disciple of Jesus, missionary, introvert, blogger, husband and friend to Amanda
Just a few minutes ago while I was driving through Joplin, MO, I was stopped by a doomsday prophet. He wasn’t the type who carries a bullhorn and shouts that I need to repent. He was rather quiet and simply handed me the pamphlet that you see in the photo.
I am a little aggravated for two reasons. The first reason is because he made me miss the light. The second reason is because he is making me look a little weird. From glancing at his tract I have come to the assumption that he follows Jesus and he probably has good intentions. The reason he is making me look weird is because I too consider myself a follower of Jesus and some people look at him and me and they lump us together in the same category.
I have never read in God’s word that I need to go and preach doomsday destruction. I think that occupation died out with the Old Testament prophets.
What did Jesus tell us to do? In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus says that we need to make disciples, baptize them and teach them to obey Him. Jesus was asked about the end of the world once and this is what He said,
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. -Matthew 24:36
I am sure my brother out on the street has good intentions but after looking at scripture his focus is in the wrong area. He would better serve me by actually serving me, getting a little sweat on his brow.
Update: New question, there are 24 time zones in the world. Which time zone do you think judgment day is coming. I ask because when it is 12:00 am on May 21, 2011 in Germany it is only 5:00 pm May 20, 2011 in Oklahoma. If we know the day shouldn’t we know the exact second?
Have you ever encountered a doomsday prophet? What was your reaction?
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My wife and I are cross-cultural workers in Peine, Germany. We serve at the Christusgemeinde and our main focus is follow-up work with the Let's Start Talking ministry.
Great story, great post! Great picture, too!
I never encountered a doomsday prophet. I just heard that Jehovah’s witnesses keep coming up with dates for judgment day and when the date comes and judgment does not they simply calculate a new one. Just like Homer Simpson.
Also Randy told a story about a teacher at a College somewhere who published an essay about the date for doomsday which was due sometime in May 1984 IIRC. But the guy had made appointments in his schedule past this date. That made it so ridiculous…
I like the hype about doomsday dates. I’m looking forward to 12-21-2012. That’s when the Maya say the world ends. Because it’s the day their calendar resets. No one can really tell, though, why they nominated August 11th 3114 BC as the first day. I think it’s funny how everyone pretends to freak out. Now it would be a surprise if something really happened!
We shall see…
There was no world end destruction that happened in May of 1984. But there was a beautiful queen that was given to this world and that queen’s name is Amanda.
Thanks for visiting our site, it means more than you realize. All this hard work to get this site up and maintaining it is worth it if I can get a few people to comment.
I think you and I are the only ones who realize that 12-21-2012 is when the Maya calender resets. Saying that it is the end of the world brings in more money I suppose.
David Knapp´s last blog ..Newsletter November 2009
You are referring to a bible first published in 1973, the NIV. This book was the result of a collaborative effort between conservative churches at the time. Continuing on in Matthew 24 we may learn that god is telling us to look very carefully at the events of Noah’s day.
Care to elaborate?
For example, In Matthew 24:37-39 God explains as in the days of Noah, so will be the return of Christ. People were going along with their business “until the day that Noe entered into the ark”. In verses 42-44, were instructed to watch. Noah didn’t simply just happen to wander into the ark at the appropriate time. He was told(Gen 7:4) by God the precise time(day). Sudden destruction came upon those who scoffed. Remember, the thief comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy(John 10:10).
Thanks for elaborating.
Christians are not Noah. Yes, Noah knew about what day to enter the ark but Jesus isn’t saying we will know the exact time of His arrival. From this passage I see Jesus saying that life will be just like it was in Noah’s day. People will be going about their business and then Jesus will come back.
When do people go about their business? They did it Noah’s day, 1st century and even now.
We are either ready to be with God or we are not. I think the New Testament informs us how to receive our salvation.
Once we have that salvation what are we going to do?
My spiritual gift is mercy and serving. I want to look for ways to glorify God with the gifts He has given me.
My gift is not to stand on the side of the road with dooms day destruction pamphlets.
