Gentlemen:

I watched that program and was disgusted by those gentleman's definition of dispensationalism. Keep in mind, they have their balliwick. They didn't know what they were talking about, re: dispensationalism, despite their credentials and Moyers esteem. Which should be something of a clue given the subject matter, and I happen to appreciate much of Moyers work, including this misinformed effort.

Scripture says there is a way to 'rightly define the word of truth'. Dispensations, and the term, is used in the word of God. The primary element of dispensationalism is that God has dealt with humanity(or groups of humanity) in different manners in the different ages of our sojourn since he placed us here. The simplest example would be God's dealings and expectations as evidenced in the different practices of the Israelites and Christians in faith and form.

There are other defined dispensational ages, however, we presently are in the Christian era. Meaning that God's dealings with men are dictated by Christian teachings, say rather than the Law or the age of Innocence. Part of rightly dividing the word is determining what of the scripture is Christian, because the entirety of the New Testament is not Christian theology but I won't go into that.

Another consideration, is that prior to the Christian era was the Law. I can tell you with complete assurance, if you're not a Christian(& even if you are) you oughta bone up on the Hebrew Law, as it will be the Law of this world during Jesus' millennial reign.

I'm not aware of this preacher(politician?) Haggee but I prolly agree with him to some degree regarding scriptural prophecy. E.g., the scripture teaches the rebuilding of the temple. And keep in mind, prophecy overlaps both testaments of God's word, another element of rightly dividing. It is also prophesied that the Anti-Christ will desecrate the rebuilt temple, by entering in to the Holy of Holy's, followed by his declaring himself God. Of course Armageddon will follow that some time later(something like 3 1/2 years if I recall-the scripture provides time lines but it requires study and faith). Immediately followed by one of the various judgments, in this case the judgment of the nations(sheep and goats). Immediately following that would be the beginning of the true Christ's millennial reign, and a return to Mosiac Law. The conclusion of which will be followed by the general judgment of the unsaved dead called up to face their maker, Jesus Christ, whereupon every knee will bow to him(like it or not).

It's really pretty simple, if one has a child's faith to believe what is written. The word of God after all is, as one would expect of a judgmental but loving Father, is self interpreting.

As to the whole tested by fire mention. Although scripture says decapitation will be a preferred method of Christian execution in the end times, if you were to turn to 1 Cor chapter 3, you find that when Christians are judged by our Lord, that we will be 'tried as by fire' for the judgment of our works during our lifes. I just thought you should know that burning Christians at the stake is a retro trend that isn't likely to catch on again, unless you know a way to refute God's far seeing eye.

In conclusion, as a Christian who believes the scripture is the word of God, and is closely tied to the very person of Jesus Christ(as it is one of his titles), I do not hate the children of Israel. Nor as best I can tell, should any Christian. In fact, we are instructed that we are grafted into their branch and a good deal more.

However, I would point out that prophecy does in fact teach more troubles for the Jews, and Christians too for that matter, before our mutual Messiah's return. I don't know that Haggee and his followers have any animosity toward the Jews, and I find it doubtful frankly; and those who might I would view with great suspicion. I think rather, you are misinterpreting their acceptance of prophecy as wishing for harm to our brethern. I say that because I listened to the Haggee excerpts(& that should be stressed, excerpts), and what I heard was a man who seems hip to prophecy, and was cautioning that Iran(Persia) plays a major roll in end times prophecy. Syria does too. Perhaps that is wishful thinking on my part, as in being filtered through my faith in the understanding the Lord given me, which includes loving the Jews as brethern, time will tell. That said, I do have reservations about Haggee's hanging out at the gates of the city(with the big wig politico's for the scripturally challenged(no offence intended:)).

Ntl, it is of interest that the PNAC paper, Rebuilding America's Defences calls for securing both nations, Iran and Syria by the USofA, so perhaps our nation is the Great Satan, in more than the Moslem reality(it's a curious thought that cropped up recently in connection with 3 of 10 king(dom?)s suffering judgment). And of course both are significant in end times prophecy. Too, there is a prophetic description that lends itself to the idea of the aftermatn of an atomic/nuclear weapons having been unleashed on Israel. Too, another question that scratches at my consciousness' door is whether the present day nation of Israel is the regathereing to the land that scripture is referencing. Which is why at the end of the day, this Christian, when uncertain, pulls back to the certainty of Jesus raising believers like me from the dead('cause I certainly couldn't do it on my own).

[Just a revisiting of a passing thought: if China views DBIS as ver boten, what of the USofA?]

Oh! btw! To the dear soul who pooh poohed faith: how much of your life is not based on faith? You really should think about what you think you know, and you think you control, like breathing or waking up tomorrow morning or what control you have over your appearance in this existence. I hazard a guess, if you give it an honest examination, you'll need to admit you have only so much control of your existence. Just a kind thought.

Also, and my apologies, but I haven't had time, and don't now, as I should've been working on advertising this morning but I will get around to reading your comments regarding 5 Surprises in Hell. I just couldn't let this pass, as I am concerned for your eternal souls, or your souls eternity. I know you don't get where I'm coming from, but perhaps one day one of you will.

Back to work ...

peaceably