The Calm Before the Storm: 3½ Good Years, 3½ Terrible Years.

This is my sermon on the 3½ Good Years Before the 3½ Bad Years of the Great Tribulation. This message will cover the key scriptures, illustrations, and a chain of real-life events that could unfold, clearly showing what this period might look like.

Key Scripture: "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease..." – Daniel 9:27

"And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months." – Revelation 13:5

Introduction: A False Peace Before Destruction

The Bible gives us a (completely clear) seven-year timeline called Daniel's 70th Week (Daniel 9:24-27). This period is divided into two halves:

• The first 3½ years will seem like a time of peace and global prosperity under a world leader (Antichrist).

• The last 3½ years will be a time of unimaginable suffering, persecution, and God's judgment (The Great Tribulation).

  
  

But what does this look like in real-time? What events might take place? Let’s examine the stages of these seven years through scripture and real-life examples.

I. The First 3½ Years: The World’s False Hope

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." – 1 Thessalonians 5:3

A. The Covenant of Peace

• A charismatic leader (Antichrist) rises to power, seemingly solving global crises (Daniel 9:27).

• A peace agreement is signed, particularly in the Middle East, allowing Israel to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:1-2).

• The world unites under a new economic system, bringing prosperity and stability.

  
  

🔹 Illustration: Imagine a world leader stepping forward after years of economic collapse, wars, and social unrest. He negotiates a peace deal, ending hostilities in the Middle East. Nations praise him, stock markets soar, and new policies promise safety and security.

B. Global Revival or Great Deception?

• The Church may or may not already be gone (Pre-Trib Rapture), but 144,000 Jewish evangelists (Revelation 7:4) and the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:3-6) spread the Gospel with power.

• Many who ignored Christ before finally believe, leading to one of the greatest revivals the world has ever seen.

  
  

🔹 Illustration: Picture thousands of people, once skeptical, now crying out to Jesus as the Two Witnesses perform miracles in Jerusalem. At the same time, the world is being lulled into security under the Antichrist’s leadership.

II. The Turning Point: The Middle of the Tribulation

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition...who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God..." – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

• The Antichrist shows his true nature in the middle (3½ years).

• He entered the rebuilt Jewish Temple and declared himself God (2 Thessalonians 2:4, Matthew 24:15).

• The Two Witnesses are killed (Revelation 11:7-10), causing global celebration.

• A worldwide persecution of believers begins (Revelation 13:7).

  
  

🔹 Illustration: Imagine a shocking global broadcast where the Antichrist enters the new Temple, declares himself as God, and demands worship. Millions cheer, while others refuse to bow—and are immediately hunted down.

III. The Last 3½ Years: The Reign of Terror

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark..." – Revelation 13:16-17

• The Mark of the Beast is enforced worldwide—no one can buy or sell without it (Revelation 13:16-17).

• Satan is cast down to earth, unleashing fury (Revelation 12:12).

• The Bowl Judgments bring plagues, darkness, and destruction (Revelation 16).

• The world plunges into chaos, leading to the final battle at Armageddon (Revelation 19:19).

  
  

🔹 Illustration: Imagine cities collapsing, economies failing, and people starving because they refuse the Mark of the Beast. Christians are hunted, yet God is still saving souls. The world is breaking apart, but Christ is coming soon.

IV. The Glorious Ending: Christ’s Return!

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True..." – Revelation 19:11

• Jesus returns with His saints to destroy the Antichrist and his armies (Revelation 19:20-21).

• Satan is bound for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:2).

• Christ establishes His Millennial Kingdom, ruling with righteousness (Revelation 20:4).

  
  

🔹 Illustration: Imagine the skies breaking open, revealing Christ in all His glory, with millions of saints behind Him. The Antichrist’s kingdom is wiped away in a moment—and Jesus reigns forever!

Conclusion: The Choice is Yours

The world is moving toward this moment. The truth remains whether the Church is raptured before, during, or after these events: Every person must choose Jesus now.

💡 Call to Action:

• If you are saved, stay faithful because dark times are coming.

• If you are not saved, this message is a warning—Jesus is coming, but judgment follows.

• Prepare your heart today while the door of mercy is still open!

  
  

🙏 Prayer: "Lord, open our eyes to the truth of what is coming. May we live for You today so we will stand firm when the days grow darker. Thank You for Your promise to return and make all things new. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Final Thought:

👉 “The world will embrace the false Christ before it bows to the true Christ.”

This is the calm before the storm. The question is, are you ready?