Just thought I'd share this link to an article by NT Wright called "Farewell to the Rapture". I am increasingly encountering people whose beliefs include such anti-Biblical concepts as Jesus returning in secret and taking them up into the sky. This belief comes from a whole system of belief that has infected the church in the US and making inroads over here, it's often known as Premillennial Dispensationalism (as opposed to simply "Premillenialism" which is an orthodox Christian theology thats been around for ages). Premillennial Dispensationalism comes originally from the writings of JN Darby in the 19th Century and was unknown before that. It has been popularised by the "Left Behind" series of novel and movies. NT Wright deals with the subject of the Rapture very well in this typically excellent article.
There are 4 basic levels which a Christian may have to face. Having the specific knowledge on what each one of these levels are all about can really help with planning and carrying out the appropriate battle strategy in which to defeat them should demons ever move in for an attack on either you or any of your close loved ones. Every time that Jesus told his apostles to go out and walk with his anointing to save the lost and heal the sick - He always had the command in there to also cast out demonic spirit where and when needed. So if Jesus was constantly casting out demons, always telling the apostles to cast out demons - then it should only be logical that the church should continue to cast out demons. It has been estimated by many Bible scholars that approximately 25% of the miracles Jesus had performed were him casting demons out of people. Satan and his demons are not confined to the Bottomless Pit at this time. This event will not happen until Jesus returns back t