Volume XXXII Issue January 2013
Last Trumpet Ministries, PO Box 806, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Fax: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org
Last Trumpet Ministries, PO Box 806, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Fax: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org
"For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
Romans 1:26-32
"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
II Peter 3:13-18
"And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life."
I John 5:19-20In this issue of the Last Trumpet Newsletter, we will examine recent events which indicate the people of the earth are living in an increasingly desperate and wicked age. As I write this newsletter, another year is drawing to a close, and this has been a year of many amazing events as well as numerous incidents of unspeakable evil, treachery, and heartbreak. The contents of this newsletter will bring us face-to-face with the very harsh realities of this world, and it is my prayer that in doing so, we will all feel strongly compelled to draw nigh unto God and seek Him with a whole heart.
In Romans, chapter 1, we read of many evil characteristics that plague this sinful world. Each of these despicable sins was already common in the days of the Apostle Paul, but as we grow closer to the end of time, this profusion of wickedness has greatly intensified. Sadly, numerous atrocities were committed in the year 2012, including many senseless killings in the United States.
One such horrific incident occurred on July 20, 2012, when a gunman entered a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, and went on a murderous rampage, which claimed the lives of twelve people and wounded fifty-eight more. (1) Less than one month later, on August 5, 2012, a gunman entered a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and then proceeded to murder six people in cold blood while wounding four more. (2)
However, the most shocking mass shooting of the year took place on December 14, 2012, when a disturbed twenty year-old male brutally murdered his own mother and then traveled to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where he mercilessly slaughtered twenty young children and six adults. (3) Amongst the dead were twelve girls and eight boys who were each between the ages of six and seven. (4) I have no doubt in my mind that this brutal assault on young children was spurred by demonic influence. In fact, it has now come to light that there is a sinister connection between the mass shooting of July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colorado, and the mass shooting which occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The film being shown at the movie theater in Colorado when the massacre occurred was The Dark Knight Rises. It has been reported that in this movie, at the one hour and fifty-eight minute mark, a map featuring a strike zone is briefly shown, and the only visible location on the map is Sandy Hook. (5) Promotional material for The Dark Knight Rises, which was distributed in 2011, also features a map which prominently shows Sandy Hook as being located near "Strike Zone 1" which is a point of attack within the plot of the movie. (6) Is this just a coincidence? Many people would insist that it is; however, I believe it indicates a demonic synergy between the two mass shooting incidents.
Although the United States has experienced mass shootings before, this incident was unlike most of the others because the majority of the victims were of such a young age. This horrific event has sparked outrage throughout the United States, and some politicians are now using it as a pretense to enact strict gun control regulations. Regarding gun control, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated the following, "It's time for the president, I think, to stand up and lead and tell this country what we should do - not go to Congress and say, 'What do you guys want to do?' This should be his number one agenda." (7)
Numerous celebrities have also expressed support for stricter gun regulations. In fact, a full page ad, signed by over 100 notable public figures, was published in the December 19, 2012, printing of the New York Times. The ad states the following, "The time has come for courage. The courage to make our schools and workplaces, our shopping malls and movie theaters - all the places we share every day - safe from gun violence. The courage to stand up to the NRA (National Rifle Association) - to put human life ahead of extreme ideology. The courage to ban weapons of mass murder that at anytime, anywhere, can turn America into a killing field." (8) In response to the public outcry, Barack Obama has vowed to make gun control a point of emphasis in his second presidential term. "This time, the words need to lead to action. I will use all the powers of this office to help advance efforts aimed at preventing more tragedies like this," Obama declared. (9)
Unfortunately, banning firearms from private ownership would do little to alleviate violent crime. Violent offenders who commit these crimes are already breaking the law, and there will always be an underground market for guns even if they are made illegal to own. We must remember that the founding fathers of the United States wrote the second amendment of the Bill of Rights as a countermeasure to the rise of a tyrannical government. While it is safe to say that any opposition to the rising one-world antichrist government might be massively outgunned, disarming the people would only make such a takeover that much easier. It was George Mason, a delegate from Virginia to the United States Constitutional Convention, who once made the following thought provoking statement, "[W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually." (10)
It is worthwhile to note that Xinhua News Service in China, which is the official mouthpiece for the communist government of China, has published an article entitled "Innocent Blood Demands No Delay for U.S. Gun Control." (11) It is somewhat ironic that the Chinese government would voice concern over the loss of innocent young lives in the United States since they often force pregnant mothers to undergo abortions in order to comply with the regime's strict limit on family size. The Chinese government is also well-known for arresting Christians who participate in unsanctioned worship services in their country. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev also made it clear that he favors disarming the populace. "I totally agree with those who are against free arms circulation. This is my principled position," Medvedev wrote on his Facebook page. (12)
Clearly, we are living in a very volatile and uncertain time in the United States. However, it is important to remember that even if the powers that be are successful in disarming the American people, we can still rely on our Lord and Savior and trust that His perfect will is always done. We do not need to be afraid of what the future may bring, for as it says in Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
Homosexuality: A Mainstream Lifestyle!
