Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 4

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 Part 4, the final part, in a new series on prayer called ‘Why Must We Pray, Anyway’ by Steve Sann.

Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 1
Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 2
Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 3

Holding Back the Destruction

With this in mind, it is easy to understand the spiritual pressure mounting from this world to minimize the importance of prayer. All the while, however, it is only the “believing believers,” those who remain active in prayer, who continue to restrain the powers of darkness from raiding and destroying.

II Thessalonians2:6-8a:

And now you know what is restraining, that he [the “son of perdition”; i.e., the anti-Christ] may be revealed in his own time.
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
And then the lawless one will be revealed…

We know Satan is the god, the authority, of this world. It is his to destroy. So, we must ask: Why hasn’t Satan completed his objective of annihilating the earth and all the people in it? After all, he’s “large and in charge!”

As long as the believers—those who actually call upon God in prayer—are intermixed within Satan’s kingdom, the grand finale of Satan’s power cannot be revealed. But the day will come at Christ’s return when the believers will be taken out of the way (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), and the authorities of Satan will usurp preeminence. This event of our departure is detailed in I Thessalonians 4 and referred to in II Thessalonians 2:1 as the Gathering Together, in more recent times as the Rapture.

Until that day, however, it is the believers who restrain Satan’s rage. Yet, not just any believer; it is the “believing believer” that stands between the people of this world and Satan’s wholesale wrath.

Who are these “believing believers”? These are not just the people who have attended a few church fellowships, perhaps have read a lot of the bible, or even who are merely born-again. Satan has been haply running over these folks for centuries. No—rather, the believers spoken of here are those who have sharpened their skills at bringing the powers of heaven to bear on earth—by walking in their sonship rights, claiming their authority, walking in the spirit, and petitioning God. We are speaking here of the true intercessors, those who bring the fight into the streets.

These are they who cannot be destroyed because they reside within the cone of God’s presence. And until they are taken out of the way at Christ’s return, it is they who restrain Satan’s ultimate will upon this world and its inhabitants.

Since man’s expulsion from the garden, throughout history, there has always been at least one “believing believer” standing, interceding on behalf of protecting God’s people. In fact, in the Old Testament, this was taught: it was understood as a vital responsibility of every man and woman of God to readily intercede for God’s people.

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!”

Watchdog Alert: Latest From Israel/Iran War

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Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the times before end times. But also encouraging them to ‘see that ye be not troubled’.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

Here’s the latest from the Israel-Iran war as of 6/20/25:

Iran Refuses Nuclear Talks Amid Ongoing Israeli Attacks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced that Tehran will not enter discussions regarding its nuclear program as long as Israel continues its military strikes. The comments came during a Geneva meeting with European diplomats, which also ended without tangible diplomatic progress. Iran insisted diplomacy must wait until Israeli “aggression stops”.

Bloody Exchanges Continue as War Enters Second Week

A week into the conflict, both sides have carried out substantial airstrikes—Israel targeted missile and nuclear sites in Iran, while Iran responded with missile attacks inside Israel. One notable Iranian strike hit Haifa, injuring at least 19 people, and another hit Beersheba. Civilian casualties continue to rise amid escalating hostilities .

Soroka Hospital Struck by Iranian Missile

On June 19, Iran fired a Sejjil missile that directly hit the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. Although the facility had been partially evacuated, the strike resulted in numerous injuries and structural damage, prompting Israeli officials and hospital workers to condemn it as a war crime .

Europe’s Diplomatic Push Yields No Breakthrough

European foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU met with Iran’s FM in Geneva to press for nuclear restrictions and de-escalation. While Iran expressed openness to diplomacy conditional on an end to Israeli attacks, talks concluded without resolution. The U.S. issued a two-week window for Iran to respond before potential involvement .

Rethinking The Rapture: What Does ‘Delivered From Wrath’ Mean?

Rick Tryon1 Comment

Many Rapturists believe that 1 Thessalonians 1:10 must be interpreted to mean that God will not allow believers to go through a 7 or 3 1/2 year tribulation period and that the Rapture will rescue the saved who are alive at the time.

