Teach your children well.
Rick Tryon
Watchdog Alert: Biblical Archaeology News
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on discoveries and news from the world of biblical archaeology and brings it to our readers.
Excavators evacuated from Shiloh amid Middle East tensions
Biblical archaeologists working at Shiloh in Israel were recently evacuated after regional escalation involving Iran. Despite the security threats, the team remains committed to continuing their excavation when conditions stabilize. From the Jerusalem Post
‘Salome Cave’ may be Herodian royal burial, not midwife’s tomb
Archaeologists re-examined a cave once believed to belong to Salome, the “midwife of Jesus.” Now they suggest it may instead be adorned as a royal tomb—possibly for Salome, sister of King Herod the Great (1st century B.C.). From livescience.com
Grapes & olives uncovered under Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Sapienza University researchers have unearthed 2,000‑year‑old grape pips and olive stones beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, aligning with Gospel descriptions of a garden at the crucifixion site (John 19:41). The dig, involving multiple Christian denominations and the Israel Antiquities Authority, temporarily paused during Easter for pilgrims. From The Times
Evidence emerges for ancient Battle of Megiddo (Armageddon)
Egyptian pottery fragments discovered at Tel Megiddo strongly suggest Egyptian military presence during the biblical Battle of Megiddo (c. 609 B.C.), when Pharaoh Neco II defeated King Josiah of Judah. Researchers believe the pottery likely belonged to Egyptian soldiers rather than merchants. From wikipedia
Operation Midnight Hammer And Beyond
Here is a brief summary of Operation Midnight Hammer carried out by the U.S. over the weekend.
Last night he U.S. executed coordinated precision strikes targeting the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites in Iran, which President Trump described it as a “spectacular military success”.
The mission involved the first operational use of the 30,000‑lb GBU‑57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker‑buster bomb, dropped by seven B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers.
About 125 U.S. aircraft participated—including escort fighters, tankers, support planes—undertaking an 18‑hour mission from Whiteman AFB to Iranian airspace. The mission used a deceptive tactic – some B‑2s flew west toward Guam as decoys while the main strike group flew east.
In addition a U.S. Ohio‑class submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at Isfahan’s above‑ground infrastructure.
Last week, before Operation Midnight Hammer, I posted my opinion on what an appropriate level of engagement by the U.S. in the ongoing Israel/Iran conflict should be, and this remains view today:
“Limited U.S. airstrikes with bunker-busters to take out Iran’s Natanz or the Fordow underground nuclear facility? – YES.
Defending American troops overseas and responding with devastating lethal force if even one of our people is attacked or killed over there? – YES! YES! YES!
U.S. boots on the ground in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!
U.S. led push for regime change in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!
Nation building after the war between Israel and Iran? – NO! NO! NO!”
Watchdog Alert: Latest From Israel/Iran War
Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the times before 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)
Here’s the latest from the Israel-Iran war as of 6/20/25:
Iran Refuses Nuclear Talks Amid Ongoing Israeli Attacks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced that Tehran will not enter discussions regarding its nuclear program as long as Israel continues its military strikes. The comments came during a Geneva meeting with European diplomats, which also ended without tangible diplomatic progress. Iran insisted diplomacy must wait until Israeli “aggression stops”.
Bloody Exchanges Continue as War Enters Second Week
A week into the conflict, both sides have carried out substantial airstrikes—Israel targeted missile and nuclear sites in Iran, while Iran responded with missile attacks inside Israel. One notable Iranian strike hit Haifa, injuring at least 19 people, and another hit Beersheba. Civilian casualties continue to rise amid escalating hostilities .
Soroka Hospital Struck by Iranian Missile
On June 19, Iran fired a Sejjil missile that directly hit the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. Although the facility had been partially evacuated, the strike resulted in numerous injuries and structural damage, prompting Israeli officials and hospital workers to condemn it as a war crime .
Europe’s Diplomatic Push Yields No Breakthrough
European foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU met with Iran’s FM in Geneva to press for nuclear restrictions and de-escalation. While Iran expressed openness to diplomacy conditional on an end to Israeli attacks, talks concluded without resolution. The U.S. issued a two-week window for Iran to respond before potential involvement .
Rethinking The Rapture: What Does ‘Delivered From Wrath’ Mean?
Many Rapturists believe that 1 Thessalonians 1:10 must be interpreted to mean that God will not allow believers to go through a 7 or 3 1/2 year tribulation period and that the Rapture will rescue the saved who are alive at the time.
Here’s the thing – there are other ways of reading “delivered from the wrath to come” that, in my opinion, make way more sense and fit more accurately with the overall themes of the Bible in the context of judgement and salvation.
So, asked Mr. Art Intelligence to provide a summary of what it means, here’s what I got:
“The phrase “delivered from the wrath to come” refers to a key theme in Christian theology, particularly in relation to salvation, judgment, and the end times. It’s most directly found in 1 Thessalonians 1:10:
“…and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (ESV)
Here’s what it generally means:
1. “Wrath to Come” = God’s Future Judgment
- In biblical context, “wrath” refers to God’s righteous anger and judgment against sin and evil.
