March 5, 2026
Let’s jump into the latest news!
Table of Contents
Real News
United States-Iran Conflict
The Iran conflict (now in its sixth day as of March 5, 2026) surges on as U.S.-Israeli airstrikes target Iranian leadership and military sites. The operation began on February 28, 2026, with a massive joint campaign that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an early strike on his compound in Tehran, along with dozens of top officials. This has created a leadership vacuum and succession crisis in Iran, with competing factions vying for control. No clear successor has fully consolidated power yet, though some reports mention interim figures like Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.
After the initial U.S.-Israeli attacks, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile/drone barrages at Israel and widened their attacks against U.S. allies in the region. The IRGC sent strikes on Gulf states like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan. Drones and missiles hit U.S. embassies and consulates in Riyadh, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon. The IRGC also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz and attack large shipping vessels, while also activating their proxy in Lebanon (Hezbollah) to fire rockets.
So far, the U.S. has lost six service members due to Iranian drone and missile attacks that have also left 18+ injured. Broader implications are that oil prices have risen +9%. $1 trillion was wiped out from financial markets this week due to the conflict. The U.S. has also sent out warnings to Americans in the region to “DEPART NOW” while closing their embassies. Overall support for the conflict has been mixed. Countries like the UK, Germany, and France condemned the attacks, while Canada, Australia, and Ukraine endorsed U.S. efforts. Here’s a helpful resource to better understand this situation.
Timeless Truth
While this may seem like a new development, Jeremiah 49 specifically talks about this when it speaks of God removing the leaders from Elam (modern-day Iran) and scattering their powers (Jeremiah 49:35), but that in the latter days He will restore the nation (Jeremiah 49:39).
The Ayatollah and IRGC have terrorized Iran and the surrounding nations for years on end through their constant threats, proxy wars, terrorist funding, and regional destabilization. Furthermore, within their borders they have slaughtered thousands of citizens and persecuted Christians in the underground Church in Iran. Proverbs 6:16-19 states that “the Lord hates… hands that shed innocent blood.” Proverbs 29:2 also states that “when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
For those wondering if you can support the U.S. government’s actions in doing this, yes you can. Romans 13 gives government the explicit authority and duty to punish evil and promote good. Matthew 5:9 says “Blessed are the peacemakers.” For far too long there has been fake peace in the region through ceasefires and treaties that have only delayed the inevitable. This peacemaking action is one that gets to the root issue and bring true peace
This action against Iran is a very good thing. But at the same time, as Christians, death and war should deeply grieve us and bring us to prayer for our nation, our leaders, and the world at large. Death and destruction are an awful part of this fallen world (Revelation 21:4, Romans 5:12, & Romans 8:20-22). However, without this military action, the underground churches in Iran would continue to be persecuted, the people continue to be oppressed, and the region and world at large would continue to be under the threat of terror each day, especially if Iran were to get a nuclear weapon. So, for these reasons, we are thankful that a great evil has been stopped (Proverbs 21:15 & Ezekiel 33:11).
We must pray for the wisdom of our leaders to make wise decisions at a time where things are constantly changing. We must pray for the protection of the civilians and service members caught in the cross-fire of this conflict. We must pray for the persecuted brothers and sisters in Iran and all over the world. We must pray that although there are evil people in the Iranian government they would come to find Jesus and submit their lives to Him.
Here’s a helpful resource to help navigate this situation.
Mass shootings in Austin and Cincinnati
On Sunday, both Austin and Cincinnati were the victims of mass shootings that claimed the lives of 3 people and injured many more.
In Austin, Texas, around 2 a.m., suspect Ndiaga Diagne opened fire outside of Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street, killing three (Savitha Shan, 21, UT Austin student; Ryder Harrington, 19, Texas Tech student; Jorge Pederson, 30) and injuring 14 others. Police fatally shot Diagne at the scene. The FBI is investigating as potential terrorism, citing pro-Iranian indicators (clothing, home items) and a copy of the Quran in his car, amidst the U.S.-Iran conflict.
In Cincinnati, Ohio, at Riverfront Live venue around 1 a.m., two felons - Franeek Cobb, 24, and Derrick Long, 29 - exchanged fire over a grudge, wounding nine. Both face federal firearm charges.
Timeless Truth
Both stories like this exemplify heartbreaking tragedies. In a world broken by sin and evil, these acts of violence remind us that God's truth (John 8:32) and transforming power (Romans 12:2, Psalm 51:10-12, & 2 Corinthians 5:17) are the only things that can bring real healing, justice, and peace.
It’s important to know that the Bible doesn't shy away from pain, it meets you in it. Psalm 34:18 declares: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." But even in the midst of pain and darkness, God promises (Revelation 21:4) that one day there will be "no more death or mourning or crying or pain."
As believers, our response isn't despair in times like this but prayer for the hurting, comfort for the grieving, boldness to share the Gospel, and trust that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). We mourn with those who mourn, but we don't mourn as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
We must pray that authorities would rightfully conduct the law enforcement processes to achieve justice for the victims (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We must pray that our nation would turn away from evil (Isaiah 1:16-17). We must pray that our nation would look to God for healing in this time (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Here’s a helpful resource to navigate this situation.