David Knapp´s last blog ..How Fast Is Mosaic Mercy
Noah and his family were the only ones saved. They were the true believers and the ark was typifying Christ(their salvation). We are instructed by God(1 Cor 2:13) to compare spiritual things with spiritual (scripture with scripture). Gods speaks to us in parables(earthly stories with a heavenly meaning)Matt 13:34, Mark 4:11. Keep in mind, this biblical hermeneutics method of interpretation was adopted by the theologian Origen in the late 2nd century and was abused. It was completely abandoned during the reformation for a literal grammatical-historical method of interpretation.
When we see the abomination of desolation(Mark 13:14) God sends us to the book of Daniel(Daniel 12:4) and instructs us to flee Judaea(the church). Judgement must begin at the house of God(1 Pet 4:17).
I agree with you that we MUST flee Judaea. I witnessed the desecration of the church. The end time date is correct and what joy for those of us who believe!
Where to start — Matthew 24:36 (nor the son)The origignal Bible was written in lower case letters so the s was small. The translaters capitize the S. satan is also called the son – Psalms 89:22 – Isaiah 14:12. John 10:30 (I and my father are the same)John 14:9 -(he hath seen me hath seen the father), So Jesus the Son had to know the time of the end .-( NOT the angels in heaven)-So if (nor the son) is a reference to satan then the angels are the angels of 2 Peter 2:4 (day and hour Knoweth no man)– but it does not say will never know.We know the Bible is going to reveal more at the end of time. Daniel 12:9 For the words are closed up and seal till the end of time — You can read a couple of passages and come to a conclusion;because they conflict with- Thessalonian 5:4 – revelation 3:3 – matthew 24:50-Ecclesiastes 8:5 — This leads s into a very complex study –You got have to do your homework on this THANKS RICK
I am not exactly sure what you are talking about. Okay so there will be an end to this time but Jesus said to go and make disciples. He didn’t tell us to predict the end of time.
The world will continue to spin after May 21, 2011 unless of course Jesus comes back before then. When is He coming back? Doesn’t matter. Keep trying to make disciples, that is what matters.
Dave – Let’s look at some verses that the people 5/21/11 look at -
Ecclesiastes 8:5 – Who keepeth the commandments shall feel no evil thing ,and a wise man heart discereth both TIME and JUDGMENT — What do you do with this verse ignore it ? IF so then your in violation of the Bible rules -refer to Revelation 22:18 -19
Revelation 3:3 — If therefore shalt not watch I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what HOUR I will come upon thee( In this context a Hour is TIME)
1 Thessalonsians – 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the LORD so cometh as a thief in the night
( People not knowing the time or not accepting the time (mocking) Refer to John 10:10 – John 11:10 -2 Peter -3:3-4
1 Thessalonians 5:4 – But ye brethren,are not in darkness,that day should overtake you as a thief
( People knowing the time of the end)
Hedrews 10:25 — exhorting one another and much the more as ye SEE the day approaching. ( If we SEE the day doesn’t this mean we know the day?)
AS far as Noah day people were going about their business because they didn’t believe him. He must of been the joke of his day Building that boat ,He had to be telling them what was going to happen –he was a preacher of righteousness 1
Peter 2:5
Why know the time ? Because were to be Watchmen — read Ezekiel 33:3-6 and Proverbs – 8;34
THANKS RICHARD
Richard, do you believe that the world will end on May 21, 2011?
Dave – I been working on 5/21/11 for over a year now,the problem I got with it is;I can’t find a problem with it,seems to be accurate.Some people brush this off as if these 5/21/11 people are a bunch of loons.But their study is a sophisticated articulate piece of work.Sometimes I find a church person and stike up a coversation about this and their stuck in their church teachings that Christ comes as a thief in the night.This leads me to the thought that the churches are now under judgment and to the boarder study of the end of the church age.That judgment has begun at the house of God (1 peter4:17) God will give them a strong delusion.(1 Thessaions 2:11) and that the book of Daniel has been open.Maybe I drank the Kool-aid Too — But I don’t think so .THANKS RICHARD
True no man will or can know, but he who is of God is of the Spirit, and it is the Spirit that will teach you all things. READ John 14:26 But the comforter , [which is ] the HOLY GHOST, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring ALL THINGS to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Now in Mark 13:32 it also says that no man, not the angeles whitch are in haven, neither the son. Now the greek word son is not in capitals. We also know that the Son of God is Jesus, (WHO IS GOD), so how can Jesus not know. so what son is this. READ 2 Thessalonians 2:3 here we read about the man and the son. Let no MAN deceive you by any means: for THAT DAY shall not come, execept there come a falling away first and THAT MAN of sin be revealed, THE SON of PERDITION.
