Politics, Culture, and Faith

Our Free Monthly Newsletter: Called To Someone

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We are called as God’s people, and we are each called individually. But what is it that we are called to?

I always come back to something I read in the Os Guinness book, ‘The Call’: “…we are not called to something or somewhere, we are called to Someone.“

When I think about that truth, I picture a child playing in the backyard on a sunny day, and a father coming outside through the back screen door of the house into the yard, opening his arms and calling to his child by name.

The child stops playing, turns his head to his father’s voice, and runs joyously across the yard straight into his father’s arms.

And I see my whole life as running across the yard into my Father’s arms. That’s what we’re called to.

What you do in life isn’t as important as who you are in life.

You can have the desire and talent to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a plumber, or a dancer, or an engineer, or whatever, but your career or job isn’t really your calling. Your calling is to Him.

Your life is a journey. It’s not a dead end, it’s a race across the years God is giving you and it will end up with you leaping into His loving arms. Hold that picture in your mind’s eye every day.

Subscribe here to our FREE newsletter coming to your email box every month.

Rick Tryon
Editor/Publisher Bible Rebel


June/July Highlights

Armchair Apocalypse: Revelation Mail Call

Questioning The Assumptions Of Religious Tradition

They Said It: Four Quotes On The Book Of Daniel

Video Mini Message: Why Are You Here?

Ten-episode Bible 101 video series completed

Watchdog Alert: Why God Allows The Earth To Shake

Looking For Heaven In Washington DC?

Coming in July/August

More of our Armchair Apocalypse series.

“Your Life and What Comes After” book available.

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

More Video Mini Messages like this – Does What You Do Matter?

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, guest articles, and series:

  • Your Life And What Comes After: Plugging Into God’s Forever Plan Now
  • Armchair Apocalypse
  • They Said It: Poignant quotes on a variety of topics
  • 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.

Finally, are you interested in contributing content to Bible Rebel?

Bible Rebel is always looking for interesting, compatible content for our biblerebel.com website/blog. We are accepting writing and video submissions for review and possible publication on our platform.

If you have a teaching series, opinion piece, research piece or other content that fits with the Bible Rebel mission we’d like to see it!

If your content fits our mission and creed, included below, then email it to us at in**@********el.com. Written pieces should be no more than 500 words and video content no longer than 7 minutes – either can be submitted as part of a longer series for consideration.

Thanks, and stay tuned for our next newsletter.

Oh, and please go over and give us a follow on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Rick Tryon
Editor/Publisher
Bible Rebel & biblerebel.com

Thursday Watchdog: Be Like Jehoshaphat

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Today’s headlines are full of escalating conflict. U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets, Iranian retaliation, threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, and fears of a wider regional war have the world wondering what happens next. (Reuters)

The Bible tells a battle story in 2 Chronicles 20 when King Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming coalition of enemy armies. On paper, Judah had no chance, but instead of panicking or pretending the danger wasn’t real, the king prayed: “Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” (2 Chronicles 20:12, KJV)

God didn’t promise there would never be wars and battles. He reminded His people that He was still in charge. The biggest army wasn’t the one with the most soldiers—it was the one standing with God.

Our generation has unlimited access to war footage, hot takes, and doom-scrolling, but before you check the next breaking-news alert, spend five quiet minutes reading 2 Chronicles 20.

Ask God for wisdom and peace in your own life and heart. You can’t control what happens in Iran—but you can decide who you’re trusting when the world starts shaking. “Our eyes are upon thee”.

Saturday Watchdog: Looking For Heaven… In Washington?

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Today’s headlines show two trends moving at the same time. A new Wall Street Journal/NORC poll found Americans—especially younger generations—are losing confidence in capitalism, democracy, patriotism, and even religion.

Meanwhile, other recent polling shows growing openness among many young Americans to socialist ideas, driven largely by frustration over housing costs, inequality, and the feeling that the system is stacked against them. (The Wall Street Journal)

Young people aren’t embracing socialism because they’re lazy or stupid. Most are looking around and thinking, “This system doesn’t seem to be working for me.” Rent is crushing. Homes feel impossible to buy. Trust in institutions is falling faster than your phone battery at 2%.

That’s a Real Problem

Human beings don’t stop believing in something. We simply move our hope somewhere else. For some, it’s politics. For others, money, technology, fame—or the promise that a different economic system will finally fix what’s broken.

The Bible says the deepest problem isn’t capitalism, socialism, or any other “-ism.” It’s the human heart.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (KJV)

Christians should care about poverty, injustice, and helping people in need. The Bible commands it as a matter of personal faith and obedience. But Scripture never teaches that government, markets, or political movements are the vehicles by which we are to live out our commitment to helping those in need. And they are certainly not to be the object of our faith and hope.