The year of 2012 was notable for many reasons. One of the changes we are now seeing manifested in the United States of America is a mainstream embracement of homosexuality. A recent survey published by CBS News found that 51 percent of respondents favored allowing gay marriage in the United States. Of the respondents between the ages 18-29, an astounding 72 percent expressed support for gay marriage. (13) Another example of the shift in the attitude of the American people became apparent on November 6, 2012, when the citizens of three states, Washington, Maryland, and Maine, voted to legalize same-sex marriage. (14)
Same-sex marriage has been embraced wholeheartedly by the state of Washington. In fact, the city hall in Seattle, Washington, set up five chapels specifically designated for same sex couples. "In preparation for the festivities, local artists Jennifer Zeyl and and Celeste Cooning, with help from city staff, are decking out the building's large lobby to make decorations for some 140 planned weddings. The decorations consist of several self-contained areas that will act as individual 'chapels' within the lobby space," announced the city via its website. (15) These ceremonies took place on December 9, 2012, which was the first day gay couples were allowed to get married in the state of Washington. One of the homosexual men who was married that day described the event as follows, "We're totally thrilled. We had looked at this as maybe a day we would sign a piece of paper and seal the deal, and instead we're having this huge party being thrown in our honor. It's just mind blowing." (16)
Another historic event occurred on December 1, 2012, when a same-sex couple was married for the first time at the United States Military Academy at West Point. (17) The couple's use of the facility's chapel was made possible by Barack Obama's repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" last year. In September 2011, the Pentagon issued a statement declaring that "determinations regarding the use of DOD (Department of Defense) real property and facilities for private functions, including religious and other ceremonies, should be made on a sexual-orientation neutral basis, provided such use is not prohibited by applicable state and local laws." (18)
There is a growing consensus amongst Republican politicians and public figures that they must embrace same-sex marriage if there is to be any hope that their political party will survive. Speaking of gay marriage, former House Speaker and Republican candidate for president, Newt Gingrich stated the following, "It is in every family. It is in every community. The momentum is clearly in the direction of finding some way to accommodate and deal with reality. And the reality is going to be that in a number of American states - and it will be more after 2014 - gay relationships are going to be legal, period." Mr. Gingrich further went on to say, "I didn't think [gay marriage] was inevitable 10-15 years ago… It didn't seem at the time to be anything like the wave of change we are now seeing." (19)
As Christians, we know that the Holy Bible clearly condemns homosexuality as a sin. However, there is a new effort by the homosexual community to nullify the Scriptures which disapprove of their lifestyle. On December 27, 2012, a press release was issued which announced the publication of a new Bible known as the "Queen James Bible." The front cover of this so-called Bible is adorned with a rainbow colored cross (20), and while otherwise identical to the King James Version, it edits the key verses which regard the homosexual way of life. (21) According to the editor's notes, the modified verses are Genesis 19:5, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, I Corinthians 6:9-10, I Timothy 1:10 and Jude 1:7. (21) The editor's notes also includes this heretical statement at the end of the document, "We didn't change anything else to create this edition of the Queen James Bible. The Queen James Bible resolves any homophobic interpretations of the Bible, but the Bible is still filled with inequality and even contradictions that we have not addressed. No Bible is perfect, including this one. We wanted to make a book filled with the word of God that nobody could use to incorrectly condemn God's LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender) children, and we succeeded." (22)
Has God changed his opinion on homosexuality? In Malachi 3:6, we read "For I am the LORD, I change not…" There are very serious consequences for those who attempt to alter the Word of God to fit their own personal beliefs. In Romans 1:25 we are warned of those who "changed the truth of God into a lie." Remarkably, the next two verses in the chapter specifically identify homosexuals as part of the group who would do this. We are also warned in Deuteronomy 4:2, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."
