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
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.