Deception And Wickedness In This Modern Age!

 
Volume XXXII      Issue III    April 2013
Last Trumpet Ministries, PO Box 806, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Fax: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
Proverbs 6:16-19

"In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment."
Isaiah 59:13-15

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."
John 8:44

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:31-32



In this issue of the Last Trumpet Newsletter, we will thoughtfully consider recent current events as well as the prevalent spirit of error, which results in the propagation of lies, deception, and wickedness in this modern age. We know from the Holy Scriptures that this widespread spirit of deception now so common in this world is the work of Satan. For it is in John 8:44 that Jesus warns us that Satan is the father of lies and that there is "no truth in him." As a consequence of the infectious nature of sin in this world, truth is no longer highly regarded and has become unrecognizable to many people.

One of the mechanisms now in place to hoodwink the population, particularly in the United States, is the highly-manipulated propaganda machine commonly known as the mainstream news media. While not everything reported on television news channels and in the newspapers are outright lies, the stories which are published are often heavily biased to hide the complete truth with the intent to tilt the public's perception of current events to ensure that it will conform to the agenda of those calling the shots from behind the scenes. These facts have been confirmed by a handful of journalists who have recently come forward to expose the heavy manipulation of the mainstream media.

One such example is award-winning journalist Amber Lyon who formerly worked for CNN. Ms. Lyon was sent to the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain in 2011 to produce a documentary regarding the uprising occurring in the country at that time. She would discover later that CNN was in collusion with the government of Bahrain and was receiving payoffs to present the regime in a favorable light in their news stories. In fact, Ms. Lyon was pressured to include statements in her reports which she knew for certain were untrue by the executives at her network. "[I] saw first-hand that these regime claims were lies, and I couldn't believe CNN was making me put what I knew to be government lies into my reporting," declared Lyon shortly after returning from Bahrain. (1)

Another reporter by the name of Andrea Seabrook left her position as a reporter for National Public Radio on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. after she grew frustrated with the numerous lies uttered by politicians each and every day. Explaining her rationale for leaving National Public Radio, Ms. Seabrook stated the following: "I realized that there is a part of covering Congress, if you're doing daily coverage, that is actually sort of colluding with the politicians themselves because so much of what I was doing was actually recording and playing what they say and repeating what they say. And I feel like the real story of Congress right now is very much removed from any of that, from the sort of theater of the policy debate in Congress, and it has become such a complete theater that none of it is real. … I feel like I am, as a reporter in the Capitol, lied to every day, all day." (2)

It has also become evident that the Obama Administration seeks to maintain a strangle-hold on what the press reports regarding Barack Obama and his staff. According to a report published by the New York Times in July 2012, media outlets are often not allowed to print quotes from members of the Obama team until the administration has had an opportunity to edit them. (3) Those who dare to question the Obama Administration are often subjected to bullying and abuse. "I can tell you categorically that there's always been, right from the get-go of the administration, an overzealous sensitivity to any push-back from any media outlet," said David Brody, a political correspondent for CBN News. (4) Neil Munro, a White House correspondent for the Daily Caller shared a similar sentiment. "The reporters I've spoken to who have covered multiple administrations have said this is tighter, more restricted than other administrations. They don't like it. They don't have the power to change it," Munro declared. (5)

When we consider how manipulated and controlled mainstream media has become, it is not surprising to learn that some people are beginning to question the validity of what they hear and see on the news. In fact, a poll conducted by Gallup in July 2012 found that only 21 percent of the survey's respondents had confidence in the veracity of television news reports. (6) However, we must remember that the manipulation of mainstream news is nothing new and has been going on for decades. It was Arthur Sylvester, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs of the Kennedy Administration in 1965, who ordered members of the press to only publish news that presented the United States in a favorable light regarding the Vietnam War. One reporter was recorded to have said to Sylvester, "Surely, Arthur, you don't expect the American press to be handmaidens of government." In response, Sylvester replied, "That's exactly what I expect. Look, if you think any American official is going to tell you the truth, then you're stupid. Did you hear that? Stupid." (7)

When we look around at this world which is so full of deception, one might wonder where we can turn to receive the truth. I believe the only absolute form of truth in this world is God's Holy Word. Men and women have such a propensity to lie and deceive, yet we have the Bible, which is the inspired Word of God and contains the perfect truth which leads to everlasting life. In Hebrews 6:18 we read, "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us." It is of great comfort to know that God will never lie to us, for it is not even possible for Him to do so. In like manner, we are assured by Jesus that we will find freedom and truth if we obey His word. For as it says in John 8:31-32, "…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." If you have not yet received God's perfect truth and fully given your heart to Him, I urge you to do so now.

