Volume XXXVIII Issue I January 2019
Last Trumpet Ministries, PO Box 806, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Phone: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org
"Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."
Psalm 90:1-4
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."
Hebrews 13:8
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
I John 4:18
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
II Timothy 1:7
In this issue of the Last Trumpet Newsletter, we will examine the events of our time even as a new year brings with it much confusion and uncertainty. News reports as of late have taken on an apocalyptic tone. With conflict in the Middle East, tensions with Russia, a trade war with China, turmoil in Washington, D.C., and an American stock market roiled by instability, many people are suffering from anxiety and a fear of the unknown.
The stock market in the United States performed poorly in December 2018 with reports indicating that it will be the worst December for market trading since 1931 during the Great Depression. (1) The mainstream media is now filled with quotes from experts speculating on the uncertain future. Some of these reports are markedly glummer than others. Such as a headline from CNBC published on December 19, 2018, which states, "As fear rises on Wall Street, strategists warn the worst is yet to come." (2) Conversely, an article published by USA Today on December 23, 2018, claims that the economy is still strong despite the performance of the stock market and suggests that it is "highly unlikely" that there will be a recession in 2019. (3) Another December 2018 CNBC report suggests that one of the causes of the falling stock market is the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. (4) However, American President Donald Trump has blamed the Federal Reserve for the stock market slump, due to a rise in interest rates throughout the year of 2018. "The only problem our economy has is the Fed," Trump wrote on December 24, 2018, in reference to the Federal Reserve. He further wrote, "They don't have a feel for the market, they don't understand necessary trade wars or strong dollars or even Democrat shutdowns over borders. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who can't score because he has no touch - he can't putt!" (5)
According to an article published by Bloomberg News, United States Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held conference calls with financial regulators in late December 2018 and was assured that nothing is "out of ordinary" in the United States trading markets. Secretary Mnuchin also contacted the chief executive officers at six of the largest banks in the country and was persuaded that they were all on solid footing. (6) Ironically, Mnuchin's inquiries caused more jitters amongst stock traders, which prompted a flood of complaints. "Nothing says 'don't panic' like saying, 'I'm calling the plunge protection team tomorrow. That's the type of event that's going to startle markets and create more panic and fear when it's meant to create confidence," said Michael O'Rourke, who is chief market strategist at JonesTrading. (7) Similarly, Ian Bremmer, who is president of the Eurasia Group, was quoted as saying, "The Secretary of Treasury calling the nation's top bankers on a Sunday to confirm they have cash to lend. Not exactly confidence-inspiring." (8)
When it comes to topics such as the stock market, there is certainly a lot of chatter, but in reality, it is obvious that no one on earth knows for certain what the future may hold. Thankfully, we know the One who knows the end from the beginning, and He is never confused. Our God neither slumbers nor sleeps, and He is from everlasting to everlasting. Psalm 90:1-2 declares, "Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God." Whether there is an economic downturn or meltdown, recession, or depression, we serve a God who knows all things and He has promised that He will never abandon us. For peace and reassurance in times of uncertainty, we need look no further than to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who as it tells us in Hebrews 13:8, is "… the same yesterday, and today, and forever." If you have not repented of your sins and dedicated your life to God, I urge you to do so now.
