Damage Control at Moody - Zola Levitt Ministries

May 2000 Volume 22, Number 5

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.” – Romans 10:1

Our ministry senior theologian, Dr. Thomas S. McCall, comments INSIDE ITEMS

below on a letter received by one of our readers from the president of s Cover Article..........................p. 1

Moody Bible Institute. Dr. McCall is very familiar with goings-on at s A Seminary Brush-off................p. 3

seminaries, having graduated from Talbot Seminary and Dallas s A Note from Zola.................... p. 5

Theological Seminary. He is especially experienced in reading the s Letters to Zola.......................p. 6,7

communications of seminary presidents. In the article on page ZOLA LEVITT s The Doctrine of Progressive
three, he deals with a letter from his alma mater. Dispensationalism.............p. 8

Damage Control at s Hebrew Lesson..........................p. 9
Moody The Cover-up toourreadersandhas
not been entirely forth- the modern nation? The Progressive
coming in explaining the Dispensationalists, for instance,
problems that Moody has believe that ancient Israel was a cre-
By Thomas S. had in recent years con- ation of God, but that the modern
McCall, Th.D. cerning doctrinal issues. nation of Israel is just a human
invention and is not a fulfillment of
Many of our read- To help clarify the problems, Bible prophecy. This is a devastating
ers are as concern- I would like to present the viewpoint and has caused many
ed as we are about text of one of Dr. Stowell’s Christians to ignore what the Lord
getting to the truth letters below, line by line, is doing in our time in preparation
concerning the and indicate critical areas for the Second Coming of Christ.
current changes in in which pertinent facts
the teaching in our have been overlooked: Moody indeed has the reputation of
historically sound having “one of the finest Jewish stud-
dispensational I can assure you that we ies programs in the nation,” but there
Bible schools and have not abandoned have been some recent problems. One
seminaries. Israel, nor do we see of the professors who developed the
Several have writ- Israel as a product of program is Dr. Louis Goldberg, who,
ten to the various schools we have man’s effort. None of our faculty after retiring from Moody, moved to
mentioned in our newsletter, and in members would believe that, and, New York to work with Jews for Jesus.
particular, some readers wrote to in fact, we have one of the finest Dr. Goldberg has written a research
Dr. Stowell, president of Moody Jewish studies programs in the paper deploring the fact that some
Bible Institute, and received nation. of the teachers at Moody are now
responses. Some of the responses saying that many of the Messianic
have been forwarded to us with the “...anti-Messianic teach- prophecies in the Old Testament do
request that we analyze them. Our ing is seriously under- not actually refer directly to the
analysis is as follows: cutting the ministry of Messiah. Dr. Goldberg correctly
Jewish evangelism.” explains that this anti-Messianic
We can readily understand that Dr. teaching is seriously undercutting
Stowell would not want to discuss When he says that “we do not see the ministry of Jewish evangelism.
publicly the internal conflicts within Israel as a product of man’s effort,” he
the faculty of the institution he leads. does not clarify what he is describ- We remain fully grounded in the
However, it appears that he has ing. Does he mean ancient Israel or doctrines that we were founded on
engaged here in what the politicians by D.L. Moody over 110 years ago.
call “damage control” in responding
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

DAMAGE CONTROL AT MOODY CONT. FROM COVER

In saying that Moody remains “fully an conservative faculty members phetically prescribed future.” The real
issue is: Does Moody Bible Institute
grounded in the doctrines that we were actually fired in 1998, individuals believe in Israel as a work of God and
fulfillment of prophecy right now?
were founded on,” President Stowell who publicly voiced their concerns
Each year our faculty members and
glosses over the numerous disputes on these and other related doctrinal Administrative team are required to
agree with and sign our Doctrinal
within the undergraduate faculty divergences. Statement (which remains the same
as originally adopted in 1928 by
that have developed during this past our Board of Trustees) which holds
to a pre-tribulation rapture view
decade over matters such as: To outsiders, then, Dr. Stowell pre- and a literal millennial reign of
Christ.
sents one picture; but in actuality,
Moody’s 1928 doctrinal statement is
(1) the original doctrinal statement the situation at the Institute is sadly very short in comparison with those
of many of the seminaries, and does
(2) a doctrinal clarification state- dysfunctional when it comes to its not cover a number of issues, specif-
ically those that have to do with
ment (which was negatively reacted undergraduate faculty! Our sources Progressive Dispensationalism,
Egalitarianism or Messianic prophecy.
to by faculty in March 1999) close to the situation have fully docu- The founders of Moody were strong
traditional dispensationalists, did not
(3) two books pub- mented all of these sad believe that men and women were
developments in pub- to have equal functions in the church,
lished by faculty mem- ...“fully grounded and were great champions of a literal
interpretation of the Bible and the
ber Marvin Pate sup- in the doctrines lications, faculty Messianic prophecies concerning the
meeting minutes, first and second comings of Christ.
porting Progressive correspondence and Should we remain silent when a sig-
nificant number of teachers at Moody
Dispensationalism that we were are uncertain regarding these truths,
even though they dutifully sign the
(one of which provid- founded on,”... in the Moody Student doctrinal statement? Similarly, an of-
newspaper. ficial document approved by Moody’s
ed a forum to propa- administration in 1979 opposing con-
temporary egalitarianism is not being
gate an amillennial honored by some faculty members.

view of the book of Each member of our Our complaint against Moody Bible
Institute, Dallas Theological Seminary,
Revelation) faculty is a staunch Talbot Theological Seminary and
other formerly strong dispensational
(4) a divisive internal adherent to the dis- schools is not personal, but doctrinal
and issue-oriented. We fear that as
debate among the fac- tinction between more and more professors adopt
these divergent views, the further
ulty over “egalitarian- Israel and the church from the Scriptures, from evangelism,
and from a true Christian relationship
ism” (the teaching that and believes that God with Israel the graduates of these

men and women should have equal has a prophetically prescribed schools will move. We
thank the Lord for the
and identical roles in church future in store for Israel. schools and teachers that

government) 1are remaining faithful to

(5) the growing presence of liberal Dr. Stowell returns to the problem of the Word.

