Sons of Issachar Newsletter: December 3, 2025

1. Israel, Gaza, and the Dividing of the Land

UN General Assembly demands Israel withdraw to 1967 lines

The UN General Assembly passed yet another resolution calling on Israel to withdraw from all territories occupied since 1967 — including East Jerusalem — and affirming the “inalienable rights” of the Palestinian people, including statehood and a “just solution” for refugees (151 nations in favor, 11 opposed). See coverage at IMEMC and Jordan News.

The nations continue to pressure Israel toward a partition that resembles the “international consensus” on a Palestinian state. For believers, this resonates with warnings about those who “divide up My land” (see Joel 3:1–3) and with Zechariah 12:2–3, where Jerusalem becomes a burdensome stone for all peoples.

Knesset symbolically endorses Trump’s Gaza peace plan

In Jerusalem, the Knesset held a symbolic vote to endorse President Trump’s 20-point plan to end the two-year war in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s governing coalition largely skipped the vote to avoid internal splits, but the motion still passed with 39 votes in favor and none against; opposition leader Yair Lapid immediately hailed it as Israel officially adopting the plan. See Reuters.

The framework includes ceasefire arrangements, future governance questions, and language about Palestinian statehood — all in the land where God has sworn specific promises to Israel. It is hard not to think of end-times “peace” proposals that ultimately set the stage for a deceptive covenant (see Daniel 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Rafah crossing set to reopen under ceasefire framework

Israel announced that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt — Gaza’s main gate to the outside world — will reopen in the coming days. Thousands of Palestinians needing urgent medical care are waiting to leave, and the reopening is framed as part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan that has largely halted open warfare since October. The crossing is to be operated in coordination with Egypt and supervised by an EU mission, similar to earlier arrangements this year; see Reuters.

This is a reminder that even in judgment and war, humanitarian concerns and mercy still matter to God. At the same time, the fact that movement in and out of an entire territory can be switched “on” or “off” by a handful of officials foreshadows the kind of control envisioned in Revelation 13:16–17, where buying, selling, and basic life functions are tightly regulated by an end-times system.

Plan to divide Gaza into “green” and “red” zones

Reporting this week highlighted U.S.-backed plans for “alternative safe communities” in Gaza — compounds of container housing that could hold tens of thousands of people each. Under this concept, Gaza would effectively be divided into an Israeli-controlled “green zone” and a Hamas-controlled “red zone,” with reconstruction focused on the Israeli-controlled areas. Critics warn this could lead to a permanent partition and create pressure on Palestinians to relocate into tightly controlled zones. See Al Jazeera.

Again, we see the land carved up, populations displaced, and “safe zones” managed by outside powers. The Bible warns about nations scattering Israel and tampering with the land (see Joel 3), and more broadly, we see a pattern of technocratic management of people groups that mirrors the kind of top-down control anticipated in final-generation prophecy.

2. Wars and Rumors of Wars: Venezuela and Beyond

U.S. air and naval buildup around Venezuela

Prophecy-oriented sites picked up on growing U.S. military pressure on Venezuela this week. End Time Headlines reports that President Trump has declared the airspace over Venezuela “to be closed in its entirety” as the U.S. ramps up lethal strikes and threatens further action. The piece notes warnings to airlines, pilots, and traffickers to steer clear of the area as tensions rise.

At the same time, mainstream outlets like Al Jazeera and Reuters describe both Trump’s airspace declaration and a parallel tug-of-war over deportation flights and sanctions. The result is an unstable mix of military posturing, migration politics, and control over vast oil reserves.

Jesus warned that in the last days “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Luke 21:10–11). While believers should avoid sensationalism, it is prudent to recognize that great-power confrontations over resources and strategic regions are exactly the sort of flashpoints that could rapidly reshape the global order.

3. Earthquakes and Birth Pains

Nearly 500 earthquakes in Alaska in seven days

Newsweek notes that Alaska has experienced nearly 500 earthquakes in just one week, including a magnitude 6.0 quake near Susitna that rattled the Anchorage area around Thanksgiving. While seismologists stress that Alaska is naturally active and this week is not unprecedented historically, the raw number — hundreds of quakes, several felt by residents — has caught attention.

Jesus specifically mentioned earthquakes in “various places” as part of the birth-pain pattern leading up to His return (Matthew 24:7–8). On their own, any one quake swarm may be ordinary geology. But in a world already marked by war, pestilence, and moral chaos, these repeated reminders of creation’s groaning (see Romans 8:19–22) are worth noting.

4. Surveillance, Kill-Switches, and the Rising “Beast System” Infrastructure

Facial recognition’s “trust problem” and the risk of abuse

A detailed piece at SecurityWeek explores why public trust in facial recognition remains so low. It distinguishes between two primary uses: mass surveillance in public spaces versus controlled access to buildings and secure areas. In particular, it highlights how surveillance systems often scrape images without consent, store them in vast databases, and share them with agencies and companies in opaque ways — sometimes in violation of privacy laws, as seen in the case of Clearview AI in Europe. We’ve previously covered how cameras are now prevalent along interstates, how ring cameras have been defaulted to opt in for sharing your video in the past, and how governments can buy data they can’t legally gather firsthand.

Even when companies tout “privacy-first” systems that convert faces into non-reversible blobs of data for access control, the broader reality is that millions of cameras and watchlists now track people’s movements in real time. Such systems are attractive tools for any future authoritarian regime. For believers, this sounds uncomfortably close to the kind of pervasive identification and tracking infrastructure that could undergird a mark-of-the-beast economy (Revelation 13:16–17).

Remote vehicle “kill-switches”: Porsche cars in Russia turned into bricks

Another story this week illustrates how technological control can move from the digital realm into physical reality. In Russia, hundreds of Porsche owners suddenly found their vehicles undriveable after a failure in the factory-installed satellite-based security system. Reports from The Moscow Times and UNITED24 Media describe engines shutting down, fuel delivery blocked, and cars effectively “turning into bricks” as the Vehicle Tracking System went offline.

Technicians say the only fix, for now, involves manually rebooting or disabling the alarm modules. Dealers have acknowledged the possibility that the system could be deliberately used to immobilize vehicles, even if in this case they have not proven intentional sabotage.

Canadian anti-corruption advocate and former police officer Donald Best highlighted the story on X, warning that this kind of remote control could easily be turned against citizens in Western countries. In his words: “Engines dead. Electronics locked out. No warning. Speculation is that the German automaker acted on EU orders. Porsche isn’t denying it.” (Donald Best on X)

Whether or not EU authorities actually ordered this specific shutdown, the bigger point is clear: modern cars, appliances, phones, thermostats, light bulbs, air conditioners, humidifiers, teddy bears, and even farm equipment and more are increasingly “software-defined” and remotely controllable. The same circuitry that can locate a stolen vehicle can, in principle, disable a non-compliant one. In the wrong hands, (Governments hackers, disgruntled employees, AI…) that becomes a powerful lever for coercion.

It does not take much imagination to see how such technological kill-switches fit into a broader “beast system” — a world where access to transportation, energy, communication, and commerce can be turned off with a keystroke for those who refuse to bow to the prevailing ideology.

Closing thoughts

These headlines can feel overwhelming: Israel under pressure to retreat to pre-1967 lines while new “peace plans” redraw Gaza; great-power tensions from the Middle East to Venezuela and heightened tensions in Ukraine; earthquakes reminding us of creation’s groaning; and the ever-expanding web of surveillance, biometric systems, and remote kill-switches that make up the emerging control grid.

Yet Scripture tells us at least three crucial things:

1. None of this surprises God. He declared the end from the beginning (see Isaiah 46:9–10). History is not spinning out of control; it is converging toward His appointed purposes.

2. These are birth pains, not the final word. Jesus said, “When you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified… these things must first take place” (Luke 21:9). Birth pains are real and painful, but they point to something glorious: the coming kingdom.

3. Our response is watchfulness, holiness, and witness. We are called to be sober-minded, not naive; hopeful, not panicked; and bold in the gospel, not silent. While the world scrambles for counterfeit security, we hold out the true refuge: Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and returning.

“See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). May we be like the men of Issachar, understanding the times and knowing what God’s people ought to do — not merely as news consumers, but as disciples on a mission and the clock is running.

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: November 26, 2025

1. A Once-in-recorded-history Volcano and a Fragile Global System

Over the weekend, the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted for the first time in recorded history, sending ash plumes up to about 9 miles high and blanketing nearby villages with ash. The Guardian notes that ash drifted across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman, while Al Jazeera and AP News describe respiratory problems, contaminated water, and stressed livestock in nearby Afar communities. At the same time, Reuters reports dozens of flights canceled or rerouted as ash traveled into key flight corridors over the Middle East and India.

Prophetic lens:

• “Blood and fire and columns of smoke” are listed among the signs preceding the day of the Lord (Joel 2:30–31), and Jesus speaks of earthquakes and other disturbances as “the beginning of the birth pains” (Matthew 24:7–8). It’s also interesting with the timing happening so closely with the UN vote around Gaza.

• A single volcano in East Africa disrupted flight paths and economies thousands of miles away, underlining how interconnected and fragile the modern world is. When creation groans, the whole system feels it (Romans 8:19–22).

• What used to be considered “once in many millennia” events are beginning to feel strangely normal, consistent with intensifying birth pains as the end approaches.

2. Insurance Shock: Disasters, Inflation, and the Squeeze on Households

This week, multiple outlets reported that U.S. homeowners could see insurance premiums jump another 16% over the next two years. A segment from FOX 13 Tampa Bay explains that real-estate analytics firm Cotality projects average increases of about 8% in 2026 and another 8% in 2027, driven by higher rebuilding costs and escalating natural-disaster losses.

Prophetic lens:

• Rising premiums, shrinking coverage, and disaster-linked surcharges are part of a broader economic shaking. The more people are squeezed, the more they become vulnerable to centralized “solutions” tied to compliance, which fits the trajectory of Revelation 13:16–17, where the ability to buy and sell becomes a lever of control.

• James 5:1–6 rebukes the rich who hoard wealth “in the last days” while workers bear the cost. A system where corporations remain profitable as ordinary families are priced out of basic protections looks very much like that warning.

• For believers, this calls for kingdom economics: using what we have to support one another, reducing unnecessary entanglements with fragile systems, and remembering that our security is ultimately in the Lord, not in policies.

3. Pestilence: The “Subclade K” Flu Strain

Health coverage over the last several days has focused on a new H3N2 flu variant dubbed “subclade K.” ABC News reports that subclade K likely explains recent spikes in flu cases in Canada, Japan, and the UK, and that early U.S. data show more than half of H3 samples are this variant. Newsweek notes that hospitalizations in parts of the U.S. are reaching their highest levels in years and that subclade K may partially evade existing immunity. A background analysis from the University of Minnesota’s CIDRAP explains that the current vaccine composition appears mismatched to this specific drifted strain… which is usually the case.

Prophetic lens:

• Jesus explicitly includes “pestilences” among last-days signs (Luke 21:11). Post-COVID, rather than returning to stable patterns, we see recurring waves of novel or drifted strains, contested public-health measures, and rising mistrust.

• These cycles condition societies for health-based control frameworks—where travel, work, and participation can hinge on health status or compliance, dovetailing with wider technocratic systems.

• For the Church, this is a call to sober wisdom: caring for the vulnerable, avoiding division over secondary health debates, and anchoring our ultimate hope not in medicine or policy but in Christ the healer (Exodus 15:26) and our blessed hope (Titus 2:13).

4. “Brain Weapons” and the Battle for the Mind

Several stories this week highlighted warnings from scientists about emerging “brain weapons.” An analysis at ZME Science summarizes research by UK experts Michael Crowley and Malcolm Dando, who warn that advances in neuroscience, CNS-acting chemicals, and AI could enable weapons that deliberately alter consciousness, perception, or mood. Samaa TV similarly reports concerns that neuro-weapons could be used for crowd control, interrogation, or covert manipulation, and calls for urgent international controls. The story has also been picked up in more popular form by the New York Post.

Prophetic lens:

• Scripture warns of a time of global deception and strong delusion, when those who reject the truth will be given over to believing “the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12; Revelation 13:13–14).

• When the battlefield moves from propaganda to direct neuro-modulation, resisting deception becomes less about being “well-informed” and more about being spiritually guarded and renewed in mind (Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:7).

• These developments sit alongside AI-driven “cognitive warfare,” deepfakes, and algorithmic manipulation, all converging to make the human mind the main theater of conflict—a fitting stage for an antichrist system built on lies. Spend time in your Bible and in prayer to keep yourself grounded in The Truth.

5. AI and the Future of War

On November 19, First Lady Melania Trump addressed Marines at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and warned that artificial intelligence will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons. Fox News cites her remark: “Technology is changing the art of war… predictably, AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons.” Coverage in the New York Post and other outlets echoes the same theme, describing a future of autonomous drones, AI-assisted targeting, and rapid decision loops.

Prophetic lens:

• The Bible foresees unprecedented, technologically advanced conflict in the run-up to Christ’s return, including global coalitions and mass destruction (Revelation 16:13–16; Revelation 19:19).

• AI-driven, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous weapons are laying the groundwork for such conflicts—where decisions and reactions may happen too fast for meaningful human moral input.

• The same AI infrastructure that makes warfare more efficient also powers surveillance, social scoring, and digital control, reinforcing the kind of comprehensive oversight system implied in Revelation 13.

6. “Fortress Communities”: Elites Building Their Own Arks

A widely shared commentary this week describes how wealthy elites are moving into high-security “fortress communities,” guarded by teams of armed professionals and equipped to ride out social unrest and systemic shocks. One representative piece is Michael Snyder’s article, “The Elite Are Moving Into High Security ‘Fortress Communities’ Guarded By Teams Of Armed Professionals Because They Realize What Is Coming,” on The Economic Collapse Blog. A similar repost appears at MarketSanity.

While these are opinion pieces rather than straight news, they reflect real trends in high-end real estate and private security: wealth seeking insulation from the instability many foresee.

Prophetic lens:

• This looks very much like James 5:1–3: “You have laid up treasure in the last days… Your gold and silver have corroded… and their corrosion will be evidence against you.” Building thicker walls does not shield anyone from the judgment of God.

• Scripture instead presents the Lord Himself as our fortress (Psalm 46:1–2; Proverbs 18:10) and the church community as a place of mutual care, generosity, and hospitality—not a bunker for the wealthy.

• As elites retreat into guarded enclaves, the people of God are called to be cities on a hill (Matthew 5:14–16), offering spiritual refuge, practical help, and a visible contrast to self-protective fear.

7. Potential U.S.–Venezuela Conflict: Troop Buildup and Holiday Leave Cancelled

Over just the last week, the Venezuela crisis has moved from slow-burn to “something could happen any day” territory. The U.S. now has roughly 10,000–15,000 troops, carrier groups, bombers, and special operations assets deployed in and around the southern Caribbean under Operation Southern Spear—described by analysts as the largest U.S. military presence in the region since the 1989 Panama invasion. See, for example, the overview of the 2025 United States naval deployment in the Caribbean.

At the same time, Washington has formally labeled the alleged “Cartel de los Soles”—a loose network of Venezuelan officials accused of drug trafficking—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, escalating the legal and political justification for action against the Maduro regime. Outlets like Reuters and AP News note that this move widens U.S. authorities for sanctions, prosecutions, and potential operations, even as critics warn it is being used as a pretext for regime change.

Venezuela is responding in full crisis mode. President Nicolás Maduro has held mass rallies in Caracas, dressed in fatigues and brandishing a sword said to have belonged to Simón Bolívar, vowing to defend “every inch” of Venezuela from U.S. “aggression,” as reported by TIME and Sky News. Meanwhile, Cuba and other allies are openly accusing Washington of seeking a “violent overthrow” of the Venezuelan government and warning of “incalculable” regional consequences, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

One of the more striking developments—circulating heavily on X—is the report that U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is restricting or cancelling Thanksgiving and Christmas leave for thousands of troops in the region. NewsNation White House correspondent Kellie Meyer posted that SOUTHCOM is “restricting / limiting leave over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, in preparation for possible land strikes in the next 10 days to two weeks,” a claim amplified by outlets like the Latin Times, Defense One, and the Irish Independent / Telegraph syndication. SOUTHCOM, for its part, has publicly denied a blanket cancellation of leave, telling reporters that service members can still take time off—but the fact that serious outlets are even discussing a holiday leave clampdown tied to possible land operations underscores how close to the edge things feel.

Civilian life is already being disrupted. Following a U.S. FAA warning about heightened military activity and potential risks to aircraft over Venezuela, multiple airlines—including major Latin American and European carriers—have temporarily halted flights to Caracas, as reported by AP News and recapped by several international outlets. This not only isolates Venezuela further but also impacts ordinary families, missionaries, business people, and the large diaspora who rely on those routes.

Prophetic lens:

• Jesus warned that in the last days there would be “wars and rumors of wars”, nations rising against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms (Matthew 24:6–7). What we are watching now is a rumor of war on America’s doorstep—open talk of land strikes, terror designations, and massive deployments in the Western Hemisphere.

• The justification framework is familiar: narco-terrorism + “failed state” + protection of regional security. However, Scripture repeatedly warns about powerful empires using noble-sounding narratives while pursuing their own interests and sometimes taking things beyond God’s point. (Habakkuk 1:6–11, Jeremiah 51:20, Isaiah 10:5-6).

• If this escalates into a wider conflict in South America, it could reshape alliances, energy flows, migration, and internal politics in the U.S.—all of which fit into the larger picture of global shaking leading toward the kind of coercive, centralized power we see in Revelation 13.

For the Church, this is a moment to:

• Stay alert, not numb, as events unfold in our own hemisphere.

• Pray for believers in Venezuela, neighboring nations, and among U.S. forces, that they would stand firm in Christ regardless of what their governments do.

• Remember that our ultimate allegiance is to the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), not to any earthly administration—whether in Washington, Caracas, or Havana.

How Then Should We Live This Week?

Across just the last few days, we see:

• Creation groaning through “impossible” volcanic events.

• Economic systems shifting risk and cost onto ordinary households.

• Pestilence evolving and circulating in ways that fuel control and fear.

• New tools capable of hacking brains and automating warfare.

• Elites quietly fortifying themselves against a future they expect to be turbulent.

None of this is random. It aligns with the trajectory laid out in passages like Matthew 24, Luke 21, 2 Thessalonians 2, and Revelation 13.

In light of these developments:

1. Let Scripture interpret the headlines, not the other way around.

2. Guard your mind. As “brain weapons,” deepfakes, and AI-driven persuasion grow, deliberately submit your thoughts to Christ and saturate them with the Word.

3. Practice kingdom resilience. Build local, relational, and practical resilience in your church and community that does not collapse if digital systems shake.

4. Reject fortress mentality. Instead of hoarding, live generously and visibly as those who trust the Lord as their refuge.

5. Preach the gospel while the door is still open. The purpose of these signs is not fascination but repentance and readiness.

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” — Hebrews 13:14 (ESV)

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: November 19, 2025

Beloved in Christ,

In just one week, we have watched the nations gather at the United Nations to redraw realities on the ground in Gaza, lawmakers in Washington and Brussels reshape the future of artificial intelligence and data, extremists in Nigeria storm a church in the middle of worship, courts in Texas order the Ten Commandments off classroom walls, and thousands of college students in America gather to call on the name of Jesus. Scripture tells us that in the last days there will be both great shaking and great outpourings: “distress of nations in perplexity” and yet a global witness to the gospel of the kingdom (Luke 21:25–28; Matthew 24:14). As the men of Issachar “understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32 ESV), our calling is not to stare at the headlines in fear, but to read them in light of God’s Word and respond in obedience, sobriety, and hope.

1 – UN Security Council Backs Trump’s “Board of Peace” Plan for Gaza

On November 17, the UN Security Council adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution that gives formal backing to President Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza. According to reporting from outlets such as Reuters and ABC News, the resolution endorses a ceasefire framework and a hostage-release arrangement between Israel and Hamas, authorizes the deployment of an international stabilization force, and recognizes a new transitional authority, the so-called “Board of Peace,” to oversee Gaza’s demilitarization, border security, and reconstruction for several years. The text passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained, and it includes language about a conditional “pathway” toward Palestinian statehood, tied to reforms in the Palestinian Authority and progress on rebuilding Gaza’s civilian infrastructure.

The reaction on the ground underscores how fragile this framework is. Hamas has publicly rejected the resolution and insisted that it will not disarm or accept what it calls “international guardianship” over Gaza, while Palestinian Authority officials have cautiously welcomed it as a first step if it genuinely leads toward self-determination. Israeli politics are deeply split: some leaders hail the plan as a way to stabilize Gaza and prevent a resurgence of Hamas, while others warn that any language hinting at Palestinian statehood crosses a red line. Coverage in outlets like The Guardian highlights Arab governments pressing for clarity on who will control the International Stabilisation Force and how much real authority the UN itself will retain.

This isn’t just diplomacy, but is a spiritual marker: the land that God calls “My land” (Joel 3:2) is once again being treated as a negotiable asset on the table of international management. We can draw a direct line to Joel 3:1–2, where the Lord says He will judge the nations “on behalf of My people and My heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up My land.” Current events match the biblical picture of Jerusalem and the surrounding region becoming “a heavy stone for all the peoples” (Zechariah 12:2–3).

For believers, this moment is a reminder that no “board of peace” convened in New York can ultimately resolve what is, at its root, a spiritual conflict. Our hope is not in diplomatic architecture, however necessary it may be in a fallen world, but in the Prince of Peace who will one day reign from Jerusalem in righteousness. Until then, we watch the convergence of geopolitics and prophecy with sober minds, aware that “when people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

2 – AI Governance and AI Blasphemy: The Digital Battlefront

In the United States, artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a tech buzzword to a central pillar of national policy. This week President Trump publicly called on Congress to end what he describes as a confusing “patchwork” of state AI regulations and instead adopt a single federal standard. In a social-media post and subsequent coverage by outlets such as Fox News, Bloomberg/GovTech, and legal commentators at Fisher Phillips, he warned that if every state writes its own rules, American companies could be strangled by compliance costs and lose ground to China and other rivals. With other issues what usually ends up happening is the most restrictive state’s laws usually get adopted (the california effect). this has happened with mattress labels, food nutrition, GMOs, data privacy, etc. Reports indicate that House Republican leaders are examining ways to tuck AI “preemption” language into must-pass legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act, effectively blocking or severely limiting state laws that attempt to restrict deepfakes, algorithmic harms, or child-safety issues more aggressively than Washington does.

At the same time, the European Commission unveiled its so-called “Digital Omnibus” package. According to Reuters, The Guardian, and digital-rights organizations like European Digital Rights and NOYB, the proposal would delay enforcement of strict “high-risk” AI provisions (covering areas such as biometrics, health care, utilities, and law enforcement) from 2026 until late 2027, loosen cookie rules, and relax some definitions around what constitutes “personal data.” Critics argue this could open the door for far more data to be used to train AI systems without meaningful user consent, reversing what they see as hard-won digital rights and “caving to Big Tech.” The Commission, for its part, presents the changes as “simplification” necessary to keep Europe competitive and avoid regulatory fatigue.

Running alongside these policy debates is a cultural battle over what AI is used to create. This week, Instagram (owned by Meta) promoted its new “free AI creator tools” with a short video that appeared to show President Trump kneeling before a horned, demonic statue inside a cathedral-like space. The clip was highlighted in a promotional reel for Meta’s AI tools before being quietly dropped after backlash. Outlets like The Daily Wire, Beliefnet, and Charisma News reported that Meta claimed the image was originally user-generated but did not fully explain how it ended up front-and-center in an official promotion. Christian commentators have pointed out the casual use of blatantly occult imagery, the mocking depiction of a leader kneeling before a demon, and the ease with which AI can generate sacrilegious or manipulative content at scale.

Taken together, these developments show not only that AI is becoming a central nervous system for economic and political life, but also that it is shaping the spiritual imagination of the culture including AI Jesus apps, interpreting tongues, etc. as previously discussed. Governments want to centralize control over the rules of AI; corporations want frictionless data to fuel it; and the content it produces increasingly blurs the line between entertainment, propaganda, and spiritual mockery. The Bible warns of a time when deception will be empowered by “false signs and wonders” and a “strong delusion” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–11), and while we are not yet at the final form of that delusion, if they aren’t signs and wonders in the miraculous sense then the infrastructure and habits are clearly being laid.

3 – 2026, Digital ID, and the Expanding Surveillance Web

Well beyond headlines about AI “innovation,” governments and corporations are quietly building the infrastructure of a deeply networked surveillance and identity regime. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security continues to expand biometric monitoring of both foreigners and citizens. A recent editorial in the Mobile Press-Register details how ICE’s new Mobile Fortify smartphone app allows agents to scan faces and cross-check them against federal databases, with no meaningful opt-out for those targeted, and warns that this is part of a broader “behind-the-scenes escalation” of domestic surveillance power (Reason; Yahoo News). At the same time, DHS has quietly deepened its embrace of facial recognition and other biometrics, erasing a public policy document on face-scanning safeguards while pursuing multimillion-dollar contracts with firms such as Clearview AI, whose scraping of billions of online images has already triggered legal bans in some U.S. states (Biometric Update; WSJ). Even mainstream overviews now acknowledge that facial recognition has become a “dragnet” technology with serious accuracy, bias, and civil-liberties concerns that have prompted bans or limits in dozens of U.S. jurisdictions (Davis Vanguard; ISACA).

