Today’s news, like every day’s news, fits into two categories.

First, there are stories that are relevant to everyone reading this article. This morning’s announcement that the US and China will suspend most tariffs is an example. After weekend talks in Geneva, the US will drop its tariff on China from 125 percent to 10 percent; China will do the same. The reductions will last for ninety days as the two sides begin further negotiations.

At this writing, stocks are surging around the world on the announcement. Since the economy obviously affects all of us, this news is significant for all of us.

Second, there are stories that are only relevant to a portion of us. Some examples:

• A Soviet spacecraft crashed back to Earth Saturday. Because it plunged into the Indian Ocean and not on your house, you are likely reading this news with only passing interest.
• America’s largest cities are sinking due to groundwater extraction. You probably want to know if your city is on the list before deciding how much you care.
• A supercomputer has predicted the exact year life on our planet will end. Unless you plan to be living on Earth in the year 1,000,002,021, you are presumably not alarmed.

However, there’s a forgotten third category in the news, one that you and I overlook to our peril and that of our nation.

Those who “call evil good and good evil”

I was reading Isaiah 5 over the weekend and found some statements that seemed as relevant to our culture as if they were written yesterday.

For example, the Lord pronounced “woe” on greedy people “who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room” (v. 8) and on those “who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink” (v. 11) but “do not regard the deeds of the Lᴏʀᴅ” (v. 12).

A few verses later, this warning especially caught my eye: God pronounces “woe” on those “who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (v. 20) and on those “who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!” (v. 21).

In response, the Lord will remove his “hedge” of protection from Judah and “it shall be devoured” and “trampled down” (v. 5). His prophetic warning came to pass when the Babylonians destroyed the Jewish temple, pillaged the country, and took many of its people into captivity (vv. 13, 26–30).

God is “not wishing that any should perish”

When the sins of the nation brought divine judgment, every inhabitant was affected, not just those who committed these sins. This is because the consequences of sin always affect the innocent, which is one reason Satan tempts us as he does.

I do not know when God will bring judgment on America for our sins. But I do know that because his nature does not change (Malachi 3:6), he must judge sins today as he has judged sins in the past. For example, Peter reminded us that God turned “the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes” and “condemned them to extinction” so as to make them “an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:6).

I also know that our present prosperity, like that of Judah in Isaiah’s day, is no guarantee of God’s future blessing. As he warned Judah, “Surely many houses shall be desolate, large and beautiful houses, without inhabitant” (Isaiah 5:9). On that day, “the nobility of Jerusalem and her multitude will go down . . . and the eyes of the haughty are brought low” (vv. 14–15) while “nomads shall eat among the ruins of the rich” (v. 17).

And I know that God delays his judgment only because he is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). However, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief . . . and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed” (v. 10).

Three biblical responses

How should we respond biblically?

First, resolve to be part of the solution rather than the problem:

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires (Romans 13:12–14).

How much “provision for the flesh” will you make today?

Second, speak biblical truth to the immorality of our day:

Is not my word like a fire, declares the Lᴏʀᴅ, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29).

You and I cannot convict a single sinner of a single sin or save a single soul. But when we declare God’s word, his Spirit uses his truth to change hearts and transform nations. From Jonah in Nineveh to spiritual awakenings stirring in surprising ways today, his word always accomplishes his purpose (Jonah 3; Isaiah 55:10–11).

How will you use your influence to share biblical truth on the crucial issues of our day?

Third, point people beyond ourselves to our Savior.

Like modern-day John the Baptists, our motto should be simple: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). In Leo XIV’s first sermon after becoming pope, he closed his homily by describing his new role as leader of a congregation of over 1.4 billion people:

It is to move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified, to spend oneself to the utmost so that all may have the opportunity to know and love him.

For what purpose will you “spend” yourself “to the utmost” today?

“God’s grace is not infinite”

I know that today’s article is not easy to read. It was not easy to write.

However, I am convicted that too many of us are too unconcerned about the sins of our culture, “at ease in Zion” in the belief that if we don’t commit such sins, we are safe from their consequences (Amos 6:1). I hope today’s article has convinced you that this is not true, that we need to pray and work for moral transformation and spiritual awakening with passionate urgency before it is too late for our nation and God’s judgment affects us all.

The noted theologian R. C. Sproul observed:

“God’s grace is not infinite. God is infinite, and God is gracious. We experience the grace of an infinite God, but grace is not infinite. God sets limits to his patience and forbearance. He warns us over and over again that someday the ax will fall and his judgment will be poured out.”

How will you respond to this warning today?