A Cosmic Shooting Gallery!

In recent weeks, concern has been mounting over the threat to planet earth from strikes by meteors and asteroids from space. Much of this attention by scientists, politicians, and the media has been spurred by the meteor strike in Russia on February 15, 2013, and Asteroid 2012 DA14, which buzzed our planet on the same day. Since that time, cosmic events have continued to occur. In fact, between March 4 and March 10, 2013, four asteroids passed closely by the earth. One of the asteroids, known as 2013 ET, had not even been discovered by scientists until March 3, 2013. This unexpected close call raised the alarm of some scientists. "The scary part about this one, of course, is that it's something we didn't even know about," stated Patrick Paolucci, president of the group which operates the Slooh Space Camera. (8) Slooh Space Camera engineer Paul Cox also expressed his concern. "This should be a wakeup call to governments. We know that the solar system is a busy place. We're not sitting here on our pale blue dot, on our own in nice safety," Cox declared. (9)

Recent sightings of meteor explosions have been reported in multiple locations, including Cape Town, South Africa, on March 12, 2013, (10) and over the United States on March 16, 2013. The second meteor was spotted streaking across the sky over the American states of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. (11)

The flurry of activity from space has caused alarm amongst scientists and politicians. This concern is partly due to the low discovery rate of space rocks. It is estimated that there are approximately one million such rocks, including asteroids and meteors, in outer space. Yet, only 9,700 of them have been identified to date. (12) Since NASA lacks the necessary resources to discover every asteroid in space, private groups are now taking steps to assist them. One such group, known as the B16 Foundation, plans to launch a new infrared space telescope by the year 2018. The group is hopeful that their equipment will help them discover 500,000 asteroids over a period of five and a half years. (13)

The United States government has also expressed concern over the recent onslaught of asteroids and meteors threatening the earth. In fact, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing on March 19, 2013, to discuss the issue. The gathering was given the title "Threats From Space: A Review of U.S. Government Efforts to Track and Mitigate Asteroids and Meteors, Part 1." (14) What recourse would the American people have if an asteroid was hurtling towards the United States? NASA chief Charles Bolden offered the following advice: "From the information we have, we don't know of an asteroid that will threaten the population of the United States. But if it's coming in three weeks, pray." (15)

As threats from space continue to be discovered, it has prompted scientists to refer to our solar system as "a cosmic shooting gallery." (16) Those who are familiar with the Bible might wonder if perhaps all of these recent close calls with asteroids are warnings from God. When I consider all of the pertinent facts, I cannot help but think of the words of Jesus in John 8:7 when He said, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone…"

Warnings Of Earthquakes To Come!

For those who study the Scriptures, we know that earthquakes will play a pivotal role in the end times scenario. In Luke 21:11 Jesus warns, "And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." These earthquakes will continue to grow in intensity and severity even up to the return of our Saviour. In fact, the book of Revelation warns of an earthquake that is coming which will be unlike any earthquake ever experienced by mankind prior to this event. In Revelation 16:18-22, we read, "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found." This earthquake which is spoken of in these Scriptures will be so severe that entire cities will fall, islands will disappear, and entire mountains will collapse.

