Sunday, February 01, 2026

Interesting Links From February 2026

 

Mollie on X: "I’m so sick of Trump’s insults. I’m just done. I’m done. I’m DONE. Does he literally have not anything else?" / X (Fox News contributor Mollie Hemingway was very critical of Donald Trump in early 2016 – this was reposted through Michael Mohr’s X account – Mohr was a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod District President until recently)

 

Melania gets Ditched as Epstein Emails Expose Her - The MeidasTouch Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

 

The Five-Year-Old his Parents didn't Want, Trump's Wealth-Building Revolution & Media makes Violent Offender a Saint Week In Review - Verdict with Ted Cruz | Podcast on Spotify

 

Russian Missile Hits US Business in Kharkiv, Zelensky Warns of Shift to Logistics Strikes

 

An Islamic Scholar Finds the Truth - The Voice of the Martyrs

 

Statement regarding Rev. Michael Mohr - Concordia Seminary

 

CBS News Star Hire Busted Sending Vile Emails to ‘Outrageous’ Epstein

 

Trump, 79, Claims His Loyal Followers ‘Don’t Riot’

 

Trump weighs in on Eugene ICE protest, threatening ‘these criminals’ with consequences - oregonlive.com

 

NPR and PBS Never Needed Your Taxpayer Dollars | National Review

 

Trump is destroying America; he must be stopped (for information purposes – Religion News Service commentary)

 

The Pornography Free Pass | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics

 

On Don Lemon’s arrest – The Way of Improvement Leads Home


February 2

 

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk and the First Amendment — Constitution Crossroads

 

Epstein files: FBI memo says Israel ‘compromised’ Trump, Epstein had Mossad ties | Middle East Eye

 

Vladimir Putin violates Trump's temporary winter truce, killing 5 Ukrainians in overnight airstrikes

 

The FACE Act is a weird, unjust law. I've gone to jail for it

 

Judges across the country rebuke ICE for defying court orders - POLITICO

 

The Trump Corruption Ledger (for information purposes)

 

Canada Looks an Awful Lot Like Venezuela. And Trump Has Noticed | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics

 

UPDATED: CPJ condemns arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort over Minnesota protests coverage - Committee to Protect Journalists

 

A biblical response to the Minneapolis shooting

 

Bible verse trial: Finnish MP to speak to Congress on free speech | World


February 3

 

OMM calls for boycott of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show | Entertainment

 

DOJ’s Ethics Complaint Against Judge Boasberg Flops | National Review

 

Tulsi Gabbard hit with mysterious whistleblower complaint as office insists 'no wrongdoing'

 

7 times Trump admin. has been accused of erasing black history | Politics

 

25 Questions a Christian Man Should Ask Himself When Interested in a Christian Woman – Kindle Afresh (publicized on Reformed pastor Tim Challies’ blog)

 

25 Questions a Christian Woman Should Ask Herself When a Man Starts to Show Interest – Kindle Afresh (publicized on Reformed pastor Tim Challies’ blog)

 

False Teachers - by Michael Jensen

 

Quran Revolution founder sentenced to 80 years on child pornography charges

 

Trump Helps Putin Kill Ukrainians: A Case Study

 

No, The Guardrails Are Not Holding - by Phillips P. OBrien

 

Tulsi Gabbard Issues Formal Response to Whistleblower Complaint Claims - Newsweek

 

Pre-planning the Chaos - John Dickerson


February 4

 

7 false teachings about Jesus and salvation

 

Exclusive: White House Advisor Pushed Bulk Sales for Melania Movie - MeidasTouch News (Paula White-Cain, who some have criticized as being off base and shaky at best in financial integrity, is the White House Advisor)

 

(1) Why Steve Witkoff is Selling Out Ukraine? - Craig Unger

 

Ron Kenoly, writer of ‘Ancient of Days,’ dead at 81 | Entertainment

 

How Pro-Putin is Trump’s GOP? – RDI

 

We Watched Tucker’s Putin Interview So You Don’t Have To – RDI

 

It’s Time to Prepare for Trump 2.0 – RDI (December 14, 2023)

 

The NBA's Second Chance on Human Rights – RDI

 