Quote for the day:

“When the day of recompense comes, our only regret will be that we have done so little for him, not that we have done too much.” —George Müller

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When President Trump officially announced the tariffs his administration would place on countries around the world just over a month ago, he warned that there would be a painful adjustment period. But he also claimed that it would be worth it in the end. And while it is still far too early to know if he was correct, the trade deal he announced with the United Kingdom yesterday morning could offer a glimpse into what’s to come.

As of yesterday, leaders from both nations continued to emphasize that the details of their agreement were still being finalized, but the broad strokes appear to be set:

• The 10 percent tariff that the Trump administration imposed on most nations will remain in place for England as well. However, Britain will be able to send 100,000 cars annually into the United States without further cost—reduced from the 25 percent that was previously placed on British vehicles. America is the largest market for English cars.
• The UK will join the US in imposing 25 percent tariffs on all foreign steel and aluminum, though those materials will be traded freely between the two countries. Considering that Britain sent roughly $492 million worth of steel to the US last year, the lack of tariffs here is a significant development. In addition, pharmaceuticals are similarly exempt from any tariffs.
• In return, American beef, ethanol, and other agricultural products will be newly available in England and will be allowed to enter the country through a streamlined process. Together, they are expected to account for roughly $5 billion worth of exports.
• The US already runs a trade surplus with the UK, which made negotiations simpler. That said, Trump also noted in his press conference announcing the deal that “The UK was largely closed, very much closed to trade, and now it’s opened,” which could have further implications for American exports to the country down the line.

While the trade has given some reason for optimism that future deals will be similarly successful, there is reason to doubt that the agreement with England will prove to be a model for other nations.

Of the governments with which the US is negotiating, Britain was among the most motivated. In fact, the deal was the culmination of nearly a decade of work by the nation’s leaders to reach a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke of a future trade deal with America as one of the motivations for Brexit back in 2016 but, until yesterday, it had yet to happen.

As Trump’s administration continues its talks with other countries, it’s unclear to what degree these negotiations will mirror what happens going forward. And while some economists expect trade deals with Japan and India to come next, the situation with China will continue to loom largest until some resolution is achieved. Fortunately, it appears steps are being taken to do just that.

Is China next?

China recently announced that it would meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Switzerland this weekend. The talks will be the first steps toward a more substantive negotiation since mutually escalating tariffs essentially shut down all trade between the world’s two largest economies.

Both sides have attempted to convey a position of strength heading into the talks, but the truth is that each is suffering from the current economic environment. Chinese factories, for example, experienced their steepest slowdown in over a year, while the American economy has been marred by unpredictability and fear.

Again, none of this should come as a surprise. Charging more to bring a product into a country than you can charge to sell it—the reality in both the US and China—is not exactly a great way to make a profit.

However, there is reason for hope. While this week’s negotiations are unlikely to lead to a deal, President Trump did sound open to a significant de-escalation if the talks go well. Some expect the rates to drop to as low as 50 percent while discussions continue, though it’s unclear if the administration would really be willing to reduce them by that much.

The mere hope that the deal with England and the talks with China could result in a more stable and profitable economy was enough to send markets soaring in the US, though.

And that reaction, based on little more than educated guesses and hope about the future, offers an important reminder for each of us today.

The only one not guessing

One of the primary reasons markets have fluctuated so much in recent weeks is that the Trump administration’s tariff policies, as well as the response from other nations, have removed much of the predictability people used to believe was built into the marketplace. Such volatility is why it’s important not to take promises of better days or imminent doom too seriously.

That doesn’t mean you should stick your head in the sand or act as though what goes on in the rest of the world won’t impact you. But remember that even the experts are guessing on this stuff. They’re hopefully making educated guesses, but they’re still just guesses.

And that’s the case for far more than the economy.

One reason Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow is that we can’t know what tomorrow will bring (Matthew 6:34). It’s alright to plan, and we should exercise wise stewardship over the gifts he’s given us. But, at the end of the day, God is the only one who knows the future. He’s the only one who is not guessing.

As such, the most logical response we can have to the volatility and unpredictability of our current circumstances is to trust God and follow his lead.

Doing so doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle or that there will never be situations where we’re taken by surprise. But if we’ve placed our faith in Christ and truly handed our lives over to him, then even when the unexpected and painful happen, it doesn’t have to rob us of the peace and joy found in our relationship with him (Galatians 5:22).

And one of the best ways to help people see the power of Christ is to exude his peace and joy at a time when he is the only logical explanation for them.

