The Pastor’s Piece, Pastor Kevin Cernek – FCFI Chaplain

Village
October 19, 2025
Are we living in the beginning of the Great Tribulation Period? That is the question many are
asking in light of what the media is calling the “Trump Gaza Peace Plan.” As you may know, I’m
cautious about making bold predictions about timelines because Jesus was clear: “No one
knows the day or the hour when the Son of Man will return,” (Matthew 24:36). But at the same
time, Jesus did tell us to watch for signs, and not to live in fear, but in readiness. In Matthew
24:3-8 the disciples asked Jesus: “‘Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the
sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’ And Jesus answered and said to them … ‘You
will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things
must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these
things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.’”
Jesus’ warning for us is to be discerning, but not fearful. Jesus tells us these events are like
birth pains – signs that the end is approaching, but not the end itself. They are reminders that a
new age is coming. So, we must live with awareness and spiritual discernment.
There are a few reasons why some conservative, Bible-believing Christians are connecting this
peace deal with prophetic Scripture and end-time events. One, is Daniel 9:27 and the Covenant
with Israel. In our dispensational, premillennial understanding of Biblical prophecy, we believe a
key sign of the end will be a covenant made with Israel, which will begin the 7-year Tribulation.
Daniel 9:27 says: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many …”
Many interpret that verse as referencing a false peace agreement brokered by the Antichrist
with Israel and surrounding nations. Is this current peace deal the one Daniel spoke of? We
can’t say that for sure, because we don’t know who the Antichrist is. And unless that figure is
involved, we cannot definitively connect this agreement to that specific prophecy.
Another Scripture often referenced is 1 Thessalonians 5:3: “While people are saying, ‘Peace
and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly…” Some view any peace negotiation in the
Middle East, particularly involving Israel, as a potential false peace that won’t last and one that
precedes sudden conflict and judgment.
Another reason why some Christians are connecting this peace deal with prophetic Scripture
and end-time events are the broader signs of wars, conflict, and instability. Increased militant
conflict, hostages, and high-stakes negotiations in the region are seen by some as aligning with
Jesus’ description of the “beginning of birth pains,” pointing toward a coming climax in God’s
redemptive plan.
So what should we do with all this? Well, we believe that this is part of the build-up to the
coming of Christ and the rapture of the Church. It is possible that this peace agreement is a step
toward the covenant mentioned in Daniel 9:27 or the “peace and safety” of 1 Thessalonians 5:3.
If that’s true, then the return of Christ is very near. So, be ready.
Also, this moment in history is significant, but we remain grounded and cautious because we
must view current events through the lens of Scripture, and we must also be careful not to treat
speculation as certainty. And no matter how long it takes for Jesus to return, we do not fear.
Jesus Himself said: “In this world, you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer, I have
overcome the world,” (John 16:33).
Takeaway: Our blessed hope is the return of Jesus Christ. What truly motivates us is not
headlines, but hope – hope meaning anticipation: “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope
that is within you,” (1 Peter 3:15). And what is that hope? That Jesus is returning … That He will
take us to be with Him … That our broken, earthly bodies will be transformed into glorified,
eternal bodies … That sin, pain, sorrow, and death will be no more … That He is making all
things new … That our faith will be turned to sight …
The return of Christ is our great motivation. We live holy lives out of joyful anticipation. We know
Jesus is coming with reward for those who have been faithful. We know our eternal joy will in
some way be shaped by our commitment to Him in this life. We know His return means the end
of Satan’s rule, and the beginning of Jesus’ reign of righteousness and peace.
So yes – watch the signs. Be alert. Be faithful. Be discerning. And most of all, be ready. Because
Jesus is coming. And that is the great event, the great culmination, and the great purpose of our
faith.
Come, Lord Jesus.
(Kevin Cernek is Lead Pastor of Martintown Community Church in Martintown, Wisconsin).