Turn the other cheek also means to expand your capacity to absorb B.S.
Government Welfare Isn’t Christian Charity
Jesus taught that the distribution system for aid to the poor and hungry consists of the intentional, voluntary acts of individual believers and private communities of faith (churches, synagogues, etc.) giving their time and resources.
He did not teach that government bureaucracies or political entities are God’s conduit for providing charity. Instead, Jesus taught that you are to give your money and time to the less fortunate—it is your personal responsibility to do so.
God does not intend for the government or politicians to use tax revenue as a proxy or substitute for Christian giving.
The current gimmick of saying, “You’re not very Christian,” that some are using to smear their fellow citizens for supporting or voting for politicians who seek to rein in profligate, bloated welfare spending is dishonest and shameful.
Government programs aren’t Christians—individuals are. Government tax revenues are not for the same purposes as the contents of a church collection plate, so labeling government spending priorities as non-Christian is a non sequitur.
Death Row Letters: The Hiddenness of God 2
Greetings,
In my previous letter I asked the question a lot folks have: If God is real why doesn’t He just do a bunch of magic tricks for everyone all the time so that they will see Him, believe in Him, and love Him?
Well, lets take a bit of a deep dive into the answer.
Maybe God seems ‘hidden’ to our five senses so that folks can choose faith freely, rather than being forced by undeniable proof.
God isn’t some old dude up in the clouds or some alien in outer space – God is spirit, imperceptible to our limited senses.
“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
God wants a genuine, personal relationship with us, and He wants us to know him as He is. That requires some effort on our part, as in any human relationship. God doesn’t seek robots or slaves who have no choice but to obey and believe in Him.
God’s hiddenness requires us to seek deeper understanding, to doubt, to wrestle with Him, and to develop faith and patience. It requires us to work on our own character.
But make no mistake, God reveals Himself everywhere and at every moment through the complexity, precise workings, and order of His creation.
Until next time,
Your fellow death row occupant.
A New Reformation?
Churchianity and the theological status quo should be scrutinized by all people of faith regularly. That is exactly how we got the Reformation.
Is there a New Reformation brewing? It seems so. There is a difference between truth and tradition.
Man-made Christian creeds and doctrines are no longer being blindly accepted as biblical truth just because the Protestant clergy or the Catholic Papacy say so.
The nature of God, heaven, hell, sin, the apocalypse, predestination or free-will, the Rapture, the origins of the universe – all of these ideas and more need solid reexamination to see if the commonly accepted doctrines of men used to explain them measure up to the message of scripture.
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
- To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
- To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
- 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.
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.
Give us a follow on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) and subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.
Watchdog Alert: Middle East Updates
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events in the Middle East. That is not to say that we are watching for any fulfillment of biblical prophecy there, we keep our eyes and ears open to news that affects people of faith from every region around the world.
The Holy Land is of particular interest for three reasons:
- It is a geographical crossroads, referred to by some the “Center of the Earth”.
- It is also the historical birthplace of the two largest religions of the world; Christianity and Islam, as well as the ‘Father’ of both those religions – Judaism.
- It is of major military and strategic importance because of oil production and logistics.
Are the biblical prophecies focusing on geographical locations in the Middle East, especially in and around current-day Israel, relevant to the Church in our times today?
Or will those prophecies only come to pass and be revealed in some future time after the destiny of the Church has been realized? This is a subject Bible Rebel will be exploring in some depth going forward. Stay tuned.
For now, here’s the latest from the Middle East.
Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace
Israel conducted an airstrike near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus, targeting the new Islamist-led government under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The strike aimed to signal Israel’s commitment to defending the Druze minority amid escalating sectarian violence in Syria.
From Reuters
US attacks Yemen port again; Houthis launch missiles at Israel
The Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV media outlet has reported that seven US strikes hit the Ras Isa oil port in al-Salif district in Hodeidah in the last few hours, where a US strike at the same port last month killed at least 80 people and wounded 150 in one of the deadliest attacks on the country by US forces.
Earlier Friday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching two missiles towards northern Israel, targeting the Ramat David military airbase and the Tel Aviv area, as the group continues its military pressure in solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli fire.
