Volume 42 Issue Three March 2023
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
Evil Influence In Our World
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
I Peter 5:8-9
In these modern times, it is not uncommon to hear of influencers. This term refers to people on social media websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube, who have gained large followings. These influencers are often hired by companies to peddle an assortment of products, and people with a knack for such things are known to sway the public and capture the imagination of the masses. However, the oldest influencer alive today has been around long before social media came into existence. The Bible calls him Satan, and he has been wreaking havoc on the world since the early days of mankind.
It was this influential adversary who convinced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, and she then used her own power of persuasion to convince Adam to partake, too. Satan, who is also known as the devil, influenced many events recorded in the Scriptures. The devil inspired Pharoah in Egypt to slaughter innocent babies. He inspired the Israelites to be drawn away from the one true God and instead serve idols and false deities. He inspired King Ahab and Queen Jezebel to lead the Israelites astray in the days of Elijah the prophet, and it was his influence that eventually caused Judah to be carried off into Babylon. It was this influencer who swayed Herod to slaughter innocent baby boys after Jesus Christ was born, and it was he who enticed Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus, the chief priests to demand the arrest of our Saviour, and the angry crowd to shout “Crucify Him” at Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate. The book of Job depicts Satan as walking “to and fro in the earth” and “walking up and down in it.” Peter warns in I Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” This wily adversary is still at work today, and at this dark point in human history, his influence is growing. You don’t need to look far to see the devil’s imprint on the world.
The Devil’s Work
There has long been a great concern among Christian people regarding satanic influence in our world. As students of the Bible, we understand that the dark forces of the devil are nothing to be trifled with or taken lightly. Yet, popular culture seems content to embrace the things of Satan. Such was the case in February 2023 when musicians and celebrities gathered in Los Angeles, California, for the Grammy Awards. At this event, openly homosexual singer Sam Smith donned a garish red devil suit, complete with horns, and gyrated around the stage while dancers surrounded and worshiped him. He performed his hit song “Unholy” alongside transgender artist Kim Petras. (1) In the hours leading up to the performance, Smith posted on the social media website known as Twitter, stating, “This is going to be SPECIAL.” The official CBS Twitter account then responded to the tweet saying, “You can say that again. We are ready to worship!” (2) Thus, an official social media account for a major television network openly admitted in public that they were ready to participate in satanic worship. The tweet was later deleted, but not before other news outlets took note of it. (3)
While some conservative voices expressed their criticism of the satanic performance, liberal news outlets reported on the outrage in a condescending manner, suggesting that those who were unhappy with the ritual were being unreasonable. For example, The Daily Beast published a story with the headline “Right-wingers Melt Down Over ‘Satanic’ Pfizer-sponsored Grammys.” (4) In a similar fashion, an article published by Forbes referred to the outrage over the performance as “paranoid delusions of Satanic Panic.” (5) Thus, these news outlets are mocking those who would rather not see Satan glorified on national television. Is it any wonder that our country is in so much trouble?
Without a doubt, Satanists are becoming more active and vocal. In recent years, a fast-growing religion known as The Satanic Temple has been making headlines as they try to disrupt lives and make things difficult for Christians. The group was even granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service in April 2019, according to a report by Rolling Stone Magazine. (6) In December 2022, the brash adherents of Satanism placed a holiday display at the Ilinois capitol building alongside a nativity scene and a Jewish menorah. The display featured a crocheted snake sitting on top of a book and a pile of apples. (7) “Every year we do a holiday display and a show of unity and religious pluralism within the state Capitol rotunda. And this year, we wanted to focus on the book bans that people have been trying to do all over the country,” the group’s representative said. (8)
The Satanic Temple is unabashedly targeting children. In February 2023 the group held its first meeting of the After School Satan Club at the B.M. Williams Primary School in Chesapeake, Virginia. “We hope that tonight’s meeting is a joyful, enriching experience for the children,” said June Everett, the director of the Satanic club. She further went on to say, “There’s often a misconception about our religious beliefs and practices, but we will not accept discrimination by government officials. Public schools everywhere are on notice that we will vigorously defend The Satanic Temple’s rights and the rights of children and families who want to participate in the After School Satan Club.” (9)
It should be noted that while The Satanic Temple claims they do not believe that Satan is literally real, they do present him as a folk hero that they refer to as an “eternal rebel.” “We are non-theistic. I understand the apprehension behind the satanic name, but he is just an imaginary figure that we look to because he is the eternal rebel that fought for justice and humanity,” one of the group’s members declared. (10) The devil doesn’t care if you believe he is literally real. His main goal is to sow disbelief and rebellion against God because he wants to take as many people to hell with him as he possibly can. Jesus called him a murderer and the father of lies. Our Saviour also informed us that Satan has children. In John 8:44, Jesus told his opponents, “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.” While Christians are required to worship God in “spirit and in truth” according to John 4:24, the devil has no such requirement for his followers.
