What’s your purpose in life?
Rick Tryon
Watchdog Alert: The Bible As History
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on discoveries in biblical archaeology and brings the information to our readers. Here are some key discoveries and why they support the biblical record.
Dam Wall from the Time of King Joash at the Pool of Siloam (~805-795 BCE)
A large dam wall in the City of David, near the Pool of Siloam, has been excavated and dated via carbon-14 to about 805-795 BCE. The walls are substantial: ~21 meters long, ~12 meters high, ~8 meters thick. Bible Archaeology Report
Why it supports biblical history:
- The Bible describes several construction/repair projects by Judahite kings; a major water-infrastructure project fits in with what one might expect of a centralized Judah in that era.
- The dam would have helped manage water supply in times of dryness and flooding, which matches other environmental/climate evidence from the region showing arid conditions with occasional flash floods. Bible Archaeology Report
- It gives physical confirmation of large scale civic/royal activity in Jerusalem in the early 8th century BCE.
Clay Seal (“Bulla”) Inscribed with “Yeda‘yah son of Asayahu” (7th-6th century BCE)
A clay seal impression, or bulla, reading “Belonging to Yed[a‛]yah, son of Asayahu”, from the late 7th / early 6th century BCE. Found via the Temple Mount Sifting Project in soil removed from the Temple Mount area. Bible Archaeology Report
Why it supports biblical history:
- The names “Asayahu” (and variations) appear in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in connection with King Josiah: 2 Kings 22:12; 2 Chronicles 34:20. Bible Archaeology Report
- The bulla confirms that these names (and presumably persons with these names or offices) were in use in Judah at the appropriate period.
- The preservation of writing/sealing activity supports the idea that Judah had administrative bureaucracies with literacy in the late monarchic period.
Olive and Grape Traces Beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre / Mount Calvary (1st Century AD Garden Context)
Under the floor of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, archaeologists found about 2,000-year-old olive pits (stones), grape pips, pollen evidence, and remains of stone walls or features consistent with cultivation. These lie beneath a basilica, in an area associated with Golgotha / Mount Calvary, part of Jerusalem’s ancient quarter. The Times+1
Why it supports biblical history:
- The Gospel of John (and other Gospels) mention that Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha, “place of a skull,” outside / near a garden and tomb. The presence of a garden (olive and grape cultivation) at that location in the 1st century AD gives archaeological plausibility to that Gospel description. The Times
- It shows that agricultural use was present in that area just before or around the time of Jesus, rather than all being occupied by other structures.
Identification of Widespread Literacy / Use of Seals in Jerusalem ca. 2,700 Years Ago
An ancient seal discovered in the City of David area (Jerusalem), dating to the First Temple period (approx 700-600 BCE), evidences artistic craftsmanship and inscription. It is taken as evidence that reading, writing, and use of official seals were more widespread than some earlier models of Judahite society assumed. GB News
Why it supports biblical history:
- The Hebrew Bible presumes certain levels of bureaucratic administration — e.g. prophets, kings, scribes, royal decrees, temple officials, etc. Widespread literacy or at least administrative writing (seals) is a necessary component for those functions.
- It helps move faceless administrative structures from being purely literary imagination to part of the archaeological record.
Your Life And What Comes After (2): God’s Grand Plan Part 2
We have a function to perform and a part to play, each one of us individually and all of us together as God’s people, in God’s Grand Plan.
God’s Desire
God’s desire is to dwell together with his children forever in His perfect creation.
Our job in that relationship is to love and glorify our Heavenly Father and to take care of and add value to the creation He has given us.
The original creation and state of mankind was in perfect harmony and fellowship with the Creator and all was well with the universe.
The Rebellion
Then disobedience, rebellion, and sin cut mankind (Adam and Eve) off from their relationship with God.
Adam and Eve hid from God in shame. God’s perfect garden of delight was ruined, brought forth thorns and weeds, and was no longer the joyous place for Adam and Eve to tend and enjoy.
So Along Came Jesus
Then, after the fall and ruin, the whole purpose and plan of God is to restore that original relationship with His people and redeem the creation from the wreck of death and decay brought about by the rebellion.
The way he has done and is doing that is through His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who through his love and obedience has made it possible for us to once again live God’s original purpose.
So What About Us?
What is our part in all of this today? Where do you fit in?
Let’s consider this idea: Our purpose is to help God in bringing about the redemption of His people and the final restoration of His creation.
Let me say that again with a slight variation: YOUR purpose is to help God in bringing about the redemption of His people and the final restoration of His creation.
So, we can either believe we are just tiny specks of dust with no purpose or meaning floating around aimlessly in a cold and dark universe – or we can believe that we are actually workers together with the Creator of the universe to accomplish a Grand Plan with an everlasting purpose.
