It is important to understand the times in which we live. The Pharisees did not and therefore missed Jesus, their messiah for whom they were supposedly waiting for. Why ? because their expectation was based upon their own personal bias. They wanted a king who would deliver them now... from all their enemies and thus missed the Savior who came to do just that.. but not according to their way or expectations. As for living in the "last days" - Jesus and His disciples taught this as fact in their time. How much closer must we be? However the events, as laid out for us, may occur or not in our lifetimes. But what we do know is that upon death we will all stand before the judgment seat of Jesus and for this we should be ready, at all times, and encourage one another as well as we understand that this event could come at any moment. Am I being dogmatic in saying all this ? I believe this to be the truth found in God's word and I do find rest in it according to my faith in God and His promises to me.
And yes, I agree we should be able to discuss these peripheral issues but not dogmatically because there are specifics that we just don't know. So again, we must approach each other with a humble heart of love when we share our own understanding of events with the intent of blessing, encouraging and exhorting one another, as Paul did, to press on towards the HIGH mark of God's calling in Christ Jesus. To me this means to deny myself, pick up my cross and become like Him. This in turn will help others see more clearly who He is and as He is lifted up - all men will be drawn to Him. And that is our first commission in our service to God.