In recent weeks, numerous reports have surfaced indicating that horrific earthquakes will occur at some point in the future. It is not a question of if these quakes will occur, but rather, when they will occur. One such report was issued by the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission. According to experts, it is only a matter of time before a devastating quake strikes the Pacific Northwest area of the United States, known as the Cascadia Subduction Zone. When this occurs they predict that coastal towns will be flooded, buildings and bridges will collapse, and over ten thousand people will die. A mega-quake last struck this region of the world in the year 1700, which according to experts, means a similar quake is due at any time. "This earthquake will hit us again. It's just a matter of how soon," declared Kent Zu, chairman of the commission responsible for the report. (17) The report also prompted Maree Wacker, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Oregon, to declare, "Oregonians as individuals are underprepared." (18)

Meanwhile, a Japanese government panel has warned that a devastating earthquake is likely to strike the island of Japan "in the not too distant future." If such a quake should strike the Nankai Trough region of Japan, experts estimate that 27.1 million people will suffer power outages, 34.4 million will be without water, and as many as 323,000 people could perish. They also believe that such a quake would cause 2.2 billion dollars in damages. (19)

Another area of concern is the Alpine Fault in New Zealand. Researcher Carolyn Boulton of the University of Canterbury has warned that the next time an earthquake occurs in that area, the energy produced will be so intense that it will melt rocks. The last major quake to strike this fault line occurred in 1717. Reports indicate that a major earthquake in the region has a 30 percent likelihood of occurring over the next fifty years. (20)

It is remarkable how similar these warnings from the geological profession sound to those in the Scriptures in the book of Revelation. It is these experts who predict that such quakes will decimate entire cities, and produce energy with enough intensity to melt rocks. If a major earthquake is capable of melting rocks, that could explain the method by which entire mountains disappear. Needless to say, it is imperative that the followers of Jesus Christ continue to watch and pray as we see the Scriptures continually fulfilled.

The Works Of The Flesh Manifested!

In the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Galatians, we find the following warning in chapter 5, verses 19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Sadly, these traits described by Paul have become increasingly common in today's society, insomuch that they characterize what has become the standard modus operandi for mankind.

The proliferation of the aforementioned traits in today's men and women is due in part to the indoctrination they have received in the halls of public and higher education. For example, it recently came to light that a curriculum plan in schools across the state of Texas features a lesson in which sixth grade students are instructed to design a flag for a new socialist or communist nation. The instructions from the lesson are as follows: "Notice socialist/communist nations use symbolism on their flags representing various aspects of their economic system. Imagine that a new socialist nation is creating a flag and you have been put in charge of creating a flag. Use symbolism to represent aspects of socialism/communism on your flag. What kind of symbolism/colors would you use?" (21)

Meanwhile, a student at Florida Atlantic University was suspended after he complained to the faculty board regarding an exercise he and his fellow students were instructed to perform by their professor, Dr. Deandre Poole. Dr. Poole reportedly instructed each student in his class to take a sheet of paper, write the name of "Jesus" on it, throw it to the floor, and stomp on it. (22) "Anytime you stomp on something it shows that you believe that something has no value. So if you were to stomp on the word Jesus, it says that word has no value," stated the student who refused to participate. (23) In response to the controversy, school officials released the following statement, "Faculty and students at academic institutions pursue knowledge and engage in open discourse. While at times the topics discussed may be sensitive, a university environment is a venue for such dialogue and debate." (24)

Schools in today's permissive society have also become a hotbed for licentious behavior, which is a problem that has come to the forefront of the attention of city officials in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to a report from December 2012, sexually transmitted diseases have become so widespread at Philadelphia schools that officials have opted to place dispensers filled with condoms in 22 of their facilities. "The reality is: many of our teenagers, regardless of what adults think, are engaged in sexual activities. Discussion about whether or not they should be sexually active is an appropriate discussion, but if they are, then we need to make sure they're engaged in safe sexual practices," declared Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. (25) A staggering 25 percent of all new HIV infections in Philadelphia affect teenagers. (26)

Numerous colleges around the United States are now setting aside a special week each year dedicated to various perversions. In March 2013 it was announced that the University of Tennessee was planning to hold its first ever "Sex Week" in April. The thirty events planned for the gathering include topics such as "Getting Laid," "How to Talk to Your Parents About Sex," and "Loud and Queer." (27) An infamous lesbian author, Sinclair Sexsmith, is scheduled to deliver a lecture entitled "Messing Around With Gender." (28) Regarding the gathering, University of Tennessee spokeswoman Karen Simsen issued the following statement, "We would ask people to take a broader look at the content and really see that there's great teaching value, there's great education value, there's great engagement value for our students." (29) The original plans called for the gathering to be partially funded by state tax dollars. However, after much public outcry, it was announced that state funding in the amount of $11,145 would be pulled from the program. (30) The Ivy League Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, also held a Sex Week in March 2013, which featured such courses as "Fornication 101" and others that are too filthy to even mention in this newsletter. (31) A similar event was held at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. (32)

Perpetual Chatter Of Wars And Rumors Of Wars!

