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Month: July 2025
Watchdog Alert: What Are The Mormons Up To?
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events concerning denominational religion, and brings that content to our readers.
LDS Church suffers major setback in China
Chinese authorities have recently shut down several congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—including branches in Beijing and other cities—citing their failure to register with the government. The unexpected closures have left members “heartbroken,” and church leaders are seeking ways to adapt to shifting political environments.
From The Salt Lake City Tribune
Record global growth reported in 2025
The Church announced that between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, convert baptisms during that 12‑month period reached the highest in Church history. Every global region saw at least a 20% increase in baptisms in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
From newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org
Devotional broadcast from Europe focuses on unity
On July 13, 2025, First Presidency member President Dallin H. Oaks delivered a devotional message from Brussels to Latter-day Saints across Central and Eastern Europe. The broadcast—translated into 23 languages—called members to seek unity in Christ.
From churchofjesuschrist.org
Tabernacle Choir marks 5,000th episode of “Music & the Spoken Word”
On July 13, 2025, the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square aired the 5,000th weekly episode of “Music & the Spoken Word,” with audiences tuning in via radio, television, and online across 50 countries. The milestone reflects almost a century of continuous broadcast history, dating back to July 15, 1929.
From Church News
Osteen Vs. Jesus
The other day I came across the meme I’m using for this post and it reminded me of a previous series I did on the ‘Prosperity Gospel’ and the ‘Health And Wealth’ theology. So I want to revisit and focus on one of the subjects of that series – Joel Osteen.
Who is Osteen?
Joel Osteen, the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, has an estimated net worth that varies across sources. Some reports suggest his net worth is around $100 million (Celebrity Net Worth), while others estimate it to be approximately $40 million to $60 million (Wikipedia).
Additionally, some sources claim his net worth is as high as $180 million (CA Club India).
Osteen resides in a 17,000-square-foot mansion valued at $10.5 million in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston. He has stated that he does not receive a salary from Lakewood Church, which has an annual budget of $70 million, relying instead on income from his best-selling books and related products (Wikipedia).
But What did Jesus teach?
Well, it seems pretty clear to me—or to anyone else with a lick of common sense—that when Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you…” He didn’t have $10 million mansions, private luxury jets, and massive piles of cash in mind.
But what did He have in mind? Read the context:
Matthew 6:25–34 (NKJV)
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;
29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
You don’t need an advanced degree in theology or philosophy to understand the plain words spoken by our Lord here. All you need is basic reading comprehension.
What things “shall be added to you”? Mansions? A fleet of luxury fishing boats? A hoard of gold coins? No—the “things” are the necessities of life, like food and clothing.
Does He teach that you can’t or shouldn’t have more than the necessities? No—but our Lord’s message is clear: the desire for God’s righteousness is muddied and distorted when we focus on the riches of this age instead of His kingdom.
It’s impossible to have total reliance on God when one has lots of cash, cars, jets, and Swiss bank accounts to fall back on—right?
Watchdog Alert: Wars And Rumors Of Wars
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)
Much of what our Lord was prophesying here had to do with the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple, which would happen within 40 years or so of this prophesy and his imminent death and resurrection.
However there is no reason not to consider that he was also making a double prophecy, which is fairly common in the Bible, extending the meaning here to also warn of the time immediately preceding the Final Judgement, which is still future as of this blog post.
Let’s remember, though, that people and nations in all times and places have experienced wars, famine, earthquakes, and pestilence. This prophecy is referring to a specific people in a specific place and time(s)- the people are those disciples living in the place, Jerusalem and Judea, at the time preceding the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD and also in some future time right before The End.
Even so, as watchdogs living in this time and place we should always keep our ears tuned ‘rumors of wars’ and be aware of the seasons of God’s plans and purposes.
So here is a brief recap of some of the international war news happening right now.
U.N. Security Council Calls for Peaceful Dispute Resolution
On July 22, 2025, the U.N. Security Council adopted a Pakistan‑drafted resolution urging all member states to resolve disputes peacefully through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration under the U.N. Charter. Secretary‑General António Guterres highlighted crises in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, and Myanmar, warning of record hunger and displacement. The resolution emphasized renewed trust in multilateral diplomacy.