America - A Land Of Government Dependency!
For a large segment of American citizens, the quality of life has greatly declined in recent years. We are now beginning to see the consequences of poor economic policies by the Obama Administration which has forced millions of people to become dependent on the government to care for their needs. While Barack Obama continues to insist that America is back on track, a close examination of the facts tells a different story.
In the United States, there are now over 100 million people receiving some form of welfare. (23) In fact, welfare spending has increased by 32 percent since Barack Obama began his first term as president in 2009. (24) The rapid expansion of entitlement programs has become a cause for alarm for Jeff Sessions, a Republican Senator from the state of Alabama. "No longer should we measure compassion by how much money the government spends but by how many people we help to rise out of poverty. Welfare assistance should be seen as temporary whenever possible, and the goal must be to help more of our fellow citizens attain gainful employment and financial independence," Sessions said. (25) Amazingly enough, 62 percent of the federal budget for the fiscal year 2012 was spent on entitlement programs. (26) It is interesting to note that in 1969, only 2.8 million Americans were receiving food stamps. By the year of 2009, that number had increased to 31.9 million recipients, and since that time it has reached a record high of over 47 million people. (27) According to a recent news report, the recipients of food stamps now exceed the total combined populations of Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. (28)
Sadly, a recent article in the New York Times makes the claim that many families in the United States have become so dependent on handouts from the government that they are willing to sacrifice the education of their children. In fact, some parents have intentionally removed their children from literacy programs because it put them in jeopardy of losing their monthly checks which they receive because their children cannot read or write. "One of the ways you get on this [welfare] program is having problems in school. If you do better in school, you threaten the income of the parents. It's a terrible incentive," said Richard V. Buckhauser, an economist at Cornell University. (29) Today there are more than 1.2 million children receiving Supplemental Security Income or SSI in the United States. Although some of these children suffer from a legitimate disability, others in the program do not, and they are likely to be dependent on the government for the rest of their lives. According to a study from 2009, about two-thirds of those children will continue receiving SSI after they transition into adulthood. (30)
The Bible does instruct us to be charitable and to help the poor. However, assistance given to those in need should be done with the intent of helping them rise out of poverty, not keeping them in it. I believe Obama has intentionally expanded welfare programs in the United States because he wants the masses to be dependent on the government. Such people will be far more compliant with government demands and willing to do anything to keep receiving their handouts. Many would probably even accept a mark in their right hand or forehead if it was a requirement to receive benefits from various welfare programs.
Efforts To Make Science Fiction Into Science Fact!
In this modern world, technology advances so quickly that it is often difficult to keep up with all of the latest developments. While many technologies have been developed under the pretense of making our lives easier, much of it is also being quietly designed to serve as the infrastructure for the forthcoming antichrist beast system.