From Al Jazeera
U.S.-Iran Talks Postponed
A fourth round of talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to take place in Rome, has been postponed. An Iranian official stated that the new date depends on the U.S. approach, citing contradictory behavior and provocative statements from Washington.
From Reuters
Netanyahu calls defeating Israel’s enemies the ‘supreme objective,’ not freeing hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that defeating Israel’s enemies is more important than securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
While the prime minister acknowledged that freeing the 59 remaining hostages is a “very important goal,” he described Israel’s fight against its enemies as the “supreme objective” of the war.
“We have many objectives, many goals in this war. We want to bring back all of our hostages,” Netanyahu said. “That is a very important goal. In war, there is a supreme objective. And that supreme objective is victory over our enemies. And that is what we will achieve.”
From CNN
Paul Prayed ‘Without Ceasing’ – Part 3
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 ‘Paul Prayed Without Ceasing’ by Steve Sann.
Read Part 1 Here
Read Part 2 Here
The Benefits: Let’s highlight a few of the many benefits richly awarded to you each and every time you utter His words by the spirit. Please turn to these scriptures and study them on your own: a wealth of confidence and appreciation of speaking in tongues will begin to mature in you.
a. We pray bypassing our earthly understanding. Praying by the spirit in another language, we are able to pray for needs beyond our understanding and perception (I Corinthians 14:14-17);
While praying beyond your understanding, the spirit addresses your personal needs—for example, in your family, finances, spirit, soul, and body.
b. We intercede for others according to God’s will. The spirit searches the hearts and lives of others, making requests for needs of which we, in our limited perception, are unaware. (Rom. 8:26,27);
This makes us global prayer warriors. Interceding for others, the spirit identifies and prays for the needs of your loved ones and worldwide for all the saints.
c. God speaks to our spirit unfolding His mysteries, guidance and truths, spiritually renewing, strengthening and edifying you (II Corinthians 5: I Corinthians 14:2,4; Jude 20; Ephesians 3:14-19; John 14:25; 16:13);
When we speak to God in the spirit, He speaks back. He not only reveals spiritual truths, but opens your eyes to wisdom and insight in all aspects of your life, and of others, as well. In addition, He builds up your spirit, preparing and strengthening you in the operation of the other manifestations.
d. We praise and bless God by giving thanks well, speaking the wonderful works of God (I Corinthians 14:16,17; Acts 2:11);
When we “bless with the spirit” we are energizing the Christ within us to bring forth perfect praise to God. If translated, we would hear a litany of the great things God is doing, His nature, and His love for his people. So, by the spirit we “give thanks well”, we are “speaking the wonderful works of God.”
e. We offer the “true worship” the Father seeks. We “worship God in the spirit” (Phil. 3:3). Jesus Christ foretold: “…the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:21-24);
Man has always sought various methods of worshipping God, most of which God is spirit and cannot be truly worshipped in the flesh. Rather, by worshipping in the spirit, scripture assures us we are pleasing Him, as we, with confidence, properly “worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
f. It engenders intimacy with the Father, sharing our heart’s secrets with Him (Rom. 8:15; Gal 4:6; Rom. 8:27; I Corinthians 14:2);
On the surface, it is difficult to become acquainted with the heart of a man. But the inner desires and secrets of our hearts the spirit shares with the Father. We speak with each other tenderly like a child with His Father.
g. The spirit continually reaffirms to us that we are the sons of God. (Rom. 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:13,14);
Speaking in tongues is the absolute proof in the senses realm to you that you have received eternal life, are born-again, and have received the spirit. It confirms to you that the promises of the Word are true.
As with all of God’s promises, these many benefits come to those who expect and believe. By holding these benefits in our hearts, we can acknowledge them as we pray in the spirit. We do not need to understand the specifics of prayer by the spirit to claim and believe to bring it to pass. Build up your faith in these benefits.
Video One-Minute Mini Message: Salt
Use your voice, even if it puts salt on wounds.
Watchdog Alert: Nuclear-Armed Pakistan And India On The Brink Of War
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events around the world.
But don’t be overly troubled, remember the words of our Lord in Matthew 24:6-8.