From The AP
Israel Implements “Tactical Pauses” & Opens Aid Corridors in Gaza
In response to mounting international pressure over famine in Gaza, the Israeli military has initiated daily “tactical pauses” in combat and established humanitarian corridors for aid delivery. Pauses are set from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in specific zones, and corridors operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Aid groups welcomed the move but cautioned it may not meet critical needs.
From Financial Times
Israel Resumes Humanitarian Airdrops into Gaza Amid Crisis
Also on July 26, 2025, amid worsening famine conditions, Israel and the UAE resumed airdrops of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Aid organizations criticized the method as inadequate and urged Israel to lift its blockade and allow unrestricted ground access. Meanwhile, civilian casualties mount—with over 60,000 Palestinians reported killed and approximately 2 million displaced since October 2023.
From The Guardian
Cambodia–Thailand Border Conflict Escalates; U.S. Mediator Steps In
An armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has escalated since late May 2025, resulting in at least 32 deaths and displacing up to 200,000 people along their shared border. On July 26, former U.S. President Trump intervened—calling both leaders and demanding a ceasefire, even threatening tariffs on trade if hostilities continue.
From Wikipedia
Cease Not To Pray: Part 4
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 fourth and final part in a new series on prayer called ‘Cease Not To Pray’ by Steve Sann.
Cease Not To Pray: Part 1
Cease Not To Pray: Part 2
Cease Not To Pray: Part 3
GLOBAL INTERCESSION: A Study of Romans 8:26-28
Conceivably, there are countless matters around the world for which God would have us to pray, about most of which we are abysmally ignorant. Admittedly, at any time—even in our own lives—critical issues go neglected because we are woefully unaware. How could we possibly know all the events of tomorrow that yearn for prayer today? Unmistakably, this is our greatest prayer weakness. But now God has enabled us to articulate these critical prayers that we, heretofore, were powerless to utter. Bypassing the limitations of our senses, we can now lift to God the burdens that He Himself would have us pray for.
Watch as Romans 8:26-28 unfolds these very truths: Romans 8:26: Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses [literally, “weakness” – being singular in the text]. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself [or, “itself” in KJV] makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Our weakness places us at a distinct disadvantage: we do not know what to pray for “as we ought”— or, literally “as we must.” Why must we know what to pray for? Because, if you don’t know what to pray for, you can’t pray for it—right? So, praying solely with our understanding leaves scores of specific needs unaddressed.
For example, how would you possibly know that a financial crisis is looming only months ahead that could downsize your industry and devalue your profession, sending thousands of unemployed into the streets? Wouldn’t you want God working on your situation far in advance? Even perhaps opening the door into a more secure income stream long before?
Or, how could you possibly know to pray today to protect your loved ones from a freeway winter storm pile-up that threatens to kill or injure dozens of motorists? They need to not be on the freeway at that moment—but who’s going to make that intercession? Or, would you like the right people at just the right time to notice your talents, elevating you to new opportunities? Who better than God knows exactly when those “right times” really are?
These are prayers best prayed in the spirit. Romans 8: 27: Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Verse 27 hammers home that the spirit enables us to intercede not only for ourselves, but for God’s people the world over. By the spirit you will be praying for the specific needs of specific people. You may not know them, but rest assured the Father does, and He is the one giving you the words. Moreover, the spirit intercedes for the saints literally “according to God”—with God’s actual words, as the spirit’s function is to speak verbatim that which has been received, (John 16:13).
Do you see why the centerpiece of the Church, the responsibility which is bedrock to all others, is that of the intercessor? These are the warriors upon which all church achievement is reliant. Without the intercessors calling in God’s involvement, the wheels of church advancement rumble to a standstill. Armed with SIT, a basic, critical component to the armor of God, these prayer warriors clear the way for God’s ministers to enter into the fray, (Ephesians 6:13-20).
Do you seek to find your calling in the church? God is looking for men and women right now who can pick up the calling to become intercessors for His people. There is not a single, more vital, more urgent job within the church. Romans 8:28 follows on the heels of verse 27 continuing in this context of prayer and intercession by the spirit: Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
To obtain a promise from God that all things will work together for good would certainly be exhilarating for anybody. Yet, have we understood this promise in its actual context? The “good” received in verse 28 is a result of the “intercession” in the spirit given in verse 27! Of course—that makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Good things just don’t happen to good people. For it is only by our intercession for all things in life do all things work together for our good. Speaking in tongues is what makes that kind of global intercession available at your fingertips.
