A nun was kicked and beaten near a holy site in Jerusalem amid a surge in anti-Christian hostility. From The Times
Meanwhile in China, underground Catholics face surveillance, detention, and pressure to submit to a state-controlled church. From The AP
Let’s be blunt: following Jesus is not trending—it’s costly. And yet… this is nothing new.
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.” — John 15:18
Here’s the twist: persecution doesn’t kill the Church—it exposes it. Comfortable Christianity fades fast. Real faith gets sharper under pressure.
Western culture may not be kicking down your door (yet), but it’s quietly asking you to soften truth, stay silent, and blend in. Same battle. Different strategy.
Jesus didn’t call fans. He called followers.
So what now?
Do Something. Do one bold, visible act of faith today—pray out loud, share truth with someone, or stand firm on a conviction you’ve been avoiding. No theatrics. Just courage.
Because the line is being drawn—globally and personally.
Prayer is a wrestling match with the Almighty, not a friend request on Facebook. It’s not about getting something, it’s about being something. Prayer is a hard admission made to your Maker about the deeply wicked condition of your heart and a request for Him to help correct that situation daily.
It’s not a wish list thrown up into space. It’s not a lunch order off a menu given to your waiter, Jesus, expecting Him to ask, “Would you like fries or cottage cheese with that?”
Prayer is asking God to turn you inside out and upside down. It’s opening the door to your heart and allowing your Heavenly Father to illuminate the dark corners there and fill the empty spaces with substance.
Prayer is having the honesty to ask the Creator of the universe for a resurrected heart and a majestic character, not for a pile of money, a new car, a better job, or a cuter girlfriend/boyfriend.
Prayer is earnestly asking for the wisdom to know what’s right and the courage and strength to carry it out. Prayer is seeking to do God’s will, not whining for Him to do yours.
It is praise and thanksgiving.
Pray with the tongues of men and of angels. Pray for others.
My grandkids call me Bacca Ricky. It’s a title and name that is very, very special to me because I hold my children and grandchildren as exceedingly precious and as miracles.
So here’s a few things I want to pass along to them that l hope they will find useful in their journey through life.
A Bit About Prayer
I am an imperfect follower of Christ. I cuss occasionally and stumble often in this walk through the world. I try not to get preachy too often but just the other day I heard someone say, “Prayer doesn’t work”.
He’s right. If you think prayer is an app on your phone or some magic words that you say to make stuff appear, then no it doesn’t work. But that’s not what prayer is. God isn’t Amazon and Jesus isn’t your UPS driver delivering orders to your door, 3 day delivery guaranteed.
Prayer is a wrestling match with the Almighty, not a friend request on Facebook. It’s not about getting something, it’s about being something. Prayer is a hard admission made to your Maker about the desperately wicked condition of your heart and asking Him to help correct that situation daily.
It’s not a wish list thrown up into space. It’s not a lunch order off a menu given to your waiter, Jesus, expecting him to ask, “Would you like fries or cottage cheese with that?”
Prayer is asking God to turn you inside out and upside down. It’s opening the door to your heart and allowing your Heavenly Father to illuminate the dark corners in there and fill the empty spaces with substance.
Prayer is having the honesty to ask the Creator of the universe for a resurrected heart and a majestic character, not for a pile of money, a new car, a better job, or a cuter girlfriend/boyfriend.
Prayer is earnestly asking for the wisdom to know what’s right and the courage and strength to carry it out. Prayer is seeking to do God’s will, not whining for Him to do yours.
It is praise and thanksgiving.
Pray with the tongues of men and of angels. Pray for others.
Those kinds of prayers work.
Bacca Ricky’s Little Tips
Seek God daily, first thing in the morning. Take long walks as often as possible. Nobody gives a shit. Work harder. Control your appetites. Go to war with evil. Make your bed in the morning. Life isn’t fair. Get over it. Know when to bend – but never break. Don’t fear change, fear the same old same old. Cherish your family daily. Stir some pots and ruffle some feathers from time to time. Grow something. Be loyal. Wash the dishes after dinner. Get a good night’s sleep.
Finally, when you are ready—but not until you are ready—find a like‑minded partner, get married, have children, and build a home and life together. This is happiness and success. This is a perfect reflection of God’s love and His desire to create and have a family.
Next, we’ll conclude our quest into Your Life and What Comes After.
Thomas Cole – The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds
Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
So, how do you love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind? What does that mean?
Heart Love God from the center of who you are, not just with emotions, but with your decisions and heartfelt goals.
Soul Love God with what makes you you—with your whole life, not just one part of it on Sundays at church.
Mind Love God with your thoughts, your attention, and the way you think deeply about the world around you.
Love Is Action
Here are some things to do daily to put love for God into action.
Pray. Start every day by talking to your Heavenly Father and listening as He talks to you.
