Watchdogs

Our Free Monthly Newsletter: Called To Someone

Rick TryonLeave a comment

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

Saturday Watchdog: Socialism Isn’t Biblical

Rick TryonLeave a comment

You know those folks who rarely, if ever, open a Bible and who openly mock Jesus, yet somehow feel qualified to lecture believers on how they should live? You know, the ones who couldn’t tell you the difference between the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion if their lives depended on it, but who know exactly what Jesus would do if he were walking the streets of twenty-first-century America.

The same ones who demand that you pay for everyone else’s problems. Tax the rich. Eat the rich. Blame the rich. And they’ll decide what “rich” means.

I call BS.

God never condemned people simply for owning property or building wealth. In fact, the commands, “Thou shalt not steal” and “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:15, 17 KJV), assume people legitimately own things. The issue isn’t ownership—it’s stewardship.

God also expects people to work. Before sin ever entered the world, even Adam had a job. Later, Paul wrote, “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 KJV). That’s not harsh—it’s a reminder that purpose and responsibility are woven into how God designed us.

And contrary to popular memes, the Bible doesn’t say money is evil. It says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10 KJV). Money is a tool. It can build hospitals, feed families, fund missionaries… or become an idol. The heart determines the outcome.

When you actually read the Bible, instead of pretending you know all about what Jesus would do, you learn that biblical generosity is voluntary. When Peter confronted Ananias, he said, “Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?” (Acts 5:4 KJV). The property was his. God wants honesty and willing generosity—not compelled giving.

Socialism is the last rest stop on the road to Marxism. And “Seize the means of production” is just a clever invitation to tyranny.

Jesus never called on the Roman government to redistribute wealth. Instead, He called individuals to radical, voluntary generosity. He didn’t command the Jewish leadership to confiscate money from the people and dole it out to the needy.

Jesus commanded individuals to give to and care for those in their spheres of influence and in their communities—especially widows, orphans, and strangers—willingly and generously.

So What?

The next time you’re tempted to ask, “Who should fix this?” instead, ask, “What am I willing to do about it?”

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”.

Tuesday Watchdog: You’re Not Promised Tomorrow

Rick TryonLeave a comment

A legendary actor, Sam Neill, is here one day and gone the next. A prominent politician/U.S. Senator, Lindsey Graham, is taken from us overnight.

Deadly flash floods in Missouri have taken lives and forced hundreds of emergency rescues. Families woke up expecting an ordinary day… and by nightfall, everything had changed. (The Washington Post)

That’s the uncomfortable, unfortunate reality in this current dark and broken world.

Our culture acts like we’re guaranteed another summer, another birthday, another chance to text, “Sorry,” or finally start asking life’s biggest questions. The Bible says otherwise.

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” — Proverbs 27:1 (KJV)

Life is incredibly fragile. Your next breath isn’t something you earned—it’s a gift. The question isn’t, “How long will I live?” The wake-up call is, “What am I living for?”

God is real—Jesus really conquered death—and the smartest thing you’ll ever do isn’t building the perfect career or chasing viral fame. It’s getting to know the One who holds your life in His hands.

So, seize the day. Seize every day, starting today.

Read Proverbs 27. You’ll be glad you did. And you’ll be better able to understand that today is all you have—and even that is a little iffy. Trust God.

Saturday Watchdog: Looking For Heaven… In Washington?

Rick TryonLeave a comment

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

Rick TryonLeave a comment
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

Rick TryonLeave a comment
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.

Thursday Watchdog: Clear, Simple Eschatology

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Believing in an invisible return of Jesus, an invisible worldwide “scooping up” of believers to be taken away somewhere, followed by seven years of Hollywood apocalypse scenarios, then a third coming of Jesus, is a remarkable example of scriptural interpretive contortionism.

Where exactly does the Bible clearly and explicitly teach:

  • an invisible return of Jesus,
  • an invisible worldwide “scooping up” of believers to be taken away somewhere,
  • seven years of apocalypse scenarios,
  • then a third coming of Jesus,

as a comprehensive, clear eschatology?

You have to take each of those elements and mash them together through private interpretation, connecting dots that Scripture does not connect, and using convoluted charts and timelines to arrive at the Hal Lindsey/John Nelson Darby/Left Behind version of dispensational theology known as the Secret Rapture.

Fictional novels, ear-tickling, speculative end-time scenarios, and Hollywood treatments of Scripture shouldn’t influence our attempts to rightly divide and understand God’s Word when it comes to such important matters.

The return of Jesus Christ is a singular event, followed by the establishment of the promised Kingdom, and ultimately the eternal Kingdom. It’s simple, clear, and doesn’t require fifteen different eschatological formulas or confusing doctrines of human tradition to understand or anticipate with great hope.

Tuesday Watchdog Alert: The End Is Not Yet

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Iran is in full shake‑mode right now. After the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the regime is scrambling to project strength while religious hardliners push Twelver Shi’ism’s apocalyptic storyline back into the spotlight.

Senior clerics and the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Ali Khamenei, remain the religious leaders in Iran, but behind the scenes the IRGC is basically running the show. The Conversation

Twelver Shi’ism teaches that the “Hidden Imam” will return during a time of global chaos — and some regime voices have historically framed conflict as a way to speed things up. That belief isn’t fringe inside Iran’s power circles; it’s baked into decades of rhetoric and political theater.

Internally, Iran is in turmoil, which only adds to the volatility in region.

This is exactly why Scripture warns us not to freak out when nations shake. “Nation will rise against nation… but the end is not yet.” — Matthew 24:6

So What?

Don’t doomscroll. Pick one global headline, read it from two different sources, and practice spotting the difference between facts and fear. That’s how rebels stay sharp.