Furthermore, verse 28 points out that those whose love for God are those who are called—and subsequently answering the call by walking—according to His purpose. Again, in regards to intercessory prayer, the context immediately preceding clearly states God’s purpose for us.
For those of us who live this prayer lifestyle, this verse promises that, in the end result, we will prosper. In my life, each road to success is fraught with the hazards of the unexpected. Nonetheless, in the very end, I always believe God’s good is mine to obtain. That is precisely the promise. You see if you are confident that the war is yours to win, would you let battles lost along the way discourage you? No—lost battles are often just “the cost of doing business.” And, my friend, you must be willing to pay the cost of doing business. It’s the persistent folk in life who reap the rewards—armed with prayer in the spirit, coupled with the wisdom of life and sheer determination.
They Said It: Satanists Convert
‘They Said It’ is a regular feature highlighting quotes from various folks on various topics of interest and relevance to our readers.
John Ramirez (Former Satanist, now Christian evangelist):
“I was a general in the kingdom of darkness, but God had a better plan for me. The devil is a counterfeit — he gives you temporary power, but Jesus gives you eternal life.”
— From his book, “Out of the Devil’s Cauldron”
Doreen Virtue (Former New Age teacher and occult practitioner):
“I used to give angel readings and write about psychics and tarot, but when I read the Bible, especially Deuteronomy 18, I realized I had been doing what God detests. I gave my life to Jesus, and everything changed.”
— Interview with “Faithwire,” 2019
Zachary King (Former high wizard in Satanism):
“I saw real demons. I summoned them. I did spells that worked. But none of it gave me peace. Only Jesus had the power to free me.”
— In his testimony featured in “All That Remains: The Story of a High Wizard Who Found Christ”
Alice Bailey (Former witch, converted to Christianity):
“I was deep into the occult, believing I had control. But I was deceived. When I encountered Jesus, the darkness fled, and I finally knew truth and love.”
— (Note: This quote is attributed to a woman with the same name, not the theosophist Alice A. Bailey. Sources are from modern deliverance ministry testimonies.)
One-Minute Video Mini Message: King
Walk out like you know the King.
Watchdog Alert: What Are The Protestants Up To?
I chose the image of a run-down church building for this post because it represents the spiritual state of many of the so-called ‘leaders’ and their congregations in modern American Churchianity – decrepit, decayed, and in need of some serious repair and revitalization.
As described further down in this Watchdog Alert, “Compared with 97–99% certainty among evangelicals and others, only 68% of mainline pastors affirm belief in God’s existence, and just 65% affirm belief in Jesus’s bodily resurrection.”
That is disgraceful and cause for major alarm among followers of Jeshua, our Messiah.
Southern Baptist Convention activists push conservative resolutions
At its June 2025 annual meeting in Dallas, the Southern Baptist Convention (the largest U.S. Protestant denomination) debated and advanced several conservative resolutions calling for a legal ban on pornography and reversal of same-sex marriage rights. Other stances included restrictive sports betting laws and encouraging pro-natalist policies opposing “willful childlessness.” The meeting also revisited internal controversies like potentially banning churches with women pastors and funding cuts to its Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
From AP News
Mainline pastors less likely to hold traditionally orthodox beliefs
A new survey from the National Survey of Religious Leaders found that clergy in predominantly white mainline Protestant churches (such as Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal) are far less likely than their evangelical, Black Protestant, or Catholic counterparts to affirm belief in core doctrines. Compared with 97–99% certainty among evangelicals and others, only 68% of mainline pastors affirm belief in God’s existence, and just 65% affirm belief in Jesus’s bodily resurrection.
From thebaptistpaper.org
Reformed Church in America navigating divisions and departures
At its June 2025 Synod, the Reformed Church in America highlighted how it has entered a “season of change,” choosing to “live together in disagreement” over issues like same-sex relationships. Since adopting a “generous separation” process in 2021, the RCA has lost 254 congregations. Some have formed new bodies like the Alliance of Reformed Churches or the Canada Reformation Network.
From thebanner.org
Denominational staff cuts and experimentation amid decline
Several historic mainline Protestant denominations—Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist—continue to face shrinking membership and budgets. In response, they’ve implemented staff reductions and are piloting new strategies to stay relevant. This follows broader trends of institutional skepticism and the rise of unaffiliated or nondenominational churches .
Cease Not To Pray: Part 3
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 Part 3 in a new series on prayer called ‘Cease Not To Pray’ by Steve Sann.
