Jesus's disciples asked Him, "...What will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?" Matthew 24:3.  This month's newsletter is the ninth in a series of ten newsletters that will expound on each of the ten signs Jesus said would signal His return.  Jesus said, "Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.  Then they will deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you and you shall be hated by all nations for My name's sake.  Many shall be offended and betray one another and hate one another, and many false prophets shall rise and deceive many; and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" Matthew 24:7-12. 

This month, the focus is on the 12th verse of Matthew 24, "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."  The love Jesus is referring to here is the love of God, which is also demonstrated, or not, in all other aspects of our social activities.  Jesus was saying in this passage that because sin will prevail in the world, the love of many people will become cold; there will be a lack of love for God, family and others in society.  In our world today, even among family members, people are ruthlessly forsaking one another, betraying one another and even killing one another.  This behavior is growing worse in America, but it is more chilling to realize what is happening in other parts of the world.  Dictators are ruthlessly killing citizens, such as the democides in North Korea, Russia, Germany and China during our generation.  It is estimated that the dictatorial leader of North Korea, Kim Il-Sung, murdered as many as 3.5 million citizens.  Jozef Stalin killed about 23 million people.  Adolf Hitler killed about 17 million people.  It is estimated that the Chinese dictator, Mao Zedong, killed 78 million people.  In light of all this democide, people in denial still believe this could never happen in America.  Right now, America is turning so much into the Socialist-Marxist direction, that even Russia's president Vladimir Putin advised Obama, "Learn from our mistakes; Socialism doesn't work."  Islamic nations kill Jews, Christians, family members (honor killings), and Muslims who are of different ideologies.  I will share some facts for emphasis:

Unborn babies murdered:  Since 2007, known statistics show that over 1 million babies every year are aborted in the United States, at their own mother's request (nrlc.org).  Unborn babies are referred to as "fetuses," to help detract from their humanity and alienate mothers to their unborn babies.  Prior to 1973 (Roe v. Wade), abortions were illegal.     

Divorce:  Divorce statistics continue to rise, even though fewer people are marrying from year to year.  72 percent of the population were married in 1970, but only 59 percent were married in 2002.  Prior to 1970, divorcing parties in the United States had to have a reason to divorce, such as adultery or a crime committed (Divorcemag.com).  Covenants before God were honored before our generation.

Fatherless:  Nearly 11 million fathers do not live with their children in the US.  Two-thirds of these fathers do not pay formal child support obligations (Urban.org).  Fatherless homes account for 63 percent of youth suicides, 90 percent of homeless/runaway children, 85 percent of children with behavioral problems, 71 percent of high school dropouts, 85 percent of youths in prison, over 50 percent of teen pregnancy (Divorcemag.com). 

Philanthropy:  Giving has declined 9 times since 1971.  Individuals donate 9 out of every 10 dollars.  Corporate giving is roughly 5 percent.  Total giving in 2011 was 11 percent below giving in 2007 (Charitynavigator.org). 

Prayer was removed from US public schools in 1963.  In 1971, the US Supreme Court established the "Lemon Test" for religious activities in schools (Lemon v. Kurtzman).  Among other criteria, scholastic activities must adhere to having a secular purpose.  After these two landmark decisions, divorce rates began to surge, the murder of unborn babies commenced and the spiritual doors to destruction were opened in this nation.  Once this nation alienated God from our children in the school system, society began to deteriorate rapidly.

The above statistics are for the US.  Most other nations have either become secular regarding marriage, family and abortion, or they are Islamic nations, where such things as "honor killings" among family members are commonplace in the public squares - not much love represented there.  Egypt's president, Muhammad Morsi crucified Christians, and those opposing his presidency, naked on trees in front of his presidential palace (wnd.com).  Honor killings, decapitations and dismemberment for various crimes are commonplace in Egypt and throughout other Islamic nations.  Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, threatens to "wipe Israel from the face of the map."  In fact, all Muslim nations, not only Iran, would like to destroy Israel.  These nations have been warring against Israel for thousands of years, as described in the Bible.  God said concerning Israel, "I will bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you; in you shall all families of the earth be blessed" Genesis 12:3.  Muslims worship the moon god Allah, and they hate Israel because they do not believe in the God of the Bible, the God of Israel.  As we can see, "the love of many has waxed cold." 

Are you prepared to stand before God soon?  If not, won't you receive Him today?  I pray you make the right choice, it will determine your eternal destiny.  God bless you.