Parallel to government use, retail and consumer surveillance are normalizing similar tools in everyday life. Security and loss-prevention trade outlets now openly describe how large chains deploy facial recognition to identify “high-risk” or repeat offenders the moment they step onto the premises, sending live alerts to staff and sometimes triggering automated audio warnings (Biometric Update; C-Store Dive). Industry reports highlight that convenience stores, grocery chains, and malls are layering AI-driven CCTV, license-plate readers, and behavioral analytics on top of these systems in response to sharp rises in external theft (ASIS Security Management; Washington Retail Association). While some customers welcome anything that promises safer stores, privacy advocates warn that these tools effectively create shadow “no-fly lists” for shopping, with little transparency around who decides who goes on the list, how long they stay on it, or how errors can be corrected. The result is a creeping convergence: the same kinds of biometric systems that scan faces at borders and in police databases are now embedded in doorways, self-checkout lanes, and doorbells, forming a continuous web of observation.

In Canada, a newer front is opening around digital identity for access to basic benefits. A budget note tucked into Ottawa’s 2025 fiscal plan, reported by outlets like True North and Juno News, indicates that the federal government will move ahead with a digital identification process for claimants of Employment Insurance and Old Age Security, reversing earlier assurances that no national digital ID was on the table. Follow-up coverage by LifeSiteNews and local outlets summarized changes to the Department of Employment and Social Development Act that would “enable the delivery of more integrated and efficient services across government,” effectively allowing data-sharing across agencies and tying benefit access to a federated digital credential (Todayville; InfoWars reprint). Officials insist such a system will be “voluntary” and that in-person or phone options will remain, but critics point out that in practice, the people most dependent on these programs—low-income workers and seniors for whom Old Age Security may be the only income—will be the first to feel pressure to enroll. When access to rent, food, and medicine runs through a centralized ID that can be updated, scored, or suspended, convenience shades quickly into leverage. With the development across the of these systems seeming to culminate in implementation deadlines in 2026 expect to keep talking about this continually.

Viewed together, these trends reveal an architecture that is still fragmented but clearly converging. Borders, airports, city streets, store aisles, and benefit portals are all being threaded with systems that link who you are (biometrics and identity), where you are (location and movement), and what you do (transactions and behavior). Scripture’s warning that a future regime will be able to control who can “buy or sell” without a sanctioned mark or allegiance (Revelation 13:16–17) does not mean every present system is that final mark, but it should alert us to how swiftly the technical prerequisites are falling into place. For followers of Jesus, the response is neither naïve trust in “the system” nor panicked rejection of all technology, but a clear-eyed resolve to remain free in conscience, to minimize unnecessary dependence where we can, and to remember that our true citizenship and security are in a kingdom that cannot be tracked, scored, or switched off.

4 – Persecution in Nigeria: Church Stormed, Pastor Abducted

While the West debates regulations and identity schemes, believers in parts of the Global South continue to face very different threats. On November 19, gunmen attacked a midweek worship service at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, Nigeria. According to reports from Reuters and ABC News, armed men stormed the church during a service, opened fire, killed at least two worshippers, and abducted the pastor along with several congregants, dragging them into nearby bushland along routes commonly used by criminal and extremist groups. The attack sent residents and travelers fleeing into surrounding fields and forests, and it comes just days after more than 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from a boarding school in another Nigerian state.

The Eruku incident is not an isolated tragedy but part of a long-running pattern of violence against churches and Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions. Advocacy groups and some international lawmakers have used terms such as “slow-motion genocide” and “ethno-religious cleansing,” pointing to thousands of Christians killed or displaced over the past decade by Boko Haram, Islamic State affiliates, Fulani militants, and criminal bandit gangs. Nigerian officials often stress that many Muslim communities are also victims of these attacks and argue that the violence is driven more by criminality and resource conflicts than by religion. Yet the repeated targeting of churches and Christian gatherings is hard to ignore, especially when attacks happen in the middle of worship and when victims are selected because of their faith.

For those of us watching from safer contexts, these stories ought to reshape how we read Scripture’s promises and warnings about persecution. When Paul writes that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12) and Jesus says His followers will be “hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9), that is not theoretical language for believers in places like Eruku. Their testimony calls us to solidarity, intercession, and a sober assessment of our own willingness to suffer for Christ if and when pressure intensifies closer to home.

5 – Religious Freedom at Home: Ten Commandments Ordered Down in Texas

In a very different setting, a battle over religious symbols played out this week in Texas courtrooms. A federal judge in San Antonio, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia, issued an order blocking enforcement of a 2025 Texas law (often referred to as SB 10 in news coverage) that required public schools to display donated copies of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Reporting from outlets such as the Houston Chronicle, the Austin American-Statesman, and a press release from the ACLU explains that 15 families from multiple districts sued, arguing the requirement violated the Establishment Clause by effectively imposing a particular religious text on captive student audiences. Judge Garcia agreed, ordering districts to remove the displays by early December and to certify compliance to the court.

The ruling has intensified an already heated debate. Supporters of the law, including state officials and some parents, say the Ten Commandments are a foundational source of Western legal and moral norms and that displaying them acknowledges history rather than coercing belief. Opponents counter that the text is undeniably religious, that different faith traditions number and interpret the commandments differently, and that public schools should not be in the business of advancing any specific set of religious doctrines. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has vowed to continue suing districts that refuse to display the posters in places where other injunctions are not in effect, signaling that the legal fight is far from over.

For Christians, the deeper question is not only what the state is allowed to display, but where God’s law is written. In Deuteronomy 6:6–9, the Lord instructed Israel to place His words on doorposts and gates and to teach them diligently to their children, weaving them into the fabric of daily life. In the new covenant, Paul says that believers are “a letter from Christ…written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3). Court rulings may temporarily close or open doors for public displays, but the primary battlefield is in homes and churches, where parents and congregations either will or will not pass on God’s commandments to the next generation.

6 – Signs of Life: Revival on Campus

In contrast to many grim headlines, God continues to move powerfully among young people. On November 12, the UniteUS campus movement held an outreach at J.S. Dorton Arena near NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. According to reports from outlets like CBN News and regional Christian radio coverage such as KLTT 670AM, roughly 6,000 students and community members packed the arena to worship and hear the gospel. Hundreds responded to the invitation to trust in Christ, and at least 77 students publicly declared their new faith and were baptized that night. Organizers described scenes of repentance, reconciliation, and deliverance from suicidal thoughts and occult involvement, with students lingering in prayer long after the formal program ended.

This NC State gathering is part of a broader pattern. UniteUS and similar student-led movements have seen large crowds and significant responses at universities across the country, including in regions often described as spiritually cold. Videos and testimonies circulating online show young men and women confessing sin, renouncing new-age and occult practices, reconciling broken relationships, and committing to follow Jesus. While it is always important to distinguish momentary emotion from a lasting relationship and a changed life, the sheer numbers and depth of some of these accounts suggest that the Lord is stirring a remnant in Generation Z. In an age when headlines often focus on deconstruction, church dropout rates, and the rise of “nones,” events like these are living proof that God still delights to pour out His Spirit “on all flesh,” so that “your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions” (Acts 2:17–18).

The challenge now is discipleship. A one-night event, no matter how powerful, cannot substitute for long-term rooting in Scripture, fellowship, and obedience. Local churches and campus ministries bear the joyful burden of helping these new believers grow into maturity, learn to test everything by the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21), and stand firm in a culture that will quickly push back against their newfound allegiance to Christ.

Closing thoughts

When we lay these threads side by side—UN resolutions over Gaza, centralizing AI and digital identity regimes, demonic imagery in AI promotion, persecution in Nigeria, court battles over the Ten Commandments, and student revival at NC State—we see exactly the kind of convergence Scripture describes. On the one hand, power is concentrated in global and national institutions; technologies capable of surveillance and manipulation are being normalized; and hostility toward biblical truth is becoming more overt. On the other hand, the Lord is refining His church through persecution abroad and awakening hearts through unexpected outpourings at home. History is not spiraling out of control; it is marching toward the King.

In such a time, the call of God’s Word is remarkably simple and remarkably demanding. We are told to be “self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of [our] prayers” (1 Peter 4:7), to “strengthen what remains and is about to die” (Revelation 3:2), and to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” while “not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:23–25). That means watching the nations with discernment, without being hypnotized by the news cycle; engaging technology with wisdom, without being mastered by it; standing with persecuted brothers and sisters as if imprisoned with them (Hebrews 13:3); and welcoming the work of God in our own communities, rather than simply admiring stories from afar.

Above all, these events should drive us deeper into the Scriptures and into communion with Christ Himself. As we see the day drawing near, we are not called to retreat into fear or to chase every sensational headline, but to be found faithful—watching, praying, enduring, and proclaiming the gospel “while it is day” (John 9:4). The King is coming, the birth pangs are intensifying, and the time for half-hearted discipleship is over. “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7 ESV).

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

— Sims Corner Church

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: November 12, 2025

Beloved in Christ,

As the world hurtles forward into uncertainty, the signs of the times grow ever clearer for those with eyes to see. From escalating geopolitical flashpoints and economic pressures squeezing the vulnerable, to breakthroughs in AI that blur the lines between creation and Creator, to persistent persecutions of the faithful—these are not isolated incidents but threads in the tapestry of end-times prophecy. Scripture forewarned us of wars, rumors of wars, deceptions, and tribulations that would intensify like birth pains (Matthew 24:6-8 ESV). Yet, in this gathering storm, our anchor holds firm in Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13 ESV). He calls us not to fear but to discernment, not to despair but to diligence in prayer and proclamation of the Gospel. Let us examine the week's developments through the lens of God's unchanging Word, preparing our hearts for His return.

1 – AI Infrastructure Boom: Anthropic's $50 Billion U.S. Expansion

Anthropic announces a massive $50 billion investment in AI infrastructure, starting with data centers in Texas and New York, fueling the rapid growth of AI capabilities. Source This surge in AI power echoes the increase in knowledge prophesied in the last days, where technology enables unprecedented control and deception. "But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase" (Daniel 12:4 ESV). As AI reshapes society, pray for wisdom to resist systems that could pave the way for the beast's image (Revelation 13:15 ESV).

2 – Microsoft's AI 'Super Factory' in South Korea

Microsoft unveils plans for a $35 billion AI data center in South Korea, potentially built and operated by AI itself, marking a new era in autonomous tech development. Source Such advancements risk idolizing human ingenuity, mirroring the tower of Babel where man sought to reach the heavens without God (Genesis 11:4 ESV). In an age of false wonders, remember: "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24 ESV). Pray that believers discern the spiritual dangers behind technological "miracles."

3 – “Godfather” of AI Hits One Million Citations

Yoshua Bengio, known as the 'Godfather of AI,' becomes the first researcher to reach one million citations on Google Scholar, highlighting AI's explosive academic and societal impact. Source This milestone underscores how AI is redefining human knowledge, but Scripture warns against relying on man's wisdom over God's. "Claiming to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22 ESV). As AI influences everything from ethics to economy, pray for protection from deceptions that could fulfill end-times prophecies of a deluding influence (2 Thessalonians 2:11 ESV).

4 – Yann LeCun Plans Exit from Meta to Launch AI Startup

Meta's Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun announces plans to leave and start his own AI venture, signaling shifts in the competitive AI landscape. Source The proliferation of AI startups accelerates innovation but also risks unchecked ethical lapses. "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:3 ESV). Pray that technological pursuits do not lead souls astray from eternal truths.

5 – Russia-Ukraine Conflict Persists as Top Geopolitical Risk

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war remains a major geopolitical threat in 2025, causing humanitarian crises and heightening global instability. Source Russia has recently launched another large wave of attacks trying to push Ukraine to the negotiating table. This protracted conflict aligns with prophecies of northern powers aligning against God's people. "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6 ESV). Echoing Ezekiel 38-39, pray for peace and for the Gospel to penetrate war-torn regions.

6 – Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clashes Escalate

Tensions spike with cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, resulting in civilian deaths and heightened regional instability. Source Such border conflicts contribute to the "distress of nations" foretold in Scripture. "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves" (Luke 21:25 ESV). Pray for de-escalation and for believers in these areas to stand firm.

7 – Conflict-Driven Food Insecurity Worsens Globally

November's UN Security Council debate highlights the scale of conflict-induced food insecurity, affecting millions worldwide. Source This crisis mirrors the famine seals of Revelation. "When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand" (Revelation 6:5 ESV). Pray for provision and for humanitarian efforts grounded in Christ's love.

8 – U.S. Economy Risks Wobble for Lower-Income Households

Rising costs and job market concerns strain lower-income consumers, with potential government shutdowns impacting benefits. Source Economic pressures foster dependency, as warned in Proverbs. "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender" (Proverbs 22:7 ESV). As systems align for control (Revelation 13:17 ESV), pray for financial wisdom and generosity among believers.

9 – Hurricane Melissa's Aftermath in Jamaica and Cuba

Hurricane Melissa left massive damage in Jamaica and eastern Cuba but has largely been out of the news cycle. 103 people died and 13 are still missing, about 70 percent of the island lost power, and the damage is estimated at 6-7 billion which is about 1/3rd of the GDP of Jamaica. Source Such intensified storms signal the groaning of creation. "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now" (Romans 8:22 ESV). Pray for recovery and for hearts to turn to God amid disasters.

10 – Billion-Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters Mount

2025 sees multiple billion-dollar disasters, including droughts, floods, storms, cyclones, wildfires, and winter events. Source These events fulfill prophecies of increasing natural upheavals. "There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven" (Luke 21:11 ESV). Pray for resilience and evangelistic opportunities in affected communities.

11 – Vatican Warns on AI and Children's Dignity

Cardinal Parolin cautions that AI risks humanity's extinction if not handled ethically, emphasizing protection for children. Source This highlights moral inversions in tech. "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20 ESV). Pray for ethical innovation aligned with God's design.

12 – UNESCO's New AI Ethics Prize

UNESCO launches a prize for ethical AI innovation, addressing risks and benefits. Source While promoting ethics, it risks syncretism. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV). Pray for discernment in global initiatives.

13 – Trump's Threats Over Christian Persecution in Nigeria

President Trump threatens military action in Nigeria over alleged targeted killings of Christians, amid reports of thousands murdered in 2025. Source Persecution intensifies as foretold. "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake" (Matthew 24:9 ESV). Pray for the persecuted church and for just interventions.

14 – U.S. Congress Condemns Nigerian Christian Persecution

Congress introduces a resolution condemning the killing of over 7,000 Christians in Nigeria this year alone. Source This echoes the global rise in faith-based violence. "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them" (Hebrews 13:3 ESV). Pray for boldness and protection for believers worldwide.

Conclusions

Watch and Pray

These signs—technological leaps toward deception, geopolitical rumblings, economic squeezes, natural upheavals, moral confusions, and outright persecutions—converge as birth pains, signaling the nearness of our redemption (Luke 21:28 ESV). As lawlessness increases and love grows cold (Matthew 24:12 ESV), let us not be shaken but stirred to faithfulness. Proclaim the Gospel boldly, pray fervently for the lost and persecuted, and fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 ESV). The King is coming soon.

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: November 5, 2025

Understanding the Times
Beloved in Christ,
As the men of Issachar “understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32 ESV), so we are called to discern the signs unfolding before us. In a world gripped by rapid technological shifts, geopolitical tensions, and moral inversions, these events are not mere coincidences but alignments with biblical prophecy. From surveillance grids to wars on the horizon, from AI reshaping humanity to elections revealing hearts hardened against God’s chosen people—these are harbingers of the end times. Yet, amid the chaos, our hope remains in Christ, who holds all things together (Colossians 1:17 ESV). Let us watch, pray, and proclaim the Gospel with boldness. The hour demands watchfulness. We are witnessing the rapid weaving of technological power, surveillance structures, economic pressures, and ideological realignment. These developments do not guarantee the immediate arrival of prophetic fulfillment—but they demonstrate the scaffolding being assembled. Our task is not fear, but discernment; not panic, but preparation; not retreat, but faithfulness to Christ and His Word.

1. Surveillance on the Streets: ICE’s Facial Recognition Rollout
   A line has been crossed in U.S. policing—one many citizens still aren’t aware of. What began as airport identity checks has quietly migrated to neighborhood streets, parks, bus stations, and sidewalks. Videos circulating on social media show ICE and CBP agents stopping individuals, including minors, on public streets to scan their faces with phone cameras for citizenship verification. In one Chicago incident, agents scanned a boy’s face after he claimed U.S. citizenship but lacked ID, using sunlight for a better picture and verifying details instantly. ICE’s Mobile Fortify app allows agents to photograph anyone encountered and run the image through facial recognition databases, with no opt-out option, turning standard smartphones into biometric capture devices. This practice, described as “dystopian,” is set for broader implementation by September 2026 per the big beautiful bill™ that is now law see additional analysis from investigative reporting, and tech analysis confirming DHS mobile rollout. Even more concerning, this fits within existing federal authority: CBP’s “100-mile border zone,” recognized by the ACLU, covers roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population—including most major cities—placing a majority of Americans inside a permanent, flexible enforcement perimeter. This is not yet a command-and-control regime—but it is a conditioning phase. A society trained to show papers becomes a society expected to show biometrics. A culture accustomed to compliance becomes one willing to accept permission-based movement. Scripture warns of a coming system where no one can buy or sell without the mark (Revelation 13:16–17 ESV). This technology foreshadows global control, tracking every move in the name of security. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV Remember that these same systems, once in place, are never removed and are only expanded in scope and capability. First ICE uses it for illegals, then we use it to find narco “terrorists”, then antifa or anyone else the government decides is a domestic threat, then regular criminals. It’s not a slippery slope fallacy, it’s pattern recognition based on the past 75 years of US government activity.

2. Digital IDs: Global Push Toward Mandatory Biometric Systems
   Tying in with these immigration enforcement activities here and around the world, governments are rolling out digital identities not merely as convenience tools but as gateways to participation. Mexico is mandating a biometric CURP identifier for all citizens and residents by February 2026, enhancing data security but raising privacy alarms (Mexico News Daily). In Europe, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be fully implemented by April 10, 2026, with digital identity wallets available to all by year’s end 2026 (European Commission). China launched its national digital ID system on July 15, 2025, providing citizens with a unique online identity token or “network number” tied to real-name verification, facial recognition, and online behavior, ostensibly voluntary but expanding government oversight of online activities (South China Morning Post). In India, the UIDAI has initiated “Aadhaar Vision 2032,” a strategic review to upgrade the Aadhaar system with AI, blockchain, and quantum technologies for enhanced security and inclusion; recent updates effective November 1, 2025, allow online changes to name, address, and mobile number, with mandatory Aadhaar-PAN linking by December 31, 2025, connecting identity to financial accounts and tax status (Livemint). This global momentum aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, aiming for “legal identity for all, including birth registration, by 2030” (UN Legal Identity Agenda), and the World Economic Forum’s initiatives like the Connected Future Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure, which promotes decentralized and privacy-preserving digital IDs (WEF Report). These are not random government decisions—they are synchronized. Previous generations had trouble understanding how a mark system could be implemented or enforced, we see it clearly now. The future economy is one where identity is currency, access is conditional, and dissent means exclusion. It already allegedly happens in china. This is the infrastructure phase of Revelation 13. These systems promise convenience but pave the way for the beast’s economic control (Revelation 13:17 ESV). As identities become digitized, remember our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20 ESV). Pray for protection against identity theft—spiritual and physical—and for discernment in adopting such tools.

3. Economic Strain: The Slow-Motion Squeeze Toward Dependency
   While headlines speak of “soft landing,” the data reveal gradual destabilization. Unemployment is rising—4.3% nationally in August 2025, with projections edging toward 4.5% in 2026 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But jobs lost today are not like jobs lost in 2008—automation and AI mean many will never return. That is a structural shift, not a cyclical downturn. Meanwhile, American households are suffocating under $18.39 trillion in debt—the highest in U.S. history—according to Federal Reserve data, while credit-card delinquencies remain at elevated levels around 3.05% per Federal Reserve tracking. Some segments of the market have delinquency rates as high as 12% per the federal reserve. with the government shut down numbers that were expected to be reported haven't been and it's unlikely that the trend has been corrected in that time. Office real-estate defaults now exceed 8%, signaling corporate contraction rather than expansion as reported by Reuters. Rental vacancy rates have climbed to around 7% (FRED), while Las Vegas unemployment has pushed higher than the national average at approximately 5.6% (Nevada Workforce). Auto loans are at the highest Levels of default since the global financial crisis in 2009. The danger here is not collapse—it is managed weakening. A population under financial stress becomes easier to pacify, to bribe, to nudge, and ultimately to control. First inflation erodes independence. Then debt enslaves. Then “assistance” becomes a requirement to survive. Revelation’s economy is not forced immediately through tyranny—it is welcomed through economic desperation and promises of stability. The question is not whether a crisis is coming, but whether Christ’s people will rely on Him when the world asks us to rely on them. “The borrower is servant to the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7 ESV. Pray for provision from God alone and for wisdom in economic shifts.

4. Tensions in the Americas: Russia’s Arms to Venezuela and U.S. Military Posturing
   Russia has delivered air defenses to Venezuela and is not ruling out hypersonic missiles, amid claims of Wagner-linked aircraft landings in Caracas. A U.S. carrier battle group is parked offshore, escalating fears of a proxy war as Maduro seeks Russian aid against perceived U.S. intervention. Reuters has reported that Moscow signaled it “may deploy hypersonic missiles to Venezuela” in this tense standoff. The geography matters—this is not a far-off conflict but one in our hemisphere, near strategic shipping lanes and U.S. territory with Potential death and destruction in our nation and not some far away land.. Jesus foretold “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6 ESV), with nations rising against nations (Matthew 24:7 ESV). This buildup echoes end-times alliances and regional destabilization foretold in Scripture. Pray for de-escalation, for leaders to seek peace, and for the Gospel to reach conflict zones.

5. Espionage in Academia: Michigan Researchers’ CCP Ties Exposed
   In a chilling case of foreign infiltration, Chinese nationals Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), were charged in June 2025 with conspiracy, smuggling goods, making false statements, and visa fraud for attempting to smuggle Fusarium graminearum—a dangerous crop-damaging fungus labeled a potential agroterrorism weapon by the FBI—into the U.S. for research at the University of Michigan (UM). According to the U.S. Department of Justice announcement, Jian, a postdoctoral fellow in UM’s Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction Laboratory led by Professors Ping He and Libo Shan, was recognized by the CCP as an “Outstanding Graduate Student” for her scientific achievements and Party membership, highlighting her alignment with CCP ideologies. Liu, her co-conspirator and planned collaborator in the same lab, is listed as a researcher in Zhejiang University’s “Hundred Talents Program,” a CCP-sponsored talent recruitment initiative aimed at attracting experts for technology transfer and national defense goals—often viewed as a mechanism for espionage and influence operations. Zhejiang University, where Liu is affiliated, is co-managed in part by China’s State Administration for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND), which supports defense modernization. A third individual, Chengxuan Han, arrested for smuggling biological materials to UM, serves as a CCP Party Secretary in a graduate branch and received a “Red Model” award for exemplary Party alignment. The case triggered congressional review, with House oversight inquiries demanding UM explain research security protocols and foreign influence safeguards (House Oversight). Both professors supervising the lab held dual affiliations with Chinese institutions, further heightening national-security alarms. Modern conflict is not only military—it is scientific, agricultural, and ideological. Foreign adversaries target food systems, research labs, and biological infrastructure. This wasn’t just people who happened to be Chinese committing these crimes, these are people recognized by the CCP committing crimes to advance Chinese interests and hurt those of america. This case underscores broader patterns of CCP espionage in U.S. academia, aligning with prophecies of deceit and pestilences (Luke 21:11 ESV). As knowledge increases (Daniel 12:4 ESV), so does the potential for misuse in end-times deceptions. Pray for exposure of hidden agendas, protection of national security, and for universities to uphold truth over foreign influence.