JOHNSON: The Christian Case For Border Security - RVIVR (good that House Speaker Mike Johnson put out this statement)

 

African Methodist Episcopal Church statement on the removal of exhibits at the President’s House site

 

Donald Trump says Vladimir Putin 'kept his word'— despite seeming to violate one-week ceasefire

 

Notre Dame University Promotes Pro-Abortion Professor to Head Global Affairs School | National Review

 

Drake Maye Offers Advice to Patriots Teammates Before Super Bowl LX - Athlon Sports

 

A Brief Defense Against Objective Justification - Confessional Lutheran MinisteriumConfessional Lutheran Ministerium (some dispute this argument – they are welcome in the comments to explain why)

 

Jesus Did Not Serve Grape Juice - Christianity Today

 

Mike Johnson Mansplains Religion to the Pope (for information – Speaker Johnson’s statement is linked to here)

 

Donald Trump Has Built a Clicktatorship - The Atlantic (a genuine legal process involves more than just posting something on social media)

 

Life Under a Clicktatorship - by Don Moynihan

 

JOHNSON: The Christian Case For Border Security - RVIVR (House Speaker Mike Johnson detailed statement)


February 5

 

Why Alex Pretti Should Matter to Conservatives

 

Florida GOP governor candidate creates Tinder account to 'meet young female voters where they are,' asks for cash for more swipes (for information purposes – Tucker Carlson informed his premium readers of this, stating “We’re not sure if Fishback will become Florida’s next governor, but he definitely represents the future of the Republican Party. No more corporatism, globalism, or bowing down to the ruling class. Liberation is coming.”  It sounds like Carlson is favorable to this guy.)

 

Melania Trump Shares Views on Abortion—and Donald's Reaction | TIME (Melania strongly believes in abortion rights)

 

Hail, Caesar? Hell, No - by Jay Nordlinger - The Next Move

 

Bezos orders layoffs at 'Washington Post' : NPR

 

The Most Erratic President in the World | National Review

 

Trump's Plan to Steal the Midterms--This Time With The Power of the State

 

Daly: Revisiting My Biggest Trump 2.0 Concerns

 

Brooklyn Tabernacle wins Grammy Award for ‘I Will Not Be Moved' | Entertainment

 

Mike Johnson says 'borders are biblical,' responds to Pope Leo | Politics

 

Don Lemon has no right to barge into your church | WORLD

 

Why Does A Narcissist Accept Humiliation? Epstein Might Be The Answer.

 

Trump to Honor Columbus With Statue at the White House. Good. | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics

 

The Great Omission - Christianity Today


February 6

 

Russia breaks Trump-brokered energy ceasefire – POLITICO

 

New Epstein file dump reveals gushing emails between Melania Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell – Chicago Tribune

 

Seahawks coach says 'our identity is in Christ' before Super Bowl | Sports

 

Roll Call Factba.se - Remarks: Donald Trump Addresses the National Prayer Breakfast at the Capitol - February 5, 2026 (for information purposes only)

 

The way, the Trump and the lies: prayer breakfast displays US right’s devil’s pact | Donald Trump | The Guardian

 

Trump, at prayer breakfast, says he ‘probably should’ get into heaven

 

(1) Prayer Breakfast or Power Breakfast? - by Mary Geddry

 

The Need for Father-Scholars

 

WSJ's Gabbard Hoax Is Straight From The Russiagate Playbook (for information purposes)

 

At dueling National Prayer Breakfasts, a religious debate over Trump's immigration policy

 

Trump Condemned For Post Depicting Obamas As Apes: ‘Racist and Disgusting’ - Newsweek

 

DOJ: Lutheran Church Official Accused of Producing Child Pornography

 

Eric Halvorson Named 18th President of Trinity International University - TIU Newsroom

 

(3) Post | LinkedIn (Michael Wear comments on the National Prayer Breakfast)

 

Franklin Graham ripped for Super Bowl LX post as Kid Rock’s song about underage girls trends: "You are a powerless preacher' - pennlive.com

 

Larry Ziegler Obituary - Castle Rock, CO


February 7

 

Church business manager charged with allegedly embezzling $600K | U.S.

