Deeper Bible & Theology

Death Row Letters: The Hiddenness of God

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Howdy, I trust all is well with you as you sit here on death row with the rest of us.

Someone recently asked me why an all-loving and all-powerful God would hide and allow for so many folks to doubt His existence.

The so called ‘hiddenness of God’, which has been debated in philosophical/theological discussions for a long time, raises the question of why God doesn’t just make His presence undeniably clear to everyone.

Do we ask why the clockmaker doesn’t show himself every time we look at a big, beautiful grandfather clock? Nope. Because the clock is proof of the clockmaker.

God isn’t hidden, you can see Him everywhere you look.

Psalm 19:1-2 – The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (KJV)

How can any intelligent person look at the creation and not see the Creator? So, no, God is not hidden – people who claim He is are in denial.

Romans 1:19-21 – Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Not only has God revealed Himself through the Book of Creation, He has also shown Himself perfectly through the written Word of God, the Bible, and in complete fullness by the Word made flesh, Jeshua our Messiah, the only begotten son of God.

Even so, I understand the argument: Why doesn’t God just do a bunch of magic tricks for everyone all the time so that they will see Him and love Him?

Well, part of the answer to that question is imbedded in the question itself. See if you can figure it out before our next little chat when we’ll dig a little deeper into the hiddenness of God.

Until then,
Your fellow death row occupant

Paul Prayed ‘Without Ceasing’ – Part 1

Steve SannLeave a comment

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 1 in a new series on prayer called ‘Paul Prayed Without Ceasing’ by Steve Sann.

Why pray “in the spirit” at every opportunity? Because, speaking in tongues (or “S.I.T.”, as it has often been abbreviated casually) is the optimal tool to use when praying for extended periods of time.

How is that? With the words originating from the spirit, the mind is freed up for other concerns; the decision-making process is bypassed, leaving the mind relatively free for everyday matters. When we SIT, hours can be invested in prayer, even while carrying on our other daily routines. As a result, this enables us to pray continually for people and situations all over the world. And this watchful, constant prayer is critical to assist God in carrying out His purposes. 

Or, as I Thessalonians 5 phrases it, we are to…pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
– I Thessalonians 5:17,18. The phrase “in or with the spirit”, in the context of speaking to God, is used interchangeably for tongues, defining it as tongues. For example, I Corinthians 14:14, 15 reads: 

“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” Correspondingly, throughout the New Testament, any form of communication from us directed to God described as being in, with, or by the spirit is referring specifically to tongues, as can be viewed in the following references: 

Praying: Jude 20, Ephesians 6:18, I Corinthians 14:14 Speaking: I Corinthians 12:3
Singing: I Corinthians 14:15
Praising (“blessing”): I Corinthians 14:16 Worshipping: Philippians 3:3, John 4:23, 24 and Crying: Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6

As Christians, it would seem we are forever in search of “God’s will” for our lives, aren’t we? Well, finally, here it is, God’s will is clearly stated! And it could not be spelled out more plainly: “…pray without ceasing…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Not as glamorous as being called a great apostle to the nations, one might assess, but it is God’s will for each one of us, nonetheless— right? 

Watchdog Alert: Persecution And Slaughter Of Christians in Nigeria

Rick TryonLeave a comment

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.

Death Row Letters: Theodicy And Human Evil

Rick Tryon1 Comment

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.

Why Did Paul Speak In Tongues So Much?-Part 6

Steve SannLeave a comment

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 sixth and final installment in this series on prayer by Steve Sann.

Read Part 1 here
Read Part 2 here
Read Part 3 here
Read Part 4 here
Read Part 5 here

Ephesians 6:18:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. 

In this verse, God isn’t trying to decree a minimum prayer requirement, or else He would say: “…pray 3.5 hours per day. Increase as needed.” Rather, He is emphasizing to us that we should pray to the greatest degree possible—at every available opportunity. 

So, this is a commandment that each of us can live up to. God’s desire for us, then, is really more of an adjustment of attitude and priority than it is an edict. You are the one who determines your potential, the “greatest degree possible” for your lifestyle. And, probably that “greatest degree possible” will increase as you regularly exercise your ability. Paul disciplined himself until he spoke in tongues more that all the Corinthian church. 

