Deeper Bible & Theology

Greater Works Than These – Part 2

Steve SannLeave a comment

Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”. This is the Part 2 in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.

Greater Works Than These – Part 1

John 14:12: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Can’t you just hear the squawking when you begin broadcasting you can do greater works? “What—you think you can do greater works than Jesus Christ?!” Yet, that is exactly what the Word of God declares.

So, every Christian in modern times must ask himself this question: “What are these greater works that God would have me to perform?” The evidence is found in Mark 16. Here, Jesus Christ foretold specifically of tongues: it was to be a sign of the future believers. It would be a sign simply because it would be a uniquely new work—one not yet available until after Christ’s ascension:

Mark 16:12: And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name…they will speak with new tongues. So, what then qualifies tongues as truly a greater work? Because when we speak, we bring to pass multiple accomplishments simultaneously. By means of tongues, God was able to incorporate into one work nearly all of the greatest works a man can do for God—and perform them perfectly, and simultaneously! For example:

  • praying perfectly,
  • making intercession for others,
  • receiving the mysteries of God,
  • praising and worshipping Him,
  • bonding with Him,
  • acquiring confirmation that you are a son of God…

…and this summarizes only some of the benefits. These are the greatest works believers perform before God. A single work of this magnitude was previously unachievable.

If Jesus Christ called it a “greater work”, wouldn’t that infer that he wished speaking in tongues were available in his day? And why wouldn’t he? Yet, it could not become available until he himself made the ultimate sacrifice.

Take a moment to recall some of what we would think are the super-cinematic “20th Century Fox” greatest works of Jesus Christ: raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, commanding devils out. Water into wine. Walking on water. Yet, above all these, Jesus Christ prized speaking in tongues as a “greater work.” Either we have not yet risen up to realize the raw power of tongues, or just perhaps our value scale of “greatness” is skewed.

But this we know to be certain—looking ahead to the coming of speaking in tongues, Jesus Christ foresaw its impact to be of such enormity that it was to be a “game changer” for the Church. Does it not seem astonishing to you how that which Jesus Christ so highly esteemed, his ministers today have made least significant?

But now, God has preserved this for our time, your tool to rely on throughout life’s travels. Analogous to the revolutionary cellular and internet technologies of recent decades, tongues is a convenience and a time-saver, which as you familiarize yourself with it, becomes easier and more dependable. It is truly a spiritual technological advancement. And like all newer and greater technologies, its purpose is to carry out a greater work.

Is Trump ‘Going To Heaven’?

Rick TryonLeave a comment

President Trump made some interesting remarks recently on his way to the Middle East for events celebrating the historic peace deal he engineered.

He told reporters on Air Force One, “I don’t think there’s anything going to get me in heaven… I think I’m not, maybe, heaven-bound.” He made the remarks while traveling to Israel, reflecting on his peace efforts and faith. Trump added, “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to make heaven, but I’ve made life a lot better for a lot of people.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/13/trump-heaven-christian-faith

There are two big misconceptions that President Trump illustrates here in his remarks.

First, there’s absolutely nothing Trump or anyone else can do through their own works to obtain eternal life. Salvation is by grace alone through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and is available to anyone and everyone who believes it and accepts it. I’m aware that Calvinists think that the act believing and accepting is the same as ‘works’ – but they are wrong.

Second, the Bible doesn’t teach that we ‘go to heaven’. It clearly and repeatedly teaches that heaven comes to a redeemed creation on earth and that our physical bodies are resurrected to everlasting life with God.

I hope to see Mr. Trump rejoicing with the saints on that day.

Greater Works Than These – Part 1

Steve SannLeave a comment

Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”. This is the first part in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.

The Prayer of the Prophets

“Greater works than these he will do…”

Now, here is a challenging subject to ponder: Today we have tongues as a tool to pray for unforeseeable matters in advance.

But, how did Jesus Christ and the prophets before him make intercession for future events that were beyond their sense knowledge to know anything about? The answer is apparent: they had to rely on revelation, as speaking in tongues became available only after Christ’s ascension. Until that time, when God requested prayer for matters beyond a believer’s senses perception, He had to reveal it with word of knowledge and word of wisdom.

Once details were made known to the believer, prayers could be offered via the understanding. So, before Pentecost, prayer for the unknown was limited by the recipients’ ability to first believe to receive the revelation.

Not so today. Praying by the spirit makes prayer as easy as prayer can be, and yet still be called “prayer!” Now we can pray with the same accuracy and precision that Christ and the prophets were able to achieve by revelation, yet accomplish it “passively” in tongues. This is because the “Christ in you” is actively originating the prayer, and is aware of all needs. As accurate as Christ’s revelation is, so is your prayer in tongues. Likewise, unless your revelation receptivity rivals that of the prophets, speaking in tongues might be the choice for you! Let the spirit obtain the guidance—we need only to speak in tongues with faith for perfect intercession to be successfully made!