I choose the latter. The challenge is to understand and believe it to the point of action. How do we do that? We’ll dig deeper in the next post.
Watchdog Alert: Latest From The LDS Church
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events in the areas of religion and faith from around the world and brings the information to our readers in bite sized chunks.
Here’s the latest from the Mormon Church.
Death of President Russell M. Nelson
Russell M. Nelson, the president of the church and the oldest person to have held that office in its history, died at age 101.
Nelson became president in 2018 and led numerous institutional and doctrinal shifts, such as discouraging use of the nickname “Mormon,” reemphasizing the church’s full name, making some policy changes regarding LGBTQ+ families, and overseeing expansion of global leadership.
The church announced a memorial and tributes, and Dallin H. Oaks (senior apostle) issued a statement mourning his passing and calling his teachings a guide for comfort amid recent tragedies. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org
Shooting and Arson Attack at Michigan LDS Church
On September 28, 2025, a gunman rammed a pickup truck into a meetinghouse of the LDS Church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, set it on fire, and opened fire. Four people were killed and eight others injured.
The attacker was shot by police and died at the scene. Investigators are probing motive; preliminary reports suggest anti-Mormon sentiment may have played a role.
In response, members of the church raised funds not only for the victims, but also for the shooter’s surviving family, citing principles of forgiveness. Over $200,000 was reportedly raised.
Church leaders expressed sorrow and rallied support; local LDS officials said the congregation would support survivors and mourn the senseless violence. FOX 17 West Michigan News
Fundraising by LDS Members for Shooter’s Family
In the wake of the Michigan church attack, LDS members initiated a crowdfunding campaign (via GiveSendGo) to support the widow and child of the shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford. The campaign quickly surpassed its goal, reaching more than $200,000 (and in some reports over $300,000) in donations. The Washington Post
The donors framed the effort as an expression of Christian values: caring even for the families of perpetrators, showing compassion, and embodying forgiveness.
This fundraising garnered broad attention as an example of how some religious communities respond to tragedy by extending grace even in difficult circumstances.
Dismissal of Lawsuit over Use of Tithing Donations
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing the Mormon Church of misusing tithing donations. The plaintiffs alleged the church improperly invested donations through its affiliate, Ensign Peak Advisors, rather than using them directly for charitable works.
The dismissal largely rested on statute-of-limitations grounds: the fraud claims were deemed untimely under Utah law. The judge also found the plaintiffs failed to adequately prove intent to commit fraud.
The case renews scrutiny of the church’s financial practices and transparency, especially given past controversies (e.g. the church’s fine by the SEC over disclosure practices). AP News
They Said It: Intelligent Design
Here are four quotes about intelligent design. ‘Intelligent design’ being a scientifically correct way of giving credit where credit is due – to our Creator, who is God Almighty.
Michael Behe (biochemist, author of Darwin’s Black Box)
“To a person who does not feel obliged to restrict his search to unintelligent causes, the straightforward conclusion is that many biochemical systems were purposely designed by an intelligent agent.”
William Dembski (mathematician, philosopher, intelligent design theorist)
“Intelligent design is just the logos theology of John’s Gospel restated in the idiom of information theory.”
Stephen C. Meyer (philosopher of science, author of Signature in the Cell)
“Whenever we find information—whether inscribed in hieroglyphics or written in a book or encoded in a radio signal—it always arises from an intelligent source. Information is the hallmark of mind. And the DNA molecule has precisely this characteristic.”
Albert Einstein (often quoted in ID contexts, though not himself an ID advocate)
“The more I study science, the more I believe in God.”
(While Einstein did not promote intelligent design in the modern sense, his statement is often invoked by ID supporters as evidence that the universe points to design rather than randomness.)
One-Minute Video Message: Be A Child
Go ahead and be a child.
Question Everything – Especially Churchianity
Churchianity and the theological status quo should be scrutinized by all people of faith regularly. That is exactly how we got the Reformation.
Is there a New Reformation brewing? It seems so. There is a difference between truth and tradition.
Man-made Christian creeds and doctrines are no longer being blindly accepted as biblical truth just because the Protestant clergy or the Catholic Papacy say so.
The nature of God, heaven, hell, sin, the apocalypse, predestination or free-will, the Rapture, the origins of the universe – all of these ideas and more need solid reexamination to see if the commonly accepted doctrines of men used to explain them measure up to the message of scripture.
The Bible Rebel blog is a resource for those seeking original and curated content, including news and commentary, covering faith, biblical studies and interpretation, and the intersection of politics, culture, and the Bible.
Our Mission
- To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
- To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
- 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’.
- 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.
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Watchdog Alert: Middle East Peace?