6. Elon Musk’s Alien Tech Speculations: Blurring Lines Between Science and the Supernatural
   On the Joe Rogan Experience #2404, Elon Musk discussed the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, suggesting it could be alien due to its anomalous trajectory, and joked about Tesla’s Cybertruck as “alien tech.” His comments were widely reported. Whether trolling or signaling, the impact is the same: a public primed to entertain extraterrestrial intervention as a plausible explanation for technological advancement. NASA has previously confirmed unknown aerial phenomena programs, and public fascination with non-human intelligence is now normalized. We read about those in our bible, but this is positioned to get non-believers to accept their appearance. Prophecy warns of a future deception so powerful that even the elect might be deceived (Matthew 24:24 ESV). The world increasingly views technology as transcendent and cosmic rather than human and earthly. When humanity elevates engineered marvels beyond creation frameworks, deception finds fertile soil. “False signs and wonders…” — Matthew 24:24 ESV. Musk’s speculation rides a cultural wave: science, mysticism, and technocracy merging into a new kind of spiritual imagination — one vulnerable to a “strong delusion.”

7. Universal Basic Income: Musk’s Vision of AI-Driven Abundance
   Musk also told Rogan that AI will eliminate most jobs in relatively short order, leading to a “universal high income” where anyone can access products and services, though with “trauma and disruption.” This was echoed by Fortune’s report on AI-driven economic restructuring and household robotics. The messaging is clear: accept the disruption, trust the system, and embrace a future where work is optional because automation does everything. But systems of provision historically become systems of control. When livelihoods hinge on state-aligned authority, spiritual and political compromise follows. This echoes the beast’s system of control through provision (Revelation 13:17 ESV), where dependence replaces diligence. “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.” — Genesis 3:19 ESV. While framed as benevolence, the move toward universal income is a transition from earned agency to assigned sustenance, and what the government gives it can take away for “bad” behavior — a dangerous shift in human dignity and sovereignty.

8. Robotics and AI: The Quiet Replacement of Human Purpose
   This year marked a cultural threshold — robots are no longer prototypes, they are participants. The 1X Neo humanoid robot, priced at $20,000 or $499/month rental, performs chores like unloading dishwashers but requires remote human assistance via VR for complex tasks, as reported by Fortune. Meanwhile, companies like Xpeng are launching humanoid robots for construction in 2025, with positive evaluations rising to 95%, shown in recent product releases (South China Morning Post). Service industries are experimenting with android receptionists, delivery bots, and retail attendants. Automation is no longer about efficiency — it is about displacement. Humanity is being told that labor — the God-given means of shaping character, community, and calling — is outdated, inefficient, and optional. When machines sweep floors, drive trucks, build houses, and care for children, the very foundation of responsibility erodes. A generation already medicated, distracted, and socially detached is being offered a future where purpose is replaced by passivity, and convenience replaces calling. Revelation’s end-time culture is not industrious — it is idle, entertained, dependent, and worship-trained. A humanity relieved of work becomes a humanity ready to receive the man of sin instead of resisting him. “Be fruitful and multiply and subdue the earth.” — Genesis 1:28 ESV. Innovation now mixes with ideology, turning tools into replacements and convenience into captivity.

9. Mass Layoffs: Economic Upheaval Hits Major Corporations
   Over 100 companies, including Amazon, UPS, Target, and Meta, announced layoffs in November, with tech alone seeing 178,635 jobs cut in 2025, according to Layoffs.fyi data and business coverage by CNBC. These aren’t cyclical reductions or jobs that can be easily replaced by those impacted — they reflect structural automation and consolidation, with AI doing the jobs humans once held. While U.S. unemployment data masks some of the pain, workforce participation is stagnating and long-term unemployment trends are worsening. These are high paying jobs that place families into middle or upper middle class brackets, when that spend is removed from the economy the impact to the economy (not the families) is much more damaging than lower paying jobs. The threat is not temporary downtime; it is the permanent restructuring of civilization’s labor rhythm. As AI displaces workers, dependence rises, autonomy shrinks, and societies become vulnerable to centralized control. “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV. Loss of productive purpose leads to emotional, spiritual, and cultural decay — and historically, to revolution or authoritarian stabilization. Both paths are perilous.

10. IVF Embryo Keepsakes: Commodifying Life’s Beginnings
    Blossom Keepsake turns unused IVF embryos into jewelry, treating them with “care and respect” in an 8-10 week process, at no extra cost, as advertised directly on their website. Sentimentality masks desecration as human life — knitted by God — becomes ornament instead of sacred image-bearer. A culture losing reverence for life at conception loses reverence for God Himself. Science now commodifies creation, aestheticizing remains designed for wombs, not necklaces. This practice raises profound ethical questions about life’s sanctity, echoing the biblical truth: “You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13–14 ESV. The sanctity of life erodes not only through abortion but through beautified desecration, presented as “closure” and “healing” — but ultimately signaling a culture unmoored from reverence for the Creator.

11. Aviation Incidents: UPS Crash and Bomb Threats
    UPS Flight 2976 crashed in Louisville, killing at least seven, shortly after takeoff according to local reporting. Only hours earlier, bomb threats forced evacuations at LaGuardia and Reagan airports, as reported by NBC News. While investigations continue, these events strike during a season of escalating global instability and domestic tension. Historically, the skies have symbolized freedom, mobility, and national confidence — disruptions to air travel evoke fragility, insecurity, and loss of trust. Jesus warned of fear and signs in the heavens in the last days, and our increasing dependence on secure global infrastructure — from aviation to digital networks — exposes societal vulnerability. Scripture foretold times of “distress of nations… with people fainting with fear” (Luke 21:25–26 ESV). Cracks in critical systems are reminders: human power structures are fragile, but God remains unshaken.

12. Elections and Rising Hostility: Muslims Ascend in U.S. Politics
    Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim socialist, won NYC mayor with more than 50% of the vote, as reported following the election (New York Post). In Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi became the state’s first Muslim lieutenant governor (Virginia Mercury). These victories coincide with rising anti-Israel rhetoric and growing political hostility toward Jewish identity, Zionism, and biblical worldview. Scripture warns that as nations turn against Israel, judgment follows — and strangers rising above a nation while it declines is part of covenant curses for turning from God: “The sojourner among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower” (Deuteronomy 28:43 ESV). While believers love their neighbors — including Muslims — we must discern spiritual and geopolitical implications: shifts in leadership often reflect deeper shifts in national heart posture, worldview loyalties, and prophetic trajectory.

13. Cheney’s Death and Numeric Coincidences: Echoes of Judgment
    Former Vice President Dick Cheney died at 84 from complications of pneumonia and heart disease, as confirmed by national media including CNN. His death occurred the same day UPS Flight 2976 crashed — a number strikingly close to 2,977, the official count of 9/11 victims and exactly the same as the number reported by the FBI. While believers do not build doctrine on coincidence, prophetic history is filled with numeric signs and symbolic patterns. Cheney, central to post-9/11 foreign policy and global realignment, passing amid aviation tragedy evokes reflection on cycles of power, empire, and divine sovereignty. Scripture reminds us that it is God who “changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21 ESV). Nations rise and fall; leaders come and go; yet the Lord reigns over history’s turning points — and sometimes symbols accompany transition.

14. Screwworm Threat: Pestilence Ravaging Livestock
    The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating fly spreading north from Mexico, has been detected within 70 miles of the U.S. border, raising alarms among agricultural and veterinary experts. Reuters reported on the threat of infestation crossing into U.S. herds and devastating livestock populations. Ranchers warn that infection rates could wipe out cattle in affected regions, harming food supply chains and driving already historic meat prices sharply higher. Food systems are strategic vulnerabilities — biological disruption is a modern warfare vector. Scripture describes pestilence striking livestock in judgment (Exodus 9:3 ESV). As global agriculture grows more centralized and fragile, the possibility of engineered scarcity and famine grows — fulfilling warnings of end-time pressures on food and land.

Watch and Pray
These converging signs — surveillance, wars, AI dominance, moral shifts, and judgments — point to the nearness of Christ’s return. As hearts grow cold and deceptions multiply (Matthew 24:12 ESV), lift your heads, for your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28 ESV). History is accelerating, systems are aligning, and the world is being prepared for a moment of global crisis and global leadership. Yet the believer is not shaken: we lift our heads. Our King is coming. Stay vigilant, share the hope of salvation, and pray for the lost.
In service to the King,
The Sons of Issachar Team

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: October 29, 2025

“The men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do.” — 1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV)

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Understanding the Times

Beloved in Christ,

Each passing week seems to tighten the threads of prophecy and shake the illusions of worldly peace. Nations arm, the earth groans, truth is punished, and yet — God remains unmoved.

These are not random events but converging signs. The Bible warned that in the last days men’s hearts would fail them for fear, and that lawlessness would abound. Yet for those whose hope is in Christ, fear gives way to faith and panic gives way to purpose.

History isn’t collapsing; it’s converging toward His plan.

Our task is not to hide but to discern, to stand firm, and to bear witness to the coming King.

Let’s examine this week’s headlines through that lens.

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1 – Nations in Turmoil: Putin, NATO and the Rumbling North

Tensions between Vladimir Putin’s Russia and NATO have again risen, with reports of troop movements and renewed nuclear rhetoric (Endtime Headlines). The world watches with unease, fearing another Cold War, but Scripture reminds us:

“He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings.” — Daniel 2:21 (ESV)

What appears as political chess is spiritual theater. Prophecy students recall Ezekiel 38–39 (ESV), where northern powers align for war against Israel. Though timing is uncertain, patterns are undeniable.

Pray for restraint among leaders and revival among the peoples of Europe and Russia alike. Wars begin in hearts before they erupt on borders.

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2 – Gaza: A Fragile Peace Built on Sand

The cease fire hasn’t ever really been in effect and violence has continued and may be escalating again with airstrikes ordered by Prime Minister Netanyahu (NBC News). The smoke may clear, but the hostility remains.

Jerusalem and her borders continue to fulfill the prophecy:

“On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples.” — Zechariah 12:3 (ESV)

Diplomats seek “lasting peace,” yet lasting peace will never come apart from the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 ESV).

Every cease-fire reminds us of humanity’s inability to reconcile without Christ.

Pray for believers in Israel and Gaza who risk their lives daily to proclaim the true message of reconciliation.

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3 – The Church Tested: SBC and the Falling Away

Shock rippled through evangelical circles as the Southern Baptist Convention faced another round of doctrinal compromise and internal disputes (Protestia Post) halloween themed services with witches and skeletons would have once been unthinkable, but I see this as yet another symptom of the falling away. Issues once settled by Scripture are now “up for conversation.”

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching.” — 2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV)

Cultural accommodation is replacing biblical conviction. Churches drift toward popularity rather than purity. But Jesus warned the path of truth would be narrow (Matthew 7:14 ESV).

Pray that pastors, seminaries, and families return to the Word as their final authority, refusing to trade eternity for applause.

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4 – Vatican and Diwali: When Light Merges with Darkness

The Vatican’s message for the Hindu festival of Diwali urged Christians and Hindus to “collaborate for peace” (Vatican Press Office).

On the surface it sounds charitable, but beneath lies an old temptation: to unite truth with error.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” — 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

The language of “inter-faith harmony” erodes the exclusivity of Christ’s gospel. As Revelation 13 foretells, the world will one day gather under a single spiritual system that celebrates every creed except the Cross.

Pray that believers discern the difference between compassion and compromise.

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5 – When Truth Becomes a Crime: Switzerland’s Speech Trial

A Swiss man was sentenced for stating that biological sex can be identified from skeletal remains (Spiked Online).

Science bowed before ideology; facts became forbidden.

“Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” — Romans 1:22-25 (ESV)

This is moral inversion made law. The world now punishes truth and prizes illusion.

But the Church must keep speaking with grace and conviction: silence in the face of falsehood is agreement.

Pray for courage to speak truth in love, and for nations to repent before judgment hardens into blindness.

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6 – Digital Finance and the Coming Control Grid

World Liberty Financial (WLF) — the crypto-venture tied to Donald Trump and his family — and its reported links with Binance and Qatar mark a significant development in the push toward fully digitised economies and seem to indicate political corruption for profit on a scale multiple times larger than Hunter’s kickbacks to the “big guy”.

According to Bloomberg, the Trump family’s crypto and related ventures added about US$1.3 billion in value over just a few weeks. Other estimates suggest the broader Trump family wealth may have increased by US$2.9 billion or more in the first months of the second term, due largely to cryptocurrency initiatives.

Business Tie-Up & Pardon Context

• In March 2025, Reuters reported that the Trump family had held talks with Binance’s U.S. arm about acquiring a financial stake.

• Material revealed that Binance had assisted one of the Trump family’s crypto ventures earlier in the year — and that a presidential pardon for Changpeng Zhao could “pave the way” for Binance’s U.S. revival.

• On October 23, 2025, President Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, who had pleaded guilty to Bank Secrecy Act violations and served prison time. The pardon followed the business dealings between Binance and World Liberty Financial.

• Meanwhile, a French newspaper (Le Monde) reported that the Trump family’s crypto firm WLF secured a US$2 billion investment from the Abu Dhabi sovereign-backed fund MGX, to purchase the “USD1” stablecoin and stake in Binance, signalling significant foreign backing for the venture.

  Why This Matters (Prophetically and Practically)

“…no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark.” — Revelation 13:17 (ESV)

While today’s systems are not yet the final “mark of the beast,” the infrastructure is clearly being laid: digital currency, real-time tracking of transactions, global partnerships across state and private actors. The same technology that enables trade also enforces allegiance. In other words: convenience may become control.

This is not merely financial innovation—it is systemic potential for compliance: who is included, who is excluded, who is trusted, who is monitored. Christians should observe this not just as economic news, but as a “watch-and-pray” signal.

What Believers Should Do

• Use financial tools, but don’t become dependent on them. The Word says: “The borrower is slave to the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7 (ESV)

• Cultivate generosity and detachment. Money is neutral; the motive behind it determines its spiritual weight. Remember: “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9 (ESV)

• Maintain integrity and transparency, especially if you operate in emerging digital economics. Know who you’re doing business with. Be aware of conflicts of interest.

• Pray for discernment and wisdom in an age where systems shift rapidly. Ask: Are we serving money, or serving the One who owns all?

• Stay anchored in the kingdom perspective: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

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7 – The New Flu: Man’s Science or God’s Warning

Scientists report growing concern over a deadly H5N1 avian flu infecting humans (Nature) while celebrating a “one-shot” vaccine (CEN Science).

The same laboratories that manipulate creation promise to protect it.

“When I send pestilence among My people … if My people humble themselves and pray.” — 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (ESV)

Every epidemic is both a biological event and a spiritual message. Human pride in science mirrors Babel’s tower — an effort to reach heaven by our own design.

When man plays god, God reminds man he is dust.

Pray for protection, repentance, and opportunities to show mercy during fear.

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8 – Missionary Kidnapped in Niger

Another missionary has been abducted in Niger, part of an alarming surge of Christian persecution across Africa.

“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them.” — Hebrews 13:3 (ESV)

Behind each headline is a name, a family, a faith that refuses to recant. The persecuted church reminds us that freedom is a stewardship, not an entitlement.

Pray for their deliverance and for courage to live as boldly as those who suffer for Christ today.

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9 – Political Lawlessness and the Erosion of Love

Political strategist James Carville declared that Trump supporters should be “shaved and placed in orange jumpsuits” (Yahoo News).

Such rhetoric reveals how hatred now masquerades as justice.

“Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” — Matthew 24:12 (ESV)

Anger has become currency in public life. But the Church must not join the shouting; it must model grace.

We win no souls by mirroring the rage of Babylon.

Pray that believers become peacemakers in a culture addicted to outrage.

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10 – California and the Inversion of Good and Evil

A California newspaper called ICE operations “voter intimidation,” casting lawful order as oppression.

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” — Isaiah 5:20 (ESV)

Such rhetoric reflects moral confusion now mainstream. When justice is mocked, society unravels.

Christians must engage civic life not with partisanship but prophetic clarity.

The Church is called to be conscience, not crowd.

Pray for truth to pierce through propaganda and for courage to speak with humility and conviction.

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11 – Storms and the Sovereignty of God

A historic storm, Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 hurricane, has made direct landfall in Jamaica, bringing catastrophic damage and widespread destruction. According to live tracking data, the storm struck near New Hope with sustained winds of up to 185 mph, a central pressure of 892 mb, and is being called the most powerful cyclone ever to hit Jamaica.

In the southwestern parish of St Elizabeth alone, officials reported entire communities “underwater,” roads ripped up, power for more than half a million residents knocked out, and widespread structural damage including hospitals impacted.

“Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.” — Job 37:14 (ESV)

While the world calls this “weather” or “climate,” for believers it’s a stark reminder that creation still obeys its Creator — the winds, waves, and skies still answer to Him. The Lord who commanded the storm in Matthew 8 still reigns:

“Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” — Matthew 8:26 (ESV)

At least seven deaths have already been reported across the Caribbean region including Jamaica, thousands displaced, and the magnitude of damage begins what will likely be years of recovery. Given the size of that storm, 7 fatalities already seems miraculously low.

For the Church & Believer:

• Pray for rescue and relief — that local churches, mission teams, and aid agencies will be swift and compassionate.

• Pray for repentance and reflection — that amid the chaos many will turn away from false security and lean into the One who calms the storm.

• Pray for endurance — long after the headlines fade, the rebuilding begins: homes, minds, spirits. The Lord who builds also restores.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” — John 14:27 (ESV)

12 – Universal Basic Income: Incentive or Influence?

Lawmakers in the U.S. are now openly discussing a nation-wide UBI experiment — a three-year pilot program that would provide a set monthly income to 10,000 Americans regardless of employment status. On the surface, UBI sounds compassionate and generous: “everyone receives a floor of financial support.” Yet from a prophetic and practical standpoint, UBI raises profound questions about autonomy, compliance, and control.

Why UBI could become a tool of influence

When governments or global systems guarantee income to citizens, what may begin as welfare can shift into dependence. Financial security tied to state-or system-managed conditions can mean that behavioral compliance becomes currency. As one commentary warns, systems like these could easily morph into “you will receive your stipend if your ID is active, your smart wallet is logged, and your profile shows ‘eligible.’”

“The borrower is slave to the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7 (ESV)

In the context of prophecy, where economic systems, identity verification and access to markets converge, UBI may be far more than social policy — it may be a step toward structural control.

“…no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark.” — Revelation 13:17 (ESV)

While UBI today is voluntary and limited, the foundation of expectation is being laid. Once millions receive a guaranteed income, future changes (strings, conditions, digital tracking) become easier to implement without overt resistance.

The dual-edge: relief and risk

On one hand, UBI offers relief to the poor, unemployed, and disenfranchised — aligning with Christ’s heart for the vulnerable. Yet on the other hand, if the system is managed by tech platforms, smart-wallets, or centralized digital IDs, it opens the door to monitoring, restricting, and conditioning access.

Generosity without freedom can become soft servitude.

When benefits are distributed centrally and access is virtual, the questions become:

• Who controls the distribution?

• What data is required to receive it?

• What behavior will be rewarded or penalized?

• How easily can the system shift from aid to obedience measurement?

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Watch and Pray

Every story above — wars, plagues, apostasy, and mercy — is a reminder that God’s Word is true. The world is not falling apart; it is falling into place.

Jesus said:

“When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” — Luke 21:28 (ESV)

So let us watch, pray, and strengthen what remains. Keep your lamp burning, your Bible open, and your eyes on the eastern sky.

In His service,

The Sons of Issachar Team

SimsCorner Church Newsletter — October 29, 2025

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: October 22, 2025

Beloved in Christ,

In these days of accelerating global and spiritual change, the Church’s call is to watch, to pray, to discern, and to live faithfully. The swirl of political, technological, and cultural events now unfolding fits much of what our Lord warned about in Luke 21 (ESV). As we navigate these times, may we, like the sons of Issachar, “understand the times and know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32 ESV). Let us keep our lamps trimmed and burning, our feet shod with the gospel of peace, and our hearts anchored firmly in God’s unchanging Word.

— The Sons of Issachar Team

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1. Sacred Spaces, Religions & Syncretism

A recent report describes how, in a prominent Catholic library in the Vatican, Muslim worship was permitted for the first time in living memory. (MyCharisma — “Vatican Shock: Muslims Allowed in Sacred Halls”) This moment, while framed by leaders as an act of interfaith outreach, has left many believers stunned. It represents not merely an event, but a symbol of the increasing blending of religions—something Scripture warned would mark the end times and is another sign of progress towards a one world religion.

The “house of God” is not defined by stone walls or ornate halls but by the people of God themselves (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV). Yet, when consecrated places are opened to conflicting forms of worship, it reflects a deeper theological confusion in our age. The apostle Paul cautioned believers not to conform to this world (Romans 12:2 ESV), while John commanded us to test every spirit to see whether it is from God (1 John 4:1 ESV). The rise of spiritual syncretism—a merging of contradictory faith systems—may appear tolerant, but it subtly undermines the Gospel’s exclusive claim: that salvation is through Christ alone.

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2. Middle East: Hostages, Cease-Fire & Disarmament

In a speech covered by The Guardian, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Hamas would be “forced to disarm—or we will disarm them.” (The Guardian) At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has pursued what he calls a final disarmament phase in Gaza, asserting that peace is only possible once the region is demilitarized. These developments follow an uneasy cease-fire mediated by multiple nations, while U.S. and British troops have been deployed nearby in observation roles.

These events should remind us that Israel remains the geographic, spiritual, and prophetic epicenter of God’s plan (Zechariah 12 ESV; Ezekiel 38-39 ESV). The current rhetoric of “disarmament” and “lasting peace” echoes Paul’s words about the coming cry of “peace and safety” before sudden destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:3 ESV). Jesus warned us not to be deceived by such assurances: “See that you are not led astray… The time is at hand! Do not go after them.” (Luke 21:8 ESV)

As global powers push toward peace in the Middle East, believers must discern the difference between human treaties and divine timing. Christ foretold wars, rumors of wars, and global unrest as part of the birth pangs that would precede His return (Matthew 24:6-7 ESV). Yet, He also said: “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28 ESV)

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3. Surveillance, Technological Control & Global Liberty

Reports continue to emerge of rapid technological integration into government and military infrastructure. In South Korea, General Taylor announced the use of ChatGPT-based systems to analyze battlefield communications and improve AI-driven decision support. (Futurism — “General Taylor Integrates ChatGPT AI in South Korea Military Systems”) Meanwhile, in the United States, New York’s housing authority has launched a pilot project installing more than seventy cameras at a single complex, with a stated goal of one hundred cameras per development in the near future. (Ground News)

Together, these advancements reveal how easily entire societies are moving toward total visibility. Once established, surveillance rarely retreats—it expands. While public officials defend these systems as tools of safety, Scripture reminds us that the ultimate “system of control” will mark a final age of economic compulsion: no one will be able to buy or sell without authorization (Revelation 13:16-17 ESV). Daniel foresaw that in the end, “knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:4 ESV), and with it, mankind’s capacity to centralize information.

As these networks spread, believers must prepare spiritually for a world where allegiance to Christ may come at a social or financial cost. The early church went through much worse trials, all but one of the apostles (excluding Judas) were murdered by Rome. Jesus described such days as filled with “distress of nations in perplexity” (Luke 21:25-26 ESV). The Church’s mission remains clear: to proclaim freedom to captives—not only from sin, but from fear of the system.

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4. Educational Decline, Youth & Generational Faith

Educational reports from The Atlantic and the Mississippi Free Press show a troubling trend: standardized reading performance has declined in nearly every U.S. state, with Mississippi—long a model for improvement—also showing its first setback in years. (The Atlantic) (Mississippi Free Press) Experts cite pandemic disruptions, union gridlock, and low expectations as contributing factors, but deeper cultural shifts are also at play. It’s notable that Mississippi doesn’t have a teachers union and went back to an “old fashioned” method of teaching reading, with good results for students. Teachers unions in other state will probably resist similar changes.

When a society fails to teach its children how to think critically and seek truth, it forfeits its moral compass. When we stop training children to think critically and consume the works of previous generations it creates a population easy to fool and control. Scripture commands, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 ESV). But at best, modern education often trains minds while neglecting souls. As faith fades from classrooms and relativism (my truth vs the truth) replaces reverence, we are seeing a generation primed to “believe what is false” (2 Thessalonians 2:11 ESV).

This erosion of discernment has prophetic consequences. The next generation’s worldview will shape how society responds to truth, deception, and ultimately to Christ Himself. Parents and churches must re-embrace their biblical duty to educate children—not outsource it to the state. If you don’t “indoctrinate” your children, someone else will, and you probably won’t like the outcome.

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5. Declining Trust in Media & Truth Authority

A recent Gallup poll revealed somehow, amazingly, twenty-eight percent of Americans still believe the mainstream media reports news accurately and fairly. Among Republicans, just eight percent express trust, while most Democrats continue to accept the press largely uncritically. (Gallup Poll — “Media Trust Near Record Low”) This divide illustrates a nation where perception has replaced truth, and narrative now triumphs over evidence.

Jesus said that the devil “is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 ESV), and Paul warned that the Church must be “the pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 ESV). When trust collapses, confusion reigns, and the stage is set for manipulation on a global scale. Revelation describes a time when deception becomes the primary weapon of the enemy (Revelation 13:14 ESV).

