Sons of Issachar Newsletter: October 13, 2025

Oct 13

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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)