The Government Shuts Down Again
There was a time when it was a rare thing for the United States government to shut down. Prior to 2018, there had not been a government shutdown since 2013. Prior to 2013, there had not been a government shutdown since December 15, 1995, through January 6, 1996. (9) Yet, even as I write this newsletter, the United States is in the throes of a partial government shutdown, which is the third shutdown of 2018. This shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, came about because President Trump and the Democrats in the Senate could not reach an agreement over the procurement of funding to build a wall along the country's southern border with Mexico. Trump, for his part, is demanding five billion dollars in government funding, which would be used to install about 215 miles of barrier along the border. (10) On December 25, 2018, Trump pledged to keep the government closed until funding for a wall or a fence is delivered. "I can't tell you when the government is going to be open. I can tell you it's not going to be open until we have a wall, a fence, whatever they want to call it," Trump insisted. (11)
Government shutdowns can sometimes end very suddenly. For example, the shutdown of February 9, 2018, only lasted nine hours. (12) It is possible that the current shutdown might be over by the time you read this newsletter. Nevertheless, it is evident that the United States government of today is highly dysfunctional. It is also evident that there is a very large segment of the American population that desperately wants to see a southern border wall built. As of this writing, donations to fund the wall totaling over 17 million dollars, have been collected from private citizens over the course of nine days. (13)
In perhaps the strangest twist of all, even as Washington stalls over its present impasse, the Trump Administration has pledged to give 5.8 billion dollars to Mexico and certain regions of Central America, which is nearly the same amount that is being sought for wall funding. This money is being distributed with the hopes that it will improve living conditions in these areas and thus make it less likely for people from Mexico and Central America to attempt to migrate to the United States. Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Marcelo Ebrard was ecstatic to learn of this development, stating that it is "good news, very good news for Mexico." (14) Newly elected Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is also thrilled with the news and was quoted as saying, "I have a dream that I want to see become a reality - that nobody will want to go to work in the U.S. anymore." (15)
Rumors Of War
These days, almost nothing happens in Washington, D.C., without controversy. On December 20, 2018, General James Mattis, who has served as the United States Secretary of Defense over the course of the last two years, abruptly resigned from office, becoming the latest in a long line of cabinet members who have either resigned or have been fired by President Trump. In his resignation letter, General Mattis seems to suggest that President Trump is not taking the threats from Russia and China seriously enough. "I believe we must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours. It is clear that China and Russia, for example, want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model - gaining veto authority over other nations' economic, diplomatic, and security decisions - to promote their own interests at the expense of their neighbors, America and our allies," Mattis wrote in his letter. (16)
After the news of Mattis' resignation broke, various news sources published dire stories suggesting that the outgoing Secretary of Defense was the only force in Washington, D.C., keeping President Trump in check and preventing global chaos. "Shaken, Saddened, Scared: Washington Erupts over Mattis resignation," declares a headline from CNN. (17) The article cited Republican Senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, who wrote on Twitter, "Just read Gen. Mattis resignation letter. It makes it abundantly clear that we are headed towards a series of grave policy errors which will endanger our nation, damage our alliances and empower our adversaries." (18) In like manner, Ohio Governor John Kasich wrote, "This chaos is putting America in danger and must stop immediately." (19) Senator Mark Warner, who is a Democrat from Virginia, also weighed in, writing, "This is scary. Secretary Mattis has been an island of stability amidst the chaos of the Trump administration." (20)
General Mattis made his decision to depart after Trump announced plans to remove all American troops from Syria and to greatly reduce the American military presence in Afghanistan. (21) This decision has been maligned by many politicians and world leaders. One rare exception is Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, who during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" said, "I'm very proud of the president. This is exactly what he promised. And I think the people agree with him actually. I think people believe we've been at war too long in too many places, and we do need to turn attention to problems we have at home here: roads, bridges, schools." (22)
Assuming Trump follows through with his plan, the troops will no doubt be happy to be home. Yet, we have to consider that one of the factors in Trump's decision might be that American soldiers may be needed elsewhere. Russia has ramped up its rhetoric in recent months, and there are indicators that Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, may be putting his country in a war posture. With the possibility of a nuclear arms treaty between Russia and the United States collapsing, Russia has made plans to reopen a military base in Cuba, which would place Russian weapons, possibly even nuclear warheads, within close striking distance of the United States. The plans calls to mind the Cuban Missile Crisis, which created great tension during the presidency of John F. Kennedy. The crisis, which took place in October 1962, occurred after the United States deployed ballistic missiles in Italy and Turkey, and Russia deployed such missiles in Cuba. (23) It is considered the closest the United States and Russia ever came to starting a nuclear war.
