In my previous letter I left you with this thought – ‘everything will be alright in the end, and if it’s not alright it’s not the end’ – as a shorthand way of explaining the ‘The Eschatological (end-times) Hope’ argument for why God allows natural evil to happen in our world.
In this letter I want to talk a bit about the ‘Mystery of Divine Providence’ argument.
The ‘Mystery of Divine Providence’ is a fancy way of saying that we aren’t able to understand why God allows bad things to happen to people and that we just have to trust that, even though disease or earthquakes are deadly evils now, a greater good will eventually come of it.
It’s different from end times hope because instead of trusting in an ultimate justice and a ‘setting right’ of all that’s wrong, the mystery of divine providence asks us to look at evil as a necessary step on the road to God’s end-game.
I’m not buying it, though. To say that the ultimate good depends on evil happening doesn’t pass the commonsense test – or a closer study of the Bible.
Evil is never good, and God doesn’t use human suffering to accomplish His ends – with one exception: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ resulting in his crucifixion and death, which he offered of his own free will in order to ‘reset’ God’s purpose back on its originally planned course to everlasting life and glory with Him.
Yes, God’s ways are above our ways – Isaiah 55:8-9“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
But that doesn’t mean that God has to use the death of a child or a catastrophic flood that kills hundreds of people in order to bring about some eventual good thing He has planned. It just means that how and why God works His will is often far beyond our understanding.
Anyway, that’s a lot to think about for one letter I guess.
So, maybe next time we’ll start in on why human evil exists, sound good? Well, not ‘good’, maybe ‘interesting’ would be a better choice of words here.
Analyses of the Durupinar formation near Mount Ararat in Turkey revealed traces of marine deposits and a ship-shaped structure matching biblical dimensions of Noah’s Ark.
From Townhall.com – This past week, the Jerusalem Post reported that “analyses revealed traces of marine deposits and a ship-shaped structure matching biblical dimensions” of Noah’s Ark. The “ship-shaped” mound, called the “Durupinar formation,” was first discovered in 1948 by a Kurdish farmer near Mount Ararat’s summit in Turkey. Modern studies beginning in 2021 have found more convincing evidence. Thus, if this discovery is Noah’s Ark, one can anticipate more “magic show” tales waiting to be revealed through advanced archaeological technology.
Rephaim Valley Location
A study suggests the biblical Valley of Rephaim may lie closer to the ancient Philistine city of Gath, rather than near Jerusalem as traditionally thought.
From Greek Reporter – A new study challenges long-held beliefs about the biblical Valley of Rephaim, offering a fresh perspective on its location and historical meaning. Researcher Sabine Kleiman suggests the valley may lie east of the Elah Valley, closer to the ancient Philistine city of Gath, rather than near Jerusalem as traditionally thought.
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 installment in an ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.
Perhaps surprisingly, it is often the smallest things we do in life that bring about the greatest impact: a complimentary word to a child; the decision to forgive the inexcusable; a helping hand to another in a time of desperation. Although they may be simple and unsophisticated, little things in life can bring about far-reaching effects.
So it is with speaking in tongues. A little effort goes a long way. For instance, how much personal energy do we really expend when we speak by the spirit? Not much, really: we don’t even have to think before we speak! We open our mouths, move our lips, make the sounds, and—lo and behold—God gives us His words. How uncomplicated. And if not painless enough, we can even not move our mouths, and just speak in tongues silently to ourselves! Simple, yet what a profound impact these effortless words of perfect prayer have on our lives and the world around us. To speak in tongues is as easy as God could design it—it is literally the least we can do!
When we first speak in tongues, we speak out in faith, trusting God to give us the words as we speak forth. We just begin speaking, and the words are there. But, if we are to learn to speak in tongues much, discipline is much more the order of the day. Discipline is born from our inner desire, and our desire is fueled by our anticipation of receiving the special benefits God has promised us. Learn and yearn for His benefits, and they will motivate you to discipline your life to obtain the things of God. As always, God’s gain is our gain.
So, what motivates me to speak in tongues in the first place? Most basically, because Jesus said I should, and Paul said I could. Jesus, in his final instructions on earth, commanded that future believers should speak in tongues: “And these signs shall follow them that believe…. they shall speak with new tongues.” (Mk. 16:17 KJV). And later Paul, encouraged all believers, that they both should and could: “I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (I Corinthians 14:5a KJV). So, the morning of the Day of Pentecost, when the gift of holy spirit was first received, what did the apostles do? They spoke in tongues as the Lord had commanded.
And yet, as we look around today, it’s not uncommon to see those seeking tongues becoming discouraged, waiting endlessly in disappointment to “feel” something. Some even have reasoned that God certainly has not granted them this “special gift”.