Christ’s counsel remains timeless: “Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down… and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34-36 ESV). The Church must train believers to test every claim, every image, and every report by the standard of Scripture, holding fast to what is true and speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15 ESV). In the days of AI, it’s not always possible to tell what is and isn’t real so we need to view things through the lens of scripture to check what we’re being told.

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6. Signs in the Heavens & Earth

Another “weather balloon” incident—this time a strike near a United Airlines cockpit—was admitted by the manufacturer as likely their responsibility. (Ground News) While officials dismissed it as harmless, its altitude was unusually low, usually these balloons are at about twice the 36,000’ the jet was at, renewing speculation about hidden surveillance programs or atmospheric tests. Such anomalies have multiplied in recent months alongside reports of strange lights and celestial disturbances.

Scripture reminds us, “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations” (Luke 21:25-26 ESV). God often uses the heavens to speak to the earth—not for superstition, but for attention. Creation itself is groaning, as Paul wrote, awaiting redemption (Romans 8:22 ESV). These manifestations remind us that the clock of prophecy continues to tick, and that even the skies proclaim His glory.

Christ’s promise steadies us amid uncertainty: “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28 ESV).

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Other thoughts

• Peace agreements & false peace: The prophetic “covenant with many” that will later be broken (Daniel 9:27 ESV) reminds us that man’s promises cannot bring lasting security.

• The centrality of Israel: Global attention keeps converging on Jerusalem (Zechariah 12 ESV). Every headline seems to bend back toward that small strip of land.

• Technology and economy: The digital economy, automation, and AI-driven governance increasingly mirror the infrastructure described in Revelation 13 ESV.

• Church, revival & warning: Revival often follows or overlaps with judgment (Jonah 3 ESV; Isaiah 6 ESV). The shaking may yet produce a purer Bride.

• Spiritual warfare: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12 ESV).

• Eschatological acceleration: Do events seem to be happening at an ever increasing pace compared to decades ago, often the words in the NT that are translated as things happening soon or quickly is actually the root word we get tachometer from. Think less that things are happening “soon” to the apostles and more that once things begin fulfilling they will happen very quickly.

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Closing & Call to Action

Church family, let us not drift into distraction. The signs multiply, yet our mission endures. Spread the Gospel message among your friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers in the grocery store. As His return grows ever nearer we have less and less time to get something done that will survive Jesus’s judgement (1 Corinthians 3:12-15 ESV). Engage your children in conversations about faith, truth, and technology. Examine where loyalty to Christ may one day conflict with earthly systems. Gather with your brothers and sisters to pray, discern, and encourage one another.

Let us be among those who endure, who watch, and who stand firm until His return.

Maranatha.

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: October 13, 2025

Friends,

Welcome back to our weekly newsletter, where we seek to understand the times like the sons of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32 ESV). The last two weeks (September 29 – October 13, 2025 since we skipped current events last week to discuss “the lie”) have brought escalating unrest, rapid innovation, and moral decline—all signs that the “birth pains” of Matthew 24 continue to intensify. Though we do not set dates, we watch, pray, and prepare, knowing our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28 ESV).

In Christ,

The Sons of Issachar Team

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Middle East Tensions and “False Peace” Signals

JD Vance Declares Middle East on Cusp of Sustainable Peace

Vice President JD Vance stated that the region is “on the cusp of sustainable peace,” citing new diplomatic accords (New York Post, Oct 12, 2025). Yet Scripture warns, “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them” (1 Thessalonians 5:3 ESV). Such talk may foreshadow the fragile covenant described in Daniel 9:27 ESV.

Pray for true peace through Christ, not treaties.

Trump Visits Israel; Talks of Hostages, Nobel Prize, and Heaven

During his trip to Israel, President Trump suggested Hamas might release hostages early (Fox News), received a standing ovation in the Knesset (Israel's congress) (Ground News), and even mused about heaven on social media (Nick Sortor on X). Israel remains the focal point of prophecy (Zechariah 12:2–3 ESV); salvation is still by grace alone, someone should tell president Trump the Gospel and give him the opportunity to be saved (Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV).

Pray for the captives and for repentance among nations.

Violence in Gaza and Lebanon

Dozens were killed in Gaza fighting between Hamas and armed clans (Ground News), while an Israeli drone injured a U.N. peacekeeper in Lebanon (Ground News). These are reminders of “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6–7 ESV) and of Jerusalem becoming “a cup of staggering” to all peoples (Zechariah 12:2 ESV). Time will tell if this peace is fleeting or will be with us a while.

Pray for mercy on civilians and peace built on truth.

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Global Conflicts and Power Shifts

Russia Tests Weapon; China Threatens Tariffs; Estonia Closes Border

Russia announced testing a “new strategic weapon,” while China warned of retaliation if 100 % U.S. tariffs proceed; Estonia closed a Russian border crossing over “unusual military activity” (Ground News, Ground News, Ground News). Nations are aligning into blocs reminiscent of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38–39 ESV), and economic coercion hints at coming global control (Revelation 13:16–17 ESV).

Madagascar Coup and Political Unrest

An elite military unit defected in Madagascar’s unfolding coup (Ground News). At the same time, political deception and blame dominate U.S. discourse (Ground News). These are “perilous times” when men are “treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit” (2 Timothy 3:1–4 ESV).

Pray for truth and restraint across nations.

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Technological and Scientific Advances

China’s Primate Brain-Mapping Project, AI Moon Caves, and Neuralink’s Immortality Ambitions

China has launched a sweeping international effort to map the brains of primates, including humans, using high-resolution imaging and AI to chart how thoughts, memories, and consciousness form (Science.org). At the same time, scientists are using AI to identify lunar caves that could serve as future human bases (Ground News). Together, these projects showcase humanity’s growing confidence in its ability to map the mind and colonize the heavens—a bold pursuit that mirrors the “increase in knowledge” prophesied in Daniel 12:4 ESV.

Adding to this picture, Elon Musk recently described Neuralink’s long-term goal as enabling “human uploads” and digital immortality. In interviews this year, he spoke openly of using brain implants not only to restore movement or vision, but eventually to enhance cognition, merge with AI, and preserve memories indefinitely, claiming that one day “you could save your mind and live forever” (The Street, Dazed Digital). While Neuralink’s first human patient can now move a cursor by thought alone, Musk envisions a future where human identity itself becomes digital code.

These breakthroughs highlight both the brilliance and the danger of mankind’s ambition to transcend its Creator-given limits. As in the days before the Flood (Genesis 6:1–4 ESV), humanity seeks self-made power and eternal life apart from God. The dream of uploading consciousness is a modern Tower of Babel—an attempt to reach heaven through technology. Yet true immortality is found only in Christ, who alone conquered death.

Pray for humility among scientists, discernment among believers, and courage to proclaim eternal life through the resurrection—not through silicon and code.

AI Actors, Chip Deals, and Mega-Investments

SAG-AFTRA, an actor’s union, condemned the use of a synthetic AI actress and warned studios about “digital humans” (Ground News). At the same time, Broadcom stock soared on a custom chip deal with OpenAI (Ground News), while JPMorgan unveiled a $15 trillion industrial investment plan (Ground News). Such integration of finance, media, and machine intelligence could one day enable the “image of the beast” to speak and deceive (Revelation 13:15 ESV).

Pray for discernment and wisdom in a synthetic age.

Cyberattack Halts Asahi Beer Production

A cyberattack crippled Asahi Breweries, causing shortages across Japan (Ground News). It demonstrates how digital disruption can instantly affect physical resources—foreshadowing global systems where “no one can buy or sell” (Revelation 13:17 ESV) without compliance and the havoc that can be caused to disrupt trade by small groups of criminals. Extrapolate that out to what nations like Israel, the USA, Russia, and China can do to nations without firing a shot.

Comet 3I/ATLAS Update

NASA reports the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will reach perihelion on October 29 and remains intact (NASA Science). Jesus spoke of “signs in sun, moon, and stars” as signals of His soon return (Luke 21:25 ESV).

Pray that wonder in creation leads to worship of its Creator.

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Economic Pressures and Famine Warnings

Food-Stamp Shortages and Federal Cuts

The Trump administration warned of insufficient funding for food-stamp programs (End Time Headlines), while JD Vance cautioned of deeper cuts amid the extended shutdown (Ground News). The black horse of Revelation 6:5–6 ESV symbolizes famine and scarcity—an economy where basic goods become luxuries for most, but luxury goods like wine and olive oil are still present but out of reach for most.

Pray for compassion, preparedness, and generosity within the Body of Christ.

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Pestilence and Beasts of the Earth

Ancient Microbes Revived; Experts Warn of “Big One”

Scientists have revived microbes frozen for “40,000 years” in permafrost (Ground News), while pandemic specialists warn a larger outbreak is inevitable (Daily Mail). These echo the pale horse of Revelation 6:8 ESV), bringing death through sword, famine, and plague. The beasts of the earth may also be referring not to Bears and snakes, but may include viruses and bacteria.

Pray for mercy, wisdom, and revival through crisis.

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Societal Decay, Persecution, and Moral Shifts

Senior Adults Leaving Church; Desecration at St. Peter’s

Churches report alarming declines in senior attendance (Christian Post), and a man desecrated the altar at St. Peter’s Basilica during Mass (Catholic News Agency). These fulfill the “falling away” foretold in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ESV) and “times of difficulty” of 2 Timothy 3:1–5 ESV).

Pray for renewal, reverence, and intergenerational unity in the church.

ICE Arrests Trucker with Blank ID; Bill Targets Sharia Adherents

ICE agents detained a trucker carrying an ID with no name (Ground News), while a new bill would allow deportation of those adhering to Sharia law (Ground News). Such cultural conflicts fit Matthew 24:7 ESV, yet believers must remember the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19 ESV)—to reach all nations with the Gospel.

Death of Saudi Grand Mufti: A Turning Point for the Islamic World

Saudi Arabia’s top religious authority, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, has died after more than two decades as the kingdom’s leading interpreter of Islamic law (Ground News). Appointed in 1999, he oversaw sweeping change—balancing deep conservatism with the reforms of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Under his watch, the religious police lost power, women gained limited rights, and entertainment and tourism opened—all while he continued to defend Wahhabi orthodoxy and caution against Western influence.

His death comes at a pivotal moment for Middle Eastern diplomacy*. Saudi Arabia has quietly supported aspects of the Abraham Accords and discussions about Gaza’s future while avoiding formal ties with Israel. The new Mufti’s stance could either legitimize overt peace—furthering regional normalization and possibly the kind of “peace and security” warned of in 1 Thessalonians 5:3—or revive hard-line resistance that pushes Riyadh back toward isolation.*

If his successor proves more liberal, it could accelerate Saudi-Israeli engagement and reshape Islamic leadership toward interfaith tolerance. If more conservative, it may strengthen Islamist opposition, slow reforms, and realign Saudi influence closer to Iran. Either direction fulfills the shifting alliances foreseen in Daniel 11:40 ESV), where the “king of the south” faces turbulence and conflict.

Pray for open doors for the Gospel in the Middle East, for wisdom among Saudi leaders, and for courage among believers as the region stands at another prophetic crossroads.

Gavin Newsom Signs Glock Ban; Mississippi Shootings Kill Several

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law banning several Glock pistol models, citing safety concerns and manufacturer loopholes. The move sparked strong reactions from both gun-rights advocates and reform supporters, highlighting a nation increasingly divided on how to balance freedom and safety.

Meanwhile, Mississippi was rocked by a wave of violence over the same weekend, turning moments of community celebration into tragedy:

• In Leland, a mass shooting erupted after a high school homecoming game, leaving six people dead and around ten others wounded. Authorities have arrested four suspects, and investigators describe it as one of the deadliest attacks in the region in years.

• The same night, in Heidelberg, two people were killed — including a pregnant woman — during another homecoming event, adding to the grief that blanketed the state.

• Additional shootings in Rolling Fork and Alcorn State University left more injured and communities shaken. (The Guardian)

The violence serves as a chilling reminder that “the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:11 ESV)—just as it was in the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26–30 ESV). Jesus warned that such conditions would return before His coming, when hearts would grow cold and lawlessness would increase (Matthew 24:12 ESV).

Let us pray for comfort for the families who mourn, for justice for the victims, and for repentance and renewal across our land—asking that the Lord turn hearts from violence to peace, and from fear to faith in Christ.

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Earthquake Update — Signs of Shaking

Quakes in the Pacific

In the past two weeks, the earth itself has continued to stir. On October 10, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines, followed hours later by a 6.8 aftershock along the same fault. Tsunami warnings were issued and later lifted, yet several lives were lost and many communities shaken. This followed the September 30 quake nearby, measured at 6.9, which claimed dozens of lives and left the region trembling through countless aftershocks.

Such increasing seismic activity mirrors the “earthquakes in various places” foretold by Jesus (Luke 21:11 ESV; Matthew 24:7 ESV). The shaking may ebb and surge, but it grows in both frequency and intensity—signs that creation itself “has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22 ESV).

Let us not fear the tremors, but stand firm—watching, praying, and remaining anchored on the Rock that cannot be moved (Psalm 62:6 ESV).

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These events remind us that “the end is not yet”—they are only the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8 ESV). Keep your lamps full (Matthew 25:1–13 ESV) and gather to encourage one another as the Day approaches (Hebrews 10:25 ESV). Join us this Wednesday at 6 PM for potluck and 7 PM for discussion.

Look up — our redemption is drawing near! (Luke 21:28 ESV)

In Christ,

Sims Corner Church

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: October 8th, 2025

Friends,

As we continue our weekly watch, the world hurtles forward with events that demand our attention and discernment. From breakthroughs in human reproduction to escalating geopolitical threats, these developments remind us of the birth pains Jesus described. We're not here to set dates or predict specifics, but to view the headlines through the unchanging lens of Scripture, strengthening our faith and preparing our hearts for Christ's imminent return. Let us watch prayerfully, proclaim the Gospel boldly, and live as those who know the end of the story has an unfathomably happy ending..

In Christ,
A Watchman

Human Eggs from Skin Cells and AI-Powered IVF

Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking method to generate human egg cells from ordinary skin cells through somatic cell nuclear transfer, combined with AI-optimized robotic assistance in IVF processes. This inefficient but promising technique could revolutionize infertility treatments and even enable same-sex couples or even a single man to have genetically related children, blurring lines in human reproduction and denying God’s place in human reproduction.

Biblical Connection: This advancement echoes the pre-flood corruption of human seed by fallen angels in Genesis 6:1-4, where unnatural unions led to the Nephilim, and points toward the false prophet animating the beast's image in Revelation 13:15, potentially facilitating designer humans or hybrids as part of the great end-times deception. As knowledge increases (Daniel 12:4), humanity risks playing God, defying the sanctity of creation as in Genesis 1:27. Genesis 6:1-4 ESV - Bible Gateway; Revelation 13:15 ESV - Bible Gateway; Daniel 12:4 ESV - Bible Gateway.

Links: Human eggs from skin cells; Robot assisted AI powered IVF.

Over-the-Counter Abortion Pill Approved by Trump FDA

Under the Trump administration, the FDA has approved a generic version of mifepristone, the abortion pill, increasing its accessibility and affordability despite strong opposition from pro-life groups. This decision highlights ongoing battles over reproductive rights and the value of unborn life in a politically divided landscape. Even ignoring the murder of the child, roughly 1 in 25 women who take the drug will end up in the emergency room for complications. This is both immoral and unsafe and is a death sentence for the children and some of the mothers who use the drug.

Biblical Connection: Such policies reflect the growing lawlessness of the last days (2 Thessalonians 2:3-7), where human life, created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), is increasingly devalued, paving the way for moral decay and the Antichrist's system that disregards divine order. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-7 ESV - Bible Gateway; Genesis 1:27 ESV - Bible Gateway.

Links: Over-the-counter abortion medicine approved by Trump FDA; Additional coverage.

Chicago Declares "ICE Free Zone"

Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued an executive order prohibiting federal immigration agents (ICE) from utilizing city-owned properties, including installing barriers and signage to safeguard immigrant communities. This move intensifies tensions between local and federal authorities on immigration enforcement.

Biblical Connection: This act of defiance contributes to the division foretold in Matthew 24:7, where nation rises against nation, and mirrors the era where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25),and rising lawlessness setting the stage for global chaos and the eventual rise of a unified, authoritarian one-world system under the Antichrist. Matthew 24:7 ESV - Bible Gateway; Judges 21:25 ESV - Bible Gateway.

Links: Chicago's "ICE Free Zone" Executive Order.

Claims of Alien DNA in Human Genome

A scientist has controversially claimed that certain non-parental DNA sequences in the human genome indicate extraterrestrial origins, potentially explaining phenomena like neurodivergence or enhanced abilities such as telepathy, based on analyses of family genomes and abductee testimonies.

Biblical Connection: These assertions are quite likely to be some of those that fuel the great delusion of the end times (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12), where Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), reminiscent of the angelic corruption in Genesis 6:4, possibly preparing humanity for deceptive explanations of the rapture or supernatural occurrences or denying God ans instead claiming aliens/space brothers/star people created us. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ESV - Bible Gateway; Genesis 6:4 ESV - Bible Gateway; 2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV - Bible Gateway.

Links: Alien DNA lurks inside human genome, scientist claims.

Explosives Arrest at Supreme Court-Linked Church Event

Authorities arrested a 41-year-old man outside a Washington, DC cathedral during the Red Mass—a service historically attended by Supreme Court justices—after discovering explosives like Molotov cocktails in his possession, amid charges of threats and unlawful entry.

Biblical Connection: This incident underscores the rising persecution and violence of the last days (Matthew 24:9), aligning with the lawless one's assault on institutions of justice and worship (2 Thessalonians 2:4), as societal unrest intensifies like birth pains. Matthew 24:9 ESV - Bible Gateway; 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV - Bible Gateway.

Links: Man arrested possessing explosives at church service near Supreme Court.

Trump Threatens Iran with Strikes

President Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran against advancing its nuclear program, vowing that the U.S. "won’t wait so long this time" and alluding to potential military strikes, amid persistent Middle East conflicts.

Biblical Connection: This escalation fits the wars and rumors of wars prophesied in Matthew 24:6, with Iran (ancient Persia) featured in end-times alliances against Israel (Ezekiel 38:5), building toward the climactic battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Matthew 24:6 ESV - Bible Gateway; Ezekiel 38:5 ESV - Bible Gateway; Revelation 16:16 ESV - Bible Gateway.

Links: Trump threatens to bomb Iran again, says US won’t wait so long this time.

As these events unfold at a dizzying pace, let us not be shaken but stirred to greater faithfulness. Look up, for our redemption draws near. Keep your lamps trimmed and burning brightly, ready for the Bridegroom's call.

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: September 30th, 2025

Friends, As we witness the rapid unfolding of events around the world, it is more important than ever to be watchful and discerning. The pace of change is accelerating, and with it, we see the convergence of signs that point to the nearness of Christ's return. This newsletter is not meant to set dates or make definitive predictions, but to encourage you to look at the world through the lens of Scripture, to strengthen your faith, and to be prepared for the worldly effects of the events we see ahead of us. Let us watch, pray, and proclaim the Gospel with a renewed sense of urgency.
In Christ, A Watchman

The March Toward Programmable Digital Money

The IMF has issued new guidance on positioning Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) within the global payments landscape, emphasizing their role alongside fast payment systems and electronic money to enhance efficiency and inclusion. This comes amid rapid global adoption, with 19 G20 countries exploring CBDCs and 16 in development or pilot phases, including expansions in India's e-rupee and ongoing U.S. research under President Trump's executive order halting retail CBDC work but monitoring international progress. These efforts highlight a push toward centralized digital ledgers that could enable real-time monitoring and programmable restrictions on transactions.

Biblical Connection: In Revelation 13:17, no one can buy or sell without the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:17 ESV - so that no one can buy or sell unless - Bible Gateway). Programmable digital currencies represent a critical step toward such a controlled economy, where dissent could be starved out, especially given the global changes in agriculture in the name of climate change such as limiting farms ability to raise crops, get fertilizer or other chemicals, or even raise cattle. These "birth pains" remind us of Matthew 24:7-8, where increasing global systems of control precede greater tribulations (Matthew 24:7-8 - English Standard Version). We should prepare spiritually and practically, trusting in God's provision over man's systems. (See details on the IMF's CBDC positioning from the IMF Fintech Notes (Positioning Central Bank Digital Currency in the Payments Landscape) and global adoption trends from CoinLedger (CBDC Developments 2025: Which Countries Are Leading the Digital Currency Race? | CoinLedger).

Escalating Tensions in the Arctic

The U.S. Navy's Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group has expanded operations in the High North Arctic, conducting joint exercises with NATO allies amid heightened Russian and Chinese naval activity. Reports highlight increased interceptions of Russian surveillance flights near Alaska and tense patrols in the Barents Sea, as new shipping lanes open due to melting ice, turning the region into a flashpoint for territorial disputes and resource competition. At the same time a massive gathering of US flag and command grade officers is being planned which likely also ties into a change in tactics with Russia, China, and potentially Iran.

Biblical Connection: Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:6, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6 ESV - And you will hear of wars and rumors of - Bible Gateway). The increasing geopolitical instability, even in previously uncontested regions like the Arctic, is a fulfillment of this prophecy. These "birth pains" are a reminder that we are living in the last days and should be prepared for His return. (Read more about the Arctic situation in this report from Army Recognition (U.S. Navy Ford Carrier Strike Group Expands Arctic Operations Amid Russia and China Tensions).)

Breakthrough in Artificial General Intelligence

A leading tech company has claimed a major breakthrough in the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), an AI with human-like cognitive abilities. Researchers announced that their new model demonstrates reasoning capabilities that outperform human experts in several key benchmarks. While the company heralds this as a tool to solve some of the world's most complex problems, there are also growing concerns about the potential for such a powerful AI to be used for mass deception and manipulation.

Biblical Connection: The Bible warns of a time of great deception in the end times. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 speaks of the coming of the lawless one, whose coming will be "with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing" (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 ESV - The coming of the lawless one is by the - Bible Gateway). The development of AGI could create a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and "false wonders" on a scale never seen before. It is imperative for believers to be grounded in the truth of God's Word to avoid being led astray. (See the report on this development from Foreign Affairs (The Cost of the AGI Delusion: By Chasing Superintelligence, America Is Falling Behind in the Real AI Race).)

Unprecedented Seismic and Volcanic Activity

Over the past week, the "Ring of Fire" has seen a dramatic increase in major earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While USGS scientists note that seismic activity fluctuates, the recent string of powerful events in populated areas has caused widespread alarm. This confluence of natural disasters is stretching emergency response resources thin and creating instability across multiple continents.

Biblical Connection: Jesus foretold that in the last days, "there will be famines and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7) (Matthew 24:7 - English Standard Version). The apostle Luke adds that there will be "terrors and great signs from heaven" (Luke 21:11) (Luke 21:11 ESV - There will be great earthquakes, and in - Bible Gateway). The increasing frequency and intensity of these events are consistent with the warnings given by Christ about the signs that would precede His return. (Read the U.S. Geological Survey's analysis on earthquake frequency here (Significant Earthquakes - 2025).)

A New Push for Peace in the Middle East

Diplomatic efforts have intensified this week around a comprehensive peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, building on the framework of the Abraham Accords. The proposal, backed by a coalition of international powers, aims to establish a new governing body in Gaza and create a pathway toward a long-term resolution. While hailed by some as a historic opportunity, others remain deeply skeptical, pointing to the exclusion of key factions and the unresolved core issues of the conflict.

Biblical Connection: The Bible speaks of a future peace agreement concerning Israel that will have prophetic significance. The prophet Daniel wrote of a figure who will "make a firm covenant with the many for one week" (Daniel 9:27) (Daniel 9:27 ESV - And he shall make a strong covenant - Bible Gateway). Many scholars interpret this as a seven-year treaty involving Israel that will mark the beginning of the final tribulation period. Believers should watch developments in this region with great attentiveness. (Details of the proposed plan are outlined in this article from The Times of Israel (Revealed: US 21-point plan for ending Gaza war, creating pathway to Palestinian state | The Times of Israel).)

Advancements in Human Gene-Editing

A biotechnology firm announced a major breakthrough in gene-editing therapy, reporting that their experimental treatment successfully slowed the progression of Huntington's disease, a devastating genetic disorder. This advance, using CRISPR technology, marks a significant step toward correcting the root genetic causes of many inherited diseases. The announcement has renewed both hope for cures and ethical debates about the power to rewrite the human genome.

Biblical Connection: While Scripture does not directly address gene-editing, it speaks to the sanctity of life and the uniqueness of humanity, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) (Genesis 1:27 ESV - So God created man in his own image, in - Bible Gateway). The increasing ability to alter our own genetic makeup raises profound questions. In the last days, Daniel's prophecy states that "knowledge shall increase" (Daniel 12:4) (Daniel 12:4 - English Standard Version). This explosion of scientific knowledge, while offering potential for good, also carries the risk of hubris and unforeseen consequences as humanity seeks to redefine its own nature. (You can read about the Huntington's treatment in ScienceDaily (Scientists just made CRISPR three times more effective | ScienceDaily).)