Further increasing tension, Russia sent two nuclear-capable fighter jets to Venezuela in December 2018. It is unknown if this pair of Tu-160 bombers were armed with weapons, but it does show a willingness from Russia to establish a military presence closer to the United States. Venezuela's defense minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, insisted that there is no reason to be alarmed, claiming, "We are makers of peace, not war." (24) United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lambasted the maneuver, stating, "Russia's government has sent bombers halfway around the world to Venezuela. The Russian and Venezuelan people should see this for what it is: two corrupt governments squandering public funds, and squelching liberty and freedom while their people suffer." (25)
Vladimir Putin, for his part, suggested that the threat of nuclear war is a very real possibility if arms treaties are not renewed with the United States. "It could lead to the destruction of civilization as a whole and maybe even our planet," Putin said. He further stated, "We are witnessing the breakup of the arms control system." (26)
Meanwhile, the United States is already at war with China, but it is a different kind of war, and it is seldom addressed by politicians and world leaders. It is a war fought with computer hacking and cyber espionage. China has been using these tactics to steal information from the American government as well as the private sector for years, and now Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI, Bill Priestap, is sounding the alarm. "Our prosperity and place in the world are at risk," Priestap opined. He further went on to say, "I believe this is the most severe counterintelligence threat facing our country today. Every rock we turn over, every time we look for it, it's not only there, it's worse than we anticipated." (27) Priestap also expressed his amazement at the lack of concern regarding this crisis. "On the one hand, I was amazed at some of those business leaders' understanding of the way the threat is working today. On the other hand, with different business leaders, I was amazed at the lack of understanding of the gravity, capabilities [and] methodologies of China," Priestap lamented. (28) It was revealed in December 2018 that hackers sponsored by the Chinese government had been pilfering information from the Marriott hotel chain over the course of the last four years. The hackers were able to steal information such as customer names, phone numbers, passport numbers, and credit card details, and the breach reportedly affected 500 million customers. The Marriott chain was likely targeted by China because it is frequently used by the United States government and military. (29)
Amazingly enough, a report issued by the National Defense Strategy Commission in November 2018 claims that the United States military has been greatly weakened over the years and is not adequately prepared for a significant war. The report suggests that the United States could even lose a war with Russia and/or China. (30) "U.S. military superiority is no longer assured and the implications for American interests and American security are severe," the report said. It further went on to say, "The U.S. military could suffer unacceptably high casualties and loss of major capital assets in its next conflict." (31)
Is the world really in as bad of a situation as the media portrays? How close are we to devastating wars breaking out? I do not know, but I do know that Jesus Christ said there would be "wars and rumors of wars" in the days leading up to His return. Without a doubt, people are on edge and filled with fear. An article published by The Guardian on December 23, 2018, quotes Alexandra Bell who is a senior policy director at the Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. In this quote Bell states, "The world must also come to grips with the fact that we have placed an inordinate amount of faith in the ability of individual leaders to behave rationally. By choice or miscalculation, President Trump and President Putin could end the world today and there's little any of us could do to stop them." (32) Thankfully, we know the remedy for this fear. In II Timothy 1:7 we are reminded by the Apostle Paul, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." In like manner, we are instructed in I John 4:18, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Genetically Edited Babies
In today's highly advanced world, we hear of astonishing new technological feats on a regular basis. With each story we might be left wondering, "What will they do next?" The answer, evidently, is genetically altered human babies. On November 25, 2018, a Chinese scientist by the name of He Jiankui shocked the world when he announced for the very first time that babies who grew from edited embryos had been born. "Two beautiful little Chinese girls, Lulu and Nana, came crying into the world as healthy as any other babies a few weeks ago," He joyously announced in a promotional video. (33) The scientist used a gene editing tool known as CRISPR-cas9 to modify the embryos and suppress a gene known as CCR5. The CCR5 gene is known to be the one that allows the HIV virus to infect human beings. (34)
As news of this story broke, scientists expressed dismay over what they characterized as a dangerous and untested experiment. It is especially concerning because the ultimate effects of the edits that took place are unknown, and if the two baby girls one day grow up and have children of their own, their offspring would also carry the modified gene. "Unconscionable… an experiment on human beings that is not morally or ethically defensible," said Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a specialist in gene editing at the University of Pennsylvania. (35) Dr. Eric Topol of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California is also displeased. "This is far too premature. We're dealing with the operating instructions of a human being," Topal said. (36) The scientist who is responsible, however, defended his work. "I feel a strong responsibility that it's not just to make a first, but also make it an example. Society will decide what to do next," He Jianku said. He was also quoted as saying, "I believe this is going to help the families and their children." (37)
