Today we have the nation of Israel that for the largest part does not acknowledge Yeshua as the Messiah. But they gave us the Jewish books of the Old and New Testament.

On the other side we have all the Christian non-Jews who “believe” in Yeshua as the Messiah, but for the largest part don’t have a clue about the foundation of their belief – the Old Testament and therefore also don’t understand the New Testament. They still live and think in the conditions of their pre-Christian history, as we can see in the feasts and other customs they have.

These facts layed the foundation for replacement theology on the Christian side and the Jewish rejection of Messianics on the Jewish side.

Today we still think in terms of bloodlines, and bloodlines in our understanding divide the servants of God in two different groups: The Jews and the non-Jews.

(Hence the view that the great tribulation is for the Jews, while the Christians will be raptured, which is a hoax in my opinion.)

Yes, I agree that the intermediate calling of these two groups we have created today is different. The Jews have the calling to show God’s character and His oracles to the world (Romans 3:1-2) and the Christians have the calling to live Messiah (Romans 11:11).

But ultimately both groups should fulfill both callings. The oracles of God should be known by Jews and Christians alike as well as the Messiah. BECAUSE in essence the oracles of God and the Messiah CANNOT be separated from each other! Of what use is the Messiah when we don’t have a clue what He came to fulfill in our lives – and of what use are the oracles of God if we don’t know how to fulfill them??

If we will be able to get this right once again in our heads, we will be prepared for the end times and in the worst tribulation we will be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

Revelation 20:4-5 teach us of the “first resurrection” when Jesus come to be King in earth. How can a rapture take please before the first resurrection if Paul taught that the deads in Christ will be resurrected first and then the people of God that will be alive will be transformed?

Based on the language of 2 Thes 1, I don’t see a pre-wrath parousia in that the Lord’s coming in fiery judgment syncs with His coming to rescue us. That being said, I am not dogmatic about the final details and how they work out, since I’m not 100% sure how all the relevant passages should be interpreted. It is the broad, large strokes that are clear to me, and I recognize that others may have more insight on the details than I do.

Here is a link to an outline of what Richard Booker discusses.

http://www.wildolive.co.uk/weddings.htm

I see the Rapture as having significance with the Church, and the Great Tribulation has having significance with presently unbelieving Israel. I see the Great Tribulation following the model of Joseph’s testing and revelation to his estranged brothers.

By the end of this age I mean the end of this age before the millennial kingdom.

“I too expect major shakings on the earth, along with major kingdom advances, right until the end of this age”

What do you mean by “the end of this age” ? The end of our 6000-year period or the end of the millenial Kingdom? Or are these two periods (the 6000 years and the millenial Kingdom) not seperated as much? I would say that the bible indicates that they are seperated, but I believe that the advancement of God’s Kingdom will come about through ordinary people that God can use. I’m just curious how you see that, because I think how we see that will majorly shape our life style.

To use Yeshua’s parable again: If we believe that a child is about to be born, we will take on resonsibility for it and prepare its way!

I think that the book of Revelation indicates that we will be protected from the wrath of God while going through the great tribulation. Not that I’m suicidal – I love to live in ease and peace. But in my opinion it is a very positive thing that the great tribulation will bring about the kingdom of God, that’s why I hope to live through it and survive it.