arts professors who are untrained in Progressive Dispensationalism and

doctrinal issues causing them to be the strong conviction of the faculty

unsure regarding Moody’s distinctive who maintain “the distinction bet-

dispensational theological heritage. ween Israel and the church and

believes that God has a prophetically

This last problem area is reflected in prescribed future in store for Israel.”

the deletion of the school’s “Here We These are correct statements, as far

Stand” document from an Academic as they go, but they do not address

Freedom Draft in 1995 (because it the issues at hand. The Progressive

would have meant the removal of Dispensationalists, who are rapidly

several faculty members if the doc- taking over the key theological posi-

trinal position were kept in that Free- tions in the schools, would agree with

dom Statement). Furthermore, the these statements. Nevertheless, they

requirement of Moody students to tend to blur the distinctions between

sign off on the Institute’s doctrinal Israel and the church and between

statement for graduation was removed the Church Age and the Millennium.

in 1998 (preferring an alignment with As Dr. Walvoord and Dr. Ryrie have

a blander, more general belief in clearly pointed out, the Progressive

“the Christian faith” which would Dispensationalists’ concept that

allow non-premillennialists and Christ is now sitting on the throne of

non-pretribulationists to graduate). David is a confusion and is Biblically

erroneous. Prophetic teaching has be-

President Stowell also overlooks the come gradually less and less impor-

fact of a deterioration in morale since tant to them and the students they

1990 (cited in a 1997 faculty study), influence. And, in any case, all sin-

further exacerbated when two veter- cere Bible readers see Israel’s “pro-

EDITORIAL

When I was in the doctoral program at Dallas Seminary, First of all, it is clear that doctrinal matters now are to be

the leading dispensational graduate schools lived and handled by an assistant. The assistant chosen to defend the

breathed Biblical and doctrinal issues. Presidents and position of the Seminary to the public, Rev. Pettit, received

professors were famous for defending the doctrines con- his Th.M. from DTS in 1996. Secondly, even assistants can-

cerning the Bible, Christ, the Church, Israel, and prophecy. not spare the time to deal cogently with the issues raised.

Men like Dr. Chafer, Dr. Walvoord, Dr. Feinberg, Dr. Instead, the reader is simply sent a copy of the doctrinal

Sweeting, Dr. Pentecost and others, some of whom I was statement as a substitute for dealing with the questions.

honored to know as my professors, would labor long to This might be all right if the professors in the classrooms

make sure that faculty, students and public alike under- were teaching what is in the doctrinal statement, which

stood the great doctrinal challenges of the day and the is a very fine doctrinal statement, indeed. The problem is

Biblical responses to them. Dispensationalism, the that many of the key theological professors are teaching

Rapture, the Second Coming of Christ and the restoration views that a number of Biblical scholars consider at vari-

of Israel were not things to be Damage Control ance to the doctrinal statement.
ashamed of, but to be defended As we have explained in previous
eagerly and vociferously against newsletters, Dr. Walvoord, Dr.
the teachings of liberalism, Ryrie and many others show

amillennialism and other devia- at Dallas conclusively that the key teach-
tions from the truth. Doctrinal ing of Progressive Dispensation-
statements were not museum alism, that Christ is currently
pieces to be brought out when seated on the throne of David in

some distraught pastor or sup- The Brush-off Heaven, is Biblically erroneous
porter raised questions, but were and leads to considerable eschat-
living documents hammered out ological confusion. Our convic-

in the heat of Biblical discourse tion is that it is so confusing that

and godly argumentation. By it is in direct violation of the DTS
It seems that those days are Thomas S. McCall, doctrinal statement which pro-
claims that the dispensations of

largely behind us. Try writing a Th.D. the church age and the millenni-
serious inquiry about doctrinal um are not to be confused or

problems to the formerly strong intermingled:

dispensational seminaries today. Instead of receiving a

correspondingly serious response to the issues raised, We believe that three of these dispensations or rules of life

one is likely to get a polite brush-off and an attack against are the subject of extended revelation in the Scriptures, viz.,

anyone who would dare to question the changes in the the dispensation of the Mosaic law, the present dispensa-

teaching taking place. Take the case of one of our readers tion of grace, and the future dispensation of the millennial

who was concerned about the issues raised in our kingdom. We believe that these are distinct and are not to

newsletter and wrote to the President of Dallas be intermingled or confused, as they are chronologically

Theological Seminary. He received the following successive.

response, which he forwarded to us:

It is beyond us how anyone who teaches Progressive

Thank you for your letter dated February 28. Dr. Dispensationalism can honestly sign this doctrinal state-

Swindoll has asked me to respond. Since you asked ment, which all DTS professors are required to do every

four rather lengthy questions which would take much year. Certainly, these questions deserve a reasoned

time to answer, I have included the DTS doctrinal answer, not a dismissive one.

statement which will answer the questions.

I hope you are not buying into the distortions that Zola Secondly, Rev. Pettit Who is doing the distorting?

accuses Zola of dis-

Levitt has raised. We are not sure why he has pub- torting the position of DTS and of failing to follow the

lished these issues in his newsletter without following principles of Matthew 18 in not coming to him first

the Matthew 18 principle and coming to discuss them before writing the articles. How have we distorted the

with us first. position of the Seminary? Leading professors there have

written books promoting the divergent views of

Warmly, Progressive Dispensationalism, indicating that the earlier

views of the leaders of the Seminary were defective, or

Paul E. Pettit not progressive enough. Who is doing the distorting?

