The Great Tribulation & The Antichrist - Part One | Living With The End In Mind | Pastor Adam Bishop

As we continue our journey through “Living with the End in Mind,” we turn our attention to the Great Tribulation and the Antichrist, two of the most significant and often misunderstood elements of biblical prophecy. The Great Tribulation is a seven-year period that follows the Rapture of the Church, a time when Jesus will take His people to be with Him, leaving the world in a state of chaos and spiritual vacuum. This period is marked by a peace treaty between Israel and the Antichrist, a political leader who will rise from among the people, uniting the world through a promise of peace. Yet, this peace is temporary and deceptive, as the Antichrist’s true nature and intentions are revealed over time.

The seven years of tribulation are divided into two halves, each lasting three and a half years, with a pivotal midpoint marked by the Antichrist breaking his treaty with Israel and committing the “abomination of desolation” in the newly rebuilt Jewish Temple. This act signals a dramatic shift from apparent peace to unprecedented persecution and suffering, especially for the Jewish people who will have returned to Israel in large numbers, believing they have finally found safety.

During the first half of the Tribulation, we see the rise of the Antichrist, the establishment of the peace treaty, the emergence of the False Prophet, and the rebuilding of the Temple. God’s judgments are poured out in a series of escalating events—seals, trumpets, and bowls—each more severe than the last. Yet, even in this time of judgment, God’s mercy is evident. He raises up 144,000 Jewish evangelists and two powerful witnesses (possibly Moses and Elijah) to proclaim the gospel, offering hope and salvation to those willing to receive it.

The midpoint of the Tribulation is a turning point: the Antichrist reveals his true colors, the two witnesses are killed and then resurrected before the eyes of the world, and the Jewish people flee to Petra for refuge. These events are not just distant prophecies; they are reminders of God’s sovereignty, justice, and relentless pursuit of humanity’s redemption. For those who belong to Christ, there is assurance that God’s wrath has already been satisfied through Jesus’ sacrifice. For those who have not yet believed, the invitation remains open.

In light of these truths, we are called not to fear, but to live with urgency and hope, praying for revival and seeking to be part of God’s redemptive work in our generation. God will have the final word, and His desire is for all to come to repentance and experience the fullness of life in Christ.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Great Tribulation is a Divinely Orchestrated Period of Justice and Mercy The seven-year Tribulation is not merely a time of chaos, but a period where God’s justice is poured out on a world that has persistently rejected Him. Yet, even in judgment, God’s mercy shines through as He provides opportunities for repentance and salvation, especially through the ministry of the 144,000 and the two witnesses. This duality reminds us that God’s character is both just and merciful, and His ultimate goal is redemption, not destruction. [33:23]
• 2. The Antichrist’s Rise Reveals the World’s Deepest Longings and Vulnerabilities The Antichrist will ascend to power by filling the leadership vacuum left after the Rapture, uniting the world through promises of peace and supernatural acts. His rise exposes humanity’s longing for unity and security, but also our susceptibility to deception when we seek peace apart from God. This challenges us to anchor our hope in Christ alone, not in charismatic leaders or worldly solutions. [29:26]
• 3. God’s Faithfulness to Israel is Central to His Redemptive Plan The restoration and protection of Israel are not political accidents but fulfillments of God’s ancient promises. The return of Jews to Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the centrality of Jerusalem in end-times events all point to God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant people. As believers, we are called to align our hearts with God’s purposes for Israel and recognize their ongoing role in His story. [41:09]
• 4. Spiritual Hardness is Not Overcome by Miracles Alone, but by an Open Heart Even as the world witnesses undeniable miracles—such as the resurrection of the two witnesses—many will remain hardened against God. This reveals that faith is not simply a matter of evidence, but of the heart’s willingness to surrender. We are reminded to continually examine our own hearts, ensuring we are receptive to God’s truth and not resistant, even when confronted with the miraculous. [56:06]
• 5. Our Present Calling is to Seek Revival and Participate in God’s Redemptive Mission While prophecy gives us a glimpse of what is to come, our focus must remain on the present: praying for revival, sharing the gospel, and living as people of hope. God desires to pour out His Spirit in our generation, and we are invited to be vessels of His grace and truth. The urgency of the times should propel us to deeper devotion, bold witness, and fervent intercession for our world. [58:13]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [21:10] - Introduction to the Series and Today’s Focus
• [22:54] - Overview: The Great Tribulation and the Antichrist
• [23:20] - Three Key Facts about the Great Tribulation
• [24:45] - The Peace Treaty and Israel’s Role
• [27:31] - Understanding the Antichrist
• [29:26] - The Antichrist’s Rise to Power
• [31:03] - God’s Judgments: Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls
• [35:26] - Seven Major Events in the First Half of the Tribulation
• [37:45] - The False Prophet and the Unholy Trinity
• [39:26] - The Return of Jews to Israel
• [41:09] - The Rebuilding of the Third Temple
• [43:26] - The 144,000 and the Two Witnesses
• [47:30] - The Midpoint: Abomination of Desolation
• [52:25] - The Death and Resurrection of the Two Witnesses
• [56:37] - The Call to Respond: Faith, Repentance, and Revival
• [60:15] - Closing Prayer for Revival
• [61:30] - Final Blessing and Next Steps

