Trump

Watchdog Alert: War News

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Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the 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)

Some of the latest war news

Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine

After a call between Trump and Putin, Russia agreed to a limited ceasefire targeting energy and infrastructure. This step is seen as a precursor to potential full-scale peace talks, with further negotiations planned.

From USA Today – A call between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin ended with a limited agreement for Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks on energy infrastructure, but stopped short of a U.S. proposal for a temporary truce.

Violence in Syria

Hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between Syrian forces and Assad loyalists. The violence has escalated significantly, with accusations of civilian executions.

From NBC News – More than 1,300 people have been killed in an eruption of violence in Latakia and Tartus in the last 72 hours, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Electricity Cuts in Gaza and End of Ceasefire

Israel has cut electricity to the last facility in Gaza receiving Israeli power, affecting a desalination plant. This move has been criticized as part of a “starvation policy” by Hamas.

From CNN – Gaza’s fragile ceasefire was shattered early Tuesday as Israel carried out what it described as “extensive strikes” on Hamas targets. After the ceasefire ended, far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir said he would rejoin the government. Separately, several Arab nations accused Israel of violating the ceasefire.

Watchdog Alert: Religion In Politics News

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on what’s happening in the world of religion and politics.

The New Era of Religion and Politics

This article discusses the shifting dynamics of religion and politics in the U.S., particularly how former President Donald Trump has altered the relationship between religion and American politics. The old paradigm of political parties being “friendly to religion” is no longer as relevant. See more at Yahoo News

Restoring Friendly Relations Between Freedom and Religion

This piece explores the criticisms faced by Christian conservatives from progressives over the years. It highlights the importance of religious liberty in American constitutional government and the role of religion in fortifying American democracy. See more at MSN News

Religion’s Role in Public Life

According to a Pew Research survey, U.S. adults are more likely to view religion as helpful rather than harmful. The survey also delves into Americans’ opinions on the separation of church and state and the positive and negative effects of organized religion. See more at Pew Research

Religion News on POLITICO

This source provides a variety of news stories and analyses related to religion and politics, including topics such as the influence of Christianity in public schools, the role of religion in the 2024 elections, and the intersection of religion and state policies. See more at POLITICO

Trump, Paula White, And ‘Christian Zionism”

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Editors note: curated content on this blog, such as Baldwin’s article in the link below, 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”.

Yesterday a biblerebel.com reader sent us a link to an article by Pastor Chuck Baldwin which spells out his objections to the establishment of President Trump’s White House Faith Office and ‘spiritual advisor’ Paula White.

Baldwin’s article also makes clear his views on ‘Christian Zionism’, a subject Bible Rebel has previously presented in Part One of the series by Stephen Daniels.

From Baldwins piece:

“Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem are uber Christian Zionists who are on record as supporting the censorship of protests or speech of anyone who criticizes Israel—even to the point of assessing penalties of deportation and/or criminal charges by the FBI.”

We will be exploring the issues of Christian Zionism and separation of church and state in detail on biblerebel.com along with all of our regular content to spur critical thinking, inform readers, and inspire curious, fearless faith.

Churchianity: Rules For Thee, Not Me

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Bible Rebel continues keeping a watchdog’s eye on religious news and events, here’s the latest from the Vatican.

On Tuesday, Pope Francis sent a letter to U.S. bishops addressing the Trump administration’s immigration policies and criticizing Vice President J.D. Vance’s interpretation of the hierarchy of love starting with one’s family and extending outward.

Pope Francis’ own interpretation is that Christian love should be inclusive and compassionate towards all people, regardless of their nationality or legal status and that we should all be meditating on the parable of the Good Samaritan and promoting a fraternity that is open to all.

He argued that measures based on force rather than the inherent dignity of every human being are destined to fail.

Hold on just durn minute there, Mr. Pope – what about this from the Catholic New Agency on 1/15/2025?

“Vatican cracks down on illegal entry into its territory

The document also stipulates that unauthorized overflight of Vatican airspace, including through the use of drones, may be punished with prison sentences from six months to three years in addition to a fine that could reach 25,000 euros (about $26,000).

Anyone convicted of illegal entry will be banned from entering Vatican territory for a period of up to 15 years. If this sanction is breached, the offender may be punished with a prison sentence of one to five years.

In addition, the Vatican’s promoter of justice may summon any person who has committed an offense to appear before the court the day after receiving the complaint or immediately after questioning him.”