Cease Not To Pray: Part 1
Cease Not To Pray: Part 2
PRAYING PERFECTLY
This woman’s incident paints a vivid picture of how our prayer is crucial to bringing God onto the scene. Prayer unleashes God’s presence and power into this world. In all their journeys, He arrives prepared to protect and prosper those for which you pray. Knowing this, we should seek to implement the most effective prayer technique possible in our lives. What makes tongues, in many applications, the most effective form of prayer? I Corinthians 14:2: For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries [or, secrets].
What makes praying in the spirit so uniquely different than praying with our understanding? When speaking in tongues, we are speaking a language God is giving us at that moment. Since we cannot understand it, what we speak is unknown to us; hence, it is a secret, a mystery to us. All the time, however, God understands our prayer without question.
And herein we discover its remarkable uniqueness: praying by the spirit is truly perfect prayer. It is perfect because it is a prayer crafted by God Himself, untainted by our fallible minds! Spoken in a foreign language and bypassing our understanding, our mind is unable to interfere by interjecting our own limitations, fears, guesswork or doubts. We pray to God the exact prayer words that He gives our spirit, making our prayer perfect in every way. By speaking a language that is foreign to us, God guards the spirit’s perfect prayer from our natural tendency to “improve” it! Verse 14 explains it this way: I Corinthians 14:14: For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Here again, this verse points out that the speaker’s understanding is unfruitful, and unproductive, as he cannot understand the words spoken. Also, note here and throughout I Corinthians 14, in order for our spirit to pray, we are the activators. We are one hundred percent in control. The spirit does not act of its own will any more than my mouth moves of its own will. The spirit is melded into our very being and functions by the willful believing action of the believer. Notable examples are found in Acts 2:4 and Philippians 4:13.
God’s spirit within us has become part of our total makeup. It is our spiritual “radio receiver”, our connection with God. Like an organ of our body, the spirit remains a vital part of us throughout our lives. When we speak in tongues, the spirit conveys the information from God, enabling us to pray perfectly. We move our lips, our mouths, our tongues. We form the words as the spirit gives us the language. What we speak is God’s business, but that we speak is our business. Our responsibility: To Speak!
Watchdog Alert: Latest From Israel/Gaza
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on events from around the world of interest to people of faith and brings that content to our readers.
At least 73 Palestinians killed seeking aid across Gaza
Palestinian health authorities report that on July 20, 2025, Israeli forces killed at least 73 Palestinians who were trying to collect humanitarian aid at multiple locations across Gaza—67 of them near the Zikim crossing—while more than 150 were wounded. – From the AP
- These fatalities are the deadliest single-day toll from aid-seeking since the conflict began.
- The violence took place amid deepening hunger and widespread displacement.
- Israeli evacuation orders are disrupting aid delivery, affecting civilians between Deir al-Balah and southern areas.
- Israel claims its forces only targeted those posing threats and disputes the casualty numbers.
New forced evacuation order in central Gaza
The Israeli military has dropped leaflets in Deir al-Balah, ordering civilians to relocate south to al-Mawasi, labeled a “safe zone” but repeatedly bombed. – From Al Jazeera.
- Thousands of displaced families in tented areas are being told to move immediately.
- Locals say there’s no viable place to go—al-Mawasi is already overcrowded, and safe areas have also been struck.
- The order aims to clear the way for intensified military activities but raises concerns about forced displacement and humanitarian access.
Hostage families in Israel express mistrust toward their government
Families of remaining hostages—about 50 individuals held in Gaza for over 21 months—are increasingly critical of the Israeli government, accusing it of inaction and a lack of transparency in negotiations. – From DW
- Frustration stems from weeks without progress and minimal communication about hostage status.
- There’s growing pressure on PM Netanyahu to secure returns through diplomatic engagement.
- The situation underscores the personal and national strain behind ceasefire discussions.
Peace talks hint at possible end to Gaza war—discussions underway in Doha
For the first time, the prospect of an actual end to the Gaza war is being openly discussed in the current round of indirect negotiations in Doha between Israel and Hamas. – From Haaretz
- Israeli negotiators arrived with a firm mandate, although mediators describe the talks as “complex and interconnected.”
- Meanwhile, Israeli leaders are engaging in parallel efforts, including behind-the-scenes approaches to Hamas.
- Despite active discussions, major sticking points remain, and no breakthrough has yet been announced.