Of course, Satan has always loved to see innocent children slaughtered. It is why he inspired both Pharoah in ancient Egypt and King Herod in the days of Jesus to slaughter male infants and young boys. It is also why ancient false deities, such as Molech, required child sacrifice. Sadly, child sacrifice is a practice that still continues to this day in its modern form known as abortion. While the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year resulted in numerous states banning the barbaric practice, members of the Satanic Temple have been hopping mad. In fact, the group openly admits that abortion is a satanic ritual. Now the group has opened a new facility in the state of New Mexico, which they are planning to use to provide chemical abortion supplies by mail to anyone seeking to end their pregnancies. The facility has been named “Sam Alito’s Mom’s Satanic Abortion Clinic,” which is a reference to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, who was instrumental in getting Roe v. Wade overturned. (11) The name of the facility implies that Justice Alito should have been aborted by his mother. In an announcement, the group said that the facility “will provide medication for safe abortions through the mail for members and for those who wish to perform TST’s abortion ritual.” Part of the ritual involves reciting a “personal affirmation” that declares, “By my body, by my blood, by my will it is done.” (12)
While left-leaning news outlets suggest that Satanists are just a harmless and eccentric group with unusual beliefs, the simple fact is that all of this satanic activity has brought a curse upon this nation. As the land is continually engulfed in a prevalent spiritual darkness, it is more important than ever before that we let the light of Jesus Christ shine through us. The words of the Apostle Paul found in II Corinthians 4:3-4 still ring true today. These verses warn, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
A Profound Shift In Values
The United States of America is experiencing a profound shift in values. This shift is reflected in the attitudes and morals of the majority of the population. Recently published research by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that of those who responded to their questionnaire only 6 percent of Americans were found to have a Biblical worldview. Conversely, 75 percent of respondents were found to be “world citizens” who hold a more secular outlook. (13) The research further shows that those who hold a Biblical worldview have dramatically different core values from those who do not. “One could easily conclude that tens of millions of the nation’s World Citizens are redefining not just the American Dream, but even what it means to be an American citizen,” said Dr. George Barna who led the research. (14)
Another study conducted by the research firm known as YouGov, shows that a growing number of Americans have non-traditional views when it comes to relationships. The study, which was published on February 21, 2023, found that only 55 percent of respondents said they prefer to have “complete monogamy” in their relationships. The researchers noted that young people are more likely to participate in non-monogamy. Only 46 percent of women and 35 percent of men under the age of 45 said they want complete monogamy. The study further reveals that one in five respondents admitted to being unfaithful to their partners. (15)
According to a report published by Deseret News in October 2021, fewer adult Americans are interested in marriage than in previous years. Of those who participated in the news outlet’s American Family Survey, 48 percent of respondents said, “Being legally married is less important than having a personal sense of commitment to your partner.” Among respondents between the ages of 18 and 29, only 51 percent disagreed with the statement “marriage is more of a burden than a benefit to families.” (16) “Among younger generations, we’re definitely seeing some important social changes. We’re seeing less attachment to marriage, and to some extent, smaller family desires,” said demographer Lyman Stone. (17)
Remarkably, a story published by Marketwatch in October 2022 reveals that only 45 percent of adult Americans are married. These statistics prompted law professor Mechele Dickerson of the University of Texas at Austin to suggest that the American people are rapidly moving away from traditional family values. “That’s just not the way American society looks anymore. It’s one thing to say that’s what we think life should be, and another thing to say what life actually is,” she said. (18)
In yet another indicator that the attitudes of the American people have dramatically changed, Representative Erin Healy, who is a Democrat from South Dakota, recently called out an advocacy group known as the Family Heritage Alliance in a post on Twitter. “Extremist group Family Heritage Alliance said this morning that the safest place for kids are in families that have a married mom and dad. What a dangerous and un-American belief,” the Congresswoman posted. (19) As it turns out, many Democrats seem to agree with Representative Healy. A study conducted by The Institute for Family Studies published in February 2023 found that only 29 percent of Democrats believe that “two biological parents married to each other” is “the best arrangement for a child to be raised.” (20)
