Month: September 2025

Watchdog Alert: Middle East Peace?

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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

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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

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Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

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

    Did The Rapture Happen On Tuesday?

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    Someone in South Africa got a lot of attention this week by predicting that the Rapture would happen on Tuesday.

    According to the New York Times:

    The date of Sept. 23, 2025, appears to have originated from Joshua Mhlakela of South Africa. Though news reports have widely described him as a pastor, he said in a YouTube video from June: “I’m just a simple person, no title. I’m not an apostle, I’m not a pastor, I’m not a bishop. I’m just a believer.”

    In the video, he says that Jesus came to him in a dream in 2018 and told him, “On the 23rd and the 24th of September, 2025, I will come to take my church.”

    I don’t believe that the scripture teaches a Left Behind style Rapture event, where Christians are scooped up and taken away for awhile while the Anti-Christ brings about hell on earth. That idea seems to have taken root in some evangelical circles mostly because of popular fictional novels and movies.

    I do believe that there will come a day certain when Jesus Christ will return to gather his people and set things right – but we can be sure that day will not be on a date predicted by someone in South Africa, or anywhere else, because:

    Matthew 24:36 – But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only .(KJV)

    Watchdog Alert: Satan And The Courts

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    Satanism is alive and well in our society and in our culture. Here are a couple of recent news items concerning The Satanic Temple and our legal system.

    Satanic Temple v. Labrador (9th Cir., August 2025)

    • A legal case in which The Satanic Temple (TST) challenged Idaho laws criminalizing abortion.

      TST argued that its members in Idaho were harmed by abortion restrictions, asserting that supporting abortion is part of their religious beliefs and that their religious tenets include bodily autonomy. They also cited how the group opened a telehealth abortion clinic in New Mexico in response to restrictive laws.

      The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed dismissal of the lawsuit, finding that TST lacked standing — i.e. they hadn’t shown that a specific member in Idaho was harmed or imminently would be harmed by the laws. CaseLaw

    The Satanic Temple Accuses Iowa Officials of Religious Discrimination

    • TST’s Iowa chapter filed a complaint against Iowa state officials, alleging that its members were discriminated against when denied access to use the Iowa State Capitol for a holiday display and event.
      • The group claims they were treated differently from “mainstream” religions, particularly around Christmas displays.
      • Officials denied their request in part citing concerns over children, the presence of potentially “obscene materials or gratuitous violence,” or that the proposed costumes could be misused. TST argues these concerns were unfounded.

        This case underscores continuing tensions about what kinds of religious or philosophical groups have equal access to public facilities and displays, especially during holiday seasons. Questions of the First Amendment, religious freedom, and equal treatment are central. RNS

    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.

    Cardinal Dolan Compares Charlie Kirk To The Apostle Paul

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    From last Friday’s New York Post:

    Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Friday hailed Charlie Kirk as a “modern-day Saint Paul” – saying the slain conservative activist’s “gracious” debating style “can teach us something.”

    Dolan, one of the leading figures in the Catholic Church, said he didn’t know who the Turning Point USA co-founder was when Kirk was fatally shot on a Utah college campus Sept. 10 — but then was quickly impressed as he started researching him.

    “The more I learned about him, I thought, ‘This guy’s a modern-day Saint Paul,’ ” Dolan told “Fox and Friends.” “He was a missionary, he’s an evangelist, he’s a hero. He’s one I think that knew what Jesus meant when he said the truth will set you free.”

    Okay, I think Charlie Kirk was a pretty awesome guy, great American, and shining example of living the Christian faith.

    But a “modern-day St. Paul”?

    Let’s not get carried away.

    Your Life And What Comes After: Introduction

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    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.

    They Said It: The Importance Of The Middle East

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    Picture via Lara Jameson pexels.com

    Here are some famous quotes from influential historical leaders about the importance of the Middle East in world affairs.

    Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister, 1946):
    “The Middle East is of immense strategic importance. Control of its oil and air routes is control of the destiny of the world.”

    Dwight D. Eisenhower (U.S. President, 1957 – in the Eisenhower Doctrine):
    “The Middle East is the most strategically important area in the world today, and its stability is vital to the peace and security of all nations.”

    Henry Kissinger (U.S. Secretary of State, 1970s):
    “Peace in the Middle East is not simply a matter of regional concern; it is a matter of global necessity.”

    King Abdullah II of Jordan (2004):
    “The Middle East is the heart of the world. If it is at peace, the world is at peace. If it is in conflict, the world will be in conflict.”