If the 2 witnesses will be here for the last 3.5 years of the last 7 before Christ's return, wouldn't they show up to 'witness' against the Antichrist? Wouldn't that mean the AntiChrist would have to be at work professing himself 'as God'? Wouldn't that mean that the Holy Spirit (indwelt in the Body of Christ, The Church) HAVE to be gone, as in Raptured? The only way that the 2 witnesses would be 'witnessing' would be to denounce the false messiah, the AC...that's what gets them killed. Their deaths would be seen by all 'in the world' (those still here and alive at that time). I also think that the AC will have control over all those news/tv/radio entities...in fact, I think that's how he's going to reach out and control the masses.

We can still be in the beginning of those last 7 years, with the AC setting things up to inhabit whomever will be the best vehicle for his 'work'. Be that Obama or some as yet unknown person...just because the 'witnesses' haven't started their ministry, doesn't mean the ball isn't rolling.

Also, I always thought the whole point of the witnesses was to preach to those left behind to help bring more to Christ before the Judgment begins. Won't they be the ones helping people who refuse to take the mark of the beast? They shouldn't be here yet, since the Rapture hasn't happened yet.

Can someone explain to me how the timeline should/could work?

I always thought it was:

7 years begins
AC starts working behind the scenes to set things up
Rapture/Sudden Destruction
AC inhabits his 'man' who 'acts as savior' during the confusion
Witnesses start their ministry
AC allows the rebuilding of the temple, only to step in and demand worship to HIM
Witnesses denounce AC outright and are killed for it
Finally, before the 7 years comes to an end (the days were shortened for the elects sake) God steps in and his Wrath is poured out on the AC and all who stood by him.

How off am I? I've only been thinking about, stirred to question End Times since I first heard of and saw Obama not salute the flag.

I was always of the mind that we didn't need to worry, just trust in God and He was going to take us out before things got 'too bad'. *which I believe we are near*.

Blessings~

Suzi