "everyone doing what is right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25) which always leads to chaos and death (Proverbs 14:12). The war on children is a by-product of the war on truth and the remnant cannot stand idly by while it is being waged. We must speak out, stand firm, and stay ready against every scheme of the devil (1 Corinthians 16:13) to pervert the goodness God intends for His people. The "lines" will not "fall to us" or our children "in pleasant places" (Psalm 16:6) unless we submit to His will and way. Our nation's retreat into chaos will only stop when Godly AGs, and especially God's men and women, stand in the gap and unashamedly declare that obedience to God's will and way is the only 'safe and appropriate' way to care for children and adults everywhere.

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a significant maritime assault involving drones and missiles targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea. The USS Carney, a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, engaged in self-defense during this hours-long attack claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels. This incident marks a notable escalation in maritime conflicts within the Middle East linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The Carney successfully intercepted multiple projectiles and reported no damage or injuries. Concurrently, This escalation reflects the broader regional tensions and the increasing involvement of maritime targets in the conflict.

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The Remnant's Response

When leaders don’t wake up with resolve to destroy evil, evil will soon destroy them and quickly become a source of terror to others (Psalm 101:8).

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who control the Yemen capital, are not the official or recognized government of the nation but are a radicalized Shia Islamist political/military organization that has been creating trouble in the Middle East for decades. Just weeks after Hamas declared war on Israel, the Houthis joined them. Years ago, they adopted the same slogan as Hezbollah militants, “God is the greatest, Death to America, Death to Israel, Cursed be the Jews, Victory to Islam,” and as a rebel “government committed to war,” they need to be dealt with the same finality which we have made the biblical case for Israel to act against Hamas. Read those here, here, here, here, and here. 

Yesterday, a deadly bombing during a Catholic Mass in Marawi, Philippines, claimed by Islamic State (IS) militants, left at least four dead and 50 injured. The attack occurred in a university gymnasium in a city previously besieged by Islamist militants in 2017. Before IS claimed responsibility, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned the act. Security measures were heightened in the country's south and around Manila, with law enforcement vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro hinted at a possible foreign element in the bombing. 

The blast followed military operations against local pro-IS groups, including the killing of a Dawlah Islamiya-Maute leader on the same day. The Islamic State-linked Maute had previously seized Marawi in 2017, resulting in a five-month battle with significant casualties. Police offices were placed on high alert, checkpoints tightened, and the Coast Guard intensified pre-departure inspections. Mindanao State University, where the incident occurred, suspended classes, condemning the violence. Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims, urging a turn from violence.

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The Remnant's Response

Wise leaders understand that part of their job is to rise “every morning” to “destroy all the wicked of the land, So as to cut off from the city of the LORD all those who do iniquity.” (Psalm 108:8). Executing judgment on wicked communities is the job of faithful governments everywhere. (Romans 13:3-4, 1 Peter 2:14) This truth also highlights the points made in today’s first remnant response reminding us why it is essential that leaders are elected that understand what must be called good, safe and appropriate and what should be called evil. (Isaiah 5:20)

Renowned investor Charlie Munger, who was instrumental in the ascent of Berkshire Hathaway alongside Warren Buffett, has passed away at 99. 

Munger, the long-standing vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, was a crucial force behind the conglomerate's success, shaping investment strategies and business decisions alongside Buffett. Despite his influential role, Munger often remained in the background, downplaying his contributions. Buffett, in 2008, credited Munger with expanding his investment horizons beyond traditional value strategies, emphasizing the invaluable lessons on business valuation and human nature. Munger's death marks the end of an era for Berkshire Hathaway and the investment community, losing a visionary leader whose impact transcended decades.

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The Remnant's Response

Jesus was the greatest investment strategist who ever lived (Matthew 6:19-20), reminding all of us that investing in eternity is exponentially wiser than experiencing 99 years of immense prosperity (Luke 9:25). Like all men who have died before him and all who will die after, Mr. Munger will be taking none of his worldly wealth with him (Job 1:21). Mr. Munger was famous for his witticisms; some of the most famous among them are the ones listed below, after which we provide even wiser comments that will be loved by shareholders in the faith.  

