As one who doesn't believe in the Rapture at all, I would like to offer my view on the passages in this discussion.
Steve brought up the possibility that Paul may have been addressing those who have died in the Lord. This is the view that I believe. The "hope" that Paul refers to in 1 Thes. 4:13 is the Resurrection of the dead. Going down to verse 15, Paul talks about "we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord". This is the raising of those who are in Christ. "Those who are asleep" are the dead saints of the Old Covenant age who are in Sheol. Regarding the timing, I don't believe that Christians will literally rise up from the grave, but that they go to the presence of the Lord. Before Jesus was resurrected, all believers went to Sheol / Paradise / Abraham's Bosom. Now our spirits go directly to Him.
I believe Matthew 24 speaks of the Tribulation that the 1st Century Christians would experience during the Jewish Wars (AD 66-70), which is why He prophesied the destruction of the Temple in verse 2. The Jews and followers of Christ went through this tribulation.
Like Steve, I am just here for discussion, not to get into an argument. Whether or not you agree with my view is okay.