Current News & Events

Watchdog Alert: Latest From Israel/Gaza

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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.

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June And July Highlights

Rethinking The Rapture: What Does Delivered From Wrath Mean?

Rethinking The Rapture: What Does Delivered From Wrath Mean? Part 2

They Said It: Quotes About Luther And The Reformation (A new feature from Bible Rebel)

Who Cares: One-Minute Video Message

Ten-episode Bible 101 video series completed

Watchdog Alert: Biblical Archaeology News

Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 4

Coming in July and August

Continuing the “Rethinking The Rapture” series.

More in-depth content on deeper biblical studies and theological issues.

You can find all of the current Bible 101 episodes and One-Minute Mini Messages here on our YouTube Channel, and you can subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

We’ll also be continuing our regular features and guest articles and series:

  • Rethinking The Rapture
  • They Said It
  • Guest articles
  • And more…

Watchdogs

As always, we’ll be keeping a watchdogs eye on all of the latest political, religious, biblical archaeology, and cultural news and events from around the world and bringing to you in bite-size chunks to keep you informed.

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Watchdog Alert: What’s Happening With The Catholics

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Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events from the world of faith and religion and brings that content to our readers.

Vatican green-lights closure of historic Wisconsin parish

The Vatican has authorized the Diocese of Green Bay to close St. Boniface, a parish founded in the 1850s, despite parishioners’ efforts—including raising $2 million and launching a GoFundMe—to save it. The building dates to 1886. From National Catholic Register

First Jubilee for Catholic “influencers” announced

Rome will host a “Jubilee” pilgrimage on July 28–29 specifically for digital missionaries and Catholic influencers, aiming to foster prayer, formation, and community among online faith leaders. From Vatican News

Solidarity visit by Christian patriarchs in the West Bank

On July 14, the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches visited Taybeh, West Bank, to support Christian farmers whose lands and holy sites are being attacked by extremist settlers, urging Israeli authorities to act. From Detroit Catholic

Chicago-area parishes get closure reprieve—murky future

Several Chicago‑area parishes slated for closing or merging on July 1—including Oakbrook Terrace and Wilton Center—have been unexpectedly kept open. Reasons and timelines remain unclear. From Chicago Sun Times

Watchdog Alert: Latest From The Middle East

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Picture via Lara Jameson pexels.com

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.

Houthi rebels attack cargo ship in Red Sea, killing 3 sailors

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched an assault on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned cargo ship Eternity C in the Red Sea. Using fast boats and bomb-laden drones, the attack killed three sailors and wounded two. It marks the first maritime strike by the Houthis since late 2024, raising concerns over renewed threats to vital global trade routes. From the AP

Israel bombs hijacked British ship Galaxy Leader and Houthi targets

On July 7, Israel carried out a major airstrike targeting the Galaxy Leader—a vessel hijacked by Houthi rebels since November 2023—as well as several ports in Yemen (Hodeidah, Ras Isa, Salif) and a coastal power plant. The strikes deployed ~50 munitions and were a direct response to sustained ballistic missile attacks from the Houthis. From The Scottish Sun

Iran receives Chinese surface‑to‑air missile batteries post–Israel cease‑fire

Following its recent cease-fire deal with Israel, Iran has reportedly imported Chinese-made surface-to-air missile systems in exchange for oil. This move is part of efforts to rebuild its air-defence capabilities that were compromised during the conflict. From the Middle East Eye

Iran reports ~1,100 killed in 12‑day conflict with Israel

Iran’s official bodies have confirmed approximately 1,100 deaths during the recent 12-day military confrontation with Israel. The toll, shared by the Foundation of Martyrs & Veterans Affairs, reflects the severity of the short yet intense engagement. From Shafaq

Texas Flood Response And How To Help

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Catholic Church Response

  • The Archdiocese of San Antonio called on Catholics to pray “for all those affected,” especially for victims, the missing, and their families. Archbishop Gustavo García‑Siller and Auxiliary Bishop Boulette visited Kerrville, while Notre Dame Church in Kerrville opened its gym as an emergency shelter, with Catholic Charities providing food, clothing, hygiene kits, and water.
  • Special Masses were held on July 6, and priests from the Diocese of Beaumont and Austin encouraged prayers, invoked Our Lady of Prompt Succor, and launched additional fundraising efforts across the region aleteia.org.

Southern Baptist & Texas Baptist Relief

  • Southern Baptists of Texas Disaster Relief (SBTC DR) mobilized immediately:
    • A Quick Response Unit arrived July 4–5 in Kerrville and San Saba, offering meals, chaplaincy services, damage assessment, cleaning crews, shower and laundry facilities.
    • They partnered with First Baptist Kerrville, coordinating with pastor Joey Tombrella, and plan extended ‘mud-out’ and recovery efforts as waters recede.
  • Texas Baptists’ “Texans On Mission” deployed chaplains and assessors as early as July 7, preparing feeding, shower/laundry, recovery crews, and infrastructure teams. Local pastors are actively registering volunteers to support flood relief.

Evangelical Christian Leaders & Organizations

  • Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse and BGEA led prayers with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem inside a Kerrville church. His teams are hosting volunteers beginning July 8 for mud-out and cleanup; a second relief site is being set up in San Angelo.
  • Samaritan’s Purse has deployed North American Ministries and BGEA Rapid Response Teams, coordinating with local churches like Kerrville Bible Church, with on-site cleanup and spiritual support still underway.
  • An article in Crosswalk compiled statements from six Christian leaders urging prayer, trusting in God’s hope, emphasizing both immediate comfort and long-term salvation amid tragedy crosswalk.com.