Tell God the desires of your heart; you must speak your desires before God. You must speak them.
Read and study God’s Word. God has revealed Himself, His endless love, and His grand plan in the Bible. It also tells us how we are to obey His will for us so that we will live the awesome lives He desires for us.
Praying and reading the Word of God put you in His presence, and when you’re in His presence, your heart, soul, and mind will worship Him and praise His glorious works.
Be aware during the day that you live your life before God, not just other people.
Make these love actions habits in your daily life, and you will see how putting yourself into God’s heart will make your life a wondrous dream come true.
Now, how do we do the second part of the Great Commandment? That’s next.
Have you ever heard the nursery rhyme that goes like this—‘Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the doors and see all the people’?
Is the Church Age about church buildings, or is it about people? In the Bible’s New Testament books after the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the ‘Church’ always refers to the people who believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Son of God.
Just as the Old Testament was instruction for the people who lived back in those times on how to walk in God’s purposes, and the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John show us how Jesus lived according to God’s plan, the New Testament books after the Gospels now instruct us today on how to do the same.
Seek God First
Colossians 3:1–2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Spend some time every morning praying and just enjoying the presence of God, speaking to Him and letting Him speak to you.
Add Value to the World Around You
Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Do meaningful work. Gain knowledge and learn valuable skills. Help and serve others around you in real ways that meet real needs.
Do Hard Things Without Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Don’t ever be afraid of hard work or of doing hard things. God loves you and has already given you great strength and courage.
Fight Darkness with Light
Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Stand up, speak up, and show up. Dispel the darkness around you by shining forth God’s love and light.
The You Miracle
Always remember that you are a miracle, and that God’s plan includes you in His family and household. See yourself as God sees you: His beautiful child.
Plug into God’s purposes and plan, and your life will be an exciting adventure as a co-worker with the Creator of the universe!
Next, we’ll start our journey into understanding heaven, hell, and the end of the world.
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 4, the final part, in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
Over the years, as we reflect on the greatest principles to attribute our successes in life, our gratitude should go out to a strong faith in God, and unabashed prayer in the spirit. Hands down, developing the discipline of prayer in the spirit will be one of the most rewarding crafts we’ve mastered.
Much of life is about timing. It is about where we are, who we meet, and if we are prepared to embrace the opportunities that avail themselves—at that very point in time. Most of us have skills enabling us to walk through doors of opportunity— we just need those doors to open. Prayer in the spirit is that door opener. It corrects your timing errors. It synchronizes the gears in the machinery of your life. Then you too, like others of us, can say: “all things are working together for good.” (Romans 8:28). Sure, there are several principles fundamental to success—but this is one you really do not want to miss.
In closing, I encourage you to identify reminders that will help you to “S.I.T.” much. Find what works for you: posters, notes, watch alarms, etc. Sometimes the crazier, the more memorable! Associate routines, places, colors, even people! Have fun with it, and it will reward you.
Practice speaking out loud to expand your fluency, and then do it for a minimum duration every day. Then, learn to speak silently in your mind for extended periods. Enjoy the discipline: you will be proud of yourself when you see the rewards flowing into your life!
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 3 in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
Ephesians expands on the greater works that we are now enabled to do, according to this new power that works in us:
Ephesians 3:20, 21a: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto Him be glory in the church…
God is able to empower us in great works: works that exceed above all that any of us could possibly conceive. But, it is according to the power that we must work within us. The theme of Ephesians 3:20 is this: “God’s limitless ability is released according to the measure we operate His power in us.” It is you—your release of the power of the holy spirit within you that determines the amount of God’s working in your life. He is able. He is willing. If you are willing to learn to walk by the spirit, you enable Him to respond exceedingly abundantly.
The other morning as I awoke, I had a “dream” regarding one of the young men who frequents our fellowships. In the picture, his girlfriend was weeping, saying that he had disappeared with no notice at all, and no one had any information. Opening my eyes, I knew this was of God.
Upon arising, I contacted my friend and invited him over. His response? “Crazy, I was just thinkin’ about ya, man!” The spirit of God was working in both of us simultaneously, by my believing. By expecting the spirit of God to work, I was available to God. If we do not anticipate hearing from the spirit of God, then we limit our revelation, and it will not be a daily part of our lives.
He is limited only “according to the power that works in us.” What is this power that works within us? It is the power of the holy spirit, (Acts 1:8a). How, then, can we manifest the holy spirit’s power into the senses realm? I Corinthians 12:6ff lists the nine operations by which the power of the holy spirit may be brought forth through the believer. There are nine and nine only—no more, and no less. Of the nine, speaking in tongues is the most fundamental, foundational manifestation, and usually the first one with which a new believer becomes skilled.
