Sunday, July 05, 2026
Saturday, July 04, 2026
Seismic Shifts
Volume 45 Issue Seven July 2026
Last Trumpet Ministries ∙ PO Box 806 ∙ Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Phone: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org
“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” I Cor. 14:8
Seismic Shifts
“And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:27-29
When an extraordinary change occurs, whether culturally or politically, it is often called a “seismic shift.” For example, when Donald Trump won the presidential election in November 2016, The Washington Post published a story with the headline, “Trump maps out a new administration to bring a seismic shift to Washington.” (1) An entry for the term found in YourDictionary defines “seismic shift” as meaning “a fundamental reorientation of a state of affairs.” (2) Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary simply defines it as meaning “a great change.” (3) While “seismic shift” is often used by the media to report a life-altering story, the term itself originates from the study of earthquakes. “Seismic” means “of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake,” (4) and “seismology” is “a science that deals with earthquakes and with artificially produced vibrations of the earth.” (5)
As we move past the halfway point of 2026, the world is experiencing rapid changes that could be aptly described as a series of seismic shifts. The political landscape in the United States is changing in ways that could have profound implications for the country's future. International relations are being reshaped by war, potentially leading to a major transformation of the Middle East. But we can also consider seismic shifts in their most literal sense: in recent weeks, there has been a notable uptick in earthquake activity.
The Beginning Of Sorrows
Earthquakes have long captured the attention of Bible-believing Christians. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ specifically mentioned them in his Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24. In Matthew 24:7-8, Jesus warns, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Even now, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda are battling a deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus, which can rightly be called a pestilence. The Middle East is still in a volatile state as a shaky ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran is sputtering like a lawnmower engine deciding if it wants to start. The war between Russia and Ukraine is still ongoing, with recent reports indicating that Ukraine is causing trouble for Russia with its massive fleet of drones. Officials at the United Nations are warning that disruptions of the global energy supply caused by a three-month closure of the Strait of Hormuz could worsen famine. It is only fitting that these days of turmoil should also be marked by earthquakes.
War, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes are not new, but when Jesus describes them as “the beginning of sorrows,” he likens these events to the birth pangs of a woman in labor. According to Strong’s Concordance, the original Greek for the word translated as “sorrows” refers to “the pain of childbirth, travail pain, birth pangs.” Thus, the implication is that as we move through time and draw closer to the return of our Saviour, these troublesome events will become more frequent, just as a woman’s contractions during childbirth grow closer together.
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in NYC
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LIVE: Fireworks Across America for America250 Celebrations
Peter Thiel Accuses Pope Leo of Serving as Chinese Communist Agent on AI
Nordin Catic/Getty Images for The Cambridge Union
3 Jul 2026
Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel launched a series of controversial criticisms and predictions about AI and Western democracy during remarks at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado on Tuesday. In his most provocative statement, Thiel accused Pope Leo XIV of serving the interests of China with his stance on AI.
CNN reports that Thiel, co-founder of Palantir and PayPal and an early Silicon Valley supporter of President Donald Trump, accused Pope Leo of inadvertently functioning as a Chinese communist agent by advocating for AI regulation. He also warned of what he described as an impending democratic-socialist takeover of the United States Democratic Party.
The tech investor delivered his remarks during a nonrecorded panel alongside political scientist Francis Fukuyama. During the event, Thiel specifically targeted the Vatican and Pope Leo, the first American pope, claiming he was unintentionally advancing Chinese interests by advocating for stronger international oversight of AI. Breitbart News previously reported that in May, Pope Leo issued his first encyclical titled “Magnifica Humanitas” or “Magnificent Humanity,” declaring that artificial intelligence “must be disarmed” and calling for greater international regulation of the technology:
Pope Leo frequently returns to the theme of uniformity versus communion, stressing that the quest for uniformity is sterile, mechanistic, and prone to tyrannical abuse, while communion is voluntary and joyous, bringing people together with each other and God. The encyclical asserts that, while AI might become smarter than any one of us, it will never be able to match the unexpected and delightful achievements of all of us — the unpredictable genius of magnificent humanity.
The pope’s Tower of Babel analogy draws parallels between the development of AI and the construction of the ancient Tower of Babel, “an impressive feat” constructed with “a single language, a single technology, a single direction.”
Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel launched a series of controversial criticisms and predictions about AI and Western democracy during remarks at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado on Tuesday. In his most provocative statement, Thiel accused Pope Leo XIV of serving the interests of China with his stance on AI.
