Life At The Ridge

So we finally come now to the key triggering event that is going to set everything in motion that is called the "Great Tribulation". Matthew 24:15 is a key verse that ties the birth pains in vs 4-14 in with what will happen in the great tribulation in vs 15-31. What is this abomination of desolation? How will all this take place? How does knowing about these events help us as believers now? How can we be prepared?