Volume 44         Issue Ten         October 2025

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

As It Was In The Days Of Noah

 

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

 

Matthew 24:37-39

 

“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.”

 

         Genesis 6:11-12

 

April 20, 1999, is often regarded as one of the most consequential days in American history. On this fateful day, two armed students entered Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, and went on a shooting rampage that claimed the lives of twelve students and one teacher before taking their own lives. I was fifteen years old when this attack occurred, and I distinctly remember how much this horrific event stunned the entire country. Although school shootings had happened before, none had ever been as severe as Columbine, and the subsequent days were filled with grief, disbelief, and dismay as this tragic event dominated public discourse for weeks.

 

In the years that came after the horrors of Columbine, school shootings and mass shootings have become increasingly common. Such shootings now occur so regularly that people are no longer deeply shaken by them. While society used to react with deep horror when such violence occurred, many people today, though saddened by these events, quickly move on with their lives. Thus, the American people have become desensitized to violence, and school shootings have become an unpleasant but common occurrence. In fact, school shootings have become so frequent that 90 percent of schools in the United States have a written crisis plan, and 75 percent of schools regularly hold active shooter drills. (1)

 

Violence can take many forms in this modern age. For example, cities like Chicago, Illinois, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., are infamous for violent crime. Wars and conflicts, such as the current war between Ukraine and Russia, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the civil war in Sudan, also bring unimaginable violence and brutality. In the United States, the partisan divide has spurred multiple instances of political violence. Yet, whatever the form or motivation for violence, the ultimate cause is always hatred. Interestingly enough, in the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ speaks extensively about the end times and even warns in Matthew 24:10, “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Our Saviour later likens the end times to the days of Noah in verse 37 when he said, “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” What were the days of Noah like? In Genesis 6:11, we read, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” If God took note of the violence in Noah’s day, we can be certain He sees what is happening today. In Genesis, God responded to the wickedness of the time with a flood to wipe evil off the Earth. The Apostle Peter warns in his second epistle that God will send fire next time. II Peter 3:10 informs, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” However, the Scriptures go on to promise in II Peter 3:13, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Indeed, the Scriptures indicate that the world is going to grow more violent as we get closer to our Saviour’s return, and recent events show that just as the Earth was filled with violence in Noah’s day, it is filled with violence in our day, too.

 

The Love Of Many Shall Wax Cold

 

In Matthew 24:12, we are warned, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Truly, iniquity is now abounding. Consider the assassination of Brian Thompson, formerly the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. On December 4, 2024, Thompson was shot in the back by a masked assailant in Midtown Manhattan, New York. (2) Immediately after the shooting, law enforcement began an urgent manhunt for the shooter, who had managed to escape the scene of the crime. In the days that followed, it became clear that a growing number of people had sympathy not for the slain chief executive but rather for the assassin. The Washington Post took note of this trend on December 7, 2024, and quoted a post on the social media network known as X, which declared, “Anyone who helps to identify the shooter is an enemy of the people.” At the time the article was published, the post had received 110,000 likes. (3)

 

On December 9, 2024, police officers arrested a suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania. (4) Following his arrest, one female fan wrote in a note to Mangione, “Luigi, we are rooting for you! Keep your head held high and know there are thousands of people wishing you luck.” (5) Remarkably, a report from NBC News published in May 2025 indicates that the accused killer’s defense fund has received more than one million dollars in donations. (6) A poll conducted in January 2025, one month after the shooting, found that 45 percent of respondents sympathized with Mangione, while only 17 percent sympathized with Thompson. The poll also revealed that 48 percent of respondents said the shooting was “totally or somewhat justified.” (7) In a September 2025 court appearance in New York, dozens of Mangione’s supporters were on hand. One individual, who was dressed as the Bowser character from Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros., was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying, “Beyond the martyrdom of Luigi, we’re here for the greater issue of healthcare and disability justice.” He then added, “Political violence is how this country was established.” (8)

 

It is one thing to say that the American healthcare system is unfair and desperately needs reform, and quite another to justify the premeditated murder of an insurance company’s CEO. While the majority of Americans still recognize that murder is always morally wrong, the fact that thousands of people have rallied to support a killer is an indicator that the moral fiber of Western civilization is breaking down and that many people are unable to distinguish right from wrong.