Ephesians 3:20 illustrates that as we operate the spirit, by tongues or the other manifestations, God’s ability is released into this world. But look at just how much: not merely all the things we ask, but above all that we can even think! Of course, it is above all that we can think, because SIT supersedes our thinking.
But wait, there’s more: “abundantly above”—in fact—“exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think!” Tongues opens doors to unclaimed, uncharted wealth!
To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
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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’.
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.
At Bible Rebel, this is our one and only creed: Our living God is a loving God and the Bible is His revealed word and will. Our hope and eternal salvation relies entirely on the work of God’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
So, expect some controversial viewpoints and uncomfortable ideas in some of the coming content from Bible Rebel.
Coming in October/November
More in our “Your Life and What Comes After” series.
More in-depth content on deeper biblical studies and theological issues.
We’ll also be continuing our regular features, guest articles, and series:
Biblical Literacy: What the Bible does and doesn’t say
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.
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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.
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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 Part 2 in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
John 14:12: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Can’t you just hear the squawking when you begin broadcasting you can do greater works? “What—you think you can do greater works than Jesus Christ?!” Yet, that is exactly what the Word of God declares.
So, every Christian in modern times must ask himself this question: “What are these greater works that God would have me to perform?” The evidence is found in Mark 16. Here, Jesus Christ foretold specifically of tongues: it was to be a sign of the future believers. It would be a sign simply because it would be a uniquely new work—one not yet available until after Christ’s ascension:
Mark 16:12: And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name…they will speak with new tongues. So, what then qualifies tongues as truly a greater work? Because when we speak, we bring to pass multiple accomplishments simultaneously. By means of tongues, God was able to incorporate into one work nearly all of the greatest works a man can do for God—and perform them perfectly, and simultaneously! For example:
praying perfectly,
making intercession for others,
receiving the mysteries of God,
praising and worshipping Him,
bonding with Him,
acquiring confirmation that you are a son of God…
…and this summarizes only some of the benefits. These are the greatest works believers perform before God. A single work of this magnitude was previously unachievable.
If Jesus Christ called it a “greater work”, wouldn’t that infer that he wished speaking in tongues were available in his day? And why wouldn’t he? Yet, it could not become available until he himself made the ultimate sacrifice.
Take a moment to recall some of what we would think are the super-cinematic “20th Century Fox” greatest works of Jesus Christ: raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, commanding devils out. Water into wine. Walking on water. Yet, above all these, Jesus Christ prized speaking in tongues as a “greater work.” Either we have not yet risen up to realize the raw power of tongues, or just perhaps our value scale of “greatness” is skewed.
But this we know to be certain—looking ahead to the coming of speaking in tongues, Jesus Christ foresaw its impact to be of such enormity that it was to be a “game changer” for the Church. Does it not seem astonishing to you how that which Jesus Christ so highly esteemed, his ministers today have made least significant?
But now, God has preserved this for our time, your tool to rely on throughout life’s travels. Analogous to the revolutionary cellular and internet technologies of recent decades, tongues is a convenience and a time-saver, which as you familiarize yourself with it, becomes easier and more dependable. It is truly a spiritual technological advancement. And like all newer and greater technologies, its purpose is to carry out a greater work.
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 first part in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
The Prayer of the Prophets
“Greater works than these he will do…”
Now, here is a challenging subject to ponder: Today we have tongues as a tool to pray for unforeseeable matters in advance.
But, how did Jesus Christ and the prophets before him make intercession for future events that were beyond their sense knowledge to know anything about? The answer is apparent: they had to rely on revelation, as speaking in tongues became available only after Christ’s ascension. Until that time, when God requested prayer for matters beyond a believer’s senses perception, He had to reveal it with word of knowledge and word of wisdom.
Once details were made known to the believer, prayers could be offered via the understanding. So, before Pentecost, prayer for the unknown was limited by the recipients’ ability to first believe to receive the revelation.
Not so today. Praying by the spirit makes prayer as easy as prayer can be, and yet still be called “prayer!” Now we can pray with the same accuracy and precision that Christ and the prophets were able to achieve by revelation, yet accomplish it “passively” in tongues. This is because the “Christ in you” is actively originating the prayer, and is aware of all needs. As accurate as Christ’s revelation is, so is your prayer in tongues. Likewise, unless your revelation receptivity rivals that of the prophets, speaking in tongues might be the choice for you! Let the spirit obtain the guidance—we need only to speak in tongues with faith for perfect intercession to be successfully made!
Why couldn’t Jesus Christ nor the greatest of Old Testament prophets ever speak in tongues? Because it was simply not available. Only after Jesus Christ was seated at God’s right hand—and we with him—did speaking in tongues become available to the church. Foreseeing this, Jesus Christ declared specifically that we today would do even greater works than he himself was able to perform—a claim that would be censured as blasphemous today, if Christ had not said it himself!
