Regarding the apocalyptic writings, a take-away might be the advice to relax. The gospel today (Mark 13:24-32) reminds us: “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
So far, any time people believe they have calculated the exact date and time, and prepare to be taken up, nothing happens. Yes, it can be unnerving to read the scriptures or the books or listen to some preachers talk about the end times. But. We don’t know, just as we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. So, we can relax. We can read about the lilies of the field in Matthew where Jesus tells us that we are more than the lilies, and the lilies don’t worry, then just exist, as do we.
If we wish to prepare for our own personal end on earth, or the end times, we might be wise to remember other words attributed to Jesus. His great commandment is to Love. We are to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. If we love and act in love, we are probably doing exactly what God wants. So, we can relax and live our lives by treating all with love.