One-Minute Mini Message – don’t overreact either way.
Author: Rick Tryon
Choosing A New Pope – Biblically Based?
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on news and events from the world of churchianity. In this article, we take a look at the process of choosing a new Pope, which is based on Roman Catholic ceremony and tradition – not scripture.
Papal Ceremonies and Biblical Doctrine
While the Catholic Church bases its teachings on scripture, many papal ceremonies are rooted in tradition rather than biblical doctrine. The conclave, the papal coronation, and the rituals surrounding the election are not explicitly found in the Bible. Instead, they evolved over centuries as part of the Church’s governance structure.
Critics argue that certain practices—such as the vesting of the Pope in elaborate robes and the use of Latin in official ceremonies—reflect historical customs rather than biblical mandates. However, the Church maintains that these traditions uphold continuity and reverence within Catholicism.
The selection of a new Pope is a momentous event, steeped in history and ritual. While the process is not biblically mandated, it remains a defining aspect of Catholic tradition.
The Conclave Process
The election of a new Pope follows a centuries-old tradition rooted in secrecy and ritual. When a Pope passes away or resigns, the College of Cardinals—a body of senior Catholic officials—gathers in Vatican City to elect his successor in a process known as a conclave.
The conclave typically begins 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s death. Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, with the number of electors capped at 120. The process takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals swear an oath of secrecy before casting their votes.
Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot, which is then placed in a ceremonial urn. The votes are counted, and if no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, the process repeats until a consensus is reached. After each round, the ballots are burned, producing either black smoke (indicating no decision) or white smoke (signaling the election of a new Pope).
Once elected, the new Pope is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he delivers his first blessing.
Watchdog Alert: Persecution And Slaughter Of Christians in Nigeria
1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (KJV)
The roaring lion is loose in Nigeria.
The situation in Nigeria remains deeply troubling. Recent reports highlight ongoing violence against Christians, particularly in Plateau State. On Palm Sunday, suspected Islamist Fulani militias attacked Christian villages, killing at least 51 people.
“The coordinated assault targeted two predominantly Christian villages, with the worst carnage reported in Zikke village, Bassa County. Witnesses described a night of horror as gunmen stormed homes, setting them ablaze and killing entire families — including women, children, and the elderly — in what local leaders are calling a deliberate act of religious persecution.”
From The Herald
The Continuing Violence, No End In Sight
This follows a series of brutal incidents, including the slaughter of over 60 Christians and the destruction of 383 homes earlier this month.
It’s going to be a wretched and fearful Easter for Christians in Nigeria.
The killing and persecution of Christians by Islamist militants intent on creating a Muslim caliphate in this West African country is continuing apparently unchecked despite the population being 46% Christian.
“Nigeria’s Christians are being wiped out; we need to call it what it is — genocide,” Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern (ICC), a persecution watchdog, told Fox News Digital.
“Let’s start with the horrible attacks on April 2-3, 2025, in (Nigeria’s) Plateau State’s Bokkos County. Over 60 Christians (were) slaughtered, and 383 homes torched” King said. “Families were burned alive, and kids were left homeless. It’s gut-wrenching. The worst thing is that there’s nothing truly “special” about this attack. This has gone on for 20 years and has only expanded.”
From Fox News
A Dark And Broken World
Why does God allow this kind of butchery to happen? Part of the answer is in 1 Peter 5:8, referenced at the beginning of this post. He expects us to be “sober and vigilant”.
We should always be aware that the roaring lion is seeking to devour us, so that we can be prepared, and so that we can cover ourselves and our brothers and sisters in prayer and intercession – and so that we can walk in wisdom and strength to avoid the lion, or destroy him and his attempts to devour us.
For a closer look at why God allows evil read our series in Death Row Letters.
Door Mat For Jesus? Nope
Someone recently told me that they hope I “find peace” someday.
How presumptuous.
I found peace a long time ago when I accepted the Prince of Peace.
To walk in faith doesn’t mean you’re supposed to be a door mat for others to walk on. And it doesn’t mean that you walk in fear of speaking up for your principles or doing what’s right according to those principles, even if that stirs the pot and ruffles some slippery feathers.
And let’s never forget our Lord’s words in Matthew 10:34, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
Yes, our battles are spiritual, but they manifest in the real world of flesh and blood.
We are not only light, but also salt. And salt can sting when put on a wound, and this world is wounded.
So, my peace is in Him – not in bending the knee for the sake of comfort, acceptance, and convenience to the wicked god of this age.
Easter Events Around The World
Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Spain
- Date: April 13–20, 2025
- Location: Seville, Spain
- Details: This week-long celebration features grand processions with religious statues, traditional robes, and solemn observances.
Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) – Italy
- Date: Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025
- Location: Florence, Italy
- Details: A centuries-old tradition where a cart filled with fireworks is ignited in front of the Florence Cathedral to symbolize new beginnings.