 

Trump announces event to 'rededicate America as one nation under God'

 

White House removes video of Obamas as primates on Truth Social

 

Patriots chaplain coaching players to be great husband, fathers | Sports

 

Lawrence campus transitions to ID card access for all buildings in response to safety concerns – The Lawrentian

 

CBN trims workforce, citing changing media landscape | The Roys Report

 

Witkoff Says Putin Open to ‘Permanent Peace’ Deal With Ukraine - The Moscow Times (for information purposes – is it credible that Putin is open to “permanent peace” deal with Ukraine?  Many say no.)

 

Trump Ally Larry Elder Accuses Democrats of Hypocrisy Over Obamas Apes Post - Newsweek

 

Trump condemns, won't apologize for video depicting Obamas as apes | Reuters

 

Trump at the Pearly Gates

 

Racist video is merely the latest in a long line of Trump’s ugly social media posts | CNN Politics

 

RFK Jr.’s Bizarre Trip With Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell Exposed in Files (Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reported went fossil hunting with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in South Dakota)

 

Donald Trump, 79, Uses Bonkers Logic to Defend Massive Taxpayer Ripoff ($10 billion from the United States treasury?)

 

Brazen Trump Says He Approved Racist Obama Video—and Won’t Apologize (conflicting stories about this flap – who was the staffer?)

 

'Puppy Bowl' celebrates adoption and fun on Super Bowl Sunday (good option for Sunday evening)


February 8

 

If the Scarlet ‘R’ Fits … - by Jay Nordlinger

 

Trump revives racist imagery once seen as disqualifying

 

Social media post deemed racist receives Southern Baptist response | Baptist Press

 

Weekend Update #171: The Week Trump Helped Putin Commit Two War Crimes

 

The Kennedy Center Is Gone, Just Like Trump Wanted: Wolff

 

Trump’s Racist Post Deserves Outrage - Christianity Today

 

In Minneapolis, ICE-Hating Anarchists Are An Occupying Force

 

The Epstein scandal is taking down Europe’s political class. In the US, they’re getting a pass. - POLITICO

 

2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Open Door For Gospel Outreach In Northern Italy

 

Can apes play pretend? Scientists use an imaginary tea party to find out | PBS News (for information purposes)

 

ERLC rebukes Trump post dehumanizing Obamas | Politics


February 9

 

State Department will delete all pre-Trump X posts : NPR (for information purposes)

 

Trump, 79, Targets U.S. Olympic Athlete, 27, in New Feud (for information purposes)

 

Trump Reacts to Winter Olympics Skier’s 'Mixed Emotions' Representing US - Newsweek (for information purposes)

 

Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison | World

 

Our tragic crisis of dignity | WORLD

 

Why Abortion Rates Are Up | Compact

 

Trump takes credit for a prisoner release that happened before he even ran for president | CNN Politics

 

China critic Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in jail after landmark Hong Kong trial - Yahoo News UK

 

'Blessed Are Those Who End Pregnancies' Pastor Redefines Jesus

 

Epstein Files Reveal Prosecutors’ Announcement Dated Before His Death

 

‘We all on Kalshi now’: Giannis Antetokounmpo and the quiet collapse of sporting trust | Milwaukee Bucks | The Guardian

 

Christianity's decline: A shift, not a revival

 

Trump Demands the Worst of Us - by Pedro L. Gonzalez (commentary for information purposes)

 

Is This the Politics We Want? - Michael Wear - The Dispatch


February 10

 

Family estrangement rising as 'Doormat Mom' Laura Wellington shares story | Fox News

 

Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years: Hong Kong Repression Tests U.S. Resolve | National Review

 

China Sentencing of Jimmy Lai an Insult to International Law | National Review

 

Raising Church-Loving Children - byFaith

 

Trump claims he secured 2014 release of persecuted Mariam Ibrahim | Politics


February 11

 

Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission Sued For Being Too Christian | The Daily Caller

 

“Safe and Loved” means Mom and Dad.