How does the technology industry envision the future? A revealing article published on October 15, 2012, describes what Eric E. Schmidt, the executive chairman at Google, believes the future will be like. He describes a world with driverless cars, devices that return phone calls and schedule events automatically by using artificial intelligence, and a micro-robot which he ingests that will monitor his health. Mr. Schmidt describes a system which encompasses every aspect of the human life and grants instant access to all available information to every man, woman and child on the globe, even those in third world countries currently bereft of any technological advancements. "Imagine going from no information to all the world's information with one device. No textbooks to all textbooks. No language to all language," Schmidt said. It is Google's hope that technology will become so entwined with our human experience that it will become second-nature and that people will forget that it is even there. "Eventually technology just disappears. It's the ultimate achievement," Schmidt declared. (31)
Members of the National Intelligence Council have also offered their predictions regarding what they believe the world will be like in the future. One technology they expect to see developed by the year 2030 are artificial limbs which connect with the human neurological system. "As replacement limb technology advances, people may choose to enhance their physical selves as they do with cosmetic surgery today. Future retinal eye implants could enable night vision, and neuro-enhancements could provide superior memory recall or speed of thought. Brain-machine interfaces could provide 'super-human' abilities, enhancing strength and speed, as well as providing functions not previously available," said members of the Council in a written statement. (32)
Meanwhile, scientists are making significant strides in the field of genetic engineering. In October 2012, it was reported that two types of genetically modified animals had been born. One animal is a genetically modified cow which produces milk that is free of an allergy-inducing protein known as beta-lactoglobulin. The other animal is a pig with disrupted genes that they hope will be useful in the study of human atherosclerosis. The scientists involved with the process are very proud of their accomplishments. "In essence, we are just mimicking an evolutionary process with precise, man-made editors," stated Bruce Whitelaw, a molecular biologist at the Roslin Institute in the United Kingdom. (33)
Reports have also surfaced indicating that human cloning may be possible in the not so distant future. According to Sir John Gurdon, a scientist who has worked extensively on cloning, human copies may be occupying this planet within the next fifty years. He has suggested that parents who have lost a child may soon be able to have a new clone produced in the lab. "I take the view that anything you can do to relieve suffering or improve human health will usually be widely accepted by the public - that is to say if cloning actually turned out to be solving some problems and was useful to people, I think it would be accepted," Gurdon stated. (34) He further went on to say, "The average vote on that is 60 percent in favor. The reasons for 'no' are usually that the new child would feel they were some sort of a replacement for something and not valid in their own right. But if the mother and father, if relevant, want to follow that route, why should you or I stop them?" (35)
The rapid development of technology has also brought about advanced new weapons the likes of which have never been seen before. One such weapon is a new missile equipped with microwaves, which has the capability of disabling computer systems without harming people or building structures. The project, which is codenamed the Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project, or CHAMP, was recently tested in the Utah desert by the aerospace and defense contractor Boeing. A representative from Boeing by the name of Keith Coleman was ecstatic over the results of their test. "In the near future, this technology may be used to render an enemy's electronic and data systems useless even before the first troops or aircraft arrive. We hit every target we wanted and made science fiction into science fact. When the computers went out, it actually took out the cameras as well. It was fantastic," Coleman declared. (36) Although this technology sounds remarkable, it could be devastating to the United States and other advanced nations in the Western world if it fell into the wrong hands. Professor Trevor Taylor of the Royal United Services Institute expressed grave concern over this possibility. "The historical record shows that important technologies developed in one country are developed elsewhere within a short period - look what happened with regard to the USSR and nuclear weapons. Should the U.S. be known to have developed such a technology to the production stage, it would drive others to try to act similarly. Western countries are more dependent on electronics-based IT than others and would be vulnerable to extensive disruption," Professor Taylor opined. (37)
Intensifying Persecution Of Christians In The Last Days!
In yet another indicator of the time in which we live, persecution of the Christian people around the world has continued to intensify in these last days. In Matthew 24:9, Jesus warned us that such persecution would occur when he told us, "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."
According to a report published in December 2012, an estimated 200 million Christians are persecuted around the world at this present time. "It is generally accepted that many faith-based groups face discrimination or persecution to some degree. A far less widely grasped fact is that Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers," stated a report by the think tank Civitas. (38) Persecution is widespread in China, where the godless communist government believes the underground growth of Christianity is spurred on by manipulation from western countries. "Western powers, with America at their head, deliberately export Christianity to China and carry out all kinds of illegal evangelistic activities. Their basic aim is to use Christianity to change the character of the regime… in China and overturn it," insisted Ma Hucheng, an advisor for the Chinese government. (39) The persecution against Christians is most extreme in the Islamic dominated countries of the Middle East. In fact, those who convert to Christianity in Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, and Iran often face a death penalty for leaving the Islamic faith. Persecution in the Middle East is so severe that the previously cited report by Civitas claims that Christianity could soon become extinct in the region. "There is now a serious risk that Christianity will disappear from its biblical heartlands," the report states. (40)
Many of us are blessed to live in a region of the world where we can practice our Christian beliefs openly without fear of reprisal for the most part. However, we must remember that we too may face persecution in the future. In any case, we should always remember the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
In closing, I know there is much more that could be said about the amazing events happening all around us each and every day. The year of 2012 was truly a significant time period in history insomuch that Luke 21:10-11 provides a very accurate description of the last twelve months. These Scriptures warn us, "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." It is of the utmost importance that we continue to watch and pray as we see the signs unfold all around us that indicate Jesus Christ is coming soon. If you have not yet completely given your heart to God, I urge you to do so now.