Asst. to the President CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

ZOLA’S BULLETIN BOARD

R We Dig Israel! Duplicates? Moving?r1BruTG-ewTendo8tqJrccoouh0niuteLduokgTuuu0iyienagtyoeeonr-rrcinnietsoWoepssganeetd,osulet7d,rgssOyw?trsmE(o-heoaaf2e1NitfiHpooluntil1nh6lIainarDror4dvsjag,ttreoarwe)!Ecniltaakyvroo6tRfecnnShehawa9lalhSeodobe,er6yneapmrwtloa-orbPpheat9tnuuleepeoeoiel7iyntltsmnnrluda-6rtotvgiiai0rgcnIwcgabmdst,eeffhiccoearhordcdealapartoaauluu.etdentrm6tlishrsnoloeCctic?iavaverfrnenoaSoeinenaOfgilduetarrnlrdotpeolouostsyogdhduutm1oefrouefab!r1xroBiuKrmetcpe.nDsI,isoeiafbteb—p.bmTiafyrlhakelbhinOIioeonctioersiubdiauarursnaum6ebatsalrcryl-zoeerauoease2eFdrlTn,vdt,a4iazooestvr?l,i,ruelqtahnr-,e- oTADrnnuastevhwioedertrBahF:naradkPoIlfsenteryhe’:oseDouoTahfisrhaeDtpebniacaeesvBlvnpweeioisdnbe“na.llTryeteeihoTdTdaenh,hneQaeDc“rdlroTlioeastrnchfrumeoeteerrs”oi,eusn”fto,aehtnGtmhahooetpeefndiCa.Peghpmarezrolreiutgs8hastr.slteyiessintsrhteeiovrvaoeirdtneaeiTbgolonydfd

Are you receiving two or more copies of
our newsletters? Please let us know so
that we can unclutter your mailbox and
cut costs. And maybe pass that extra

copy on to a friend. Also, please let us

know a month or more ahead if you’re

moving so that you won’t miss any

letters. Thanks.

Safer Than U SA Liwnwkwo.jfpthe Montht“A“aMhISbsnatasoanotnuteciyitrsnimatptihttceihseoaoeolnpdlfSylafeptoniatetrg’tsareeSskasraoi.s”nfjneoogakfIltnetos,et”auerfsrrresoantyryatiostsyimRoIosonurocaaahrelrleRuewlonlfeaaoredrSrsrosTtyabrtfnaheevelereeorilednf.(ltAeIhssSersIalRyeTl ).
neIwf sypoPauopswetr,ofouoflrdrferlciekoeer,dttho, eTrnheaevdiJseIirsturasaell’esm

ost.com.bRwbrtdc“aaAoiuoyOoeewbbSuscsnmconrw,Igh.oatRubehb.selAaaTtelllipaidslySncwnebeciIaarasgcrRhestuitcro.cuxTei(eoseo3atungernyotn0mnggottI1fne.trsofteo)easaarffBfta9orvalttslsiue8perpyeoyl3tlRerpt’nlusohr-ioIoanso5snubepal,r2rgaluadlaevid5ewstesndao2Tmhelwasdnrtesoitrahsh’eatyramrvaoonoonrvoetenaudaiedlfmsjdeeRaiowicdetdsmeooraiihinsaponsfatoaebtgyfotntanrhproreotstogRtehetoqefsahToet.cut”d(bheirpRoRerareelduRsTevwicctfsinoReeoawoeyatal)ufbrnonfhcderionuceasoopRnate’tssmrarT.cgrueiwgncoeRaeraihsel-i-.ddaetrineg a Juastlidttolen’htnobemevseeursribcpekrei—snetdehvieferinet!mif yaokues’vyeou

Search

A Note Then, with the Criswell College sit- matic with the public, students, or
From uation, we met the sort of adminis- supporters. His prime interest is in
Zola trators who really should not be in raising funds, and he has virtually
Christian work at all. They are pure- no other goals. He will subvert
Dear Friends, ly political and not really truthful, and everything—doctrinal truth, facul-
they will say anything and go to any ty unity, sincerity about our Lord,
T alking with presidents of length to buttress their hopeless cases. or whatever it may take—in the ser-
Christian organizations these They virtually cursed our ministry, as vice of getting more donations or
days can be like talking with did the president of Zondervan Pub- getting more students or selling
our duplicitous President of the lishing, purveyors of the awful text- more books. He is utterly serving
United States. One has to watch book that we cited them for using. Mammon, but he so convincingly
very carefully what they say, and At no time did anyone try to defend acts the role of serving God that
the whole exercise qualifies as “haz- the textbook any more than Dallas sometimes he himself doesn’t real-
ardous duty.” Seminary tried to defend its profes- ize whom he is serving.
sor. In both cases, after many per-
In our few adventures where the sonal insults, it was conceded that “The business of America is busi-
Lord has seemed to call us to cor- we must have ness,” said one of our presidents,
rect problems with seminaries and been right. but the business of our seminaries
publishers, we have met a variety of should be God and His Word. When
presidents and their assistants, and But all the same, the textbook is still Moody Bible Institute and Dallas
we have been handled in a variety in use at Criswell College. Seminary have turned into the Har-
of ways. Rocking a seminary boat is vard and Yale of divinity schools—
bad manners in today’s Christian fashionable and worthless—we will
society, and we are somehow to have to build new schools, and we will
believe that these presidents have be hard-pressed to do so, because
the sort of infallibility of the Pope. those formerly great institutions have
Our experiences testify to a similar- taken nearly all the contributions.
ity between these officials and the I’m really saddened to think about
Pontiff, but not in the area of infalli- what has not been taught and what
bility. They really are quite fallible has not been prayed for and what
men. has not been sacrificed and what has
not been produced out of a student
Our troubles began a few years body because of the beautifying of
back when we were forced to report the Dallas Seminary campus or the
a most obnoxious anti-Israel pro- establishment of the Moody bank.
fessor to Dallas Seminary, and at
that time we were handled with And now, we have the disappearing And in the end, no one could defend
some respect. I presented a tran- presidents who will not acknowledge the Dallas Seminary professor, or
script of what this individual had any of our letters, but will respond even tried; no one could defend the
said on Christian radio, and it was to our viewers’ in-
taken seriously. The professor was quiries, defending Gundry textbook,
summarily fired, and I was allowed their institutions. or even tried (well,
a chapel service at Dallas Seminary Gundry tried, but
to explain my position. (Rather, I HazardousTheir testimonies Dr. McCall easily
began by reminding them that I refuted his decep-
came like a marriage counselor to are as reliable as tive defense); and
tell them not to forget their first those of tobacco no one can defend
love, Israel.) Progressive Dis-
Dutycompany presidents. pensationalism, and they haven’t
tried, either. I only hope that the
(See Dr. McCall’s
answers to seminary
presidents’ letters on page 1 and 3.)