God tells us in Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man”s heart DISCERNETH both TIME and JUDGMENT.
Now look and see what it means to DISCERN
May the Lord richly bless you…
Judgment Day May 21, 2011
May the Lord richly bless you also. I still don’t think there is a mathematical formula for the end of the world.
These guys are an offshoot of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and their leader is a guy named
Harold Camping, who apparently is a very charismatic preacher on something called “Family Radio”.
Of course, they repeat all of Camping’s numerological b.s. and work from the chronology of the J.W.’s, which has the world beginning a little over 11,000 years ago.
If a person is scientifically knowledgeable, then all of this stuff collapses.
Camping predicted a possible end of the world for 1994, so remarkably, these people just don’t get it.
Your comments show up on a forum for the May 21 2011 judgment day…It strikes me funny every time someone quotes “No man knows” as if one verse shuts down the whole subject on Christ return and we can’t look any futher. This is convienent for those in the churches who like the best of both worlds by enjoying life in this world (for they love this world) planning their futures,obilvious to truth etc..and by the same token they are convince of salvation because they perform some sort of work,go to church,good people,etc..,I was in the churches for 35 years.Everytime this verse is used on its own it violates the Bible by not comparing scripture to scripture,spiritual to spiritual,not one verse stands alone,you have to compare scripture in light of the whole Bible.
Your reference about this person reads as if you are ashame and afraid that someone might think that you were equals,Please read the parable about Lazuras and the rich man.God resist the proud and gives grace to the humble,the meek shall,no respect of persons,etc..
Mosaic? is that suppose to mean something?Were all under judgment unless God has choosen us for salvation.
Unless you were choosen for salvation before the foundation of the world the world will end in about nine months for you and seven billion others but,their is still time.May 21st. 2011 is an absolute and is declared by the Bible alone,only true believers will understand all others(especially in the churches)are and remain in a strong delusion up untill the end.May God show his grace and mercy upon his all!
Somebody said that the group that is putting the dooms days prophecy out are of the JW’s. If this is the case then I don’t consider these people brothers and sisters in Christ.
Regardless, May 21, 2011 will come and pass. There is no mathematical formula for Christ’s return.
I do compare scripture in light of the whole Bible.
Not every one who calls themselves Christians believe all of the same things. If we believe that Jesus is Lord and that He alone can save us from sin, then we are brothers. If not, then we are not.
I have read Lazarus and the Rich man. This is not what is happening here at all. You call me proud but you are the one pointing your accusing finger at me.
If just some are chosen how can God show mercy upon all? That doesn’t even make sense.
God gave us free will. It is our free will to choose salvation that is found in Christ alone.
May 21, 2011 will come and go. Please don’t lose hope in salvation when this does happen.
You asked if anyone ever heard of this before? I have, my son is involved with this group. The sad thing is to see how Harold Camping is destroying families and then giving all the credit to God for breaking up families. They are to follow his teachings and then when they encounter rejection, they are told that in the last days there will be scoffers and people who mock them. My son told his 5 year child that he will only have 1 more birthday. It is so sad to see how twisted this has become.
Harold Camping also predicted in 1994 that he was 99.9% sure that the world would end. It didn’t. If he had the ability to cause the world to end, don’t you think he would have done it then? He didn’t have the ability then and he doesn’t have the ability now.
There isn’t any logic to what he preaches. He claims that there isn’t anything that you can do to be saved. He then tells his followers that they need to leave their church, hand out his doomsday tracts, read the Bible 24/7 and cry for mercy to God. None of that will guarantee that you will be saved but it will give you a better chance. I don’t understand how it will give you a better chance when Harold Camping claims that everything was decided before God created a single person. Explain how it can be both ways. Either there is something you do or there is nothing you do. He preaches nothing will help and then lists the things that they better do.