CNN reports that Thiel, co-founder of Palantir and PayPal and an early Silicon Valley supporter of President Donald Trump, accused Pope Leo of inadvertently functioning as a Chinese communist agent by advocating for AI regulation. He also warned of what he described as an impending democratic-socialist takeover of the United States Democratic Party.
The tech investor delivered his remarks during a nonrecorded panel alongside political scientist Francis Fukuyama. During the event, Thiel specifically targeted the Vatican and Pope Leo, the first American pope, claiming he was unintentionally advancing Chinese interests by advocating for stronger international oversight of AI. Breitbart News previously reported that in May, Pope Leo issued his first encyclical titled “Magnifica Humanitas” or “Magnificent Humanity,” declaring that artificial intelligence “must be disarmed” and calling for greater international regulation of the technology:
Pope Leo frequently returns to the theme of uniformity versus communion, stressing that the quest for uniformity is sterile, mechanistic, and prone to tyrannical abuse, while communion is voluntary and joyous, bringing people together with each other and God. The encyclical asserts that, while AI might become smarter than any one of us, it will never be able to match the unexpected and delightful achievements of all of us — the unpredictable genius of magnificent humanity.
The pope’s Tower of Babel analogy draws parallels between the development of AI and the construction of the ancient Tower of Babel, “an impressive feat” constructed with “a single language, a single technology, a single direction.”
Pope Leo Jabs Trump in 250th Birthday Message to Americans
HEAVENLY SHADE
The first U.S.-born pope congratulated Americans while stressing the importance of welcoming immigrants.
Tomas Thor
Breaking News Intern
Updated Jul. 3 2026 6:54PM EDT Published Jul. 3 2026 3:02PM EDT
Pope Leo XIV used America’s 250th birthday celebration to deliver a not-so-subtle reminder to President Donald Trump that immigrants helped build the United States.
In a message released Friday, the first American-born pope praised the nation’s founding ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy. But he also devoted a significant portion of the letter to defending immigrants, a subject that has become one of the sharpest points of tension between the Vatican and the Trump administration.
The first U.S.-born pope congratulated Americans while stressing the importance of welcoming immigrants.
Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Tomas Thor
Breaking News Intern
Updated Jul. 3 2026 6:54PM EDT Published Jul. 3 2026 3:02PM EDT
Pope Leo XIV used America’s 250th birthday celebration to deliver a not-so-subtle reminder to President Donald Trump that immigrants helped build the United States.
In a message released Friday, the first American-born pope praised the nation’s founding ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy. But he also devoted a significant portion of the letter to defending immigrants, a subject that has become one of the sharpest points of tension between the Vatican and the Trump administration.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants,” Leo wrote.
“In every generation, those who have arrived seeking freedom, opportunity and a place to belong have helped to shape the nation’s character.”
His pointed message comes as Trump continues to make his immigration crackdown a centerpiece of his second term.
“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants,” Leo wrote.
“In every generation, those who have arrived seeking freedom, opportunity and a place to belong have helped to shape the nation’s character.”
His pointed message comes as Trump continues to make his immigration crackdown a centerpiece of his second term.
The pontiff’s message repeatedly returned to themes that have put him at odds with the White House, including the dignity of migrants and the responsibility to care for society’s most vulnerable.
“To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity,” Leo wrote of immigrants, “but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.”
The letter highlights the growing divide between Pope Leo and the Trump administration. Last month, Leo criticized policies that remove migrants without addressing why they fled their home countries in the first place.
“To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity,” Leo wrote of immigrants, “but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.”
The letter highlights the growing divide between Pope Leo and the Trump administration. Last month, Leo criticized policies that remove migrants without addressing why they fled their home countries in the first place.
Friday, July 03, 2026
La Sierra University Selects Lesbian to Give Commencement Address
June 25, 2026 NewsHound
This is a generated image, not from the actual graduation
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – On Sunday, June 14 almost 400 La Sierra University graduates celebrated their graduation to a commencement speech by California State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes.
A Democrat, Sabrina Cervantes currently represents the 58th Assembly District, which comprises portions of the Inland Empire. Sabrina was first elected to the State Legislature in 2016, and from 2022-2024, served as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. She is also the first openly LGBTQ+ hispanic person to represent Western Riverside County in the Legislature. “Sabrina and her ‘wife’, Courtney, are the proud parents of triplets.”
Other speakers were Sam Leonor (of One Project infamy) and Criston Arthur, the previous provost of Andrews University.
