No, current global events are not the tribulation itself, but they are preparation for it.
Les Feldick teaches that we are seeing the beginnings of what will become the tribulation, but we are not in it yet. The stage is being set through wars, earthquakes, global turmoil, and the rise of globalism, all of which point to the imminent coming of the Antichrist. The tribulation itself will not begin until the Antichrist signs a treaty with Israel.
Matthew 24:7-8 — Jesus describes wars, famines, and earthquakes as the beginning of sorrows, which Les connects to the tribulation's early events.
In Matthew 24, Jesus describes events that will occur during the tribulation: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:7-8). These are not signs for the Church Age but for the tribulation period. Luke 21 also speaks of signs: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25-26). These verses primarily refer to the tribulation but indicate a buildup. Thus, Scripture distinguishes between the present age and the tribulation, showing that these events will intensify, not that they are the tribulation itself.
Les Feldick repeatedly teaches that we are not in the tribulation, but we are seeing the stage being set for it. He says, "We're seeing the stage being set for that final 7 years" (Clip 1), and "we are certainly not in the tribulation" (Clip 2). He points to current global turmoil, such as wars and earthquakes, as precursors. He also highlights the rise of globalism—global religion, economy, and government—as a sure sign that the Antichrist is near (Clip 3). The tribulation itself will begin when the Antichrist signs a seven-year treaty with Israel (Clip 7). Until then, we are in a period of preparation. Les also sees cosmic events, like the Jupiter impact, as previews of end-time signs (Clip 6). His overall message is that these events should encourage believers that we are close to the rapture, as the Lord will come before the tribulation (Clip 5).
Les Feldick uses the analogy of a drama to explain current events. Just as a play requires extensive preparation—practice, props, advertising—so the tribulation has its own preparation. We see wars, earthquakes, and global turmoil as the stage being set, and when the Antichrist makes his appearance, the curtain will rise on the seven years of tribulation (Clip 1).
Les notes the distress of nations with perplexity, the roaring of the sea and waves (Luke 21:25-26), and world turmoil in various regions (Clip 4). He also mentions the rise of globalism—global religion, economy, and government—as signs that the Antichrist is near (Clip 3). Additionally, cosmic events like the Jupiter impact serve as reminders of end-time signs (Clip 6).
Jesus called the wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in Matthew 24 "the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:8). Les explains that these are the opening events of the tribulation, not the tribulation itself. They are like the travail of childbirth, signaling that something is about to happen (Clip 7).
Matthew 24 Distinction
Les emphasizes that Matthew 24 is about the tribulation, not the Church Age, setting the context for understanding current events.
Stage Being Set
Current events are the beginnings of what will become the tribulation; the stage is being set for the final 7 years.
Not the Tribulation
We are seeing the stage being set but are not in the tribulation itself.
Globalism and Antichrist
The rise of globalism in all forms is a sure sign that the Antichrist's appearance is near, and the rapture will occur first.
World Turmoil
Distress of nations and worldwide turmoil are indications that we are close to the end.
Imminence & Rapture
The closeness of world government and leader should keep believers awake, but we trust the Lord will come first.
Cosmic Signs
Phenomena in space, like the Jupiter impact, are previews of end-time cosmic signs, reinforcing that we are near the end.
Beginning of Sorrows
The tribulation begins with the Antichrist's treaty with Israel, followed by invasions and famines, which are the 'beginning of sorrows.'
Matthew 24:7-8: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Jesus describes events that will precede His return, which Les applies to the tribulation period.
Luke 21:25-26: And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
This passage indicates the tribulation but Les sees the beginnings now.
No, Les Feldick teaches that while we see wars and earthquakes, we are not in the tribulation. These are the beginning of sorrows, setting the stage for the tribulation which will intensify these events.
According to Les, the tribulation begins when the Antichrist signs a seven-year treaty with Israel. That is the curtain rising on the seven years of tribulation.
Jesus used this phrase in Matthew 24 to describe wars, famines, and earthquakes that will occur during the tribulation. Les explains these are the opening events, like travail, indicating the tribulation is underway.
Watch the Teaching: Why the Church Will Not Go Through the Tribulation