Here’s the thing – there are other ways of reading “delivered from the wrath to come” that, in my opinion, make way more sense and fit more accurately with the overall themes of the Bible in the context of judgement and salvation.

So, asked Mr. Art Intelligence to provide a summary of what it means, here’s what I got:

“The phrase “delivered from the wrath to come” refers to a key theme in Christian theology, particularly in relation to salvation, judgment, and the end times. It’s most directly found in 1 Thessalonians 1:10:

“…and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (ESV)

Here’s what it generally means:

1. “Wrath to Come” = God’s Future Judgment

  • In biblical context, “wrath” refers to God’s righteous anger and judgment against sin and evil.
  • “The wrath to come” is typically seen as a future event — often associated with the Day of the Lord, end-time judgment, or the Great Tribulation.

2. Deliverance Through Jesus Christ

  • Christians believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection satisfy the demands of divine justice, so those who trust in Him are not subject to God’s wrath.
  • To be “delivered from the wrath to come” means being spared from God’s judgment, whether that’s:
    • eternal separation from God (hell),
    • or specific apocalyptic judgment in the end times (depending on one’s eschatological view).

3. Different Theological Interpretations

There are several interpretations of how and when this “deliverance” happens:

  • Pre-Tribulation View (Dispensational):
    • Believers will be raptured before a time of tribulation and judgment on earth (Revelation-style wrath).
    • This is a common belief among many evangelicals and in popular media like Left Behind.
  • Historical View:
    • The “wrath” may refer to eternal condemnation, not necessarily a future earthly tribulation.
    • In this view, deliverance is more about salvation from hell than escape from earthly suffering.
  • Ongoing Deliverance:
    • Some theologians see this as a present spiritual reality: Jesus continually intercedes for believers, shielding them from God’s wrath (Romans 5:9; John 3:36).

Summary:

To be “delivered from the wrath to come” means that through faith in Jesus Christ, Christians are spared from God’s future judgment, whether that’s understood as eternal damnation or a specific time of tribulation. It underscores the Christian hope of salvation, security, and peace with God, even in the face of future judgment.”

End AI answer. I’ll be exploring these ideas in more detail in the next post on “Rethinking The Rapture”.

Rethinking The Rapture: Introduction

Rethinking The Rapture: Questions

Rethinking The Rapture: More Questions

Rethinking The Rapture: N.T. Wright’s ‘Farewell to the Rapture’

Rethinking The Rapture: What 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Doesn’t Say

Rethinking The Rapture: Millions Of Christians Were Not Delivered From Wrath

U.S. Involvement In Israel/Iran War? Simple

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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!

ISRAEL vs IRAN — What Should Christians Think?

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Editors note: the following was noticed on a FB page and we received permission to copy and paste it for publication here.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is all over the news right now—and a lot of people are wondering what to make of it, especially from a Christian perspective.

Some say it’s part of Bible prophecy unfolding. Others feel Jesus would never support this war.

What do you think?

Here are a few questions to get the conversation going:

• Do you think this conflict has anything to do with end-times prophecy?

• Is modern-day Israel the same “Israel” we read about in the Bible?

• Could this be setting the stage for Christ’s return—or are we overanalyzing?

• Should churches talk about stuff like this on Sundays?

• Can you support Israel as a nation but still disagree with some of its actions?

Let’s talk. Be respectful and share what you believe.

Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 3

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 3 in a new series on prayer called ‘Why Must We Pray, Anyway’ by Steve Sann.

Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 1
Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 2

The newborn baby is but an heir of man’s disaster. At the moment of birth, without the freedom to choose or even to comprehend his circumstance, each child is launched headlong into a world of hurt. As good a person as he or she may try to be or should ever possibly become, at best they will remain citizens of the kingdom of darkness. Literally, each of us is conceived and born in sin, far apart from the spiritual entrée needed to walk and talk with God.