As we see, these figures breathe life into our understanding of God’s heart toward prayer. Particularly in this verse this is evident, as Ephesians 6:18 contains not just one, but four absolutes: one “always” and three “all’s”. Each emphasizes a different direction to us regarding prayer. Each gives force to a specific aspect of prayer, each worthy of our focus. For ease, all four are broken-out below. Each figure of speech is used to answer these ques*ons regarding our prayer responsibility: when, what, how and for whom prayer should be made. 

When? “Praying always
What? …with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
How? …being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication For whom? …for all the saints.” 

Or, to restate this in everyday understanding: 

We are to be…
• ‘Always praying’ at every available opportunity;
• Offering ‘all prayer’ that’s needed for each specific situation;
• With ‘all endurance’ while vigilantly being on watch and guarding by your prayer;
• For ‘all the saints’. 

Woven into this one verse are all the exhortations needed for us to move prayer up to the top of our daily “To Do” list. The priority of prayer has clearly and squarely been placed upon our shoulders. 

In passing, please note that the believers of the first century commonly referred to speaking in tongues as praying in the spirit. As a matter of fact, every reference in the New Testament to praying, speaking, singing, praising, worshipping or crying in, with or by the spirit, when directed from man to God, we find is related to speaking in tongues! This is why, in Ephesians 6:18, we are encouraged to pray in tongues “always…in the spirit.” 

Why Did Paul Speak In Tongues So Much?-Part 5

Steve SannLeave a comment

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 fifth installment in an ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.

Read Part 1 here
Read Part 2 here
Read Part 3 here
Read Part 4 here

Paul encouraged his people to speak in tongues much. So, how much is much? 

Ephesians 6:18:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Not one lent to underachievement, Paul instructs us to pray “always…in the spirit.” So, how much should we pray? Always! 

“Always” is literally: “at every opportunity.” We are to seize every available opportunity to pray in the spirit! Like the needle of a compass swinging north, we can coach ourselves to routinely resume praying in the spirit at each available pause throughout our day. 

“Always” describes an absolute amount. One cannot pray more than “always”— which is what characterizes it as an “absolute”. Also, since we physically are unable to literally pray “always” without pausing, this usage then must be a figure of speech. 

To appreciate the force of God’s encouragement here, it is helpful to understand this figure of speech. Absolutes, like always, all, never and ever are often used in language as figures of speech, adding greater emphasis and more intense feeling than a literal description possibly could. 

For example, “She’s always smiling,” emphasizes that Susan is exceptionally cheerful—one of the sunniest people we know. Now, we all know that Susan isn’t literally always smiling (which might otherwise warn of a medical condition!), yet somehow this figurative description rings more true to fact than should one state the dry facts themselves; e.g., “Of her waking hours, Susan appears to smile, on average, over 46% of the time.” 

Instead, this figure brings to light the deeper truth, conveying, with feelings, God’s true heart on the matter. In this verse, God isn’t trying to decree a minimum prayer requirement, or else He would say: “…pray 3.5 hours per day. Increase as needed.” Rather, He is emphasizing to us that we should pray to the greatest degree possible—at every available opportunity. 

Why Did Paul Speak In Tongues So Much?-Part 4

Steve SannLeave a comment

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 installment in an ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.

Read Part 1 here
Read Part 2 here
Read Part 3 here

So, the morning of the Day of Pentecost, when the gift of holy spirit was first received, what did the apostles do? They spoke in tongues as the Lord had commanded. 

And yet, as we look around today, it’s not uncommon to see those seeking tongues becoming discouraged, waiting endlessly in disappointment to “feel” something. Some even have reasoned that God certainly has not granted them this “special gift”. 

Even others have been taught it is exclusively for ministering in foreign languages as a missionary. But in reality, that phenomenon occurred only once in all of scripture (Acts 2): there is no promise offered nor reason suggested that it would be often repeated. Quite the opposite: we speak in tongues because the scriptures stipulate it, not because we expect sensations, or are planning some sort of religious pilgrimage! 