AI's Encroachment on Faith and Humanity

Millions are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for spiritual guidance, confession, and even prophetic insights, with apps like Bible Chat reaching 30 million downloads. Users report "spiritual awakenings" from algorithmic responses, blurring lines between divine revelation and machine-generated text, raising concerns about delusion and the erosion of true faith.

Biblical Connection: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 warns of the lawless one's arrival with deceptive signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 ESV - The coming of the lawless one is by the - Bible Gateway). AI's ability to mimic spiritual experiences or promote false gods could fuel the great delusion, drawing people from true faith. Daniel 12:4 prophesies increased knowledge in the end times, but Scripture urges discernment—AI may solve problems, but it can't replace a relationship with God (Daniel 12:4 - English Standard Version). As Revelation 13 suggests, technology could enable widespread deception (Revelation 13 ESV - The First Beast - And I saw a beast - Bible Gateway). (Read reports on AI's spiritual incursions from Ars Technica (Millions turn to AI chatbots for spiritual guidance and confession - Ars Technica) and The New York Times (They Asked an A.I. Chatbot Questions. The Answers Sent Them Spiraling.).

Biotech Breakthroughs and Transhumanist Frontiers

Neuralink has expanded its brain implant trials internationally, with Canada's first procedures on two patients with spinal cord injuries in August and September 2025. These wireless devices, now in multiple human trials, aim to restore autonomy for the disabled but raise questions about mind-reading capabilities and human enhancement toward transhumanism and the ability to read and possibly implant thoughts.

Biblical Connection: Genesis 6:4 mentions Nephilim and altered humanity before the flood, hinting at end-times parallels with transhumanism (Genesis 6:4 ESV - The Nephilim were on the earth in those - Bible Gateway). Daniel 12:4's knowledge increase includes these god-like abilities, but Revelation 13 warns of an image given breath—perhaps echoing biotech's "breath of life" (Daniel 12:4 ESV - But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end). As we near the tribulation, such tech risks defying God's design (Genesis 1:27), enabling control or deception (Genesis 1:27 ESV - So God created man in his own image, in - Bible Gateway). (Reports on Neuralink from Wikipedia (Neuralink - Wikipedia) and WIRED (There's Neuralink—and There's the Mind-Reading Company That Might Surpass It | WIRED).)

Political and Societal Shifts Toward Authoritarianism

President Trump issued a Ukraine ceasefire deadline to Putin, posted about arresting sanctuary mayors, and faces insider trading scandals among politicians. Qatar paid influencers to push policies, Microsoft suffered breaches involving Chinese contractors, and airlines issued ground stops. Palantir secured a $10B DOD contract, expanding its data reach, while UAP programs in the NDAA probe unexplained aerial phenomena. Early phone access links to rising pre-teen suicides, highlighting tech's dark side.

Biblical Connection: Matthew 24:12 warns of lawlessness increasing, with hearts growing cold (Matthew 24:12 ESV - And because lawlessness will be - Bible Gateway). Authoritarian steps and corruption mirror end-times rulers in Daniel 7 and Revelation 17, where beasts symbolize oppressive empires (Daniel 7 ESV, Revelation 17 ESV). UAPs may relate to deceptive spirits (2 Thessalonians 2:9), and societal woes like youth despair fulfill prophecies of distress (Luke 21:25-26) (Luke 21:25-26 ESV - The Coming of the Son of Man - “And - Bible Gateway). Believers must stand firm in truth. (See details on Trump's Ukraine deadline from Politico (A new Trump policy on Ukraine, or more of the same? - POLITICO).)

Heightened Islamic Terror Threat from Iran and ISIS Affiliates

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued its 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment on September 30, warning of a persistent and elevated risk from foreign terrorist organizations, particularly those inspired by Islamist extremism. The report highlights the Islamic State (ISIS) and its affiliates, such as ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP), as the world's largest and most resilient terrorist network, capable of inspiring lone-actor attacks in the U.S. and conducting high-profile operations abroad. This comes amid the expiration of a June NTAS Bulletin on September 22, which had flagged heightened threats from the Iran-Israel conflict, including potential Iranian-backed plots against U.S. targets and anti-Semitic violence motivated by Islamist extremists. Recent arrests, such as an Orlando man sentenced on September 25 for lying to the FBI in an international terrorism probe, underscore the ongoing domestic plotting linked to global jihadist networks.

Biblical Connection: These escalating threats align with Jesus' warnings in Matthew 24:6-7 of "wars and rumors of wars" and nations rising against nations, intensified by the "birth pains" of the end times (Matthew 24:6-7 ESV - And you will hear of wars and rumors of - Bible Gateway). The prophet Ezekiel describes a coalition including Persia (modern Iran) in a future invasion against Israel (Ezekiel 38:5), suggesting Islamist aggression could play a prophetic role in drawing the world toward Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; Ezekiel 38:5; Revelation 16:16 ESV). As persecution rises, believers are called to endurance amid tribulation (Matthew 24:9-13; Matthew 24:9-13 ESV - “Then they will deliver you up to - Bible Gateway), proclaiming the Gospel even as darkness gathers. (For further reading, see the DHS 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment (Homeland Threat Assessment 2025) and the June NTAS Bulletin (National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin - June 22, 2025 | Homeland Security).)

As we observe these and other world events, let us not be filled with fear, but with a holy sense of urgency and expectation. Look up, our redemption draws near. May we be found faithful, with our lamps trimmed and burning brightly, when the Bridegroom returns.

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: September 22st, 2025

Welcome back to our weekly newsletter, fellow watchers! As we continue through 2025, current events and trends increasingly align with biblical prophecies about the end times, reminding us to discern the times like the sons of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32). From geopolitical escalations to technological deceptions and societal shifts, these headlines encourage us to stay rooted in Scripture, pray fervently, and share the hope of Christ’s return. Let’s explore how these developments potentially relate to prophetic warnings, always with eyes fixed on Jesus.

Key Events and Prophetic Ties

Middle East Conflicts and Prophecies

• China Intercepts Meteor/UFO Fireball: A mysterious fireball intercepted over China sparks UFO speculation, aligning with end-times deceptions and signs in the heavens (Luke 21:25; Revelation 12:9), possibly preparing for the great delusion where false signs mislead many (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11). This event could be a precursor to the cosmic disturbances described in prophecy, where unusual heavenly phenomena deceive the nations and draw attention away from God’s truth, setting the stage for the Antichrist’s rise as people seek explanations outside of Scripture. Source: Mirror.

• Israel’s Ground Assault on Gaza: Reports indicate Israel has launched a full ground operation, with statements like “Gaza is burning,” escalating the conflict amid ongoing starvation and aid issues. This ties to prophecies of wars and desolation in the region (Matthew 24:6-7), potentially foreshadowing the gathering of nations against Israel (Zechariah 12:2-3) and the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). The intensity of this conflict, with reports of widespread destruction, echoes the birth pains Jesus described, where nation rises against nation, and it may signal the approach of the tribulation period where Israel faces unprecedented distress before ultimate deliverance. Source: EndTimeHeadlines; IDF X Post.

• 5th Anniversary of the Abraham Accords: Marking five years since these historic peace deals, we’re reminded of fleeting human efforts for peace in the Middle East (1 Thessalonians 5:3), which may precede the false peace of the Antichrist before true shalom comes with Messiah’s return (Daniel 9:27). While these accords brought temporary alliances, they highlight how man-made peace is fragile, potentially setting the stage for the deceptive covenant that ushers in the final seven years of tribulation, as prophesied.

Global Political Instability

• Trump Files Lawsuit Against NYT: President Trump sues the New York Times over alleged defamation, highlighting media battles and free speech tensions. This reflects the end-times increase in lawlessness and division (Matthew 24:12), where truth is suppressed and deceit abounds (2 Timothy 3:13). Such legal and media conflicts underscore the growing coldness of love and rise of impostors in the last days, making it harder to discern truth from lies in a world heading toward chaos.

• Germany Loses Hundreds of Thousands of Manufacturing Jobs: Economic downturn in Europe, with massive job losses, points to global instability and scarcity (Revelation 6:5-6), foreshadowing the economic controls of the Beast system where no one can buy or sell without the mark (Revelation 13:17). This economic strain could accelerate the push for a unified global economy under one authority, as seen in the opening of the third seal, where basic goods become unaffordable for many.

• Speaker Johnson Plans on Passing Biden Era Omnibus: Plans to pass a large spending bill echo fiscal irresponsibility, potentially accelerating debt and inflation—signs of end-times economic woes where a day’s wage buys little (Revelation 6:6), reminding us to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Massive government spending amid rising debt mirrors the precarious financial systems that will collapse, paving the way for the Beast’s control over commerce.

• Hate Speech Debates: Viral X posts discuss labeling biblical truths as “hate speech,” fulfilling Jesus’ warning that the world would hate His followers as it hated Him (John 15:18-19). We must share the Gospel with love amid persecution, as the light shines in darkness (John 1:5). This cultural shift shows how society’s rejection of God’s word leads to increased hostility toward believers, a key sign of the last days. Sources: X Post 1; X Post 2.

Natural Disasters and Cosmic Signs

• China Intercepted Meteor/UFO Fireball: A mysterious fireball intercepted over China sparks UFO speculation, aligning with end-times deceptions and signs in the heavens (Luke 21:25; Revelation 12:9), possibly preparing for the great delusion (2 Thessalonians 2:11). Events like this could be used to promote extraterrestrial explanations, diverting from biblical truth about spiritual warfare and the final judgments. Source: Mirror.

Technological Advances and the Beast System

• End of Smartphones Declared by Tech Leaders: Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman predict the demise of smartphones, replaced by AI wearables—advancing toward a mark-like system for control (Revelation 13:16-17), blending man and machine in ways that could enable the image of the Beast (Revelation 13:15) and fulfilling warnings against worshiping the image (Revelation 14:9-10). This technological evolution may facilitate the global system where allegiance to the Beast is required for daily life, as prophesied in the final tribulations. Source: DailyGalaxy.

Societal Decay and Moral Shifts

• Does It Feel Like a Golden Age?: Rising grocery prices contradict prosperity narratives, tying to end-times deception where people say “peace and safety” amid collapse (1 Thessalonians 5:3), urging us not to be deceived (Matthew 24:4). Economic illusions mask the underlying instability, much like the false sense of security before sudden destruction in the last days.

• Men Can’t Have Babies: A U.S. reservist’s First Amendment lawsuit advances, defending biblical truth on gender amid cultural shifts (Genesis 1:27), as society rejects God’s design (Romans 1:26-27). This challenge to creation order highlights the suppression of truth in unrighteousness, leading to divine judgment as described in Romans.

• Be Bold in Christ. Not Obnoxious: Stories of confrontations remind us to share truth winsomely (1 Peter 3:15), seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). In a world of heated debates, believers are called to defend the faith with gentleness, ensuring our witness draws others to Christ rather than repelling them. Sources: GatewayPundit; FoxNews.

• Murderers Aren’t Role Models: Fans idolizing accused killers, even marrying AI versions, shows moral inversion (Isaiah 5:20), where evil is called good, a hallmark of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). This cultural phenomenon reflects the perilous times where people are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, inverting values in a way that calls for repentance. Source: NYPost.

• Gen Z Survey on Marriage: Young men desire families while many women don’t, reflecting shifting roles and end-times relational breakdown (Matthew 24:12), where love grows cold. This gender divide may indicate the erosion of traditional family structures, contributing to societal instability as prophesied.

• World Calls Biblical Truth Hate Speech: Yet we love and share the Gospel, as churches address sin and abortion’s harms (Romans 1:18-32), knowing the world hated Jesus first (John 15:18). The failure to preach on sin is a “bodyblow” to the church, but public worship events show faith’s resilience in the face of opposition. Sources: ChristianPost Worship; ChristianPost Sin; ChristianPost Abortion.

Persecution and Spiritual Battles

• China Moves Forward in Brain Implant Space: Advances in merging man and machine raise ethical concerns, potentially linking to the image of the Beast receiving breath (Revelation 13:15). This technology could enable the deceptive miracles of the false prophet, blending humans and AI in ways that challenge our understanding of life and worship. Source: WashingtonTimes (from previous context).

• China Cracks Down on Pastors: Bans on youth evangelizing fulfill increased persecution (Matthew 24:9), yet the Gospel advances despite opposition (Acts 8:4). Such restrictions highlight the global hatred toward believers, but history shows the church grows under pressure, as in the early days.

• Jesus Tells Us to Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us: Forgiveness commanded by Jesus is exemplified in stories like Erika Kirk forgiving her husband’s killer (Matthew 6:14-15), freeing us from bitterness (Ephesians 4:31-32). This act of grace demonstrates the power of Christ’s teaching in real life, offering healing and testimony in a vengeful world. Source: ChristianPost.

• As Halloween Approaches, Consider What Your Kids Are Consuming: Discern media for kids, avoiding occult influences (Ephesians 5:11), and teach them to test spirits (1 John 4:1). With Halloween promoting themes of magic and darkness, parents must guide children toward light, protecting their hearts from deceptive influences. Source: ChristianPost.

Good News and Revivals

• Good News, Jesus Can Give You a Prize No Lottery Can!: Amid jackpot fever, remember eternal rewards in Christ (Matthew 6:19-21), far surpassing earthly treasures (Hebrews 11:26). The Bible warns against trusting in wealth, encouraging us to seek the imperishable crown through faith. Source: ChristianPost.

• Catholics Apparently Now Accepting LGBT Positions: While shifts occur, true faith holds to Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), offering transformation through Christ. This reminds us that God’s word stands firm, providing hope for redemption regardless of cultural changes.

• Added: Global Revivals Spark Hope: Reports of mass baptisms in Europe and Asia show the Gospel advancing despite darkness (Matthew 24:14), a sign the end is near as the message reaches all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). These revivals encourage believers that God’s kingdom is expanding even in perilous times.

Closing Thoughts

These events weave a tapestry of prophecy, urging discernment and boldness. Remain watchful, prayerful, and committed to sharing the Gospel—our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28). Join us this Wednesday at 6 PM for potluck and 7 PM for discussion. Maranatha! In Christ, Sims Corner Church Sons of Issachar Team.

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: September 16th, 2025

Welcome back to our weekly newsletter, connecting current headlines to the prophetic signs of the last days. As we witness escalating conflicts, natural upheavals, and societal decay, the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 ring clearer: nations rising against nations, famines, earthquakes, and persecution of believers. This week, from Jerusalem's bloodshed to global political tremors and cosmic hints of life beyond Earth, the stage seems set for deeper fulfillment of Zechariah 12 and Isaiah 14. Stay anchored in Scripture—our redemption draws near.

Key Events and Prophetic Ties

Middle East Conflicts and Prophecies

The Middle East remains a powder keg of violence and diplomatic strain, with attacks in Jerusalem, threats against Gaza, and extraterritorial strikes signaling and triggering intensified hostility toward Israel. These events echo prophecies of nations gathering against Jerusalem and judgments on surrounding regions, potentially foreshadowing the coalitions and desolations described in Scripture as birth pains of the end times.

• Terror Attack in Jerusalem: Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at Ramot Junction bus stop in East Jerusalem, killing six Israelis and injuring 21 in the deadliest attack since October 2024. Attackers were killed by security forces; Hamas praised it as retaliation for Gaza operations. Israeli forces responded with raids and home demolitions in West Bank villages. Zechariah 12:2-3 – Jerusalem as a "cup of trembling" for surrounding nations, drawing global conflict in the end times. This violence foreshadows the gathering storm against God's people. Sources: UN News, Wikipedia, Al Jazeera.

• Israel Threatens Total Gaza Destruction; Famine Worsens: Netanyahu warned of a "mighty hurricane" of strikes on Gaza City unless Hamas releases hostages, amid stalled talks and confirmed famine in Gaza Governorate (IPC Phase 5). Over 500,000 face starvation; aid blockades and strikes displace thousands. Isaiah 14:30 – "I will kill thy root with famine" on Philistia (Gaza region); echoes end-times judgment and desolation before Messiah's return. Sources: BBC, Al Jazeera, WHO.

• Israel Attacks Hamas in Qatar: Israeli airstrikes targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, killing five (including Khalil al-Hayya's son) but missing top officials; violated Qatari sovereignty amid ceasefire talks. Qatar condemned it as "state terror." Psalm 83:4-5 – Conspiracy of nations (including Ishmaelites like Qatar) against Israel; extraterritorial strikes ignite prophesied coalitions. Sources: CNN, NYT.

• New York Declaration and Zechariah 12: UK barred Israelis from Royal College of Defence Studies over Gaza actions; Spain threatens Eurovision boycott if Israel participates—global isolation grows. Zechariah 12:3,9 – Nations burdened by Jerusalem; anti-Israel moves us closer to fulfilling prophecy of judgment on dividers of land. Joel 3:2 Sources: Times of Israel, Euronews.

• Spain Threatens Israel; Iran Calls for Muslim NATO: Spain boycotts Eurovision if Israel joins; Iran/Egypt/Iraq push "Islamic NATO" alliance against Israeli aggression. Joel 3:2 again – Judgment for scattering/dividing land; Psalm 83 – Muslim coalitions conspire against Israel in end times. Sources: Euronews, Newsweek.

Global Political Instability and Leadership Shifts

Political turmoil is sweeping across nations, from government collapses in Europe to resignations in Asia and convictions in South America, highlighting fragile alliances and rising authoritarianism. These shifts could pave the way for a unifying global figure amid chaos, aligning with prophecies of divided kingdoms and the rise of deceptive powers in the last days.

• French Government Loses Support; Macron Likely Out: Prime Minister François Bayrou's minority government collapsed after a no-confidence vote over budget cuts, forcing Macron to appoint a fifth PM in under two years. Protests erupted nationwide, with Paris seeing chaos, fires, and arrests amid economic woes. The conservative party, Patriots for Europe, submitted a no-confidence motion against the European Commission, criticizing migration and trade failures. Daniel 2:41-43 – Europe's "divided kingdom" of iron and clay (though the clay not mixing with the seed of men indicates something more than political disunion) , unstable alliances priming the rise of a one-world figure (Antichrist). Political fragmentation signals end-times instability. Sources: NYT, Politico, Euronews.

• Japan's Prime Minister Resigns: PM Shigeru Ishiba stepped down after electoral losses and scandals, ushering in leadership uncertainty amid U.S. trade tensions and economic pressures. Matthew 24:6-7 – Rumors of wars and nation against nation; Asian instability could escalate into prophetic coalitions (e.g., kings of the East in Revelation 16). Sources: Reuters, NYT.

• Bolsonaro Convicted in Brazil: Supreme Court convicted ex-President Jair Bolsonaro of coup attempt post-2022 election, sentencing him to 27 years—deepening global populist crackdowns. Revelation 13:7 – Beast wars against saints; persecuting leaders signals authoritarian global rise. Sources: Guardian, NYT.

• Trump Plans to Federalize Washington DC: Trump threatens national emergency to federalize DC over Mayor Bowser's ICE resistance, deploying Guard/federal forces amid crime surge. Revelation 13 – Centralizing power primes the pump for further centralization of authority and shows how the world may accept the beast's authority; one-world control via "emergency" measures. Sources: Washington Post, Reuters.

Natural Disasters and Signs in the Heavens

Seismic activity and technological disruptions continue to mount, with earthquakes, airspace violations, and GPS jamming adding to global distress. These phenomena serve as reminders of the "birth pains" described in prophecy, pointing to increasing instability in the earth and skies as the end approaches.

• Continued Earthquakes; Russia Crosses Polish Airspace: M7.4 quake hit Kamchatka, Russia, with tsunami warnings; part of ongoing seismic swarms and notably an earthquake in Utah the evening of Charlie Kirk’s death. Separately, 19 Russian drones violated Polish airspace during Ukraine strikes, downed by NATO jets—escalating tensions. Matthew 24:7 – Earthquakes in various places as birth pains; Ezekiel 38 – Gog (Russia) from the north invading allies, airspace breaches as prelude. Sources: USGS, UN News, CNN.

• European President's Plane GPS Jammed: Ursula von der Leyen's plane suffered GPS jamming over Bulgaria, suspected Russian interference amid Ukraine tensions. Luke 21:25-26 – Signs in heavens and distress of nations; electronic warfare foreshadows chaos before Christ's return. Sources: BBC, CNN.

Technological Advances and Deceptions

Advancements in AI, space exploration, and intimate technologies are blurring lines between human and machine, with everyone doing what is right in their own sight rather than staying within the boundaries of God’s commands. While discoveries like potential life on Mars fuel speculations of extraterrestrial origins. These developments could contribute to the "strong delusion" of the end times, enabling control systems and false wonders that deceive the masses.

• Potential Life on Mars: NASA's Perseverance rover found biosignatures in "Sapphire Canyon" rock—leopard spots and organics suggesting ancient microbes. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 – Strong delusion via false signs/wonders; "alien" discoveries could explain rapture or deceive into one-world religion. Sources: NASA, NASA Science.

• Tesla's Master Plan for Sustainable Abundance: Part 4 unveils AI/Optimus robots for infinite growth in labor, energy, mobility—envisioning a post-scarcity world via tech. Revelation 13:15 – False prophet animates beast's image; humanoid bots enable global control/deception. Sources: Tesla, TeslaNorth.

• Rise of Cybrothels: Berlin's Cybrothel pioneers AI/VR sex dolls for "mixed-reality intimacy," normalizing tech-driven fantasies—blurring human connection. Genesis 6:5; Romans 1:24-27 – Hearts' imaginations evil; tech enables pre-flood-like depravity in the last days. When combined with topics we regularly cover such as AI capabilities, robotic wombs, genetic manipulation and creation of children, and a need to occupy “useless eaters” it is easy to see many turning to this instead of God and actual human relationships. Sources: Daily Mail.

Societal Decay, Persecution, and Elite Corruption

Moral and educational decline, coupled with violence against conservatives and Christians, underscores a society drifting from truth and righteousness. Revelations of elite cover-ups and denials of God-given rights further expose the spiritual battles raging, as prophesied in warnings of lawlessness and hatred in the final days.

• FBI Leak on Epstein Cover-Up: Leaked FBI audio reveals suppression of Epstein files to protect elites like Clinton; thousands of pages withheld, fueling claims of deep-state protection. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 – Last days' lovers of self and pleasure; elite corruption mirrors the moral rot enabling the beast system. Also interesting is the timing, the Epstein files were again kept concealed via a vote the day of Charlie Kirk’s assasination. Sources: DOJ, House Judiciary.

• Democratic Senator: Rights from Government, Not God: Sen. Tim Kaine called it "extremely troubling" that rights come from the Creator, not laws/government—equating it to Iranian theocracy. Trump highlighted this in his Museum of the Bible speech, unveiling the "America Prays" initiative. Romans 13:1; Declaration of Independence – Denying God-given rights paves tyranny's path, aligning with Revelation 13's beast demanding worship over divine authority. The immediate issue here is that if rights come from the government then there isn’t any reason they can’t be limited or removed by the government. This is just another step in man denying that there is absolute moral law and echo’s Genesis 3 and the serpent’s lies. Sources: Townhall, White House.

• Trump's Speech at Museum of the Bible: Trump championed religious freedom, donated his Bible, and launched "America Prays" for national revival ahead of our 250th anniversary; criticized rights-from-government views. 2 Chronicles 7:14 – Calls to prayer amid turmoil; potential end-times awakening before great deception (2 Thessalonians 2:11). Sources: White House, Baptist Press.

• Students Less Educated: Scores Plummet: 12th-grade reading/math scores hit 20-year lows; nearly half below basic proficiency, blamed on pandemic, screens, and social media. widespread ignorance fosters deception; preps masses for false signs in the last days. Sources: NPR, CNN.

• Assassination of Charlie Kirk: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah Valley University event; suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, arrested after manhunt—linked to leftist ideology. 2 Timothy 3:12-13 – Persecution for righteousness; rising evil seducers in the last days. Sources: CNN, NYT.

• More Attempted Violence in Utah: Two men arrested for planting/lighting an incendiary bomb under Fox 13 News vehicle in Salt Lake City, post-Kirk assassination. Matthew 24:12 – Lawlessness abounds; escalating domestic terror signals iniquity's rise. Sources: NYT, KUTV.

• Ancient Papyrus Confirms Bible’s exodus narrative: Ipuwer Papyrus rediscovered, detailing plagues mirroring Exodus—famine, blood rivers, societal collapse—validating 10 Plagues historicity. Exodus 7-12 – God's judgments confirmed; bolsters faith amid end-times doubt/scoffers (2 Peter 3:3). Sources: Daily Mail.

Good news for the week

The good news for the week includes The Good News! As a silver lining in the Charlie Kirk assination JD vance declared the Gospel… that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. 1 Cor 15 While mainstream news cut that section the fact that the Vice President was willing to publicly declare his faith in and the Gospel of Jesus is fantastic news!

• Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment: Posts on X highlighted a remarkable advancement in leukemia treatment, noting that death rates for young children have plummeted by 93% since 1950 due to improved therapies and early detection. This progress reflects God’s gift of wisdom to medical researchers, offering hope to families and aligning with His compassion for the afflicted. Psalm 30:2 – “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” Source: Post on X.
• Missing Children Found in New Zealand: After a years-long search, three children living off-grid in New Zealand’s wilderness were found safe, ending a harrowing ordeal when police neutralized their fugitive father. This reunion brings joy and mirrors God’s heart for seeking the lost. Luke 15:6 – “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Source: CNN.

As these signs multiply, heed Luke 21:28: "Look up... your redemption draws near." Pray, discern, and share the hope of Christ. Join us Wednesday—Maranatha!

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: September 8th, 2025

Welcome back to our weekly dive into the headlines that echo the prophecies of Scripture. As we press on through 2025, the "birth pains" described in Matthew 24:6-8—wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, and more—seem to be intensifying, signaling our progress through the end times and the nearing return of Jesus. We're also seeing rapid advancements in technology, global control systems, and geopolitical shifts that align with Revelation's warnings about a one-world system under the Beast. This week, we'll cover a range of events from natural disasters to tech breakthroughs, economic pressures, and international tensions, all viewed through the lens of biblical foresight. Remember, these are signs to watch and pray over, not to fear, as our hope is in Christ's return.

Birth Pains: Earthquakes, Floods, and Storms Ramp Up

Matthew 24:7 speaks of earthquakes in various places as part of the beginning of sorrows. We're seeing this pattern accelerate, with seismic and weather events occurring at an increasing frequency, much like the contractions that grow closer and more intense before birth. These aren't just random occurrences; they remind us of the earth's groaning in anticipation of redemption, as described in Romans 8:22, pointing to the fulfillment of end-times prophecies where the natural world itself testifies to coming judgment and renewal.

• Earthquakes Happening Much More Than Normal: Reports indicate a spike in global seismic activity, with clusters along fault lines worldwide. From Alaska's rumbling volcanoes, where the Iliamna Volcano has shown unusual activity after over a century of dormancy, to Japan's ongoing earthquake swarms that have hammered the region with hundreds of tremors, and increased seismic observations at Taal in the Philippines, Mount Rainier in Washington, and even Yellowstone where animal behavior rumors have sparked eruption fears (though fact-checked as unfounded), it's as if the earth itself is groaning (Romans 8:22). These events, coming in waves and intensifying, mirror the birth pains Jesus described, serving as wake-up calls for believers to prepare for the tribulation ahead, where such signs will culminate in cosmic upheavals. Sources: Various as linked, including ABC News; SciTechDaily; Discern Report; Tribune; PBS; The Travel; Economic Collapse Blog.

• Earthquake in Afghanistan: On August 31, 2025, at 23:47 AFT (19:17 UTC), a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. This devastating event leveled villages and trapped people under rubble. The death toll has risen to nearly 3,000 according to the World Health Organization, with Taliban reports citing 2,217 fatalities and over 4,000 injuries (including 3,640 confirmed). More than 500,000 people have been affected, including 260,000 children, with at least 8,000 homes destroyed—5,400 in Kunar alone, where up to 65% of buildings collapsed and 98% were damaged. Additionally, 16 health centers and 53 schools were obliterated, and infrastructure like roads was blocked by landslides exacerbated by heavy rains and flash floods that claimed at least five more lives. The quake was followed by 17 aftershocks of magnitude 4.0 or greater, including a M5.6 on September 4 that caused additional deaths and injuries, and the destruction of 330 more homes, and a M5.2 on September 2 that further hampered rescues. International aid has poured in, with the UN allocating $5 million, the EU sending 130 tons of supplies and €1 million, and contributions from countries like India, China, Iran, and the UK, while the Taliban mobilized resources but appealed for more help due to limited capacity. Factors like poor building quality and soft sediments amplified the destruction, making this the deadliest quake in Afghanistan since 1998. This catastrophe not only highlights the fragility of human life but also fits into the broader pattern of increasing seismic activity worldwide, as prophesied in Matthew 24. We all need to be ready to meet the lord, while we know we have the victory through Jesus none of us are guaranteed to wake up tomorrow. If you aren’t already, find out what you need to do to ensure your place in eternity. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. In a region already plagued by conflict and instability, such disasters exacerbate humanitarian crises, potentially leading to greater reliance on global aid systems that could foreshadow the centralized control of the Beast era. Source: Wikipedia.

• Flooding in Pakistan: Devastating floods have washed away thousands of villages and farms, threatening food security in an already vulnerable region. This catastrophe, driven by unprecedented rainfall and climate shifts, has led to massive displacement and heightened famine risks, directly tying into the famines foretold in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6, where scarcity becomes a tool of judgment. As global weather patterns become more erratic, these events could pave the way for international interventions that centralize power, aligning with prophecies of a one-world system controlling resources during the tribulation. Source: Reuters.

• Hurricane Kiko: Barreling through the Pacific as a Category 2 storm with winds up to 110 mph, this hurricane has prompted a state of emergency in Hawaii, with swells expected to reach the Big Island by Sunday and the storm forecast to weaken but still pass north of the islands as a tropical storm by Tuesday or Wednesday. It has caused widespread damage, following a season of record-breaking weather where "1-in-1000-year" events are becoming commonplace. Unprecedented events like this are becoming routine, aligning with the signs of cosmic disturbances in the last days (Luke 21:25-26), including roaring seas and distressed nations. Such storms not only disrupt lives but also strain economies and infrastructures, potentially accelerating reliance on global governance structures prophesied in Revelation. Source: Not specified in provided topics; drawing from ongoing weather patterns as in NBC News and Weather.gov, with updates from NBC News. KHON2. Big Island Video News. Fox Weather. Zoom Earth. CNN. Governor Hawaii. YouTube. NHC.

• Continued Flooding and Wildfires: Building on last month's trends, floods persist in multiple regions, with "1-in-1000-year" rainfall events becoming precedented, while wildfires rage despite the rains—a paradoxical reminder of the chaotic weather patterns expected as end-times indicators. For instance, Arizona's Grand Canyon has seen megafires like the Dragon Bravo wildfire, defying wet conditions and highlighting how climate extremes could fulfill prophecies of heavenly signs and earthly turmoil. These dual threats underscore the instability of creation, urging us to heed Jesus' words about not being alarmed but recognizing the approach of His return and looking up. Sources: As linked, including NBC News Floods; NBC News Climate; Weather.gov; Fox Weather.

Geopolitical Tensions: Wars, Rumors of Wars, and Shifting Alliances

Nation rising against nation (Matthew 24:7) is evident in escalating conflicts and preparations for broader wars. These tensions, from proxy battles to nuclear posturing, echo Jesus' warning of wars and rumors of wars as precursors to the end, not the end itself, but signs that the tribulation's global conflicts are drawing near, potentially culminating in Armageddon as described in Revelation 16.

• Europe Braces for War: French hospitals are gearing up for "major engagement," signaling heightened readiness amid tensions with Russia. This preparation, amid broader European concerns over political repression and censorship laws, echoes the rumors of wars that Jesus warned would precede the end, fostering an environment where free speech is curtailed and alliances shift toward authoritarian control, much like the Beast's regime suppressing dissent. Sources: Daily Star; also tied to broader European preparations, with reports on free speech recessions and party bans from European Parliament. The Atlantic. European Parliament Think Tank. The Economist. Future Free Speech. House Democrats. EP Think Tank. Heritage. House Judiciary. ProMarket.

• Russian Offensive: Russia launches drones and missiles at Ukraine's energy grid, crippling infrastructure and raising fears of a wider NATO involvement. The hot mic between Putin and Xi discussing biotech and longevity—where Putin suggested eternal life via organ transplants and innovations, and Xi noted humans could live to 150 or more—hints at deeper alliances in pursuit of god-like power, reminiscent of the prideful kings in Daniel's prophecies who defy God in their quest for immortality (Daniel 7:25). This conversation, caught during a China parade, underscores how leaders and others are turning to science for salvation rather than seeking the only real salvation via Jesus’s atonement for our sins, mirroring the deception of the last days where humanity worships the creation rather than the Creator. Source: The Express; hot mic details from Reuters. NBC News. The Guardian. CNN. BBC. Foreign Policy. ABC News. France 24. Politico.

• Tariffs Pushing India Closer to China and Russia: U.S. trade policies are driving India into the arms of BRICS nations, potentially forming the kind of global coalitions that could support a one-world government as in Revelation 13. As Trump imposes tariffs, leaders like Modi embrace Xi and Putin, creating economic blocs that challenge Western dominance and could facilitate the rise of the Antichrist's unified system to counter threats from the other alliances. Source: The Telegraph.

• Drone Strike from Yemen Hits Israeli Airport: A drone launched from Yemen by the Houthis struck the passenger terminal at Ramon Airport in southern Israel, injuring two civilians (a 63-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman) with shrapnel, closing the airport for hours and halting flights despite limited damage. This rare successful breach of Israeli defenses, claimed by the Houthis amid escalating Gaza operations, highlights vulnerabilities in the region. With Netanyahu's trial resuming amid ongoing Gaza strife—where starvation and aid attacks persist—we're watching for fulfillments like the division of the land (Joel 3:2) and Damascus's potential destruction (Jeremiah 49:23-27), as Middle East conflicts draw in global powers, setting the stage for prophetic wars. Sources: Jerusalem Post; Gaza context from Haaretz, Reuters, Wikipedia Gaza Famine, Times of Israel, Wikipedia Aid Killings, Jerusalem Post; drone strike from Al Jazeera. AP News. Reuters. New York Post. CBS News. NYT. YouTube. PBS. Jerusalem Post.

• Trump Threatens U.S. Action in Gaza: President Trump issues an ultimatum to Hamas for hostage release, vowing consequences. This could draw the U.S. deeper into the region, aligning with prophecies of global armies gathering (Zechariah 14), as American involvement in Middle East conflicts escalates, potentially hastening the end-times alignment of nations against Israel. Source: Fox News.

• US Stations Jets in Puerto Rico for Drug Trafficking Ops: The U.S. has deployed 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico to target drug cartels, including a recent strike on a speedboat likely carrying members, as part of a broader campaign against Venezuelan-linked trafficking amid rising tensions. This military buildup shows intensified border and security measures, but it could foreshadow broader surveillance systems and authoritarian overreach, echoing the control mechanisms of the Beast that monitor and restrict global movements. Source: Not explicitly linked; inferred from NDAA and security trends (Congress Report), with details from CBS News. The Guardian. Newsweek. YouTube. Reuters. Facebook. NY Post. Al Jazeera. The Hill. France 24.

• Undersea Cables Cut, Disrupting Internet: Sabotage or accidents have severed key cables, causing outages. In an increasingly digital world, such vulnerabilities could be exploited in the Beast system's control over buying and selling (Revelation 13:17), as disruptions force greater dependence on centralized tech infrastructures that track and limit freedoms. Source: NBC News.

Technology and Control: March Toward the Beast System

Advancements in AI, biotech, and surveillance continue to pave the way for the mark of the Beast and a controlled society. These innovations, while promising convenience and longevity, often encroach on human autonomy and spirituality, fulfilling warnings in Revelation 13 about a system where no one can buy or sell without allegiance to the Beast, and where technology enables widespread deception.

• Elon Musk on Grok Imagine: Musk announces updates allowing users to create half-hour shows and video games, with a big update in weeks and full launch by spring 2026, positioning Grok as a tool for "superhuman imagination" in generating media from text or uploads. This could occupy the masses—the "useless eaters" in elite parlance—distracting from spiritual truths while AI encroaches on divine roles, like interpreting tongues or guiding lives, potentially leading to the great deception where AI mimics miracles or prophecies. Source: Direct quote from user topics; related to AI trends (Fox News; Christian Post); updates from X. Reddit. Mashable. MSN. Times of India. Facebook. Business Today. PC Gamer. Instagram. Analytics Vidhya.

• Major Meeting Between President Trump and Tech Titans (No Elon): Trump convened with over 30 industry leaders like Sam Altman, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, and Bill Gates at a White House dinner, where CEOs praised his policies and discussed tariffs on semiconductors, but notably excluded Musk amid reported tensions. Following the GENIUS Act and programmable money trends from July, this pushes us toward a cashless, trackable economy essential for Revelation's Beast system, where tech elites shape policies that could enforce the mark. Source: AP News; GENIUS Act (The Conversation; Federal Reserve; Treasury AU; Global Government Fintech); meeting from CBS News. Spectrum News. PBS. YouTube. The Guardian. Yahoo Finance. YouTube. WSJ. USA Today.

• Jobs in Space: Expanding space economy promises new opportunities, but it also evokes the "stars falling" imagery in Revelation 6:13 and Matthew 24:29 and the eagle ascending to the stars from Obadiah 1:4 , possibly linking to cosmic events or deceptions like extraterrestrial narratives that could explain away the rapture or introduce false messiahs. Source: Yahoo News.

Societal and Spiritual Shifts: Deception and Moral Decay

False christs and deceivers will abound (Matthew 24:5), and we're seeing moral lines blur as society embraces changes that challenge biblical truths, leading to the apostasy foretold in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, where people become lovers of self and pleasure rather than God.

• Pope Pushes for Two-State Solution: The Vatican insists on dividing Israel, potentially fulfilling Joel 3:2's judgment on those who partition the land, as more nations recognize Palestine, accelerating prophetic divisions that invite divine reckoning. Source: LA Times. Related recognitions: France (BBC), Canada/Australia/Britain (Guardian; EU News; Wikipedia Taiwan).

• Catholics Accepting LGBT Positions: Reports of LGBTQ Catholics gathering in Rome suggest shifting doctrines, echoing the apostasy of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5), as traditional teachings yield to cultural pressures, potentially paving the way for a unified false religion under the False Prophet. Source: Yahoo News.

• Trans NFL Cheerleaders: Cultural pushes like Justine Lindsay, the NFL's first crossdressing cheerleader who announced he won't return to the Carolina Panthers for the 2025 season after making history in 2022 and being crowned Ms. Charlotte Black Pride Lady, prompt reflection—perhaps it's time to rethink entertainment that objectifies and inherently leads many into dangerous ground per Matthew 5:28, as society drifts further from biblical standards on gender and identity (Genesis 1:27), contributing to the moral confusion of the end times. Source: OutSports. PinkNews. The Root. TikTok. Facebook. The Sun. Daily Mail. Instagram. YouTube.

• European Free Speech Limitations: Banning parties and enforcing social media could head to the U.S., suppressing truth and enabling the deception of the Antichrist, as EU laws on hate speech and censorship expand, chilling expression and aligning with a world where proclaiming biblical truths becomes perilous.

• Politicians' Insider Trading and Influencer Payments: Corruption thrives, from Qatari payoffs to MAGA influencers to ongoing scandals like Epstein and Obama distractions. The Bible condemns such greed (Ezekiel 22:12), as leaders prioritize personal gain over justice, mirroring the lawlessness that increases in the last days (Matthew 24:12). Sources: Epstein (Twitter Video); Obama (Guardian; NYT; Reuters).

• Economic Pressures: Record Beef Prices: Soaring costs, with all-fresh retail beef at a record $8.90 per pound in July and ground beef hitting $6.34 per pound amid the smallest U.S. herd since 1961, point to the third seal's scarcity (Revelation 6:5-6), as tight supplies and tariffs drive inflation, foreshadowing global famines where a day's wages buy minimal food. Prudence may lead us to returning back to some practices from the last century where rural families and those with yards turn some lawn space into productive food production. Source: Continual records; tied to famines list (Wikipedia Famines); details from Farm Progress. DTN PF. MSU Extension. Food & Wine. Newsweek. NACS. Drovers. USDA ERS. Axios.

• Attacks on Christians: Continuing from August, persecutions in Syria, Congo, and Nigeria fulfill Matthew 24:9's promise of hatred toward believers, as attacks intensify, reminding us that tribulation will test the faithful before Christ's return. Sources: BBC Syria; BBC Congo; Morning Star News Nigeria.

Closing Thoughts

These events aren't isolated; they're threads in the tapestry of prophecy unfolding before us every day. From the Beast system's building blocks in digital money and AI to the birth pains shaking the earth, we're called to stay vigilant (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Next week, we'll track how these develop. Until then, keep your lamps lit and eyes on the skies—Maranatha!

If you have thoughts or additional topics to share, Join us Wednesdays at 6:00 for our potluck or 7:00 for our discussion of these topics. God bless.

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: August 31st, 2025

Brothers and Sisters,

As we step into September, our weekly exploration of current events through the lens of biblical end-times prophecies continues. With the world buzzing from geopolitical flare-ups to rapid tech integrations, we're seeing patterns that evoke the "beginning of birth pains" in Matthew 24:4-8—deceptions, wars, famines, earthquakes, and more. We’ll discuss how these developments might align with Scripture, encouraging us to discern the times without fear-mongering. Remember, these are observations to foster prayer and preparedness, as Jesus instructed in Luke 21:36. Let's dive in.

Geopolitical and Middle East Developments

These stories highlight escalating tensions, potential false peaces, and the isolation of Israel, echoing prophecies like Ezekiel 38-39 (Gog-Magog coalition) and Zechariah 12:2-3 (Jerusalem as a burdensome stone). In these last days, we see nations aligning against God's chosen people, setting the stage for divine intervention and the ultimate redemption of Israel as foretold in Romans 11:25-26.

1. Israel Targeting Civilians Again: For the second time in two months, reports claim Israel intentionally struck civilians in Gaza, intensifying global outrage and famine concerns (Matthew 24:7). This not only exacerbates the humanitarian crisis but also fuels anti-Israel sentiment worldwide, potentially hastening the day when all nations turn against Jerusalem. As believers, we must pray for peace while recognizing that such conflicts are likely leading to the prophesied "time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7), where Israel faces refinement before Jesus’s return.
   c14.co.il | x.com

2. Massive Protests in Israel Over Hostages: Tens of thousands protested this past Tuesday, demanding a hostage deal, exposing internal divisions amid external threats. This unrest underscores Israel's vulnerability, much like the biblical warnings of division and betrayal in the end times (Zechariah 13:8-9). It reminds us that true security for Israel won't come from negotiations but from turning to the Lord, as prophesied in Hosea 5:15, where affliction leads to seeking Him earnestly.
   jpost.com | timesofisrael.com

3. Abraham Accords Expansion: U.S. talks with multiple countries to expand the accords could signal a "covenant with many" (Daniel 9:27), but beware false peace (1 Thessalonians 5:3). While these deals promote economic ties and stability, they might lull the world into complacency, paving the way for the Antichrist's deceptive peace treaty that initiates the seven-year tribulation. As watchmen, we observe how such alliances could fulfill the prophecy of a temporary calm before the storm of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16).
   timesofisrael.com

4. Turkey Pushes to Oust Israel from UN: Meetings at Riyadh in Saudi Arabia discussed excluding Israel from UN assemblies, aligning with end-times coalitions against Israel. This move exemplifies the growing international isolation of Israel, as described in Zechariah 12:3, where Jerusalem becomes a "heavy stone" burdening the peoples. It also hints at the formation of the Ezekiel 38 alliance, including modern-day Turkey, which will one day invade Israel, only to be defeated by God's supernatural power.
   middleeasteye.net

5. Turkey Cuts Ties with Israel: Economic and airspace bans worsen relations, fitting Ezekiel 38's mention of Togarmah (modern Turkey). Beyond economics, this severance could be a precursor to military aggression, as Turkey positions itself in the prophetic northern coalition. Scripture assures us that God will use such threats to display His glory (Ezekiel 38:23), turning the hearts of many to Him in the process.
   jpost.com

Technological Advancements and Beast System Indicators

Advancements here scream Revelation 13:16-18—control via marks, images that speak, and global surveillance—prepping for the Antichrist's system. These innovations, while often touted as progress, could enable the ultimate deception, where technology enforces worship of the beast, fulfilling the prophecy of a world where no one buys or sells without allegiance.

1. Pig Lung Transplant Breakthrough: First pig-to-human lung transplant blurs species lines, reminiscent of Genesis 6's corruption or Daniel 2:43's mingling. This genetic tampering echoes the pre-flood days when "all flesh had corrupted its way" (Genesis 6:12), possibly inviting judgment. In end-times context, it raises concerns about human-animal hybrids as part of Satan's counterfeit creation, leading toward the abomination of desolation.
   sciencenews.org

2. Orbs and UAPs Over U.S. Military Bases: Pentagon probes mysterious orbs, possibly demonic deceptions (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:11). These unexplained phenomena could be the "lying wonders" that delude those who reject truth, preparing the world for the Antichrist's arrival amid cosmic signs (Revelation 12:9). As sightings increase, we must test the spirits (1 John 4:1-4) and cling to biblical reality over sensationalism.
   dailymail.co.uk

3. Peter Thiel's Series on the Antichrist: The Palantir founder, tied to surveillance tech, will be presenting a four-part series—ironic given his potential role in the beast system. The event isn’t planned to be public and the content isn’t planned to be streamed, so we can’t know exactly what he ends up presenting, only relay second or third hand news afterwards. Thiel's warnings about apocalyptic tech, while building tools for global monitoring, highlight the hypocrisy of end-times players (2 Peter 2:19). This could desensitize people to prophecy, making the real Antichrist's rise seem mundane.
   christianpost.com | lu.ma

4. Import Duties on Mail: Suspension of duty-free treatment tightens trade, I can’t say that this is directly prophetic but it will definitely heighten international tensions and tighten domestic budgets.whitehouse.gov

5. Digital ID Mandates Spreading: Mexico mandates by Feb 2026; UK universal rollout; Apple's iPhone enables digital passports/licenses—leading to global interoperability and the mark? These systems centralize control, potentially evolving into the Revelation 13 mark that tracks every transaction and loyalty. As interoperability talks emerge, watch for a one-world ID that enforces the Antichrist's rule, fulfilling the prophecy of universal subjugation.
   biometricupdate.com | observer.co.uk | cnet.com

6. Teens Turning to Chatbots for Emotional Support: AI replaces human connections, fulfilling Matthew 24:12's "love growing cold." In a generation starved for authentic relationships, this shift accelerates societal isolation, priming hearts for the Antichrist's false comforts and highlighting the urgency of sharing Christ's love before the great deception.
   apnews.com | latimes.com

Cultural and Societal Shifts

Societal inversions and apostasy align with 2 Timothy 3:1-5's perilous times and 2 Thessalonians 2:3's great falling away. These shifts reveal a world rejecting God's order, ripe for the man of lawlessness to exploit.

1. California's Bathroom Policy: Girls must file mental health forms to avoid sharing with boys—calling evil good (Isaiah 5:20). This policy inverts truth, promoting confusion as in Romans 1:25's exchange of natural for unnatural, accelerating moral decay that invites divine judgment.
   ca.news.yahoo.com | mercurynews.com

2. RICO Charges Against George Soros: Requests for charges expose elite manipulations (2 Thessalonians 2:7). Such figures may embody the "mystery of iniquity," funding chaos to destabilize societies for a new world order under the Antichrist.
   politico.com | aljazeera.com

3. EO Banning Federal Funds for Trans Ideology in Sex Ed: Cuts funding for gender ideology, countering deception (1 Timothy 4:1). This pushback is a temporary victory against doctrines of demons, but the broader cultural slide suggests the restrainer's removal is near (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).
   cnn.com | thehill.com

4. Pew Survey on Christian Beliefs: Only 4% hold core biblical doctrines, signaling widespread apostasy. This dilution of faith fulfills 2 Timothy 4:3-4's itching ears, paving the way for the great delusion where even the elect could be deceived if not vigilant.
   probe.org | youtube.com

5. EO to End No-Cash Bail: Imposes crime consequences, fighting lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8). A positive reform, yet in a world hurtling toward chaos, it highlights the need for eternal justice through Christ amid temporary fixes.
   whitehouse.gov

Persecution and Spiritual Battles

Attacks on believers increase and point towards fulfilling Matthew 24:9—hated by all nations. As persecution ramps up, it's a refining fire (1 Peter 1:7), preparing the church for Christ's return.

1. Iran Cracks Down on Christians: 53 accused of espionage, intensifying end-times persecution. This regime's hostility fits Daniel 7:21's horn making war on the saints, but victory is assured in Revelation 12:11 through the blood of the Lamb.
   christianpost.com

Good News and Revivals

Amid darkness, lights shine—Joel 2:28's outpouring and Matthew 5:14's call to be salt and light. These stories remind us that God is still at work, harvesting souls before the end.