Although producing genetically altered babies is illegal in the United States, at least one scientist believes similar experiments are being carried out behind closed doors. "It's hard to imagine this was the only group in the world doing this. Some might say they broke the ice. Will others forge ahead and go public with their results or stop what they're doing and see how this plays out?" wondered Paul Knoepfler, a researcher at the University of California-Davis. (38)
If the world exists for another century, and there is no guarantee that it will, this experiment may one day be looked back on as a moment that altered the course of human history forever. The ultimate consequences are unknown, but there is a very real possibility that genetically altered human beings may someday become common. How far will this go? If they are doing this today, will they also someday decide to clone human beings? Scientists playing god is certainly dangerous, and we know from Scripture that when a society becomes advanced and unrestrained, God sometimes intervenes. Such was the case during the time of the ancient Tower of Babel when mankind was united in purpose and defiant against God. Genesis 11:6-8 tells us, "And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city." Thus we see that it is God who is sovereign, and He will decide how far humanity will proceed before everything comes to a screeching halt.
The End Is Near?
As a young boy, I would spend a great deal of time listening to my father, Pastor David J. Meyer, speak and preach. He preached for forty years, and in many of his sermons he emphasized the last days of humanity. In the issues of the Last Trumpet Newsletter that he wrote, the signs of the times were frequently highlighted. Unsurprisingly, he was on the receiving end of much criticism for teaching that we are growing closer to the return of our Saviour and the end of time. Yet, as I have demonstrated in this issue of the newsletter, it is now the liberals, the progressives, the politicians, and the scientists who are claiming that the world could end soon. Some believe that the world could end because Donald Trump is President of the United States, and even more believe that the world could end soon because of climate change.
Climate change is spoken of so often on the news that it is nearly impossible to keep up with every story. The fear and panic regarding the impending demise of humanity, however, is ever before our eyes. On November 19, 2018, The New York Times published an article with the headline, "Like a Terror Movie: How Climate Change Will Cause More Simultaneous Disasters." (39) Notice how this headline uses the word "will" instead of "may," thus insisting that these predictions are a forgone conclusion. The article cites a report from Camilo Mora at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which insists the world will increasingly suffer from "heat waves, wildfires, sea level rise, hurricanes, flooding, drought, and shortages of clean water." Mora describes the future of planet earth "like a terror movie that is real." (40) Interestingly enough, the calamity these scientists describe actually sounds like the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. In Revelation 16:8-9 we are told that during the end times an angel will be given the power "to scorch men with fire." We are also told in these verses that "men were scorched with great heat." In Luke 21:25-28, Jesus describes the end scenario and tells us, "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
In December 2018, an annual meeting of world leaders was held to discuss climate change. This year, the gathering was held in Katowice, Poland. According to reports, an agreement was reached by two hundred nations of the world to take steps to curb climate change. As always, this group of elitists insisted that humanity must make drastic changes to alter the world's course. "We will all have to give in order to gain. We will all have to be courageous to look into the future and make yet another step for the sake of humanity," said Polish official Michal Kurtyka. (41) However, instituting global carbon taxes, forcing people to abandon fossil fuels, and limiting family sizes, which are all things that have been suggested by environmentalists, are not going to save this planet. Thankfully, we know that Jesus can save us, and He promises in Matthew 24:13, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Additionally, we are promised by Jesus in Matthew 28:20, "…Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
In closing, I thank you all for your continued support of this ministry. 2018 was an eventful year, and we fully anticipate that 2019 will be as well. It is my hope and prayer that God will bless and strengthen you throughout this new year. If you have any need of prayer, please let us know. We take prayer seriously, and our team of intercessors always gives each prayer request individual attention. Grace and peace be unto you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Samuel David Meyer
This newsletter is made possible by the kind donations of our supporters. If you would like to help us, you may send your contribution to our postal address or donate online at http://lasttrumpetnewsletter.org/donate.