While traditional values are on the decline, households consisting of same-sex partners continue to increase. The United States Census Bureau reported in November 2022 that there are now about 1.2 million same-sex households in the United States. Approximately 710,000 of these households have a same-sex couple that is married. (21) Every indicator suggests that the number of same-sex households will only increase in the years to come. A newly released survey conducted by Gallup found that 7.2 percent of Americans now identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. (LGBTQ) This percentage has more than doubled over the last ten years. Amongst Generation Z, which consists of those born between 1997 and 2012, a full 20 percent identify as LGBTQ. (22) “I think the data is clear that LGBTQ identification is higher among the younger generations. I don’t put much stock in year-to-year increases or decreases that are within the margin of error… but over a longer period of years you’ll see a more definite trend emerge,” opined Gallup Senior Editor Jeff Jones. (23) The percentage of people who identify as LGBTQ has increased with every generation since the Baby Boomers. In fact, only 2.7 percent of Baby Boomers identify as LGBTQ, (24) which is a stark difference from Generation Z. Cathy Renna, who is the communications director for the National LGBTQ Task Force, claims there is no going back now. “Who we are is rooted deeply in us and is something young people – growing up in a culture that has finally been able to tell them that they aren’t alone, that they are beautiful and perfect exactly as they are - will never back from now,” Renna declared. (25) One can only wonder what will become of Generation Alpha, the world’s youngest generation.
We are already seeing the detrimental effects of today’s secular society. A story published by The Hill on February 22, 2023, indicates that more than 60 percent of men in their 20s are single. By contrast, only about 30 percent of women in their 20s are single. Why is there such a disparity? The report posits that part of the reason there are more single young men than single young women is that many young women are dating other women. To further worsen matters, Fred Rabinowitz, who is a psychologist and professor at the University of Redlands in California, believes that many young men are viewing pornography instead of seeking out meaningful relationships with the opposite gender. (26) These trends are likely to worsen the current birth rate crisis in the United States. Over the course of the last fifteen years, the number of births in America has dropped by a whopping 20 percent. (27)
As society grows increasingly secular and moves further away from God, many young people are feeling hopeless. Sadly, a substantial number of high school students have either seriously considered suicide or have attempted it in recent years. “Nearly all indicators of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased from 2011 to 2021. The percentage of students who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, seriously considered attempting suicide, made a suicide plan, and attempted suicide increased,” states a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. According to the report, 3 percent of high school students overall attempted suicide in 2021. Among female students, 10 percent attempted to end their lives. (28) These are the tragic consequences of a generation of people who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Artificial Intelligence Is Here
If you follow the news, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about artificial intelligence, or AI, in recent weeks. In particular, a new artificial intelligence chatbot known as ChatGPT is receiving a lot of attention. This service, which was created through a partnership between Microsoft and a group called OpenAI, allows users to ask questions and even hold a conversation with the chatbot. ChatGPT has been lauded for its succinct answers and ability to interact in a seemingly natural way with humans. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has praised the new technology, even going so far as to say it will change the world. “Until now, artificial intelligence could read and write, but could not understand the content. The new programs like ChatGPT will make many office jobs more efficient by helping to write invoices or letters. This will change our world,” Gates beamed. (29)
It is startling and alarming how quickly artificial intelligence is being incorporated into everyday life. An article published by Yahoo News on January 13, 2023, boldly predicts that AI could be used to generate 90 percent of online content by the year 2025. “I think we might reach 90 percent of online content generated by AI by 2025, so this technology is exponential. I believe that the majority of digital content is going to start to be produced by AI. You see ChatGPT, but there are a whole plethora of other platforms and applications that are coming up,” said AI expert Nina Schick. (30) Whether this prediction comes true remains to be seen, but there is no denying that ChatGPT is growing in stature.
