Here are four thoughtful quotes from four different voices on Haggai:
Warren W. Wiersbe — on the excuses the people made for postponing God’s work:
“Too often we make excuses when we ought to be making confessions and obeying the Lord.”
Charles Spurgeon — on Haggai’s command to “consider your ways”:
“Consider your ways practically by altering them.”
J. Alec Motyer — on the returned exiles’ misplaced priorities:
“Their problem was not lack of goods but of good.”
David Guzik — on God’s response once the people finally obeyed:
“He always empowers and encourages us to do what He commands.”
Haggai’s message is remarkably contemporary: Stop making spiritual-sounding excuses, take a hard look at your priorities, and then do something about them.
Pastors are using AI—but don’t want it deciding what the Bible means
New Barna research reported today finds an interesting divide among Protestant pastors. Only 5% completely reject using AI to help interpret difficult passages, but just 10% think AI should determine which interpretation of a disputed Scripture is correct. Pastors appear increasingly willing to use AI as a research assistant while resisting the idea of treating it as a theological authority.
And this isn’t hypothetical. AI products now advertise sermon preparation, Bible studies, automatic Scripture detection, devotional writing and even sermon-series creation specifically to churches.
So What?
A concordance is a tool. Google is a tool. AI can be a tool. And it’s okay to use tools to help you understand the Bible.
The danger isn’t asking AI, “What did this Greek word mean in the first century?” The danger is asking it, “Tell me what I’m supposed to believe,” and never opening the Bible yourself.
There are serious questions that should be asked over and over again until the Poohbahs of Churchianity can answer them with something other than “It’s a mystery we can’t comprehend, brothers and sisters…” nonsense.
The Bible Rebel blog is a free resource for those seeking original and curated content, including news and commentary, on 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, and to help regular, everyday folks understand the Bible and apply it in their lives.
I do not subscribe to a modern denominational creed or set of doctrines. I don’t think that modern-day Evangelicals, Baptists, Lutherans, or Catholics are going to burn anyone in the town square—it’s just that I don’t trust organized religion.
I’m non-denominational. I’m a “Non.” And there are a lot of others just like me. In fact, more and more folks are fleeing traditional “churchianity” every day. Why? More on that in future posts.
Here’s my one and only creed, which I’m happy to share with my brothers and sisters in the Fellowship of the Nons:
Creed of the Fellowship of the Nons
Our living God is a loving God, and the Bible is His revealed word and will.
Our hope and eternal salvationrelyentirely on the work of God’s only begottenSon, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Here are four thoughtful quotes from four different Christian voices on Zephaniah, especially its movement from judgment and repentance to restoration and God’s love:
Charles Spurgeon — on Zephaniah 3:17:
“This presence alone suffices to inspire us with peace and hope.”
G. Campbell Morgan — on the book’s dramatic contrast between judgment and love:
“It is the heartbeat of God that throbs through these passages.”
John Calvin — summarizing Zephaniah’s message to the faithful:
“He turns his discourse to the faithful, and exhorts them to patience, setting before them the hope of favor.”
Matthew Henry — on the overall message of Zephaniah:
“[He] calls them to repentance… and gives encouraging promises of their joyful return out of captivity.”
Democratic Congressman Jared Huffman is receiving attention for a new book arguing that Christian nationalism represents a growing threat to American democracy. Huffman—the only openly nonbelieving member of Congress—argues that certain Christian political movements are attempting to merge religious authority with government power.
That argument arrives amid a broader movement in several states to introduce Ten Commandments displays, Bible-related curricula and expanded religious activity in public institutions.
Christians shouldn’t automatically panic whenever somebody says “Christian nationalism.” Nor should we pretend the danger of turning Christianity into a political tribe doesn’t exist.
Jesus said:
“My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36 (KJV)
The kingdom Jesus spoke of will not come from political movements in this age. That’s worth remembering whenever politicians—left or right—try wrapping themselves in Jesus.
And while God’s everlasting Kingdom on earth is not here yet, it’s coming.
The United States has announced an “economic D-Day” against Iran—because apparently ordinary sanctions needed a movie-trailer title.
The plan threatens countries and companies that continue doing business with Iran. Washington wants to choke off Iranian revenue from shipping, aviation, technology, gold and digital assets. Iran says cooperation with the campaign could be treated as an “act of war.”
That sounds explosive. But the truth is, the threatened penalties against Iran’s trading partners have not yet been imposed. Countries are being given time to comply, and no firm enforcement schedule was announced.
