Here’s a hard question most people are quietly asking: if the world feels out of control, what does Scripture say is actually coming next? Pastor Greg Laurie opens Revelation 8–9 and says, “Watch closely.” Not to panic. To understand. He walks through why prophecy matters, what the Great Tribulation looks like when it peaks, why heaven goes silent, and what happens when the bottomless pit is opened and all hell breaks loose. It’s heavy. But there’s hope threaded through the whole thing.

Why Study Prophecy at All?

Greg starts with reasons, not fear. Prophecy:

• Unlocks history. The Bible isn’t a loop. It’s a line. God crowns His Son.
• Brings sense to suffering. Tears end. Death ends. That’s promised.
• Shapes how we live now. If Jesus could come at any time, we pray, endure, and pursue purity.
• Assures justice. Evil won’t get the last word forever.

There’s also a blessing attached to reading, hearing, and keeping Revelation. God wants us informed, not spooked.

Where We Are in Revelation

Greg places Revelation 8–9 in the second half of the seven-year Tribulation. The Antichrist rises early with smooth answers. Peaceful at first. Then the mask drops. The last three and a half years turn brutal. God’s wrath is poured out. Demonic activity surges. Jesus called this stretch the worst time in human history.

Greg teaches a pre-trib rapture view. The Church is caught up before this period. The “restrainer” is removed. Then the Antichrist is revealed. Even so, God keeps working during the Tribulation. He saves multitudes through 144,000 Jewish believers who share the gospel worldwide.

The Half Hour of Silence

Heaven is usually loud with praise. Busy. Joyful. But in Revelation 8:1, heaven falls silent for about 30 minutes. Why? Judgment is about to begin. It’s the hush before a verdict. God doesn’t rush to judge. He is patient. But once the first “domino” tips, events move fast.

Seven high-ranking angels receive seven trumpets. Those trumpet judgments split in two:

• The first four hit the environment: trees burn, seas are struck, sea life dies, waters turn bitter, skies darken. Greg notes God could use “natural” means (think Krakatoa-level events) or allow human weapons. Either way, it happens by His hand.
• The next judgments strike humanity directly.

If you belong to Jesus, Greg says, you won’t be here for this. If you don’t, this is a warning wrapped in mercy.

When the Pit Opens

Revelation 9 shifts from wrath above to horror below. A “fallen star” is given a key to the bottomless pit. Greg connects that fallen star to Satan, once a high angel who craved worship. When the pit opens, smoke and demonic locusts pour out. They torment, not kill.

Important details:

• Some demons roam now. Others are chained, reserved for this moment.
• Their king is called Abaddon (Hebrew) or Apollyon (Greek). Destruction.
• They cannot harm those sealed by God. Their power is limited and permissioned.
• Demons are real and aggressive, but they flee at the name of Jesus. Christ outranks every power.

Greg urges sober thinking here. Put on your spiritual armor. Stay alert. But don’t live scared. Live close to Jesus.

Tragedy: People Still Won’t Repent

You’d expect mass repentance. Instead, Revelation 9 says many refuse to turn. They cling to idols. Greg calls out modern ones we hide in plain sight—gold, possessions, and our screens. Not because phones are evil. Because they steal our love, time, and trust. Hard hearts grow harder.

When Heaven “Breaks Loose”: The Power of Prayer

Back to Revelation 8: incense rises with the prayers of the saints. Then an angel hurls fire to the earth. Greg’s point is simple and strong:

• Your prayers are not ignored. God stores them.
• Answers are yes, no, or wait. “Wait” is still an answer.
• God’s timing isn’t ours. Delays aren’t denials.
• Stay in Jesus and stay in Scripture, and your prayers align with His will.

He urges persistence: ask, seek, knock. Keep knocking.

What Now? Hope, Urgency, and a Clear Next Step

Greg closes with hope and urgency. If you’re in Christ, be encouraged. Share the gospel. Pray for family and friends. Don’t wish this on anyone. If you’re not in Christ, don’t wait. Revelation is a flashing red light and an open door at the same time.

The through-line is clear. God is holy. Judgment is real. Demons are real, too. But Jesus is Lord over all of it. He saves now. He keeps His own. He hears prayer. He is coming. So live awake. Pray hard. Walk clean. And point people to the only safe place when all hell breaks loose—Jesus.