What’s the purpose for the season you’re in?
Rick Tryon
U.S. Involvement In Israel/Iran War? Simple
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!
Is Modern Israel The ‘Apple Of God’s Eye”?
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?
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
One-Minute (or so) Video Mini Message: You Are A Miracle
Train yourself to recognize and appreciate the every-day miracles, especially the You Miracle.
Watchdog Alert: Latest From The Middle East
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on national and world news and events. Here’s the latest recap from the Middle East.
UN accuses Israel of “extermination” in Gaza schools and religious sites
U.N. experts reported today that Israel has committed the crime against humanity of “extermination” by targeting civilians sheltering in schools and religious venues in Gaza. The latest findings, which will be presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council on June 17, 2025, highlight that over 90% of Gaza’s schools and universities have been destroyed. U.N. Chair Navi Pillay warned this campaign could devastate Palestinians’ cultural and educational future. – From reuters.com
U.S. military weighs options to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran
On June 10, 2025, General Erik Kurilla, leader of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told Congress the U.S. military is actively reviewing “a range of options” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He emphasized the readiness to use overwhelming force if necessary. The remarks came amid stalled diplomatic efforts and Iran preparing a counteroffer to a U.S. proposal. – From reuters.com.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg deported after Gaza-bound aid mission seized
Israel deported climate activist Greta Thunberg after its navy intercepted her charity boat—the “Madleen”—en route to Gaza with humanitarian aid. This occurred following her detention aboard the vessel, as Israeli forces continued detaining other activists on the boat. – From Middle East Eye
Hamas shifts stance amid Qatari pressure on Gaza ceasefire
Under pressure from Qatar, Hamas is reconsidering a response to the current ceasefire proposal, which is reportedly based on U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s framework. The proposed agreement would exchange the release of 10 hostages for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. From The Jerusalem Post
Rethinking The Rapture: Millions Of Christians Were Not Delivered From Wrath
One of the arguments for a Rapture of believers is that God will not allow Christians to go through the ‘wrath to come’, as described in the book of Revelation, but will rescue them out of the world before those purportedly horrific, literal events occur.
But wait a minute, what about all of the other believers who have suffered torture, persecution, burnings, beheadings, skinning and worse throughout the history of the world since the resurrection and ascension of our Lord?
Here’s a brief and general review that barely scratches the surface:
Roman Persecutions (1st–4th centuries) – Early Christians faced brutal persecution under Roman emperors like Nero and Diocletian. Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64, leading to mass executions, including crucifixions and being burned alive. Diocletian’s persecution (AD 303–311) was one of the most systematic, involving the destruction of churches, scriptures, and widespread martyrdom.
Ottoman Empire Genocides (1910s–1920s) – During World War I, the Ottoman Empire carried out genocides against Christian minorities, including Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. These events led to the deaths of millions through massacres, forced deportations, and starvation.
Modern-Day Persecution (21st century) – In various parts of the world, Christians continue to face persecution, particularly in regions with strict religious laws. Countries in Africa and Asia have seen imprisonment, violence, and even executions of Christians.
So why are the comparatively very, very few Christians who happen to be of the generation alive at the time of the so-called Rapture the lucky ones?
Well, they say, “Nothing like the coming tribulation has ever happened before and it will be unparalleled in its awfulness for people living on the earth at that time, so God has to rescue His people out of it.”
Come on now, that is absurd, and would be especially so to those Christians who have experienced, and still do, suffering and death in various places at various times. Death and suffering are death and suffering whether it’s in a so-called tribulation period, a 10th Century Caliphate, or a 21st Century gulag.
So what is the meaning of verses like 1 Thessalonians 1:10?
“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.“
We’ll take a closer look in our next “Rethinking The Rapture” post.
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
Watchdog Alert: SCOTUS Unanimous Ruling On Catholic Charities Tax Exemption
Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission (Decided June 5, 2025)
In a unanimous 9–0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Wisconsin violated the First Amendment by denying Catholic Charities Bureau a tax exemption granted to other religious organizations.
The state had argued that the charity’s services were too secular to qualify, as they did not proselytize or serve only Catholics. Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized that the state’s actions showed favoritism to more overtly religious organizations, which is impermissible under the First Amendment.
The ruling allows Catholic Charities to opt out of state unemployment programs in favor of church-operated ones and may have broader implications for religious organizations across the U.S.
One-Minute Video (or so) Mini Message: Freedom
A willing slave to the thing you hate?
Creed of the Fellowship of the Nons
Anyone who knows even a little bit about the Bible and the history of Christianity knows that it was the religious leaders of the time, along with their secular allies, that were responsible for the killing of the prophets, the reformers, and even the Son of God himself, Yeshua our Messiah.
The religious leaders. The wolves in sheep’s clothing. The whited sepulchers. The vipers. The religious leaders.
There is no new thing under the sun. Fallen human nature and the rot of man-made religion hasn’t changed since they murdered the prophets, burned the ‘heretics’, and tortured and crucified our Lord.
That is part of the reason why I do not subscribe to a modern denominational creed of set of doctrines. I don’t think that modern day Evangelicals, or Baptists, or 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 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 salvation relies entirely on the work of God’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
A huge part of the purpose and reason for the Bible Rebel blog is stated in our mission:
“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’.”