Matthew 24:6-7 – “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)
And now, rumors of peace.
Here is a brief summary and analysis of President Trumps 20-point Middle East peace plan, which would go into effect immediately once all parties, including Hamas, agree to it.
Donald Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point Middle East peace plan aims to end the war in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and establish a transitional governance structure for the territory.
The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities. It envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal paired with Hamas disarmament, with amnesty or safe passage abroad offered to members who renounce violence.
During the transition, Gaza would be overseen by a technocratic authority under international supervision, supported by a multinational security force and eventually leading to Palestinian self-governance under a reformed Palestinian Authority. Importantly, the plan rules out forced displacement of Gazans or Israeli annexation of the territory.
While the framework opens the door to a future Palestinian state, it makes such progress heavily conditional on security guarantees and governance reforms. Critics note that many details remain vague, especially regarding timelines, the composition of the transitional authority, and enforcement mechanisms. Supporters argue the plan represents a pragmatic path to both immediate stability and a long-term settlement, balancing Israeli security needs with Palestinian political aspirations.
Ultimately, the plan’s viability depends on Hamas’s acceptance—something far from guaranteed—as well as the willingness of regional and international actors to fund and enforce the transition. Like Trump’s 2020 “Vision for Peace,” this plan risks being seen as skewed toward Israel’s priorities, but its emphasis on halting the war, preventing annexation, and laying groundwork for Palestinian governance makes it a significant new attempt to reset the diplomatic agenda.
Your Life And What Comes After (1): God’s Grand Plan
Too many times, folks seeking purpose in their lives come up short in finding the answers they’re looking for. Why?
I think most of the time it’s because you can’t really understand the purpose of your individual life unless and until you gain some understanding of, and appreciation for, what I call God’s Grand Plan.
What is God’s Grand Plan?
Well, let’s let the Word of God speak for itself:
Genesis 1:27-28 – So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” (Berean Standard Bible)
First, we are the only creatures that carry the image of God. We are to be like Him, and we are to reflect who He is to the creation—which is to glorify our Creator.
Second, we are to be fruitful and multiply, caring for and adding value to His creation, and filling it with more and more of His image-bearers so that God is glorified more and more.
God created man not only to reflect His image and add value to His creation, but also to have a relationship with Him. We are to be companions of and have fellowship with the Creator of the universe.
That was God’s original intention. Then it all went wrong because of man’s disobedience and refusal to submit to the clear and loving will of his Creator.
Now What?
Now God’s Grand Plan is to restore His people and His creation to their original purpose. Paradise was lost; it is to be regained. Everlasting life with God was lost; it is to be regained.
But our original purpose remains the same today, even in a fallen state of sin, death, darkness, and rebellion: to glorify God and add value to His creation.
What Does That Have To Do With My Life?
If you’ve ever been part of a team or organization, you know that once you get a basic understanding of the ‘big picture’ goals and purpose of the team or organization, your part in it begins to make more sense, and you get a clearer vision of what you need to do individually.
We’ll start to look into what all of that means—and what it looks like in real life—in the next part of this series.
They Said It: Reactions To Prime Minister Netanyahu’s UN Speech
Friday, 9/26/25, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly. Several UN members staged a walk-out as Netanyahu began his speech.
Here are some other reactions from world figures after the speech.
The Anti-Bibi
Taher al-Nunu (Hamas media adviser): “Boycotting Netanyahu’s speech is one manifestation of Israel’s isolation and the consequences of the war of extermination.” The Times of Israel
Adel Atieh (PA, European affairs dept.): “This speech showed neither vision nor perspective: it only reflected growing isolation, a headlong rush forward, and the anxiety of a power that knows it stands on the wrong side of history.” The Times of Israel
Yair Lapid (Israeli opposition): “Instead of stopping the diplomatic tsunami — Netanyahu today worsened Israel’s situation.” Reuters
Izzat al-Rishq (Hamas political bureau): “He had been left with ‘nothing but a chorus of cheerleaders who entered the UN hall only to clap in support of genocide.’” The Times of Israel
The Pro-Bibi
Bezalel Smotrich (Israeli Finance Minister, coalition ally) “He laid down once again necessary and clear principles, both morally and practically: We will not stop until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are returned. And we will never agree to a Palestinian state.” The Times of Israel
Donald Trump (former U.S. President) “I think we have a deal on Gaza … It’s going to be a deal that will get the hostages back. It’s going to be peace.” Fox News
Netanyahu (referring to critics in his U.N. speech, used in reactions) “We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.” ABC
Opposition reaction summarizing pro-Netanyahu praise “Great speech by PM Netanyahu, shattering these blood libels and false accusations against Israel.” The Times of Israel