On January 25, 2023, Representative Jake Auchincloss, a Democrat from Massachusetts, read a brief speech on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. This speech was written by ChatGPT. “I’m the youngest parent in the Democratic caucus. AI is going to be part of my life and it could be a general-purpose technology for my children,” Auchincloss explained. He further went on to say, “There were probably about a dozen of my colleagues on the floor. I bet none of them knew it was written by a computer.” (31) In February 2023 an article published by the Associated Press even suggested that ChatGPT could be used by religious leaders to write sermons. (32) Another report indicates that schoolteachers are using ChatGPT to help write assignments for students. (33)
After reading about ChatGPT in the news, I decided to have a conversation with the bot myself. I asked about Last Trumpet Ministries, and this was the bot’s response: “Last Trumpet Ministries is a Christian organization that holds beliefs based on the Bible and has an end-times focus. According to their website, the organization's main message is one of repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and the soon return of Jesus. They believe that the world is currently in the ‘end times’ and that current events are fulfilling biblical prophecies. They believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They also believe that the United Nations is the ‘beast’ of the book of Revelation and that the world is moving towards a one-world government and a one-world religion. They also believe in the importance of the Gospel message and that the only way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ.” ChatGPT’s response was surprisingly accurate if not a bit eerie. This response was generated in seconds. It should be noted, however, that this artificial intelligence is not always accurate. For example, ChatGPT claimed that my father, Pastor David J. Meyer, passed away in 2014. In reality, he passed away in 2010. As it stands, artificial intelligence is poised to infiltrate many facets of the human experience. Some companies are even using artificial intelligence to decide who should be laid off from their jobs. (34) There is a very real risk that AI could become a false god that people increasingly turn to for answers in times of need.
Quite clearly, the world is undergoing massive and profound changes. There is a spiritual darkness that is spreading, and there are throngs of people who are wandering aimlessly in the world in desperate need of a Saviour. As God’s people we must hold fast to the hope we have in Jesus Christ. II Thessalonians 2:15-17 tells us, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” If you have not yet repented of your sins and dedicated your life to God, I urge you to do so now.
Thank you all for your kind support of this ministry. Please remember that we are here to pray for you and whatever needs you may have. We always give each prayer request individual attention. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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.
Acknowledgments
01. The New York Post, February 11, 2023, By Nika Shakhnazarova, http://nypost.com.
02. Fox News, February 6, 2023, By Kristine Parks, http://foxnews.com.
03. Ibid.
04. The Daily Beast, February 6, 2023, By Matt Wilstein, http://thedailybeast.com.
05. Forbes, February 10, 2023, By Dani Di Placido, http://forbes.com.
06. Rolling Stone Magazine, April 24, 2019, By EJ Dickson, http://rollingstone.com.
07. Capitol News Illinois, December 6, 2022, By Jerry Nowicki, http://capitolnewsillinois.com.
08. Ibid.
09. The Hill, February 17, 2023, By Brian Reese, http://thehill.com.
10. Ibid.
11. Fox News, February 20, 2023, By Jordan Lorence, http://foxnews.com.
12. Ibid.
13. Christian Post, February 16, 2023, By Ryan Foley, http://christianpost.com.
14. Arizona Christian University, February 14, 2023, By Tracy Munsil, http://arizonachristian.edu.
15. YouGov, February 21, 2023, By Linley Sanders, http://yougov.com.
16. Deseret News, October 12, 2021, By Lois M. Collins, http://deseret.com.
17. Ibid.
18. Marketwatch, October 9, 2022, By Zoe Han, http://marketwatch.com.
19. Fox News, February 14, 2023, By Kendall Tietz, http://foxnews.com.
20. The Washington Examiner, February 17, 2023, By Conn Carroll, http://washingtonexaminer.com.
21. U.S. Census Bureau, November 22, 2022, By Zachary Scherer, http://census.gov.
22. USA Today, February 22, 2023, By Susan Miller, http://usatoday.com.
23. Ibid.
24. Ibid.
25. Ibid.
26. The Hill, February 22, 2023, By Daniel De Vise, http://thehill.com.
27. Marketwatch, October 9, 2022, By Zoe Han, http://marketwatch.com.
28. Christian Post, February 15, 2023, By Leonardo Blair, http://christianpost.com.
29. Reuters News Service, February 10, 2023, By Rachel More, http://reuters.com.
30. Yahoo News, January 13, 2023, By Alexandra Garfinkle, http://news.yahoo.com.
31. Associated Press, January 25, 2023, By Steve LeBlanc, http://apnews.com.
32. Associated Press, February 15, 2023, By David Crary, http://apnews.com.
33. Associated Press, February 14, 2023, By Jocelyn Gecker, http://apnews.com.
34. The Washington Post, February 20, 2023, By Pranshu Verma, http://washingtonpost.com.
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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