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.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Here’s the latest:
Pakistan Claims It Downed Indian Drone
Pakistan’s army reported shooting down an Indian quadcopter in the Manawar sector of Bhimber, Kashmir, along the Line of Control (LoC). This follows escalating tensions after an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, leading to retaliatory measures such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border. Pakistan responded by shutting its airspace to Indian flights and halting trade. Both nations have increased military posturing, with Pakistan upgrading airbases and India testing anti-ship missiles.
From The Times of India
India and Pakistan on War Footing
A terror attack in Kashmir has pushed India and Pakistan closer to conflict. India claims the attack was cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan and has vowed to retaliate. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, depriving Pakistan of crucial water resources. Pakistan condemned this as an “act of war.” Both sides have put their forces on high alert, with low-level clashes occurring along the LoC. The historical dispute over Kashmir continues to fuel tensions, with India revoking Article 370 in 2019 to bring the region under its control, further straining relations.
From The Conversation
India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates
Following the Pahalgam attack, India and Pakistan have engaged in tit-for-tat measures, including diplomatic downgrades, trade restrictions, and border closures. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan denies involvement and calls for a neutral investigation. Military skirmishes have intensified along the LoC, with both sides exchanging gunfire. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation as both nations bolster their military presence.
From Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Paul Prayed ‘Without Ceasing’ – Part 2
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 2 in a new series on prayer called ‘Paul Prayed Without Ceasing’ by Steve Sann.
And, here we once again find another absolute: “without ceasing.” We can’t pray more consistently than “without ceasing,” now can we? This figure emphasizes that we are to have extreme loyalty and committed reliability to prayer. “Praying without ceasing” and “praying always” are traits not commonly found in the weak of will. But, it is a skill set each one of us can develop. God’s expectation is that each of us will do our best to SIT much. We can all—and should all—make every effort to live up to His will on this matter.
The same commitment to prayer which God requested of His Church, Paul personally demonstrated, serving the example for the Church:
Romans 1:9: For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.
Here, Paul writes that he himself prays “without ceasing.” And he specifically describes how: by serving God in my spirit. How can I serve God “with my spirit”? The context determines if the phrase “my spirit” refers to the human soul life as in I Corinthians 16:18 and II Corinthians 2:13, or the gift of the holy spirit as in I Corinthians 14:14 and 5:4. The topic of this verse reveals it: it is by prayer. Certainly, serving God with the spirit would include prayer in the spirit for the saints, as well as the other manifestations.
At this same time, Paul makes an extraordinary pledge here: he swears before God that his words are true, and that he is committed to praying without ceasing for his people. Throughout scripture, on only five occasions did Paul call upon God as his witness of the authenticity of his words. This vow had significance. We hear no hollow, religious platitudes from him as often heard today, like, “I’ll pray for you, brother.” Paul didn’t just promise to pray; he made a pledge before God and the church that he was faithful in prayer. He became the example.
Paul was challenging the church, setting the bar high for the believers of that day. Repeatedly, they were exhorted to SIT much. Why? Because he was persuaded that a wealth of spiritual benefits was bestowed upon each individual believer who frequently exercised this spiritual power. What, then, are these riches which continue to inspire believers even today to speak in tongues much?
Watchdog Alert: Pope’s Burial A Marketing Tool?
Atlanta Pastor Apologizes for Remarks on Police Killings
A pastor in Atlanta issued an apology after controversial remarks blaming police killings on disobedience sparked backlash within his congregation and the broader Christian community.
From Christianity Today
Aaron Renn’s ‘Three Worlds’ Theory Sparks Debate
Conservative commentator Aaron Renn’s framework for understanding Christianity’s transition from a socially desirable faith to one facing cultural opposition has ignited discussions among evangelicals and critics alike. From Baptist News
Islamic State claims pope’s burial is ‘marketing tool in theological war’ as it gains renewed strength
“The Islamic State has declared Pope Francis’ burial a “marketing tool in a theological war,” asserting that tributes paid to the late pope undermine Islamic beliefs. The terror group is concurrently experiencing a resurgence, raising concerns about its growing strength and influence in the Middle East.” From The Christian Post
Religious ‘nones’ outnumber Catholics and Protestants in Germany
For the first time in modern German history, more Germans identify as religiously unaffiliated than as Roman Catholics or Protestants, according to a new survey. From the Christian Post