Even others have been taught it is exclusively for ministering in foreign languages as a missionary. But in reality, that phenomenon occurred only once in all of scripture (Acts 2): there is no promise offered nor reason suggested that it would be often repeated. Quite the opposite: we speak in tongues because the scriptures stipulate it, not because we expect sensations, or are planning some sort of religious pilgrimage!
Every one of us has the ability to speak in tongues at the time of the new birth. Physical sensations and other such phenomena are never guaranteed by the Word, and, frankly, are most uncommon. Why should God have to use five senses incentives (emotions, feelings, and the like) to motivate a mature Christian to do what is clearly commanded in His Word?
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on what’s happening in the world of religion and churchianity.
Evangelical Clergy and Climate Change
A recent survey revealed that nearly 80% of evangelical Protestant pastors reject the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change. This contrasts with clergy from other Christian traditions, such as Catholics and mainline Protestants, who are less skeptical. See more at Religion Unplugged
Protestant Denominations Facing Decline
Historic U.S. Protestant denominations, including the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches, are experiencing declines in membership and funding. This has led to staff cuts and efforts to explore new strategies to adapt to changing social contexts. See more at Baptist News
Combating Anti-Christian Bias
Discussions around anti-Christian bias have emerged, with debates on whether certain actions represent genuine concerns or reactions from specific ideological perspectives. This topic has been highlighted in the context of faith-based initiatives and their evolution over different U.S. administrations. See more at Atlanta Daily World
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”.
Did Israel’s founding in 1948 fulfill Old Testament prophecy, thereby inevitably setting modern Israel on the path to conflict in the Middle East?
As we explore this question, Part I examined five key passages often cited to support this claim—passages fundamental to Christian Zionism. We asked: When these and other prophecies are read in their proper context, do they truly describe 1948, or do they instead point to The Day of the Lord?
In Part II, we examined the Day of the Lord—the most anticipated and most misinterpreted event in Israel’s prophetic history. ‘In that Day,’ God, under the reign of the Messiah, will resurrect the remnant of Israel—those who lived by faith in the Christ-line, just as their father Abraham instructed.
Now, in Part III, we will examine these five disputed passages to determine where they truly belong in the prophetic timeline of world history.
1. Isaiah 66:8-9
“Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment?” (NIV)
Some claim this verse refers to Israel’s declaration of statehood in 1948. However, Isaiah 66 is the final chapter of the book, describing the New Heavens and New Earth—the ultimate restoration of Israel, not a political event.
Verses 15-16 speak of cosmic upheaval and divine judgment, placing this prophecy in the Day of the Lord. The “nation born in a moment” refers to the instantaneous resurrection of Israel at Christ’s return, not the gradual formation of a modern state through political processes.
2. Ezekiel 37:21-22
“Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations…and will gather them to their own land. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king over them all.” (ESV)
This passage is often used to support 1948, but the prophecy explicitly connects Israel’s gathering with a resurrection and the reign of one king—Christ.
Verse 13 makes this clear: “Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened yourgraves…and brought you up from your graves.”
Since this resurrection has not yet occurred, this prophecy remains future and is tied to Christ’s return, not 1948.
3. Isaiah 11:11-12
“In that day the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people… and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel.” (KJV)
The phrase “in that day” is a prophetic marker for the Day of the Lord. The chapter describes a world where “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of God” and Christ reigns in peace.
This has not happened, as 1948 was strictly a political event. This passage speaks of a supernatural gathering under the Messiah.
4. Zechariah 14:2-3
“I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken… Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.” (ESV)
Some link this to Israel’s modern wars, but the context reveals that this battle occurs at Christ’sreturn.
Verse 4 removes all doubt: “On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives.”
Modern Israel’s wars are not this final battle. The Day of the Lord is a supernatural event where Christ Himself fights for Israel. This has not happened yet.
5. Zephaniah 3:19-20
“At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth.” (NIV)
The phrase “at that time” points to The Day of the Lord—when God gathers His faithful remnant.
Verse 12 clarifies: “They will trust in the name of the Lord.”
This gathering is spiritual and global, taking place at the final resurrection. Modern Israel remains politically contested and far from receiving the global “honor and praise” described here. This prophecy awaits its full fulfillment.
1948: Not a Fulfillment
When read in context, these scriptures do not refer to 1948. Instead, they describe the future Day of the Lord, when:
Christ returns.
Israel is resurrected and spiritually restored.
Peace and righteousness fill the earth.
None of this occurred in 1948. While that event may have set the stage for the world-altering events described in the Book of Revelation, it was by no means the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies.