Botides – Greece
- Date: Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Location: Corfu, Greece
- Details: Residents throw water-filled clay jugs onto the streets, a tradition believed to welcome spring and renewal.
Procession of the Cross – Jerusalem
- Date: Good Friday, April 18, 2025
- Location: Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem
- Details: Pilgrims walk the path believed to be the route Jesus took to his crucifixion, carrying crosses and engaging in prayer.
Death Row Letters: Theodicy And Human Evil
Greetings, death row occupiers.
Augustine believed that human evil stems from human free will and the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, while natural evil, which we discussed in our previous letter, is a consequence of our fallen nature and moral failure.
So, murder, rape, genocide, assault, and war are all examples of Human Evil – people choosing to inflict death and suffering on others.
God doesn’t force anyone to behave morally anymore than he forces anyone to believe on Jesus Christ as savior. We each have unconditional free-will and we all live with the benefits, and consequences, of that remarkable freedom.
You can’t blame God for the evil free-will choices of people. But you can ask, “Why does God permit the innocent (sometimes) to suffer?”
Well, here’s the uncomfortable truth: God can and does shield from harm those who seek His divine protection as they ask in faith – everyone else is on their own, and if they live outside God’s hedge of protection, it’s because they choose to be on their own.
Now listen, there are times and circumstances when people of faith will voluntarily confront human evil knowing that they may be harmed or even killed. Their reasons for doing that are between God and them.
There are also times when people of faith wander outside the castle and the King’s protection, so to speak, through disobedience, willful ignorance, or plain old rebellion. Bad things can happen when that occurs.
And finally, there are times when the bad things that bad people do to good people are simply inexplicable – only God knows the whys and wherefores.
1 Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)
This is a good time to repeat what I’ve said before in these letters:
So, while suffering and pain is hard to understand and bear while going through it, no matter how awful or how long one has to endure it, it is infinitesimally brief compared to what God has in store for those that love Him.
2 Corinthians 4:17 – For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…
Once again, I hope our correspondence has provided some answers, or at least some food for thought, as we sit out our time together here on death row.
Until next time, friends,
Your faithful pen pal.
Watchdog Alert: Wars And Rumors Of Wars
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on wars and conflicts around the globe, bringing the latest news summaries to our readers.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Brigade Behind Deadly Missile Attack
Ukrainian forces have reportedly targeted a Russian brigade responsible for a recent missile strike that killed civilians. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Russia and the U.S. continue, though peace talks remain challenging. – From Sky News
As Anti-Hamas Protests Gather, Christians Stay Away
“In a rare show of defiance, thousands of Gazans took to the streets of the northern city of Beit Lahia and other cities in the past few weeks, demanding Hamas step down and end the war.
Videos from the protests, which started two weeks ago, show protesters chanting, “Out, out, out! Hamas get out!” and carrying banners with the words “Hamas does not represent us.” Demonstrations lasted three days before scattered protests resumed last week.“
From Christianity Today
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Warns of Global Security Threat Amid Russia’s War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that Russia’s ongoing invasion could escalate into a broader global conflict. He emphasized that the security of the entire world is at stake if Ukraine and its allies do not stand firm against Russian aggression.
From CBS News
Ask, Seek, Knock – Mini Message
This weeks ‘One Minute (or so) Mini Message.
How Did We Get The Bible?
How did we get the Bible? Isn’t it just a book written by men? Ten episodes, each one between 5 and 8 minutes long, to help anyone at any level learn how to read and better understand the Bible.
Short and to the point.
Watchdog Alerts: Iran Nuke Talks And More
More A‑10 Warthogs Deploy to the Middle East
From Task & Purpose – The U.S. Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing is sending several A‑10 Thunderbolt II aircraft—and more than 300 airmen—into the CENTCOM area of responsibility. This deployment, set for a 180‑day period, underscores the U.S. military’s intensified buildup in the region as it responds not only to renewed hostilities with Houthi forces in Yemen but also to ongoing counter‑ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria. The surge is viewed as part of broader efforts to maintain readiness amid escalating tensions and frequent missile threats toward U.S. Navy assets.
Iran and the U.S. to Hold Nuclear Talks via Oman
From Al Jazeera – In a noteworthy diplomatic development, Iranian officials have confirmed that indirect negotiations with the United States will take place in Oman focusing on Iran’s contentious nuclear program. Though the talks are set against a backdrop of long‑standing mistrust—with U.S. leadership at times casting doubt on Iran’s motives—this move is being seen as an opening for dialogue and possibly a fresh start to addressing nuclear non‑proliferation concerns. The arrangement highlights the complex interplay of diplomacy and strategic interests in the region.
Arrests in Lebanon Following Rocket Attacks on Israel
From The Independent – Lebanese security forces have detained three individuals—two Lebanese nationals and one Syrian—over their alleged involvement in rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory. While militant groups such as Hezbollah have denied direct involvement, the arrests underscore the volatile environment along the Lebanese border and the persistent threat of cross‑border attacks that continue to heighten regional insecurity.