 

Not the time or place | WORLD

 

Al Mohler condemns Andy Beshear for affirming LGBT with Bible | Politics

 

VP Vance hails Armenia as bedrock of Christian civilization | World

 

Gospel Singer Sandi Patty Comments On Trump's Racist Post

 

Episcopal Pastor Is ‘Sad’ Her Daughters Might Not Have Access to Abortions One Day

 

Requiem for Communist Cuba’s Apologists | National Review


February 12

 

IRS improperly shared immigrant data with DHS enforcement officials - The Washington Post

 

If Ukrainians Were Dolphins - by Jay Nordlinger

 

Garry Kasparov on X: "Are even the largest American banks now rushing to bend the knee to Trump? After years of @Renew_Democracy sending donated money via our @Chase account to fund humanitarian causes in Ukraine, this week became a nightmare, especially for those most in need. Full report follows." / X

 

Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter convicted of child sex abuse : NPR

 

IOC boots Ukraine's Vladyslav Heraskevych from Olympics for wearing helmet honoring war victims - Yahoo Sports

 

Noam Chomsky, Apologist for Pol Pot, Called Jeffrey Epstein His ‘Best Friend’ | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics

 

Pirro Taps Dance Photographer-Lawyer in Lawmaker Video Case (1)

 

Canada School Shooter Is Latest In Epidemic Of Trans Violence

 

Expression of Grief Over the Tumbler Ridge Tragedy | Trinity Western University

 

Don’t turn the military’s newspaper into a message platform | The Free Speech Center


February 13

 

Finding the Way Back From War - Mindy Belz - The Dispatch

 

Bondi's charade - by Julie k Brown

 

How You Can Help Ukraine Now

 

Conservative leaders sour on codifying Donald Trump's drug pricing policy

 

The Presidency as Protection Racket | Cato Institute

 

Trump 'Will Not Accept Any Result That Is Not A Victory,' 'Atlantic' Writer Says : NPR (October 1, 2020 National Public Radio “Fresh Air” broadcast)

 

'Election Meltdown Is A Real Possibility' In 2020 Race, Warns Richard Hasen : NPR (January 29, 2020 National Public Radio “Fresh Air” broadcast)

 

“If We Don’t Have Free Speech, Then We Just Don’t Have a Free Country” | The New Yorker

 

Pam Bondi’s Contempt for Congress | The New Yorker

 

RFK Jr. reveals he used to 'snort cocaine off of toilet seats'

 

Fox News: Let's Pretend Nothing Happened With Our Racist Glorious Leader (for information purposes – “Decoding Fox News” is a web site that regularly compares Fox News with Public Broadcasting System)

 

Three Cheers for Attorney General Pam Bondi | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics

 

MyPillow fndr Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book (I read and reviewed Mike Lindell’s “What Are the Odds” book, giving it two stars.  I commented among other things, “[Lindell] had a number of run ins with the law, and was behind bars a couple of times. At one point he relates the story that he instigated the singing of ‘It’s a Small World After All’ in one of the jails he was in. The inmates at the whole facility joined in and it became ‘almost deafening,’ according to Lindell. The jailhouse psychiatrist told him, ‘We had a report you were leading the prisoners in a Walt Disney song.’”)

 

Harvest Christian Fellowship seeks to dismiss sex abuse lawsuits | Church & Ministries

 

Media Call Canadian Trans Shooter By His Preferred Pronouns

 

Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff Hits Back at Claim Evidence Withheld From FBI - Newsweek

 

Black History Is America’s History (from Jim Wallis)

 

What to know about how the SAVE America Act could change voting | PBS News


February 14

 

The Norwegian Nobel Committee Calls on Iran to End Cruel Abuse and Free Narges Mohammadi Immediately - Nobel Peace Prize

 

Has RFK Jr. kept the promises he made in order to get his job at HHS? : NPR

 

Jimmy Lai’s fate is a warning for Taiwan

 

The unintended hilarity of Pam Bondi's finger-wagging testimony - Los Angeles Times

 

Justin Giboney Wants Us to Stop Co-opting the Civil Rights Movement | Sojourners

 

The coming gambling tsunami

 

More than a Hallmark holiday | WORLD


February 15

 

Meet Luther Seminary‘s “queer theologian“ (as the seminary sells off its buildings) - EXPOSING THE ELCA

 

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned by deadly 'dart frog' toxin, Europeans say (NBC News)

