I believe the Second Coming of Jesus Christ IS indeed MORE IMPORTANT than the rapture.  Comparing it to the resurrection of Christ as more important than the crucifixion of Christ is like comparing apples and oranges.  Yes, both are equally important, but which one came FIRST?

Nobody's trying to "prove" there is not a rapture....and no amount of debate is going to satisfy WHEN it will occur.  However, we CAN know where we are headed prophetically - but NOT by determining which event, the rapture or the second coming, is more important!

First we must determine the Theme, the main point of the whole Bible and it happens to be about a King and His Kingdom!....NOT about the greatest escape in the history of mankind.  The Second Coming is referred to over 300 times in the New Testament alone!   It will be the climax and culmination of His Redemptive Work!  Jesus came that the world might believe and receive salvation........He didn't come to grab a select few (out of the whole history of the world) to keep them from "suffering."  But when He returns at His Second Coming, the Lord will usher in that Kingdom which will eventually result in God being all in all!!!!!

So consider which is "more important" >
       1)  the rapture, which is about "us" and our own welfare....our escape....a quick fix for "our particular lifetime?"
       OR
       2)  the Second Coming of Christ, which is about the Redemption of the entire world! - man, animal, nature, ALL of Creation!

But even MORE SO, the Second Coming of Christ is about HIM! - Jesus Christ, God's only Begotten Son - He Who will receive His Kingdom, He Who will receive honor and glory, He Who will reign forever and ever!

In other words, which is more important....."our going" or "His coming?"

Or, if you want to keep it "impersonal", ask it in a doctrinal, philosophical manner>  "Is the rapture & resurrection of believers dependent on the Second Coming of Christ.....or is the Second Coming of Christ dependent on the rapture?"

Yes, every jot & tittle will be fulfilled and yes, there IS a rapture!
And, no, we can't prove what we "know by faith."  But, with the grace of God, it behooves us to at least consider this> If God came to you and said, "Look here, I am not going to take you up before the antichrist appears.  Furthermore, you may have to suffer just as others before you suffered for my name.  But finally, toward the end, (which is but a brief time when all is said & done) I will change you and take you up before all hell breaks loose, and then you'll return with Me."......What would you say?  What would you do?  What COULD you do?

Believe me, if we can get out of here before anything really bad happens - well, good for us.  But I'd rather be prepared.  Actually I'd rather know ahead of time what the Plan is....and for that I am willing to give up my pre-conceived notions and things I've always heard and/or been taught - and be willing to give up my plans and ideas for His.  That's all.  In fact, that's what's expected of us.
                                                 Shalom,  Sherry Vance