I used to hear it a lot growing up. But truthfully, I can think of nothing that would be more offensive to the Lamb of God than to preside over animal sacrifices as if His own sacrifice was insufficient!

Basically there are "millennial" and "non-millennial" schools of eschatology. Meaning those that believe in a literal thousand-year earthly and political reign of Christ (millennial) and those who view "the millennium" figuratively rather than literally. Is Christ not now ascended and seated on His throne? Are we not now ruling with Him, holding the keys of the Kingdom (Matthew 18) and having authority and power to preach and make disciples? I'm among those who believe that "the millennium" began with the Lord's first advent and ends with the second.

Like you, I never heard of any other eschatology besides the popular "left behind" scenario until I started college and met some believers outside my little narrow circle. I was also suprised and shocked to learn that the "majority report" (secret rapture, tribulation, return of Christ and "Jewish"-like 1000-year reign) is actually little more than 200 years old! None of the Puritans, Reformers, or founders of the American colonies ever heard or taught any such thing! There is Historic Premillennialism, which is much older and orthodox, but the modern "Left Behind" science fiction is pretty recent; the invention of revivalists who hoped to wake a sleepy Church from her doldrums and create a sense of urgency as if the gospel itself isn't compelling and urgent enough!

Lots of reading to do, but take your time. Three of the schools of eschatology are completely orthodox (well-supported from Scripture and within the bounds of the ancient Creeds and Confessions): Historic Premillennialism, Amillennialism, and non-Charismatic Postmillennialism. Two of the three are "wrong," but I believe the whole point of it all is be ready, not figure out God's ordained timeline.

-Robin