The Left Behind series gives a good overview of what is the commonly accepted sequence of events for the whole thing.
Here's a simplified chart that someone posted in the Rapture Caucus (at Post #416)
My understanding is that the Tribulation period begins with the signing of the peace treaty between the anti-christ and Israel. The rapture is believed to happen sometime in that time period.
The Left Behind series gives a good overview of what is the commonly accepted sequence of events for the whole thing.
The books are not the best written, and there’s a lot of rehashing of previous material in the later books. IMO, they could have cut the series down by about two books worth if they didn’t have so many flashbacks. However, they do present the whole rapture and tribulation period in a format that makes it easier to remember what is supposed to happen and when. The first book is pretty good. Books 2-4 are dry, and the series really gets going at book 5.
I tend to think along the lines that the rapture is a good explanation for a catastrophic event that solidifies the antichrists grab for power. It would be a good excuse to impose martial law for example, to control the chaos that would ensue.
The Left Behind series gives a good overview of what is the commonly accepted sequence of events for the whole thing.
Here's a simplified chart that someone posted in the Rapture Caucus (at Post #416)