Acknowledgements
01. CNBC, December 19, 2018, By Patti Domm, http://cnbc.com.
02. Ibid.
03. USA Today, December 23, 2018, By Paul Davidson, http://usatoday.com.
04. CNBC, December 5, 2018, By Kevin O'Leary, http://cnbc.com.
05. The Wall Street Journal, December 24, 2018, By Vivian Salama and Paul Kiernan, http://wsj.com.
06. Bloomberg News, December 24, 2018, By Benjamin Bain, Andrew Mayeda, and Margaret Talev, http://bloomberg.com.
07. Los Angeles Times, December 24, 2018, By Bloomberg, http://latimes.com.
08. Ibid.
09. Fox News, February 9, 2018, By Jennifer Earl, http://foxnews.com.
10. Dallas News, December 21, 2018, By Todd J. Gillman, http://dallasnews.com.
11. Fox News, December 25, 2018, By Greg Norman, http://foxnews.com.
12. Fox News, February 9, 2018, By Jennifer Earl, http://foxnews.com.
13. Gofundme, http://gofundme.com.
14. Newsweek, December 18, 2018, By Chantal Da Silva, http://newsweek.com.
15. Ibid.
16. The Office of the Secretary of Defense, December 20, 2018, By General Jim Mattis.
17. CNN, December 21, 2018, By Nicole Gaouette, http://cnn.com.
18. Ibid.
19. Ibid.
20. Ibid.
21. CNN, December 21, 2018, By Stephen Collinson, http://cnn.com.
22. The Washington Times, December 23, 2018, By Valerie Richardson, http://washingtontimes.com.
23. The Daily Star, November 20, 2018, By Joshua Nevett, http://dailystar.co.uk.
24. Fox News, December 11, 2018, By Lukas Mikelionis, http://foxnews.com.
25. Ibid.
26. Associated Press, December 20, 2018, By Vladimir Isachenkov, http://miamiherald.com.
27. The Wall Street Journal, December 12, 2018, By Dustin Volz and Aruna Viswanatha, http://wsj.com.
28. ABC News, December 12, 2018, By Mike Levin and Lee Ferran, http://abcnews.go.com.
29. Business Insider, December 12, 2018, By Alexandra Ma, http://businessinsider.com.
30. NBC News, November 14, 2018, By Alex Johnson, http://nbcnews.com.
31. Ibid.
32. The Guardian, December 23, 2018, By Julian Borger, http://theguardian.com.
33. Wired Magazine, November 27, 2018, By Megan Moteni, http://wired.com.
34. Associated Press, November 25, 2018, By Marilynn Marchione, http://ap.org.
35. Ibid.
36. Ibid.
37. Ibid.
38. Wired Magazine, November 27, 2018, By Megan Moteni, http://wired.com.
39. The New York Times, November 19, 2018, By John Schwartz, http://nytimes.com.
40. Ibid.
41. The Times of Israel, December 16, 2018, By Frank Jordans, http://timesofisrael.com.
To learn more about the history of our ministry and our founder, Pastor David J. Meyer, please visit 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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