But now, as a result of Christ, mankind regains the authority to bring God back on the scene wherever we are present! We still reside within the borders of Satan’s kingdom, true, but we are no longer citizens. Sure, within his own kingdom, Satan has every legal right to rule his own subjects. However, we now, being the citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), as God’s people, we are released from Satan’s authority (Colossians 1:13), even while still dwelling within his kingdom. “No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it!”

Right here, while still in the Devil’s empire, we have new legal rights! But it is up to each of us to claim them. At any time, we have every right to call upon God, who then may enter into Satan’s kingdom to protect and prosper us! We are His now. God is limited only by our willingness to petition Him on our behalf.

When you call upon God in the name of Jesus Christ, you are literally delegating to Him the authority to enter into this world behind these enemy lines to fight for you. God loves it! At that very moment, God has legal authority to utilize whatever resources are at His disposal to respond to that specific need. The insight of Martin Luther in the 16th century still rings true today: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.”

God’s people are all the time making excuses for the “sovereign” God as to why He did not act, save, or bless when really it is they who did not pray. By their many excuses for God, they are, in effect, blaming God for their own lack of prayer. Those who do pray see His results, tempered only by the weakness to believe. This, then, is why we must pray. And much. The responsibility for God’s good in this troubled world falls back upon us.

Is Modern Israel The ‘Apple Of God’s Eye”?

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Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

The conflict between Israel and Iran is definitely heating up, and many observers in the faith community believe that the modern Jewish state of Israel is the subject of much Old Testament prophecy. Some even believe that current events in the Middle East are a precursor—perhaps even an immediate precursor—to the biblical Armageddon.

On the other hand, there are many sincere Christians with deep knowledge of the Bible who argue that today’s modern Israel, as constituted since 1948, is not the “apple of God’s eye” as it was in ancient times. They contend that, since the destruction of the Temple and the razing of Jerusalem in 70 AD—and the resulting Jewish diaspora—Jews today are not the same bloodline as the children of God’s covenant with Abraham.

It’s an interesting argument and one worth considering, but here’s where the rubber meets the road: Does America (and the rest of Western Christendom) have an obligation to spend our blood and treasure defending Israel simply because they are considered by some to be “God’s chosen people”?

In my opinion, the answer is no.

But here’s the big “but”: America should be ready to defend and support Israel with weapons and intelligence because she is our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East. Our obligation to Israel stems from modern geopolitical realities, not verses from the Old Testament.

Furthermore, our involvement in the current conflict should be limited to intelligence and material support—not boots on the ground. Israel is fully capable of handling the military personnel side of the equation, and there is no reason for American young people to fight and die in another Middle East killing ground.

Watchdog Alert: Israel & Iran On The Brink?

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Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

Heightened readiness and U.S. concerns

Recent U.S. intelligence and media reports indicate that Israel is preparing for a possible unilateral strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the coming days. Although no formal decision has been made, Israel appears fully prepared to act—even without direct U.S. military involvement, though Washington may still play a supporting logistical or intelligence role. In response, the U.S. has evacuated nonessential personnel from its embassies in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, tightened travel restrictions in Israel, and repositioned troops across the region to mitigate potential retaliatory threats.

Iran’s posture and potential retaliation

Iran has responded with stern warnings, pledging “forceful and destructive” retaliation—including possible strikes on U.S. bases and interests—should Israel move forward. The IAEA recently censured Iran for breaching nuclear obligations, revealing that Tehran is enriching uranium at 60% purity and planning to open a third, concealed facility. Iran has escalated military exercises and advanced air- and missile-defense drills to prepare for a potential imminent attack.

Diplomatic brinkmanship and strategic constraints

This crisis unfolds against the backdrop of renewed negotiations in Oman between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials, yet disagreements over uranium enrichment persist—dramatically raising the stakes. Analysts caution that Israel’s air campaign would be both technically demanding and risky; Iran’s facilities are deeply fortified and geographically dispersed, meaning even a well‑executed strike could fail to incapacitate the program completely—while risking a broader regional conflict. Historically, such Israeli threats often serve as leverage, pressuring Tehran ahead of critical diplomatic rounds, and may still function primarily as strategic messaging—unless American support or internal Israeli pressure tips the balance toward action