The Bible describes events and conditions that would mark “the conclusion of the [current] system of things,” or “the end of the world.” (Matthew 24:3; King James Version) The Bible calls this time period “the last days” and the “time of the end,” or “end times.” (2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 8:19 , here are some outstanding features of last-days, or end-times, prophecies: War on a large scale.—Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:4. Famine.—Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:5, 6. Great earthquakes.—Luke 21:11. Pestilences, or epidemics of “terrible diseases.”—Luke 21:11, Contemporary English Version. Increase of crime.—Matthew 24:12. Ruining of the earth by mankind.—Revelation 11:18. Deterioration of people’s attitudes, as shown by many who are “unthankful, disloyal, . . . not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride.”—2 Timothy 3:1-4. Breakdown of the family, with people who have “no natural affection” and children who are “disobedient to parents.”—2 Timothy 3:2, 3. Love of God growing cold in most people.—Matthew 24:12. Noteworthy displays of religious hypocrisy.—2 Timothy 3:5. Increased understanding of Bible prophecies, including those related to the last days.—Daniel 12:4. Global preaching of the good news of the Kingdom.—Matthew 24:14. Widespread apathy and even ridicule toward the evidence of the approaching end.—Matthew 24:37-39; 2 Peter 3:3, 4. The simultaneous fulfillment of all these prophecies, not just a few or even most of them.—Matthew 24:33.