 

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny poisoned by highly lethal dart frog toxin, widow says

 

Kremlin calls accusations of Navalny accusation 'unfounded' and 'vulgar' | Fox News (February 2024 Fox News report about Navalny)

 

Alexei Navalny murdered by Russia with deadly frog poison: European countries | Fox News

 

UK wants action taken on Russia after Navalny frog poisoning, Cooper says (Russia still says Navalny not poisoned)

 

France: Navalny poisoning shows Putin ready to use nerve agents on own people | Reuters

 

Bipartisan bill would rename street near Russian envoy’s residence after Navalny

 

No, Donald Trump is not America’s Navalny - The Washington Post

 

Donald Trump has not condemned death of Alexei Navalny - The Washington Post

 

Trump is clowning his evangelical base

 

Opinion: Zelensky Should Kick the US Out of Peace Negotiations

 

Barack Obama Breaks Silence On Apes Video Shared By Trump Account - Newsweek

 

Calling evil good | WORLD

 

Broken bones, burning eyes: How Trump's DHS deploys 'less lethal' weapons on protesters

 

Exiled teacher reveals Vladimir Putin's indoctrination of Russian school kids in startling documentary

 

In Great Britain, Beating Cops With Sledgehammers Now Counts As ‘Peaceful Protest’ - The American Conservative

 

Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s Feminist Meltdown | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics

 

Church of England Synod votes against blessing same-sex marriage | Church & Ministries


February 17

 

Opinion | Alexei Navalny’s ideas of freedom will outlive Putin’s ideas of tyranny - The Washington Post

 

Board of Peace, Global Grift? - by Casey Michel

 

Ex-White House Lawyer Skewers 3 Top Trump Officials: 'Those People Should Be Impeached' | HuffPost Latest News

 

Pastoral Meanderings: A book about my family. . .

 

Jimmy Lai’s fate is a warning for Taiwan

 

On This Presidents Day, Stop Worshiping the Imperial Presidency

 

Cities Church Isn’t Alone in Experiencing Hostility - Christianity Today

 

I'm a pastor and a journalist. Don Lemon was doing his job | Opinion


February 18

 

Trump remembers Jesse Jackson as 'good man,' 'force of nature' | Fox News

 

Chuck Schumer pushes Pride flag legislation after flag removed from Stonewall | Fox News

 

Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84 | U.S.

 

Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting Suspect Identified as Trans, Feuded with Family over Gender | National Review

 

Trump is not 'exonerated' - by Julie k Brown

 

Trump Picks His Ex-Receptionist, 26, for Top Ballroom Job

 

Is marriage eternal?

 

Lawyers begin tracker to monitor abnormal DOJ criminal charges : NPR

 

Jesse Jackson as Religious Left Icon - Juicy Ecumenism

 

Glitter Ash Sacrilege: Progressive Church Mocks Ash Wednesday With LGBTQ Ritual

 

Lesbian Lutheran bishop tells Chuck Schumer he must defund ICE - EXPOSING THE ELCA

 

Jesse Jackson and White Evangelicals - by Daniel Silliman

 

Trump's DOJ keeps failing. It proves the system is working | Opinion


February 19

 

Talarico says abortion, gay marriage 'aren't mentioned in Bible' | Politics (false teaching by Texas Senate candidate)

 

Credit cards cancelled, Google accounts closed: ICC judges on life under Trump sanctions | International criminal court | The Guardian

 

Ben Sasse driven to tears expressing hope of Gospel amid cancer | Podcast

 

Watching ICE isn't a crime, but officers tell people it is anyway : NPR

 

The warning evangelicals preached and then forgot (for information purposes)

 

Munich, Rubio, AOC: What A Real Leader Would Say

 

Trump’s bid to name Penn Station after himself looks like a presidential shakedown | Mohamad Bazzi | The Guardian

 

Jesse Jackson, Complicated Man - The American Conservative

 

Judge Finds DOJ Lawyer in Contempt in Major Escalation

 

Learning From Jesse Jackson | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics


February 20

 

Donald Trump, Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell in new un-seen pictures after President claims he ‘doesn’t know’ Duke | (for information purposes)

