I would be interested if the rapture concept (as it relates to the end times) is found anywhere else in Biblical literature outside the writings of Paul.
I just watched an interesting video on the "mark of the beast" and would be inclined to agree with it up to the point where they use Paul's writings to suggest Christians escape tribulation through the rapture. Rather I'm inclined to think there will be no rapture, and Christians will have to make a stand (to the point of losing their lives) rather than receive the mark. This harmonizes with Revelation 12:11 and Christ's own example.
I agree (i think).
The way I digest it is that either a Christian is all in, or tuned out.
I mean by what way does a warning of an imminent rapture make one suddenly become a believer? and in what way does it make a believer more motivated to preach salvation, as if time is more or less valuable according to this doctrine?
Also about the mark, either you have the mark of God written in your forehead or you don't.. so one can either be IN the world or OF the world, no amount of theorizing or speculation can persuade an unbeliever to accept the Gospel.
The wisdom which is called for has to come from a Christian heart first, hence the letters to the seven churches for example weren't intercepted by the Roman soldiers because to them it just seemed like the typical nonsensical ramblings from some messianic cult fanatic.