[Florida native]

Yes, you are correct in I Thessalonians 4:13-18, and also in the other verses you cite. Now add to that the Message to the 7 churches in Revelation 2 and 3, you will note that these are to the seven kinds of churches that exist possibly today.

In Rev. 2 the first church is Ephesus, the church whose eyes are not on Jesus; they focus on other things. The second message is to Smyrna, the faithful poor church. The third message is to Pergamum, the church of idol worship and pagans hiding sensual sins. The fourth message is to Thyatira, the church that tolerates paganism. The fifth is to Sardis, the dead works church. The sixth is to Philadelphia, the small but committed church. And finally, the seventh message is to Laodicea, the rich, materialistic lukewarm church.

Then, the church is no longer mentioned. Tie that in with the verses you pointed out, and you have a pre-trib. rapture. Yet, the word "rapture" is not recorded in the Bible.

After the church is no longer mentioned, there is a sound of a trumpet and John finds himself in heaven standing before the throne of Almighty God. Then the seven seals are opened in the Book, one seal at a time.

I believe that we will be "raptured" before the tribulation.

[watchin]

You know, I sure hope you're right. But considering the fact that there are Christians all through the history books, and all over the globe today, who are suffering for their faith, I think it is wise to expect to suffer for Christ and be spiritually/mentally prepared. Those of us who are mid/post tribbers DO NOT believe that the tribulation is a punishment or the equivilent of the "wrath of God" - we believe it is a time for the sifting of the saints, separating the wheat from the tares. It is a time of persecution and refinement for the Church.

If Jesus comes before the tribulation, or any suffering at all on our part, we're all flying together - even the mid/post tribbers. :) In the meantime, it seems more reverent and scriptural to live as though we expect to die for Christ, than to expect Him to rescue us from any pain or discomfort.

[Licensed-To-Carry]

Yes, I agree with you, the Church is the Bride of Christ and will be in Heaven during the 7 years of the tribulation for the marriage feast of the Lamb, and will return with the Lord for the battle of Armageddon.

After which, we will then rule over assigned parts of the world with Christ during the Millenium kingdom.