You said -- "I used to be pre-trib, until I realized that we are warned to keep an eye out for the abomination of desolation in the temple."
I have to chuckle, because I don't know how many times I've heard that phrase -- "I used to be..." I had a good friend, many years ago, that directed me to a book about a "new" position in the (then) three positions of the Rapture (which were taken by Christians). This book outlined a fourth position. It was called "pre-wrath". Well, I didn't buy that one either.
But, really, in talking about that, you have to keep in mind that the Bible *only* talks to three distinct groups of people, the Jews, the Gentiles and the Church. Jesus was talking to his brethren, the Jews. They will see it. The Church will not (and, of course, the "Church" refers to the body of believers and not to manmade "organizations").
So, yes -- "they" will see it. The "they" is not "us".
Regards,
Star Traveler
Paul was talking to Christians....
2 Thessalonians 2
1Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
NIV