 

Yoon Suk Yeol: South Korea's ex-president jailed for life over martial law attempt

 

Prince Andrew's Arrest - by Julie k Brown

 

Why Prince Andrew’s Epstein Arrest Is King Charles’ Watergate

 

Lost-Not-Stolen-The-Conservative-Case-that-Trump-Lost-and-Biden-Won-the-2020-Presidential-Election-July-2022.pdf (referenced by columnist George F. Will)

 

Former South Korean President Yoon sentenced to life in prison for declaring martial law

 

Former Prince Andrew Reportedly In Police Custody In Connection With The Epstein Files | The Daily Caller

 

Anna Politkovskaya: Russian convicted of journalist murder gets pardon

 

Mike Huckabee: Betraying Christ(ianity) and the U.S. (for information purposes)

 

Look how much Canadians hate the United States now - POLITICO

 

How Epstein and Maxwell used an elite Midwest arts school to prey on girls : NPR

 

Former senator Ben Sasse strives to redeem whatever time he has left | Baptist Press

 

Justice Department Aide Scolds Prosecutors for Forgetting Trump Is Their ‘Chief Client’

 

Opinion | Why Trump and supporters still insist the 2020 election was stolen - The Washington Post

 

Exclusive: DHS admits ‘worst of the worst’ immigrants website had errors | CNN Politics

 

U.S. considers building pricey alternative to World Health Organization - The Washington Post

 

Philadelphia slavery exhibit restored amid court fight | 90.5 WESA

 

Terry Moran 🇺🇸 on X: "https://t.co/BCdaQSCtit" / X (commenting on Trump’s recently display of a picture of himself on the U.S. Department of Justice Building, former ABC TV newsman Terry Moran (a 1982 Lawrence University alumnus) likens Donald Trump to Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi leader who was executed by hanging in 2006)

 

How one country stopped a Trump-style authoritarian in his tracks | Vox (analysis of Brazil)

 

Hegseth rails against ‘Godless left’ in political speech to Christian convention | CNN Politics

 

Trump’s Eighteen Trillion Dollar Hoax | Cato at Liberty Blog

 

Trump labor secretary’s husband barred from department over sexual assault allegations, reports say | Trump administration | The Guardian

 

Preaching to the Grave Yard, Singing to the Choir

 

Ben Sasse and a Dying Breed of Politician - Christianity Today

 

Ash Wednesday protests and Masses make solidarity with immigrants a Lenten theme

 

David E. Anderson, former RNS editor and longtime journalist, dies at 84


February 21

 

Committing to Pray and Seeking the Peace of God – North American Baptists, Inc.

 

Trump's Board of Peace members pledge billions to rebuild Gaza | Politics

 

Christian org questions UAE's inclusion in Trump's Board of Peace | Politics

 

Judges decry treatment of nursing and pregnant detainees in ICE custody - POLITICO

 

Tucker Carlson alleges mistreatment, detention in Israel | World

 

What James Talarico gets wrong — and right — about Christianity

 

Decoding Fox News on X: "Greg Gutfeld thinks that Trump hasn't profited from the presidency. He's suing the government for $230 million for the FBI Mar-a-Lago search. He's suing the IRS for $10 billion. The Pentagon is spending $900 million to upgrade the "free" plane he got from Qatar. https://t.co/Pf22V330o3" / X (Is Gutfeld right about Trump not profiting from presidency?)

 

Marijuana: The time for national reckoning has come

 

Elon Musk And Jesus: The Dangerous Gap Between Agreement And Surrender

 

Trinity Western University Welcomes Trinity Evangelical Divinity School | Trinity Western University

 

Turning Point USA Chapter Not Welcome At Elite WI Private School

 

How Trump/USA Is Helping Putin Kill Ukrainians

 

Hegseth frames Trump policies as ‘biblical’ in address to Christian broadcasters

 

Trump throws a temper tantrum after tariff loss at the Supreme Court : NPR

 

February 22

 

Trump banner at Justice Department evokes authoritarian icons - The Washington Post

 

ICE Shackled Tourist Grandma, 65, and Held Her for Weeks

 

‘Don’t go to the US – not with Trump in charge’: the UK tourist with a valid visa detained by ICE for six weeks | ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) | The Guardian

 

Worship leader, 'American Idol' alum charged with wife’s murder | U.S.

