Yes, there is much that is not understood ...referring to how we view 'End Times'. But, it is our eagerness to understand what we don't know which brings us most of the confusion and most of the fear. Though, let us not overlook the fact that there is much that is clear also.

First of all, we must resolve the inconsistency over what some may believe ...that certain parts of the Bible are more reliable than others.

If we believe that all of the Bible is true, then we don't bog ourselves down with thoughts of inconsistencies ...but, rather discern what we can while continuing to seek out truth within the Word of God, not outside of it.

Each day we make decisions ...some seemingly small ...and others not. It may not be of great magnitude as others view it, but for each individual it is significant whether shared by many or existing in secret.

How our lives are affected may be impacted by what we do ...or it may be primarily the result of decisions that others have made.

How much of a part do we really play in all of this?  Our concern should mostly be with the decisions we make ...and whether those personal decisions reflect a compromise of the Word of God.

People testify throughout the world of things they think they know ...some pronouncing good news, and others warning of known dangers.  

Discussions on various topics can be enlightening and helpful ...if it is a fair discourse, giving equal time to the different viewpoints.  But, in talking, discussing, or disputing ...eventually the truth of what is known should be presented. Early on, it seems that emotions get a foothold, but the truth must prevail.

In talking of 'End Times' ...everyone's end time is not the same. A person can have a rather pleasant end of their life, or they can have a torturous and horrific end.  But when talking of the specified 'End Times' as stated in the Bible, it appears that two main emotions emerge ...those who look forward to Jesus' return, and those who fear what that may mean in reference to what they may first expect to go through.

In reference to the 'rapture' ...many are grouped into the 'eager' category.  Of course, there is understandably more eagerness in the 'Pre-trib' group, than the 'Mid-trib' or 'Post-trib' ...as in tribulation.

The fear group, or the less eager scenario would be in those who look to the major confrontation with the beast ...inclusive of the pressure put on them to accept the 'mark'.

There is so much we don't know ...so let's focus instead on what we do know.

The 5th Chapter of the Book of Revelations speaks of seals. Many have heard of the first four seals ...the white horse, the red horse, the black horse, and the pale horse.  The 8th Chapter mentions the opening of the seventh seal, where the seven trumpets are prepared to sound.  You can read of the seals I didn't mention, and also of the trumpets ...and some people say they believe some of these have already taken place.  I disagree, but am not writing to dispute that.  

The first angel sounds and it mentions that one third of the trees are burned ...and 'all' the grass. Well, I cannot see a compelling argument that could convince me of that having had already happened.

I look to the second trumpet at which it mentions one third of the ships are destroyed, and one third of the creatures in the sea die.  Would some say that has already happened?  Then at the third trumpet, one third of the rivers are contaminated, so that many die.  Would some say that has also already happened?

At the sound of the fifth trumpet, in Chapter 9, huge locusts with tails of scorpions torment those who don't have the seal of God ...for five months. Then at the sixth trumpet, for 13 months, men are killed ...up to a third of the men.

Chapter 10, verse 7, mentions the beginning of the sounding of the seventh trumpet.  And it mentions that two witnesses shall prophesy for nearly three and a half years ...after which the 'beast' from the bottomless pit shall kill them. After three and a half days, the Spirit of God gives them life back.  And verse 15 of Chapter 11, says the seventh angel sounds.

Chapter 13 mentions the 'mark' of the beast.  The vials are clearly afterwards, as the seven angels with the seven plagues are poured out of vials. Chapter 16, the second verse states that first vial is poured out upon those that have the mark of the beast.

There are other references other than these, but I would suggest also reading I Thessalonians, Chapters 4 & 5 ...and also the 24th Chapter of Matthew.

There was much to fear in the last century with the likes (or dislikes) of Hitler, Stalin, and Mao ...and we don't know who will emerge next on the world scene to cause horrific consequences to select people.  But, let us not ignore the fact that there are those who may not even become a statistic ...as much domestic violence terrorizes innocent victims every day throughout the world, and is not reported.  If we fear what is reported in Scripture of the events to come, let us not ignore all the reports that are to come and focus only on certain ones ...as the mark of the beast.

We should do the best we can do when trying to prevent horrible events from happening, but many of the tribulations mentioned in Scripture are going to happen. Yet, things do happen more often when a nation or people turn away from God.  The events of Jesus are what we should be foremost reporting.

Yes, we should look to the hopes and promises ...not of some world leader or politician who says our life will improve, but to Him who will grant us eternal life.