In these unstable times, there is a perpetual chatter regarding wars and rumors of wars. In recent weeks, North Korea has intensified its rhetoric against the United States and South Korea amid the adoption of new sanctions against them by the United Nations. The sanctions, which were implemented in response to a nuclear weapons test performed by North Korea, prompted a spokesman of North Korea's Foreign Ministry to declare that the nation has a right to initiate "a preemptive nuclear attack to destroy the strongholds of the aggressors." (33) North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has reportedly told his troops to prepare for "all-out war." (34) The United States government seems to be taking the threats from North Korea seriously despite a long history of rhetoric with very little action. Addressing members of the Senate, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, James R. Clapper, declared the following: "Although we assess with low confidence that the North would only attempt to use nuclear weapons against U.S. forces or allies to preserve the Kim regime, we do not know what would constitute, from the North's perspective, crossing that threshold." (35) In a new development, North Korea announced it would cancel all nonaggression pacts with the South, stating that their nation "abrogates all agreements on nonaggression reached between the North and the South … [and] also notifies the South side that it will immediately cut off the North-South hotline." (36) Conversely, North Korea has formed a new alliance with Iran regarding the development of nuclear technology. Speaking of the new agreement, Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei declared, "The Islamic Republic of Iran and North Korea have common enemies since the arrogant powers can't bear independent governments." (37)

The nation of Iran has not only reached an agreement with North Korea, but it is also providing vital assistance to Bashar Al-Assad's regime in Syria. The current civil war in Syria has now raged for over two years, and more than 70,000 people have lost their lives. Speaking of the support from Iran, an unnamed Western diplomat was quoted as saying, "The Iranians really are supporting massively the [Syrian] regime. They have been increasing their support for the last three, four months through Iraq's airspace and now trucks. And the Iraqis really are looking the other way." (38) A news report from March 2013 makes the claim that Iran and the terrorist group known as Hezbollah have provided Assad's regime with 50,000 troops, a number they plan to increase to 100,000. (39) Meanwhile, claims have surfaced that Bashar Al-Assad has used chemical weapons against the people of Syria. The accusations have prompted Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham to call on Barack Obama to intervene in Syria. "President Obama has said that the use of weapons of mass destruction by Bashar Assad is a 'red line' for him that 'will have consequences.' If today's reports are substantiated, the President's red line has been crossed, and we would urge him to take immediate action to impose the consequences he has promised," declared the senators in a joint statement. (40) In a separate statement, Senator Graham was quoted as saying, "I don't care what it takes. If the choice is to send in troops to secure weapons sites versus allowing chemical weapons to get in the hands of some of the most violent people in the world, I vote to cut this off before it becomes a problem." (41)

Incendiary statements have also been issued regarding a potential war between Israel and Iran. Alireza Forghani, a former governor of the Kish province in Iran, has authored an article in which he calls for the destruction of Israel. "There remains no excuse for not [waging] a total multipartite attack on Israeli soil, with hopes of completely eradicating Israel from the planet. (Allah Willing.) Attacking and completely eradicating Israel from the planet is the only solution to this problem. If this problem isn't resolved with this golden opportunity, it is not known when there may be another," Forghani wrote. Another portion of the article declares, "World War III will erupt… and that game will have no winners. Both sides will lose, because some countries on both sides have nuclear weapons." (42) American President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both issued recent statements declaring that it would take Iran about a year to build a nuclear weapon. (43) Will there soon be a war between Israel and Iran? Only God knows for certain; however, we must continue to watch and pray as these rumors of war continue to abound in these days of so much potential strife and turmoil.