What I think has happened is that we time won’t be short before we’re
have instituted a new kind of admin- having to complain of Replacement
istrative officer in our seminaries Theology, Amillennialism, consort-
and our Christian publishing com- ing with liberal churches, etc.,
panies. He is a professional person, whichever is just around the corner
handsome in demeanor, very shrewd from where we are.

businesswise, and cajolingly diplo- CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

These are the sort of letters To: Dr. Whaley,
our readers receive from high-
How many personal attacks
ettersranking seminary leaders. do I have to put up with from
those who can’t defend what
L toZola answers them below. they teach? — Zola

From: Paul Pettit [Assistant

to the President of Dallas ...from those
Theological Seminary]

3909 Swiss Avenue Dear Zola and Staff: who can’t
Dallas, Texas 75204

To: Zola Levitt Ministries defend whatEnclosed is a very simple letter
Subject: Progressive Dispensationalism
asking President Swindoll their
Webmaster:
Why is Zola so afraid of Progressive Dispensationalism? they teach?position on Israel and Progressive Dis-
Why doesn’t he sit down and try to understand it instead
of attacking it and making himself look rather foolish? In pensationalism. I was disheartened
the March newsletter he says, “the dispensations are prog- to read in your February newsletter
ressive… I guess that’s why they call it Progressive Dispen- about what this seminary holds to. I love reading your
sationalism.” Huh? Is that the best he could come up with newsletters and watching your program, while also lis-
in his research? Does he know this topic is being seriously tening to John Hagee and Chuck Swindoll on the radio...
debated in the leading theological seminaries? Thanks!
...It will be interesting to see if I get a response from
Dallas Seminary in regards to my questions. If I do, I will
forward it on to you.

Dear Dr. Pettit: May the Lord continue to bless your ministry, and thank you
for all you do, Zola. Enclosed is a love gift for your ministry.
In the meantime, I am praying for the peace of Jerusalem.

I’m not afraid of Progressive Dispensationalism; I’m afraid In His service, — K.E.
of students ignorant of End Times prophecy and Israel head-
ing our churches someday. I’m afraid of shrewd administra- Dear K.E.,
tors resting on past laurels and virtually operating businesses.
I’m afraid of seminaries expanding enrollments only to use I wouldn’t count on much of a response from Dallas Semi-
up millions of dollars to build buildings and establish banks. nary, though your letter was very well worded and your
questions directly to the point. But please see the “reply”
And it saddens me greatly that “this topic is being seriously (on page 3) another of our viewers received from Paul
debated in the leading theological seminaries.” Believe me, Pettit (assistant to the president) of that seminary.
I understand your errors perfectly and so do my viewers
and readers. Zola

Do you ever stop for a moment and ask yourself, “What are CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
we really doing to the Christian community when we com-
promise like this on doctrine?”

— Zola

$99 VCRs

From: Dr. Howard A. Whaley VCRs have become very affordable, sometimes costing less
Senior Vice-President and Dean of Education than $100. Why would you buy a VCR? One reason might be
Moody Bible Institute, 820 N. La Salle Boulevard that you are missing Zola Levitt Presents too often and you
Chicago, Illinois 60610-3284 would like to record it. Another might be that you want to pass
on Zola’s program to a friend — or watch it with him. Your
To: M.K. [reader] church library or pen pal might appreciate your homemade
…I suspect I know the source of your concern and would “Zola” tape, labeled with the lesson(s) it carries. Please know
just say that his representation of both Moody and Dallas (and tell your friends) that we welcome anyone to set their
is without factual basis and even his characterizations of VCRs to automatically record our program for more convenient
various theological positions are designed to serve his viewing.
personal intent rather than any elaboration of the truth…

LETTERS TO ZOLA CONT. FROM PG. 6

Dear Mark, We have received requests to define
[Zola’s son and general manager of Zola Levitt Ministries]
Progressive Dispensationalism,
I just wanted you to know that the announcement you ran
in the February edition of your Levitt Letter has produced the doctrine we have criticized at such well-
fabulous results. Boxes of books and magazines are coming
in almost daily, even from Alaska. Your ministry has some respected seminaries as Moody Bible Institute
of the most compassionate people on earth. What a joy it
is for me to write each one a personal letter and tell them and Dallas Theological Seminary. Our staff
how much we appreciate their giving time and money so
our inmates can be kept occupied. I feel that many disturb- theologian, Todd Baker, has expertly discussed the flaw in
ances have been avoided because we have good reading
material available. that doctrine in his article on page 8. Todd has noted that

Thank you again for supporting our ministry. The Lord the Progressive Dispensationalists purposely confuse the
certainly has been good to provide our needs at critical
times. throne of God in heaven with the throne of David. God’s