Arthur spoke for the Lavender (LGBTQ+) Graduation on June 5. To the LGBTQ+ Lavenders Arthur said “You are La Sierra,” affirming that the university community is “big enough for all,” and expressing his support for them.
Leonor spoke at the baccalaureate.
The lesbian State Senator Sabrina Cervantes gave the commencement address.
Observations
I wonder what Harold Marshall Sylvester (HMS) Richards (who has a building named after him on LaSierra campus) would say about this lavender graduation? I wonder what he would say about them having a lesbian with a ‘wife’ give the commencement address?
What do you say about it?
***
Air Force major arrested on Capitol steps during protest calling for Trump impeachment
By Cristina Stassis
Jul 2, 2026, 03:56 PM
U.S. Maj. Jason Watson was arrested by Capitol Police officers on June 1 after protesting for the impeachment of President Donald Trump on the House steps. (Video footage screenshot)
A U.S. Air Force major was arrested Wednesday for protesting alone on House steps as he called for the immediate impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump.
Maj. Jason Watson was arrested by Capitol Police officers at approximately 1:15 p.m. local time for demonstrating on the House steps without a sitting member of Congress, Capitol Police told Military Times. Watson, an active-duty service member with a military career dating over 20 years, walked halfway up the steps of the House to its chained railing to hold a sign that read “Impeach Convict Remove.”
Watson was first escorted to the bottom of the steps by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who then left the area, causing the officers to arrest Watson under 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing and Incommoding.
“When the Member of Congress left the area, our officers gave the man lawful orders to stop the illegal demonstration, or he would be arrested,” the spokesperson said. “The man refused our lawful orders.”
The spokesperson highlighted that there are other areas on the Capitol where demonstrating is allowed.
Watson stoically stood wearing his uniform on the steps for roughly one minute before officers first approached him. Another minute later, he was again approached by an officer, who spoke to him briefly and was nodded at by Watson, as shown in video footage posted by Removal Coalition founder Jessica Denson, who organized the demonstration.
Over a minute later, Watson was approached for a third time. But this time, he quietly and peacefully placed his sign down and was arrested by Capitol Police before being escorted off the steps by multiple officers as protesters chants of “Who do you serve? Who do you protect?” rang clear.
A U.S. Air Force major was arrested Wednesday for protesting alone on House steps as he called for the immediate impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump.
Maj. Jason Watson was arrested by Capitol Police officers at approximately 1:15 p.m. local time for demonstrating on the House steps without a sitting member of Congress, Capitol Police told Military Times. Watson, an active-duty service member with a military career dating over 20 years, walked halfway up the steps of the House to its chained railing to hold a sign that read “Impeach Convict Remove.”
Watson was first escorted to the bottom of the steps by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who then left the area, causing the officers to arrest Watson under 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing and Incommoding.
“When the Member of Congress left the area, our officers gave the man lawful orders to stop the illegal demonstration, or he would be arrested,” the spokesperson said. “The man refused our lawful orders.”
The spokesperson highlighted that there are other areas on the Capitol where demonstrating is allowed.
Watson stoically stood wearing his uniform on the steps for roughly one minute before officers first approached him. Another minute later, he was again approached by an officer, who spoke to him briefly and was nodded at by Watson, as shown in video footage posted by Removal Coalition founder Jessica Denson, who organized the demonstration.
Over a minute later, Watson was approached for a third time. But this time, he quietly and peacefully placed his sign down and was arrested by Capitol Police before being escorted off the steps by multiple officers as protesters chants of “Who do you serve? Who do you protect?” rang clear.
Historic San Francisco church begins recovery after massive fire
....
NOTE:
The four-alarm fire at the San Francisco Central Seventh-day Adventist Church broke out Monday afternoon (June 29, 2026).
"Entropy" | Dr. Conrad Vine
Dr. Conrad Vine
Jun 26, 2026
(FRIDAY)
Thursday, July 02, 2026
Wednesday, July 01, 2026
Global oceans break June temperature record with fears they’re headed into ‘uncharted territory’
The Pacific Ocean at Windansea Beach on ...
The planet’s oceans are at unprecedented temperatures for this time of year, breaking the all-time June record, according to new data, with alarming implications for global weather and marine life.
On June 21, average global sea surface temperatures reached 69.5 degrees Fahrenheit (20.86 Celsius), edging above the June record last set in 2024, according to data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, which combines measurements from satellites, ships and buoys.
