The Rapture....what if?
You’ve probably heard the term, you might know about the books, you may have heard about it from a friend, or perhaps this is the first time you’ve ever heard of it. Maybe you’ve seen the "Left Behind” trailers in the movies and have a passing interest. Before I continue, let me state my firm belief that it is most certainly not just a movie based upon some books, as I’ll explain.
Starting back in 1995, a series of books were in fact written and published by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. The books were based upon the authors’ very astute understanding of "End Time Prophecy” and an as yet unfulfilled prophecy known as "The Rapture.” At the same time they built an engrossing, can’t put it down, page turning storyline including a host of characters around this expected future event, they did not in any way, shape, or form delineate from Biblical accuracy or mainstream prophetic understanding.
While there are some different thoughts as to the timing of this event; I.E., whether it will take place before, during, or after the period of time known as "The Tribulation,” most followers of Christ agree with the interpretation of passages describing it and that it will most certainly take place. Those differing points of view make it critical at this point in the story to offer the obvious caveat that ultimately only God knows exactly how and when "End Times” will play out. All any students of prophecy can do is arrive at guesstimates based upon clear signs and prophecies given in Scripture.
In case you have gotten this far and have absolutely no clue at all what I’m discussing, I’ll offer the following very brief, thumbnail synopsis of what the event known as "The Rapture" is about.
In scripture, specifically the New Testament, there is the Book of Revelation, which, while confusing to many, discusses the events leading up to the Final Days, or "End Times.” There are a number of passages which suggest, (strongly I might add) that Jesus will take His believers up to the Heavens to be with Him just before the final seven year period known as the "Tribulation” begins. The Rapture will happen 'unexpectedly’ in the blink of an eye and all of the faithful in Christ, (perhaps well over a billion people) will suddenly and literally vanish from the face of earth. During the ensuing chaos and fear in the aftermath of this event, speculation as to what happened will be rampant. Some will understand that what many have warned about for years has indeed taken place, and this truly is a sign from God. Others will make outrageous claims of all types including I’m sure alien abduction, some sort of celestial event, sun spots, global warming, and will otherwise be just as imaginative as can be. I wouldn’t be surprised if some blame George W. Bush.
The Tribulation itself, which again, is to begin immediately after The Rapture, is to be the absolute worst time in human history when literally all hell will break loose and every sort of unimaginable evil will be rampant. There are two main reasons for this; first of all there will be very few decent people left to speak out against it, and also because all of the dark forces of hell led by the one known as anti-Christ will be unleashed to work on the unrepentant. I.E., what we see happening now will resemble a walk in the park by comparison.
Okay, I understand that what I just described sounds outrageous and laughable to some, and to be honest, I used to be among those Christians that didn’t believe or understand why it would happen, and then the following occurred to me.
Publisher’s note: Given that 'chrislam’ has been gaining some traction in liberal circles over the past several years, I’m not really surprised by this. However, it does not lessen the fact that no two belief systems could be further apart. The Pope in Rome and all of his minions really need to confer with the history books and some of the experts before extending the olive branch like this. Any time he thinks they aren’t planning to replace the Vatican Crosses with 'crescent moons,’ he needs to rethink it. As a footnote, please investigate 'chrislam,' which is exactly what it sounds like....a combining of the two opposite faiths. 
Publisher’s note: The gentleman that wrote this is a friend who didn’t know I was going to publish it. Except that I asked him who wrote it when I saw it on his Facebook page, I don’t even think he’s aware that I really appreciated his viewpoint on a subject that is near and dear to most Bible believing Followers of Christ.
This is an issue I've been meaning to write about for months. To lay a little ground work, I'll describe myself and my basic thoughts on Christianity. I call myself a Christian because I believe and know in my heart that Jesus was and is the promised Messiah foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament. From His birth, to His death and resurrection, He fulfilled every prophecy concerning the coming Messiah. I believe and understand that He came to earth to bridge the gap between God and man which was created way back in Genesis with original sin known as the fall. 
Publisher's note: Leah is a friend of mine and The Patriots Press, and is about as gentle and kind a soul as you will find anywhere. I hope her words and meaning hit you as they did me.