Hmmm, reminds me a bit of what Jesus said to the Pharisees in Matthew 15:7-9.

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…

Whatever your interpretation of ordo amoris, (Latin for “order of love”) shouldn’t it at least be consistent? Maybe the Pope needs to take a look in the mirror so he can better see how to remove that big ol’ beam lodged in there.

All of this is just another example of why people are fleeing churchianity – of all brands.

By the way, here is a one minute mini message on my own view of what “love thy neighbor” means.

Watchdog Alert: Riviera of the Middle East?

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Picture via Lara Jameson pexels.com

Bible Rebel is keeping a watchdog’s eye on events around the world. Here’s some of the latest from the Middle East.

Trump’s ‘out of the box’ Middle East policy is being well-received, says Israeli ambassador

Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter was on ‘Fox News Live’ Sunday to discuss President Donald Trump’s proposing nuclear talks with Iran, his plan for rebuilding Gaza, and the condition of released hostages which sparked outrage in Israel. 

Trump’s suggestion to turn Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East” has also sparked a lot of controversy.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6368564940112

Gaza Ceasefire Deal and Prisoner Swap

Israel and Hamas have conducted a fifth prisoner swap under the Gaza ceasefire deal, exchanging three Israelis for 183 Palestinians.

Israel and Hamas conducted a fifth exchange of prisoners and hostages Saturday as part of a ceasefire agreement that has paused 16 months of war in Gaza.

Hamas released three civilian Israelis and Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners. It was the fifth swap of hostages for prisoners since the ceasefire began on Jan. 19. Twenty-one hostages and more than 730 Palestinian prisoners have now been freed. – AP News

Iran Ready to Negotiate with the U.S.

Iran’s Foreign Minister has stated that Iran is ready to negotiate with the U.S., but not under the “maximum pressure” policy, which Iran views as surrender.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement on Saturday that “the lifting of sanctions requires negotiations, but not within the framework of a ‘maximum pressure’ policy, because it would not be a negotiation but a form of surrender”. Al Jazeera

Sudan Army Claims Major Advances in Greater Khartoum

The Sudanese army has made significant advances in Greater Khartoum, marking one of the most substantial progressions since the conflict began between army chief al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The army, at war with the RSF since April 2023, has in recent weeks won back large swaths of the capital and its surrounding areas from the paramilitaries. – Al Jazeera

Did God Spare Donald Trump?

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On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt when one of the the killer’s bullets barely missed blowing his head off. Tragically, one of the bullets killed rally attendee Corey Comperatore.

So, why was Corey Comperatore killed, but Trump ‘spared’? Did God intervene for Trump, but not for Corey?

It brings to mind a conversation I once had with a friend, who is now deceased, that went something went like this:

Me: Everyone has a purpose in life.

Friend: Well, what scares the shit out of me is that maybe I’ve already fulfilled my purpose and I didn’t know what it was.

Does God intervene randomly in order to ensure that some greater purpose comes to pass?

Consider this; in order for there to be a level playing field where human beings are able to exercise actual free will, the conditions that create the possibility for failure, tragedy, and death must exist. Free agency is meaningless if there are no negative consequences as a result of bad choices.

Let me repeat, “In order for there to be a level playing field where human beings are able to exercise actual free will, the conditions that create the possibility for failure, tragedy, and death must exist.”

Matthew 5:45 – “For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.“

God allows bad things to happen to good people and good things to happen to bad people – but only for a season. God is entirely just, and He has committed Himself to abiding by the conditions which allow free agency to operate in our physical world and in our current time.

God doesn’t break His own rules, and He absolutely has a grand purpose in mind which he will bring to pass by His own power and in His own time.

Yes, God intervenes in human affairs. No, not randomly. In His grace and wisdom He has provided a way in which He can justly and perfectly intervene and intercede in the here and now – and that is prayer.

Not any old prayer, though. Prayer offered and spoken in faith and in line with Gods purpose and will.

So did prayer for Donald Trump save him from the assassin’s bullet so that as President he could help bring about something of God’s purpose and will for America and the world? Maybe. I believe only God knows the truth of it at this time.

But as the next months and years unfold we will have a better understanding because, “…by their fruits you will know them.” Retrospection can be very important and revealing when it comes to understanding the things of God.

For now, we should pray for our country and for our President. And for comfort for Corey Comperatore’s family.