The record was echoed in another data set. Data from the Copernicus Marine Service, implemented by the non-profit Mercator Ocean International, found sea temperatures hit 69.38 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) on June 21, beating the previous record last set in 2024 by 0.18 degrees Fahrenheit.
The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño has only just started but it may intensify into one of the strongest in decades.
Layered underneath that is the human-driven climate crisis, which is also driving up temperatures. For decades, oceans have acted as the planet’s main heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat produced by humans burning fossil fuels.
“Rising sea surface temperatures are therefore not unexpected,” said Michael Meredith, an ocean scientist at the British Antarctic Survey. “But the pace of warming we are now seeing is alarming.”
It’s not yet clear whether this unprecedented June heat is temporary or a sign of things to come, but experts are expressing concern.
“Current conditions could indicate the beginning of a new phase, leading, once more, to uncharted territory,” said Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus Climate Change Service. “With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Niño on the horizon, we are likely to see more temperature records fall in the coming months.”
What happens in the oceans has huge implications for global weather patterns. Hotter oceans keep the air warmer, fueling heat waves; energize storms making them fiercer; and increase evaporation, boosting the chances of extreme rainfall and flooding.
Ocean heat can also lead to the mass bleaching of coral reefs, the death of other marine life and increased sea level rise.
The planet’s oceans are at unprecedented temperatures for this time of year, breaking the all-time June record, according to new data, with alarming implications for global weather and marine life.
On June 21, average global sea surface temperatures reached 69.5 degrees Fahrenheit (20.86 Celsius), edging above the June record last set in 2024, according to data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, which combines measurements from satellites, ships and buoys.
The record was echoed in another data set. Data from the Copernicus Marine Service, implemented by the non-profit Mercator Ocean International, found sea temperatures hit 69.38 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) on June 21, beating the previous record last set in 2024 by 0.18 degrees Fahrenheit.
The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño has only just started but it may intensify into one of the strongest in decades.
Layered underneath that is the human-driven climate crisis, which is also driving up temperatures. For decades, oceans have acted as the planet’s main heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat produced by humans burning fossil fuels.
“Rising sea surface temperatures are therefore not unexpected,” said Michael Meredith, an ocean scientist at the British Antarctic Survey. “But the pace of warming we are now seeing is alarming.”
It’s not yet clear whether this unprecedented June heat is temporary or a sign of things to come, but experts are expressing concern.
“Current conditions could indicate the beginning of a new phase, leading, once more, to uncharted territory,” said Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus Climate Change Service. “With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Niño on the horizon, we are likely to see more temperature records fall in the coming months.”
What happens in the oceans has huge implications for global weather patterns. Hotter oceans keep the air warmer, fueling heat waves; energize storms making them fiercer; and increase evaporation, boosting the chances of extreme rainfall and flooding.
Ocean heat can also lead to the mass bleaching of coral reefs, the death of other marine life and increased sea level rise.
Mamdani-backed socialist primary winner founded group whose goal is to ‘eradicate' Western civilization
Darializa Avila Chevalier helped launch Columbia University Apartheid Divest, which said it wants to end the West
Published June 25, 2026 9:50am EDT
The socialist backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani who won Tuesday night’s primary election in New York’s 13th Congressional District founded a group in college that called for the total destruction of the West.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, 32, a Democratic nominee for U.S. Congress who made career out of "community organizing," wrote in her biography for an opinion piece in independent news outlet The Electronic Intifada that she "helped launch the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign Columbia University Apartheid Divest."
"We are Westerners fighting for the total eradication of Western civilization," the group said in a now-deleted 2024 Instagram post.
In May 2024, eight years after she graduated from Columbia, Chevalier was back on campus advocating alongside the group she founded, known as CUAD, wearing a keffiyeh and a t-shirt emblazoned with the group's name.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, Democratic candidate for Congress in New York's 13th Congressional District, speaks with a voter in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan on June 14, 2026, in New York, N.Y. (Shuran Huang/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Avila Chevalier was interviewed by the Associated Press at the school's infamous encampment against Israel that year, which was later broken up by police.
Only months after that, CUAD, caused a firestorm when it reportedly posted its goal of eradicating Western Civilization.
Avila Chevalier was interviewed by the Associated Press at the school's infamous encampment against Israel that year, which was later broken up by police.
Only months after that, CUAD, caused a firestorm when it reportedly posted its goal of eradicating Western Civilization.
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