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.