In this sermon we see how both Matthew 24 and Mark 13 teach that Jesus is coming back after the tribulation and that the gathering of the elect is a type of rapture. Moreover, a connection is established to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 to show that Paul is talking about the same event that Jesus is describing. Same angels, same trumpet same catching away or gathering. Additionally, 2 Thessalonians 2 shows that Paul also sees this event as happening after the son of perdition is revealed. Nothing in this sermon suggests that God cannot translate believers out of this world anytime He chooses in a 'pre-tribulation rapture.' He did it with Enoch and Elijah and can do it again. However, Matthew 24, Mark 13, 1 Thessalonians 4 are all describing an event that happens after the (7 year) tribulation and even more more specifically after the sun is darkened, the moon does not give its light, stars fall heaven, the powers in heaven are shaken, and "then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven.
Jesus said: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16.33).
And Paul said: For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know (1 Thessalonians 3:4).
Christians down through the centuries have always experienced persecution and tribulations; therefore, the potential for more tribulation is not sufficient reason to insist upon a pre-tribulation perspective. What is needed are specific Bible texts that show that Christ is coming again before the tribulation.
What God has promised Christians everywhere is that they are not appointed unto wrath. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Praise the Lord! God's wrath does not abide on His people. Consider how God protected His People in Egypt from His wrath. In the land of Goshen where the Israelites dwelt there wasn't any hail but everywhere else the ungodly experienced hail from heaven (Ex 9:26).
Finally, even if the 'church' is raptured and it may be. Some followers of Christ are still going through the tribulation. They are called 'saints' throughout the book of Revelation and they are not limited to Jews alone.
The bottom line which should be remembered by all is most Christians will die. Only two or three generations of one specific period of time will be raptured. Everyone else is going to die and await the predetermined time of Christ's return and their reunion with there glorified bodies.