So the next time you see the markets stumble, come across some other troubling story in the news, or encounter a hardship that reminds you of just how little control we really have in this world, take your fears and anxieties to God. Then embrace the peace and joy that only he can give.

Let’s start right now.

Quote of the day:

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” —Corrie Ten Boom

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Denison Forum

At 11:08 a.m., Dallas time, white smoke emerged from above the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the world that a new pope has been elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church. A long list of candidates had been in speculation for days. Betting platforms had an Italian cardinal in the lead, with a Filipino candidate second. None had an American high on their list, as no American has ever been selected as pope.

Until today.

Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267^th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. It was stirring to watch his introduction to the massive crowds in St. Peter’s Square and to hear the Chicago native speak in perfect Italian and Spanish.

Prevost was previously a missionary in Peru, working as a teacher and parish priest. In 2023, Pope Francis brought him to the Vatican to head the powerful office that vets bishop nominations from around the world. As a result, he was highly prominent going into the conclave. But as an American, he was thought to be a long shot for the papacy at best.

What kind of pope will he be?

Pope Leo was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. He is also a citizen of Peru, where he served as a missionary and then an archbishop.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, then took his solemn vows and studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago in 1982. He earned degrees in divinity and canon law, including a doctorate from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Pope Leo told the Vatican News in October 2024, “A bishop is called to serve. His authority is service.” He added that a bishop “is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but rather called authentically to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them, to suffer with them, and to look for ways that he can better live the gospel message in the midst of his people.”

He is seen as a centrist overall. Like Pope Francis, he has long embraced marginalized groups. However, he also opposes ordaining women as deacons and is considered to be conservative regarding church doctrine.

What could his name signify?

When a cardinal is elected pope, he takes a papal name. In this case, the new pope chose Leo XIV.

The first pope by this name, known today as Pope St. Leo I (the Great), reigned from AD 440–61. His chief aim was to sustain the unity of the church in the face of heresies threatening her future.

Another notable pope to adopt the name was Leo X (1475–1521), the Medici pope who led the church when Martin Luther began his reform efforts and declared Luther a heretic before dying that same year. He also financed the building of St. Peter’s Basilica through the selling of indulgences, which prompted Luther to post his 95 Theses and sparked what became the Protestant Reformation.

However, the new pope’s choice of name seems to be a clear nod to Pope Leo XIII, who was known for his traditional doctrine combined with intellectualism. He was pope from 1878 to 1903, helping the church engage with the culture with less defensiveness but without compromising biblical authority and compassion.

What is his message to the world?

Watching the new pope speak, I was moved by the thought that no other person in human history has been able to engage as much of the world as the new pope did today.

His leadership encompasses 1.4 billion Catholics, a larger number than ever before, and a population that rivals China and India as the largest “nations” on earth. But unlike them, his congregants live in nearly every country on the planet, and his political and cultural significance circles the globe in ways that far transcend even the church he now leads.

If you include the technological platforms of our day by which his election was broadcast, it seems likely that Pope Leo XIV is more visible as a leader than any leader has ever been.

But to what end?

In his first remarks to the world, the pope declared:

God loves us. God loves you all. And evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God.

Therefore, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us go forward.

We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love.

Help us too, then, each other, to build bridges—with dialogue, with encounter—uniting all of us to be one people, always in peace.

Then he called the church to be united, “always seeking peace, justice, always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the gospel, to be missionaries.”

How people will know we are Jesus’ disciples

An American who served as a missionary in Peru and then as a leader in the Vatican before ascending to its highest post calling for unity in proclaiming the gospel is a metaphor and invitation to us all.

The night before he died for humanity, Jesus prayed to his Father that his followers across all time would “be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:22–23). Earlier that night, he taught his disciples, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Partisan divisions plague the politics of much of the West today. Geopolitical conflicts extend around the world, from India and Pakistan to Iran and the Middle East, China and Taiwan, and Russia and Ukraine. In a time when people yearn for unity and community, fighting between Christian denominations and in Christian churches pushes them further from the Savior they need so desperately.

Pope Leo XIV’s first message is therefore timely and urgent. These are days for God’s people to unite as missionaries to our culture as we proclaim the gospel in peace.

Whatever our differences with Catholics and other Christians, let us unite in praying for the new pope, asking God to give him wisdom, courage, and direction. And let us find our own way to be “always seeking peace, justice, always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ.”

Jesus modeled the servant love he called us to emulate by washing the feet of his disciples (John 13:1–17). When we stand before him one day, he will not ask any of us—including the new pope—about our title. But he will want to examine our towel.

How dirty will yours be?

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