- “The wrath to come” is typically seen as a future event — often associated with the Day of the Lord, end-time judgment, or the Great Tribulation.
2. Deliverance Through Jesus Christ
- Christians believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection satisfy the demands of divine justice, so those who trust in Him are not subject to God’s wrath.
- To be “delivered from the wrath to come” means being spared from God’s judgment, whether that’s:
- eternal separation from God (hell),
- or specific apocalyptic judgment in the end times (depending on one’s eschatological view).
3. Different Theological Interpretations
There are several interpretations of how and when this “deliverance” happens:
- Pre-Tribulation View (Dispensational):
- Believers will be raptured before a time of tribulation and judgment on earth (Revelation-style wrath).
- This is a common belief among many evangelicals and in popular media like Left Behind.
- Historical View:
- The “wrath” may refer to eternal condemnation, not necessarily a future earthly tribulation.
- In this view, deliverance is more about salvation from hell than escape from earthly suffering.
- Ongoing Deliverance:
- Some theologians see this as a present spiritual reality: Jesus continually intercedes for believers, shielding them from God’s wrath (Romans 5:9; John 3:36).
Summary:
To be “delivered from the wrath to come” means that through faith in Jesus Christ, Christians are spared from God’s future judgment, whether that’s understood as eternal damnation or a specific time of tribulation. It underscores the Christian hope of salvation, security, and peace with God, even in the face of future judgment.”
End AI answer. I’ll be exploring these ideas in more detail in the next post on “Rethinking The Rapture”.
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
One-Minute Video Mini Message: Seasons
What’s the purpose for the season you’re in?
U.S. Involvement In Israel/Iran War? Simple
Limited U.S. airstrikes with bunker-busters to take out Iran’s Natanz or the Fordow underground nuclear facility? – YES.
Defending American troops overseas and responding with devastating lethal force if even one of our people is attacked or killed over there? – YES! YES! YES!
U.S. boots on the ground in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!
U.S. led push for regime change in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!
Nation building after the war between Israel and Iran? – NO! NO! NO!
Is Modern Israel The ‘Apple Of God’s Eye”?
The conflict between Israel and Iran is definitely heating up, and many observers in the faith community believe that the modern Jewish state of Israel is the subject of much Old Testament prophecy. Some even believe that current events in the Middle East are a precursor—perhaps even an immediate precursor—to the biblical Armageddon.
On the other hand, there are many sincere Christians with deep knowledge of the Bible who argue that today’s modern Israel, as constituted since 1948, is not the “apple of God’s eye” as it was in ancient times. They contend that, since the destruction of the Temple and the razing of Jerusalem in 70 AD—and the resulting Jewish diaspora—Jews today are not the same bloodline as the children of God’s covenant with Abraham.
It’s an interesting argument and one worth considering, but here’s where the rubber meets the road: Does America (and the rest of Western Christendom) have an obligation to spend our blood and treasure defending Israel simply because they are considered by some to be “God’s chosen people”?
In my opinion, the answer is no.
But here’s the big “but”: America should be ready to defend and support Israel with weapons and intelligence because she is our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East. Our obligation to Israel stems from modern geopolitical realities, not verses from the Old Testament.
Furthermore, our involvement in the current conflict should be limited to intelligence and material support—not boots on the ground. Israel is fully capable of handling the military personnel side of the equation, and there is no reason for American young people to fight and die in another Middle East killing ground.
Watchdog Alert: Israel & Iran On The Brink?
Heightened readiness and U.S. concerns
Recent U.S. intelligence and media reports indicate that Israel is preparing for a possible unilateral strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the coming days. Although no formal decision has been made, Israel appears fully prepared to act—even without direct U.S. military involvement, though Washington may still play a supporting logistical or intelligence role. In response, the U.S. has evacuated nonessential personnel from its embassies in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, tightened travel restrictions in Israel, and repositioned troops across the region to mitigate potential retaliatory threats.
Iran’s posture and potential retaliation
Iran has responded with stern warnings, pledging “forceful and destructive” retaliation—including possible strikes on U.S. bases and interests—should Israel move forward. The IAEA recently censured Iran for breaching nuclear obligations, revealing that Tehran is enriching uranium at 60% purity and planning to open a third, concealed facility. Iran has escalated military exercises and advanced air- and missile-defense drills to prepare for a potential imminent attack.
Diplomatic brinkmanship and strategic constraints
This crisis unfolds against the backdrop of renewed negotiations in Oman between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials, yet disagreements over uranium enrichment persist—dramatically raising the stakes. Analysts caution that Israel’s air campaign would be both technically demanding and risky; Iran’s facilities are deeply fortified and geographically dispersed, meaning even a well‑executed strike could fail to incapacitate the program completely—while risking a broader regional conflict. Historically, such Israeli threats often serve as leverage, pressuring Tehran ahead of critical diplomatic rounds, and may still function primarily as strategic messaging—unless American support or internal Israeli pressure tips the balance toward action
One-Minute (or so) Video Mini Message: You Are A Miracle
Train yourself to recognize and appreciate the every-day miracles, especially the You Miracle.