Every one of us has the ability to speak in tongues at the time of the new birth. Physical sensations and other such phenomena are never guaranteed by the Word, and, frankly, are most uncommon. Why should God have to use five senses incentives (emotions, feelings, and the like) to motivate a mature Christian to do what is clearly commanded in His Word? 

No—rather, the scriptures plainly encourage all believers to speak in tongues: “I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (I Corinthians14:5a). God would have all of us manifest, showing forth this ability which is already inherent in each of us. But why, then, should we strive to speak in tongues frequently? Didn’t we fulfill Christ’s directive by merely speaking in tongues the first time? On the contrary. Paul emphasized, when it comes to tongues, more is definitely better. As an example of this most healthy lifestyle, Paul pointed to himself: I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all. – I Corinthians 14:18 

Paul’s daily habit? He spoke in tongues—much. In fact, he spoke in tongues so much that he surpassed everyone in the entire first-century Corinthian church: “…I speak with tongues more than you all.” Perhaps, as some translate, he actually spoke in tongues more than the entire Corinthian church combined. Whatever the case, by this one declaration in I Corinthians 14:18, Paul commended his own example as the standard for the church of the first century. 

Why Did Paul Speak In Tongues So Much?-Part 3

Steve Sann1 Comment

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 third installment in an ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.

Read Part 1 here
Read Part 2 here

So, what motivates me to speak in tongues in the first place? Most basically, because Jesus said I should, and Paul said I could. Jesus, in his final instructions on earth, commanded that future believers should speak in tongues: “And these signs shall follow them that believe…. they shall speak with new tongues.” (Mk. 16:17 KJV). And later Paul, encouraged all believers, that they both should and could: “I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (I Corinthians 14:5a KJV). So, the morning of the Day of Pentecost, when the gift of holy spirit was first received, what did the apostles do? They spoke in tongues as the Lord had commanded. 

And yet, as we look around today, it’s not uncommon to see those seeking tongues becoming discouraged, waiting endlessly in disappointment to “feel” something. Some even have reasoned that God certainly has not granted them this “special gift”. 

Even others have been taught it is exclusively for ministering in foreign languages as a missionary. But in reality, that phenomenon occurred only once in all of scripture (Acts 2): there is no promise offered nor reason suggested that it would be often repeated. Quite the opposite: we speak in tongues because the scriptures stipulate it, not because we expect sensations, or are planning some sort of religious pilgrimage! 

Every one of us has the ability to speak in tongues at the time of the new birth. Physical sensations and other such phenomena are never guaranteed by the Word, and, frankly, are most uncommon. Why should God have to use five senses incentives (emotions, feelings, and the like) to motivate a mature Christian to do what is clearly commanded in His Word? 

No—rather, the scriptures plainly encourage all believers to speak in tongues: “I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (I Corinthians14:5a). God would have all of us manifest, showing forth this ability which is already inherent in each of us. But why, then, should we strive to speak in tongues frequently? Didn’t we fulfill Christ’s directive by merely speaking in tongues the first time? On the contrary. Paul emphasized, when it comes to tongues, more is definitely better. As an example of this most healthy lifestyle, Paul pointed to himself: I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all. – I Corinthians 14:18 

Paul’s daily habit? He spoke in tongues—much. In fact, he spoke in tongues so much that he surpassed everyone in the entire first-century Corinthian church: “…I speak with tongues more than you all.” Perhaps, as some translate, he actually spoke in tongues more than the entire Corinthian church combined. Whatever the case, by this one declaration in I Corinthians 14:18, Paul commended his own example as the standard for the church of the first century. 

Death Row Letters: Mystery Of Divine Providence

Rick Tryon1 Comment

Howdy, once again.

In my previous letter I left you with this thought – ‘everything will be alright in the end, and if it’s not alright it’s not the end’ – as a shorthand way of explaining the ‘The Eschatological (end-times) Hope’ argument for why God allows natural evil to happen in our world.

In this letter I want to talk a bit about the ‘Mystery of Divine Providence’ argument.

