Does the rapture happen before Christ returns to rule?
Yes, the rapture occurs before Christ returns to rule. According to the context, Christ will first take believers out unto Himself, and many things must take place between that removal and His coming back to rule over the earth. The rapture is imminent, could happen at any time, and Scripture does not set a date.
Les teaches that the rapture is imminent and could happen at any time, though Scripture does not set a date. He strongly feels it is near but acknowledges it may not occur by a specific date. He points to world conditions—nations in perplexity, problems overwhelming governments—as signs of winding down. Then he states that Christ will first take us out unto Himself, because many things have to take place between us and the Lord before He comes back to rule. Thus, the rapture precedes Christ's return to rule.