If your ultimate hope rests in Washington, Wall Street, or the next political revolution, you’re asking broken people to build heaven on earth. They never have and they never will. That day will come only when Jesus Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The real revolution here and now begins with changed hearts, not with tired old socialist and utopian slogans and agendas. Changed hearts build stronger families, healthier communities, and societies marked by justice, mercy, and responsibility.

And only God can truly change hearts.

So What?

Before you put your faith in an ideology, ask yourself this: Can it change human nature? If the answer is no, keep looking.

Thursday Watchdog: More Middle East Messiness

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Picture via Lara Jameson pexels.com

U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iranian Military Targets After Hormuz Shipping Attacks

Following Iranian-linked attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States carried out a broad wave of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, while both sides accused each other of violating previous agreements. Oil prices jumped and fears of a wider regional war intensified.
AP

Always keep in mind that Jeshua, our Messiah, warned us that “wars and rumours of wars” would characterize this age until He returns. By the way, we’ve been living in the last days since His resurrection and ascension.

Israel Continues Operations in Southern Lebanon Despite Diplomatic Pressure

Hezbollah attacks against Northern Israel and Israeli military operations against Hezbollah-linked targets have continued in southern Lebanon even amid renewed diplomatic efforts, keeping tensions high along Israel’s northern border.
The Guardian

Every new ceasefire seems destined to fail sooner rather than later and humanity keeps proving the Bible right about the brokenness of the human heart. Come, Lord Jesus.

Iran Holds Funeral for Former Supreme Leader While New Leadership Signals Defiance

Millions participated in funeral events for Iran’s former Supreme Leader, while Iran’s new leadership used the occasion to emphasize resistance against the United States and Israel and project strength despite recent military losses.
Reuters

Regimes rise, rulers fall, and history keeps moving—but God’s kingdom isn’t waiting for the next election or revolution. Let’s not overly concerns ourselves with who occupies the palace in Tehran or the White House; rather, lets make certain our hearts are turning toward the King of Kings and His return to establish righteousness—forever.

Tuesday Watchdog: Vatican Creates Schism

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Photo via Julius Silvers, pexels.com

Vatican Declares SSPX in Schism, Excommunicates Bishops and Priests

The Vatican formally declared the Society of Saint Pius X to be in schism after it consecrated four bishops without papal approval. The Vatican excommunicated the bishops and hundreds of priests involved, making it one of the most significant internal Catholic ruptures in decades. AP

Jesus prayed that His followers would be one (John 17), but unity without truth isn’t biblical—and neither is churchianity dressed up as truth. When religious institutions fracture over authority, every Christian should ask: Is my ultimate loyalty to Christ and Scripture, or to a denomination or tradition?

Traditionalist Priests Say a Future Pope Will Reverse the Decision

Following the excommunications, leaders within the SSPX publicly expressed confidence that a future pope would welcome them back into full communion, signaling that they view the dispute as temporary rather than settled. Reuters

The hope of Christianity isn’t found in the next pope, pastor, or church council—it’s found in our Lord Jesus Christ and in Him alone. If our confidence depends on the next religious leader fixing everything, we’re royally screwed.

Should we always put Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus over religious tradition and authority? Is the Pope Catholic?

Saturday Watchdog: America At 250 – Celebration… Or Warning?

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As America celebrates its 250 years, the headlines are filled with debates about our history, our identity, and what kind of nation we want to become. Some want to emphasize our achievements, and we should. Others insist we confront our failures, and we should do that too. It’s good and proper that America is asking hard questions about itself.

Where Does America Stand in God’s Eyes?

The Bible teaches that one day, after this age is over, every individual will stand before God for judgment. But throughout Scripture, God also judges nations within history. Egypt. Babylon. Assyria. Israel. Rome. No nation gets a permanent exemption, including the good old USA.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” — Proverbs 14:34 (KJV)

America has been incredibly blessed. Millions have flocked here over the generations to enjoy the freedom, opportunity, and generosity that this nation has provided through God’s grace, wisdom, and mercy.

But blessings aren’t a lifetime achievement award. They’re a stewardship, and America has not always managed that stewardship according to our Heavenly Father’s will and heart.

And America has been harshly judged within our own history for our national sins. The Civil War was the horrible consequence of the wickedness of slavery, for example.

What About Now?

The real issue isn’t whether America is the greatest nation on earth—we believe it is. The real question is whether we’re pursuing justice, truth, humility, and obedience to the God who ultimately rules over every nation.

At 250 years old, America doesn’t just need another birthday party. It needs honest self-examination and a return to acknowledging that the world is dark and broken, and that the light shining from the city on the hill is God’s light, not our own.

So What?