God bless you and your ministry, throne in heaven is obviously not an earthly place. We
Chaplain Keith Francis
Collin County Justice Center see it in Revelation, and it is spoken of elsewhere in
4300 Community Blvd., McKinney, TX 75070
Scripture. David’s throne was certainly earthly and will
LettotersDearZola
How great God is! Recently I got handed your newsletter. be in the Kingdom to come. By saying they are the same
It just happened to cover Progressive Dispensationalism.
I have had questions nagging in the back of my mind throne, the Progressive Dispensationalists effectively
about that for years. Your letter covered the topic very
well. Thank you. cut Israel out of the prophetic ...the
picture and accelerate a Kingdom
Please put me on your mailing list. Thank you!
event—Jesus literally sitting on the
In Christ,
Progressivethrone of David in Jerusalem—to the
C.S.B. present day.
Dispensation-

According to the Progressive Dispen- alists effec-
sationalists, Jesus is now sitting on tively cut
the throne of David in heaven, and Israel out of
we are enjoying the beginning of the the prophetic
Kingdom at this point. It doesn’t take
a deep theologian to see the flaw in
this reasoning.

picture...

While the following article clarifies
all of those issues with the relevant Scriptures, I am con-
cerned mainly with the effort, however unconscious, to
shut out Israel and the Chosen People from the Kingdom
to come. This is a completely wasted exercise on the
part of those who are, to say it kindly, not particularly
preferential to those whom God loves, the Jews. For
Moody Bible Institute, Dallas Seminary, and any number
of other fine Bible schools who formerly supported Israel
and praised the Chosen People to have turned to an error
of this magnitude is shocking. The logical end of this
doctrine, out-and-out Replacement Theology, would be
the complete dispossession of those whom God chose
and the Land He promised from Christian thinking.
This simply must not happen.

1Zola

Birds of a feather

EDITORIAL

The Doctrine of Progressive They are always distinct and different in Scripture. In the
book of Acts, it is even more evident that Christ is not
Dispensationalism presently reigning on the throne of David as Progressive
Dispensationalism claims. Luke opens Acts with

By Todd Baker Th.M. Christ’s post-resurrection ministry to the disciples for
forty days. During that time, Jesus spoke to them “of

things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).

Today there is a growing movement within dispensa- Surely, in all that time, if Jesus were to shortly reign on
the throne of David in heaven, He would have plainly
tional theology that is gaining influence among some told them of this important change and transference of
David’s throne from earth to heaven when they asked
leading dispensational seminaries and churches across Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the
Kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Christ did not reply, “You
the land. It is called “Progressive Dispensationalism.” are mistaken about this Jewish misconception of an
earthly throne and Kingdom in Israel. The throne of
Traditional dispensationalism has always maintained a
David has been transferred to the
clear distinction between Israel and the Church, and throne of God in heaven where I will
ascend and shortly reign from.”
that the Messianic Kingdom, of which the Davidic
Instead, Jesus told the disciples
Covenant (2 Sam. 7:8-16; Ps. 89) is a main feature, still is

a future earthly event that will occur EVENT

when Christ returns to Jerusalem to What was once
reign over the earth for 1,000 years
(Rev. 19:11 – 20:1-6). clearly a future
event is now,

However, proponents of Progressive somehow, a pre- that God the Father has appointed

Dispensationalism have changed the time and season in the future
when the Davidic Kingdom will be
sent reality.some of this with their interpretation
established in Israel (Acts 1:7). In the
of Acts 2 (particularly verses 30-36).
meantime, they were to go out and
They teach from Acts 2:30 that the
preach the Gospel in all the world,
throne of God in heaven where Jesus
FUTUR starting in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). The
now sits is the throne of David. Davidic rule and Kingdom did not
Hence, Jesus is currently reigning
begin when the Lord ascended to heaven, or He would
from David’s throne in heaven, and the Messianic King-
dom is now inaugurated and is beginning to be fulfilled! have obviously told them so when questioned about the
What was once clearly a future event is now, somehow, a time and season for the establishment of the Kingdom
in Israel. If Jesus is currently reigning on David’s throne
present reality. This is a disturbing departure from a
in heaven, then Acts 15:16-18 contradicts this novel idea
normal literal understanding of Bible prophecy that
of Progressive Dispensationalism. The passage in Acts
views the Throne of David as an earthly throne Christ
15 deals with the issue of Gentile salvation and whether
will sit on and reign from Jerusalem when He returns
or not Gentiles must be circumcised and observe the
(Is. 2:1-5; Ezk. 43:1-7).
Mosaic law to become Christians. James answers for the

To believe this is now being “progressively” fulfilled blurs group at the Jerusalem Council by saying the calling out
the distinction between Israel and the Church and min- of Gentile believers is in keeping with the future promise
imizes the prophetic importance and position of modern- of a Davidic Kingdom in Israel. Once the present age ends
day Israel. The context of Acts 2 does not teach that Jesus after the taking out of a Gentile body of believers “for His
is now reigning on the throne of David. Rather, the main name” (a distinct characteristic and divine work of the
point of Peter’s sermon is that God has demonstrated the present age), Christ will return to rebuild and restore “the
man Jesus, who was crucified by the Jewish leaders, to be tabernacle of David.” The phrase “Tabernacle of David”
“both Lord and Christ” by the following three events in is a descriptive synonym of the Davidic throne and earth-
Acts 2: (1) By the resurrection v. 31; (2) By the exaltation ly Kingdom that has long been in ruins (Acts 15:16). It
at God’s right hand v. 33; (3) By sending the Holy Spirit of still remains this way during the present age and awaits
promise v. 33. The gist of Acts 2:30-36 is Christ’s resurrection the final restoration at the return of Christ to earth. If
and exaltation at the right hand of God on the heavenly Christ were reigning on the throne of David in heaven
throne that guarantees His future reign on the earthly at this time, why then did James say the Davidic monar-
Davidic thrones as David’s Lord and greater descendant. chy was still in ruins? The only reasonable and clear
answer is that Jesus has yet to return to earth to repair

