As we continue identifying signs of the Lord’s soon return, newspaper and government reports will be reviewed. Some have been so frequent as to engender a complacency much like the boy who cried wolf to often.

12. Jesus Himself warned there would be an increase in famines (Matthew 24:7). According to the World Food Programme, “hunger kills more people every year than AIDS, malaria & tuberculosis combined.” Some 805 million people do not have enough food to lead healthy lives. Economic downturns and wars exacerbate this problem.

13. Paul warned vegetarianism would increase (1 Timothy 4:3-4). Recent attempts by First Lady Michelle Obama and others to restrict foods to what they consider good not only wars against our freedom but often against God’s laws.

“and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” – 1 Timothy 4:3-5

14. There would be an increase in those crying out for peace. However, peace is often interpreted to mean what is good for those clambering for it! If their marches do not bring the desired results, they often turn to violence themselves. The “hope and peace” offered by the world is a fantasy not based on the truth of God’s word. There will be no peace without the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

“For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:3

15. The possession of Jerusalem would be at the center of international turmoil. This is the constant theme in most major newspapers, TV news programs, and United Nations resolutions. Psalm 2 outlines the end time struggle for us clearly: “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain (futile) thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” God claims Jerusalem as His city and the world, under the influence of Satan, can’t stand it. It is as Zechariah predicted:

And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. – Zechariah 12:3

The next signs can be seen in 26 Signs of the Lord’s Soon Return – part 4.