"Invest in a business any fool can run, because someday a fool will." - Munger

• Only a fool invests in things that provide value in this life alone. (Matthew 6:19-20)
• One day, even a fool will be proven wise if he invests everything he has in the One to whom everything has been entrusted (Colossians 1:15-18; Revelation 22:12-13).
• "The fool has said in his heart, there is no God." (Psalm 14:1)

"Capitalism without failure is like religion without hell." - Munger

• Knowledge without repentance is a guarantee of hell to come. (Matthew 3:7-10)
• Owning many things does not guarantee you many days. A successful capitalist does not live as long as long as he wants. (Luke 12:16-21)
• "A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination. (Proverbs 18:11) 

"Worshiping at the altar of diversification…is really crazy." - Munger

• Worshiping anything other than the God of creation... is really crazy (Jeremiah 10:6-11).
• "No one can serve two masters; for either, he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." (Matthew 6:24). 

 "We recognized early on that very smart people do very dumb things, and we wanted to know why and who so we could avoid them." - Munger

• "The companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20) 
• "Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways, And find a snare for yourself." (Proverbs 22:24-25)

"Acquire worldly wisdom and adjust your behavior accordingly. If your new behavior gives you a little temporary unpopularity with your peer group, then to hell with them." - Munger

• Acquire heavenly wisdom and adjust your behavior accordingly. If your new behavior gives you a little temporary unpopularity with your peer group, then pray for them because hell awaits them." (Proverbs 4:4-5, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-19) 

"Avoid working directly under somebody you don't admire and don't want to be like." - Munger

• "Follow me." Jesus

There is no judgment waiting for us just because we have been successful in this life, but there is no success in this life unless we realize this life isn't where success is ultimately determined. (Hebrews 9:27) We can be impressed with his business prowess and "investing" success, but if Charlie Munger missed the wisdom available in God's word, he invested his 99 years as poorly as any man who ever lived (Mark 8:36-37).  

The House of Representatives is expected to vote to remove George Santos (R-NY) from his seat this afternoon. He has survived two other expulsion efforts but is not expected to survive this one after additional reports were circulated on November 16th by the House Ethics Committee.

 Santos refuses to resign, warning fellow members of setting a bad precedent, but he faces grim prospects after allegations of conspiracy and various types of fraud. He would be the sixth congressman ever to be expelled from their seat in history. He is currently facing a federal indictment of 23 counts. Santos made waves when he flipped a Democratic seat in 2022 and almost immediately faced scrutiny over the aforementioned allegations.

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The Remnant's Response

Unfortunately, distrust is not uncommon among the populace regarding politics, media, and public leaders, which, biblically speaking, is a sign of judgment on the land (Isaiah 3:4-5). 

As we have written here and here, we should be thankful we live in a land where all men are held accountable to justice regardless of their position, and we should all hope that truth and justice are served in this, and in every case leaders are investigated. It is yet another sign of our nation's moral collapse that the number of instances where leaders are being charged is increasing (Proverbs 28:2). We should seek to be, and then elect, the type of men and women that live lives that are above reproach (Titus 2:7-8), leading our families, communities, cities, states, and nations in such a way that trust abounds and the people rejoice (Proverbs 29:2). God has clear requirements for spiritual leadership (1 Timothy 3:2-7) and provided guidelines for nations when they appoint their "kings" (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). We, of course, are free to reject God's instruction, but we are not free to avoid the consequences (Hosea 8:7), as clearly evidenced by America in 2023.

As leaders like Santos and Bob Menander illustrate, "A nation will be strong when it has a fair and just king. A nation will be weak when it has a king who is selfish and demands gifts." (Proverbs 29:4) 

While we continue to prayerfully elect and faithfully prosecute as necessary those we didn't so prayerfully elect, let us especially focus on our own leadership and conduct so that we don't manage information, or share half-truths, and sacrifice our good name, which is exceedingly more valuable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). May our hearts and the hearts of our leaders be biblically informed when it comes to pursuing greatness, (Mark 10:42-45) continually free from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10), so we all lead with "integrity of heart" and "skillfulness of hand" (Psalm 78:72).