If we're witnessing the foretold chain of events of end-times, then we're also entering a time of great deception. Jesus said:

Then if anyone says to you, "Behold, here is the Christ," or "There He is," do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, "Behold, He is in the wilderness," do not go out, or, "Behold, He is in the inner rooms," do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be (Matthew 24:23-27 New American Standard Bible). 

Notice the issue of deception. It's our Lord's second coming. It appears to me that Jesus is warning us not to listen to those who teach a second coming that is different from the one described as lightning that flashes from the east to the west.

The Apostle Paul also warned an early church about not being deceived about the second coming. Paul, however, brought up something else to be watching for -- the appearing of the Antichrist. Paul said:

Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). 

Where did Paul get this idea? He got it from Jesus. In fact, it's from the same chapter 24 in Matthew where we find Jesus warning about deception concerning His second coming.

I received an email from a good friend asking why God would allow us to go through the Great Tribulation. He mentioned how Peter denied Jesus three times. He wondered why God would allow His people to risk losing their faith through persecution. Here's how I answered:

Later Peter did die for Jesus. It is believed Peter was crucified upside down. Jesus told His disciple that they knew the way He was going -- the cross. He told them to follow Him. He said, as He was sent into the world by His father, He sent His followers into the world. What Jesus did in micro in Israel, His body is doing in macro in the world. We are God's witness to the nations. Then will come the end and God's judgment.

I'm beginning to believe the pre-trib doctrine is part of the great deception that precedes the appearing of the man of sin. When Jesus mentions this deception, it's in context to His second coming. He says His coming will be as lightening from the east to the west. He said it wouldn't be a secret -- for some to see and not others (Matt 24:23-27). Even thought the pre-trib arguments can't withstand simple logic tests, the doctrine is still strongly believed. This suggests it's spiritually inspired. And, I don't believe it's the Holy Spirit because sound doctrine is logically constructed.

Friends, I fear the pre-tribulation doctrine is having a blinding effect on God's elect. If they don't believe they will be here to see what Paul spoke about, then they must denie the events -- even as they're happening. 

It's just as Jesus said.