 

The Complicated Legacy of Jesse Jackson - Christianity Today

 

Trump's pressure-free diplomacy prolongs Russia-Ukraine war


February 23

 

‘I’ve Changed My Life’: Corey DeAngelis Breaks Silence After Cancellation Attempt – Faithwire (he’s now a staffer at the Washington, D.C.-based Heritage Foundation as reported by numerous outlets)

 

Grants and contracts cut by Elon Musk and DOGE one year later

 

Trump Demand That Netflix Fire Rice Is a Warning to Corporate America - Business Insider

 

Jesse Jackson Was Populist, for Good and Ill - The American Conservative

 

Courts have ruled 4,400 times that ICE jailed people illegally. It hasn’t stopped. | Reuters

 

Pastoral Meanderings: Flirtting with Jesus. . .

 

Portland protesters say Trump’s immigration crackdown is a repeat of one of America’s darkest chapters - oregonlive.com

 

‘It’s way beyond Ukraine’: Seattle rally precedes Russia invasion anniversary | The Seattle Times


February 24

 

Opinion | War with Iran could be imminent. Trump won’t say why. - The Washington Post

 

Resilient Zelensky tells BBC Putin has started WW3 and must be stopped

 

No, Mr. President, the Supreme Court Was Not 'Swayed by Foreign Interests' | National Review

 

Vatican Pushes For Christian Unity Across Denominations (this article is shared for information purposes ONLY, which, when I use this term, means that I don’t agree with the spin and thrust.  The article says that the Vatican is talking up the Augsburg Confession, which makes no sense, given that the historic Lutheran statement of faith (based on Romans 4) is opposed to the historic Roman Catholic Council of Trent statement on justification.  We will speak out against this deception and hopefully others will also, especially self-described conservative, confessional Lutherans)

 

Microsoft Copilot Artificial Intelligence search on Augsburg Confession (as with any AI search, research the underlying sources, of course)

 

Humans are justified before God not by their own works, but freely for Christ’s sake through faith, which God counts as righteousness.

Core Teaching

Article IV of the Augsburg Confession teaches that people cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works. Instead, justification is a free gift of God, granted for Christ’s sake. This occurs through faith, when believers trust that they are received into God’s favor and that their sins are forgiven because of Christ’s sacrificial death, which made full satisfaction for sin (Romans 3 and 4). 

BookOfConcord.org+2

 

Role of Faith

Faith is central in Lutheran understanding: it is the instrument through which God imputes righteousness to the believer. This faith is not a work or merit of the individual but a trust in God’s promise and Christ’s atoning work. Through faith, believers are assured of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. 

BookOfConcord.org+1

 

Christ’s Atonement

The article emphasizes that Christ’s death is the basis of justification. By His death, Christ satisfied the demands of God’s justice, making it possible for humans to be declared righteous. This underscores that salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace, not human effort. 

BookOfConcord.org+1

 

Scriptural Foundation

The teaching of Article IV is grounded in Scripture, particularly Romans 3:21–24 and Galatians 2:16, which affirm that righteousness comes apart from the law and is received through faith in Jesus Christ. The Augsburg Confession quotes these passages to highlight that works cannot earn justification, and that faith alone connects believers to Christ’s redemptive work. 

stpaulsfulda.org

 

Theological Significance

This article was a primary point of contention during the Reformation, distinguishing Lutheran theology from Roman Catholic teaching, which emphasized works and merit in justification. Article IV asserts that justification is by grace through faith alone, forming a cornerstone of Lutheran doctrine and shaping Protestant understanding of salvation. 

concordiamaplewood.org+1

 


In summary, Article IV of the Augsburg Confession affirms that justification is a divine gift, received through faith in Christ, independent of human works, and grounded in Scripture, highlighting the centrality of grace and Christ’s atonement in Lutheran theology.