 

In some cases, acts of violence are met with cold indifference. Such was the case on August 22, 2025, when Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was brutally stabbed multiple times by a man with a lengthy criminal record and a history of violence and mental illness while riding a light-rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. The senseless murder is troubling enough. Yet, I find it astonishing that when this heinous act occurred, fellow passengers on the train did not seem to react. In fact, no one came to the dying woman’s aid for a full minute and 36 seconds. Instead, surveillance footage shows that others continued to go about their business, while the perpetrator left the train at the next stop. (9)

 

It is a tragedy that could and should have been avoided. The suspect arrested for the attack, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, has multiple arrests on his record for violent crime, including armed robbery, felony larceny, and breaking and entering. He spent more than five years in prison for robbery with a dangerous weapon. Brown, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has been known to suffer hallucinations, was arrested in 2022 for violently attacking his own sister. (10) When asked why he killed Zarutska, Brown told his sister, “Because she was reading my mind.” (11) Clearly, this troubled individual should not have been out on the streets. Reports indicate that Brown’s mother had sought to have her son involuntarily committed in a psychiatric facility earlier this year, but her request was denied. “I think there are multiple failed opportunities here, in the mental health space and in the criminal justice space,” lamented Kenneth Corey, a teacher at the University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy. (12)

 

A Spate Of Political Violence

 

In recent years, political violence has become a growing problem in the United States. This violence reflects a country that is so sharply divided that it would be more accurate to call the political divide a political chasm. It is not merely a case of people on the right and left having different ideologies, but rather viewpoints that are diametrically opposed. This gaping divide calls into question the long-term stability of the United States. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ warned in Matthew 12:25, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”

 

The current President of the United States, Donald Trump, is a polarizing figure. Many adore him, many despise him, but few are indifferent. Consequently, the President, while running for office in 2024, was the target of political violence. On July 13, 2024, a would-be assassin took a shot at Trump while he spoke at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One rally attendee was wounded, another was killed, and Trump narrowly escaped alive. (13) Two months later, on September 15, 2024, an armed man lying in wait to assassinate Trump was arrested at a golf course in Florida. (14)

 

On April 13, 2025, an arsonist broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and used Molotov cocktails to start fires in the piano room and dining room. Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, and his family were forced to flee the residence. The arsonist later admitted that he was so filled with hatred that he would have beaten Governor Shapiro with a hammer if he had encountered him on the night of the attack. (15)

 

Tragedy struck again on June 14, 2025, when a masked man dressed as a police officer shot and wounded Minnesota Senator John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife. He then traveled to the home of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman, also a Democrat. The lawmaker and her husband were both fatally shot. (16) The ongoing spate of political violence prompted Michael Jensen, a researcher at the University of Maryland, to say, “What we’re witnessing right now is not the product of a single group or ideology but perhaps evidence of growing widespread civil unrest.”

 

The Assassination Of Charlie Kirk

 

Then came September 10, 2025. On this fateful day, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, as he had done many times before, sat in a tent at a university to engage his audience in dialogue and debate. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, was well-known for his views, which are often deemed controversial, especially by those who hold left-wing ideologies. On this occasion, Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of his American Comeback Tour. As three thousand people sat in attendance, and Kirk answered a question about mass shootings, a shot rang out. Kirk died after being struck in the neck by a single bullet. (17)

 

The shooter was later alleged to be 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. When asked by his parents why he shot Kirk, Robinson replied, “There is too much evil and the guy spreads too much hate.” Robinson also confessed to his roommate, stating, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out.” (18) This rationale reveals a warped sense of right and wrong. What could be more hateful than cold-blooded murder?

 

Charlie Kirk engaged in discussion and debate, and he was very skilled at what he did. While his words may have angered and offended some people, no one deserves to die for the words they speak. If this were socially acceptable, any one of us could be next. The founders of the United States understood that free speech is a fundamental right, which is why it is enshrined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Mr. Kirk once said, “When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence. That’s when civil war happens, because you start to think the other side is so evil, and they lose their humanity.” (19) Thus, we find ourselves at a dangerous inflection point in American history. As the old adage goes, “Violence begets violence.” If recent history is any indication, there is a very real risk that the United States will face even more turmoil in the days ahead.

 

To be sure, the assassination of Charlie Kirk has induced a wide range of reactions. In the days that followed the tragedy, it seems that nearly everyone had something to say about it. While most people reacted with sadness and horror, others were less gracious. According to NBC News, employees across various professions found themselves suddenly unemployed after celebrating or mocking the death of Kirk. For example, American Airlines fired some of its pilots after they made light of the assassination, noting in a statement that “hate related or hostile behavior runs contrary to our purpose, which is to care for people on life’s journey.” Delta Airlines also suspended some employees, noting that social media posts from some of them “went well beyond healthy, respectful debate.” Various schools, universities, and healthcare facilities also suspended or terminated the employment of some employees for their inappropriate comments. (20)

 

Meanwhile, some popular right-wing figures reacted with seething anger, including Alex Jones of Infowars fame, who posted on the social media website known as X, “We’re at war.” (21) However, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged a more civilized approach. “We have got to turn the heat down a little bit. We got to have civil discourse,” he said in an appearance on Fox News. He then went on to say, “We shouldn't regard one another as enemies. We're fellow Americans, and we should have vigorous debate, but it cannot lead to political violence. It's just too much.” (22)

 

On September 21, 2025, tens of thousands of people attended a memorial service in Arizona for Charlie Kirk. Erika Kirk, the widow of the slain activist, demonstrated remarkable poise and grace, even saying that she forgave her husband’s killer. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do.” She then continued, “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love and always love.”