Nowhere in Acts or, for that matter, in the entire Bible does and rebuild it when He comes to reign on an earthly
one find the earthly throne of David and the heavenly throne of David in Jerusalem, not heaven.

throne of God explicitly identified as ever being the same.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

DOCTRINE CONT. FROM PG. 8 NOTE FROM ZOLA CONT. FROM PG. 5

Clearly, in the book of Acts, the Jewish disciples, along Learn about
with the Jewish Church of Jerusalem, were looking the Bible in a
forward to a future, earthly, literal Davidic Messianic way no school
Kingdom in Israel to be ruled over by the Messiah Jesus. and no books can
It was not spiritualized and transferred to heaven where teach! Come with
Christ presently is, contrary to the belief of Progressive us to the Holy Land
Dispensationalism. Carried to its logical conclusion, on our next tour,
Progressive Dispensationalism could lead to saying the June 7-16. This is a
Church is Israel followed by a denial of the Jewish peo- great opportunity for
ple’s status as God’s Chosen People and the vital role students and teachers,
Israel will play in the future Davidic Kingdom to come. and the perfect tour for
Christ is King over the created universe and His Church. the budget-minded pilgrim,
He will be an earthly King over a redeemed Israel as as this is our most economical
their Davidic ruler on David’s earthly throne when He tour. It’s a Kibbutz Tour, which
returns to earth. Therefore, .... differs from our Deluxe Tours only in
the lodging and the exciting addition of an actual
Christ’s rule from the throne archaeological dig (no experience required). We’ll stay
of David totally awaits a future in comfortable kibbutz guesthouses in the Israeli coun-
tryside and near the shores of the Sea of Galilee. We
fulfillment currently not will see all the major Biblical sites including the Sea of
realized now. Galilee, the Mt. of Beatitudes, the Jordan River (where
you can be baptized just as Christ was), Mt. Carmel,
1 Megiddo, Nazareth, the Western Wall, the Mt. of Olives,
the Garden of Gethsemane, the Upper Room, the
HEBREW LESSON Garden Tomb, Masada, and the Dead Sea. We will also
tour the beautiful Golan Heights and thoroughly explore
and learn about the Old City of Jerusalem. You will see
the original Dead Sea Scrolls and tour the Holocaust
Museum. Float in the Dead Sea, shop the stalls and
marketplaces of Israel, eat hearty Israeli meals of the
fruits and vegetables grown in the Holy Land where God
promised He would “multiply the fruit of the tree, and
the increase of the field” (Ez. 36:30) as He has truly done.
See the lush fields like jewels in the barren desert, and
know that God’s promises have been fulfilled. We don’t
have much time before we leave on this tour, so call
Diana or Becky at 214-696-9760 quickly to make your
reservations. Thanks.

Hebraic Insight If you aren’t able to join us in June, our Fall Tour is just
around the corner. The Deluxe Tour of Israel (September
Jewish tradition requires that we personally bless the LORD no less 11-21) visits all the sites listed above. The Grand Tour
than 100 times a day. Such a requirement, if not practiced legalisti- (September 11-24) has an extension to Petra, the “rose-
cally, surely points to a deep inward appreciation for the good things red city half as old as time” and the resort city of Eilat.
God personally provides for us throughout each day. As Jesus said, Cruise the Greek islands of Mykonos, Patmos, and
our Father knows the very number of the hairs on our head (Matt. Rhodes on our Athens Grand Tour (September 6-21),
10:30), and, if our eyes are open to His grace, we too will notice His and visit Ephesus, Turkey, Athens, Corinth, and Mars
provision even in the smallest details of our lives. Hill. Or join us for the most exciting of all—the Ultra
Grand Tour (September 6-24)—and gain the most thor-
ough knowledge possible of all these Biblical lands. I
hope you can join us.

And please, remember to pray for
the peace of Jerusalem!

Your messenger,

DAMAGE CONTROL AT DALLAS CONT. FROM PG. 3

We are merely pointing out to the general Christian public The Seminary is fully aware of the firestorm
what is well known throughout the conservative theological in theological circles that has been caused by
community. The assistant is attempting to state that the these new views. Whole movements have arisen as a
professors are all teaching what is in the doctrinal state-
ment, but we are convinced that dominant professors are result, such as the Pre-Trib Study Group, because prophe-
deviating from it in critical areas. There is, therefore, not cy is so uninteresting to many of the current professors
only a doctrinal problem, but one of integrity as well. It and graduates of the formerly strong dispensational sem-
really is a distortion to teach one thing in the classrooms inaries. Whole new seminaries, such as Tyndale Seminary
and present something else to the supporting public. in FortWorth, have been formed, claiming to be “Old Dallas,”
in contrast with the newer views at DTS. It is only the
Concerning Matthew 18, the assistant appears supporting Christian public that is largely unaware of what
to think we have raised these objections in a is going on. When we attempt to inform our readers of
vacuum. Zola and I met on the Seminary campus with these realities, our positions and views are not attacked,
but we ourselves. We are considered less than honorable
a number of the leaders of the administration, faculty when we raise questions about the doctrines that are
and board of directors of DTS several years ago, express- being spread wholesale in the classrooms of our once
ing our concerns about Progressive Dispensationalism, a fine dispensational schools and seminaries.
bias against modern Israel and other matters. This was
when the doctrine of Progressive Dispensationalism first We think it is high time for a serious, dispassionate public
appeared on the theological radar screen. Since then, I discourse to take place concerning these important matters.
have submitted an article to the Seminary journal, It may yet be possible for our seminaries and Bible schools
Bibliotheca Sacra, endeavoring to refute these changes to return to their role as defenders of the great dispensa-
in the Seminary position. Zola also has spoken at the tional truths, and “the Bible as it is for men as they are.”
Seminary Chapel, urging the students and faculty to sup-
port the Biblical reality of the modern state of Israel as a 1
harbinger of the Second Coming of Christ. We are in reg-
ular communication with Dr. Walvoord, the Chancellor, MEET ZOLA IN PERSON
who recently wrote to Zola and me a cogent letter defend- EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7:30 P.M.
ing the Seminary, but agreeing with us that Progessive SHALOM, SHALOM MESSIANIC CONGREGATION
Dispensationalism is Biblically erroneous. In any case, I
have personally asked repeatedly to meet with Dr. BIBLICAL ARTS CENTER
Swindoll and have received no reply. 7500 PARK LANE AT BOEDEKER
DALLAS, TX 75225 214-691-4661