Bible Reading

Revelation 6:1-2 (NIV) — > I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

2. Matthew 24:15-21 (NIV)
> “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.”

3. Revelation 11:7-12 (NIV)
> Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth. But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

Observation Questions

1. According to Revelation 6:1-2, what is the significance of the rider on the white horse, and how does the sermon connect this figure to the Antichrist? [[36:24]]
2. In Matthew 24:15-21, what event does Jesus say will mark the beginning of “great distress,” and what instructions does He give to those in Judea? [[48:14]]
3. What happens to the two witnesses in Revelation 11:7-12, and how does the world respond to their death and resurrection? [[52:25]]
4. The sermon mentions a peace treaty between Israel and the Antichrist. Where in the Bible is this event prophesied, and why is it important for understanding the timeline of the Tribulation? [[24:45]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The Antichrist rises to power by offering peace and unity to a world in chaos. What does this reveal about humanity’s deepest longings and vulnerabilities, according to the sermon? [[29:26]]
2. The abomination of desolation is described as a turning point in the Tribulation. Why is this event so significant for both Israel and the world, and what does it reveal about God’s faithfulness to His promises? [[49:33]]
3. Even after witnessing miracles like the resurrection of the two witnesses, many people remain hardened against God. What does this suggest about the nature of faith and the human heart? [[56:06]]
4. The sermon emphasizes that God’s justice and mercy are both present during the Tribulation. How are these two aspects of God’s character displayed, and why is it important for believers to understand this balance? [[33:23]]

Application Questions

1. The Antichrist’s rise exposes how easily people can be deceived when they seek peace apart from God. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to look for security or hope in something other than Christ? How can you anchor your hope more firmly in Jesus this week? [[29:26]]
2. The sermon highlights God’s ongoing faithfulness to Israel and His ancient promises. How does this shape your view of current events in the Middle East, and what practical steps can you take to align your heart with God’s purposes for Israel? [[41:09]]
3. Even in a time of judgment, God raises up witnesses to share the gospel. Who in your life might need to hear the hope of Jesus right now? What is one specific way you can share your faith with them this week? [[43:52]]
4. The world’s response to miracles is often mixed—some believe, others remain hard-hearted. Are there areas where you have seen God work but still struggle to trust Him fully? What would it look like to open your heart more to God’s truth? [[56:06]]
5. The sermon calls us to pray for revival and to be part of God’s redemptive work in our generation. What does “praying for revival” look like in your daily life? Is there a specific way you can join with others to pray for your church, community, or nation this week? [[58:13]]
6. The urgency of the times should lead us to deeper devotion and bold witness. What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel called to grow in urgency or faithfulness? How can your small group support you in this? [[58:13]]
7. The message reminds us that God will have the final word and desires all to come to repentance. Is there someone you need to forgive, share the gospel with, or pray for as part of participating in God’s redemptive mission? [[57:45]]