1. Bible Story Hour at Library of Congress: Hundreds attended a faith-based event led by Kirk Cameron (not James—correction noted), countering drag hours. This cultural reclamation fulfills Isaiah 60:1's arise and shine, infiltrating secular spaces with truth and offering hope to the next generation.
   christianpost.com | bravebooks.us

2. School Bible Study Release Time Expands: 34 states now offer time for Bible study, reaching 100K students. This educational opening is like seed sown on good soil (Matthew 13:23), equipping youth with Scripture amid deception and potentially sparking widespread revival.
   christianpost.com | lifewise.org

3. Revival in Portland: 35,000 attended; 3,200 saved—a sign of hope before the end. In a notoriously secular city, this outpouring echoes Acts 2:17's last-days dreams and visions, a merciful harvest wave before the tribulation's darkness fully falls.
   foxnews.com | cbn.com

As always, these signs urge us to watch (Luke 21:36) and share the Gospel, every day that passes leaves us one day closer to his return. What categories or connections stand out to you? Join us Wednesdays at 6 PM for our potluck and 7 PM for our discussions!

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: August 26th, 2025

Welcome to this week's edition of our ongoing newsletter series, where we delve into current events, emerging trends, and their potential connections to biblical prophecies about the end times. As birth pains intensify—wars, natural disasters, technological encroachments, and moral shifts—we're reminded of Matthew 24:8: "All these are the beginning of birth pains." This week, we'll build on recent discussions from July and early August, incorporating updates and new developments that echo scriptural warnings of deception, control, famines, pestilences, and global upheaval. These signs are not meant to instill fear but to awaken us to the nearness of Christ's return, urging us to live with purpose and faith in these challenging times. Let's examine these signs with discernment, always grounding our hope in Christ and remembering that when these signs appear we should look up and lift up our heads, for our redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).

Surveillance and Control: Building Blocks of the Beast System

Continuing from our July 23rd notes on biometric collection via Real ID and NDAA programs (cnrnw.cnic.navy.mil), and the Genius Act paving the way for programmable digital currency (whitehouse.gov). These advancements in surveillance technology not only track our actions but increasingly monitor our thoughts and intentions, raising profound questions about privacy, freedom, and the potential for a system that controls every aspect of life as prophesied.

• Student Suspended for AI-Detected Comments: A Tucson high school student was suspended after AI software flagged a joke he typed and deleted on his school Chromebook, including a phrase about "shooting up da school." Clearly, joking about violence at school isn’t appropriate but also note the student thought better of it and deleted the message without sending it. Keep in mind this would be a bit more like having a thought while sending would be more like saying it aloud. The AI tool monitors keystrokes and reports potential threats, and in this case leads to a 45-day suspension which was reduced to nine days. Broader reports show AI surveillance causing false alarms, with students arrested or hospitalized over misinterpreted content, such as a comment about "killing all the Mexico’s" or flagged homework photos that upon appeal were found to be benign. This normalization of constant monitoring echoes the end-times control where no one can buy or sell without the mark, and with the current trends seems to imply potentially extending to thought policing, reminding us of how the Antichrist's system will demand total allegiance and surveillance (kjzz.org, sacbee.com).
• YouTube's AI Edits Videos Without Consent: YouTube has been secretly using AI to alter Short videos, sharpening images, smoothing skin, and even warping features like ears, without user permission. Creators like Rick Beato and Rhett Shull noticed unnatural changes, raising trust issues and privacy concerns. In an age of deception, such tech could manipulate reality, fulfilling prophecies of false signs and wonders, and paving the way for widespread misinformation that deceives even the elect if possible. bbc.com.
• Wearables and Health Tracking Push: Building on July's wearables discussion . As these devices become more integrated into daily life, they could easily transition into tools for societal control, monitoring health, location, and even compliance with global mandates. oecd.ai.

Gender Confusion and Moral Decay

From August 6th's replacement theology and antisemitism warnings, tied to Gaza conflicts, we're seeing societal shifts that challenge biblical norms. These changes not only erode traditional values but also reflect a broader rejection of God's design for humanity, leading to confusion and division as foretold in the last days.

• Teenage Boys Suspended for Locker Room Discomfort: In Virginia's Loudoun County, two boys were suspended for expressing discomfort after a female student who claims she’s now a boy filmed them in the boys' locker room. The school deemed it sexual harassment under Title IX on the boy’s part and imposed 10-day suspensions and no-contact orders, despite the girl violating policy and filming in the locker room. This inversion of justice reflects end-times moral confusion , where good is called evil, amid broader gender identity policies facing federal scrutiny, highlighting how societal pressures are forcing conformity to ideologies that contradict scriptural teachings on gender and modesty. fox5dc.com, loudounnow.com.
• AI Fashion Shows, Sexualized Bots, and Robotic Wombs: AI-generated models are disrupting fashion, with virtual avatars in shows raising job loss concerns. Meanwhile, AI "relationships" are rising, with bots like Melody at CES 2025 offering emotional and physical companionship, blurring human intimacy. Robotic wombs and AI lovers erode God-ordained marriage , as technology merges with humanity in ways that prevent true unity and reflect prophetic mixtures. instagram.com, glance.com.
• Tucker Carlson Praises Shariah Law: In a shift from past warnings, Tucker Carlson has praised aspects of Shariah law, mocking critics. This comes amid his evolving views on Islam and Israel. Such endorsements could signal the alliances and deceptions foretold in prophecies of a one-world system , where unlikely coalitions form to oppose biblical truth and promote a unified but godless global order. instagram.com.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Updating July 23rd's Israel in Syria (potentially tied to Jeremiah 49:23-27) , tensions escalate. These conflicts and threats serve as reminders that peace is fleeting in the end times, with nations aligning in ways that fulfill ancient prophecies of widespread strife and geopolitical upheaval.

• Israel's Fresh Offensive in Gaza: Israel has called up tens of thousands of reservists for a gradual offensive in Gaza City, holding 75% of the territory amid stalled ceasefire talks. Strikes target Hamas strongholds, with recent aid incidents exacerbating starvation. This and other ongoing conflicts align with Matthew 24:6-7, with nation rising against nation, potentially leading to broader Middle East fulfillment like Damascus's destruction, as the region teeters on the brink of larger-scale war that could draw in multiple powers. cnn.com, news.un.org.
• Trump's Military Plans for Mexico: President Trump plans U.S. military action against Mexican cartels, designating them terrorists, but Mexico rejects any invasion as aggression. Rumors of wars extend to borders, echoing global unrest, and raising concerns about escalating international tensions that could spill over into broader conflicts. nytimes.com, bbc.com.
• Putin's Strike on U.S. Electronics in Ukraine: Russian missiles hit a U.S. company “Flex”’s factory in western Ukraine during a massive barrage, injuring workers and drawing Trump's displeasure. This escalates proxy conflicts, aligning with prophecies of wars, and illustrating how economic and military targets are increasingly intertwined in modern warfare. npr.org, reuters.com.
• Iran's New Missiles and War Stance: Iran has readied advanced missiles for potential use against Israel, conducting drills and warning of stronger responses in any new war. Post-ceasefire tensions, including hypersonic tech, fit Ezekiel 38-39's gathering against Israel, signaling a possible fulfillment of the prophesied invasion from the north with allied nations. newsweek.com, timesofisrael.com.

Pestilences and Famines

From July's famines , birth pains continue. These environmental and health crises are intensifying, affecting food supplies and human health on a global scale, much like the seals of Revelation that bring widespread suffering.

• Veggie Prices Up Nearly 40%: Wholesale vegetable prices spiked 38% in July due to tariffs, weather, and labor shortages, potentially hitting consumers soon. Revelation 6:6 warns of skyrocketing food costs: "A quart of wheat for a day's wages... but do not damage the oil and the wine!" This surge could exacerbate food insecurity, mirroring the economic pressures described in end-times prophecies. abcnews.go.com, finance.yahoo.com.
• Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases Spreading: Alpha-gal syndrome, causing meat allergies, is exploding due to lone star ticks, with up to 450,000 U.S. cases. Years ago climate change advocates suggested using infected ticks to accomplish exactly this outcome to reduce emissions from cows, probably just a coincidence. ER visits for tick bites surged in 2025, while chikungunya outbreaks in China prompt lockdowns, possibly linked via climate and genetic mods. Luke 21:11 speaks of pestilences in various places, and these vector-borne illnesses highlight how diseases are spreading in unexpected ways, potentially as part of divine judgments or human meddling. worldmosquitoprogram.org, healthline.com.
• Odd Animal Diseases and Parasites: Reports of unusual growths, parasites, and diseases in animals tie to increasing vector-borne threats like Lyme and heartworm, per 2025 forecasts. Romans 8:22: "The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth." These anomalies suggest that even the animal kingdom is affected by the birth pains, possibly linked to environmental changes or bioengineering experiments gone awry. dvm360.com, finance.yahoo.com.
• Gene-Edited Mosquitoes for Malaria: From July 30th, germ-line edits to eradicate malaria via mosquitoes could backfire, spreading diseases instead. Ties to pestilence risks, as human attempts to play God with genetics might unleash unintended consequences that align with prophetic plagues. npr.org, nature.com.

Political and Global Control

• Democrats Call for Systemic Overhaul: Proposals include court packing, abolishing the Senate, ending the Electoral College, and adding states, amid post-2024 election frustrations. This push for radical change mirrors end-times lawlessness, setting the stage for a man of lawlessness to emerge in a restructured world order. NY Times, cruz.senate.gov, thedispatch.com.
• UN Small Arms Treaty Back on U.S. Agenda: The treaty, aimed at firearms controls, is advancing via BIS revisions for national security. Potential for global disarmament fits one-world government prophecies and could help explain the apparent inability of the world to resist the little horn, as centralized control weakens national sovereignties. meetings.unoda.org, reachingcriticalwill.org.
• Canada Spraying Roundup During Drought: Amid bans on forest access to prevent fires, Canada is spraying glyphosate on thousands of acres in drought-hit areas like Nova Scotia and Ontario, risking wildfires and health issues. Environmental manipulation could contribute to famines and is being used to push the climate change narrative, potentially justifying more global controls under the guise of sustainability. halifaxexaminer.ca, cbc.ca.
• Obama Distraction and Prison Camps: Echoing July 23rd's Epstein-Obama links , new "Cornhusker Clink" and "Alligator Alcatraz" detention centers expand for migrants, facing lawsuits over conditions. Reminiscent of speculated camps, tying to authoritarian trends that could be used for broader population control in times of crisis. npr.org, rollingstone.com.
• Bill Gates' Electronic Tattoo Device: Touted as a smartphone replacement, this "mark" candidate is a universal wearable for monitoring. Directly evokes Revelation 13's mark, as it combines convenience with pervasive tracking, luring people into a system of total dependence. msn.com.

Additional Signs from Recent news

• Comet Approaching: The extra-galactic comet from July nears its perihelion in October, reminding us of Revelation 8:10-11's falling stars, and stirring speculation about celestial events that could signal cosmic disturbances in the end times. science.nasa.gov, cnn.com.
• Seismic and Weather Events: Continued earthquakes in Japan, Alaska, and elsewhere, plus floods and wildfires, align with Matthew 24:7, as these frequent and intense natural disasters underscore the earth's groaning in anticipation of redemption. cbsnews.com, research.noaa.gov.

As we close, remember Psalm 91 and other promises for comfort and protection amid these signs. Stay vigilant, pray, and share the Gospel.

Until next Wednesday, keep watching.

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: August 20, 2025

Dear fellow watchers,

As the sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32), so we too are called to discern the signs of our age. In these days of escalating birth pains—wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, and technological deceptions—we must remain vigilant, rooted in Scripture, and committed to proclaiming the Gospel. This week's edition highlights current events that echo biblical prophecies, reminding us of the approaching end times. Let us watch and pray.

Israel in Talks to Resettle Gazans in South Sudan

Israel is reportedly engaging in discussions with South Sudan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, potentially offering a new home for Gazans away from Israel's borders and paving a way to end the ongoing conflict. According to sources, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports "voluntary migration" as part of broader efforts to reduce Gaza's population, with plans possibly involving Israeli-funded camps. This aligns with suggestions from US President Donald Trump, though similar proposals have been floated with other African nations. However, South Sudan's foreign ministry has firmly denied any such talks, calling the reports "baseless" and urging verification through official channels. This development could signal steps toward peace in the region, but it raises questions about displacement and international law. As Scripture warns in Zechariah 12:3, Jerusalem remains a burdensome stone for all peoples—could this be part of the unfolding drama leading to the prophesied covenant (Daniel 9:27)? Pray for wisdom and true peace rooted in Christ.

For more: CNN Article, Ground News

AI Data Centers Going Close to Home

Google is investing $9 billion over the next two years to build and expand data centers in Oklahoma, focusing on AI and cloud infrastructure. This includes a new campus in Stillwater and upgrades in Pryor, aimed at meeting surging demand for AI services, with additional commitments to education and workforce training. As these tech hubs proliferate closer to everyday communities, it underscores the rapid integration of AI into society—a potential tool for the beast system's global control (Revelation 13:16-17). Let us be wary of technologies that promise convenience but also enable unprecedented surveillance as we’ve discussed in prior weeks.

For more: Newsmax Article

$6 Billion Spent Paying NGOs to Import Illegals

Taxpayer funds amounting to $6 billion have been allocated to over 200 NGOs, allegedly facilitating the mass entry of illegal immigrants into the U.S., with claims of human trafficking pipelines and executive salary hikes amid the border crisis. This raises serious concerns about government-enabled felonies and lawlessness, echoing the end-times increase in wickedness (Matthew 24:12). As borders erode, pray for justice and the protection of nations under God's sovereignty.

For more: X Post by @libsoftiktok

Luna Says Lawmakers Have Evidence of ‘Interdimensional Beings’

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna shared on the Joe Rogan podcast her personal UFO encounter during her Air Force service and claimed lawmakers possess evidence of "interdimensional beings." She advocates for government transparency on UAPs, amid over 2,100 sightings reported in 2025. Could this be a contender for "the lie" mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11, where God sends a strong delusion to those who reject truth? As deceptions multiply, anchor yourself in the Word.

For more: Ground News

Texas Sues Pharmaceutical Company Over Bribes

Texas has filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly, alleging the company bribed healthcare providers to prescribe its medications, highlighting corruption in the pharma industry. This step forward in accountability reminds us of the love of money as the root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), but progress is often met with setbacks.

For more: Ground News

Flooding in Alaska and Elsewhere

An ice dam failure caused record flooding from Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska, threatening Juneau homes, while other floods in Chattanooga and Pakistan stem from heavy rains and monsoons, claiming over 270 lives in Pakistan. These events, varying in cause, align with the birth pains of earthquakes and floods (Matthew 24:7-8), signaling creation's groan (Romans 8:22).

For more: Alaska Flood, Pakistan Flood

Courts Reverse Decision on Religious Exemption for Birth Control

A U.S. judge has blocked Trump's religious exemption to birth control coverage, reversing protections for faith-based objections. One step forward, one step back in defending religious liberty (James 1:27), as societal pressures mount against biblical values.

For more: Ground News

AI in Britain Scanning Social Media for Tax Fraud

Britain's HMRC is using AI to monitor taxpayers' social media for fraud detection, marking another advance in surveillance. This step toward total control echoes the beast system's economic oversight (Revelation 13:17), where no one can buy or sell without compliance.

For more: Ground News

Drought in Iran: A Confluence of Spiritual Growth and Environmental Crisis

Iran is grappling with a profound drought that has persisted for years, exacerbating water shortages, agricultural failures, and economic strain across the nation. This environmental challenge has drawn international attention, including a recent offer from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to provide water aid—a gesture that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly dismissed with mockery, highlighting the deep-seated geopolitical tensions between the two countries. Pezeshkian's response underscores the fraught relations amid broader regional conflicts, where offers of assistance are often viewed through the lens of suspicion and rivalry.

Amid this backdrop of hardship and hostility, a remarkable spiritual shift is unfolding in Iran. Despite intense government persecution, including arrests, imprisonment, and restrictions on religious freedom, the number of Christian converts continues to surge. Estimates vary, reflecting the clandestine nature of these conversions in a predominantly Muslim society. Iran Alive Ministries, an organization focused on evangelism in the region, reports at least 2 million believers, pointing to a rapid underground movement fueled by disillusionment with the regime and personal encounters with faith. More conservative figures from sources like the U.S. State Department and Open Doors USA place the number between 500,000 and 800,000, emphasizing the risks faced by these communities.

From a biblical perspective, drought has long been depicted as a form of divine judgment and a call to repentance, as seen in passages like Amos 4:7-8, where God withholds rain to prompt reflection and turn back to Him. In Iran's case, this natural calamity could be an invitation for national introspection, especially as spiritual awakenings coincide with physical trials. Whether viewed through the prism of faith, politics, or climate science, the interplay of drought and rising Christianity in Iran paints a complex picture of resilience, resistance, and potential transformation.

For more: Ground News, Baptist Press Article

AI Jesus: Substituting True Fellowship

An AI version of Jesus allows users to "talk to God" virtually, bypassing prayer and Scripture. Instead of washing in His Word (Ephesians 5:26), this counterfeit fosters deception—beware false christs (Matthew 24:24). If God seems silent, people may turn to alternatives like this. If you know someone using tools like this please encourage them to spend time daily reading the Bible and in prayer. We’re promised comfort, peace, and that He will teach us all things. That doesn't mean we all get a nice recliner, no conflict, and an AI agent to answer our questions. It means when we trust Him, we have the assurance that regardless of what is going on in life we can seek comfort from Him, know that He is just, and has our ultimate good in mind. Answers to questions regularly come when and where you aren’t expecting them, both in scripture and in everyday life. Seek fellowship with fellow Christians not false christs and apps.

For more: Ground News

Christian Persecution Continues

ISIS militants beheaded Christians in Mozambique, burning churches and homes in a "silent genocide." Persecution persists (2 Timothy 3:12); pray for our brothers and sisters in danger, that they endure to the end or are relieved of this trial.

For more: Ground News

Government Jobs Gain Religious Protections

The Office of Personnel Management has issued guidance protecting religious expression for federal employees. While a positive step, this may not extend to corporate America, where holidays like Diwali and Eid are celebrated, but Christmas often omits Jesus if it’s even named at all. (Romans 1:16).

For more: Ground News

Jewish Hostility Towards Domestic Christian Groups

Israeli settlers burned the last Christian town in the West Bank, highlighting ongoing tensions. As Romans 11:18 reminds, we must not boast against the branches, but pray for reconciliation and protection.

For more: Ground News

Chinese Womb Bot: Denying God's Right to Life

China has developed a robot surrogate for pregnancy, combining this with the three-parent children and designer babies we’ve previously discussed we’re getting into territory that was the stuff of science fiction 30 years ago but is now being embraced seemingly without even concidering the moral consequences. This denies God's sovereignty over life (Psalm 139:13-14) and could enable an "image given breath" (Revelation 13:15).

For more: Daily Mail

Larry Fink Now Heading the WEF

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has been appointed interim co-chair of the World Economic Forum's board, alongside André Hoffmann. The WEF's push for global economic systems, including ESG, aligns with the beast's control over buying and selling (Revelation 13:16-17). Consolidating this much financial power in one individual, who already causes so much harm isn’t a positive move.

For more: Crypto News

White House Newsletter Says "PEACE & SAFETY"

Recent White House communications have echoed themes of "peace and safety," amid global talks. Scripture warns: "While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly" (1 Thessalonians 5:3). A sobering reminder of impending judgment.

Doing Your Own Research is Bad, Says VICE

Experts warn that independent research leads to "conspiracies," per VICE. Yet Proverbs 18:17 urges checking both sides. Be a Berean and root your outlook in the Bible for ultimate truth Acts 17:10-11, discerning what is possible, plausible, and probable.

For more: VICE Article

Despite Talks with Trump and Putin, the War is Still On

Despite diplomatic efforts involving Trump and Putin, the Russia-Ukraine war rages with 100,000-strong assaults, drone strikes, and alleged attacks on nuclear plants. Wars and rumors of wars persist (Matthew 24:6), pointing to the end.

For more: Ground News

Internal Israeli Protests Against Gaza Plan

Large protests in Tel Aviv oppose Israel's Gaza plans, with authorities using water cannons to disperse crowds. Internal divisions grow (Zechariah 12:2-3), as the world watches Jerusalem.

In closing, these events are not to instill fear but to encourage faith in God's plan. Remain watchful, prayerful, and bold in sharing the Gospel with the world around you. If you enjoyed these topics or have something of your own you’d like to include, join us this Wednesday at 6 PM for potluck and 7 PM for discussion.

In Christ,
Sims Corner Church

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: August 13th

Welcome back to our weekly newsletter, where we explore current events and trends, considering their possible connections to biblical prophecies about the end times. As usual, we turn to Scripture for context, such as the birth pains described in Matthew 24:6-8—wars, famines, and earthquakes increasing in intensity—or the beast system in Revelation 13 that governs commerce. These are observations, not firm predictions, meant to foster discernment, strengthen faith, and encourage spiritual readiness. This week has brought a range of developments: progress in reproductive technology, further advances in euthanasia, severe weather patterns, delays in Temple preparations, lab-created foods, symbolic links to Christ's sacrifice, climate-related restrictions, rising seismic events, escalations in the Middle East, tentative peace agreements, lingering scandals, wildfires, emerging diseases, striking signs, actions against cartels, shifts in D.C. governance, and AI's role in healthcare decisions. Quite a lot to reflect on. I will go through each topic, sharing details from reports, relevant biblical ties with verse explanations, and links for those who wish to investigate further. Let us remain vigilant, as these may indicate the birth pains growing stronger ahead of Christ's return.

30-Year-Old IVF Baby Born Amid Ethical Concerns

A child named Thaddeus arrived in Ohio on July 26, born from an embryo frozen for 30 years, marking the longest such period leading to a successful birth. Donated via a Christian adoption program and preserved since 1994, the embryo would likely have perished if not implanted. The donors set conditions, requiring recipients to be white, married, Christian, and based in the U.S. This reflects the rising practice of embryo adoption, yet it prompts serious ethical discussions around "snowflake babies." In the U.S. alone, more than a million embryos are produced annually for IVF, but only 20-30% are implanted per cycle, leaving vast numbers unused, discarded, or frozen indefinitely—a matter that challenges views on the sanctity of life. Enabling conception for those unable to do so naturally is positive, but the loss of 70% of these embryos raises profound concerns. This development recalls end-times cautions about altering human creation, as seen in Genesis 6:2-4 and Genesis 6:12, which describe corruption in Noah's era (echoed by Jesus in Matthew 24:37 as a sign of the last days). As technology enables designer babies—building on what we covered last week—it risks obscuring God's intended design, perhaps opening doors to transhumanist influences.
Links: Futurism on the birth, CNY Fertility on embryo stats.

Expanding "Right to Die" and the Slippery Slope to Duty

In Colombia, the case of Tatiana Andia, a 44-year-old professor facing terminal lung cancer, underscores the expansion of euthanasia; she selected medically assisted death as a path to "dignified" closure, framed within health rights. Legalized there in 1997 for terminally ill adults, it has broadened to include children over six since 2018 and non-terminal conditions by 2021, with 92 cases recorded through 2020. Parallel expansions in Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands fuel concerns that a voluntary "right to die" may evolve into an implied obligation, especially with aging demographics and strained healthcare systems. Scripturally, this contests God's authority over life, as Job 14:5 states: "A person's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed." It mirrors a broader devaluation of life in the end times, potentially normalizing the termination of the vulnerable and reflecting a society distancing itself from divine principles. As these practices widen, they align with a cultural shift away from God's sovereignty.
Links: NYT on Colombia case, World Federation on laws.

Record-Breaking Storms in China, Taiwan, India, and continued extremes at home in the US.

Severe weather has struck Asia forcefully: Hong Kong endured nearly 14 inches of rain in a single day—the highest August amount since 1884—resulting in widespread flooding, hospital interruptions, and over 100 delayed flights, accompanied by four "black" rainstorm alerts within a week. In India's Uttarakhand region, floods claimed at least four lives, left more than 50 missing, and demolished 40-50 homes amid 14 inches of rainfall, attributed to climate changes and development in vulnerable areas. These patterns parallel the intense storms occurring across the U.S., resonating with Matthew 24:7-8: "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains," portraying a creation in distress under mounting judgments (Romans 8:22). While science attributes this to emissions, prophetic perspectives view them as divine signals of escalation.
Links: Yahoo on Hong Kong, NYT on floods, CNN on India.

Texas Red Heifers Disqualified for Temple Rite

The Temple Institute has ruled out all the red heifers brought from Texas for the purification ritual, citing imperfections such as non-red hairs, after efforts spanning two decades. A flawless red heifer is essential for producing ashes combined with water to enable Temple service (Numbers 19). This delay affects preparations for a Third Temple, which connects to key end-times events like the abomination of desolation (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). Notably, Hamas referenced these heifers in justifying their October 7, 2023, attack, viewing them as a step toward rebuilding. Work will persist, but it serves as a reminder of the Antichrist's anticipated involvement in a rebuilt Temple (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
Links: Israel365 on disqualification.

