Camping Out for the Lord

Here we go again.  Another doomsday prediction is about to fail.  Jesus Christ’s Second Advent can come at any time but He said that it will be when we least expect it, like a thief in the night.  Even so, Harold Camping has pegged May 21st, 2011, as the precise day of Christ’s return.  He ignores the fact that Jesus said that no man knows when He will return.  Paul warned about such men in I Thessalonians 5:2-4 saying, “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”  No one knows when a thief is going to break into their home or they would be prepared.  Camping is no exception. He can not know since this is not revealed in the Bible.  Jesus said that He will come when none expect it.

Harold Camping, an 89 year-old “evangelist” with a 100 million dollar ministry, heard in 61 different languages around the world, is certain (again!) that the end of this age will be Saturday, May 21st, 2011.  Never mind that he has been wrong before.  He said that he didn’t do enough research the time before he predicted this and it failed.  Perhaps he should research Matthew 24:36 which says ““But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” I might add that “nor the Son” are missing from many of the manuscripts so Jesus Himself may have actually known but it was not in mankind’s best interests to know.

The fact is that Jesus will come when people do not expect it.  The sad thing is that Harold Camping has convinced millions worldwide.  Multiple thousands have quit their jobs, and sold their homes as Camping said that there is no “plan B”.  If anything, this is the sign of the end of the age when many false prophets will come and say such things.  I believe that Jesus could appear at any moment but this has not been and will not be revealed to anyone on the earth.  This is privileged information and if this day of Christ’s return is not listed in the Bible, then this is God’s prerogative alone; we have no business guessing what is not revealed in the Word of God.  If He had wanted us to know, He would have done so in the scriptures. 

So everyone can relax.  I may go camping out this Saturday but it will not be in expectation of the sure arrival of Christ on that day.  I am already prepared.  I don’t need a “plan B.“  Actually, I and a church member will be going door-to-door for our Outreach to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We want to be witnessing to those who don’t know Christ so that they can meet the Lord in the Air that great day. 

If you are born-again and know Jesus Christ, you don’t have to worry about what time Jesus is going to return. If you are not saved yet, then today is your day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:1-2).  Tomorrow may be too late because no one knows if they might not take their last breath tonight.  I would pray that you would accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior today, while it is still called today.  Here’s how:

Admit  that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior (Rom 6:23)

Abandon your self-effort and realize that you can not be saved by your works or efforts (Acts 16:31)

Accept freely Christ’s payment for your sins as required of the Father (John 3:16)

Acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior (Acts 4:12)

If you have just received Jesus, you have now received God’s inheritance rights since you are now a son or daughter of His and can never be lost again & live forever (John 10:28-29).  Now, join a Bible-believing church, or call 1-888-NeedHim (633-3446) for follow up questions about salvation that is only available through Jesus Christ.

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  1. PolishBear said:

    Let me see if I have this right: According to most evangelicals, a “Rapture” and a “Tribulation” and a “Second Coming” WILL eventually occur, it’s just that no one knows exactly when. In fact, a significant number of people actually believe that a “Rapture” will happen during their own lifetimes, and they will be beamed up to Heaven, leaving little more than their clothes and their dentures behind. So far it sounds pretty nutty. So why is it that Harold Camping is somehow NUTTIER because he’s determined a DATE for all this mumbo-jumbo? I find it extremely disturbing that so many people, even many elected officials, think in such Apocalyptic terms. How it must cloud their long-term view of the future! Imagine: All of our science and technology and exploration and investment in the Advancing Modern World is all for naught, because it will simply be swept away in some grand battle between the armies of Heaven and Hell! How utterly depressing and nihilistic! Maybe it would be far better if people would just grow up, get over their fairytales and superstitions, and learn how to live in the REAL WORLD. Trust me, you can enjoy a perfectly happy, decent, and meaningful life without having to worry about “The Rapture.”

    May 18, 2011
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  2. said:

    We don’t “worry” about a rapture but await it in eager expectation. I would not call Mr. Camping “nutty” but just misinformed. As to whether he is a Christian or not, only God knows this. Harold Camping is not “nuttier” because he knows the date but that he is ignoring scriptural evidence that no humans have this knowledge. The Bible does not say when that day will be. It is not “horrible” but a joy that every believer has within them to see an eternal home with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the real world, it is real in every sense of the world. I pray that you would come to know Christ before His return because I would not want to see anyone go through such a tribulation. That is my prayer for you and others. It is not clouded but cleared up our future. One of hope, joy, and ending happiness in the presence of God.

    May 18, 2011
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  3. PolishBear said:

    DEAR JACK: Since the death of Jesus, people in every generation for over 2,000 years and hundreds of generations have wanted to be the one that experiences the end of days. None has. There must be a clue in there somewhere for you. If you waited at a bus stop for 2,000 years, at what point would you conclude that the bus wasn’t coming? Or would you just stand there … FOREVER … because somebody had stuck up a “bus stop” sign? But if the wait makes you happy and gives you comfort, good for you. You’ll be waiting for rest of your life. Me, I would rather not live my life in such apocalyptic terms.

    May 19, 2011
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  4. said:

    Dear friend, indeed it does give me comfort. II Pet 3 addresses this concern of yours: 3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” By the same word the present heavens 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Here is perhaps why He has not come yet….not wanting anyone to perish without Christ. Peter continues: 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. I can wait for Him because I know, unlike a bus, He is not late, He comes when He has saved that last person whom He desires not to perish. That is patient love. Thank you for commenting.

    May 19, 2011
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  5. said:

    Hi Jack, Well written and thoughtful piece. I just submitted an article to the site concerning Harold Camping’s false prophecy. Hopefully it’s not too late, and it will get published today. I can’t understand how people can read more into the bible than what is actually revealed. What is Harold Camping and all of his followers going to say when tomorrow comes and goes without Christ’s return? They are going to be so embarrassed! Blessings, Judy

    May 20, 2011
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