This matters because words can move armies, markets and frightened people. Governments speak as though one more sanction, missile or summit will finally force history to cooperate.
Here’s a good reminder that God works with and in presidents, kings, and other temporary bigshots to achieve His grand plan, not ours.
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord… he turneth it whithersoever he will.” — Proverbs 21:1 (KJV)
Biblical prophecy doesn’t require us to label every confrontation “Armageddon.” It teaches that nations rise, threaten and scheme—but none of them controls the ending.
So What?
Watch Iran, Hormuz and the global response carefully. Just don’t confuse Washington’s press conference—or Tehran’s threats—with God’s final timetable.
Read Psalm 2, pray for peace and innocent civilians, then refuse to share any “prophecy update” you haven’t fact-checked.
China just told Washington, essentially, “No thanks.”
As the Trump administration prepares what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the “toughest sanctions in history” against Iran, the U.S. urged China to “get with the program.” Beijing refused, arguing that sanctions and military pressure will only escalate the conflict. China also happens to be Iran’s largest oil customer, although its Iranian oil imports have recently fallen sharply. (Fox News)
Cue the prophecy charts.
Whenever China, Iran and the Middle East appear in the same headline, somebody inevitably reaches for Revelation—especially the mysterious “kings of the east” in Revelation 16:12.
Could China eventually play some role in end-times events? I suppose it could. Does Revelation say, “China”? Nope.
What Scripture does describe is a world increasingly characterized by competing kingdoms, international conflict and rulers jockeying for power before Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ultimately establishes His kingdom.
Jesus warned:
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled.” — Matthew 24:6 (KJV)
Notice that last part. Don’t panic.
China backing away from American pressure on Iran is geopolitically significant. But Christians shouldn’t force today’s newspaper headlines into Biblical prophecy.
So What?
Watch carefully. Pray seriously. Read Scripture closely. And hold your predictions loosely—but your faith and hope in Jesus Christ tightly.
Read Revelation 16:12–16 yourself. Notice what the passage actually says—and, just as importantly, what it doesn’t.
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Demand Some Answers From Your Pastor/Preacher/Priest
How comfortable is your brand of Christianity? Do you just sit in a pew on Sunday, or do you stand on the Truth every day?
Do you ask hard questions of the pooh-bahs of Churchianity, or do you just accept the doctrinal traditions they are spoon-feeding their congregations?
Questions like these:
Does God send kids who don’t “accept Jesus” to eternal torture in a flaming hell?
If Grandma is alive and strumming a harp in heaven right now, why should we mourn her death?
Why does God allow so much pain, death, and suffering in the world?
If God has already decided everything that’s going to happen, why should I pray for my friend to recover from a disease?
Where does the Bible clearly and explicitly teach that God is three-in-one and one-in-three?
Why did Jesus have to die in order for me to be saved, and what am I being “saved” from?
Those questions, and many others, should be asked over and over again until the pooh-bahs of Churchianity can answer them with something other than “It’s a mystery we can’t comprehend, brothers and sisters…”
Remember, Jesus reserved some of His strongest words not for pagans or politicians, but for religious leaders.
What is Bible Rebel? Fresh content posted daily (except Sundays) for seekers hungry for truth and relevance outside the stodgy, lifeless confines of Churchianity and the dark, empty hopelessness of atheism and nihilism.
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.
Do you just sit in a pew on Sunday, or do you stand on the Truth every day?
Do you ask hard questions of the pooh-bahs of Churchianity, or do you just accept the doctrinal traditions they are spoon-feeding their congregations?
Questions like these:
Does God send kids who don’t “accept Jesus” to eternal torture in a flaming hell?
If Grandma is alive and strumming a harp in heaven right now, why should we mourn her death?
Why does God allow so much pain, death, and suffering in the world?
If God has already decided everything that’s going to happen, why should I pray for my friend to recover from a disease?
Where does the Bible clearly and explicitly teach that God is three-in-one and one-in-three?
Why did Jesus have to die in order for me to be saved, and what am I being “saved” from?
Those questions, and many others, should be asked over and over again until the pooh-bahs of Churchianity can answer them with something other than “It’s a mystery we can’t comprehend, brothers and sisters…”
Remember, Jesus reserved some of His strongest words not for pagans or politicians, but for religious leaders.
What is Bible Rebel? Fresh content posted daily (except Sundays) for seekers hungry for truth and relevance outside the stodgy, lifeless confines of Churchianity and the dark, empty hopelessness of atheism and nihilism.