Other Denominations & Churches

  • Episcopal Church leaders called for prayers and donations to support flood-stricken communities. Episcopal News Service quoted leaders asking congregations to “please pray” and contribute toward relief episcopalnewsservice.org.
  • Many local Protestant churches joined long-term recovery efforts, working alongside Baptist and evangelical groups to support victims beyond initial rescue .

Summary

There has been a broad, ecumenical response across Christian communities:

  • Prayer & spiritual care: daily Masses, prayers in churches, visits by bishops, and pastoral support for grieving families.
  • Physical aid & logistics: emergency shelters, feeding, hygiene services, cleanup and “mud-out” crews, volunteer coordination, chaplains, and equipment.
  • Samaritan’s Purse and Southern Baptist/Texas Baptist ministries are leading the operational efforts, working through local church partnerships.
  • Ongoing recovery: after immediate rescue, longer-term rebuilding and spiritual care will continue as floodwaters recede.

Kerr County Flood Relief Fund

Why Does God Allow Children To Drown?

Rick Tryon1 Comment

The latest from CNN as of Sunday afternoon: At least 80 people have died in connection with the flash floods that struck central Texas early Friday, according to officials. The toll includes at least 21 children in Kerr County, where 11 girls and one counselor are still missing from Camp Mystic, authorities said.

An often-asked question: “How could anyone believe in an all-powerful, loving God who would allow so much evil and suffering in the world?“

That’s a very difficult question, and there are countless books, articles, sermons, doctoral theses, movies, songs, and philosophical/theological debates on that subject (often referred to as theodicy or the problem of suffering), dating back centuries, that attempt to answer it.

The typical and extremely simplistic reasoning offered by some Christians as to why God would allow children at a Christian camp to drown goes something like this: “Well, God needed more angels in heaven.”

I believe that explanation is light-years away from the truth—and could even be considered inappropriately cavalier.

For me, beginning to understand the “why” of it all starts with this simple proposition: in order for there to be a level playing field where human beings are able to exercise actual free will, the conditions that create the possibility for failure, tragedy, and death must exist. Free agency is meaningless if there are no possible negative consequences resulting from human choices.

Matthew 5:45 – “For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

God is entirely just, and He has committed Himself to abiding by the conditions that allow free agency—and the processes of nature in a now fallen creation—to operate.

God doesn’t break His own rules, and He absolutely has a grand purpose in mind, which He will bring to pass by His own power and in His own time.

For now, we live in a broken and fallen world, and sometimes it’s nearly impossible for us to see light through all the darkness, given our very limited understanding—but a day certain is coming when we will know, even as we are known.

Watchdog Alert: Churchianity News

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Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events from the world of faith and religion and brings that content to our readers.

Trump Establishes Faith Office & Religious Liberty Commission

Former President Donald Trump has inaugurated several faith-based initiatives—such as a White House Faith Office, a Religious Liberty Commission, and a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias. While his conservative Christian base applauds the move, critics warn it risks violating the First Amendment by privileging politically aligned Christian factions over broader religious pluralism. From Milwaukee Independent

Southern Baptist Convention Advances Conservative Resolutions

At their 2025 annual meeting in Dallas, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)—the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S.—voted to endorse several conservative social resolutions. These include advocating a legal ban on pornography, opposing same-sex marriage (seeking reversal of the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision), restricting sports betting, and encouraging childbirth. Internal debates also continue on issues like women pastors and the denomination’s policy arm. From the AP

AP-NORC Poll: U.S. Adults Embrace Religious Chaplains in Schools

A new AP–NORC poll finds about 60% of U.S. adults support allowing religious chaplains in public schools to provide support—though not teacher-led or compulsory prayer. Support is split along denominational and political lines: White evangelical and Black Protestant adults are more favorable than Catholics, mainline Protestants, and non‑religious respondents. There’s broad concern (80%+) over church–state separation and funding issues. From apnews.com

Ecumenical Christian Leaders Condemn Hate Speech in Dallas

Over 30 Christian leaders and churches—including groups from Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, United Methodist, Evangelical, and Congregational traditions—have publicly denounced a planned “Hindu supremacist” event in Dallas featuring Kajal Singhala. Organized by Hindu nationalist groups with histories of anti-Christian rhetoric, the event has drawn strong opposition from an ecumenical coalition underscoring religious freedom and the Christian gospel. From clarionindia.net

Watchdog Alert: Latest From The Middle East

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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.

Military briefing: Israel and Iran size up war damage

After 12 days of intense missile and drone exchanges, Israel’s precision airstrikes devastated Iran’s military and nuclear facilities — reportedly destroying over 120 buildings in Tehran, killing 627 Iranians and injuring nearly 4,900. Iran’s missile barrage (550 launches) mostly misfired, striking civilian zones in Israel, resulting in 28 deaths and 1,400 injuries. Analysts say Iran’s nuclear program is set back by months, though Israeli claims suggest delays could span years. From The Financial Times

Ceasefire holds — Khamenei claims “heavy slap” and warns further strikes

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared the U.S.–led strikes “achieved nothing” while warning of future U.S. base attacks. He also framed the ceasefire as a regional victory, saying Iran “delivered a heavy slap to America’s face” and hinted at further military action if provoked. From Barron’s

Pope criticizes “diabolical intensity” and humanitarian plight

Pope Leo spoke out on the “diabolical intensity” of the region’s conflict, urging more humanitarian aid for Gaza and a return to international law. His remarks highlight the growing concern over civilian suffering in Gaza amid ongoing hostilities. From reuters.com

Israel halts northern Gaza aid amid theft allegations

Israel has paused humanitarian aid into northern Gaza after video surfaced of masked men on aid trucks. While Israeli officials allege Hamas diversion, clan leaders dispute this, stating they were providing security. From reuters.com

Watchdog Alert: Biblical Archaeology News

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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

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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!”