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Greater Works Than These – 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 ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.

Greater Works Than These – Part 1
Greater Works Than These – Part 2

Above All That We Ask or Think

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!

They Said It: Famous Quotes About The Book Of Ephesians

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Here are some famous quotes from influential faith leaders about Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians.

John Stott (Christian theologian)

“The Letter to the Ephesians is a marvelously concise, yet comprehensive summary of the Christian good news and its implications. Nobody can read it without being moved to wonder and worship.”
— John Stott, “The Message of Ephesians”

Watchman Nee (Chinese church leader)

“Ephesians tells us what the Church is in Christ. God’s greatest work is not the creation of the universe, but the creation of the Church.”
— Watchman Nee, “Sit, Walk, Stand”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (English preacher)

“There is no book more full of doctrine and experience than this brief epistle. He who would understand the mystery of the Church, let him read Ephesians.”
— C.H. Spurgeon, Sermon on Ephesians

Warren Wiersbe (Bible teacher and commentator)

“Ephesians is the believer’s bank book. In it, Paul explains the wealth we have in Christ and how to use it for God’s glory.”
— Warren Wiersbe, “Be Rich: Ephesians”

Free Bible Rebel Newsletter And YouTube Channel

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Please take a minute to subscribe to the Bible Rebel monthly newsletter – it’s free and will keep you up to date on all our articles, videos, and features.

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  1. To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
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  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’.
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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.

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We’ll also be continuing our regular features, guest articles, and series:

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  • They Said It: Poignant quotes on a variety of topics
  • Guest articles
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Watchdogs

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Biblical Literacy: 3 Kings For Baby Jesus?

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Kings or Magi?

The Bible does not actually say that three kings brought gifts to baby Jesus.

In Matthew 2:1–12, the Bible tells us that “wise men from the east” (Greek: magoi, meaning “magi” or scholars/astrologers) came to visit Jesus after His birth. It mentions that they brought three gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh — but it never specifies how many magi there were, nor that they were kings.

Here’s the key verse (Matthew 2:11, KJV):

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

The Bible mentions magi (wise men), not kings.

It mentions three gifts, but not the number of visitors.

The idea of “three kings” likely came later from tradition and song (like “We Three Kings”), probably because there were three types of gifts.

Also, according to the Bible, the wise men (Magi) did not arrive at the same time as the shepherds. The shepherds came the night Jesus was born, but the Magi came later, possibly months — or even up to two years — afterward.

The Shepherds

Found in Luke 2:8–20.

The shepherds were in the fields nearby when the angel announced Jesus’ birth.

They immediately went to Bethlehem and found “the babe lying in a manger.”
This clearly happened the night of Jesus’ birth.

The Wise Men (Magi)

Found in Matthew 2:1–12.

They came “from the east” after seeing a special star that signified a new king.

When they arrived, they entered a house (not a stable) and saw “the young child with Mary his mother” (Matthew 2:11).

King Herod asked when the star appeared and later ordered the killing of boys two years old and under (Matthew 2:16), suggesting Jesus could have been as much as two years old by the time the Magi visited.

Summary

GroupWhen They ArrivedWhere They Found JesusBiblical Source
ShepherdsThe night of His birthIn a mangerLuke 2:8–20
Wise MenWeeks or months laterIn a houseMatthew 2:1–12

So, while Christmas pageants often combine the two groups for simplicity, the Bible clearly describes two separate visits — first by shepherds, then later by the Magi.

Your Life And What Comes After (3): 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 on that profound 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 fathers voice, and runs joyously across the yard straight into his fathers arms.

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

As continue in this series, ‘Your Life And What Comes After’, I will always keep that picture, that truth, as the basic starting and ending point of it all.

Your Life And What Comes After: God’s Grand Plan
Your Life And What Comes After: God’s Grand Plan Part 2

They Said It: Famous Quotes About The Book Of Romans

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Here are some famous quotes from influential religious leaders about Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. 

Martin Luther

“The Epistle to the Romans is the true masterpiece of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul.”

— Martin Luther, Preface to the Epistle to the Romans (1522)

John Calvin

“When anyone understands this Epistle, he has a passage opened to him to the understanding of the whole Scripture.”

— John Calvin, Commentary on Romans (1540)

Frederic Godet

“Every great spiritual revival in the Church will be connected as effect and cause with a deeper understanding of this book.”

— Frederic Godet, Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans (1869)

John Stott

“Romans is the fullest, plainest, and grandest statement of the Gospel in the New Testament. Its message is still as relevant and revolutionary as when it was first written.”

— John R. W. Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World (1994)

Is Trump ‘Going To Heaven’?

Rick TryonLeave a comment

President Trump made some interesting remarks recently on his way to the Middle East for events celebrating the historic peace deal he engineered.

He told reporters on Air Force One, “I don’t think there’s anything going to get me in heaven… I think I’m not, maybe, heaven-bound.” He made the remarks while traveling to Israel, reflecting on his peace efforts and faith. Trump added, “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to make heaven, but I’ve made life a lot better for a lot of people.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/13/trump-heaven-christian-faith

There are two big misconceptions that President Trump illustrates here in his remarks.

First, there’s absolutely nothing Trump or anyone else can do through their own works to obtain eternal life. Salvation is by grace alone through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and is available to anyone and everyone who believes it and accepts it. I’m aware that Calvinists think that the act believing and accepting is the same as ‘works’ – but they are wrong.

Second, the Bible doesn’t teach that we ‘go to heaven’. It clearly and repeatedly teaches that heaven comes to a redeemed creation on earth and that our physical bodies are resurrected to everlasting life with God.

I hope to see Mr. Trump rejoicing with the saints on that day.

Watchdog Alert: Faith Leaders’ Reaction To Hostage Release

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events in the areas of religion and faith from around the world and brings the information to our readers in bite sized chunks. Here are some reactions from various faith leaders about the recent ceasefire and hostage release in Israel and Gaza.

Christian Leaders / Institutions

  • Bishop Robert Stearns (Eagles’ Wings Ministries) spoke of “hope amid historic ceasefire,” saying that God works in the midst of our pain as families reunite. The Jerusalem Post
  • Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem welcomed the hostage release “with joy,” calling it “a first step” and hoping it would mark “the beginning of the end of this terrible war.” They emphasized urgency of humanitarian relief and the path toward healing and reconciliation. Religion Media Centre
  • The Anglican bishops in parts of England (Southwark, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Norwich) issued statements welcoming the Gaza peace deal, praying for immediate relief and comfort, and calling for a “fundamental shift in attitudes and behaviour” to avoid a return to violence. Religion Media Centre

Faith / Aid Organizations

  • Tearfund (Christian relief agency) welcomed the agreement but stressed that unless the ceasefire holds and humanitarian aid flows without obstruction, lives will continue to be lost. Religion Media Centre
  • Islamic Relief similarly urged that the announcement alone is not enough — there must be enforcement, unrestricted aid, and accountability. Religion Media Centre
  • Christian Aid cautioned that a return to “the old status quo” is not an option; peace must include justice, dignity, and equality for Palestinians and Israelis. Religion Media Centre

Jewish Religious Voices

  • Jewish community and organizational leaders broadly praised the hostage release deal and saw it as a fulfillment of prayers and moral hope. eJewishPhilanthropy
  • Federations and Jewish organizations issued statements calling for conversion of this moment into lasting peace and security for all. eJewishPhilanthropy