In closing, I urge every reader of this newsletter to hold fast to the truth which can only be found in Jesus Christ. For as Jesus tells us in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." It is only through the perfect truth of our Lord and Saviour that we can overcome the spirit of error now so common in this world. It is my hope that what was written on these pages will not discourage you, but invigorate your faith and strengthen your resolve to continue watching and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ. Thank you to all who support this ministry. We appreciate each and every one of you and are thankful to God for this opportunity He has given us to serve you. If you have any prayer requests, please do not hesitate to send them our way. Each prayer request is always given individual attention. Grace and peace be unto you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Samuel David Meyer

Acknowledgements
01. The Guardian, September 4, 2012, By Glenn Greenwald, http://theguardian.co.uk.
02. Politico, August 22, 2012, By Patrick Gavin, http://politico.com.
03. The New York Times, July 15, 2012, By Jeremy W. Peters, http://nytimes.com.
04. New York Post, March 3, 2013, By Maureen Callahan, http://nypost.com.
05. Ibid.
06. Gallup, July 10, 2012, By Lymari Morales, http://gallup.com.
07. Killing Hope: US Military and CIA Interventions Since World War II, By William Blum, Page 132.
08. Space.com, March 11, 2013, By Space.com, http://space.com.
09. Ibid.
10. IOL Scitech, March 13, 2013, By Yolisa Tswanya, http://iol.co.za.
11. WCNC News, March 17, 2013, By WCNC News, Cleveland County, North Carolina.
12. Space.com, March 1, 2013, By Mike Wall, http://space.com.
13. Ibid.
14. Space.com, March 19, 2013, By Miriam Kramer, http://space.com.
15. Reuters News Service, March 20, 2013, By Irene Klotz, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
16. Space.com, March 11, 2013, By Space.com, http://space.com.
17. Associated Press, March 14, 2013, By Lauren Gambino, Salem, Oregon.
18. Ibid.
19. The Japan Daily Press, March 19, 2013, By Ida Torres, http://japandailypress.com.
20. Fairfax NZ News, March 15, 2013, By Michael Wright, http://stuff.co.nz.
21. The Blaze, February 4, 2013, By Jason Howerton, http://theblaze.com.
22. The Daily Caller, March 21, 2013, By Eric Owens, http://dailycaller.com.
23. The Blaze, March 21, 2013, By Billy Hallowell, http://theblaze.com.
24. Ibid.
25. The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 24, 2012, By Kristen A. Graham, http://philly.com.
26. Ibid.
27. Fox News, March 14, 2013, By Todd Starnes, http://foxnews.com.
28. Ibid.
29. Ibid.
30. New York Daily News, March 21, 2013, By Victoria Taylor, http://nydailynews.com.
31. World Net Daily, March 14, 2013, By Garth Kant, http://wnd.com.
32. Ibid.
33. Associated Press, March 7, 2013, By Hyung-Jin Kim and Edith M. Lederer, Seoul, South Korea.
34. The Daily Mail, March 8, 2013, By Mail Foreign Service, http://dailymail.co.uk.
35. Associated Press, March 12, 2013, By Lara Jakes and Donna Cassata, Washington D.C.
36. Los Angeles Times, March 8, 2013, By Jung-yoon Choi, http://latimes.com.
37. The Wall Street Journal, March 8, 2013, By Jay Solomon, http://wsj.com.
38. Reuters News Service, March 14, 2013, By Louis Charbonneau, United Nations.
39. The Guardian, March 14, 2013, By Julian Borger, Herzliya, Israel.
40. ABC News, March 20, 2013, By Dana Hughes, Washington D.C.
41. Ibid.
42. The Washington Free Beacon, March 8, 2013, By Adam Kredo, http://freebeacon.com.
43. Reuters News Service, March 20, 2013, By Reuters News Service, Jerusalem, Israel.

Special Note: A new tribute website for Pastor David J. Meyer can now be accessed at http://pastormeyer.org.


Source: http://lasttrumpetnewsletter.org/2013/04_13.html
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