I am sorry to hear about your son being involved with this cult.
Thank you for noticing this contradiction in the teaching.
Folks it can’t be both ways. You have been saying two things:
1. God predestined those that would be saved.
2. If God didn’t choose you then you can’t be saved.
The problem is that you then tell us to cry out for mercy to God. According to your “logic” crying out to God for mercy is pointless because God has His elect.
I know that you dooms day prophets are noticing this contradiction. Please use the brain that God has given you and get far away from your leader.
After May 21, 2011 please seek counseling so that you can work through your disappointment of the world not ending.
Thank you commenter for your words. I will pray for your son and poor, innocent grandson.
Christ in numerous places… in the context of His returning, commands us to “watch”. That’s a commandment from God folks. May 21st, 2011 is not some feeble mathematical formula, it is being revealed by those who fear the Bible greatly… every Word in the original language.
Jer 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
Not hearkening to the trumpet is foretold in God’s word. But it still must be proclaimed.
Jesus also told us to teach and to make disciples. Check out Matthew chapter 28.
There is no disciple making going on with your teachings.
Do you honestly think you can scare people into the Kingdom of God?
Please answer this question: Are you a Jehovah’s Witness?
So you believe in the “free-will” doctrine, a very common doctrine taught in churches which goes agaist Ephesians1:4-5 which states that the elect were chosen by God, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
Please research the words elect and chosen in your Strong’s Concordance and prayerfully listen to what God says about who becomes saved.
People can not just “choose salvation”. It is not up to the person wheather they become saved or not. It is God who did the electing, God who does the choosing and God who does the saving…Did Paul/Saul choose to “accept” Christ? No. God had predestinated him and He stopped him and changed his heart right there on the road to Damascus. God takes who he wants for his own and the churches have the audacity to teach the lie that we can become saved by doing the various requirements that they claim lead to salvation, (ie. the sinners prayer, baptism in water etc.)
The vast majority of us will not be able to see the truth in the dates and numerical equations between dates because they just don’t have the spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear the truth…but some of us will check it out for ourselves and God will open their eyes to it. Today is still the day of salvation. To God be the glory!
It’s both. God has predestined us. Us = all of mankind. But for this equation to become whole He has given us the free will to join Him. Just because He has chosen us doesn’t mean that every person will take hold of His gift of grace.
I do understand that He loved us first.
I could be wrong but this is the trend I am noticing with the comments, that all of you are listening to your leader and that you are not really reading your Bible to find the answers.
I don’t listen to the pastor only. I also read my Bible on a daily basis. I don’t read it with my preconceived notions as it appears many of you are doing.
There are no dates and numerical equations. So, friend, please do not lose hope in your salvation when May 21, 2011 comes and goes.
PS: Can everybody please spell check their comments. Lately there are have been red lines galore. Misspelled words make it difficult to read you comment.
If you have ever studied religious addiction, all of their actions and speech would be causing red flags to be flying everywhere.
1. They know the propaganda of the leader. Many pieces from the leader’s writings are easily quoted.
If you have ever listened to Harold Camping, you will understand the language that they speak. For example, the reference to watching is straight from Camping’s mouth. The problem is that they twist how it is used from watching and being prepared to knowing exactly when Jesus will come. If we know, we don’t have to watch. If you knew what time a thief would break in, you wouldn’t have to be on a watch. They claim to know when they will be raptured and yet they are proclaiming themselves as watchmen.
2. They find it difficult to handle rejection. Those refusing to join the group are discounted to overcome the feelings of rejection.
When you listen to Harold Camping, it is all about how evil and wicked the church people are. I am not putting words in his mouth. On his open forum he called those that are still in churches evil. It is an us vs. them mentality. His depart out teaching stems back to his congregational leaders trying to control his endtime teaching in his church. He was not going to be under anyone’s authority, so he left and formed his own church. He was never able to obtain a pastor for his church and he wasn’t ordained (which was necessary in the reformed church) so the next logical step was to declare every church under Satan’s rule. Pastors and elders were no longer necessary. How convenient.
Thank you for shedding some light on this subject.