In fact, there is no mention of 1948—or even recent centuries—anywhere in the Bible. Any attempt to link these passages to modern political events is mere speculation.
The Want of War
When examined in their contexts, these popular Christian Zionist scriptures appear to describe—not the founding of Israel in 1948—but rather the end-times Day of the Lord, still future. While 1948 may have laid the groundwork for the rebuilding of the Temple and its occupancy by the Antichrist (2 Thes. 2:3-4), the obvious lack of resurrection and renewal, lasting peace, and the Messianic reign precludes it from being the fulfillment of these prophecies. These prophecies describe events that can only be realized at the Second Coming of Christ to the earth.
As one can imagine, a plethora of Old Testament verses can be leveraged to justify war in the Middle East and beyond.
Our endless wars in the Middle East are fueled not only by diplomatic failures, but just as much by doctrinal distortions—scriptural misinterpretations used to manipulate public sentiment. The neoconservatives, governments, and industries that profiteer from these never-ending wars rely heavily on Christian Zionism to rally the troops back home and secure financial and political backing.
While we as pastors may not agree on every interpretation of scripture, one thing we should agree on is that entering a world war based on doctrinal error would be both tragic—and the devil’s greatest triumph. We as Christian ministers must stand against any further global conflicts justified by Old Testament prophecies, to prevent the bloodshed of our children and proclaim the pathway of peace.
Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the end times. But also encouraging them to ‘see that ye be not troubled’.
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)
Some of the latest war news
Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine
After a call between Trump and Putin, Russia agreed to a limited ceasefire targeting energy and infrastructure. This step is seen as a precursor to potential full-scale peace talks, with further negotiations planned.
From USA Today – A call between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin ended with a limited agreement for Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks on energy infrastructure, but stopped short of a U.S. proposal for a temporary truce.
Violence in Syria
Hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between Syrian forces and Assad loyalists. The violence has escalated significantly, with accusations of civilian executions.
From NBC News – More than 1,300 people have been killed in an eruption of violence in Latakia and Tartus in the last 72 hours, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Electricity Cuts in Gaza and End of Ceasefire
Israel has cut electricity to the last facility in Gaza receiving Israeli power, affecting a desalination plant. This move has been criticized as part of a “starvation policy” by Hamas.
From CNN – Gaza’s fragile ceasefire was shattered early Tuesday as Israel carried out what it described as “extensive strikes” on Hamas targets. After the ceasefire ended, far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir said he would rejoin the government. Separately, several Arab nations accused Israel of violating the ceasefire.
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 installment in and ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.
When we search out the many references to speaking in tongues in the Bible, we quickly discover that, of the early church, no one wrote and exemplified more on this subject than Paul the Apostle.
Although the Apostle Paul lived over two thousand years ago, his life’s example continues to set the high water mark for all Christian believers today.
More than any other man, the Apostle Paul is most responsible for the outreach of the Word of God beyond Judea. That ranks Paul as the founding father of Christianity for the Western world. And from the nations of the West, Paul’s influence spread globally.
Frankly, the fact that you are a believer today has more to do with Paul’s diligence in those early years, than that of any one person of our time. It makes sense, then, that God would select Paul to record His instructions to us, today’s church. The outcome is his seven Church Epistles, Romans through Thessalonians, which contain the whole of God’s design and purpose for his church.
In these seven Church Epistles are recorded “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27 KJV) which Paul taught in the churches. These Epistles are, then, the fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s promise to guide his Church “into all truth” (John 16:13). We have no other place to look for God’s specific guidance and commandments for the Church today than the seven Church Epistles. It is in these Epistles we find our power and position as Sons of God with Christ in us.
Still, even to this day, there remain essential elements of Paul’s original revelation yet to gain—or, actually to regain—acceptance among the Church. Much was lost in the earliest centuries following the demise of the early church and in its resultant slide into the Dark Ages. The outcome? Only since the Reformation—the last 400 years of civilization—has the Church begun to restore the rich revelation of the Pauline Epistles.
Among these devastating setbacks was the loss of a thorough understanding of the gift of the holy spirit— especially of “speaking in tongues.” Tongues ceased to be, as was in the Book of Acts, the great centerpiece of the Church. Rather than a celebration of the outpouring of the holy spirit, the experience became queered and marginalized.
Consequently, many still today sit and debate the legitimacy of tongues. Too many Christians struggle to recall even one of its benefits. However, we may rest assured, the first-century church had little doubt as to its validity, its purposes, or how to operate it with power. This writing serves to highlight numerous fundamentals of Paul’s expansive insight into speaking in tongues. Although not exhaustive, may it be a beacon of urgency and motivation for those desiring to rise up and release God’s power into this troubled world.
