Is the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit before the Rapture? (to Patti C)

You asked for clarification about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit - is it before the Rapture?  Before attempting to answer this difficult question, there are a couple of points to note.  First, the importance of being ready for the Rapture at any time.  In Jesus’ own words from Matthew 24:44  You must also be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect Him.  I was leader of a youth group called Maranatha (Jesus is Coming, or Jesus Come!) around 40 years ago, so I have been watching for His appearing for a long time!.  I also believe that while the broader church is not ready, there is a remnant church that is ready to be raptured at any time. 

Should the Lord tarry, I believe that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is imminent, and will take place before any Rapture.  This outpouring will bring about an incredible revival, but in time this true revival will be hijacked by deception (including replacement theology - that the church has replaced Israel) and a social gospel/ecumenism.  Those who stand with Israel will find the road narrow and the going tough!  Throughout most of my life I have viewed the Rapture as one event - I was interested in Marilyn Agee’s letter on 11 March, that “the Rapture is not going to occur as you have been taught”.  I now consider it possible that there is a split Rapture, with the dead in Christ and possibly a remnant bride to be Raptured first - this would be a Rebecca bride – the servant, type of the Holy Spirit, was sent to find a bride for Isaac  (Leah, I believe, represents the broader body of Christ).  With some hesitation, as I still thing we are seeing with veiled eyes, my thoughts on the sequence of events is as follows:

Outpouring of the Holy Spirit with Birth Pangs -a time of trouble on the Earth:  Isaiah 13 (war with Iran, earthquakes and financial collapse) and Joel 2, and judgment and revival in the church.

Rapture of the Rebecca Bride (dead in Christ and possibly remnant/true church - around the time of the Psalm 83/Isaiah 17 war and victory for Israel)

Rapture of Leah bride (the church) - around the time of the Ezekiel 38 war

Rachel Bride - seven years later, Christ’s Return to Earth for His Jewish Bride and start of 1000 years reign and on into Eternity!

You may also be interested in the excellent article by Maurice Sklar on the Seven Rapures - link below.

http://www.mauricesklar.com/Teachings/Seven_Raptures/seven_raptures.html

Maranatha!  Denis