Planned Giving t Gift Planning Booklets for Donor Information and Education:
Pamphlets
A Definitive Resource
Our small ministry has no estate planning department or profes-
sional fundraisers. A sister ministry, however, referred us to an t Giving Through Life Income Plans
organization that publishes the pamphlets below on a wide vari- t Giving Through Charitable Lead Trusts
ety of topics. You can use the form below to order these for t Giving Through Living Trusts
$2 apiece, including shipping and handling (3 minimum, please) t Giving Through Life Insurance
or you can request three free with any purchase or donation of t Personal Financial Affairs Record
$25 or more. Indicate below which pamphlets you wish to order,
clip and include with order form. t Why Change Your Will?
t The State Has Made Your Will
t Your Guide to Effective Giving in 2000 t When Should a Woman Have a Will?
t Giving Through Charitable Remainder Trusts t Eleven Things to Remember
t Reflecting on Tomorrow (brief outlines of nine different planning t You Never Need to Change Your Will Unless...
t How a Will Works for You
opportunities) t How Your Will Can Last Forever
t An Estate Planning Quiz
t Giving Through Your Will
t How to Make a Will That Works
t Better Estate Planning
t Giving Real Estate
t Giving Through Gift Annuities
t Giving Through Retirement Plans
t Giving Securities

MATERIALS LIST & ORDER FORM

Books Qty Videos Price Total Cassette Tapes by Zola Levitt
___ The Dead Sea Scrolls Special $19 _____
Qty Books Price Total Qty Tapes Price Total
___ The World Today (8 programs) $79 _____
___ Foreshadows of Wrath and Redemption $12 _____ ___ Discovering Our Jewish Roots
___ Unto the Gentiles (8 programs) $79 _____
___ Forewarning–Approaching The Final by Snell & Hunter (8 tapes) $39 _____
___ The Believers (8 programs) $79 _____
ORDER FORM Battle Between Heaven & Hell $12 _____ ___ Beginning of The End (2 tapes)* $10 _____
___ A Child Is Born (1 videotape) $25 _____
___ Foreshocks of Antichrist $12 _____ ___ Zola Teaches The New Testament
___ “Mine Eyes Have Seen” – Zola’s
___ Piercing The Future $12 _____ (6 tapes) $25 _____
After-Christmas Musical $25 _____
___ The First Christians Transcript $10 _____ ___ A Christian Love Story $4 _____
___ Living Waters (12 programs) $99 _____
___ An Israeli Love Story $6 _____
___ The Stones Cry Out (12 programs) $99 _____ ___ The Miracle of Passover $4 _____
___ Israel: By Divine Right! Transcript $10 _____
___ Israel, My Promised (6 programs) $59 _____
___ Coming: The End! Russia & Israel ___ The Seven Feasts of Israel $4 _____
___ The End of the Age I (4 programs) $39 _____ ___ The Spirit of Pentecost $4 _____
in Prophecy $9 _____ ___ Glory! The Future of Believers $4 _____
___ The End of the Age II (6 programs) $59 _____ ___ How Can a Gentile Be Saved? $4 _____
___ The Trouble with Christians,The ___ Coming: The End! Russia &
___ The First Christians (10 programs) $99 _____ $4 _____
Trouble with Jews $8 _____ Israel in Prophecy $4 _____
___ The Temple (6 programs) $59 _____ ___ Jesus the Jew’s Jew $4 _____
___ Jerusalem: The Truth ___ The Tribulation Temple $4 _____
___ Return to Galilee (11 programs) $99 _____ ___ Encounters with UFOs $4 _____
by David Bar-Illan $8 _____ ___ A Survey of the New Testament $29 _____
___ Zola's Music Video of Israel ___ Prophecy Conference Tapes
___ The Stones Cry Out $7 _____
(53 minutes) $29 _____
___ Dead Sea Scrolls Special Transcript $7 _____
___ Zola's Music Video II (1 hour) $39 _____
___ Our Hands Are Stained With Blood
___ Zola’s Music Video III
by Dr. Michael Brown $8 _____
(1 hour 18 minutes) $29 _____
___ Israel’s Right to The Land $2 _____
___ The Miracle of Passover (2 prog.) $29 _____
___ The Promised Land $3 _____
___ Beloved Thief - Musical $29 _____ Music
___ The Spirit of Pentecost $3 _____
___ The Beginning of The End ___ Love Stories of the Bible Cassette $10 _____
___ The Seven Feasts of Israel $3 _____
(5 programs) $49 _____ ___ Champions of Faith Cassette $10 _____
___ The Miracle of Passover $3 _____
___ The Seven Feasts of Israel (7 prog.) $69 _____ ___ The Works (4 CDs of 8 albums with*)
___ A Christian Love Story $3 _____
___ The Bible: The Whole Story CD Set $49 _____
___ The Second Coming $3 _____
(7 programs) $69 _____ ___ The Works II (4 more CDs** Set) $49 _____
___ Seven Churches $3 _____
___ Evidence of God (8 programs) $79 _____ ___ A Pilgrim’s Journey Cassette $10 _____
___ Glory! The Future of Believers $3 _____
___ Genesis One (Video) $19 _____ ___ Faith in the Fire ** Cassette $10 _____
___ How Can a Gentile Be Saved? $3 _____
___ The Covenants of God (8 programs) $79 _____ ___ The First Christians ** Cassette $10 _____
___ In My Father's House $3 _____
___ Love Stories of the Bible (9 prog.) $89 _____ ___ Tell It On The Mountains** Cassette $10 _____
___ Israel, My Promised $3 _____
___ Israel, The Church & The Future $99 _____ ___ Jerusalem 3000 ** Cassette $10 _____
___ Signs of The End: The Millennium $4 _____
___ Israel: By Divine Right ** Cassette $10 _____
___ Broken Branches: Zola on Studies, Etc.
___ Unto The Gentiles ** Cassette $10 _____
Replacement Theology $4 _____ ___ Jerusalem Journeystone
___ Pictorial Map of Jerusalem ___ In The Wilderness ** Cassette $10 _____
___ Jesus The Jew’s Jew $5 _____ ___ Pilgrim's Map of Israel $8 _____
___ Half-shekel Key Chain $6 _____ ___ Mine Eyes Have Seen (Zola’s After-
___ Sunshine After Rain: Promised ___ Pray for Peace Bumper Sticker $4 _____
___ Messianic Prophecy Scroll $7 _____ Christmas Musical) ** Cassette $10 _____
Land Poetry & Prose $10 _____ ___ Israeli Flag $2 _____
___ Zola's Notebook (The Bible: $29 _____ ___ Living Waters CD/Cassette $12/$10 _____
___ The Beginning of The End $6 _____ $19 _____
The Whole Story) ___ Beyond Words * Cassette $10 _____
___ Raptured $7 _____ ___ House of David Stone Replica $20 _____
___ Jewish-Christian Institute $29 _____ ___ Return to Galilee * Cassette $10 _____
___ Jews and Jesus $7 _____
(course information) no charge ___ Israel My Love * Cassette $10 _____
___ Meshumed! $6 _____ ___ Israeli Tour Information no charge
___ Program Airing Schedule no charge ___ Messiah * Cassette $10 _____
___ Satan in The Sanctuary $6 _____ ___ Catalog of Ministry Materials no charge
___ Jewish Heritage Calendar ___ Zola’s Songs by Lamb * Cassette $10 _____
___ Once Through The New Testament $7 _____ $5 _____
___ Beloved Thief * Album $ 2 _____
___ The Bible Jesus Read $8 _____
Cassette $10 _____
___ The House That God Built $6 _____
___ Next Year in Jerusalem * Album $ 2 _____
___ The Prophesied Messiah $8 _____
Cassette $10 _____
___ Return to Galilee $8 _____
___ The Covenants of God Cassette $10 _____
___ The Transcendental Explosion $7 _____
___ Zola’s Sample CD $ 5 _____
Please Tear Off and Send Entire Page. ___ Genesis One $4 _____