 

Microsoft Copilot Artificial Intelligence search on the Council of Trent (excerpted) (as with any AI search, research the underlying sources, of course)

 

Key Reforms of the Council of Trent (1545–1563)

The Council of Trent was the [Roman] Catholic Church’s central response to the Protestant Reformation. Its reforms reshaped doctrine, discipline, and church life for centuries. Below are the most important changes, grounded in the sources retrieved.

📜 1. Doctrinal Clarifications

The council reaffirmed core Catholic teachings challenged by Protestant reformers:

Justification

  • Rejected sola fide (“faith alone”) and insisted that faith and good works cooperate in justification.

Purgatory and Indulgences

  • Affirmed the existence of purgatory and the Church’s authority to grant indulgences, while condemning abuses in their sale…

 

The Council of Trent: A Summary of Its Positions - BiblicalWorldview21.org (“Trent impugned the sole sufficiency of Christ to save a person from their sin and made salvation to be a cooperative effort of Christ and the person. In this way, works is added to the work of Christ for a person to be finally saved.”  The Augsburg Confession, based on Romans 3 and 4 and other Bible passages, and the Council of Trent, are NOT compatible)

 

Lutherans and Catholics explore deep ecumenical potential of Augsburg Confession | The Lutheran World Federation (the Augsburg Confession is good on justification – but who really believes it?  The Roman Catholics (who still stand up for purgatory and indulgences, etc. and the Council of Trent)?  The mainline Lutherans who in general fail to point this out?  Other Lutherans and Protestants who fail to point this out too?)

 

Mollie Hemingway | Keynote Speaker | AAE Speakers Bureau ($30,000-$50,000 for in person gig, $20,000-$30,000 for virtual, for Fox News contributor/The Federalist editor in chief and conservative Missouri Synod Lutheran activist)

 

2026 EFCA Theology Conference Resources — EFCA Helps

 

WH Torches CNN, MS NOW for Not Broadcasting Trump's Angel Family Day Ceremony

 

'The Faithful' series centered on biblical women takes on Genesis | Entertainment

 

Trump’s ‘Stop the Steal’ lawyer probing 2020 election fraud has access to sensitive US intel - POLITICO

 

Four Years into the War, Life Goes on for Ukrainians - Christianity Today

 

A Russian Drone Killed My Brother. Is the World Tired of Our Suffering? - Christianity Today

 

A Critical Legal and Moral Review of Ukrainian Atrocities - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

 

Kristi Noem Repeatedly Claimed ICE Deported a Cannibal. It Was “Completely Made Up.”

 

Georgia church that hosted Trump accused of not reporting child molester

 

DOJ removed, withheld Epstein files related to accusations about Trump : NPR

 

Trial Date Set For SBC Pastor Who Created CSAM, Could Face Death Penalty

 

Trump Supporter Learns Hard Way ICE Doesn’t Just Target ‘Worst of the Worst’

 

This N.J. Trump voter’s husband was detained by ICE: ‘I thought they’d focus on criminals.’ - nj.com


February 25

 

Kash Patel defends against backlash to party with Olympic team | Politics

 

Trump is suing the IRS for $10 billion. Here’s what that actually means. - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

 

Kim Jong Un reelected, teen daughter to serve as ‘missile chief’

 

How Rich for Trump to Impugn the Supreme Court as ‘Swayed by Foreign Interests’ | National Review

 

How the culture war hijacked Team USA’s Olympic hockey gold – The Way of Improvement Leads Home (for information purposes)

 

Eileen Gu: Profit Over Principle - by Uriel Epshtein

 

EXCLUSIVE: Erika Kirk To Be Trump’s Special Guest At State Of The Union

 

53 Missing Epstein Pages Raise DOJ Transparency Questions

 

Trump's properties remain an epicenter of his conflicts and corruption in second term - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

 

Vermont stops forcing foster parents to adhere to LGBT ideology | Politics

 

Ben Sasse is dying. Here's how he sees politics now

 

Zelenskyy urges Trump to visit Ukraine in speech marking invasion anniversary | Ukraine | The Guardian

 

Trump would like the government he leads to pay him billions : NPR

 

At 4 years, ‘pure miracle’ Ukraine still standing against Putin’s war | Baptist Press

 

Revival Begins with Suffering, Not Celebrity - Christianity Today

 

Standing up for Sage | WORLD