Why couldn’t Jesus Christ nor the greatest of Old Testament prophets ever speak in tongues? Because it was simply not available. Only after Jesus Christ was seated at God’s right hand—and we with him—did speaking in tongues become available to the church. Foreseeing this, Jesus Christ declared specifically that we today would do even greater works than he himself was able to perform—a claim that would be censured as blasphemous today, if Christ had not said it himself!

What Is The ‘Seven Mountain Mandate’?

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I’ve been hearing a lot about the Seven Mountain Mandate recently, and since I wasn’t 100% clear about exactly what the 7MM is I asked Mr. ChatGPT, and here’s some of what he/it told me:

The Seven Mountain Mandate is a teaching within some parts of modern charismatic and evangelical Christianity that claims Christians are called to take influence or leadership over seven key areas of society in order to bring about cultural transformation.

The idea was popularized in the 2000s by leaders such as Loren Cunningham (founder of Youth With A Mission, YWAM) and Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, now Cru). They both described having received visions in the 1970s that emphasized Christians should impact seven “mountains” or “spheres” of culture:

  1. Religion – Faith, spirituality, and the church.
  2. Family – Marriage, parenting, and home life.
  3. Education – Schools, universities, and learning systems.
  4. Government – Politics, law, and public policy.
  5. Media – News, journalism, and information outlets.
  6. Arts & Entertainment – Music, film, sports, and culture.
  7. Business (or Economy) – Commerce, finance, and work.

Core Idea

Proponents believe that by gaining influence in these seven areas, Christians can help “bring the kingdom of God to earth,” prepare for revival, and resist moral decline in society. Some see it as a strategy for evangelism and discipleship at a societal level, not just individual.

Okay, count me as a reluctant skeptic about all of that because I’m not convinced it fits well with scripture.

My primary objection to the Seven Mountain Mandate theological system is the belief that “…Christians can help ‘bring the kingdom of God to earth’…”.

Yeshua, our Messiah and his Father, God, won’t require any help when the time comes to usher in the Kingdom and what follows.

Your Life And What Comes After: Introduction

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Today’s post is an introduction to a new series of articles I’ll be writing for Bible Rebel. I’m calling this ongoing effort ‘Your Life And What Comes After‘.

I’ve been thinking about this project for years and am excited that the gestation period is now over and it’s time to birth the baby, knowing that the birthing process itself will take a considerable amount of time. I think I can get it done one weekly piece at a time over a year or so.

Here is a general outline of what I’ll be covering in upcoming articles and the overall content and purpose of this series:

  • God’s Grand Purpose and Plan
  • The believers role in God’s Grand Purpose and Plan
  • Heaven, hell, and the end of the world
  • Who is the King and what is the Kingdom of Heaven
  • Your calling in light of everlasting life

The ‘Your Life And What Comes After‘ series will be a work in progress and a journey of discovery – for the reader as well as for the writer.

I’m looking forward to the journey.

Subscribe To Our Free Monthly Newsletter – What’s Coming In September/October

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Please take a minute to subscribe to the Bible Rebel monthly newsletter – it’s free and will keep you up to date on all our articles, videos, and features.

Our Mission at Bible Rebel

  1. To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
  2. To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
  3. To examine and question the assumptions of religious tradition and provide a resource for information and inspiration for people of faith who have become dissatisfied with an increasingly lifeless and empty ‘churchianity’.
  4. To present the Biblical truths which reveal God’s nature and purposes and proclaim the lifechanging, world-altering, radical message of Yeshua the Messiah – Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.

At Bible Rebel, this is our one and only creed:
Our living God is a loving God and the Bible is His revealed word and will.
Our hope and eternal salvation relies entirely on the work of God’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

So, expect some controversial viewpoints and uncomfortable ideas in some of the coming content from Bible Rebel.

Coming in September and October

Starting a new series called the “Your Life and What Comes After” series.

More in-depth content on deeper biblical studies and theological issues.

You can find all of the current Bible 101 episodes and One-Minute Mini Messages here on our YouTube Channel, and you can subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

We’ll also be continuing our regular features, guest articles, and series:

  • Rethinking The Rapture
  • They Said It
  • Guest articles
  • And more…

Watchdogs

As always, we’ll be keeping a watchdogs eye on all of the latest political, religious, biblical archaeology, and cultural news and events from around the world and bringing to you in bite-size chunks to keep you informed.

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Is Charlie Kirk In Heaven Right Now?