Thank you to all who so generously support this ministry. It is truly a blessing to be able to serve each and every one of you, and we are grateful that God has given us the resources to do so. I expect 2013 to be a very eventful year, and we at Last Trumpet Ministries will continue to work as faithfully as we can for the cause of Christ. As usual, if you have any prayer requests, please feel welcome to send them our way. Each request is always given personal attention and we fully believe in the power of prayer. Grace and peace be unto you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Samuel David Meyer
Acknowledgements
01. Wikipedia, 2012 Aurora Shooting, http://wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Aurora_shooting.
02. Wikipedia, Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting, http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsin_Sikh_temple_shooting.
03. CBS News, December 14, 2012, By CBS News, http://newyork.cbslocal.com.
04. The Huffington Post, December 17, 2012, By The Huffington Post, http://huffingtonpost.com.
05. Natural News, December 18, 2012, By Jon Rappoport, http://naturalnews.com.
06. Ugo, December 16, 2011, By Greg Katzman, http://ugo.com.
07. The Washington Post, December 16, 2012, By Sean Sullivan, http://washingtonpost.com.
08. The Huffington Post, December 19, 2012, By The Huffington Post, http://huffingtonpost.com.
09. The New York Times, December 19, 2012, By Michael D. Shear, Washington, D.C.
10. Quotes from the Founding Fathers and Their Contemporaries, http://guncite.com/gc2ndfqu.html.
11. Xinhua, December 14, 2012, By Xinhua, http://xinhuanet.com/english/.
12. RT News, December 17, 2012, By RT News, http://rt.com.
13. CBS News, November 30, 2012, By Jennifer De Pinto and Stephanie Condon, http://cbsnews.com.
14. The Atlantic, November 7, 2012, By Ashley Fetters, http://theatlantic.com.
15. CNS News, December 10, 2012, By Penny Starr, http://cnsnews.com.
16. Associated Press, December 9, 2012, By Associated Press, Seattle, WA.
17. USA Today, December 21, 2012, By Paul Singer, http://usatoday.com.
18. Ibid.
19. The Huffington Post, December 20, 2012, By The Huffington Post, http://huffingtonpost.com.
20. Amazon.com, Queen James Bible, http://amazon.com.
21. PR Web, December 12, 2012, By PR Web, San Francisco, CA.
22. The Queen James Bible Official Website, Editor's Notes, http://queenjamesbible.com.
23. The Weekly Standard, August 8, 2012, By Daniel Halper, http://weeklystandard.com.
24. The Washington Times, October 18, 2012, By Stephen Dinan, http://washingtontimes.com.
25. Ibid.
26. The Heritage Foundation, October 16, 2012, http://heritage.org.
27. Breitbart, November 23, 2012, By Wynton Hall, http://breitbart.com.
28. Ibid.
29. The New York Times, December 7, 2012, By Nicholas D. Kristof, Jackson, KY.
30. Ibid.
31. The New York Times, October 15, 2012, By Claire Cain Miller, http://nytimes.com.
32. Wired Magazine, December 10, 2012, By Noah Shachtman, http://wired.com.
33. Nature.com, October 2, 2012, By Amy Maxmen, http://nature.com.
34. The Telegraph, December 18, 2012, By Nick Collins, http://telegraph.co.uk.
35. Ibid.
36. The Daily Mail, December 1, 2012, By Ben Ellery, http://dailymail.co.uk.
37. Ibid.
38. The Telegraph, December 23, 2012, By Edward Malnick, http://telegraph.co.uk.
39. Ibid.
40. Ibid.
Special Note: A new tribute website for Pastor David J. Meyer can now be accessed at http://pastormeyer.org.
Comments regarding this newsletter or topic suggestions may be submitted to editor@lasttrumpetnewsletter.org. If you would like to submit a prayer request, you may send email to prayer@ltmmail.org or mail it to our postal address.
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