___ Is There Life After Death? $5 _____

___ Encounters with UFOs $5 _____ Shipping & Handling Chart Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico, Subtotal
please double shipping; all other
___ The Spirit of Sun Myung Moon $5 _____ up to $15.99, add $2 countries, please triple shipping.
$16 to $30.99, add $3 Please send U.S. funds.
___ Creation of a Masterpiece $10 _____ $31 to $60.99, add $4 8 1/4 % Tax
$61 to $100, add $5 (Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.)
The Best of Zola on Video over $100, add $6 (TX Residents Only)

Shipping (See Chart at Left)

Qty Videos Price Total Rush! ($5 extra)

___ This Is Israel (12 programs) $99 ____

___ Prophecy 2000 Series (12 programs) $99 ____ Any amount that exceeds the listed price is considered a tax-deductible gift to our ministry. Donation

___ SPECIAL – Is This The End? $29 ____

___ Champions of Faith (11 programs) $99 ____ Name (please print) Total (Enclosed)

___ The Witnessing Series (4 programs) $39 ____ Shipping Address

___ House of David, Part I (8 programs) $79 ____

___ House of David, Part II (9 programs) $89 ____ City State Zip

___ The Holocaust (6 programs) $49 ____

___ Jerusalem 3000 (13 programs) $99 ____ Donor # Phone No. ( )

___ A Pilgrim’s Journey (9 programs) $89 ____ (See number above your name on mailing label) t Please send the free Christian Will Workbook

___ Tell It On the Mountains (9 programs) $89 ____ My check is enclosed for $

___ Israel: By Divine Right! (12 prog.) $99 ____ Please charge $ to: Card # Expires /
Cardholder’s Signature
___ The Dead Sea Scrolls Series tt t

(7 programs) $69

Seven Churches – Non-profit Org.
Does Yours Fit In? U.S. POSTAGE

The Lord appeared to the Apostle John at Patmos and dictated the PAID
dramatic Revelation of Jesus Christ. He began with commentary CARROLLTON, TX
on seven churches of the time, which has remained an object lesson
for all generations. The seven churches of Asia as seen by the Permit #210
Head of the Church. Please order this study booklet from page 11.

The Second Coming

Various theories of the Lord’s return and the Kingdom examined
in detail. The return of the Lord and the establishment of His
Kingdom on Earth. Exact Scriptural information contrasting the
Second Coming and the Rapture of the Church. Available on page
11 as a study booklet.

Glory! - The Future of
The Believers

Prophecy studies often deal with the Tribulation, the Antichrist,
Armageddon and other cataclysms to befall an unbelieving world.
This delightful study deals with the happy events prophesied for the
believers: the Rapture, the Marriage Supper, the Kingdom, etc. The
future for those who believe. Available on page 11 as a booklet and/or
audio cassette.

ZOLA LEVITT MINISTRIES, INC.
BOX 12268
DALLAS, TX 75225-0268

MAY 2000