Rick TryonLeave a comment

I understand how comforting it is to believe that our love ones who have passed away are alive and well in heaven right now. But is that what the scriptures teach and tell us?

After the brutal public assassination of Charlie Kirk last week, I saw several of his well-intentioned friends and colleagues on TV reassure their viewers that Charlie wasn’t really dead at all, but that he was watching over us from heaven.

But is that what the Bible teaches us about our assurance of everlasting life – that we don’t really die, but rather just immediately transition from this world to the next at the moment of death.

Recall the account in the Garden of Eden and the words of the serpent in Genesis after God’s warning about eating the forbidden fruit:

Genesis 2:17 (KJV):
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

The meaning here wasn’t just that Adam and Eve would die spiritually on that day, but that there was a judgement of actual death and that their lives would one day end rather than going on indefinitely.

Death was a curse then, and it is now. One of the first lies of the serpent was this:

Genesis 3:4-5 (KJV):
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

Is the truth “Ye shall not surely die…”, or is it that death is a curse and and enemy to be despised?

Is the Christian hope that each believer will gain immediate entrance into ‘heaven’ at the moment of death – or is it that we will all be resurrected from death and decay, or changed if still living at the time, together in God’s determined time, and enjoy eternal life as the family of God in a redeemed creation?

I believe that the scriptures plainly teach the latter, not the former, and that rightly dividing the Word of God on this important truth makes a difference in how we live today.

Stay tuned to Bible Rebel as we dig deeper (no pun intended). 🙂

They Said It: In Support Of Premillennialism

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Here are four famous quotes that express or support Premillennialism (the belief that Christ will return before a literal 1,000-year reign on earth, as described in Revelation 20):

Justin Martyr (100–165 AD) – Early Church Father

“But I and every other completely orthodox Christian feel certain that there will be a resurrection of the flesh, followed by a thousand years in the rebuilt, embellished, and enlarged city of Jerusalem, as was announced by the prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah, and others.”
— Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter 80

Irenaeus of Lyons (130–202 AD) – Early Church Father

“For in as many days as this world was made, in so many thousand years shall it be concluded. And for this reason the Scripture says: ‘Thus the heaven and the earth were finished, and all their adornment. And God brought to a conclusion upon the sixth day the works that He had made; and God rested upon the seventh day from all His works.’ This is a history of the things formerly created, and a prophecy of what is to come. For the day of the Lord is as a thousand years; and in six days created things were completed: it is evident, therefore, that they will come to an end at the six thousandth year.”
— Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 28

George Eldon Ladd (1911–1982) – Evangelical Theologian

“Premillennialism is based on the exegesis of Revelation 20:1–6, which, if interpreted literally, teaches that Christ will come again before the millennium and will reign on earth with His saints for a thousand years.”
— The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views

John F. Walvoord (1910–2002) – Dispensational Premillennialist

“The premillennial interpretation is the only view that does justice to the plain statements of Scripture. When taken in their ordinary meaning, the promises of the Old Testament to Israel and the prophecies of the kingdom of God find their fulfillment only in a future literal reign of Christ on earth.”
— The Millennial Kingdom

Rethinking The Rapture: Historical Origins Of Rapture Theology

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Just a reminder – John Nelson Darby was not an author of scripture, and Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth (1970) and Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind series are not books of scripture.

The doctrine of the Rapture—the belief that Christians will be suddenly “caught up” to meet Christ in the air before a time of tribulation on earth—has a complex history. Its origins are more recent than many assume. Here’s the breakdown:

Biblical Roots (1st Century)

  • The idea comes mainly from 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, where Paul says believers will be “caught up” (harpazō in Greek, later translated in Latin as rapiemur, “we shall be snatched up”).
  • Early Christians saw this as part of the Second Coming of Christ, not as a separate secret event. The expectation was one climactic return of Christ, not two stages.

Early Church & Medieval Period

  • Church Fathers like Irenaeus, Augustine, and Chrysostom interpreted these passages within the framework of a general resurrection and final judgment, not a pre-tribulation rapture.
  • The dominant view for centuries (Catholic, Orthodox, and later Protestant Reformers) was amillennial (symbolic millennium) or postmillennial (Christ returns after a golden age), with no idea of a sudden, secret removal of believers.

Rise of Premillennialism (17th–18th Century)

  • In the wake of wars, plagues, and upheavals, some Protestant groups revisited literal interpretations of Revelation and Daniel.
  • Joseph Mede (1627) was influential in reviving premillennialism in England, but still didn’t propose a two-phase coming.
  • Some fringe sects speculated about believers escaping tribulation, but it wasn’t mainstream.