Blood Moon sparks end-times conversations
The total lunar eclipse (widely called the "Blood Moon") on March 3, 2026, was a stunning astronomical event, the first total lunar eclipse of the year, with totality lasting about 58 minutes and visible across much of North America in the early morning hours.
While the world watches war headlines, many believers see divine signs in today's skies. This blood moon has sparked significant discussion and excitement as a potential prophetic sign. The conversation draws heavily from Bible verses that describe celestial phenomena as markers of major events, particularly the coming day of the Lord and the end times. Scriptures like Joel 2:31 “The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” and Revelation 6:12 “When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood” spark awareness to these occurrences.
The reason so many draw on its significance is that this blood moon coincided with Purim, the Jewish holiday celebrating deliverance from ancient Persia/Iran in the book of Esther, leading some to link it to Israel’s modern deliverance amidst the Iran conflict.
Timeless Truth
Yes, we are living in the last days. But, these signs in the heavens should not cause us 1) to fear or 2) to delay the work that the Lord has given us to do. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” These signs should make us more aware that God is concerned with humanity and that the great and terrible day of the Lord is coming (Malachi 4:5 & Joel 2:31), but they should not make you fearful of what is happening or of what is to come, as we know what the last days will be like (Luke 21:28 & Isaiah 41:10).
We will see many signs which cause us to speculate and hypothesize about the end times; however, Scripture warns us against doing too much speculating and hypothesizing. In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus gives the parable of the 10 virgins. In this parable, 5 of the virgins were wise and prepared for His coming and 5 of the virgins were foolish and not prepared for His coming. The foolish virgins had not kept their eyes on the matter at hand and chose to get off into unnecessary things, which caused them to miss the coming of the Bridegroom.
Jesus tells us the signs of the end times SO that we will be prepared for His coming, not so we would get distracted by over-speculation and conspiracy (Matthew 24-42-44). Signs like this should push us to be bolder in our faith, spread the Gospel further than we have, and make sure the Church - the Bride of Christ - is prepared for His coming.
Christian, we have work to do. Let us lock arms and run this race well. It is obvious our time on Earth is running out. Let us run this race with endurance and faithfulness until we hear “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).
Side note: our conversations about the end times should always push us into greater purity and sanctification, not into sin. Jesus is coming back for a spotless bride (Hebrews 12:14, 1 John 3:2-3, & Revelation 19:7-8).
We must pray that the Church (you and me) would continue to ready herself for her coming Bridegroom. We must pray that as the day of the Lord continues to approach us that we would remain steadfast in the work at hand. We must pray that, although there is much to be fearful of in the world, the Church would stand ready with boldness.
Behind the Feed
This week I’m reading John 6. Although I’ve read it many times, a fresh detail stood out in the feeding of the 5,000.
A huge crowd followed Jesus because of His signs and miracles. Seeing their need, Jesus tested Philip: “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” (John 6:5-6). Philip saw that even 200 denarii worth wouldn’t be enough. Then Andrew pointed out a boy with five loaves and two fish, which Jesus uses to feed the 5,000.
When this story is preached, we often overlook the little boy who so often mirrors us. Facing an impossible need, he didn’t cling to his small basket but gave it all to the Lord. Jesus didn’t ask for more, but used exactly what the boy had, multiplying it to feed everyone with twelve baskets left over.
Yet so often we Christians hesitate to bring our problems to Jesus until we can offer more than enough - time, money, energy, devotion, and more - on our own. Jesus does not require us to solve the problem first, He simply asks for what we have. Only by bringing exactly what we have do we witness His faithfulness and blessing in a fresh way, seeing Him meet the need when no other way exists.
So in short: bring Jesus what you have and what He asks, not what YOU think He needs. He is our portion and our supply (Psalm 16:5 & Lamentations 3:24). He is all that we need and He is more than enough (Philippians 4:19).
Stay up to date
📖 John Bevere’s book “The King is Coming” is a timely word on being prepared for the return of Christ!
🔥 Allie Beth Stuckey’s breakdown on Christian Nationalism and why you shouldn’t be scared of this term
🎥 Poll: Study finds that most Americans back Trumps deportation goals but not his tactics
🧙♂️ Tolkien long-form interview for those that are interested
Final Exhortation
This week was tough. With end times speculations swirling around, new conflict with heavy U.S. involvement in the Middle East, and two mass shootings, it is easy to get washed up in all of the noise. Weeks like this remind me of verses like Jeremiah 17:8, which says “He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” When the world is raging and opinions are swirling, our first instinct should be to ground ourselves in the word of God before taking a step.
Father, I thank you for this week. Although we see your Second coming as approaching, we know that there is still work to be done. I thank you, Father, that you would charge us with your Spirit and grace to continue the good fight of spreading your Gospel and purifying your bride - the Church. Keep us grounded in your love and truth and always let our affections be towards you. Have your way, Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.