Pastor Joel examines 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12, focusing on the identity and role of "the Restrainer" who holds back the full manifestation of lawlessness and the revelation of the Antichrist. He identifies the Restrainer as the Holy Spirit working through the Church during the church age. Pastor Joel explains that before the tribulation begins, the church will be raptured and this restraining force removed, allowing the Antichrist to rise to power. However, believers are assured they will not experience the tribulation. He emphasizes that while the "mystery of lawlessness" is already at work in the world today, Christians must stand firm using spiritual weapons, particularly God's Word, to resist deception and maintain faithfulness until Christ's return. He warns against the progressive hardening that occurs when people repeatedly reject truth, ultimately leading to strong delusion, and calls believers to be salt and light—a preserving force in their contexts through the power of the Holy Spirit.