Such hair-splitting doesn't seem to square well with this:
I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (Luke 10:21)
And:
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 18:3)
Jesus is telling us something we're prone to forgetting: the fundamental elements of the faith are things that are accessible even to children. Jesus came for the likes of those -- and the church should focus on those elements.
By contrast, "the wise" are those who try to complicate the faith so that only specialists can understand it -- they're the ones who focus on the arcane problems associated with "pre-tribulation rapturists," and the like.
Look at the number of words expended by Mr. Swank who, instead of teaching the Gospel, spends his time promoting this very narrow controversy. It's things like this that prompted James to note:
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.... Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:1, 13-18)
Mr. Swank isn't the only teacher who's a problem here ... somebody else has been teaching the stuff he's arguing against.
But by singling out those naughty "pre-tribulation rapturists" in this us-vs.-them manner, Mr. Swank is, nevertheless, part of the problem.
It's not the labels that concern us...
The Catholics (and others) teach that the Tribulation has already passed...They claim that Jesus Christ already showed up the 2nd time Spiritually...And that Jesus is now reigning on earth leading His Kingdom...
They, the Catholic church is the 'New Israel' under the 'new' covenant...
The Post-Millenialists as I understand it figure they'll go on thru the Great Tribulation but somehow miss the Wrath of God...They as well, reject the Restoration of Israel (the real Israel) as far as I know...
Pre-Millenialists believe the bible when it says Jesus will show up from Heaven WITH the saints to combat Satan and protect the Jewish remnant that survives the Great Tribulation...
There a myriad of details in this operation...
And why is it important to get worked up about the Pre-Millenial position??? The main theme of the bible is the Kingdom...With Jesus Christ as it's King...The O.T. is chock full of information of the restoration of Israel to the Kingdom...
The United States is in the position to protect the Jews as well as take their side of the coming conflict...
Although the bible says ALL Nations will turn against Israel, and be judged accordingly, individual Christians must side with Israel...We must recognize that God is not done with His chosen people, Israel...