FDA Approves Lab-Grown Salmon Backed by Bezos

The FDA has cleared Wildtype's cell-cultivated salmon as safe— the first lab-grown fish of its kind—supported by investors including Jeff Bezos, suitable for raw uses like sashimi, though without noted long-term safety studies. Marketed for its environmental benefits, it aligns with what some term "climate worship." Biblically, this suggests interference with creation, as Genesis 1:29-30 outlines natural provisions, and ties to end-times illusions where humanity assumes divine roles (Revelation 13:14-15 on deceptive signs). With synthetic foods gaining ground, they could facilitate supply controls during prophesied scarcities (Revelation 6:6).
Links: Food & Wine on approval.

Red Wool Symbolism Ties to Jesus' Sacrifice

One of the intriguing layers in Scripture involves the crimson worm (tola’at shani), whose red dye was used in Temple rituals, priestly attire, and purifications. It mirrors Jesus: the worm affixes to wood, dies red and stains its young for three days, then whitens by the fourth, evoking resurrection and the pure robes He provides. This hidden insight, or remez, relates to Psalm 22:6 ("I am a worm") and Isaiah 1:18 ("Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow"). In prophetic terms, it anticipates the cleansing power of Christ's blood, vital for redemption in the last days (Revelation 7:14: "They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb").
Links: The Scarlet Worm.

Climate Lockdowns in Canada Due to Wildfires

Nova Scotia has imposed bans on hiking, camping, fishing, and off-road activities on Crown land through October 15 due to dryness and fire hazards, enforcing fines up to $25,000, with comparable measures in national parks. This form of "climate lockdown" recalls pandemic-era constraints, possibly acclimating society to limitations akin to the beast system's oversight (Revelation 13:17). Such environmental challenges fit the birth pains framework, encompassing "fearful events and great signs from heaven" (Luke 21:11), urging reliance on God's sustenance rather than human interventions.
Links: CBC on bans.

Increased Seismic Activity Worldwide

Seismic events continue to mount: a 5.9 magnitude quake occurred off Guatemala's coast, roughly 62 miles from Champerico at shallow depth, felt in Guatemala City and southern Mexico without immediate damage, but extending a pattern along the Motagua fault after July's destructive tremors involving landslides and structural failures. In Turkey, a 6.1 quake in Balikesir caused one fatality (an elderly man from rubble), 29 injuries, and 16 building collapses, extending to areas like Istanbul, though rescue efforts ended without additional losses. This contributes to worldwide patterns, including Russia's 8.8 magnitude event prompting tsunamis. Joel 2:10 declares: "The earth shakes, the heavens tremble," as harbingers of the Day of the Lord, while Matthew 24:7 identifies earthquakes among the intensifying birth pains, particularly along active zones like the Cocos Plate subduction and Motagua Fault, site of Guatemala's devastating 1976 quake that claimed thousands.
Links: Newsweek on Guatemala, USGS map, Reuters on Turkey.

Israel Poised to Seize Gaza City

Israel's security cabinet has endorsed a military seizure of Gaza City to neutralize Hamas, recover hostages (in any condition), demilitarize the region, maintain Israeli security dominance, and install a non-Hamas, non-Palestinian Authority administration. Defense Minister Katz affirmed that opposition would not deter them from addressing Hamas's ongoing threat. International backlash is strong: UK Prime Minister Starmer deemed it "wrong" and prone to further violence, Germany paused arms shipments for Gaza-related use, the UN Security Council convened urgently, and the Secretary-General highlighted "catastrophic" impacts for Palestinians. Hamas pledges strong opposition but expresses willingness for a mediated comprehensive agreement involving ceasefire and withdrawal, stalled since July. This scenario may align with prophecies of Gaza's ruin (Zephaniah 2:4) and the era of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7: "It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it"), within broader conflicts against Israel (Ezekiel 38-39).
Links: BBC live updates.

Trump Brokers Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Deal

On August 8, Trump revealed a U.S.-brokered accord resolving the longstanding Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, advancing full diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Armenia—the first such resolution of a post-Cold War frozen conflict near Russia. It secures U.S. exclusive rights to a vital South Caucasus transit corridor for energy and resources, removes barriers to U.S.-Azerbaijan defense collaboration, and enhances cooperation in energy, trade, and technology including AI, with full terms pending release; it may aid in curbing Russian sanctions circumvention. Both nations' leaders commended Trump and proposed him for the Nobel. Yet 1 Thessalonians 5:3 cautions: "While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly," suggesting transient accords preceding turmoil.
Links: Reuters on deal.

Trump's Ultimatum to Russia on Ukraine

Trump delivered a compressed ultimatum to Putin, demanding a Ukraine ceasefire by August 8 under threat of enhanced sanctions and 100% tariffs on Russian oil purchasers such as China and India, but transitioned toward summit discussions following envoy Steve Witkoff's August 6 Moscow visit—his fifth—where "great progress" occurred on Russia's proposal, though Secretary Rubio noted significant barriers to a Trump-Putin-Zelensky gathering. Economically, it targets Russia's evasive oil trade exceeding the G7 cap, incorporating a 25% supplemental tariff on India (effective shortly) and halting U.S. arms to them; militarily, it renews Ukraine support via NATO priorities, with Germany acquiring two Patriot systems, allied funding, and U.S. nuclear submarine deployments countering Russian postures. Russia questions its impact—"little left to impose"—as Putin seeks complete hold on Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, insisting on Ukrainian retreat, neutrality, and force caps (refused by Ukraine); potential reprisals could elevate oil prices through pipeline interference. Matthew 24:6 observes: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars... Such things must happen, but the end is still to come."
Links: Reuters on doubts, Conversation on muscle.

Stalled Updates on Scandals: Obama, Biden, UAP, Epstein

Progress remains absent on several high-profile matters—Obama's alleged treason linked to 2016 inquiries, Biden's autopen usage, UAP revelations, and Epstein documents—amid Trump's diversions. On July 22, he pressed the DOJ to pursue Obama for "treason" regarding claimed 2016 rigging, referencing declassified files as proof of "seditious" involvement with Clinton, Biden, Comey, and Clapper; Obama's representatives dismissed it as absurd deflection, supported by a 2020 bipartisan Senate finding of Russian interference absent vote alteration. Epstein records stay sealed, Trump's mention in them eliciting "witch hunt" claims, redirection to Clinton, and accusations against Biden's DOJ; congressional adjournment sidestepped action, amplifying cover-up speculation across political lines, bolstered by fabricated Obama arrest footage and extraneous theories such as missing Fort Knox reserves. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 depicts these as perilous eras of self-interest and avarice, where concealed truths emerge (Luke 8:17).
Links: Politico on deflection, NYT on conspiracies.

More California Wildfires Near LA

In Ventura County north of Los Angeles, the Canyon Fire expanded to nearly 5,400 acres by Friday afternoon, originating Thursday at 1:30 p.m. near Lake Piru in Los Padres National Forest, propelled by extreme dryness, temperatures around 100 degrees, and minimal humidity; one firefighter sustained minor injuries, two small structures were lost, but no homes affected. Evacuations impacted thousands in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with urgent directives to depart and include pets; response involved over 400 personnel, 45 engines, seven helicopters, three bulldozers, air tankers, and FEMA assistance, achieving 28% containment by evening despite variable conditions. Origin undetermined; meanwhile, proposals persist for low-income housing on sites from prior burns, such as January's Hughes Fire, though unrelated directly. Luke 21:25-26 notes: "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars... nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea," encompassing fires within the birth pains.
Links: Independent on evacuations, Guardian on spread.

New Chinese Disease Prompts Lockdowns

The chikungunya virus has surged in Guangdong, China, surpassing 8,000 cases and prompting mosquito control via drones, home inspections, and "elephant trunk" drain covers—measures reminiscent of COVID-era lockdowns, now extending to Taiwan. Matthew 24:7 highlights pestilences among the signs; Revelation 6:8 portrays the pale horse delivering death through plagues, with such responses perhaps rehearsing global conformity.
Links: NPR on war, Forbes on virus.

Sea of Galilee Turns Blood-Red with Algae

An algal bloom turned the Sea of Galilee red under sunlight, a harmless occurrence yet one that evokes fears of biblical plagues from Exodus or Revelation's bloodied waters (Revelation 16:3: "The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person"). True divine signs, however, would likely surpass natural explanations like algae.
Links: Daily Mail on event.

Actions Against Drug Cartels Heating Up

Trump has escalated against cartels by designating them terrorists, authorizing military engagements with groups like Sinaloa, heightening risks with Mexico. In February 2025, he classified Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and Cartel de los Soles (under indicted Maduro) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, transitioning to military approaches with bolstered National Guard presence and border monitoring. Mexico's President Sheinbaum has firmly opposed extraterritorial moves, while U.S. figures such as Attorney General Bondi assert Maduro's accountability, and Secretary Rubio advocates viewing cartels as armed terrorist entities. This surge in lawlessness resonates with Matthew 24:12: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold," foreshadowing Tribulation-era disorder.
Links: Disclose.tv on directive.

Federalization of Washington, D.C.

Trump directed federal agencies to patrol D.C. for a week from August 7 onward (potentially extendable), citing crime surges, while threatening complete oversight and demanding homeless relocation. Led by U.S. Park Police alongside FBI, DEA, ATF, Marshals, and Capitol Police, it stemmed from a carjacking injuring a former aide; he described crime as rampant and alluded to federalization powers given D.C.'s status, allowing interim control in crises. Regarding the homeless population (approximately 5,138, a 9% decline year-over-year), he insisted via Truth Social on immediate departure to distant locations, critiquing Mayor Bowser and scheduling a briefing; his order favors funding for anti-camping enforcement, eliciting criticism from advocates. However, data indicates falling violent crime: homicides down 10%, robberies 29%, overall 26% by August 6, reaching 30-year lows per DOJ—undermining the narrative. Such consolidation evokes the beast's dominion (Revelation 13:7), probing boundaries of liberty prior to wider control.
Links: NPR on policing, CBS on homeless.

Medicare to Use AI for Coverage Decisions

Beginning January 2026, Medicare's WISeR pilot will employ AI for prior authorizations across six states, though concerns arise over elevated denial rates (16 times higher) and cost-saving incentives. The Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction Model spans six years in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington, targeting procedures including skin substitutes, nerve stimulators, and knee arthroscopies for osteoarthritis (excluding inpatients or urgent cases), with human oversight but AI acceleration. A 2024 Senate report highlights inflated denials via AI, where contractors benefit from coverage reductions to curb expenses, risking delays for elderly beneficiaries as Part B premiums rise from $185 to $206.50; it supports fraud prevention yet may favor finances over care. This oversight mechanism parallels the beast's economic hold (Revelation 13:17), with AI resembling the animated image (Revelation 13:15) intruding on vital choices.
Links: Newsweek on AI.

As these events unfold, let us recall Romans 13:11: "The hour has come for you to wake from sleep." Remain watchful, prayerful, and committed to sharing the Gospel. We will continue next Wednesday.
In Christ,
The Sons of Issachar team

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: August 6th

Dear fellow watchers,

Welcome to this week's edition of our ongoing series, where we examine current events and emerging trends through the prophetic lens of Scripture. As we approach what many sense are the final days, it's crucial to discern how today's headlines echo the warnings in books like Matthew, Revelation, and the prophets—signs of birth pains, the division of lands, persecution, technological control, and the rise of deception. Remember, these are not meant to instill fear but to encourage vigilance, faith in God's sovereign plan, and drive us to spread the Gospel… that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

Let's dive into the key developments from the past week, tying them to biblical foresight where relevant.

Recognition of Palestine: A Step Toward Dividing the Land?

Multiple nations continue to push for Palestinian statehood, aligning with prophecies about the division of Israel in the end times (Joel 3:2 speaks of God judging nations for parting His land). Canada has now joined France, Britain, and Australia in recognizing Palestine, despite not acknowledging Taiwan's status. This move highlights selective geopolitics, favoring entities like Hamas. Meanwhile, three-quarters of UN members now recognize Palestine as a state, bringing us perilously close to a formal split of the Holy Land. Recall the delayed summit on this issue, postponed due to the Iran conflict—could this be setting the stage for the covenant in Daniel 9:27?

This surge in antisemitism, fueled by the Gaza war and scandals like Jeffrey Epstein's ties to Israeli figures, is also promoting replacement theology. This view—that the Church has supplanted Israel—overlooks God's unbreakable covenants with Abraham's descendants (Genesis 17:7-8) and the purpose of the Time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) as a refining fire for Israel. We must distinguish between critiquing governments and harboring hatred toward God's chosen people, or anyone else for that matter, as our own nation commits similar wrongs.

Birth Pains: Natural Disasters Intensifying

Matthew 24:7-8 describes earthquakes, famines, and other calamities as the "beginning of birth pains"—contractions growing in frequency and intensity before the end. This week, we've seen a cascade of such events:

• A tsunami struck the Pacific following a major earthquake off Russia's coast, triggering volcanic activity at Klyuchevskoy Volcano.
• Another fault line in Alaska, the Tintina Fault, shows signs of impending major activity, as scientists warn of potential unleashing.
• Continued flooding ravages regions worldwide, making "unprecedented" events routine.
• Paradoxically, massive wildfires persist despite the rains, like the Dragon Bravo megafire near Arizona's Grand Canyon.
• Additionally, a magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, late Saturday night, with tremors felt in parts of New York City but no immediate injuries or damage reported. Another quake were felt there Tuesday.

These aren't isolated; they're part of a pattern, reminding us to watch and pray as the earth groans (Romans 8:22).

Technology and Control: Marching Toward the Beast System

Advancements in tech often promise progress but pave the way for control mechanisms akin to the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-17, where no one buys or sells without allegiance). President Trump announced a new national health tracking database, building on wearables, Starbase, and Palantir initiatives—integrating tech deeper into our bodies and lives. Ostensibly these moves can usher Americans into a golden age of AI-driven health insights where heart defects are caught early, diabetes is managed before it develops, and no one loses a mother or sister to breast cancer. But typically once the government has a power, they never stop using it and it expands in scope and application until the once optional and limited becomes pervasive and mandatory. The ability to peer within our bodies may give the government, or anyone tech savvy enough to breach their systems, access to enough data to determine how we feel about a given topic, whether we should be insurable, or if some opinion or belief precludes your ability to receive public benefits or exercise your rights to freedom of speech and religion.

Neuralink implanted its ninth patient, performing two procedures in one day and aiming for 20-30 more this year. Elon Musk claims it will change lives for millions, perhaps billions, aiding the disabled but opening doors to electronic mind-reading or manipulation. Peter Thiel, a key figure in building surveillance systems like Palantir (which just secured a $10B DOD contract) and a key donor and string puller behind uniting JD Vance and President Trump on the 2024 ticket, warned in an interview about the Antichrist and apocalyptic tech—ironic, given his role in what could become the Beast's infrastructure.

IVF screening has advanced beyond basics, now selecting for traits like height or eye color via services like HeraSight, echoing genetic tampering that might relate to end-times deceptions or the days of Noah (Genesis 6:4). Compounding the potential issues with this type of active decision making attempting to take God’s sovereignty away, typically this type of IVF would fertilize many embryos, effectively resulting in many children murdered for each child selected for implantation. Many potential parents may not even be aware this is occurring.

Politicians' insider trading persists, enriching themselves through bribes rather than justice—condemned in Scripture (Micah 3:11). And Trump's posts about arresting sanctuary mayors signal authoritarian shifts, even if aimed at immigration enforcement. When taken along with the AI, health, and other changes the potential expansion of the ability and control exercised by the federal government could be unprecedented.

Wars, Rumors of Wars, and Persecution

Matthew 24:6 warns of wars and rumors thereof, but "the end is not yet." President Trump issued a short deadline to Putin on Ukraine, heightening tensions between nuclear powers with potential for catastrophic escalation or a speedy end to the years-long conflict.

Persecution of believers ramps up, fulfilling Matthew 24:9. Attacks on Christians in Syria, the Congo, and Nigeria claimed lives, including a funeral procession for 27 slain in Nigeria—signs of the hatred Jesus predicted.

Former President Obama faces potential charges for weaponizing agencies like the FBI around the “Russiagate” fabrication and IRS targeting conservatives at his direction, combined with other bureaucratic actions such as suppressing the Hunter Biden laptop story or “misinformation” that was later proven to be true. While speculation abounds, this could expose deep corruption which would be great to shine some light on, while also distracting from other scandals such as the continued lack of progress around meaningful numbers of deportations, a lack of disclosure about a number of topics, and the lack of any meaningful budgetary changes for next year. Trump has accused Obama of treason, escalating attacks over the 2016 Russia probe.

Though not directly prophetic, early phone access links to rising pre-teen suicide rates, highlighting online dangers that erode mental health. Instead of phones and social media perhaps we can encourage more face to face time with friends and family, time outdoors rather than screen time, or even time at church “liking” posts by the most influential influencer to ever walk on the sea of Galilee.

As always, these events urge us to stay rooted in Scripture, sharing the Gospel while watching for Christ's return. What are your thoughts? Join us tonight, or any other Wednesday at 6PM for our potluck or at 7PM for discussion of these and other topics.

Until next Wednesday, stay vigilant.

In His service,
The Sons of Issachar team

Sons of Issachar Newsletter: July 30th

Welcome, Watchers of the Times

Dear brothers and sisters,

As those seeking to understand the signs of the times, we draw inspiration from the sons of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32—those who "had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." This group paid attention to the world around them so that they could make better decisions and not be caught unaware. In these (I think) last days, we need to do the same, paying attention to more than just what the news channels discuss. Suppose we want to follow in their footsteps. In that case, we must discern the unfolding prophecies with wisdom and spiritual insight, much like they did. The headlines scream of a world hurtling toward the beast system of Revelation 13 while simultaneously growing colder and more evil by the day, where global control, deception, and rebellion against God culminate in the rise of the antichrist. Building on last week's discussion of digital identities, programmable money, and digital currency such as that allowed by the Genius Act, AI advancements, and signs in the heavens and on earth (including extragalactic comets, extreme weather, seismic activity, and famines), we see many seemingly separate topics combine into one larger story.

Matthew 24:6-8 warns of wars, rumors of wars, and distress as the beginning of sorrows. Today, on July 30, 2025, we examine fresh events through this biblical lens, urging preparedness and faithfulness. Let us watch, pray, and proclaim the Gospel as we await Christ's return (Titus 2:13). Maranatha!

Global Conflicts: Wars, Rumors of Wars, and Prophetic Divisions

The Scriptures foretell a time when nations will divide God's land (Joel 3:2) and false peace will precede destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Current shifts echo these, potentially setting the stage for the antichrist's covenant (Daniel 9:27).

• France's Recognition of Palestine: French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will recognize Palestine as a state in September, the first G7 nation to do so, aiming to end the Gaza war amid global outrage. This was expected to happen several months ago, but the 12 day war between Israel and Iran postponed it. BBC NYT Washington Post This has drawn Israeli condemnation, with critics calling it a boon to Hamas. Economist Zechariah 12:2-3 describes Jerusalem as a burdensome stone, and this move could accelerate international division of Israel, linking to last week's Gaza starvation and Israel-Syria tensions as precursors to end-times battles like Gog-Magog (Ezekiel 38-39).

• U.S. Dispersed Nuclear Infrastructure: The U.S. is developing high-security vaults inside standard shipping containers to store and deploy nuclear bombs at remote locations, enhancing mobility away from hardened infrastructure. TWZ Interesting Engineering This modular approach signals preparation for dispersed conflicts, aligning with Revelation 6:4's rider on the red horse unleashing war, and Matthew 24:7's nations rising against nations amid escalating global tensions. The US receives between 40 and 50 million containers per year from international origins, with almost a third of those arriving via California's ports. During the era of unguarded borders, have enemies implemented and infiltrated with the same idea in recent years?

• Airline Disruptions as Signs of Distress: United Airlines halted all mainline flights nationwide due to a fire alarm at its Chicago operations center, causing widespread delays. Fox Business NY Post Aerotime Following similar issues with Alaska Airlines last week, this reflects Luke 21:25-26's "distress of nations" and "men's hearts failing for fear," akin to the multiplying "unprecedented" events like last week's extreme weather and seismic activity.

Technology and Surveillance: The Beast System's Foundations

Revelation 13:16-17 depicts a mark enabling total economic control, with the image of the beast speaking and enforcing worship. Advancements in AI, gene editing, and global pacts mirror this, building on last week's discussion on brain implants, wearables, and UAP programs.

• Trump's AI Dominance Push: President Trump signed executive orders to "win the global AI race," repealing regulations, promoting exports, and ensuring "ideologically neutral" AI while boosting energy for development. White House Reuters KL GatesHe dislikes "artificial," emphasizing human-led innovation. This could accelerate the "image of the beast" (Revelation 13:15), where AI demands allegiance, echoing last week's AI ethics conferences and translations.

• Microsoft Breaches and Chinese Ties: Microsoft disclosed active exploitation of SharePoint vulnerabilities, affecting on-premises servers used by governments and businesses, leading to ransomware and data theft. Microsoft CISA Microsoft MSRC Separately, Microsoft used China-based engineers for U.S. military cloud support, raising espionage risks and prompting policy changes. ProPublica Reuters ProPublica constant issues like this with China make the likelihood for abuse of any systems we build here. Even if you trust the current administration not to abuse AI projects, can you be sure the next administration or adversaries like China will do the same?

• Amazon's AI Wearable: Amazon acquired Bee, whose wristband records conversations, transcribes them, and uses AI for summaries and insights. TechCrunch CNBC Forbes High abuse potential ties to last week's wearables push, facilitating a surveillance society where "no one can buy or sell" without compliance. The past few decades have seen trends shift from large, rare, clunky computers to near-universal possession of handheld computers, and more recently, the push for everyday people to wear glasses, rings, or watches with computers built in. The next step will involve devices like Nuralink's brain-computer interface, currently capable of reading the brain, and with the stated goal of input from computers into the brain. That sounds a lot like inserting thoughts to me. These trends point to a potential mark candidate. Since Amazon has already faced criticism for having Alexa devices listen when they haven't been activated and for defaulting to share all of your Ring camera footage with police for half a decade, it raises serious privacy concerns with a device that has the sole purpose of recording you 24/7.  Associated Press NY times

• Gene-Edited Mosquitoes: Scientists used CRISPR to edit a single gene in mosquitoes, making them highly resistant to malaria transmission via germline changes inherited by offspring. NPR Science.org Technology Networks This transhumanist step defies God's creation (Genesis 1:31), akin to last week's 3-parent DNA, potentially leading to the "image with breath" (Revelation 13:15).

• WHO Pandemic Treaty: Adopted in May 2025, the treaty enhances global coordination for pandemics, promoting equity and prevention. WHO Q&A UK Parliament. This centralizes power, possibly paving the way for one-world governance under the beast (Revelation 17:12-13).

Moral and Spiritual Decay: Deception and Idolatry Rising

2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the last days as characterized by lovers of self, who are deceived by the lawless one (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11). Events reflect this, extending last week's Epstein scandals.

• ChatGPT's Moloch Instructions: The AI provided step-by-step guidance on self-harm and rituals to Molech, including blood sacrifice. The Atlantic NY Post Facebook - The Atlantic This promotes ancient idolatry (Leviticus 20:2-5), some even claim this is signaling demonic influences in tech (Revelation 9:20, Revelation 13:14-15).

• Qatar's MAGA Influence: Qatar, the number two sponsor of terror, allegedly paid influencers to push narratives, sparking infighting in MAGA circles over a luxury jet gift and continued influence. MSNBC CNN Economic Times despite the warming relations with Qatar this year, they continue to supply money to groups that want our death and the spread of Islam.

• 'Don't Die' Movement: Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson's quest for immortality via treatments and AI is chronicled in a Netflix documentary, rejecting mortality (Hebrews 9:27). Netflix Netflix Tudum Reddit This transhumanist idolatry echoes Genesis 3:4-5's lie of becoming like gods. If you think your existence in this meatsuit is all there is for us, then you'll want to hang on to it as hard as possible. In reality, this body is like a rental car—you don't intentionally damage it, after all, "your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit... honor God with your bodies," as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, but you don't spend excessive time and money washing and waxing it or doing endless periodic maintenance on it either ("physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things," per 1 Timothy 4:8. You fuel it up, drive it responsibly, and turn it back in when your trip is finished—because, as James 4:14 puts it, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." We get a MUCH better model when we turn in this rental, exchanging sinful flesh for a glorified body that doesn't hurt, get sick, or die. Just imagine: "The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power" 1 Corinthians 15:42-43. Or as Philippians 3:20-21 promises, Christ "will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Our current form is just a temporary tent, groaning under burdens until "what is mortal may be swallowed up by life" (2 Corinthians 5:4). So let's fix our eyes on the eternal upgrade ahead!

Closing Thoughts: Understand the Times

As knowledge increases (Daniel 12:4), these developments—from AI races to gene edits—signal the beast's rise. Yet, our understanding, like Issachar's sons, guides us to action: repent, pray, and endure (Revelation 14:12).

In His service,

The Sons of Issachar Team