John Nelson Darby & Dispensationalism (1830s)

  • The modern Rapture doctrine, especially the pre-tribulation Rapture, is most closely tied to John Nelson Darby (1800–1882), leader of the Plymouth Brethren movement in Britain.
  • Darby developed dispensationalism, which divided biblical history into ages (dispensations). He taught that the church would be secretly taken before the Great Tribulation, leaving Israel and the world to face judgment.
  • His views spread widely in Britain and North America.

Popularization in America (Late 19th–20th Century)

  • The Scofield Reference Bible (1909) systematized Darby’s dispensational teaching, embedding the Rapture into evangelical theology in the U.S.
  • Bible conferences, prophecy seminars, and later mass media (books, radio, film) spread the idea.
  • The Cold War era (1940s–80s) fueled Rapture expectations amid fears of nuclear war and global unrest.

Modern Influence

  • Best-selling books like Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth (1970) and Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind series (1995–2007) brought the Rapture into popular culture.
  • Today, it remains central in many evangelical and Pentecostal traditions, though Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Reformed traditions largely reject it as unbiblical or a modern innovation.

In summary:
The concept of believers being “caught up” comes from Paul’s letters, but the specific doctrine of a pre-tribulation Rapture as a distinct, secret coming of Christ originates with John Nelson Darby in the 1830s. It spread through dispensationalism, the Scofield Bible, and American evangelical culture.

Rethinking The Rapture: Introduction

Rethinking The Rapture: Questions

Rethinking The Rapture: More Questions

Rethinking The Rapture: N.T. Wright’s ‘Farewell to the Rapture’

Rethinking The Rapture: What 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Doesn’t Say

Rethinking The Rapture: Millions Of Christians Were Not Delivered From Wrath

Rethinking The Rapture: What Does ‘Delivered From Wrath’ Mean?

Rethinking The Rapture: What Does ‘Delivered From Wrath’ Mean? Part 2

Rethinking The Rapture: In The Twinkling Of An Eye

Rethinking The Rapture: Matthew 24:40-42

Rethinking The Rapture: N.T. Wright’s ‘Farewell to the Rapture’ Redux

Rethinking The Rapture: Send In The Clouds?

Rethinking The Rapture: Another Look At N.T. Wright

Supplication In The Spirit: Part 3

Steve SannLeave a comment

Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”. This is the second part in a new series on prayer called ‘Supplication In The Spirit’ by Steve Sann.

Supplication in the Spirit: Part 1

Supplication In The Spirit: Part 2

Developing Our Supplication Skills

So, we are to use our minds while we speak in tongues to generally direct and enhance our prayer faith. Furthermore, Philippians 4 lays out for us a veritable supplication success formula, detailing the mindset and attitude in which to effectively offer supplication: Philippians 4:6,7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Already in Ephesians 6 we were instructed to offer these supplications in the spirit. But, here we are exhorted specifically regarding our mindset when we pray. First, we select the specific requests that we desire to make known to God. Here we are told we should be offering these petitions for “everything.” Indeed, whatever is triggering within you feelings of anxiety, wouldn’t those matters be encompassed by this term “everything”? God wishes you to bring Him those very petitions, leaving nothing to be anxious about.

Now that is a mindset that would serve all of us well to master. At the very moment an anxiety steals its way into your heart or mind, stop and speak in tongues, lifting that specific supplication to God. Should it return, we repeat as necessary, until our hearts are guarded by peace.

Secondly, we are to pray “with thanksgiving” to God for promising to take care of our requests. Believing with expectation our needs will be fulfilled, we can already at this time offer thanksgiving—as though we had already received His answer in the senses realm.

Thirdly, we are to make our requests “known unto God.” God already knows our requests. Rather, here we declare our petitions as one would before a court of justice. We claim them, as one would his legal rights. Although God knows our every supplication ahead of time, He now requests for us to claim those petitions before Him as rightfully ours.

And then, finally, with this prayer attitude firmly in place, “the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds” from the anxieties and worries that defeat. This peace of God surpasses all understanding, in that it is built upon the foundation of confidence in the principles of the Word, not of the senses reasoning. Hence, although it is supremely logical to trust in God, it surpasses the understanding of the natural man. It subsists by the third fruit of the spirit, “peace,” Galatians 5:22.

So, although speaking in tongues bypasses the understanding, God allows us to lift our specific needs to Him by the spirit when we focus our minds on the subject of our supplication. Speaking in tongues for that specific need gives us confidence that He has heard perfectly all that He needs to act on your behalf.

As we picture the specific needs of ourselves and others being met by God, while praying in the spirit, we are both praying in the spirit and in our understanding simultaneously. And, we are concurrently believing to bring it to pass. No more powerful form of prayer can be made. It follows then that, as a result, the peace of God protects the hearts of those who pray with supplication in the spirit.