The ‘Mystery of Divine Providence’ is a fancy way of saying that we aren’t able to understand why God allows bad things to happen to people and that we just have to trust that, even though disease or earthquakes are deadly evils now, a greater good will eventually come of it.

It’s different from end times hope because instead of trusting in an ultimate justice and a ‘setting right’ of all that’s wrong, the mystery of divine providence asks us to look at evil as a necessary step on the road to God’s end-game.

I’m not buying it, though. To say that the ultimate good depends on evil happening doesn’t pass the commonsense test – or a closer study of the Bible.

Evil is never good, and God doesn’t use human suffering to accomplish His ends – with one exception: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ resulting in his crucifixion and death, which he offered of his own free will in order to ‘reset’ God’s purpose back on its originally planned course to everlasting life and glory with Him.

Yes, God’s ways are above our ways – Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

But that doesn’t mean that God has to use the death of a child or a catastrophic flood that kills hundreds of people in order to bring about some eventual good thing He has planned. It just means that how and why God works His will is often far beyond our understanding.

Anyway, that’s a lot to think about for one letter I guess.

So, maybe next time we’ll start in on why human evil exists, sound good? Well, not ‘good’, maybe ‘interesting’ would be a better choice of words here.

Until then,

Your fellow death row occupant.

Why Did Paul Speak In Tongues So Much?-Part 2

Steve Sann2 Comments

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 second installment in an ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.

Read Part 1 here

Why so Much? – The Least We Can Do… 

Perhaps surprisingly, it is often the smallest things we do in life that bring about the greatest impact: a complimentary word to a child; the decision to forgive the inexcusable; a helping hand to another in a time of desperation. Although they may be simple and unsophisticated, little things in life can bring about far-reaching effects. 

So it is with speaking in tongues. A little effort goes a long way. For instance, how much personal energy do we really expend when we speak by the spirit? Not much, really: we don’t even have to think before we speak! We open our mouths, move our lips, make the sounds, and—lo and behold—God gives us His words. How uncomplicated. And if not painless enough, we can even not move our mouths, and just speak in tongues silently to ourselves! Simple, yet what a profound impact these effortless words of perfect prayer have on our lives and the world around us. To speak in tongues is as easy as God could design it—it is literally the least we can do! 

When we first speak in tongues, we speak out in faith, trusting God to give us the words as we speak forth. We just begin speaking, and the words are there. But, if we are to learn to speak in tongues much, discipline is much more the order of the day. Discipline is born from our inner desire, and our desire is fueled by our anticipation of receiving the special benefits God has promised us. Learn and yearn for His benefits, and they will motivate you to discipline your life to obtain the things of God. As always, God’s gain is our gain. 

So, what motivates me to speak in tongues in the first place? Most basically, because Jesus said I should, and Paul said I could. Jesus, in his final instructions on earth, commanded that future believers should speak in tongues: “And these signs shall follow them that believe…. they shall speak with new tongues.” (Mk. 16:17 KJV). And later Paul, encouraged all believers, that they both should and could: “I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (I Corinthians 14:5a KJV). So, the morning of the Day of Pentecost, when the gift of holy spirit was first received, what did the apostles do? They spoke in tongues as the Lord had commanded. 

And yet, as we look around today, it’s not uncommon to see those seeking tongues becoming discouraged, waiting endlessly in disappointment to “feel” something. Some even have reasoned that God certainly has not granted them this “special gift”. 

Even others have been taught it is exclusively for ministering in foreign languages as a missionary. But in reality, that phenomenon occurred only once in all of scripture (Acts 2): there is no promise offered nor reason suggested that it would be often repeated. Quite the opposite: we speak in tongues because the scriptures stipulate it, not because we expect sensations, or are planning some sort of religious pilgrimage! 

Every one of us has the ability to speak in tongues at the time of the new birth. Physical sensations and other such phenomena are never guaranteed by the Word, and, frankly, are most uncommon. Why should God have to use five senses incentives (emotions, feelings, and the like) to motivate a mature Christian to do what is clearly commanded in His Word?