 

President Donald Trump, who also spoke at the event, took a markedly different approach. “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie,” Trump said. He further clarified, “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them.” (23) Well, at least he was being honest.  His remarks were quite a departure from his victory speech in 2016. After winning his first term as President of the United States, Trump told a stunned America, “Now it's time for America to bind the wounds of division. We have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and Independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It's time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans. And this is so important to me.” (24) A lot has changed since 2016, but the division is more pronounced than ever.

 

In closing, there is no doubt that we are living in unprecedented times, and we are seeing things that we have never seen before. President Trump, in an effort to stamp out crime, deployed thousands of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., in August. While this strategy did result in a remarkable drop in crime at our nation’s capital, it is quite jarring to see troops policing the streets. Trump has threatened to send National Guard troops to other American cities such as Chicago, Illinois, and Portland, Oregon. Meanwhile, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has requested up to 1,000 troops to help reduce crime in cities such as Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. Trump had previously sent troops to Los Angeles, California, in July 2025 in response to protests and riots over the actions of immigration enforcement officers. (25)

 

Elsewhere in the world, peace remains elusive in Europe as the war between Russia and Ukraine rages on. Recent events suggest the conflict could spill over into other European countries. On September 9, 2025, at least nineteen Russian drones violated Poland’s sovereign airspace, prompting NATO forces to shoot some of them down. “Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down,” said Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He then added, “I am in constant communication with the Secretary-General of NATO and our allies.” (26)

 

Alarms were raised in Estonia after three armed Russian fighter jets breached Estonian airspace and flew over the NATO country for twelve minutes. “Today’s incursion, involving three fighter aircraft entering our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen,” said Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on September 19, 2025. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the incursion “an extremely dangerous provocation” that “further escalates tensions in the region.” She then continued, “On our side, we see that we must show no weakness because weakness is something that invites Russia to do more,” she said. “They are increasingly more dangerous — not only to Ukraine, but also to all the countries around Russia.” (27) Is Russia testing the waters to see how NATO countries react?

 

It is also worth noting that American President Donald Trump seems to have lost patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has now thrown his support behind Ukraine. “After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. (28) What did Trump mean by “with the support of the European Union?” Does he simply mean that Europe might supply Ukraine with weapons and funding, or does he envision NATO troops on the ground in Ukraine? Without a doubt, the world is facing grave danger in the days ahead, and we as God’s people must continue to watch and pray. 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. We know that in these perilous times, it is more important than ever to be shining lights in a dark world, and we will endeavor to carry out this mission every day. If you have any prayer needs, great or small, please do not hesitate to send them our way. We always give each 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.

 

References

 

01. ABC News, April 20, 2019, By Emily Shapiro, abcnews.go.com.

02. BBC News, April 24, 2025, By Mike Wendling, bbc.com.

03. The Washington Post, December 7, 2024, By Editorial Board, washingtonpost.com.

04. Axios, December 10, 2024, By April Rubin, axios.com.

05. The New York Post, March 27, 2025, By Nicholas McEntyre, nypost.com.

06. NBC News, May 6, 2025, By David K. Li, nbcnews.com.

07. The Wall Street Journal, September 17, 2025, By Faith Bottum, wsj.com.

08. Ibid.

09. The New York Post, September 10, 2025, By Kirsten Fleming, nypost.com.

10. CNN, September 8, 2025, By Holly Yan, Sara Smart, Dianne Gallagher, Jeff Winter, and Zoe Sottile, cnn.com.

11. Ibid.

12. Associated Press, September 10, 2025, By The Associated Press and Claudia Lauer, kgns.tv.

13. CNN, September 14, 2025, By Chris Boyette, cnn.com.

14. Ibid.

15. National Public Radio, April 14, 2025, By Joe Hernandez, npr.org.

16. CNN, September 14, 2025, By Chris Boyette, cnn.com.

17. Associated Press, September 10, 2025, By Hannah Schoenbaum, Alanna Durkin Richer, Mark Sherman, and Eric Tucker, apnews.com.

18. ABC News, September 16, 2025, By Jon Haworth and Megan Forrester, abcnews.go.com.

19. The Guardian, September 11, 2025, By Chris Stein, guardian.com.

20. NBC News, September 14, 2025, By Mirna Alsharif, nbcnews.com.

21. ABC News, September 12, 2025, By Will Steakin, abcnews.go.com.

22. Ibid.

23. The New York Times, September 22, 2025, By Tyler Pager, nytimes.com.

24. National Public Radio, November 7, 2017, By NPR Staff, npr.org.

25. National Public Radio, October 1, 2025, By Alina Hartounian, npr.org.

26. ABC News, September 10, 2025, By Will Gretsky, Jack Moore, Kevin Shalvey, and David Brennan, abcnews.go.com.

27. PBS News, September 19, 2025, By PBS News, pbs.org.

28. NBC News, September 23, 2025, By Rebecca Shabad, Zoe Richards, Dan De Luce, and Gordon Lubold, nbcnews.com.