Michael,
You and I are pretty much on the same page as to the rapture of the Church. As a new believer, some 34 years ago, I was taught that the dispensational veiw was what the Bible taught. When I did my own study on it and really looked at what the Bible said, rather than what Hal Lindsey said, I could not find any passage that remotely taught a secret rapture before the great tribulation. I have asked many people over the years to show me just one passage that taught this, no one has yet. I have been told, many times, that they just believe it because they hope that is what will happen. I don't want to write war and peace, but I find it sad that many hang on to this view when it is clearly not scriptural.

in His love,
Darryl