Before criticizing and damning our country—or worshipping it—ask God to examine your heart first. Nations are made up of people, and renewal and revival always begin one person at a time.

Armchair Apocalypse: Revelation Was Written To Real People In Real Cities

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Imagine you’re 25 years old, living in Ephesus around A.D. 95—the same city that received one of the seven letters in Revelation.

You’re living in one of the richest, busiest cities in the Roman Empire. Merchants from around the world crowd the streets. The harbor is packed with ships. Money flows. So does corruption and idolatry.

The city is dominated by the massive Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Religion isn’t just personal. It’s business. Priests, festivals, sacrifices, fortune tellers, and idol-makers all make a living from pagan worship.

The Roman emperor isn’t just the government. He’s increasingly treated like a god. Public festivals include burning incense before the emperor’s image as a sign of loyalty to Rome. Most people don’t think much about it. It’s just part of life.

Unless you’re a follower of Yeshua the Messiah .

The Jewish population in Ephesus has an established synagogue and centuries of history. Greeks and Romans make up most of the city’s population, bringing their own gods, philosophies, and customs. The first Christians come from both groups. Some are Jews who believe Jesus is the Messiah. Others are former pagans who walked away from idol worship.

These folks don’t meet for ‘church’ in giant church buildings. They gather in homes. Someone with a larger house hosts twenty, maybe forty people. They pray, sing, read the Hebrew Scriptures, listen to letters from the apostles, share meals, and encourage one another. Rich people sit beside slaves. Jews worship beside Gentiles. In a world divided by race, status, and wealth, that is revolutionary.

Life Isn’t Easy

Roman persecution isn’t always constant across the empire, but it’s very real. Refusing emperor worship can cost someone business opportunities, social standing, prison—or even death. Local officials and hostile crowds often become the first source of pressure long before imperial authorities get involved.

Suddenly the Book of Revelation doesn’t sound like strange fantasy. It sounds like a message to ordinary people trying to stay faithful in an extraordinary world.

Revelation wasn’t written to some faraway future generation living in an apocalyptic hellscape. It was written to real people in a real place.

It was written to encourage and inspire the faithful in the midst of a corrupt and broken world and in the face of danger and persecution from a beastly world empire, and that’s still a message worth hearing.

Thursday Watchdog Alert: New Atheism Fizzles Out

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America’s vibe check is… weird. New research shows the old “New Atheism” wave has basically fizzled out, not because everyone suddenly found Jesus, but because the movement couldn’t keep its momentum in a culture that’s shifting faster than TikTok trends. Scholars note that the once‑loud atheist movement has hit a decline phase, shaped by internal drama and a changing cultural landscape Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

At the same time, Pew reports that tons of so‑called “nones” — the spiritually unaffiliated — still believe in something beyond the natural world, even if they don’t vibe with organized religion Pew Research Center. Translation: people aren’t rejecting meaning… they’re just allergic to institutions.

And cultural analysts say U.S. spirituality is mutating, remixing, and re‑emerging in unexpected ways — from social‑justice‑infused spirituality to aesthetic‑driven “vibes‑based” belief systems USC Dornsife.

The hunger for meaning hasn’t died. It’s just gone underground, DIY‑style.

So What?
Pick one thing you value deeply — justice, truth, loyalty, creativity — and ask: What would it look like to anchor this in something bigger than me?
Write it down. Start there.

Saturday Watchdog Alert: Supporting Israel Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated

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Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

A wild idea: what if supporting Israel didn’t require a seminary degree, a prophecy chart, or a 12‑week Bible study on the End Times?

What if it’s as simple as this: they’re a free, modern democracy in a rough neighborhood, and friends stick with friends when things get loud. You don’t need a burning bush to get behind that.

The Bible actually backs up the idea of standing with friends and allies, especially when the world around them is chaos. You don’t have to be religious to get that. You just have to have common sense.

Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Sticking by long-time friends who need us isn’t “Zionist” or “anti-Islam”; it’s the right thing to do. And Israel isn’t just a long-time friend of the USA—Israel is a geopolitical and strategic partner in a violent, dark, and unpredictable world.

Questioning The Assumptions Of Religious Tradition

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The Bible Rebel blog is a resource for those seeking original and curated content, including news and commentary, covering faith, biblical studies and interpretation, and the intersection of politics, culture, and the Bible.

Our Mission

  1. To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
  2. To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
  3. To examine and question the assumptions of religious tradition and provide a resource for information and inspiration for people of faith who have become dissatisfied with an increasingly lifeless and empty ‘churchianity’.
  4. To present the Biblical truths which reveal God’s nature and purposes and proclaim the lifechanging, world-altering, radical message of Yeshua the Messiah – Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior. and to help regular, everyday folks understand the Bible and apply it in their lives.

Contact us at in**@********el.com